Complaint 2226550

Complaint Summary

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Owner Narrative

While driving, a “Service ESC” warning message appeared and the vehicle suddenly lost power steering assist, causing the steering to become extremely difficult and creating a serious safety risk while the vehicle was in motion. The vehicle was taken to a service center, where technicians found multiple loss-of-communication codes involving the electronic power steering system. Further inspection found the main electronic power steering connector full of water and corroded. The technician documented that water intrusion caused excessive damage to the electronic power steering terminals at the rack-and-pinion assembly. The water intrusion appears consistent with a failure or inadequacy of the sealing intended to protect the electronic power steering connection from moisture. Due to the extent of the corrosion and damage, the affected wiring harnesses and rack-and-pinion assembly had to be replaced, followed by a wheel alignment. This failure resulted in a sudden loss of power steering assist while the vehicle was being driven.

Owner-submitted narrative on file with NHTSA. Complaint narratives are self-reported and have not been verified.