NHTSA Complaint #11621296 — 2011 FORD ESCAPE

The contact owns a 2011 Ford Escape. The contact stated while driving 45-50 MPH, the vehicle lost electrical power steering functionality and was nearly rear-ended. The contact stated that the steering wheel was significantly difficult to turn. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact was able to veer into a parking lot. A mobile mechanic determined that the electric power steering had failed. The mechanic turned off and restarted the vehicle, and the electrical power steering became functional. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the steering torque sensor had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle could not be repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V284000 (Steering) because the VIN was not included. A case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 204,043.