Odd result from a wreck (totaled) today: steering wheel column detached in my hand!

[NBTX]

I received my Maverick a year ago and have loved it. Hit 20,000 miles just this morning.

Got rear-ended this afternoon and surely it is totaled. (RIP Blue Bear, you were awesome) The bed is twisted, the gaps on the doors are out of whack, even the top of the cab seems to be tweaked.

The odd thing is that the steering wheel and column literally came off in my hand. The cops and tow trock crews were astonished and none of them had ever see anything like it. The assembly was still attached with the wiring harness and had the electronic functionalities, but it was laying in my lap. When I got out of the Maverick, I could see that ratchet mechanism for adjusting the column was laying on the floor adn seemed to be missing a screw (possibly).

I always liked the way it handles and brakes. I was able to brake very easily in this sudden-stop situation (Dammit Houston traffic), but the guy behind me was in an older Dodge Ram and just plowed into me. I got as close to the driver ahead of me as I was comfortable doing, keeping in mind that I did not want to get pushed into him.

Now on to deal with the insurance companies.

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[paneubert]

That is.......something. I hope you file a report with https://www.nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem just to be safe. Who knows if this is something that has happened to others and is simply not reported (since we are only a small part of the folks who have a Maverick).

 

[commadorebob]

There is a lot of force in accidents and that plastic housing likely can only handle so much. Still amazing it popped off like that. Glad you are okay and that the Maverick did its job in protecting you.

 

[Tailender]

How would that hold up if the air bag goes off? Wouldn't the wheel just push in? Hopefully your seat belt would stop you from continuing forward.

 

[jsus]

That is.......something. I hope you file a report with https://www.nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem just to be safe. Who knows if this is something that has happened to others and is simply not reported (since we are only a small part of the folks who have a Maverick).

Yep, this is a very serious and obvious manufacturing defect. Under no circumstances should a rear end collision that doesn't even warrant the airbag deploying, result in the steering column separating from the steering shaft. Please file the NHTSA report and try to escalate within Ford. This should not happen.

 

[JBryant]

Sorry your Maverick was totalled, but thankful you are ok. It is crazy driving anywhere in a metro area anymore. Actually getting that way in rural areas. Just glad I no longer have to fight that Houston traffic like I did for the years I worked in that area almost weekly. Good luck with the insurance company and PLEASE stand your ground and do not let them try to give you a ridiculously low settlement, not when I just was killing time looking and seeing 22XL's with 20K on Carmax priced over $30K

 

[bgn]

When Built Ford Rough is not just a meme...that is absolutely unacceptable and you should report it to the government. If there's an issue, you may very well save lives.

 

[Ottocycle]

Yep, this is a very serious and obvious manufacturing defect. Under no circumstances should a rear end collision that doesn't even warrant the airbag deploying, result in the steering column separating from the steering shaft. Please file the NHTSA report and try to escalate within Ford. This should not happen.

X2. This is not designed to do this. The air bag needs a stable platform to function correctly. OP glad you are safe and unharmed. This could have been much worse. SCARY!

 

[Grand Nat.]

As odd as it may sound to some of you the steering columns a design to collapse a little in a frontal or even a rear collisions even with the addition of an air bag. I'm not familiar with this design although I've worked on many over the 30 years so don't hold me to my explanation on this one. Perhaps there is a flaw in the design. Air bags trigger in a fraction of a second before everything crumples or breaks. Judging from your description of the accident it seems like you took a good hit.

 

[OleFordGuy]

Holy Smokes… yes for sure report that and include the pics if possible.

I hope the official Ford Account reads this one and actually reports it to someone higher up the chain that will take appropriate actions

 

[Shakesbear]

I received my Maverick a year ago and have loved it. Hit 20,000 miles just this morning.

Got rear-ended this afternoon and surely it is totaled. (RIP Blue Bear, you were awesome) The bed is twisted, the gaps on the doors are out of whack, even the top of the cab seems to be tweaked.

The odd thing is that the steering wheel and column literally came off in my hand. The cops and tow trock crews were astonished and none of them had ever see anything like it. The assembly was still attached with the wiring harness and had the electronic functionalities, but it was laying in my lap. When I got out of the Maverick, I could see that ratchet mechanism for adjusting the column was laying on the floor adn seemed to be missing a screw (possibly).

I always liked the way it handles and brakes. I was able to brake very easily in this sudden-stop situation (Dammit Houston traffic), but the guy behind me was in an older Dodge Ram and just plowed into me. I got as close to the driver ahead of me as I was comfortable doing, keeping in mind that I did not want to get pushed into him.

Now on to deal with the insurance companies.

Pulled off so cleanly, that it appears it was never secured to the column going down to the wheels????? Back in the mid 80's, I spun into an oncoming Suburban in a torrential rainstorm on Allen Parkway heading downtown. The officer on the scene asked me come back to my Mustang and take a look at my steering wheel. Apparently I had a death grip on it anticipating impact, and the top half of the wheel itself was bent straight down at a 90 degree angle. Officer said he had never seen that before as well Glad you're OK!!!

 

[LSchicago]

Never saw that in 23 years of towing. LOL.

 

[Dad]

Glad you're ok and condolences to your once beautiful truck. As much as you loved your Maverick, it can be replaced and who knows, perhaps a better version is in your future.

 

[bearsfan647]

This is what people mean when they mention long term reliability and safety of entirely new models.

People think it’s as simple as “this engine lasts 400k in another model! It’ll last!”

glad you are okay and hope you report this to the correct channels so other owners can get an answer/explanation for peace of mind.

 

[Dr3wman]

That is pretty shocking to me, as others have said, I'd report this to anyone you can - Ford Corporate will definitely want to know, NHTSA, your dealer. @Ford Motor Company . Glad you are okay.

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