NHTSA Complaint #10451623 — 2003 FORD EXPLORER

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE RESTARTING THE VEHICLE, THE GEAR SHIFTER DETACHED FROM THE STEERING WHEEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED WITH A FAILURE TO THE STEERING COLUMN THAT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 75,900. ..UPDATED 04/11/12 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED WHEN HE PUT THE VEHICLE IN REVERSE, THE ENTIRE GEAR SHIFT CAME OUT IN HIS HAND. LEAVING THE VEHICLE IN REVERSE. HE WAS ABLE TO TURN THE IGNITION SWITCH OFF. A CAST IRON BRACKET WAS COMPLETELY BROKEN OFF IN THE STEERING COLUMN. UPDATED 05/31/12