NHTSA Complaint #10381464 — 2002 FORD FOCUS SVT

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 FORD FOCUS SVT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH THE BOLT LOCATED UNDERNEATH THE AIR BAG THAT HOLDS THE STEERING WHEEL IN PLACE DISENGAGED. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT LOST ALL STEERING CAPABILITIES BUT WAS ABLE TO DRIVE ONTO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHO STATED THAT THE IGNITION SWITCH WAS FAULTY, AS A RESULT THE ELECTRICAL FAILURE CAUSED THE STEERING WHEEL TO FALL OFF AND THE BOLT TO BE LOOSE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND STATED THAT THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS NOT UNDER WARRANTY. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 77,000.