What is the recall on the Ford Escape steering wheel?
The Ford Escape has been the subject of a recent recall related to its steering wheel. This recall is an important issue for Escape owners to be aware of, as it could potentially impact the safety and handling of the vehicle. In this article, we'll provide a detailed overview of the Ford Escape steering wheel recall, including the affected models, the nature of the defect, and the steps owners should take to address the issue.
Overview of the Ford Escape Steering Wheel Recall
In February 2023, Ford issued a recall for certain Ford Escape models due to a potential issue with the steering wheel. The recall affects approximately 100,000 Escape SUVs from the 2020-2023 model years. The issue stems from a problem with the steering wheel attachment, which could potentially become loose or detach entirely, posing a serious safety risk to the driver and other occupants of the vehicle.
Affected Models and Defect Details
The Ford Escape steering wheel recall applies to the following models and model years:
- 2020-2023 Ford Escape
According to the recall notice, the issue is caused by a manufacturing defect in the steering wheel attachment. Specifically, the bolts that secure the steering wheel to the steering column may not have been properly tightened during the manufacturing process. This could cause the steering wheel to become loose or detach entirely, which would result in a complete loss of steering control, significantly increasing the risk of a crash.
Steps for Owners to Address the Recall
If you own a Ford Escape from the affected model years, it's important to take the following steps to address the recall:
- Contact your local Ford dealership to schedule a free repair appointment.
- During the repair, the dealership will inspect the steering wheel attachment and tighten the bolts to the proper specification, ensuring a secure connection.
- The repair should take approximately one hour to complete, and there is no cost to the vehicle owner.
- Until the repair is completed, it's recommended to avoid driving the vehicle to minimize the risk of the steering wheel becoming detached.
Ford has stated that they are not aware of any accidents or injuries related to this issue, but it's crucial for Escape owners to take the recall seriously and schedule the necessary repair as soon as possible. Driving with a loose or detached steering wheel could lead to a catastrophic loss of vehicle control, putting the driver, passengers, and other road users at serious risk.
