NHTSA Complaint #11504847 — 2009 MERCURY MARINER

Electronic Power Steering System, which was part of a previous recall, and was allegedly fixed, but continues to experience the same loss of power steering. This is a continual problem, meaning that it is not a one time incident. Yes, the vehicle is available for inspection at any time. When the power steering goes out while driving, the steering wheel jerks to one side, and feels like a lock-up. The vehicle is still drivable, but can be dangerous in a situation where attempting to avoid an obstacle, could result in an inability to do so, because the maneuvers are being executed for a vehicle with power steering, so when it goes out, those same corrections will not successfully avoid a collision. The dealership is aware of the problem. They did a system check and insist that the steering column needs to be replaced, and that it has nothing to do with the previous recall, but it is exactly the same problem involved with the recall, therefore I do not believe they are differing issues. I believe the initial recall repair was unsuccessful, or the wrong fix. There were three or four options for fixing the issue. There are no warning lights that come on prior to the power steering going out, but a click can be heard however, at the exact moment when the mechanism for the power steering goes out. The same click can be heard when the vehicle is started and the power steering does come on. It usually comes on when it is cold outside. It will then go out once the car gets warm. I bought the car in January of 2000, and I did not experience the issue for a few months. When it did start happening, it was only once in a while - maybe every few months. The problem started happening more frequently with time, with the current status being that the power steering is predominantly not working.