15S14 – Steering Gear Motor Bolt Corrosion – 2013-2015 Ford Fusion & Lincoln MKZ, 2015 Ford Edge

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NHTSA

15V250

SUMMARY:

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2013-2015 Ford Fusion and Lincoln MKZ vehicles manufactured February 3, 2012, to March 20, 2015, and 2015 Ford Edge vehicles manufactured February 26, 2015, to February 28, 2015, and originally sold, or currently registered in, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, Wisconsin and the District of Columbia.

In the affected vehicles, snow or water containing road salt or other contaminants may corrode the electric power steering gear motor attachment bolts.

 

CONSEQUENCE:

If the bolts corrode, the steering gear motor may detach from the gear housing resulting in a loss of power steering assist.

Loss of power steering assist would require a higher steering effort, especially at lower speeds, which may increase the risk of a crash.

 

REMEDY:

Ford will notify owners, and dealers will apply sealer and replace the steering gear motor bolts as required.

If one or more of the steering gear motor attachment bolts are broken or missing, a new steering gear will be installed in the vehicle.

These repairs will be performed free of charge.

The recall began on June 24, 2015.

Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332.

Ford’s number for this recall is 15S14.

 

NOTES:

Owners 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.

 

Check if your Vehicle has a Recall

 

July 16, 2015

TO: All U.S.Ford and Lincoln Dealers

SUBJECT: DELIVERY HOLD – Safety Recall 15S14 Supplement #3
Certain 2013-2015 Model Year Fusion and MKZ and 2015 Model Year Edge Vehicles  Steering Gear Motor Bolt Corrosion

REF: Regional Program 15R01 Supplement #1
Dated July 10, 2015

 

REASON FOR THIS SUPPLEMENT

Provide updated labor allowances and technical instructions.

 

AFFECTED VEHICLES

Vehicle Line Model Year Assembly Plant Build Dates
Fusion 2014-2015 Flat Rock Job #1 2014 through March 13, 2015
Fusion 2013-2015 Hermosillo Job #1 2013 through March 19, 2015
MKZ 2013-2015 Hermosillo Job #1 2013 through March 20, 2015
Edge 2015 Oakville February 26, 2015 through February 28, 2015

 

This recall applies to the affected vehicles originally sold in, or currently registered in the following states:

Connecticut Iowa Minnesota Ohio Wisconsin
Delaware Maine Missouri Pennsylvania
District of Columbia Maryland New Hampshire Rhode Island
Illinois Massachusetts New Jersey Vermont
Indiana Michigan New York West Virginia

 

Affected vehicles are identified in OASIS and FSA VIN List.

NOTE:  Some sold vehicles were inadvertently activated in OASIS under 15S14 that should have been under 15R01.  This was corrected May 31, 2015.

 

REASON FOR THIS SAFETY RECALL

In some of the affected vehicles, when operated in high-corrosion environments associated with road salt use, one or more of the three steering gear motor bolts may fracture due to corrosion.  If this occurs, it may result in a loss of power steering assist, increasing the risk of a crash.  The mechanical linkage between the steering wheel and the road is maintained at all times.  The steering system will default to manual steering mode, allowing the vehicle to be steered in a safe and controlled manner.

 

SERVICE ACTION

Before delivering any of the vehicles involved in this recall, dealers are to perform one of the following:

Aerosol VG-101A or Daubert NOX RUST 7703-W to specific locations on the steering gear.

  • This procedure should only be performed on new in-stock vehicles because these vehicles have not had the potential to accumulate corrosion damage in the steering gear motors with time in service.
  • A very limited number of 2015 Edge vehicles (11) are affected by this recall. Ford is not aware of any new in-stock 2015 Edge vehicles currently in dealer inventory affected by this program.
  • All sold vehicles:
    • Dealers are to remove the original steering gear motor bolts, install revised bolts, and apply sealant to specified areas of the steering gear.
    • If any of the original steering gear motor bolts are broken, missing or break during removal, dealers will replace the steering gear assembly.
    • This service must be performed on affected vehicles at no charge to the vehicle owner.

 

OWNER NOTIFICATION MAILING SCHEDULE

Owners of record will be notified via first-class mail the week of June 22, 2015, when it is expected that complete parts ordering and repair instructions will be available to support this safety recall.

