First I want to mention this latest electric power steering failure is yet another serious mechanical failure in a long list of major mechanical failureS experienced with my 2010 Ford Flex since purchased new.

Traversing hard right turn from drive onto busy four-lane when electric power steering system failed without prior warning. Wheel locked into right stop; could not budge wheel from stop position. Vehicle impacted concrete curb causing aggravation to preexisting spinal injury, damage to RF wheel and tire, and damage to TBD related steering components. Drove car home (slow) without power steering, wheel wobble and front end alignment offset. Vehicle evaluated with failed TRW EPAS electric power steering gear (same steering gear identified in 2015 NHTSA Ford recall investigation). All OBD codes match recall criteria specific to steering gear replacement. Ford dealer indicated 2010 model not included in Ford recall even though identical steering components installed since 2008. Dealer wants $2,000.00 to completely replace steering gear rack (looking at OBD codes only; would not directly investigate steering gear assembly; based on Ford's recall directive) Called Ford Customer Service; asked to submit extensive documentation including service records, title, insurance, repair receipt, photos of vehicle, accident scene, failed components, letter from insurance company, summary account of accident. After weeks of collecting requested documentation and finally sending to Ford Attorney. Now Ford issues request for letter from Medicare; which takes 65 days to deliver based on computer search of medical records. All of this in spite of the fact I made no medical claims and never initiated any medical services. To make matters worse, dealer informed me even if I want to pay $2000.00 for repairs; the new TRW steering gears are on national back-order, and may take up to four months to deliver.

So, my vehicle is out of service, a used EPAS steering gear is not an option since same defect exists in all assemblies prior to 2012, new steering cannot be purchased due to national back-order for months, and Ford has put me in a holding pattern for months requesting irrelevant, obscure and unrelated documentation from government Medicare program.

I have been physically disabled for over five years after spinal injury that prevents me from working. Also on social security disability fixed income. The Flex is my only vehicle, I have a family with two small children in elementary school. It is winter, 9 degree with 5 inches of snow on the ground. What is my family supposed to do? This is criminal at best. How could the NHTSA allow Ford to get away with a partial recall on Ford vehicles with known defects since 2008? By estimates, this leaves something like over 3 millions extremely hazardous vehicles on the road, with unsuspecting vehicle owners left out in the cold.

NHTSA THIS IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY

DO SOMETHING ABOUT THIS! FORD COULD CARE LESS ABOUT THERE CUSTOMERS WHO OWN POORLY ENGINEERED VEHICLES WITH CONSTANT BREAKDOWNS AND HIGH REPAIR COST. FORD IS ONLY INTERESTED IN MAINTAINING THE COMPANY BOTTOM LINE AT ANY COST. REMEMBER FORD DID ABSOLUTELY NOTHING ABOUT STEERING DEFECTS UNTIL FORCED INTO AN INVESTIGATION AFTER THOUSANDS OF COMPLAINTS OVER MANY YEARS. THIS NON-ADDRESSED STEERING ISSUE IN PRE 2011 FORD MODEL YEARS WILL EVENTUALLY COST SOMEONES LIFE; PERHAPS YOUR OWN CHILD OR LOVED ONE.

I was on way taking my daughter to school when power steering system warning light came on and at the same time steering became tight progressing to No power steering at all. Dealer tells me I need entirely new rack to be able to replace power steering module/gear which is attached to rack to a tune of $2400!!!!

Turns out rack is back ordered and they have emergency ordered. Then I find out that Ford has recalled 2011 thru 2013 models for the exact same problem but after calling Ford they say there is no recall for my 2010. (seems a little odd)

Very frustrated and feel like being raked over the coals by the dealer.