NHTSA Complaint #11686303 — 2012 FORD FUSION

I am filing a complaint regarding the ineffectiveness of Ford Recall 15S18 / NHTSA 15V-340 on my 2012 Ford Fusion (VIN: [XXX] ). On [XXX], immediately after starting the vehicle (prior to moving), the Electric Power Assisted Steering (EPAS) system failed completely and a steering-assist warning illuminated. This occurred when a female driver attempted to operate the vehicle and could not drive it safely without power assist. Modern vehicles like the Fusion are not designed to be driven without EPAS, and as NHTSA has noted in prior recall actions, loss of assist requires significantly greater effort and poses a safety risk. Diagnostics showed U3000:49-08, confirming internal EPAS rack failure. The vehicle required full replacement of the steering rack at Lilliston Ford (Vineland, NJ), costing me $2,460.65 on July 18, 2025 (invoice attached). Following this repair, new diagnostic codes appeared (B10B9:14-08 and U0423:68-08), coinciding with complete A/C failure. These faults were not present before the EPAS repair. I purchased a blower motor on July 23, 2025 for $101.96 to attempt a fix. I requested reimbursement from Ford on July 29, 2025 and followed up on August 19, 2025. As of this filing, Ford has not responded. Because the recall remedy failed to prevent recurrence, and new electrical issues arose immediately after the EPAS repair, I request that NHTSA review whether Recall 15S18 has been effective and ensure Ford honors reimbursement obligations. Attached: repair invoice, diagnostic reports, recall proof, photo, blower motor receipt, and prior correspondence to ford can be provided if necessary. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)