NHTSA Complaint #11547130 — 2011 FORD EXPLORER

The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving approximately 40 MPH, the steering wheel became firm while making lane changes. The contact stated that power steering assist fault warning light was illuminated. The contact pulled over, turned off and restarted the vehicle and the vehicle regained normal functionality. The contact stated that the failure had been intermittent but gradually became a recurring failure. The contact stated that after the most recent failure, the vehicle was turned off and restarted however, the steering functionality had not return. The contact stated that the failure had become a constant failure. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the power steering assist had failed and needed to be replaced. The dealer advised the contact that there was a Manufacturer’s Recall Number: 15N01 (Steering) EPAS Steering Efforts associated with the failure; however, the vehicle was no longer covered under warranty for the recall. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 142,000.