Power Steering Pump problems of the 2002 Ford Explorer

The contact owns a 2002 Ford Explorer. While driving at approximately 55 mph, the transmission shifted from third gear to fourth gear independently and the vehicle decelerated. The vehicle made an abnormal noise and the engine warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle was driven to the dealer for diagnostic testing. The technician stated that the transmission was burned out and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. In addition, the contact stated that while driving approximately 35 mph, a snapping sound emitted from the vehicle and the steering wheel became hard to turn. The failure recurred multiple times. The vehicle was towed to the dealer for diagnostic testing. The technician diagnosed that the power steering pump was defective which prevented it from holding the fluid damaging the anti-brakes system. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The approximate failure mileage was 144,000. The VIN was not available.

In the evening, I was about half an hour from home when I pulled up to a gas pump at a station and attempted to put the vehicle into park. I did not do anything different than normal. The steering gear shift broke off into my hand. It was attached by a wire. I could not tell what happened except that it was broken off off the steering column. The service department of the dealership was closed but the receptionist said that the vehicle could be left at the service department lot overnight and they would take a look at it the next day. I drove to the dealership holding the piece in my right hand as I did not know what would happen if it became unattached from that wire. I felt scared that something was going to happen such as a fire, turn completely off in traffic, etc. I didn't know what was going to happen next. I got to the dealership, set the emergency brake and turned off the ignition. I couldn't get the key out of the ignition. I had no choice but to leave my vehicle there with key in the ignition. I emptied as much of my stuff from the car as I could as I was worried that there could be some type of criminal activity overnight. Thankfully, it was there the next morning but unfortunately the cost of repair is over $1,500. The service advisor said the only way to fix this is to replace the entire steering column. This is all out of pocket costs. I am thankful that the dealership does provide free loaners and that this happened in a place where I could exit the location and make it to the dealership. The cost to repair, the stress that this caused, the fact that this is a known defective part, and the possibility of this happening again are all not good.

2002 Ford Explorer shifter broke off in hand while at gas pump. The part that broke is what the shift handle connects to and is not replaceable. Ford says I must purchase the entire steering column in the amount of $871. 70. I have read all over the internet that thousands of other Explorer owners have experience that same problem. Ford list the part number. 3c529.