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Ford Recalls 423K Vehicles For Power Steering Issues; 4 Accidents Reported

DEARBORN (WWJ) - Ford is recalling several different vehicle models over issues with power steering that have been responsible for causing at least four accidents.

The recall covers approximately 423,000 vehicles -- including 2011-2013 Ford Taurus and Flex vehicles, Lincoln MKS and MKT vehicles; 2011-2012 Ford Fusion and Lincoln MKZ vehicles; and 2011 Mercury Milan vehicles.

Ford says a potential intermittent electrical connection in the steering gear might result in the loss of electric power steering assist while driving. If this happens, the steering system defaults to manual steering mode, making the vehicle more difficult to steer, especially at lower speeds. This could result in the increased risk of a crash.

Ford is aware of four minor accidents that might be related to this condition, but no injuries.

Affected vehicles include certain 2011-2013 Ford Flex and Lincoln MKT vehicles built at Oakville Assembly Plant Sept. 7, 2010 to Feb. 28, 2012; certain 2011-2012 Ford Fusion and Lincoln MKZ vehicles built at Hermosillo Assembly Plant Sept. 7, 2010 to Feb. 28, 2012; certain 2011 Mercury Milan vehicles built at Hermosillo Assembly Plant Sept. 7, 2010 to Dec. 10, 2010; and certain 2011-2013 Ford Taurus and Lincoln MKS vehicles built at Chicago Assembly Plant Sept. 7, 2010 to Feb. 28, 2012.

Dealers will perform one of two service fixes, depending upon whether certain diagnostic trouble codes are present in the vehicle. They will either update software for the power steering control module or replace the steering gear.

Separately, Ford is also recalling 19,500 2015 Mustangs with 2.3-Liter engines, due to high underbody temperatures that could degrade the fuel tank and parking brake cable seals. Dealers will replace a heat shield and add insulation.

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