 

PLEASE NOTE:

Federal law requires dealers to complete this recall service before a new vehicle is delivered to the buyer or lessee.  Violation of this requirement by a dealer could result in a civil penalty of up to $7,000 per vehicle.  Correct all vehicles in your new vehicle inventory before delivery.

 

New! ATTACHMENTS

Attachment I: Administrative Information
Attachment II: Labor Allowances and Parts Ordering Information
Attachment III: Technical Information
Owner Notification Letter
Recall Reimbursement Plan

 

QUESTIONS & ASSISTANCE

Special Service Support Center (Dealer Assistance Only)          1-800-325-5621

 

ATTACHMENT I

DELIVERY HOLD – Safety Recall 15S14 – Supplement #3
Certain 2013-2015 Model Year Fusion and MKZ and 2015 Model Year Edge Vehicles
Steering Gear Motor Bolt Corrosion

 

OASIS ACTIVATED?

Yes, OASIS will be activated on April 29, 2015.

 

FSA VIN LIST ACTIVATED?

Yes, FSA VIN list will be available through https://web.fsavinlists.dealerconnection.com April 29, 2015.  Owner names and addresses will be available by July 8, 2015.

NOTE:  Your FSA VIN list may contain owner names and addresses obtained from motor vehicle registration records.  The use of such motor vehicle registration data for any purpose other than in connection with this recall is a violation of law in several states, provinces, and countries.

Accordingly, you must limit the use of this listing to the follow-up necessary to complete this recall.

 

STOCK VEHICLES

Correct all affected units in your new vehicle inventory before delivery.

 

SOLD VEHICLES

  • Owners of affected vehicles will be directed to dealers for repairs.
  • Immediately contact any of your affected customers whose vehicles are not on your VIN list but are identified in OASIS. Give the customer a copy of the Owner Notification Letter (when available) and schedule a service date.
  • Correct other affected vehicles identified in OASIS which are brought to your dealership.

 

TITLE BRANDED / SALVAGED VEHICLES

Affected title branded and salvaged vehicles are eligible for this recall.

 

ADDITIONAL LABOR TIME AND/OR PARTS

Contact the Special Service Support Center (SSSC) if you have any of the following:

  • Damage that you believe was caused by the covered condition.
  • A condition that requires additional labor and/or parts to complete the repair.
  • Aftermarket equipment or non-Ford modifications to the vehicle which might prevent the repair of the covered condition.

Contact the SSSC prior to the repair.  Please be prepared to provide your requested additional warranty part cost, estimated additional labor time, and dealer specific labor rate.  Requests for approval after completion of the repair may not be granted.  Ford Motor Company reserves the right to deny coverage for related damage in cases where the vehicle owner has not had this recall performed on a timely basis.  Additional related damage parts are subject to random selection for return to the Ford Warranty Parts Analysis Center (WPAC).   

 

OWNER REFUNDS

  • This safety recall must still be performed, even if the owner has paid for a previous repair. Claiming a refund will not close the recall on the vehicle. 
  • Ford Motor Company is offering a refund for owner-paid repairs covered by this recall if the repair was performed prior to the date indicated in the reimbursement plan, which is posted with this bulletin. Owners are directed to seek reimbursement through authorized dealers or, at their option, directly through Ford Motor Company at P.O. Box 6251, Dearborn, MI 481216251.
  • Dealers are also pre-approved to refund owner-paid emergency repairs that were performed away from an authorized servicing dealer after the end date specified in the reimbursement plan. Non-covered repairs, or those judged by Ford to be excessive, will not be reimbursed.
  • Refunds will only be provided for the cost associated with steering gear replacement caused by corroded steering gear motor bolts.

 

RENTAL VEHICLES  

The use of rental vehicles is not approved for this program.

 

CLAIMS PREPARATION AND SUBMISSION

  • Enter claims using Direct Warranty Entry (DWE) or One Warranty Solution (OWS).
    • DWE: Refer to ACESII manual for claims preparation and submission information.
    • OWS: When entering claims in DMS software, select claim type 31: Field Service Action.  The FSA number (15S14) is the sub code.
  • Refer to ACESII manual for claims preparation and submission information.
  • Additional labor and/or parts must be claimed as related damage on a repair line that is separate from the repair line on which the FSA is claimed. Additional labor and/or parts require prior approval from the Special Service Support Center.
  • Submit refunds on a separate repair line.
    • Program Code: 15S14     –  Expense:  ADMIN
    • Expense: REFUND         –  Misc. Expense:  0.2 Hrs.
  • Multiple refunds should be submitted on one repair line and the invoice details for each repair should be detailed in the comments section of the claim.
  • Provision for Locally Obtained Supplies: Valugard VG-101A Rust Inhibitor Aerosol or Daubert NOX RUST 7703-W.  Submit on the same line as the repair.
    • Program Code: 15S14
    • Expense: OTHER
    • Expense: Claim up to $5.00

