Complete electrical failure at 45MPH

[Backin15]

This is why I wish it had a conventional parking brake.

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[padcarroll]

Yep, thanks, bgn! I reported it to NHTSA yesterday. I was hoping to see Ford take action first, but they are really dragging it out. We'll see what NHTSA thinks...

Yeah, good luck with NHTSA. It took them 8 years to contact me on an issue I reported on a motorhome.

 

[Glen Baker LLC]

I'm not aware of any street-legal vehicle that has brake-by-wire other than the Zoox taxis in Las Vegas, which are only allowed on specific roads. Pretty sure mechanically-linked braking and steering are still required at the federal level.



I once lost vacuum-assisted power brakes. Had to pull against the steering wheel and use both feet on the brake pedal along with engine braking to glide to a stop.

On a different vehicle, I lost hydraulically-assisted power steering. Suffice it to say, I don't use steering wheel covers that aren't sewn on now. The slip-on ones just slide around when you don't have power steering, so you have to grip the wheel insanely tight and turn.

Been there, experienced that.
Power steering without the power or power brakes without the booster are worse than standard steering and brakes. With power brakes I always considered it a one shot deal. Using up whatever residual is in the brake booster.
I've had a few vehicles that had standard "Armstrong" steering and brakes.

 

[Chops]

When the vehicle finally lost all momentum, something rattled under the hood and the brake then suddenly depressed. I had blown a stop sign but thankfully no one else was on the road. Can't imagine what would have happened otherwise. I still can't believe this was possible.

You’re “lucky” it was a stop sign and not a red light! Your horn was probably not working - not sure about the airbags….

 

[HeyBales]

For the question of how much pressure is needed.

I'll mention that the brake line pressure on lightly holding the truck still with pedal - is about 138 PSI. That's about what the auto-hold applies too.
Pressing firmly is 158 PSI.
Never tried a full on slam and noting the figures afterwards.

Perhaps that helps someone figure out what that means at the pedal with no boost assist.
I've never known what prior vehicles had for PSI on the lines for a compare.

 

[Chops]

I think I’m going to find a big empty parking lot and turn off my Maverick at low speed - to get a feel for no brake boost or power steering. I’ll test my horn since the accessory mode stays operational…

Supposedly the Hybrid’s electric motor may keep propelling for a bit per google etc…

 

[HeyBales]

I think I’m going to find a big empty parking lot and turn off my Maverick at low speed - to get a feel for no brake boost or power steering. I’ll test my horn since the accessory mode stays operational…

Supposedly the Hybrid’s electric motor may keep propelling for a bit per google etc…

I always like doing that in a new vehicle - just to get that feel and be prepared.

Trying to recall now did I try it in hybrid - or was I not able to because of "safety" features?

 

[notfast]

I think I’m going to find a big empty parking lot and turn off my Maverick at low speed - to get a feel for no brake boost or power steering. I’ll test my horn since the accessory mode stays operational…

Supposedly the Hybrid’s electric motor may keep propelling for a bit per google etc…

Since you have an EcoBoost, just do key-on-engine-off while the vehicle is stationary. Then press and release the brake about 5 times. That'll use up the residual vacuum in the booster and the brake pedal will go rock hard and be hard to push. Now imagine driving 65mph and pushing that rock-hard brake pedal to get some braking action.

I'm not sure if the EPAS (Electric Power Assisted Steering) operates without the engine running. If it doesn't, it'll be a similar story for the power steering. Key-on-engine-off, and, with the vehicle stationary, try turning the steering wheel. It'll be very difficult to turn.

 

[First Sergeant]

I think I’m going to find a big empty parking lot and turn off my Maverick at low speed - to get a feel for no brake boost or power steering. I’ll test my horn since the accessory mode stays operational…

Supposedly the Hybrid’s electric motor may keep propelling for a bit per google etc…

Not positive, but most horns are always wired hot, will work even without key in ignition. Who knows though, our Mavericks are strange creatures made by some really strange engineers.

 

[dochawk]

Forget about Jim Farley's phone number, find a great law firm, you have a case.

Speaking as a lawyer . . . that's not how the law works.

Unless there are "statutory damages" that apply (such as in copyright and FDCPA), you are awarded your actual damages. Here, that would include the tow and repairs (if you had to pay), lost use (but they gave you a loaner), missed wages, and such. [OK, potentially a clean pair of underwear . . . ]

Emotional distress can sometimes be an element, but you generally need to have it at a clinical level. If you didn't need treatment for it, then it probably isn't compensable.

What could have happened is irrelevant.

If there was some kind intentional harm or willful misconduct, you might get punitive damages--but the USSC has never upheld an award of more than three times actual damages, iirc.

I certainly wouldn't take a case on the described facts on a contingency fee. (OK, I'm retired, so I wouldn't take it anyway, but . . .)

 

[Chops]

Yep, like I said before, it will take a serious injury or fatality before Ford Corp changes their strategy.

