Ford Recalls 1.1 Million Vehicles, Including 2008-'11 Ford Escape, 2011-'13 Explorer

DEARBORN, Michigan — Ford is recalling approximately 1.1 million vehicles in North America for power steering problems, including the 2008-'11 Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner, the automaker said on Thursday.

The recall includes 195,527 2011-'13 Ford Explorers and 915,216 2008-'11 Ford Escapes and Mercury Mariners.

A problem with the torque sensor in the steering column of the affected Escapes and Mariners may result in a loss of electric power steering assist while driving.

A potential intermittent electrical connection in the steering gear of the affected Explorers may result in the loss of electric power steering assist while driving.

In both cases, the steering system defaults to manual steering mode, making the vehicle more difficult to steer, especially at lower speeds.

The problem may make the vehicle more difficult to steer, especially at lower speeds.

"This could result in an increased risk of a crash," Ford said in a statement.

Ford spokeswoman Kelli Felker told Edmunds that the automaker has reports of "five accident allegations and six injury allegations potentially associated with this issue" related to the Escape and Mariner recall.

In the case of the Explorer recall, Felker said: "As of April 8, 2014, we are aware of fifteen low-speed accidents and two minor injuries believed to be associated with this condition.

Ford dealers will perform one of three repairs on the Escape and Mariner, depending on what diagnostic codes are shown when the vehicle is taken to the dealer. They will either update the software for the power steering control module and the instrument cluster module, replace the torque sensor or replace the steering column, which includes upgraded power steering control module software.

The affected Escapes and Mariners were built from August 18, 2006 through September 11, 2010 at the Kansas City Assembly Plant.

Ford dealers will perform one of two repairs on the Explorer. They will either update the software for the power steering control module or replace the steering gear.

The affected Explorers were built from May 17, 2010 through February 28, 2012 at the Chicago Assembly Plant.

Ford said there may be additional vehicles affected in other markets.

Ford did not provide a timetable for the recalls. Owners can contact Ford at (800) 392-3673.

No information about the recalls had been posted on the Web site of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, which oversees vehicle recalls in the U.S., as of Thursday afternoon.

Edmunds says: These recalls may not begin until summer. If you own one of the affected Ford vehicles and are experiencing a problem with it, get it into your dealership immediately.