The Recall Desk
Our severity:SevereNHTSA·17V530000·Announced 2017-08-28

Ford Recalls 2017 Models for Steering Gear Heat Shield Fastener Defect

Ford is recalling 2017 Explorer, Taurus, and Police Interceptor vehicles because steering gear heat shield fasteners may corrode and detach, potentially causing overheating and increased steering effort.

What this means for you

Our assessment, not the agency’s: severity 4/5 (Severe).

The hazard poses a serious risk of illness, injury, or structural failure. Stop using the product immediately and contact the manufacturer for a refund or repair.

Our severity reasoning: The defect involves a structural vehicle component (steering gear heat shield) that can lead to overheating and increased steering effort, creating a significant risk of a crash. This aligns with the rubric criterion for 'structural vehicle defect' or 'significant injury/property-damage reports' (risk thereof).

Plain-English summary

Ford Motor Company is recalling certain 2017 Explorer, Taurus, Police Interceptor Utility, and Police Interceptor Sedan vehicles. The recall addresses a defect where the steering gear heat shield fasteners may corrode, allowing the heat shield to detach from the steering gear.

If the heat shield detaches, the steering gear may overheat. This condition can increase the steering effort required by the driver, particularly at lower speeds, and increases the risk of a crash. The source text does not report any specific injuries or fatalities associated with this defect.

Ford will notify owners and dealers will inspect and replace the heat shield fasteners as needed, free of charge. The recall began on September 13, 2017. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332 or the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 for more information.

The recalled product

Product
FORD EXPLORER, TAURUS, POLICE INTERCEPTOR SEDAN, POLICE INTERCEPTOR UTILIT
Brand
FORD
Manufacturer
Ford Motor Company
Category
Vehicle — Steering System
Hazard
Affected units
253

Is your product affected?

Check your packaging against the codes below. If any of them match, the product is part of this recall.

Model numbers (4)

  • EXPLORER
  • TAURUS
  • POLICE INTERCEPTOR SEDAN
  • POLICE INTERCEPTOR UTILIT

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

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