NHTSA Complaint #11033237 — 2013 FORD ESCAPE

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD ESCAPE. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS OPERATED ON THE HIGHWAY, THE STEERING COLUMN SEIZED. IN ADDITION, THE LIFTGATE OPENED INDEPENDENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND DRIVEN TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE STEERING ASSIST FAULT WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AUTONATION FORD MIAMI (16800 NW 57TH AVE, HIALEAH, FL) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE ELECTRIC POWER STEERING AND RACK AND PINION WERE DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND PROVIDED CASE NUMBER: CAS 13322662. NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE WAS OFFERED. THE MANUFACTURER REFERRED THE CONTACT TO NHTSA DUE TO THEM STATING THAT THE FEDERAL AGENCY WAS RESPONSIBLE FOR ADDING RECALLS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATLEY 63,606.