Ford Steering Recall

The warning “steering assist fault service required” signals a critical safety issue that demands immediate attention. On Houston’s busy streets, where heavy traffic and unpredictable conditions heighten risks, a steering failure can significantly increase the chances of an accident. Loss of control in crowded areas puts both drivers and pedestrians in danger. At Armstrong Lee & Baker LLP, we help victims of vehicle defects pursue justice and secure compensation through product liability claims, ensuring negligent manufacturers are held accountable. If a defective steering system has caused you harm, our team is here to fight for your rights.

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What is the problem with Ford’s electric power steering?

Ford has also faced significant issues with defects in its electric power steering systems, which may have led to sudden failures while driving. These defects stem from faults in the power steering control module, which can unexpectedly fail due to a short circuit. When this happens, drivers lose power steering assistance, making their vehicles much harder to maneuver—especially at lower speeds—creating a dangerous situation for both drivers and pedestrians.

Power steering is crucial for reducing the physical effort required to turn a vehicle, particularly at low speeds. Without it, handling becomes far more difficult, especially in a high-traffic city like Houston, where precise maneuvering is essential. A failure in steering assistance can be especially hazardous when making sharp turns, coming to sudden stops, or performing emergency maneuvers.

For urban drivers in Houston, where traffic is dense and stop-and-go conditions are frequent, steering defects pose an even greater risk. According to Consumer Reports, such failures significantly increase the likelihood of accidents, particularly for inexperienced or elderly drivers.

Most of Ford’s electric power steering systems rely on sensors and electronic control units, but failures often occur without warning—raising concerns about Ford’s quality control and its ability to balance innovation with reliability. In demanding urban environments like Houston, where road conditions can be unpredictable, ensuring dependable steering systems is not just a matter of convenience—it’s a matter of safety.

What vehicles is Ford recalling for steering issues?

Ford has issued a number of recalls involving hundreds of thousands of models in its lineup. The various defects in question involve the electric power steering systems of the following models:

• Ford Explorer: from model years 2011 to 2017, due to persistent electric power steering issues. A recall for model years 2011 to 2017 for the same electric power steering issue. This is also an extension of the recall of similar previous recalls, which compromise the safety and comfort of drivers on transit. This time, some 2013-2017 Ford Explorer models were recalled due to possible rear suspension toe links, which might cause a loss of steering control, thus increasing the possibility of accidents.

• Ford E-Series Vans: Their second recall in 2020 involved vans that continued to show failures in the power steering mechanism. This raises a critical safety concern regarding immediate action necessary for those often business-and-transport-purposed vans. 

• The same recalls extend to the Ford Fusion and Lincoln MKZ, sedans from model years 2014 and 2015, respectively, for the same risk of power steering failure. Owners of these models should get the defects fixed as soon as possible to avoid possible safety risks.

Ford’s recall notices aim to address these defects, but many drivers remain unaware of their vehicle’s inclusion, leaving them at risk. Despite Ford’s efforts to notify consumers, communication gaps persist, especially among secondary owners. Drivers should check the NHTSA’s recall database to confirm their vehicle status.

For any of these vehicles, owners should call their local Ford dealership immediately so the repairs can be scheduled; most are free under federal safety rules. Delays or a lack of awareness about the recalls have exposed drivers and passengers to some serious risks. Precautionary vehicle maintenance and being updated with any safety notices are important.

Reasons For the Ford Steering Recall

The two major reasons for the Ford steering recall are safety concerns and regulatory issues. The NHTSA requires the manufacturers to recall vehicles due to defects in designs that can affect driver safety. The problem in Ford’s steering is rooted in:

1. Electrical Short Circuits: Power steering control modules fail when the wiring is defective, causing a sudden loss of steering assistance. The driver may not be warned by immediate alerts on the dashboard after such failure.
2. Increased Risk of Collisions: Vehicles without power steering require a great deal more effort to steer, especially in low-speed actions such as parking or turning. This mechanical strain affects elderly drivers and people with physical limitations disproportionately.
3. Regulatory Pressure: The fact that NHTSA oversight ensures carmakers take remedial action in order to protect public safety. A number of investigations into Ford’s steering defects necessitated strong quality assurance practices.

These recalls are not only about compliance, but also about preventing a whole lot of injuries and fatalities associated with steering system failures. According to the 2020 recall of Ford’s E-Series vans for a hydraulic pressure defect led to a sudden loss of control over steering, which tremendously raised the chances of an accident. This underlines that automakers need to ensure very strong testing processes, stringent quality assurance procedures to cut down on such risks as much as possible.

In addition, public awareness is essential to make the recall effective. Due to the lack of outreach, many on-road drivers are unaware of the risk their vehicle possesses, which causes accidents that could have been avoided and injuries. Automakers must make the necessary, transparent, and efficient communication to the public to avoid such issues; transparency builds trust and will encourage the drivers to take immediate actions when recalls are announced to save lives.

Injuries caused by Ford Steering Recall

Injuries caused by defective Ford steering systems range from minor to catastrophic. If a vehicle’s power steering system fails, that vehicle is hard to handle in an emergency situation or a busy environment such as Houston and could easily cause serious traffic incidents.

Common Injuries

• Whiplash and Neck Strain: Injuries to the neck are very common in sudden braking or abrupt movements due to a steering failure. Many victims have pain and limitation of mobility; hence, they have to attend physiotherapy sessions or, in worse cases, specialized medical treatments. Recovery times can be long, especially for people with previous neck or back problems.
• Broken Bones and Lacerations: Fractures and deep cuts are common incidents when an accident occurs due to malfunctioning steering. These injuries usually require surgical operations which include keeping the bones in place by the use of plates, screws, or any other medical devices. The lacerations require stitches and may be infected if not treated properly, thus this may lengthen the time of recovery even more.
• Severe Head Trauma: High-impact collisions-especially-may cause concussion, skull fracture, and even traumatic brain injury as a result of loss of control. These traumas usually leave the victims with memories of specific details and usually cognitively impaired; most of the physical challenges require lifelong rehabilitation or assistance with basic needs.
• Pedestrian Risks: Vehicles with flawed steering mechanisms pose a danger to people, especially in high population density areas. During an event of malfunction, a driver will have poor reaction times, and this increases the chances of hitting pedestrians crossing the road or even walking by the roadways.

Emotional and Financial Impact

The emotional trauma to the victims and their families is colossal. Apart from immediate medical problems, these incidents more often than not lead to long-term financial problems. The medical care, physical therapy, lost wages, and property damage add up quickly. Product liability laws allow the injured party to sue for and recover damages that can lighten some of the burdens. The psychological trauma from this type of accident may linger with the victim for many years and affect his quality of life and adjustment back to normal life.

How to Protect Your Rights: Contact Personal Injury Lawyers

The personal injury lawyers at Armstrong Lee & Baker LLP are dedicated to professional advice and free consultation in cases involving defective vehicles. 

We take every case seriously, leaving no avenue for compensation unexplored in completely vindicating the rights of our client. Contact Armstrong Lee & Baker LLP today at (505) 268-6500 to work with experienced lawyers who remain committed to holding negligent manufacturers responsible and securing justice on your behalf.

C.J. Baker

C.J. Baker represents victims with serious injuries and he won’t let any corporation or insurance company stop his clients from getting complete justice. He has won millions of dollars for victims of 18-wheeler crashes, oilfield equipment failures, offshore platform explosions, and defective medical devices. Our lawyers have 25+ years of combined experience.

Get in touch with C.J. Baker now.