1994 Ford Econoline E-150 ClubWagon Incident
If you own a 1994 era Ford Van or Truck, please read the following and have your vehicle inspected. Your life depends on it!
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On Saturday, 29-November-2008, at about 3:15pm PST, six of us and a dog had just driven up to the Mt. Baker Ski Area at the top of the Mt Baker Highway (WA State Route 542). It had recently snowed, but the ski area was not yet open for the season. As we were parking along side the road in front of the ski lodge, something
in the steering went "snap" at which point the steering wheel would turn loosely but the wheels did not. The steering box broke away from the frame rendering
the vehicle incapable of steering.
The steering box attaches to the front left frame by three bolts. All three bolts sheared.
With the steep, narrow, wet & winding roads leading up the mountain, without
guard rails in many places, and cliffs whose drops approach a thousand feet, there is little doubt that had the failure occurred
just moments sooner or later, we would all be dead.
I am the original owner of the van which has about 165,000 miles on it.
The bolts that failed were original factory installed bolts; the steering box had never been removed.
Inspection showed numerous cracks in the frame at and near the lower bolt hole (see photos below).
A search for similar events found many occurrences of the same identical failure have been reported to the
National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration. Some of these are listed at the bottom of this page. However, there is no safety recall. I have opened complaints with both Ford and the
NHTSA.
There is no doubt in my mind that many accidents have happened due to this issue, and has claimed lives. However, post accident inspection noted broken bolts and considered them the result of the accident, not the cause.
For more info on this incident, please contact vanincident@harrigill.net.
Update 31-December-2013: In the 5 years since this incident happened, I have received dozens of inqueries from people who have experienced
the same issue. I also added a few more reports from the NHTSA site. Most failures are on 1993-1995 models of the Clubwagon, Econoline and E150.
Update 6-April-2020: Note I had not updated this page in many years. I no longer have the van. However, I continue to receive a regular stream of emails from folks who still experience this issue to this day. I have written politicians and media consumer protection specialists with no success. Why the coverup?
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Van sitting where it broke.
Click on image for larger picture.
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PHOTOS:
Click on any of the images below for a larger version.
When the bolts sheared, the bottom bolt dropped to the pavement, but the two other bolts remained in their holes.
However, they were indeed broken/sheared and were easily pulled out.
This photo is looking at the outside of the frame - the camera was resting on top of the left front tire to take the picture.
The left photo shows a rather large crack that is in the frame under the bottom hole
(this is the hole with the missing bolt above). The center & right photos show the crack
looking almost straight up at it. The crack is rusted, indicating that it
has been there for quite some time. It is not easily visible unless
looking up toward it (notice you can't see it in the top photo). Note on the right
photo that you can begin to see a similar crack on the inside edge of the frame.
These photos show in the inside of the frame. Note the cracking around the lower hole.
Photos of one of the bolts.
Photos taken from inside van minutes before the steering broke.
Must people die before there is a recall on this?
How many people have already died as their vehicle crossed the center-line or left the road, only to be ruled as driver error, falling asleep, etc.?
A brief search of 1993 and 1994 Ford vans/trucks at the NHTSA web site found the following complaints:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Make : FORD Model : ECONOLINE Year : 1994
Manufacturer : FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Crash : No Fire : No Number of Injuries: 0
ODI ID Number : 875443 Number of Deaths: 0
Date of Failure: October 7, 2000
VIN : 1FMEE11H5RH...
Component: STEERING:GEAR BOX (OTHER THAN RACK AND PINION)
Summary:
WAS MAKING A TURN & HAD LOST CONTROL OF VEHICLE. HAD VEHICLE TOWED TO AN
INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. WAS INFORMED BY MECHANIC ALL 3 BOLTS THAT HELD
STEERING BOX TO CHASSIS HAD SHEARED COMPLETELY OFF. *AK
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Make : FORD Model : ECONOLINE Year : 1994
Manufacturer : FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Crash : No Fire : No Number of Injuries: 0
ODI ID Number : 868103 Number of Deaths: 0
Date of Failure: August 13, 2000
VIN : Not Available
Component: STEERING:GEAR BOX (OTHER THAN RACK AND PINION)
Summary:
WHILE MAKING A TURN TO PARK, STEERING BOX RIPPED OFF THE FRAME, AND
CONSUMER HAD TO HAVE VEHICLE TOWED TO A MECHANIC. HOME # 732-613-1292,
W# 212-272-0207. *AK
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Make : FORD Model : ECONOLINE Year : 1994
Manufacturer : FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Crash : No Fire : No Number of Injuries: 0
ODI ID Number : 814040 Number of Deaths: 0
Date of Failure:
VIN : Not Available
Component: STEERING:GEAR BOX (OTHER THAN RACK AND PINION)
Summary:
VEHICLE WOULD PULL LEFT OR RIGHT ON ITS OWN. DEALER HAS CHANGED STEERING
BOX. *AK
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Make : FORD Model : ECONOLINE Year : 1994
Manufacturer : FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Crash : No Fire : No Number of Injuries: 0
ODI ID Number : 976505 Number of Deaths: 0
Date of Failure: November 13, 1995
VIN : 1FTEE14Y0RH...
Component: STEERING:GEAR BOX (OTHER THAN RACK AND PINION)
Summary:
THE GEAR BOX IS HELD BY 3 BOLTS AND THEY ARE ALL SHEARED OFF AND COULD
HAVE CAUSED AN ACCIDENT. PLEASE DESCRIBE. TT
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Make : FORD Model : ECONOLINE Year : 1994
Manufacturer : FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Crash : No Fire : No Number of Injuries: 0
ODI ID Number : 973778 Number of Deaths: 0
Date of Failure: October 23, 1995
VIN : 1FDEE14N3RH...
Component: STEERING:GEAR BOX (OTHER THAN RACK AND PINION)
Summary:
THREE BOLTS HOLDING STEERING GEAR BOX IN PLACE AGAINST FRONT LEFT FRAME
OF VEHICLE SHEARED OFF, CAUSING LOSS OF STEERING. *SLC
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Make : FORD Model : E150 Year : 1994
Manufacturer : FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Crash : No Fire : No Number of Injuries: 0
ODI ID Number : 10075892 Number of Deaths: 0
Date of Failure: May 23, 2004
VIN : Not Available
Component: STEERING:GEAR BOX (OTHER THAN RACK AND PINION)
Summary:
WHILE DRIVING 5 MPH STEERING GEAR BOLT SHEARED OFF. THIS FORCED THE CONSUMER
TO PULL OVER AND HAVE THE VEHICLE TOWED. DEALERSHIP WAS NOTIFIED, BUT DID NOT RESOLVE
THE PROBLEM. *AK
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Make : FORD Model : E150 Year : 1994
Manufacturer : FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Crash : No Fire : No Number of Injuries: 0
ODI ID Number : 10062880 Number of Deaths: 0
Date of Failure:
VIN : 1FTEE14Y2RH...
