Owner, who had bought the truck new approx. 3 1/2 years earlier, had driven about three miles on dry, paved, residential, hilly, roads and was returning to where he was staying when he came upon a waiting line of cars. He turned around to go a different way. Coming to a slight curve the power steering (EPAS) went out. Struggling to make the curve, the power assist kicked in and jolted him off the right side of the road. Had the curve been to the left, the truck may have been thrust into the path of an oncoming vehicle. Owner then slowly soldiered on, with the truck making an intermittent noise as if trying to activate the power steering, which it sometimes did, causing the truck to swerve side to side. Owner did not mention any warning sign or alarm or message occurring during this episode. At his destination he called for help and the truck was towed to the dealer. The repair order (RO) indicates diagnostics first being done on 6-8-23, which verified the lack of power steering, and showed DTCs C1B00, U0415, and U3003. My research showed the first pertains to a steering angle sensor in the steering column, and the next two having to do with the ABS. The tech notes indicate he did pinpoint test BC1 (NO), BC2 (YES), and BC3 (YES). Next, the tech reported that the steering gear assembly had a malfunction and needed to be replaced. He added that he retrieved RVC code RA5VUMN131GXQ. Not having the steering gear assembly KB3Z3504A in stock, the replacement was not made until July. The RO said nothing about the battery, but it was learned that it had also been replaced under separate RO, which dealer has yet to provide. The dealer service rep said that even after they charged the old battery, it did not have enough power to activate an essential component; probably the new part, but I can't recall for sure. With the new battery, the DTCs, none of which I believe went to the steering gear, disappeared and the power steering apparently works. Truck is still with dealer.

- Lincoln, NE, USA

The contact owns a 2019 Ford Ranger. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the power steering assist failed with several unknown warning lights illuminated. The contact called the dealer and was informed that the VIN was not under recall. The contact was given an estimate for the repair. The contact called an independent mechanic and was also given an estimate for the repair. Due to the failure, the vehicle was towed to the independent mechanic and the contact was informed that the rack and pinion steering assembly needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 37,000.

- Grand Rapids, MI, USA

The contact owns a 2019 Ford Ranger. The contact stated that they had received a notification on the main control computer screen and the vehicle's notifications app indicated that there was an electrical failure occurring with the steering. The contact then stated at the same time the vehicle began to self-direct causing an excessive amount of force required to steer the vehicle. The brakes became difficult to depress causing an excessive amount of pressure to be applied on the brake pedal in order to get the vehicle to come to a stop. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who was unable to diagnose the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 16,000.

- San Mateo, CA, USA

The failed component is a small wheel speed sensor on the rear axle. The sensor is designed in a way where it inserts into the axle and sits close enough to the gears that it can be hit by the gears during bumps/potholes/etc. The issue puts myself and others at risk as when the sensor malfunctions or breaks, it disables multiple safety features of the truck including: Antilock brakes, traction control, power steering, hill assist, and collision avoidance system. Other systems affected include cruise control. The problem has been reproduced with three separate speed sensors, two OEM sensors and one after market. I have had the vehicle inspected by a Ford dealership for the issue. Issues prior to the first replaced sensor was the sensors have issues with cold climate. When snow or ice is on the roadway, the sensors have issues and disable all the above features. Appears the design cannot withstand the cold weather.

- Auburn, CA, USA