NHTSA Complaint #10211286 — 2003 FORD EXPLORER

I WAS DRIVING ON THE 118 FWY WEST,EXITED OFF THE BALBOA EXIT, WHICH HAS AN INCLINE, I STARTED APPLYING MY BRAKES TO REDUCE MY SPEED SO I COULD TURN LEFT. WHEN ATTEMPTING TO MAKE A LEFT TURN, MY STEERING WHEEL LOCKED, IT FELT LIKE NO GAS WAS GOING TO MY ENGINE,THEREFORE I HAD TO REALLY TRY TO FORCE MY VEHICLE TO GO LEFT. I WAS ABLE TO GET THE WHEEL ROTATE ABOUT AN INCH-THE VEHICLE COASTED TO THE RIGHT (WE AVOIDED GOING OVER THE OVERPASS). I SHUT THE CAR ENGINE OFF, WAITED A COUPLE OF MINUTES ,TURNED THE IGNITION ON AND THE CAR STARTED UP AGAIN. NEEDLESS TO SAY, I'M SCARED TO DEATH TO DRIVE MY CAR. I KEEP IT MAINTAINED, I HAVE RELATIVELY NEW TIRES ON IT AND IT HAS APPROXIMATELY 57,400+ MILES ON IT. *TR