Component: STEERING:GEAR BOX (OTHER THAN RACK AND PINION)
Summary:
TWO DIFFERENT VEHICLES EXPERIENCED TOTAL STEERING FAILURE CAUSED BY THE STEERING BOX
TEARING AWAY FROM THE FRAME OF THE VEHICLE. *PH AFTER FIRST INCIDENT, CONSUMER COULDN'T
FIND A DEALER IN THEIR AREA TO REPAIR THE PROBLEM. *LA
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Make : FORD Model : E150 Year : 1994
Manufacturer : FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Crash : No Fire : Yes Number of Injuries: 1
ODI ID Number : 10017369 Number of Deaths: 0
Date of Failure: July 29, 2002
VIN : 1FDEE14N7RH...
Component: STEERING:GEAR BOX (OTHER THAN RACK AND PINION)
Summary:
THE VEHICLE LOST POWER STEERING AND BRAKES WHEN A LEFT TURN WAS MADE. WHICH WAS AS A
RESULT OF STEERING BOX FAILURE. ALSO THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE AND THE CONSUMER WAS
INJURED. *JB
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Make : FORD Model : E150 Year : 1994
Manufacturer : FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Crash : No Fire : No Number of Injuries: 0
ODI ID Number : 754613 Number of Deaths: 0
Date of Failure: November 5, 2001
VIN : 1FDEE14Y4RH...
Component: STEERING:GEAR BOX (OTHER THAN RACK AND PINION)
Summary:
WHILE MAKING A RIGHT TO TURN INTO A PARKING SPACE A LARGE POP WAS HEARD FOLLOWED BY
COMPLETE LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL. ALL THREE BOLTS HOLDING THE STEERING GEAR BOX TO
THE FRAME HAD SNAPPED. VEHICLE TOWED TO DEALER, THE GEARBOX, BOLTS AND UPPER AND LOWER
LEFT HAND SIDE BALL JOINTS WERE REPLACED TO A TUNE OF $743.*AK
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Make : FORD Model : E150 Year : 1994
Manufacturer : FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Crash : No Fire : No Number of Injuries: 0
ODI ID Number : 740918 Number of Deaths: 0
Date of Failure: February 9, 2001
VIN : 1FDEE14H6RH...
Component: STEERING:GEAR BOX (OTHER THAN RACK AND PINION)
Summary:
WHEN TURNING THE VEHICLE AT LESS THAN 5 MILES PER HOUR I HEARD A LOUD POP AND THE CAR
SHUDDERED. MY STEERING WHEEL WAS THEN AT THE 2/7 POSITION INSTEAD OF THE 3/9 POSITION.
TOOK THE CAR HOME FROM HERE. LATER DROVE AROUND THE CORNER (ABOUT 1/10 MILE) TO PICK
UP KIDS FROM SCHOOL DANCE. STEERING WHEEL WAS NOW AT THE 6/12 POSITION. CONTACTED
REPAIR SHOP ON SATURDAY 2/10. DROVE TO REPAIR SHOP ABOUT 1 1/2 MILES AWAY DOING ABOUT
25 MPH OR LESS. PARKED IT. MECHANIC CAME OUT TO SEE HOW MUCH PLAY WAS IN THE WHEEL,
HEARD ANOTHER LOUD POP AND THE WHEEL PROCEEDED TO GO IN COMPLETE CIRCLES. INSPECTION
BY MECHANIC SHOWED THAT ALL THREE BOLTS IN THE GEAR BOX HAD BROKEN. HEAD MECHANIC SAID
THAT IN THE THIRTY SOME YEARS HE'S BEEN IN THE BUSINESS, THIS IS THE FIRST TIME HE HAS
SEEN THIS HAPPEN. THESE BOLTS ARE NOT SUPPOSED TO BREAK.*AK
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Make : FORD Model : E150 Year : 1994
Manufacturer : FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Crash : No Fire : No Number of Injuries: 0
ODI ID Number : 734846 Number of Deaths: 0
Date of Failure: August 15, 2000
VIN : 1FMEE11N1RH...
Component: STEERING:GEAR BOX (OTHER THAN RACK AND PINION)
Summary:
STEERING BOX CAME LOOSE FROM FRAME
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Make : FORD Model : E150 Year : 1994
Manufacturer : FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Crash : No Fire : No Number of Injuries: 0
ODI ID Number : 841629 Number of Deaths: 0
Date of Failure: April 30, 1999
VIN : 1FDDE14N2RH...
Component: STEERING:GEAR BOX (OTHER THAN RACK AND PINION)
Summary:
WHILE MAKING A "U" TURN INSIDE PARKING LOT STEERING GEAR BOX WENT OUT. LOST ALL 3 BOLTS
ON THE BOX, THEY HAD SNAPPED. LOST STEERING CONTROL. TOWED TO DEALER TO CHECK FOR DEFECTS.
NOTHING COULD BE DETERMINED IF IT WAS WEAR/ TEAR OR DEFECTIVE STTERING GEAR BOX. *AK
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Make : FORD Model : E150 Year : 1994
Manufacturer : FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Crash : No Fire : No Number of Injuries: 0
ODI ID Number : 801935 Number of Deaths: 0
Date of Failure:
VIN : Not Available
Component: STEERING:GEAR BOX (OTHER THAN RACK AND PINION)
Summary:
WHEN DRIVING THE STEERING GEAR BOX MOVES, # PE96-024 . PLEASE DESCRIBE .
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Make : FORD Model : E150 Year : 1994
Manufacturer : FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Crash : No Fire : No Number of Injuries: 0
ODI ID Number : 505268 Number of Deaths: 0
Date of Failure: August 8, 1995
VIN : 1FDEE14N9RH...
Component: STEERING:GEAR BOX (OTHER THAN RACK AND PINION)
Summary:
GEAR BOX REPLACED.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Make : FORD Model : ECONOLINE Year : 1994
Manufacturer : FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Crash : No Fire : No Number of Injuries: 0
ODI ID Number : 823854 Number of Deaths: 0
Date of Failure: June 2, 1998
VIN : 1FDEE14N4RH...
Component: STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS
Summary:
WHILE DRIVING THE VAN A CRACKING NOISE IS HEARD COMING FROM THE FRONT END WHEN MAKING
A RIGHT OR LEFT TURN. WHEN OWNER TOOK VAN TO BE CHECKED, A MECHANIC FOUND THAT THE FRAME
HAS TWO LARGE CRACKS UNDER THE GEAR BOX. OWNER WILL HAVE THE VAN REPAIRED. *AK
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Make : FORD Model : E150 Year : 1994
Manufacturer : FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Crash : No Fire : No Number of Injuries: 0
ODI ID Number : 882117 Number of Deaths: 0
Date of Failure: February 20, 2001
VIN : 1FDEE14H6RH...
