Steering Rack And Pinion problems of the 2010 Ford Flex

The contact owns a 2010 Ford Flex. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was a metal clicking and scraping sound coming from underneath the vehicle. In addition, the contact stated that the wheels felt loose. The contact stated that a nearby driver informed her that sparks were coming from underneath the vehicle. The contact drove the vehicle to the shoulder of the road. The contact stated that a nearby driver identified that the rack and pinion had detached. In addition, the power steering fluid had leaked out onto the ground. The contact was driving on a busy highway during the failure occurred. The contact stated that her grandchildren were in the vehicle when the failure occurred. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 119,000.

Tl the contact owns a 2010 Ford Flex. The contact stated that the power steering was faulty. While operating the vehicle, the contact noticed an abnormal burning odor and the steering wheel could not be moved. Another motorist helped the contact push the vehicle to the shoulder. On another occasion, while making a sharp turn, the vehicle made an abnormal moan/groan sound. The vehicle was taken to henderson Ford (2530 us-41, henderson, ky 42420, (270) 827-3566) where it was diagnosed that a new rack and pinion needed to be installed. The vehicle was repaired and a �detroit axle rack and pinion� was installed. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously taken to three unknown dealers and the power steering was replaced four times and clocksprings were installed; however, none of the previous remedies repaired the vehicle. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and sent the technician who installed the �detroit axle system�. The failure mileage was 150,000.

While driving home the service power steering/service advancetrak warning came on. I was able to drive the additional 5 miles or so to get home without having any major steering issues. The steering felt different, but was still controllable. Upon arriving home, I turned the vehicle off and back on. I was seeing if the warning disappeared, but now it said service power steering now. At this point the steering wheel was almost immovable. I was able to get the vehicle down to the street, where I had it towed to the closest Ford dealership. I received a call stating that the rack and pinion steering gear was in need of replacement. We purchased the vehicle in the fall 2015 with about 78000 miles on it. Currently we have about 94000 miles on it. I have noticed that the newer model years with the same engine have had a similar defect prompting a recall. I find it hard to believe that a similar problem could have occurred with the exact same scenario. The dealership has responded with an estimate for $2200+. With the vehicle having less than 100000 miles and now requiring such a major repair, I personally feel as though Ford has some responsibilty. Luckily I was able to make it home with my vehicle, but if I had to have driven any further away what could have happened? please help not just me but other owners of the same my2010 vehicles.

Car was exiting route i90 onto a toll exit ramp. Power steering failed and car could not be steered at all. Initial report from repair shop is that the car's power steer leaked completed out and damaged the rack and pinion steering system. There were no warning lights or other indications that this was occurring until this incident.