2018-2022 Ford Safety Recall Issued Over Potential Steering Component Failure
WASHINGTON – The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has announced a recall affecting over 200,000 Ford vehicles from the 2018 through 2022 model years due to a suspected safety defect in the steering system.
WHO is affected: Owners of 2018 through 2022 Ford Explorer, 2019 through 2022 Ford Edge, and 2020 through 2022 Ford Escape models equipped with specific electronic power steering assemblies.
WHAT: A recall campaign initiated by Ford Motor Company to replace potentially defective steering gear motor bushing pins. According to NHTSA documents, the pins may fracture and cause a loss of steering fluid, resulting in a sudden increase in steering effort, particularly at low speeds. This condition significantly increases the risk of a crash.
WHEN: The recall officially began on September 20, 2024. Ford is expected to notify affected owners by mail starting November 10, 2024.
WHERE: The recall is limited to vehicles registered in the United States and its territories.
WHY: An investigation by Ford's Critical Concern Review Group identified that the steering gear motor bushing pins were improperly heat-treated during manufacturing. This issue can lead to pin fracture, causing an electrical short and a subsequent loss of power steering assistance.
HOW: Affected owners should schedule a free repair appointment with an authorized Ford or Lincoln dealer. Dealers will replace the steering gear assembly on both affected vehicles. Owners can also check their vehicle's eligibility by entering their Vehicle Identification Number at NHTSA.gov/recalls or by calling Ford's customer service at 1-866-436-7332, referencing recall number 24S49.