 

ATTACHMENT II

DELIVERY HOLD – Safety Recall 15S14 – Supplement #3
Certain 2013-2015 Model Year Fusion and MKZ and 2015 Model Year Edge Vehicles
Steering Gear Motor Bolt Corrosion

 

LABOR ALLOWANCES

Description Labor Operation Labor Time
New unsold Fusion/MKZ – apply sealer to specific locations on steering gear 15S14B 0.9 Hours
Install three new steering gear motor bolts and apply sealer to specific locations on steering gear 15S14C Edge/Fusion/MKZ   1.0 Hrs

MKZ 3.7L TiVCT     1.7 Hrs

One of the three steering gear motor bolts broke attempting to remove – replace steering gear assembly (includes time to set toe) 15S14D Edge/Fusion           3.7 Hrs

MKZ 4.3 Hrs

MKZ 3.7 TiVCT
4.8 Hrs 

Vehicle arrives at dealer with steering gear motor bolt(s) broken –  replace steering gear assembly (includes time to set toe) 15S14E Edge/Fusion
3.5 Hrs
MKZ 4.2 Hrs  MKZ 3.7 TiVCT
4.7 Hrs

 

PARTS REQUIREMENTS / ORDERING INFORMATION

All vehicles

Part Number Description Quantity
W503298-S439 Steering Gear Motor Bolts (one package includes four bolts –  three bolts required per vehicle) 1
VG-101A Valugard Rust Inhibitor Aerosol (obtain from www.valugard.net) Claim as MISC OTHER
7703-W 15S14 - Steering Gear Motor Bolt Corrosion - 2013-2015 Ford Fusion & Lincoln MKZ, 2015 Ford Edge | small light Daubert NOX RUST (obtain from www.daubertchemical.com)

 

MKZ with 3.7L TiVCT Engine

Part Number Description Quantity
W520103-S442eBay Exhaust Nut (one package includes four nuts – 8 nuts required per vehicle) 2
7T4Z-9450-AA Exhaust Gasket – Exhaust Y-pipe to catalyst 1
BT4Z-9450-A Exhaust Gasket – Exhaust Y-pipe to muffler assembly 1

 

PARTS REQUIREMENTS / ORDERING INFORMATION (continued)

The DOR/COR number for this recall is 50595.

NOTE:  Either Valugard or Daubert brand products can be used.

  • For assistance obtaining Valugard products, contact Automotive International customer service at 800-543-7156 Monday – Friday 8:00AM to 5:00PM Eastern Time.
  • For assistance obtaining Daubert products, contact Daubert at 800-688-0459 Monday – Friday 8:00AM to 5:00PM Central Time.

Both Valugard and Daubert have rust preventative product available in bulk quantities (e.g. Quarts,   5-gallons, and larger).  These products are applied using commercially available spray equipment compatible with cavity wax coatings.  In addition, both Valugard and Daubert also have spray equipment available for application.

  • Valugard – Part Number VG-CRG
  • Daubert – Part Number 3300 HSDR Pressure Pot Kit

Questions regarding parts should be directed to the Special Service Support Center (1-800-325-5621) or E-mailed to:  Ford@Renkim.com.

 

DEALER PRICE  

For latest prices, refer to DOES II.

 

PARTS RETENTION AND RETURN

Follow the provisions of the Warranty and Policy Manual, Section 1 “WARRANTY PARTS RETENTION AND RETURN POLICIES.”

 

EXCESS STOCK RETURN

Excess stock returned for credit must have been purchased from Ford Customer Service Division in accordance with Policy Procedure Bulletin 4000.

 

ATTACHMENT III

CERTAIN 2013 THROUGH 2015 MODEL YEAR FUSION AND MKZ AND 2015 MODEL YEAR EDGE VEHICLES — STEERING GEAR MOTOR BOLT CORROSION

 

SERVICE PROCEDURE

Remove Underbody Shields – Fusion and MKZ Vehicles

NOTE: For Edge vehicles, proceed to Page 2.

