While parked in my driveway, which is on an incline, I proceeded to start the car and shift from park to reverse. The gear shift lever broke off into my hand. I was fortunate because I was not on the road or highway, nor did I back over a child, cat or dog, etc. It would have been disastrous if I were on train tracks and the train was coming and I couldn't get out of gear, or try to park on a hill in san francisco, or downshift to make it up a mountain grade. Towed vehicle to tuttle click Ford. Received quote from them as well as santa margarita Ford. (over $600 difference. Quote was doubled when the vehicle was towed to tuttle click vs over the phone quote!) car was then towed to automotive plus where a reliable mechanic replaced the entire steering column, as Ford recommended. Also, a rental car was needed, and there was a "diagnostic" charge of $50. I saved the old part for inspection/legal action.

- Mission Viejo, CA, USA

2003 Ford Explorer...during yield to turn left and then making left turn steering wheel locked as if someone had pulled key out of ignition causing vehicle to steer left into oncoming traffic. Vehicle was moving between 5-15 mph at time of failure. Turning off vehicle and restarting we found that steering again released and we were able to drive vehicle home. I took vehicle into dealer next day and they said they "could not duplicate concern" of course it happened for the first time at 27,000 miles, ,,very unlikely to get it to happen the day they look at it. They did however replace the complete steering column to remedy an additional problem where the shift selector would pop into drive(after accellerating)even though it indicated the selector was in drive already. I need immediate remedy to this problem and have since contacted Ford Motor Company hoping for help. Consequently not related to the steering locking problem the rear window on the left rear has had 3 repair attempts to fix a intermitt inop problem, ,,and the blower motor was replaced because it makes noise...I have 4 Ford in my family(F150 and F250) that we have been very happy with however we have now lost complete confidence in this particular vehicle...seems the dealer just doesnt know or want to do anything additional!

- Ramona, CA, USA

The vehicle projects a significant whining noise from the rear end and a vibration forward through the steering column. The vehicle is unsafe to drive and the dealership will not offer us an alternative vehicle to use. We have been informed that the manufacturer will need at least 3 months to figure out a solution.

- Charlotte, NC, USA