Ford is recalling the previous generation Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner for a steering assembly fault.
The fault is the present in all 2008 to 2011 model year Ford Escapes and Mercury Mariners, and can lead to a loss of power assistance. According to USA Today, the specific problem lies with torque sensor inside the column.
Ford says that the issue has caused at least six injuries. A sudden loss of power assistance at low speeds can make it hard for drivers to steer as a lot more effort is required.
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says that Ford has been investigating the issue since 2009, and has only recently found a way of fixing the problem without replacing the entire steering column.