  1. Remove the engine front undershield and the engine undershield. Please follow the Workshop Manual (WSM) procedures in Section 501-02.
  2. Remove both underbody side shields. See Figure 1.

NOTE: Left side shown right side similar.

engine undershieldFIGURE 1

 

  1. Remove the six nuts and the underbody crossbrace.  See Figure 2.

UNDERBODY CROSSBRACEFIGURE 2

 

Remove underbody shields – Edge Vehicles

  1. Remove the underbody shield. See Figure 3.

NOTE: One piece underbody shield shown two piece underbody shield similar.

 underbody shieldFIGURE 3

 

  1. If equipped, remove the center underbody shield.  See Figure 4.

center underbody shieldFIGURE 4

 

  1. If equipped, remove the steering gear motor heat shield.  See Figure 5.

steering gear motor heat shieldFIGURE 5

 

MKZ Vehicles Equipped With 3.7L

  1. Remove the exhaust y-pipe. Please follow the WSM procedures in Section 309-00B.
  2. Remove the right hand (RH) roll restrictor bolt. See Figure 6.

ROLL RESTRICTOR BOLTFIGURE 6

 

  1. With the help of an assistant using a pry bar between the subframe and roll restrictor bracket, position the engine forward to provide clearance. Remove the steering gear motor heat shield. See Figure 7.

NOTE: Edge steering gear motor heat shield shown MKZ similar.

steering gear motor heat shieldFIGURE 7

 

New in-stock – Fusion and MKZ Vehicles

  1. For new in-stock vehicles, proceed directly to “Apply Corrosion Protection” on Page 7. Application of corrosion protection is the only service required on new in-stock vehicles.

 

Steering Gear Motor Inspection – All Vehicles

  1. Inspect the steering gear motor for signs of separation, broken or missing bolts. See Figure 8.
  2. Are any of the bolts broken or missing, or is a gap is present between the motor and motor housing?
    • Yes – replace the steering gear. Please follow the WSM procedures in Section 211-02. Proceed to “Apply Corrosion Protection” on Page 7.
    • No – proceed to “Replace Steering Gear Motor Bolts”.

STEERING GEAR MOTORFIGURE 8

 

Replace steering Gear Motor bolts – All Vehicles

NOTE: This repair involves the replacement of the three steering gear motor to steering gear housing bolts. See Figures 9, 10, 11, 12 and 13.

steering Gear Motor boltsFIGURE 9

 

Important: The steering gear motor bolts must be removed and replaced one at a time to preserve belt tension. Failure to do so may result in belt damage and steering gear replacement may be required.

  1. Working from the front of the subframe, first replace steering gear motor bolt one. Then replace bolt two. See Figures 10 and 11.
    • Tighten to 22.5 Nm (17 lb-ft).

 steering gear motor boltFIGURE 10

 

 steering gear motor boltFIGURE 11

 

  1. Working from the rear of the subframe, replace steering gear motor bolt three, then proceed to “Apply Corrosion Protection” on Page 7. See Figures 12 and 13.
    • Tighten to 22.5 Nm (17 lb-ft).

 steering gear motor boltFIGURE 12

 

 steering gear motor boltFIGURE 13

 

Apply Corrosion Protection

NOTE: Valugard Rust Inhibitor Aerosol VG-101A or Daubert NOX RUST 7703-W Corrosion Protection (sealant) must be applied to the eight steering gear bolt heads, threads, and the steering gear motor to gear housing mating seam. See Figures 14 and 15.

Apply Corrosion ProtectionFIGURE 14

 

Apply Corrosion ProtectionFIGURE 15

 

  1. Remove the RH front wheel. Please follow the WSM procedures in Section 204-04A.
  2. Working from inside the RH wheelwell, insert spray nozzle under motor and forward between motor and gear. Apply sealant to housing and gear motor seam, gear motor and housing bolts five and six heads, threads and thread holes. See Figures 16 and 17.

Apply Corrosion ProtectionFIGURE 16

 

Apply Corrosion ProtectionFIGURE 17

 

  1. Working from the rear of the subframe, insert nozzle between the steering gear and subframe underneath housing seam. Apply sealant to gear motor bolt three, steering gear to housing seam and housing bolts four and eight heads, threads and thread holes. See Figures 18 and 19.