Component: STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS
Summary:
CONSUMER'S WIFE HEARD A POPPING SOUND, THEN NOTICED THAT STEERING WAS NOT RIGHT. MECHANIC
TOLD CONSUMER THAT THERE WAS A TEAR IN FRAME, AND NEEDED WELDING. *AK THE WELDING WAS
DONE AFTER THE THREE BOLTS, HOLDING THE GEAR BOX WERE REPLACED. *YH
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Make : FORD Model : E150 Year : 1994
Manufacturer : FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Crash : No Fire : No Number of Injuries: 0
ODI ID Number : 877859 Number of Deaths: 0
Date of Failure: November 1, 2000
VIN : 1FMEE11H3RH...
Component: STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS
Summary:
FRAME IS CRACKING WHERE STEERING BOX IS BOLTED TO FRAME. *AK
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Make : FORD Model : E150 Year : 1994
Manufacturer : FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Crash : Yes Fire : No Number of Injuries: 1
ODI ID Number : 960475 Number of Deaths: 0
Date of Failure: February 22, 1995
VIN : Not Available
Component: STEERING
Summary:
DEFECTED STEERING BOLTS CRACKED CAUSING LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL, HITTING A CURB AT
15MPH. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS. TT
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Make : FORD Model : VAN Year : 1994
Manufacturer : FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Crash : No Fire : No Number of Injuries: 0
ODI ID Number : 815095 Number of Deaths: 0
Date of Failure: July 31, 1997
VIN : 1FTEE14Y2PH...
Component: STEERING:GEAR BOX (OTHER THAN RACK AND PINION)
Summary:
WHILE DRIVING LOST STEERING CONTROL. DEALER SAID THAT THE STEERING BOX RIPPED OFF
FROM THE FRAME. *AK
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Make : FORD Model : ECONOLINE Year : 1993
Manufacturer : FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Crash : No Fire : No Number of Injuries: 0
ODI ID Number : 815186 Number of Deaths: 0
Date of Failure: July 31, 1997
VIN : 1FTEE14Y2DH...
Component: STEERING:GEAR BOX (OTHER THAN RACK AND PINION)
Summary:
DRIVING ABOUT 25-30MPH WHEN STEERING GEAR BOX DETACHED FROM FRAME OF VEHICLE, RESULTING
IN THE LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL. TOOK TO DEALER & INFORMED DON'T KNOW WHY IT HAPPENED
& WOULD TAKE A MONTH TO INVESTIGATE & FIX PROBLEM. *AK
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Make : FORD Model : ECONOLINE Year : 1993
Manufacturer : FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Crash : No Fire : No Number of Injuries: 0
ODI ID Number : 10057536 Number of Deaths: 0
Date of Failure: February 4, 2004
VIN : Not Available
Component: STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS
Summary:
WHILE DRIVING AT NORMAL SPEED CONSUMER HEARD A LOUD NOISE, SOUNDED LIKE IT WAS COMING THROUGH
THE FONT END. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, AND TECHNICIAN INDICATED THAT FRAME CRACKED AT
THE STEERING BOX LEFT SIDE. *AK
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Make : FORD Model : ECONOLINE Year : 1993
Manufacturer : FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Crash : No Fire : No Number of Injuries: 0
ODI ID Number : 835472 Number of Deaths: 0
Date of Failure: March 1, 1999
VIN : 1FMEE11N3PH...
Component: STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS
Summary:
THE STEERING GEAR BOX WHICH IS MOUNTED TO THE FRAME CAME OFF, CAUSING A LOSS OF STEERING
WHICH COULD HAVE RESULTED IN AN ACCIDENT. *AK
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Make : FORD Model : E150 Year : 1993
Manufacturer : FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Crash : No Fire : No Number of Injuries: 0
ODI ID Number : 8022946 Number of Deaths: 0
Date of Failure: November 11, 2002
VIN : 1FTEE14N7PH...
Component: STEERING:GEAR BOX (OTHER THAN RACK AND PINION)
Summary:
CONSUMER STATES THE STEERING GEAR BOX COLLAPSE. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION.. TS
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Make : FORD Model : E150 Year : 1993
Manufacturer : FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Crash : No Fire : No Number of Injuries: 0
ODI ID Number : 766612 Number of Deaths: 0
Date of Failure: August 30, 2002
VIN : 1FMEE11N3PH...
Component: STEERING:GEAR BOX (OTHER THAN RACK AND PINION)
Summary:
THE THREE BOLTS THAT MOUNT THE STEERING BOX BROKE AND THE FRAME HAS MULTIBLE CRACKS,THE
BOLTS SHOW NO SIGN OF WEAR AS IF LOOSE, BUT DO LOOK LIKE THEY MIGHT HAVE BEEN OVER TIGHTENED.
THIS HAPPENED SUDDENLY AND RESULTED IN NO CONTROL OF THE VAN.*AK
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Make : FORD Model : E150 Year : 1993
Manufacturer : FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Crash : No Fire : No Number of Injuries: 0
ODI ID Number : 845940 Number of Deaths: 0
Date of Failure:
VIN : PLEASE ADD...
Component: STEERING:GEAR BOX (OTHER THAN RACK AND PINION)
Summary:
3 MOUNTING BOLTS THAT HOLD FRAME OF STEERING GEAR HAVE BROKEN OFF. CAUSING LOSS OF
VEHICLE CONTROL . *AK
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Make : FORD Model : E150 Year : 1993
Manufacturer : FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Crash : No Fire : No Number of Injuries: 0
ODI ID Number : 10168396 Number of Deaths: 0
Date of Failure: September 3, 2006
VIN : 1FDEE14N4PH...
Component: STRUCTURE: FRAME AND MEMBERS:UNDERBODY SHIELDS
Summary:
1993 FORD E150 VAN FRAME CRACKED AROUND BOLT HEADS THAT HOLD STEERING BOX ON, CAUSING
ERRATIC STEERING
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Make : FORD Model : CLUB WAGON Year : 1993
Manufacturer : FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Crash : No Fire : No Number of Injuries: 0
ODI ID Number : 829141 Number of Deaths: 0
Date of Failure:
VIN : 1FMEE11N7PH...
Component: STEERING:GEAR BOX (OTHER THAN RACK AND PINION)
Summary:
STEERING GEAR BOX HAS SHEARED OFF THE FRAME OF THE VEHICLE. ALSO,THERE ARE VISIBLE
SIGNS OF RUST OR CORROSION. *AK
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Make : FORD Model : ECONOLINE Year : 1994
Manufacturer : FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Crash : No Fire : No Number of Injuries: 0
ODI ID Number : 875443 Number of Deaths: 0
Date of Failure: October 7, 2000
VIN : 1FMEE11H5RH...
