I am reporting a serious vehicle safety concern involving my company-leased 2024 Lincoln Nautilus Black Label. The vehicle was damaged while in the custody of the dealership (Tasca Lincoln). The damage was not minor cosmetic damage and involved replacement of a door assembly. The dealership returned the vehicle to me after repair in approximately two (2) days, but I was provided no safety documentation at all, including no written proof of what parts were installed, no proof whether the replacement door was new or used, and no documentation confirming that the vehicle was restored to factory safety standards. This vehicle contains advanced safety systems integrated into the doors and surrounding structure, including side airbags, crash sensors, wiring harnesses, blind spot monitoring, and other electronic safety systems. I requested documentation confirming that these safety systems were properly inspected, calibrated, and functioning correctly after the repair, but I was provided nothing. Because the repair involved a major door replacement and the vehicle was returned in only two days with no verification of airbag, sensor, or safety system calibration, I do not believe the vehicle is safe to operate. I have not been driving the vehicle due to fear that the airbags or crash detection systems may not function properly in an accident. I contacted both the dealership and Ford/Lincoln corporate customer service seeking assistance and safety verification, but neither provided help or documentation, and I have been unable to obtain any proof that the vehicle’s safety systems were properly inspected or calibrated after the repair. Ford Lincoln Corporate had no knowledge of this, until I spoke to them. They denied my claim. This is a company lease vehicle, which creates additional safety and liability concerns. I am requesting NHTSA investigate the repair and the dealership’s failure to provide documentation confirming the vehicle is safe after structural repair.
NHTSA ODI 11718455