NHTSA Complaint #11537156 — 2013 FORD FUSION

I was driving on 7/26/2023 and the power steering system malfunctioned, resulting in complete loss of power steering. I received a warning message: "Steering Assist Malfunction Service Required" I lost control of the vehicle momentarily until I realized I could still steer, but with great difficulty. I pulled over, turned off the car, restarted it and regained power steering for a few seconds before it failed again, giving the aforementioned warning message. From that point, power steering was completely lost and did not come back after stopping and restarting again. Fortunately, I was able to get my car home without incident but it was very difficult to steer and making tight turns was impossible. I took the vehicle to Varsity Ford in Ann Arbor, MI who told me, "The power steering rack has an internal failure that won't reset or clear." They indicated that the only way to restore the power steering is by replacing the electronic power steering rack. I was quoted $3950.80 for this and my car is currently undergoing repair because I need a mode of transportation. There is a known issue with the Ford Fusion (https://www.consumerreports.org/consumerist/ford-recalls-nearly-445k-vehicles-for-power-steering-failure-fuel-leak-issues/) and Ford has issued recalls for 2011 to 2013 model years. Mine is a 2013, but the specific model (Energi) is not covered. I experienced the same issue so Ford's recall should cover the Energi model and I should be reimbursed for the repair costs.