Ford Recalls 423,000 Cars for Potential Power-Steering Failure

Ford is recalling more than 400,000 vehicles in North America after reports of intermittent electric power-steering failure. In a separate recall announced simultaneously, Ford is also bringing back 19,500 2015 Ford Mustang EcoBoosts for elevated underbody temperatures that could potentially damage fuel and brake lines.

The first recall addresses “a potential intermittent electrical connection in the steering gear" that Ford says "might result in the loss of electric power-steering assist while driving." The automaker says four minor accidents have been traced to the issue, with no injuries involved. The power-steering recall affects the following vehicles, 393,622 of which were sold in the United States:

2011 – 2012 Ford Fusion
2011 – 2013 Ford Taurus
2011 – 2013 Ford Flex
2011 – 2013 Lincoln MKS
2011 – 2013 Lincoln MKT
2011 – 2012 Lincoln MKZ
2011 Mercury Milan

Dealers will scan for diagnostic trouble codes and, if required, update the power-steering control module’s software or replace the steering gear entirely.

In a separate recall, Ford says the 2015 Mustang with the 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine can generate elevated underbody temperatures, prolonged exposure to which could potentially degrade the fuel tank, fuel-vapor lines, and parking-brake cable seals. As dire as this sounds, Ford says it is not aware of any accidents, injuries, or vehicle fires caused by the problem. The recall affects 19,485 Mustangs, with the fix involving installation of a new fuel-tank heat shield, thermal patches on the fuel tank and parking-brake cables, and thermal wrap on the fuel-vapor lines. Car and Driver Blog