Apply Corrosion ProtectionFIGURE 18

 

Apply Corrosion ProtectionFIGURE 19

 

NOTE: Be sure the sealant coats the top of the gear motor seam and the bolt thread holes.

  1. Working from the front of the subframe, insert nozzle between steering gear and subframe housing seam. Apply sealant to gear motor bolts one and two, steering gear to housing seam, housing bolts five, six and seven heads, threads and thread holes. See Figures 20 and 21.

Apply Corrosion ProtectionFIGURE 20

 

Apply Corrosion ProtectionFIGURE 21

 

  1. Install the RH front wheel.  Please follow the WSM procedures in Section 204-04A.

 

MKZ Vehicles Equipped With 3.7L

  1. With the help of an assistant using a pry bar between the subframe and roll restrictor bracket, position the engine forward to provide clearance. Install the steering gear motor heat shield. See Figure 7.
    • Tighten to 8 Nm (71 lb-in).
  2. Install the RH roll restrictor bolt. See Figure 6.
    1. Clean the bolt threads using a suitable wire brush.
    2. Apply Motorcraft Threadlock 262/TA-26 to restrictor bolt.
      • Tighten to 115 Nm (85 Lb-ft).
  3. Install the exhaust y-pipe. Please follow the WSM procedures in Section 309-00B.

Install underbody shields – Edge Vehicles

  1. If equipped, install the steering gear motor heat shield. See Figure 5.
    • • Tighten to 8 Nm (71 lb-in).
  2. If equipped, install the center underbody shield. See Figure 4.
  3. Install the underbody shield. See Figure 3.

Install underbody shields – Fusion and MKZ Vehicles

  1. Install the underbody crossbrace and the six nuts. See Figure 2.
    • Tighten to 45 Nm (33 lb-ft).
  2. Install both underbody shields. See Figure 1.
    • Tighten to 9 Nm (80 lb-in).
  3. Install the engine front undershield and the engine undershield. Please follow the WSM procedures in Section 501-02.

 

 

Ford Motor Company Recall Reimbursement Plan for 15S14

Ford and Lincoln dealers are in the best position to quickly and efficiently process reimbursement requests.  However, federal legislation requires all motor vehicle manufacturers to establish processes through which customers may seek recall reimbursement directly from the manufacturer or from the dealers.

Regarding the specific reimbursement plan for Recall # 15S14, owners who have paid for service to remedy the defect or noncompliance must have had that service performed prior to July 31, 2015.     After this date, if repairs related to this recall are performed by a non-Ford repair facility in an emergency situation, customers must submit any refund requests through their dealership.  As required by this federal regulation, Ford Motor Company submitted the details of its latest General Recall Reimbursement Plan in a letter to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in February 2009.  The following is the text of that letter and the Plan:

 

General Recall Reimbursement Plan
(As submitted to the NHTSA)

Pursuant to the requirements set forth in 49 CFR Part 573 and Part 577 of the Code of Federal Regulations, Ford Motor Company (Ford) is submitting required information pertaining to our general reimbursement plan for the cost of remedies paid for by vehicle owners before they are notified of a related safety recall.

Set forth below is Ford’s general plan to reimburse owners and purchasers for costs incurred for remedies in advance of notification of potential safely-related defects or non-compliances pursuant to Part 573.6 (c)(8)(i).  This plan has not changed since our February 28, 2007 submission.

 

Reimbursement Notification

Ford’s notice to a vehicle owner in accordance with 49 CFR Part 577 will indicate that Ford is offering a refund if the owner paid to have service to remedy the defect or noncompliance prior to a

specified ending date.  In accordance with Part 573.13 (c)(2), this ending date will be defined as a minimum of ten calendar days after the date on which Ford mailed the last of its Part 577 notifications to owners, and will be indicated in the specific reimbursement plan available to owners for an individual recall.  This notice will direct owners to seek eligible reimbursement through authorized dealers or, at their option, directly through Ford at the following address:

 

Ford Motor Company
P.O. Box 6251
Dearborn, MI  48121-6251

 

Ford notes that this rule allows for the identification of a beginning date for reimbursement eligibility.  Under the rule, an owner who paid to remedy the defect or noncompliance prior to the identified beginning date would not be eligible for reimbursement.  Ford generally has not established such a beginning date for reimbursement eligibility and does not presently anticipate changing this general policy.  However, in any case where Ford determines a beginning date is appropriate, Ford will indicate that date in the owner notice.  As permitted by 577.11(e), Ford may not include a

reimbursement notification when all vehicles are well within the warranty period, subject to approval by the agency.

