6/2/2015
Ford Motor Company recalls almost 423K vehicles in North America due to potential power steering failure. There is an intermittent electrical connection that can fail, putting the vehicles into manual steering mode thus making them harder to control. Ford reports four known crashes, but no injuries.
The recall covers the following vehicles:
- Ford Flex & Taurus – 2011 through 2013 model years
- Lincoln MKS & MKT – 2011 through 2013 model years
- Ford Fusion – 2011 through 2012 model years
- Lincoln MKZ – 2011 through 2012 model years
- Mercury Milan – some from the 2011 model year
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) started investigating the issue in regards to three midsize cars from Ford. The investigation included roughly 938K Ford Fusion and Lincoln MKZ vehicles from 2010 through 2012 model years in addition to the 2010 and 2011 Mercury Milan. In June 2015, a class action suit was filed that implicated other models from Ford, including the Focus.
NHTSA reported receiving 508 complaints about failed power steering. Ford has yet to hear from the agency as to whether it will close the investigation now that the company has issued the recall.
If you drive one of the affected vehicles, dealerships will provide the solution to the issue. They will either update the power steering control software or replace the steering gear itself.
Also under recall are 19,500 2015 Ford Mustangs with 2.3-Liter engines. These vehicles are prone to high underbody temperatures that can negatively impact the fuel tanks and fuel vapor lines, which could increase the risk of fire. The high temps may also damage the parking brake cable. So far, no fires have been reported. Dealerships will replace the heat shield and add insulation to remedy the problem.
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