NHTSA Complaint #11471810 — 2013 FORD EXPLORER

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while reversing out of the driveway at 20 MPH, she heard an abnormal knocking sound coming from underneath the driver's side floorboard. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the rack and pinion needed to be replaced; however, the part was not available. The vehicle was repaired with remanufactured parts; however, while driving and turning all the way to the right, the steering rack was making abnormal grinding sounds. The vehicle was taken back to the independent mechanic where the rack and pinion were replaced; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to the independent mechanic who advised the contact to take the vehicle to an authorized Ford dealer since the parts to repair the vehicle were no longer available. The contact stated that the parts were on national back order. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 92,000. The VIN was not available.