 

Costs to be Reimbursed

For vehicles, reimbursement will not be less than the lesser of:

  • The amount paid by the owner for the remedy that specifically addressed and was reasonably necessary to correct the defect or noncompliance that is the subject of the recall, or
  • The cost of parts for the remedy (to be no more than the manufacturer’s list retail price for authorized part(s), plus associated labor at local labor rates, miscellaneous fees (such as disposal of waste) and taxes.

For replacement equipment, reimbursement will be the amount paid by the owner for the replacement item (limited by the amount of the retail list price of the defective or noncompliant item that was replaced, plus taxes, where the brand or model purchased by the owner was different than the brand or model that was the subject of the recall).  If the item of motor vehicle equipment was repaired, the reimbursement provisions identified above for vehicles will apply.

Ford notes that costs incurred by the owner within the period during which Ford’s original or extended warranty would have provided for a free repair of the problem will not be eligible for reimbursement, as provided by Part 573.13 (d)(1).

 

Entities Authorized to Provide Reimbursement

Ford will continue to use authorized dealers to reimburse owners under the specific reimbursement plans for a particular recall, and will encourage owners to pursue requests for reimbursement directly through dealers to expedite reimbursement.  Ford will also provide a mailing address to which customers can, at their option, send requests for reimbursement directly to Ford, as previously noted.  Requests for reimbursement sent directly to Ford may take up to 60 days to process.  Whether the owner chooses to pursue reimbursement requests through a dealer or directly through Ford, the owner will be directed to submit the required documentation, upon which reimbursement eligibility will be determined.

 

Required Documentation

The reimbursement determination will depend upon the information provided by the customer.  Consistent with Part 573.13 (d)(4) the following information must be submitted:

  • Claimant name and address
  • Vehicle make, model, and model year
  • Vehicle identification number (VIN) and, for replacement equipment, a description of such equipment or, for tires, the model, size and TIN (DOT code)
  • Identification of the recall number (either the Ford recall number or the NHTSA recall number)
  • Identification of the owner of the recalled vehicle at the time that the pre-notification remedy was obtained
  • An original receipt for the pre-notification remedy that includes a breakdown of the amount for parts, labor, other costs and taxes, including costs for the replacement item. Where the receipt covers work other than to address the recall or noncompliance, Ford may require the claimant to separately identify costs that are eligible for reimbursement.
  • If the remedy was obtained during the warranty period, documentation indicating that the warranty was not honored or the warranty repair did not correct the problem related to the recall.

Failure to submit all of the above information may result in denial of the reimbursement request.

 

Additional Information

The Part 577 required owner notice will provide a toll-free telephone number through which specific information about the reimbursement plan can be requested from Ford.  This general reimbursement plan will be incorporated into notifications pursuant to Part 573.6 by reference.  Information specific to an individual recall also may be incorporated into the Part 573.6 notification.

 

June 2015

 

* * * IMPORTANT SAFETY RECALL * * *
(PROGRAMA DE SEGURIDAD IMPORTANTE)

 

Safety Recall Notice 15S14 / NHTSA Recall 15V-250
Aviso de Revisión de Seguridad 15S14

 

Mr. John Sample
123 Main Street
Anywhere, USA 12345

 

This notice applies to your vehicle, 12345678901234567.

This notice is sent to you in accordance with the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act.

Ford Motor Company has decided that a defect which relates to motor vehicle safety exists in your vehicle, with the Vehicle Identification Number shown above.

We apologize for this situation and want to assure you that, with your assistance, we will correct this condition.  Our commitment, together with your dealer, is to provide you with the highest level of service and support.

