On Thursday, a U.S. safety regulator announced the initiation of a recall investigation involving approximately 44,219 Ford E-series vehicles due to reported instances of power brake and steering assist failure.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) stated that it had received consumer complaints in 2023 regarding power steering line separations in vehicles that had previously undergone Ford’s inspection following a recall two years ago.
The remedy for the issue had entailed Ford updating vehicle components and conducting inspections to ensure the integrity of the connection between the power steering pressure line and the hydraulic brake booster unit, aimed at preventing sudden power steering fluid loss, according to the NHSTA.
The regulator specified that its investigation encompasses select E-350 and E-450 vehicles manufactured between 2021 and 2022, specifically those equipped with dual rear wheels.
In January, the Detroit-based automaker informed the safety regulator of its intention to initiate a new recall to update the power steering pressure line components on vehicles that had not undergone inspection, as well as those that had passed inspection within the past twelve months.
A recall investigation is launched by safety regulators when a previously implemented solution to address an issue appears insufficient.