Component: STEERING:GEAR BOX (OTHER THAN RACK AND PINION)
Summary:
WAS MAKING A TURN & HAD LOST CONTROL OF VEHICLE. HAD VEHICLE TOWED TO AN
INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. WAS INFORMED BY MECHANIC ALL 3 BOLTS THAT HELD
STEERING BOX TO CHASSIS HAD SHEARED COMPLETELY OFF. *AK
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Make : FORD Model : ECONOLINE Year : 1994
Manufacturer : FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Crash : No Fire : No Number of Injuries: 0
ODI ID Number : 868103 Number of Deaths: 0
Date of Failure: August 13, 2000
VIN : Not Available
Component: STEERING:GEAR BOX (OTHER THAN RACK AND PINION)
Summary:
WHILE MAKING A TURN TO PARK, STEERING BOX RIPPED OFF THE FRAME, AND
CONSUMER HAD TO HAVE VEHICLE TOWED TO A MECHANIC. HOME # 732-613-1292,
W# 212-272-0207. *AK
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Make : FORD Model : ECONOLINE Year : 1994
Manufacturer : FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Crash : No Fire : No Number of Injuries: 0
ODI ID Number : 814040 Number of Deaths: 0
Date of Failure:
VIN : Not Available
Component: STEERING:GEAR BOX (OTHER THAN RACK AND PINION)
Summary:
VEHICLE WOULD PULL LEFT OR RIGHT ON ITS OWN. DEALER HAS CHANGED STEERING
BOX. *AK
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Make : FORD Model : ECONOLINE Year : 1994
Manufacturer : FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Crash : No Fire : No Number of Injuries: 0
ODI ID Number : 976505 Number of Deaths: 0
Date of Failure: November 13, 1995
VIN : 1FTEE14Y0RH...
Component: STEERING:GEAR BOX (OTHER THAN RACK AND PINION)
Summary:
THE GEAR BOX IS HELD BY 3 BOLTS AND THEY ARE ALL SHEARED OFF AND COULD
HAVE CAUSED AN ACCIDENT. PLEASE DESCRIBE. TT
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Make : FORD Model : ECONOLINE Year : 1994
Manufacturer : FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Crash : No Fire : No Number of Injuries: 0
ODI ID Number : 973778 Number of Deaths: 0
Date of Failure: October 23, 1995
VIN : 1FDEE14N3RH...
Component: STEERING:GEAR BOX (OTHER THAN RACK AND PINION)
Summary:
THREE BOLTS HOLDING STEERING GEAR BOX IN PLACE AGAINST FRONT LEFT FRAME
OF VEHICLE SHEARED OFF, CAUSING LOSS OF STEERING. *SLC
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Make : FORD Model : E150 Year : 1994
Manufacturer : FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Crash : No Fire : No Number of Injuries: 0
ODI ID Number : 10075892 Number of Deaths: 0
Date of Failure: May 23, 2004
VIN : Not Available
Component: STEERING:GEAR BOX (OTHER THAN RACK AND PINION)
Summary:
WHILE DRIVING 5 MPH STEERING GEAR BOLT SHEARED OFF. THIS FORCED THE CONSUMER
TO PULL OVER AND HAVE THE VEHICLE TOWED. DEALERSHIP WAS NOTIFIED, BUT DID NOT RESOLVE
THE PROBLEM. *AK
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Make : FORD Model : E150 Year : 1994
Manufacturer : FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Crash : No Fire : No Number of Injuries: 0
ODI ID Number : 10062880 Number of Deaths: 0
Date of Failure:
VIN : 1FTEE14Y2RH...
Component: STEERING:GEAR BOX (OTHER THAN RACK AND PINION)
Summary:
TWO DIFFERENT VEHICLES EXPERIENCED TOTAL STEERING FAILURE CAUSED BY THE STEERING BOX
TEARING AWAY FROM THE FRAME OF THE VEHICLE. *PH AFTER FIRST INCIDENT, CONSUMER COULDN'T
FIND A DEALER IN THEIR AREA TO REPAIR THE PROBLEM. *LA
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Make : FORD Model : E150 Year : 1994
Manufacturer : FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Crash : No Fire : Yes Number of Injuries: 1
ODI ID Number : 10017369 Number of Deaths: 0
Date of Failure: July 29, 2002
VIN : 1FDEE14N7RH...
Component: STEERING:GEAR BOX (OTHER THAN RACK AND PINION)
Summary:
THE VEHICLE LOST POWER STEERING AND BRAKES WHEN A LEFT TURN WAS MADE. WHICH WAS AS A
RESULT OF STEERING BOX FAILURE. ALSO THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE AND THE CONSUMER WAS
INJURED. *JB
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Make : FORD Model : E150 Year : 1994
Manufacturer : FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Crash : No Fire : No Number of Injuries: 0
ODI ID Number : 754613 Number of Deaths: 0
Date of Failure: November 5, 2001
VIN : 1FDEE14Y4RH...
Component: STEERING:GEAR BOX (OTHER THAN RACK AND PINION)
Summary:
WHILE MAKING A RIGHT TO TURN INTO A PARKING SPACE A LARGE POP WAS HEARD FOLLOWED BY
COMPLETE LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL. ALL THREE BOLTS HOLDING THE STEERING GEAR BOX TO
THE FRAME HAD SNAPPED. VEHICLE TOWED TO DEALER, THE GEARBOX, BOLTS AND UPPER AND LOWER
LEFT HAND SIDE BALL JOINTS WERE REPLACED TO A TUNE OF $743.*AK
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Make : FORD Model : E150 Year : 1994
Manufacturer : FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Crash : No Fire : No Number of Injuries: 0
ODI ID Number : 740918 Number of Deaths: 0
Date of Failure: February 9, 2001
VIN : 1FDEE14H6RH...
Component: STEERING:GEAR BOX (OTHER THAN RACK AND PINION)
Summary:
WHEN TURNING THE VEHICLE AT LESS THAN 5 MILES PER HOUR I HEARD A LOUD POP AND THE CAR
SHUDDERED. MY STEERING WHEEL WAS THEN AT THE 2/7 POSITION INSTEAD OF THE 3/9 POSITION.
TOOK THE CAR HOME FROM HERE. LATER DROVE AROUND THE CORNER (ABOUT 1/10 MILE) TO PICK
UP KIDS FROM SCHOOL DANCE. STEERING WHEEL WAS NOW AT THE 6/12 POSITION. CONTACTED
REPAIR SHOP ON SATURDAY 2/10. DROVE TO REPAIR SHOP ABOUT 1 1/2 MILES AWAY DOING ABOUT
25 MPH OR LESS. PARKED IT. MECHANIC CAME OUT TO SEE HOW MUCH PLAY WAS IN THE WHEEL,
HEARD ANOTHER LOUD POP AND THE WHEEL PROCEEDED TO GO IN COMPLETE CIRCLES. INSPECTION
BY MECHANIC SHOWED THAT ALL THREE BOLTS IN THE GEAR BOX HAD BROKEN. HEAD MECHANIC SAID
THAT IN THE THIRTY SOME YEARS HE'S BEEN IN THE BUSINESS, THIS IS THE FIRST TIME HE HAS
SEEN THIS HAPPEN. THESE BOLTS ARE NOT SUPPOSED TO BREAK.*AK
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Make : FORD Model : E150 Year : 1994
Manufacturer : FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Crash : No Fire : No Number of Injuries: 0
ODI ID Number : 734846 Number of Deaths: 0
Date of Failure: August 15, 2000
VIN : 1FMEE11N1RH...
