Feds Close Probe Into 2010-'12 Ford Fusion for Electric Power Steering Failure

WASHINGTON — The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration closed an investigation into 848,600 2010-'12 Ford Fusion and Lincoln MKZ sedans for electric power steering failure without seeking any further action.

The 2010-'11 Mercury Milan also was included in the probe.

NHTSA said it received 2,584 consumer complaints about loss of electric power steering while driving, including 40 complaints for crashes allegedly related to the defect. Ford reported 9,967 warranty claims for repairs.

Ford recalled 393,623 of the vehicles in July, saying an electrical steering connection could cause those vehicles to lose electric power steering.

Ford told NHTSA it had received four injury reports.

"Most of the crashes were low-speed impacts with curbs or roadside objects resulting in wheel or minor body damage," said NHTSA in its closing resume. "None of the injury claims indicated medical attention was required.

It added: "The information available for the alleged crashes were not sufficient to assess specific causes of the incidents or to verify electric power assisted steering malfunctions in each case."

Edmunds says: Even though federal safety regulators have not called for an expanded recall in this case, NHTSA is urging owners of all vehicles to routinely check its VIN Lookup Tool to see if their car or truck has been recalled. If it has, it's time to make a service appointment with your dealer.