NHTSA Complaint #11404795 — 2011 FORD EXPLORER

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AT START UP, THE POWER ASSIST FAULT MESSAGE WAS DISPLAYED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL STIFFENED REQUIRING EXCESSIVE FORCE TO STEER THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED AND THE POWER STEERING RESUMED NORMAL OPERATION. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THE VEHICLE WITH AN INTERNAL RELAY FAILURE. THE MECHANIC REPLACED THE STEERING RACK. UPON INVESTIGATION, THE CONTACT DISCOVERED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V286000 (STEERING) WHICH SHE LINKED TO THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 57,000.