If you’ve found yourself scouring the web for Ford recalls related to the EPAS, you’re correct, there have been some.
What is the Ford EPAS recall?
It’s a recall that was issued for part 573 on May 26, 2015. The manufacturer, the Ford Motor Company, recalled approximately 393,623 vehicles for potential problems with the electronic power assist steering system.
In this article, we’ll cover how you can handle the Ford EPAS recall and have your vehicle repaired professionally. Read through this article to learn more about this recall and how it may affect your Ford vehicle.
Part 573 Safety Recall Report
NHTSA Recall ID: 15V-340
The Part 573 safety recall was issued in May 2015 as a result of affected vehicles having intermittent electrical connections. The intermittent connection was caused by conformal coat contamination and the ribbon cable pin misalignment within the steering gear motor.
As a result of this defect, the motor position sensor signal could be lost. That could cause power steering support (EPAS) to fail, making it difficult for drivers to maneuver or avoid collisions. This is not as noticeable at high speeds, but as drivers slow, manual steering becomes more difficult.
This recall affects vehicles that are equipped with all engines other than 3.5L engines. Vehicles that are affected may include:
- 2011 -2012 Ford Fusions
- 2011- 2012 Lincoln MKZ
- 2011-2011 Mercury Milan
- 2011 – 2013 Ford Taurus
- 2011 -2013 Lincoln MKS
- 2011 – 2013 Lincoln MKT
Ford has admitted to 16 allegations of accidents that happened as a result of the defective parts, most of which resulted in damage to the vehicles. Minor injuries were reported in some of these accidents, but Ford did not report that anyone needed medical care or hospitalization.
Keep in mind that the loss of power steering assist doesn’t mean that the steering system will not work. Instead, it means that manual steering mode will take over. Drivers can still maneuver, but doing so won’t be as easy as it would be with EPAS working as intended.
Loss of power steering does require drivers to use more energy and strength to maneuver, which some may not be able to use. At lower speeds, in particular, drivers may find it hard to maneuver with the loss of power steering. If this happens, there is an audible chime and display that will alert drivers to the fault.
To remedy this defect, owners should take their vehicle to a Ford or Lincoln dealership to have the Power Steering Control Module checked by the diagnostics team. The PSCM software will be updated if no diagnostic trouble codes occur. However, if they do, then the steering gear will be replaced by the dealership.
How Do You Handle Open Ford EPAS Recalls?
If your vehicle has open Ford EPAS recalls, it’s important to take it into your local dealership for repair. You can research your specific vehicle on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration website by entering your VIN or the make, year, and model of your vehicle. Once you do, you’ll be taken to a page that lets you know if you have open recalls on your vehicle.
You can call the Ford customer service line if there is an open recall at 1-866-436-7332. The customer service team will let you know where to take your vehicle to have the recall addressed.
