bigmike67

This week I had a total failure of my EAPS (Electric Assist Power Steering) in a 2011 F150 with 50,000 miles. The scary part was that this occurred in the middle of a tight parking lot, and I came very close to smashing into a parked car. I was in the middle of a turn, and the wheel locked up. I hesitated for a second, and quickly slammed on the brakes. It turns out that the wheel was NOT locked, but the wheel felt very heavy. I’m a 6’2” 220 lb gym rat, and it was a work out getting that truck home safely.

The EAPS system was introduced in 2011 to improve gas mileage in the F150 fleet. The electric motor that fails is buried inside the rack and pinion steering system, so the fix is a complete replacement for $1,600 ($1,200 in parts). The dealership recommended that I call Ford for assistance. The first answer was no. I stewed for a few hours and called back a little more forcefully, and now Ford has set up a case number for consideration. The truck is fixed and ready for pick up, but the dealer recommends that I wait for a resolution before paying for the full repair. Two days and counting...

I’m willing to pay something, but it’s a shame that the under-engineered electric motor cannot be replaced independently from the entire rack and pinion system. I see several threads out there on this topic, and I wanted to shed more light on yet another failure. Ford will do nothing unless there is enough customer noise to resolve the issue.

Like I said to the Ford rep – I would be better off to have had a major accident as a result of this EAPS failure. At least then I would have a legal case to pursue against Ford. It just doesn’t seem right to fight so hard for fair and equitable treatment.

rdkev

I'm pretty sure it's called EPAS. Electronic Power Assisted Steering.

rdkev

Now I'm nervous.

FordService

Hi bigmike67,

Send me a PM with your case number, and I'll see how things are progressing along.

Ashley

bigmike67

Ashley,

I hope this is a PM. Not quite sure...

Case # CAS-3236446-Z7R8Y5

ns_redneck

click on her username the click private message.

NASSTY

You have to fight hard when your bumper to bumper warranty is expired and usually it doesn't help. Hopefully they help you out.

ji603

Are you lifted OP?

Jrister24

I had this part fail on my 2011 Explorer last year (almost to the day). I was in a parking lot and lost steering and almost hit a parked car. It was a pretty common thing to happen to the Explorers, so much the part was back ordered. All but 1 or 2 people who had the issue had it in a parking lot a few seconds after starting the car. One person lost his steering driving down the road and crashed into a fence. Last I heard, he was still fighting FORD because he couldn't prove the power steering failed.

I was lucky enough to have my Explorer still under factory warranty and drove a rental car for 2 months while Ford waited on my part to come in. Good Luck and hopefully Ford will help you out.

Random problems like this are why I decided to get the ESP. You never know when something like this will happen.

RLXXI

Exactly my thoughts as well. I'm covered 7/75000 then I'll trade it in and start all over again.


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