The cost of a recall is huge and the perceived probability of a death is low.

 

[Octavius]

Wanted to give you all an update. No good news unfortunately... as some of you guessed. Ford Consumer Affairs is a joke; they accomplished exactly nothing except burning 2 months of my time. The dealer serviced the hybrid harness TSB (that needs to be a recall if it can turn your vehicle into a coffin at highway speed). So they charged me $2,600 to service that TSB, because it only qualifies under the hybrid components warranty in California or something.

The dealer is confident the vehicle is up to "Ford's standard". But there's not shot I'm driving it again. "Ford's standard" is what got me into this mess. So I'm selling it back to the dealer, my family isn't taking the chance. Really wish I could warn the next prospective buyers why I sold it. Anyways, I'm very sorry to see my truck go. I plan to never buy a Ford again. I get all cars can have car problems. But Ford's response of putting their fingers in their ears is utterly astounding. I'm also shocked Ford over doubled the record for safety recalls last year, even when they don't even listen their customers. I guess they just let NHTSA force their hand with all those recalls. Ford's brand is getting out of control. It's time for me to buy from a manufacturer that takes pride in their product, something Japanese. What a bummer.

 

[First Sergeant]

Wanted to give you all an update. No good news unfortunately... as some of you guessed. Ford Consumer Affairs is a joke; they accomplished exactly nothing except burning 2 months of my time. The dealer serviced the hybrid harness TSB (that needs to be a recall if it can turn your vehicle into a coffin at highway speed). So they charged me $2,600 to service that TSB, because it only qualifies under the hybrid components warranty in California or something.

The dealer is confident the vehicle is up to "Ford's standard". But there's not shot I'm driving it again. "Ford's standard" is what got me into this mess. So I'm selling it back to the dealer, my family isn't taking the chance. Really wish I could warn the next prospective buyers why I sold it. Anyways, I'm very sorry to see my truck go. I plan to never buy a Ford again. I get all cars can have car problems. But Ford's response of putting their fingers in their ears is utterly astounding. I'm also shocked Ford over doubled the record for safety recalls last year, even when they don't even listen their customers. I guess they just let NHTSA force their hand with all those recalls. Ford's brand is getting out of control. It's time for me to buy from a manufacturer that takes pride in their product, something Japanese. What a bummer.

I completely understand you frustration and concern for you and your familys safety. All of us have an expectation of certain features which should ALWAYS function on our vehicles. I don't blame you for moving on. My concern level is very similar to yours. I can put up with the screen lock up, the dash rattle, the hyper flash on the dash (fixed with Forscan), and the multitude of other issues the Maverick has, I like the truck a lot. However, my family's safety is always top priority and the vehicle stopping without any reason in the middle of the highway is not only unacceptable, but a violation of my personal rules. I would send it packin'. Worse yet, it is a violation of my rules for the company to act the way they did with you. In the old days I would have a come to Jesus talk with the manager and even the higher ups. Why start with the "carrot" when the "stick" is so much more fun? Like I said I do like this truck, but it is simply a machine to get me and my family SAFELY from point A to point B. I am a true Toyota fan. Yes, they are not perfect, but I believe the quality is way better. They are supposed to have a small trucklette coming out in 2027 I believe. I will be taking a close look and a test drive at that time. Good luck with your next purchase my friend!

 

[Chops]

Wanted to give you all an update. No good news unfortunately... as some of you guessed. Ford Consumer Affairs is a joke; they accomplished exactly nothing except burning 2 months of my time. The dealer serviced the hybrid harness TSB (that needs to be a recall if it can turn your vehicle into a coffin at highway speed). So they charged me $2,600 to service that TSB, because it only qualifies under the hybrid components warranty in California or something.

The dealer is confident the vehicle is up to "Ford's standard". But there's not shot I'm driving it again. "Ford's standard" is what got me into this mess. So I'm selling it back to the dealer, my family isn't taking the chance. Really wish I could warn the next prospective buyers why I sold it. Anyways, I'm very sorry to see my truck go. I plan to never buy a Ford again. I get all cars can have car problems. But Ford's response of putting their fingers in their ears is utterly astounding. I'm also shocked Ford over doubled the record for safety recalls last year, even when they don't even listen their customers. I guess they just let NHTSA force their hand with all those recalls. Ford's brand is getting out of control. It's time for me to buy from a manufacturer that takes pride in their product, something Japanese. What a bummer.

Hopefully Ford will dissect your truck to help figure out a fix to this serious problem instead of reselling it!

If they find the fix - they should recall any potentially defective vehicles…

 

[HeyBales]

I always like doing that in a new vehicle - just to get that feel and be prepared.

Trying to recall now did I try it in hybrid - or was I not able to because of "safety" features?

Here's that thread where I was going to turn key to accessory while moving to test no power steering or brakes.

Nope - system threw itself into Park going under 5 mph.

Maybe if I went faster it wouldn't do that?
Not going to test it.

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