The contact owns a 2003 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while restarting the vehicle, the gear shifter detached from the steering wheel. The vehicle was towed to an authorized dealer where it was diagnosed with a failure to the steering column that needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and the current mileage was 75,900...updated 04/11/12 the consumer stated when he put the vehicle in reverse, the entire gear shift came out in his hand. Leaving the vehicle in reverse. He was able to turn the ignition switch off. A cast iron bracket was completely broken off in the steering column. Updated 05/31/12

- Apple Valley , CA, USA

The contact owns a 2003 Ford Explorer. When attempting to shift gears, the column shift lever had fractured. He had to push the vehicle to the side of the road-way. The vehicle was then towed to a dealership, and he was advised that he would have to purchase a new steering column. The manufacturer was notified, and he was advised that they would not provide assistance. The vehicle was taken to a local service station and repaired. After the repair the failure re-occurred, the current mileage was approximately 130,000. The failure mileage was 127,000.

- Temecula, CA, USA

The contact owns a 2003 Ford Explorer. While driving 10 mph, the contact heard a noise similar to a tire blowout. She pulled the vehicle off the road and discovered that the lug studs for the driver and passenger side rear wheels had sheared off. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and the studs were replaced. The failure occurred twice. The contact attempted to shift into park, but the gear became stuck. She jiggled the gear until it went into park. The dealer was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The failure mileage was 40,000 and current mileage was 60,000.

- Plymouth, IN, USA