2024 Ford Mustang Steering Recall: What to Know

Written By: Jessica Anvar Stotz
Legally Reviewed By: Jessica Anvar Stotz

Ford Motor Co. has recalled 30,735 model year 2022 and 2023 Mustang models to address a steering problem, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

In the automaker’s filing with the NHTSA, Ford said the secondary steering torque sensor may not be calibrated properly on the recalled Mustang models, which can cause the steering wheel to unintentionally turn from side to side and increase the risk of a crash.

Dealers have been instructed not to “demonstrate or deliver any new in-stock vehicles” until the Mustang Steering Recall has been resolved.

Consider consulting with a legal professional to discuss your situation and understand your options if you believe your vehicle may qualify under the lemon law.

You may be eligible for a refund payment or a replacement vehicle, as well as a refund of all expenses incurred as a result of owning your lemon, including your legal costs and towing fees. The following are common lemon law settlements for Ford Mustang vehicles in recent years:

*Please be advised that the figures depicted in the chart are estimates that are derived from previous case results and should not be considered a guarantee or prediction. Each case is distinctive and necessitates tailored legal counsel.

Mustang Steering Recall Cause

Ford has identified an issue with the power steering control module (PSCM) software in the affected vehicles. To address this, customers are required to visit a dealership for a software update. However, the fix is not anticipated until August.

The steering components were provided by Nexteer Automotive. On May 21, Nexteer alerted Ford to the problem, prompting Ford’s Critical Concern Review Group (CCRG) to initiate an investigation. This investigation included examining supplier maintenance records, warranty reports, and vehicle tests. Subsequently, the CCRG authorized a field action on June 21, leading to the recall. As of June 6, Ford was aware of two warranty claims related to steering issues but had not received any reports of accidents or injuries related to the defect, according to the NHTSA safety recall report.

Affected Vehicles

The Ford Steering Recall affects 30,735 units of the 2023-2024 Ford Mustang. While Ford Motor Company has not specified which models are included, the vehicles were manufactured between September 15, 2022, and April 5, 2023. The recall notice does not distinguish between EcoBoost or GT trims, indicating that the issue potentially affects all trims.

Dangers of Mustang Steering Issues

Ford Mustang steering issues can be particularly hazardous because they directly impact a driver’s ability to control the vehicle. In the case of the recall, the fault in the power steering control module (PSCM) software can cause the steering wheel to oscillate unexpectedly, making it difficult to steer. This issue poses serious safety risks regardless of the model or trim.

Symptoms of Ford Mustang Steering Issues

• Oscillating Steering Wheel: Drivers may experience the steering wheel moving back and forth without warning, making it difficult to maintain control of the vehicle.
• Unintended Steering Assist: The Electric Power-Assisted Steering (EPAS) system may provide unintended steering assistance, which can cause sudden changes in the vehicle’s direction.
• Loss of Steering Control: In severe cases, drivers might feel a complete loss of control over the steering, leading to an increased risk of accidents.

Potential Dangers Associated with Ford Mustang Steering Issues

• Increased Risk of Accidents: The unexpected oscillation and unintended assist can lead to sudden changes in the vehicle’s direction, potentially causing collisions with other vehicles or objects.
• Difficulty in Maneuvering: The steering issues can make it challenging to navigate curves or avoid obstacles, especially at higher speeds.
• Driver Confusion and Panic: The unexpected behavior of the steering system can confuse and panic drivers, leading to delayed reactions and potentially dangerous situations on the road.

Given these risks, it is critical for affected Mustang owners to take immediate action by staying informed about the recall, scheduling the necessary repairs, and monitoring their vehicle for any unusual steering behavior. If the issue persists even after the recall repair, owners should consider exploring their rights under lemon law protections to ensure their safety and obtain appropriate compensation.

Steps for Affected Mustang Owners

Ford will issue a service bulletin to dealers in August 2024, at which time a module software update and repair instructions will be available to support the recall of over 30,000 vehicles. Here are some steps Mustang drivers can take while they wait for the recall repair work:

1. Check Your VIN: Visit the NHTSA’s VIN check website or contact Ford to check if your vehicle is part of the recall by using your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).
2. Stay Informed: Keep an eye out for the official recall notification from Ford, expected around August 5.
3. Contact Your Dealer: Reach out to your local Ford dealer to schedule an appointment for the software update once it becomes available.
4. Monitor Your Vehicle: Pay attention to any unusual steering behavior and drive cautiously until the issue is resolved.
5. Reach Out for Support: If you have any questions, contact Ford at 866-436-7332 (reference recall number 24S44) or the NHTSA’s vehicle-safety hotline at 888-327-4236 for more information.

If you continue to experience issues with your Mustang even after the recall repair, you might be entitled to a lemon law claim. Lemon laws protect consumers who have purchased defective vehicles that cannot be adequately repaired after a reasonable number of attempts.

If your vehicle meets the criteria, you may be eligible for a replacement vehicle or a refund. We highly recommend working with an experienced lemon law attorney to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.

How Lemon Law can Help if your Mustang was Recalled

Recalls have been increasing for automakers since 2019 due to growing vehicle complexity, according to the 2023 Annual Report Safety Recalls data released by the NHTSA.

Along with the 2022-2023 Mustang, Ford has also recalled 7,442 additional vehicles due to the same issue with the secondary steering torque sensor. This recall marks Ford’s fifth in recent months and 32nd this year, affecting over 2.5 million vehicles. In June 2024, Ford also recalled over 500,000 F-150 pickups to fix a transmission issue.

Given the frequency and scope of these recalls, it is incredibly important for Mustang owners to know their rights under lemon laws. You might have a case against Ford Motor Company under California’s lemon law if you’ve bought or leased a Mustang with recurring steering problems. Under state lemon laws, you may qualify for either a repurchase or a replacement vehicle.

A lemon law replacement involves getting a comparable vehicle to replace your defective Mustang, while a lemon law repurchase involves reimbursing you for all money spent on the vehicle, including the down payment, monthly payments, taxes, and other fees.

With both remedies, Ford is able to deduct a usage fee, which is the value for when the vehicle was driven without the issues causing to be a lemon.

Also, with a replacement Ford, the consumer is responsible for any difference in price between the lemon and the replacement vehicles.  As the prevailing party, Ford is legally obligated to pay for your attorney fees and costs.

This means that the legal representation comes at no out of pocket expense to the consumer. If you need legal assistance with acquiring lemon law compensation in California, the Lemon Law Experts can help.

Repeat Ford Mustang Power Steering Problems? Call Us Today!

The Lemon Law Experts, recognized as one of California’s leading consumer protection firms, specializes in advocating for consumers like you to assert their rights.

Our team of experienced lemon law attorneys can evaluate your case, gather supporting evidence, and negotiate with the dealership or manufacturer on your behalf.

Ford and other major auto manufacturers retain highly skilled legal representation, including attorneys with decades of experience in handling breach of warranty claims.

Attempting to navigate your claim alone can leave you at a disadvantage. Fortunately, our seasoned attorneys have been leveling the playing field for consumers since 2009, securing millions of dollars in recovery for thousands of Californians.

To determine if you qualify, contact the Lemon Law Experts today for a complimentary consultation. We will review your case and advise you on the best steps forward. Call us at 877-885-5366 or fill out a form on our website to begin your journey toward lemon law resolution as soon as possible.