The secondary steering torque sensor may not be properly calibrated on certain 2018-2023 Ford Mustang, 2018-2020 Ford F-150, 2018-2021 Ford Expedition, and 2018-2021 Lincoln Navigator vehicles. These vehicles are equipped with electronic power assist steering (EPAS) gears, which were installed as replacement service parts and are now found to have potential calibration issues.
This issue came to light when Ford’s Critical Concern Review Group (CCRG) was alerted by the supplier about an assembly problem affecting certain steering gears. To thoroughly understand the extent of this problem, Ford’s CCRG conducted a detailed review that included examining supplier maintenance records, warranty reports, and vehicle testing data. The findings prompted Ford’s Field Review Committee to decide on issuing a recall to address the defect.
The defect report indicates that the electronic Power Assist Steering (EPAS) gears, which were sold as service parts, may have an incorrectly calibrated secondary digital torque sensor in the steering gear. Specifically, the polarity of this sensor may be inverted. If the primary steering torque sensor fails or develops a fault, and the secondary digital torque sensor’s polarity is inverted, the steering wheel could start oscillating without warning. This means the steering wheel might alternate between clockwise and counterclockwise movements when the driver attempts to steer, leading to unintended steering assist from the electronic power steering gear.
This oscillation poses a significant safety risk as it can make steering unpredictable and difficult to control, potentially leading to accidents. Recognizing the severity of this issue, Ford has taken measures to address it.
Ford dealers will update the Power Steering Control Module (PSCM) software in the affected vehicles to correct the calibration issue. This update is intended to ensure the proper functioning of the secondary torque sensor, thereby preventing the unintended steering oscillation.
Owner notification letters were mailed on August 5, 2024, to inform vehicle owners about the recall and the necessary steps to have their vehicles repaired. Ford has assigned this recall the number 24S45, and it is also registered under the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) campaign number 24E-055.
