While the vehicle was being driven all electrical power and steering was lost without prior warning. Dealer has been contacted.

- Littleton, CO, USA

Power steering was lost when my hydraulic pressure hose was blown out of the fitting that threads into the power steering pump. The local Ford dealer parts department had seen so many of these hoses replaced that the employee at the counter knew what type of vehicle it went on without asking any questions. He was also able to retrieve the new hose from the warehouse without consulting a computer for a part number or storage location. This tells me (and he eventually confirmed) that these hose fittings have been failing regularly. The new hose has the same fitting design but it also has a tag which clearly states, "do not exceed 20 ftlbs torque". the parts guy was emphatic that I follow this torque specification. I will note the fitting design is such that excessive torque could damage an internal clip which seals and holds the hose tube to the fitting. I believe there is a good chance these fittings were over-torqued at the factory and is the reason for failure. Note that my fitting failed at a low speed in a remote setting and nobody was injured - the outcome could have been very different had it failed while turning through a busy intersection.

- League City, TX, USA

Previous complaint #odi747045. I wanted to send you some more information concerning this problem as I am aware that Ford has had this problem with their vehicles since 96 when Ford bought back my vehicle and replaced it with another vehicle with the same problem. Recently I ran off the road with this vehicle just missing going over a sheer drop off of over 1,000 feet into the ocean. In my panic stop with no power steering and brakes the steering wheel was indented with my hand print and dented front section of wheel along with the shift lever breaking off during this panic stop. The dealer was contacted June 19, 2001 and I was informed they would agin be contacting Ford. I have received no further response.

- Mission Viejo, CA, USA

There is a bolt that comes loose, causing power steering to go completely out. This has happened twice. Dealer replaced part, and problem has reoccurred.

- Smelterville, ID, USA

When the brakes are applied the vehicle loses power steering. The dealer has attemped to repair problem several times. Consumer states while pressing the brake hard, the power steering quits working, it also does this when not in motion, dealer has replaced the gear box and power steering unit, however problem still exists, consumer states he wrecked in 02/97, however does not know if this is related to the accident, consumer wants this problem repaired or wants a refund.

- Hastings, PA, USA