Bulletins


BulletinBulletin dateReplacement BulletinItem no.SummaryAdded
STEERING
056604/01/200510017902Low speed steering shudder during low-speed turning maneuvers. *tt12/07/2005
0410105/31/200410008991Steering gear squeak when turning the steering wheel, especially during low speed parking maneuvers. *tt09/07/2004

Investigations


NHTSA IDManufacturerDate openDate closeSubjectRecall campaign
STEERING
EA09013Ford Motor Company08/18/200902/12/2013Vehicle Rollaway Allegations
 This investigation is being closed based on several considerations.by the most inclusive counting of all alleged rollaway incidents (i.e., counting all alleged rollaway incidents and assuming a singular failure mechanism), the incident rate is low, however during ea09-013, odi identified a number of different failure mechanisms in 180 incidents related to the alleged defect.the highest rate for any particular failure mechanism, the failure of the automatic transmission parking system, was 4.4/100k.the next-highest failure rate was for the bsi system, at 3.4/100k.for all identified failure mechanisms there has been a drastically declining trend including very few incidents occurring in recent years.accordingly, this investigation is closed.the closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by nhtsa that a safety-related defect does not exist.for additional information regarding this investigation, see the complete closing resume in the document file for ea09-013. the odi reports cited above can be reviewed at www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/complaints under the following identification (odi) numbers:10168454, 10279630, 10280078.
STEERING - COLUMN
EA09013Ford Motor Company08/18/200902/12/2013Vehicle Rollaway Allegations
 This investigation is being closed based on several considerations.by the most inclusive counting of all alleged rollaway incidents (i.e., counting all alleged rollaway incidents and assuming a singular failure mechanism), the incident rate is low, however during ea09-013, odi identified a number of different failure mechanisms in 180 incidents related to the alleged defect.the highest rate for any particular failure mechanism, the failure of the automatic transmission parking system, was 4.4/100k.the next-highest failure rate was for the bsi system, at 3.4/100k.for all identified failure mechanisms there has been a drastically declining trend including very few incidents occurring in recent years.accordingly, this investigation is closed.the closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by nhtsa that a safety-related defect does not exist.for additional information regarding this investigation, see the complete closing resume in the document file for ea09-013. the odi reports cited above can be reviewed at www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/complaints under the following identification (odi) numbers:10168454, 10279630, 10280078.
STEERING - COLUMN LOCKING - ANTI-THEFT DEVICE
EA09013Ford Motor Company08/18/200902/12/2013Vehicle Rollaway Allegations
 This investigation is being closed based on several considerations.by the most inclusive counting of all alleged rollaway incidents (i.e., counting all alleged rollaway incidents and assuming a singular failure mechanism), the incident rate is low, however during ea09-013, odi identified a number of different failure mechanisms in 180 incidents related to the alleged defect.the highest rate for any particular failure mechanism, the failure of the automatic transmission parking system, was 4.4/100k.the next-highest failure rate was for the bsi system, at 3.4/100k.for all identified failure mechanisms there has been a drastically declining trend including very few incidents occurring in recent years.accordingly, this investigation is closed.the closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by nhtsa that a safety-related defect does not exist.for additional information regarding this investigation, see the complete closing resume in the document file for ea09-013. the odi reports cited above can be reviewed at www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/complaints under the following identification (odi) numbers:10168454, 10279630, 10280078.

Consumer Complaints


Fail datemilesoccurencesPurchase date
STEERING
11/01/200421
 Multiple failures in 2003 lincoln aviator. difficulty turning , starting, jerk in steering wheel, vibration in tires, gear changer loose and ect. *bf the consumer purchased the vehicle with 18 inch rims but ford requires 17 inch rims to be legal (oem) equipment. the consumer felt that this was maliciously dishonest sale of an automobile. the side fender had a gauge on the inside, the rear storage section leather ripped, the tire monitor system kept coming on with a warning sign from the computer of a mechanical defect, difficulty starting the vehicle, jerking in the steering wheel, noise in the steering wheel, noise in heating/vent bubbling, passenger front windows were rattling, there was motor noise upon acceleration, front end noise, rear hatch rattled and was shaking, the wheels squealed and rubbed, the doors did not automattically lock when the vehcile was engaged into drive, and the engine knock as if it were running rough. when the service tech tried to shift the gear lever out of park, the entire gear lever had come apart in pieces. the consumer stated that the vehicle was worse than ever. currently when the brakes were applied the steering would go out of control, jerk left and right, shaked out of control and unable to steer. *sc
09/01/200417
 Consumer states that dealer put aftermarket rims tires on vehicle. the vehicle experienced the following; difficulty turning the vehicle, heater bubbling making noises, difficulty starting the vehicle, jerking in the steering wheel, noise in the steering, noise in the heating/vent bubbling, pulsating in the steering wheel, vibration of the tires, the tire monitoring system had to be cut off reconnected and adjusted, the passenger front windows rattled, motor made loud noises when the vehicle accelerated, front end noises, rear hatch rattled and would shake, the wheels squealed and rubbed, the wheel jerked when taking off, the gear changer lever was loose, the vehicle would shake and vibrated when in motion, and the engine sounded as if it was knocking or running rough. *sc
STEERING - COLUMN
03/22/2004106/03/2003
 2003 lincoln aviator has been in shop 12 times , 4 for whine in rear end. rear end replaced twice & still whines . last time they told me this was normal and could not be repaired. this aviator has 17,000 miles . i tired of the whine and trips to dealer , i do not was this aviator or a new aviator... i demand full refund.*ak
STEERING - HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST - HOSE, PIPING, AND CONNECTIONS
05/27/2004168641009/11/2003
 Dt*: the contact stated a whining noise was heard coming from the rear of the vehicle while driving 55 mph. the vehicle was taken to the sales/service dealer for repairs. the right rear axle and pinion were replaced as well as the c b shaft assembly and gear and pinion locking pin. this was the third time the rear end was replaced in a two year period. the manufacturer was notified and a technician was sent to inspect the vehicle.*ak the vehicle pulled to the left, the door lock switch was inoperative, the rear shock was leaking oil, the e power steering hose was replaced, there was a ticking sound coming from the engine compartment. the timing chain and gasket were replaced. the door ajar light came on after all the doors were closed. the consumer stated the shifting of the gears were harsh, the dealer replaced various componets in the transmission. the right rear brake light bulb was replaced, the master cylinder was replaced. the front seat climate control was not cooling. the battery was replaced, the accelerator cable was sticking. updated 12/05/06. *jb
STEERING - HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM
07/25/20034500307/19/2003
 Power steering rack has failed after only 4,500 miles, ac seat failed, door jam clearance between driver's door and rear door, whistling noise at 60 mph. *ak