NHTSA Complaint #11406826 — 2018 FORD FOCUS

I WAS BACKING OUT OF A PARKING SPACE IN A PARKING GARAGE WHEN THE STEERING LOCKED UP ON THE VEHICLE. I WAS UNABLE TO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL TO DRIVE THE CAR. THERE WAS NO MESSAGE OR ALERT ON THE VEHICLE DASH. I HAD TO WRESTLE THE STEERING WHEEL WITH GREAT DIFFICULTY TO GET THE CAR IN POSITION TO BE TOWED, AS THE VEHICLE WAS UNDRIVEABLE. THE DEALERSHIP DETERMINED THAT THE ELECTRIC ASSIST POWER STEERING RACK HAD FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS 2 MONTHS OUT OF WARRANTY, I HAD TO PAY FOR THE REPAIR ($2,840). IF THE STEERING FAILED WHILE DRIVING ON AN INTERSTATE, AN ACCIDENT COULD HAVE OCCURRED.