mike_daniels33 Posted April 18, 2017 Share Posted April 18, 2017 Hi, My family's 2014 Ford Fusion lost steering control recently. We took it to the Ford dealership and were told it was a $1600 repair. I was incredulous--the car had 20,000 miles on it. Doing some research, I saw that Ford has various problems with the 2011-2014 Fusions and their steering assist. I read the TSB, recalls, forums, and NHTSA complaints. There was even a case under litigation recently and the brief on that was interesting reading. It was disheartening to read the same problem we had and Ford not doing anything to resolve it. Recalls to change bolts, update some software, etc. Long story short, we did not the resolution we wanted. I started a case with Ford but then told to call the dealership. They took days to get back to us and then had no idea what was going on, accused us trying to get a free repair under the pretense of another issue, and in the end, not doing anything at all. I called the regional customer service rep twice, left a message that I wanted to discuss the issue, and neither call was returned. Had such a negative experience at the first Ford dealership we went to a second one and it was almost the same. I was encouraged to open a case with Ford or call the regional customer service manager. Has any one else run into this issue with their steering gear motor needing to be replaced on a relatively new vehicle? Things happen, I understand, but between the case under litigation and the recall about issues related to the steering gear I am aghast that Ford is not doing the right thing and making these repairs. I reached out to everyone I could and it all fell on deaf ears. I hope someone from Ford sees this and contacts me. I really want to discuss the experience. Mike 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
akirby Posted April 19, 2017 Share Posted April 19, 2017 So basically you want a free extended warranty that everyone else had to pay for. If you choose not to buy an extended warranty then you assume the risk of having to pay for a repair unless it's a safety recall. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zip89105 Posted April 19, 2017 Share Posted April 19, 2017 Make an NHTSA complaint. 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mike_daniels33 Posted April 19, 2017 Author Share Posted April 19, 2017 Did you read and thoughtfully consider what I wrote? This isn't about warranties and I'm not going to go down that path. Ford has a design flaw and rather than repair it they have covered it up and chose to do nothing. Ford did have two recalls, both of which skirted around the issue and didn't help owners that had a complete failure in the part: https://media.ford.com/content/fordmedia/fna/us/en/news/2015/04/29/ford-issues-four-safety-recalls-in-north-america.html (scroll down to read about the steering gear) It is in litigation now with the next court date in May. Check it out: https://www.law360.com/articles/776249/ford-again-seeks-to-drive-out-claim-in-power-steering-suit The plaintiff's brief: https://cases.justia.com/federal/district-courts/california/candce/5:2014cv02989/278698/149/0.pdf 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
indifferent Posted April 19, 2017 Share Posted April 19, 2017 should of went with the extended warranty. Ford has an entire department that crunches numbers and determines if it's woth the cost to do a recall or if riding dirty and not doing a recall is the smarter FINANCIAL decision. Ford is doing the right thing... For FORDS bottom line. Usually if you raise hell enough they may help you out... or take your car to another repair shop. Ford isn't in it to do the right thing they are in it to make revenue for it's stock holders. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
akirby Posted April 19, 2017 Share Posted April 19, 2017 This isn't about warranties and I'm not going to go down that path. Ford has a design flaw and rather than repair it they have covered it up and chose to do nothing. Of COURSE it's about warranties. It's EXACTLY about warranties. Do you think warranties don't cover design flaws? They cover anything that's wrong with the vehicle outside normal wear and tear or damage. Whether it's a bad part or bad engineering or a design flaw doesn't matter - if a repair is required then the repair falls under the terms of the warranty agreement that came with the vehicle and which was clearly spelled out by Ford along with the option to purchase extended coverage for an additional fee. The only thing that should warrant a lawsuit is if Ford refused to fix this type of problem under an existing valid warranty. Then they would be in breach of the warranty contract. If you're saying that the recall wasn't sufficient, then complain to the NHTSA - they're the ones who decide what is covered or not and what the remedy should be. You say that Ford isn't fixing vehicles. What you really mean is Ford isn't fixing them for free - to which I refer you back to the warranty agreement. You're essentially asking for a free unlimited warranty and if Ford or any other mfr was to offer that they'd have to jack up the prices by $2K or more per vehicle. TANSTAAFL 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
snknby123 Posted January 11, 2019 Share Posted January 11, 2019 I know this is old but didn't Ford extend the Warr to 150K miles for the steering gear? 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.