NHTSA Complaint #11628362 — 2012 FORD FUSION

Ford issued Program #15N01 EPAS STEERING EFFORTS in 2015 (information sent to PRIOR OWNER). Prior owner had PCM reprogrammed 02/15/2017. November 2024 - Power Steering Assist Fault Notice came on. Power Steering completely locked up and vehicle inoperable. Unable to steer vehicle and potentially cause accident and harm to self or others. Current owner (me) had vehicle towed to Ford dealership. Service tech advised that a new steering gear required and would submit request to have covered by Ford recall. Service tech advised that it SHOULD be covered based on info in their system. Per FORD Safety Recall Notice 15S185 Supplement #3, "This safety recall involves reprogramming the Power Steering Control Module (PSCM), or replacing the steering gear only if there is evidence that certain Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) exist or were previously set, but are no longer present, regardless of vehicle mileage or warranty start date. If the steering gear is not replaced, the owner will be provided extended coverage of the steering gear under program code 15N01. This extended coverage provides for one-time replacement of the steering gear if certain DTCs are present, for up to 10 years of service or 150,000 miles from the warranty start date of the vehicle, whichever occurs first. If a vehicle has already exceeded the mileage limit, this program will last through December 31, 2015 for eligible owners. The extended coverage is automatically transferred to subsequent owners". Ford denied the coverage and the cost was $3,100.00 to replace steering gear. The recall clearly states that the coverage exists if the reprogramming was done and the issue continued, regardless of the time frame.