Component: STEERING:GEAR BOX (OTHER THAN RACK AND PINION)
Summary:
STEERING BOX CAME LOOSE FROM FRAME
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Make : FORD Model : E150 Year : 1994
Manufacturer : FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Crash : No Fire : No Number of Injuries: 0
ODI ID Number : 841629 Number of Deaths: 0
Date of Failure: April 30, 1999
VIN : 1FDDE14N2RH...
Component: STEERING:GEAR BOX (OTHER THAN RACK AND PINION)
Summary:
WHILE MAKING A "U" TURN INSIDE PARKING LOT STEERING GEAR BOX WENT OUT. LOST ALL 3 BOLTS
ON THE BOX, THEY HAD SNAPPED. LOST STEERING CONTROL. TOWED TO DEALER TO CHECK FOR DEFECTS.
NOTHING COULD BE DETERMINED IF IT WAS WEAR/ TEAR OR DEFECTIVE STTERING GEAR BOX. *AK
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Make : FORD Model : E150 Year : 1994
Manufacturer : FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Crash : No Fire : No Number of Injuries: 0
ODI ID Number : 801935 Number of Deaths: 0
Date of Failure:
VIN : Not Available
Component: STEERING:GEAR BOX (OTHER THAN RACK AND PINION)
Summary:
WHEN DRIVING THE STEERING GEAR BOX MOVES, # PE96-024 . PLEASE DESCRIBE .
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Make : FORD Model : E150 Year : 1994
Manufacturer : FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Crash : No Fire : No Number of Injuries: 0
ODI ID Number : 505268 Number of Deaths: 0
Date of Failure: August 8, 1995
VIN : 1FDEE14N9RH...
Component: STEERING:GEAR BOX (OTHER THAN RACK AND PINION)
Summary:
GEAR BOX REPLACED.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Make : FORD Model : ECONOLINE Year : 1994
Manufacturer : FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Crash : No Fire : No Number of Injuries: 0
ODI ID Number : 823854 Number of Deaths: 0
Date of Failure: June 2, 1998
VIN : 1FDEE14N4RH...
Component: STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS
Summary:
WHILE DRIVING THE VAN A CRACKING NOISE IS HEARD COMING FROM THE FRONT END WHEN MAKING
A RIGHT OR LEFT TURN. WHEN OWNER TOOK VAN TO BE CHECKED, A MECHANIC FOUND THAT THE FRAME
HAS TWO LARGE CRACKS UNDER THE GEAR BOX. OWNER WILL HAVE THE VAN REPAIRED. *AK
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Make : FORD Model : E150 Year : 1994
Manufacturer : FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Crash : No Fire : No Number of Injuries: 0
ODI ID Number : 882117 Number of Deaths: 0
Date of Failure: February 20, 2001
VIN : 1FDEE14H6RH...
Component: STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS
Summary:
CONSUMER'S WIFE HEARD A POPPING SOUND, THEN NOTICED THAT STEERING WAS NOT RIGHT. MECHANIC
TOLD CONSUMER THAT THERE WAS A TEAR IN FRAME, AND NEEDED WELDING. *AK THE WELDING WAS
DONE AFTER THE THREE BOLTS, HOLDING THE GEAR BOX WERE REPLACED. *YH
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Make : FORD Model : E150 Year : 1994
Manufacturer : FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Crash : No Fire : No Number of Injuries: 0
ODI ID Number : 877859 Number of Deaths: 0
Date of Failure: November 1, 2000
VIN : 1FMEE11H3RH...
Component: STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS
Summary:
FRAME IS CRACKING WHERE STEERING BOX IS BOLTED TO FRAME. *AK
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Make : FORD Model : E150 Year : 1994
Manufacturer : FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Crash : Yes Fire : No Number of Injuries: 1
ODI ID Number : 960475 Number of Deaths: 0
Date of Failure: February 22, 1995
VIN : Not Available
Component: STEERING
Summary:
DEFECTED STEERING BOLTS CRACKED CAUSING LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL, HITTING A CURB AT
15MPH. PLEASE DESCRIBE DETAILS. TT
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Make : FORD Model : VAN Year : 1994
Manufacturer : FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Crash : No Fire : No Number of Injuries: 0
ODI ID Number : 815095 Number of Deaths: 0
Date of Failure: July 31, 1997
VIN : 1FTEE14Y2PH...
Component: STEERING:GEAR BOX (OTHER THAN RACK AND PINION)
Summary:
WHILE DRIVING LOST STEERING CONTROL. DEALER SAID THAT THE STEERING BOX RIPPED OFF
FROM THE FRAME. *AK
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Make : FORD Model : ECONOLINE Year : 1993
Manufacturer : FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Crash : No Fire : No Number of Injuries: 0
ODI ID Number : 815186 Number of Deaths: 0
Date of Failure: July 31, 1997
VIN : 1FTEE14Y2DH...
Component: STEERING:GEAR BOX (OTHER THAN RACK AND PINION)
Summary:
DRIVING ABOUT 25-30MPH WHEN STEERING GEAR BOX DETACHED FROM FRAME OF VEHICLE, RESULTING
IN THE LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL. TOOK TO DEALER & INFORMED DON'T KNOW WHY IT HAPPENED
& WOULD TAKE A MONTH TO INVESTIGATE & FIX PROBLEM. *AK
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Make : FORD Model : ECONOLINE Year : 1993
Manufacturer : FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Crash : No Fire : No Number of Injuries: 0
ODI ID Number : 10057536 Number of Deaths: 0
Date of Failure: February 4, 2004
VIN : Not Available
Component: STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS
Summary:
WHILE DRIVING AT NORMAL SPEED CONSUMER HEARD A LOUD NOISE, SOUNDED LIKE IT WAS COMING THROUGH
THE FONT END. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, AND TECHNICIAN INDICATED THAT FRAME CRACKED AT
THE STEERING BOX LEFT SIDE. *AK
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Make : FORD Model : ECONOLINE Year : 1993
Manufacturer : FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Crash : No Fire : No Number of Injuries: 0
ODI ID Number : 835472 Number of Deaths: 0
Date of Failure: March 1, 1999
VIN : 1FMEE11N3PH...
