The structural integrity of the hood and front bumper failed due to unsafe modifications performed by Rocky Ridge and endorsed by Ford Motor Company. The hood's structural reinforcements and crush zones were cut to fit a hood scoop, and sections of the front bumper were removed, compromising crashworthiness. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request and I have documented with images. The modifications to the hood and front bumper compromised the vehicle’s crashworthiness, potentially increasing the risk of severe injury or death in a collision. The removal of structural reinforcements and crush zones on both components prevents them from functioning as designed to absorb and distribute impact forces during a crash, endangering all occupants of the vehicle. The problem has been confirmed by an independent collision repair center, a Ford Certified Collision Center and my insurance company USAA. Both parties have stated that the modifications to the hood and bumper are unsafe, and the insurance company has refused to authorize repairs that replicate the original modifications due to safety concerns. The vehicle has been inspected by my insurance company and a collision repair center. Both confirmed the safety concerns resulting from the modifications and highlighted that the affected components cannot be repaired or replaced without compromising safety. Images were provided to Ford Motor Company and inspected by Ford Collision Center Manager. There were no warning lamps, messages, or other visible symptoms of the problem prior to the discovery of the modifications during a repair process. Ford Positon Statements and On Target Tech Bulitens prohibit these types of modifications and were violated, then conceled so that the consumer would not be able to see them unless in an accident. Ford is citing that the time frame exceeds 24 months so there is nothing that they are willing to do about it. This is a failure to warn and product defect that impacts safety.
NHTSA ODI 11623780