What is the issue? Your vehicle may experience loss of power steering assist while driving due to a corroded power steering motor attachment.  When operated in high-corrosion environments associated with road salt use, it may be possible for the steering gear motor attachment bolts to fracture.  If the steering gear motor becomes loose or detaches from the gear housing, it may result in a loss of power steering assist.  The steering system would default to manual steering mode, requiring higher steering efforts at lower vehicle speeds, which may increase the risk of a crash.
What will Ford and your dealer do? Ford Motor Company has authorized your dealer to inspect the steering gear motor attachment bolts and replace the steering gear assembly if any bolts are missing or broken.  If none of the bolts are missing or broken, your dealer will remove the original motor attachment bolts, install revised bolts, and apply sealant to specified areas of the steering gear.  This service will be performed free of charge (parts and labor).
How long will it take? The time needed for this repair is less than one-half day.  However, due to scheduling requirements, your dealer may need your vehicle for a longer period of time.  In addition, your vehicle will/may require an inspection to determine if parts need to be ordered.
What should you do? Please call your dealer without delay and request a service date for Recall 15S14.  Provide the dealer with the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) of your vehicle.  The VIN is printed near your name at the beginning of this letter.

If you do not already have a servicing dealer, you can access www.Fordowner.com for dealer addresses, maps, and driving instructions.

Ford Motor Company wants you to have this safety recall completed on your vehicle.  The vehicle owner is responsible for making arrangements to have the work completed.  Ford Motor Company can deny coverage for any vehicle damage that may result from the failure to have this recall performed on a timely basis.  Therefore, please have this recall performed as soon as possible.

Please note:  Federal law requires that any vehicle lessor receiving this recall notice must forward a copy of this notice to the lessee within ten days.

Have you previously paid for this repair? If you have previously paid for a repair that addresses the issue described in this letter, you still need to have this recall performed to ensure the correct parts and procedures were used.

You may be eligible for a refund of previously paid repairs.  Refunds will only be provided for service related to replace the steering gear.  To verify eligibility and expedite reimbursement, give your paid original receipt to your dealer.

Refund requests may also be sent directly to Ford Motor Company.  To request your refund from Ford, send the refund request with all required documentation, including your original repair receipt (no photocopies), to Ford Motor Company at P.O. Box 6251, Dearborn, Michigan 48121-6251.  Refund requests mailed to this address may take up to 60 days to process.  Your original receipt will be returned to you.

Detailed information regarding eligibility for Ford’s reimbursement program and documentation requirements may be obtained by contacting the Ford Customer Relationship Center at 1-866-436-7332.

What if you no longer own this vehicle? If you no longer own this vehicle, and have an address for the current owner, please forward this letter to the new owner.

You received this notice because government regulations require that notification be sent to the last known owner of record.  Our records are based primarily on state registration and title data, which indicate that you are the current owner.

Can we assist you further? Can we assist you    If you have difficulties getting your vehicle repaired promptly and without charge, please contact your dealership’s Service Manager for assistance.

 RETAIL OWNERS:  If you still have concerns, please contact the Ford Motor Company Customer Relationship Center at 1-866-436-7332 and one of our representatives will be happy to assist you.  For the hearing impaired call 1-800-232-5952 (TDD).  Representatives are available Monday through Friday:  8:00AM – 8:00PM (Eastern Time).

If you wish to contact us through the Internet, our address is:  www.Fordowner.com.

Para asistencia en Español: 

Si necesita ayuda o tiene alguna pregunta, por favor llame al Centro de Relación con Clientes al 1-866-436-7332 y presione 2 para Español.

FLEET OWNERS:  If you still have concerns, please contact the Fleet Customer Information Center at 1-800-34-FLEET, Choose Option #3 and one of our representatives will be happy to assist you.  Representatives are available Monday through Friday:  8:00AM – 8:00PM (Eastern Time).

Or you may contact us through the Internet at www.fleet.ford.com.

(If you are still having difficulty getting your vehicle repaired in a reasonable time or without charge, you may write the Administrator, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 1200 New Jersey Ave.

S.E., Washington, D.C. 20590 or call the toll free Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-424-9153) or go to www.safercar.gov.  Reference NHTSA Safety Recall 15V-250.

 

Thank you for your attention to this important matter.

Ford Customer Service Division

 

2 thoughts on “15S14 – Steering Gear Motor Bolt Corrosion – 2013-2015 Ford Fusion & Lincoln MKZ, 2015 Ford Edge”

  1. Hi, just wanting some advice please about this issue, I have a 2014 Ford Mondeo VIN number WF0FXXWPCFEG31372 with this exact fault, when i go on the ETIS website it is automatically saying the car is in the \United States, we are in the UK and we have changed the country to United Kingdom and the re-call still comes up. We have been to our local Ford dealer who have said this problem is not coming up for our car on the ETIS Website, Would you know if our car has been imported or would you have another car with same VIN plate in America.

    Reply

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