Safety Recall 17S23 – Electronic Power Assist Steering Heat Shield Fastener Inspection – 2017 Ford Explorer & TaurusAugust 28, 2017 NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V530000
Loss of Power Assisted SteeringIf the heat shield detaches, the steering gear may overheat, increasing the steering effort required by the driver, especially at lower speeds, and increasing the risk of a crash.
NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V530000
Manufacturer Ford Motor Company
Components STEERING
Potential Number of Units Affected 253
SummaryIn some of the affected vehicles, the fasteners used to secure the electronic power assist steering (EPAS) heat shield may not have sufficient corrosion protection. If the fasteners do not have sufficient corrosion protection, they may not retain the heat shield over time, exposing the steering gear to higher than expected temperatures. If the steering gear connectors melt, the driver may experience loss of assist accompanied by the fault message "SERVICE POWER STEERING NOW" in the instrument cluster. Loss of power steering assist while driving would result in higher steering efforts, especially at lower speeds.
RemedyFord will notify owners, and dealers to 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. Ford's number for this recall is 17S23.
NotesOwners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to
www.safercar.gov.
4 Affected Products
Vehicles
MAKE MODEL YEAR FORD EXPLORER 2017
FORD POLICE INTERCEPTOR SEDAN 2017
FORD POLICE INTERCEPTOR UTILIT 2017
FORD TAURUS 2017