Component: STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS
Summary:
THE STEERING GEAR BOX WHICH IS MOUNTED TO THE FRAME CAME OFF, CAUSING A LOSS OF STEERING
WHICH COULD HAVE RESULTED IN AN ACCIDENT. *AK
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Make : FORD Model : E150 Year : 1993
Manufacturer : FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Crash : No Fire : No Number of Injuries: 0
ODI ID Number : 8022946 Number of Deaths: 0
Date of Failure: November 11, 2002
VIN : 1FTEE14N7PH...
Component: STEERING:GEAR BOX (OTHER THAN RACK AND PINION)
Summary:
CONSUMER STATES THE STEERING GEAR BOX COLLAPSE. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION.. TS
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Make : FORD Model : E150 Year : 1993
Manufacturer : FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Crash : No Fire : No Number of Injuries: 0
ODI ID Number : 766612 Number of Deaths: 0
Date of Failure: August 30, 2002
VIN : 1FMEE11N3PH...
Component: STEERING:GEAR BOX (OTHER THAN RACK AND PINION)
Summary:
THE THREE BOLTS THAT MOUNT THE STEERING BOX BROKE AND THE FRAME HAS MULTIBLE CRACKS,THE
BOLTS SHOW NO SIGN OF WEAR AS IF LOOSE, BUT DO LOOK LIKE THEY MIGHT HAVE BEEN OVER TIGHTENED.
THIS HAPPENED SUDDENLY AND RESULTED IN NO CONTROL OF THE VAN.*AK
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Make : FORD Model : E150 Year : 1993
Manufacturer : FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Crash : No Fire : No Number of Injuries: 0
ODI ID Number : 845940 Number of Deaths: 0
Date of Failure:
VIN : PLEASE ADD...
Component: STEERING:GEAR BOX (OTHER THAN RACK AND PINION)
Summary:
3 MOUNTING BOLTS THAT HOLD FRAME OF STEERING GEAR HAVE BROKEN OFF. CAUSING LOSS OF
VEHICLE CONTROL . *AK
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Make : FORD Model : E150 Year : 1993
Manufacturer : FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Crash : No Fire : No Number of Injuries: 0
ODI ID Number : 10168396 Number of Deaths: 0
Date of Failure: September 3, 2006
VIN : 1FDEE14N4PH...
Component: STRUCTURE: FRAME AND MEMBERS:UNDERBODY SHIELDS
Summary:
1993 FORD E150 VAN FRAME CRACKED AROUND BOLT HEADS THAT HOLD STEERING BOX ON, CAUSING
ERRATIC STEERING
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Make : FORD Model : CLUB WAGON Year : 1993
Manufacturer : FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Crash : No Fire : No Number of Injuries: 0
ODI ID Number : 829141 Number of Deaths: 0
Date of Failure:
VIN : 1FMEE11N7PH...
Component: STEERING:GEAR BOX (OTHER THAN RACK AND PINION)
Summary:
STEERING GEAR BOX HAS SHEARED OFF THE FRAME OF THE VEHICLE. ALSO,THERE ARE VISIBLE
SIGNS OF RUST OR CORROSION. *AK
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Make : FORD Model : ECONOLINE Year : 1992
Manufacturer : FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Crash : No Fire : No Number of Injuries: 0
ODI ID Number : 825681 Number of Deaths: 0
Date of Failure: June 30, 1998
VIN : 1FMEE11N8NH...
Component: STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS
Summary:
WHEN OWNER TOOK VAN FOR AN FRONT END WHEEL ALIGNMENT A TECHICAN NOTICED THAT THE STEERING
GEAR BOX WAS CRACKING AT THE FRAME. THE WHOLE FRAME WILL BE REPLACED AT OWNER'S EXPENSE. *AK
------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NHTSA Action Number : PE96024 NHTSA Recall Campaign Number : N/A
Make / Models : Model/Build Years:
FORD / ECONOLINE 1994
Manufacturer : FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Component : STEERING:GEAR BOX (OTHER THAN RACK AND PINION)
Date Investigation Opened : March 27, 1996
Date Investigation Closed : July 18, 1996
Summary:
THE BOLTS WHICH SECURE THE STEERING GEAR TO VEHICLE STRUCTURE MAY FAIL, ALLOWING THE STEERING
GEAR TO SEPARATE FROM THE VEHICLE FRAME AND CAUSE INACCURATE STEERING AND/OR LOSS OF STEERING
CONTROL.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------
THE FOLLOWING WERE ADDED ON 12/31/2013
------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Date Complaint Filed: 11/29/2011
Component(s): STEERING
Date of Incident: 11/26/2011
NHTSA ID Number: 10437766
Crash:No
Fire:No
Number of Injuries:0
Number of Deaths:0
Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Vehicle Identification No. (VIN): 1FMEE11HXRH...
SUMMARY:
I WENT TO THE GROCERY STORE WITH MY 3 YEAR OLD AND AS I WAS BACKING OUT
THE STEERING COMPLETELY FAILED I STILL CANNOT GET THE VAN HOME YET BECAUSE
IT HAS YET TO BE FIXED. THE STEERING BOX SEPARATED FROM THE FRAME, WHERE
IT WAS MOUNTED AND SHEARED ALL 3 BOLTS AND PULLED ONE BOLT THROUGH THE FRAME.
HAD I BEEN DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY I WOULD HAVE WRECKED. I RESEARCHED IT ONLINE
AND FOUND IT TO BE A PRETTY COMMON THING IN 93'/94' FORD CLUBWAGONS AND IVE SEEN
PICTURES THAT LOOKED SIMILAR TO WHAT HAPPENED TO MY AUNTS VAN THAT I WAS DRIVING.
FROM WHAT I UNDERSTAND THERE IS STILL CURRENTLY NO RECALL ON THAT DEFECT AND IT
IS A DANGEROUS DEFECT THAT SHOULD BE RECALLED. *KB
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Date Complaint Filed: 03/26/2012
Component(s): STEERING
Date of Incident: 03/21/2012
NHTSA ID Number: 10452953
Crash:No
Fire:No
Number of Injuries:0
Number of Deaths:0
Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Vehicle Identification No. (VIN): Not Available
SUMMARY:
AS I WAS LEAVING THE PARKING LOT AT CLEVELAND CLINIC, I HEARD TWO LOUD BANGS
AND UPON LOOKING UNDER THE HOOD I NOTICED THE GEARBOX HAD PULLED FROM THE
FRAME AND THREE BOLTS SHEARED OFF LEAVING THE STEERING UNUSABLE AND THIS
INCIDENT HAD I BEEN DRIVING WOULD CERTAINLY HAVE RESULTED IN THE DEATH OF MY
WIFE AND I. WHY NO RECALL I ASK? UPON RESEARCHING, I AM FINDING MANY OF THE
SAME ISSUES FROM OWNERS OF THIS MODEL. *TR
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Date Complaint Filed: 02/26/2013
Component(s): STEERING , STRUCTURE
Date of Incident: 02/12/2013
NHTSA ID Number: 10500077
Crash:No
Fire:No
Number of Injuries:0
Number of Deaths:0
Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Vehicle Identification No. (VIN): 1FMEE11N1RH...
