NHTSA Complaint #11625913 — 2010 FORD FUSION

The contact owns a 2010 Ford Fusion. The contact stated while driving at various speeds and attempting to turn the steering wheel to the left or the right and while driving straight, the steering wheel was sticking as if the power steering functionality had failed. The failure occurred mostly after the vehicle had been idle. The contact had to use excessive strength to manipulate the steering wheel until the steering wheel loosened and could be steered as needed. The contact researched and learned that it was a common failure with the steering rack. The dealer was contacted and informed the contact of the cost of replacing the steering rack. The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The manufacturer had referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was 164,000.