Steering Column problems of the 2011 Ford Fiesta

I had complained of a grinding or clunking sound when turning the steering wheel. Sound and shudder to steering wheel seemed like it was between steering wheel and steering gear. I looked up online articles and it mentioned steering by wire and other misdirection. Seemed to me to be something like a universal joint; but this is not my educated diagnosis, just a thought. Dealer service writers continued to say something akin to "yeah, that's what they do and it's normal for that vehicle/model/etc". On 6/11/18, when I go to pick up vehicle for another problem, [which had recalls and continues to cause problems that are fixed "under warrantee" see Ford "customer satisfaction programs 14m01, 14m02" and Ford "software update program 15b22] I am told I need to have recommended work done. This recommended work reads as follows: item 03 concern: steering column shaft clunking/binding when turing (side note: yes, written as "turing"!) left or right. Vehicle is equipped with old design steering column shaft. Updated parts available to corrrect and prevent concern from reappearing. Correction: customer does not want work done". [end of work recommended on form]. It is not that I don't want the work completed, it is that I have been bringing up this problem for at least 4 years; ie, under warrantee time and mileage. This is a safety issues, which brought me to your site. I have had no problem up until now other than the sound and creaking feel in steering wheel. What has me upset first is that all the sudden there is now!!! updated parts available; previously, it was "normal sound and feel". From 6/20, until 6/27/18 daily, I called the Ford west rep for calif central valley area @ 866/631-3788. The phone circle ends with options "leave a message" or "for operator, push 0" which cuts off the phone connection. This "normal" steering clunk appears to have now become a safety issue.

The right rear passenger side door flew open (it was stationary) upon trying to close it and lock it. The latch was broken. It would not latch at all, and I had to ratchet strap it closed just so the car would acknowledge that the door was in fact shut. When going up hills or turning, the door tries to fly open and the inside lights and alarm will sound notifying that the door is ajar. Also, when turning the steering wheel, especially at a slow speed, there is a loud click-like sound while driving. I had taken my vehicle to the dealership earlier and told them about the noise but never got any information from them, it was blown off as if it wasn't a big deal. I do not feel safe driving the vehicle due to the fact that it could be the undercarriage or have something to do with the steering column itself.

I bought the 2011 Ford Fiesta se used in April 2013. In March 2015, the steering wheel column broke and had to be replaced via the factory (no after-market parts were available). The vehicle is 4 years old and replacing this part was almost $1,000. 00. I sent an email to Ford corporate asking what the life expectancy for this part is, and they were unable to provide me with an answer.

The contact owns a 2011 Ford Fiesta. The contact stated while driving approximately 25 mph, the steering wheel seized and excessive force on the steering wheel was required. The vehicle was towed to the dealer for diagnosis. The technician stated that the power steering column needed to be replaced. The vehicle has been repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 15,000.