SUMMARY:
HOPE THIS ISN'T A DUP; I STARTED A REPORT YESTERDAY, BUT DON'T THINK I COMPLETED IT.
ASKED TO DO SOME WORK ON MY 1994 CLUB WAGON (167K MI), AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC
FOUND A CRACK ON THE LOWER SIDE OF THE FRAME, BENEATH THE STEERING BOX. HE WOULDN'T
DO THE WORK. SUBSEQUENTLY A BODY SHOP FOUND THERE WERE ACTUALLY TWO CRACKS, ONE ON
THE INBOARD SIDE OF THE FRAME, RADIATING FROM THE STEERING BOX MOUNTING HOLE,
TRAVELING BACK AND DOWN, AROUND THE LOWER CORNER OF THE FRAME, THEN FORWARD ABOUT 3"
ON THE LOWER FACE OF THE FRAME ,ALONG THE EDGE. THE LAST 2" OF THE CRACK WERE OPEN,
WITH ABOUT A 2MM GAP. THE CRACK ON THE OPPOSITE FACE TRAVELED IN AN ARC OF PERHAPS
60° DEGREES CENTERED ON THE MOUNTING BOLT HOLE, ABOUT 2" FROM THE CENTER, THEN
DIAGONALLY DOWN TO THE LOWER EDGE, THEN BACK A COUPLE OF INCHES ALONG THAT LOWER EDGE.
BOTH LOOK LIKE FATIGUE DUE TO SB TORQUE ON THE FRAME. FORD WON'T FIX THE PROBLEM,
PROVIDE A METHOD TO FIX IT, OR COMMENT ON THE POSSIBILITY OF FIXING IT. THE CORPORATE
CONSUMER HELP PHONE LINE SAID I SHOULD BUY A SHOP MANUAL AND READ IT TO DETERMINE IF
THERE IS A WAY TO FIX IT. THE LOCAL FORD DEALER RECOMMENDED A BODY SHOP. THAT SHOP
OFFERED TO WELD PATCHES OVER THE CRACKS. AFTER READING SIMILAR STORIES, THAT SOUNDS
LIKE A PROFOUNDLY BAD IDEA. A SEARCH THIS (NHTSB) SITE FOR SIMILAR PROBLEMS CLAIMS
15 TOTAL PROBLEMS WITH THIS MODEL AND YEAR. HOWEVER, ANOTHER SITE
(HTTP://HARRIGILL.NET/FORDVAN/INDEX.HTML) LISTS 39 FOR THE SAME MODEL AND YEAR, COPIED
FROM THE NHTSA IN 2007 - AND YET MORE FROM 1993. WHERE ARE THE OTHERS? AND WHAT OF
THE PROBLEM WITH THE SAME FRAME IN OTHER YEARS? WHAT IS THE TOTAL NUMBER OF REPORTED
PROBLEMS FOR THIS DESIGN, SUMMED OVER ALL YEARS? IT SEEMS TO ME THE NHTSA AND FORD
SHOULD HAVE WARNED OWNERS OF THIS PROBLEM. PERHAPS YOU HAVEN'T NOTICED BECAUSE FRAME
NOT IN YOUR LIST OF PARTS? *TR
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Date Complaint Filed: 06/30/2011
Component(s): STRUCTURE
Date of Incident: 04/09/2009
NHTSA ID Number: 10410141
Crash:No
Fire:No
Number of Injuries:0
Number of Deaths:0
Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Vehicle Identification No. (VIN): 1FMEE11N3RH...
SUMMARY:
I PURCHASED THIS 1994 FORD E-150 CLUBWAGON FROM A PRIVATE OWNER IN 08/2008, IT WAS
AND STILL IS IN BETTER THAN GOOD CONDITION. IT HAD A RECALL TO REPLACE A FUSED JUMPER
HARNESS WHICH WAS DONE IN 12/2008. IN EARLY SPRING OF 2009, I JUST BOUGHT A NEW SET OF
TIRES AND GOT A FRONT END ALIGNMENT, ABOUT TWO WEEKS LATER, I WAS TRAVELING AT ABOUT
45 MILES AN HOUR ON A BUSY FOUR LANE STREET, WHEN I HIT A BUMP IN THE ROAD AND MY VAN
BEGAN TO SHAKE VERY VIOLENTLY. AT THE SAME TIME I WAS PASSING A REPAIR SHOP, I GOT THE
VAN UNDER CONTROL AND PULL IN. BEING A CERTIFIED MECHANIC MYSELF I BEGAN TO EXAMINE
THE STEERING LINKAGE, EVERYTHING SEEMED FINE, WHEN THE SHOP MECHANIC NOTICED THAT THE
LOWER STEERING GEARBOX BOLT HAD WENT THROUGH THE FRAME AND HAD BROKE AT THE THREADS.
AFTER PUTTING IT IN THE SHOP A FEW TIMES, WITH SHORT TERM SUCCESS, THAT PARTICULAR AREA
OF THE FRAME CONTINUED TO HAVE PROBLEMS. WHAT STARTED OUT AS A SMALL HOLE, AFTER A FEW
ATTEMPTS AT THE SHOP, HAS NOW BECOME LARGER. I CHECKED WITH THE LOCAL FORD DEALER ABOUT
A RECALL, THERE WAS NONE. I'VE WORKED AS A MECHANIC FOR MANY YEARS, AND HAVE NEVER SEEN
THIS HAPPEN BEFORE, I HAVE A FEW THEORIES ON THE SUBJECT, POSSIBLY AN OVER TORQUED
GEARBOX AND/OR A VERY WEAK FRAME. BUT NEVERTHELESS FORD SHOULD RECALL THESE VEHICLES AND
MAKE THE NECESSARY REPAIRS BEFORE SOMEONE IS SERIOUSLY INJURED OR BECOMES A FATALITY.
BECAUSE THIS DEFECT COULD HAPPEN AT ANY GIVEN TIME AND WITHOUT WARNING. *TR
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Date Complaint Filed: 02/07/2012
Component(s): STEERING
Date of Incident: 02/01/2012
NHTSA ID Number: 10446974
Crash:No
Fire:No
Number of Injuries:0
Number of Deaths:0
Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Vehicle Identification No. (VIN): 1FDEE14H3RH...
SUMMARY:
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1994 FORD ECONOLINE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING
APPROXIMATELY 3 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED AND BECAME DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER.
THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE BOLTS
IN THE STEERING BOX FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE
MILEAGE WAS 181,000.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Date Complaint Filed: 02/06/2007
Component(s): STEERING
Date of Incident: 06/01/2006
NHTSA ID Number: 10181746
Crash:No
Fire:No
Number of Injuries:0
Number of Deaths:0
Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Vehicle Identification No. (VIN): 1FTEE14Y1RH...
SUMMARY:
TL* - THE CONTACT OWNS A 1994 FORD ECONOLINE 150. WHILE TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL
THERE WAS A LOUD NOISE. THE CONTACT OBSERVED THAT THE CENTER BOLT HAD COME OUT OF
THE STEERING WHEEL. THE CONTACT DROVE THE VEHICLE HOME. THE FRAME WAS SPLIT. *AK
UPDATED 02/27/07. *JB
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Date Complaint Filed: 06/17/1998
Component(s): STRUCTURE
Date of Incident: 06/02/1998
NHTSA ID Number: 823854
Crash:No
Fire:No
Number of Injuries:0
Number of Deaths:0
Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Vehicle Identification No. (VIN): 1FDEE14N4RH...
SUMMARY:
WHILE DRIVING THE VAN A CRACKING NOISE IS HEARD COMING FROM THE FRONT END WHEN MAKING
A RIGHT OR LEFT TURN. WHEN OWNER TOOK VAN TO BE CHECKED, A MECHANIC FOUND THAT THE
FRAME HAS TWO LARGE CRACKS UNDER THE GEAR BOX. OWNER WILL HAVE THE VAN REPAIRED. *AK
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Date Complaint Filed: 06/28/1999
Component(s): STEERING
Date of Incident: 04/30/1998
NHTSA ID Number: 841285
Crash:No
Fire:No
Number of Injuries:0
Number of Deaths:0
Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Vehicle Identification No. (VIN): 1FDEE14N2RH...
SUMMARY:
AT 5 MPH IN PARKING LOT, ATTEMPTED TO TURN STEERING WHEEL & IT FAILED TO TURN.
STEERING WHEEL BECAME FREE WHEELING AND THERE NO CONTROL OF VEHICLE. DID NOT HIT ANYTHING.
VEHICLE TOWED HOME. PICKED UP BOLTS FROM PARKING LOT; LOOK LIKE THEY WERE SHEARED OFF. *AK
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Date Complaint Filed: 07/12/2013
Component(s): STEERING
Date of Incident: 07/12/2013
NHTSA ID Number: 10524595
Crash:Yes
Fire:No
Number of Injuries:0
Number of Deaths:0
Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Vehicle Identification No. (VIN): Not Available
SUMMARY:
WHILE TURNING ON TO MY STREET THE THREE BOLTS HOLDING THE GEAR BOX TO THE FRAME SHEARED
OFF CAUSING LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. *TR
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Date Complaint Filed: 08/04/2010
Component(s): STEERING
Date of Incident: 08/01/2010
NHTSA ID Number: 10347246
Crash:No
Fire:No
Number of Injuries:0
Number of Deaths:0
Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Vehicle Identification No. (VIN): Not Available
SUMMARY:
1995 FORD E150 STEERING GEARBOX BOLTS SHEARED OFF FROM FRAME CAUSING TOTAL STEERING
FAILURE, VEHICLE HAD TO BE TOWED, COMPLETE LOSS OF STEERING, EXTREMELY DANGEROUS,
WOULD HAVE BEEN A HUGE WRECK IF FAILURE HAPPENED MOMENTS EARLIER. *TR
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Date Complaint Filed: 03/13/2002
Component(s): STRUCTURE
Date of Incident:
NHTSA ID Number: 8005633
Crash:No
Fire:No
Number of Injuries:0
Number of Deaths:0
Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Vehicle Identification No. (VIN): 1FMEE11N3SH...
SUMMARY:
NOTICED METAL FATIGUE CRACK IN FRAME NEAR THE STEERING BOX. BOLT GOES DIRECTLY
THROUGH FRAME TO STEERING BOX, IN WHICH THE BOLT CAME OFF. THERE WAS NO STEERING/
SPIDER CRACKS RUNNING THROUGH FRAME. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.*AK
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Date Complaint Filed: 03/08/2013
Component(s): STEERING , STRUCTURE
Date of Incident: 02/01/2013
NHTSA ID Number: 10502038
Crash:No
Fire:No
Number of Injuries:0
Number of Deaths:0
Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Vehicle Identification No. (VIN): 1FDEE14Y8PH...
SUMMARY:
DRIVING HOME FROM SHOPPING I BACKED OUT OF A PARKING SPACE AND HEARD A LOUD
POPPING SOUND UPON INSPECTION THE 2 MOUNTING BOLTS HOLDING THE GEARBOX TO THE
FRAME RAIL HAD SHEARED OFF AND THE 3RD ONE HAD RIPPED THROUGH THE FRAME RAIL
COMPLETELY AND DROPPED THE GEARBOX HAD TO HAVE IT TOWED HOME UPON FURTHER I
NSPECTION THERE ARE STRESS CRACKS AROUND THE MOUNTING HOLES FOR THE GEARBOX
BOLTS. *TR
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Date Complaint Filed: 04/21/2009
Component(s): STEERING
Date of Incident: 04/20/2009
NHTSA ID Number: 10266268
Crash:No
Fire:No
Number of Injuries:0
Number of Deaths:0
Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Vehicle Identification No. (VIN): 1FDEE14N2PH...
SUMMARY:
WIFE WAS DRIVING VAN OUT OF DRIVEWAY HEARD A LOUD SNAPPING SOUND AND SHE LOST
STEERING AND BRAKES WENT OUT SHE DID NOT MAKE IT TOO THE ROAD I WENT OUT AND LOOKED
AT VAN AND THE STEERING BOX BOLTS HAD SNAPPED OFF CAUSING THE STEERING BOX TOO HIT
BRAKE LINE VAN WAS TOWED TO REPAIR SHOP REPAIRS ARE PENDING. *TR
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Date Complaint Filed: 01/11/2011
Component(s): STEERING
Date of Incident: 01/09/2011
NHTSA ID Number: 10376240
Crash:No
Fire:No
Number of Injuries:0
Number of Deaths:0
Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company
Vehicle Identification No. (VIN): 1FMEE11N3PH...
SUMMARY:
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1993 FORD ECONOLINE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING
APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH AND MAKING A RIGHT TURN THEY HEARD A LOUD SNAPPING NOISE.
THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME VERY LOOSE AND CONTINUED TO MOVE INSTEAD OF STOPPING
AT A SPECIFIC POINT. NO WARNING LIGHTS APPEARED ON THE INSTRUMENTAL PANEL. THE
VEHICLE WAS UNABLE TO BE DRIVEN. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED AND INSPECTED BY A INDEPENDENT
MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THE STEERING GEAR BOLTS SNAPPED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED.
THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 168,000.
UPDATED 03/24/11*LJ UPDATED 12/14/11 *CN
------------------------------------------------------------------------
