05/23/2003 – Ford Inspecting Certain 1997 F-Series And Expeditions For Steering Shaft Yoke Concern

DEARBORN, Mich., May 23, 2003 – Ford Motor Company is conducting a safety recall to inspect the intermediate steering shaft yoke on certain 1997 model year Ford F-150 and F- 250 pickups and Ford Expeditions. In the small number of these vehicles in which the intermediate steering shaft yoke was not properly installed, the result ultimately may be a disconnection of the intermediate steering shaft from the steering gear. This is a high- mileage durability issue that may manifest itself into an eventual loss of steering.

About 185,000 vehicles will be inspected in the recall. Ford anticipates that less than one percent of these vehicles will need repair – steering shafts that are not fully seated will be replaced.

Ford and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration identified three alleged minor accidents with two alleged minor injuries during our joint investigation of the condition. Ford will begin sending letters to customers next week with instructions on when to take their vehicles to dealerships. Customers will not be charged for the repairs.