TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD ESCAPE HYBRID. WHILE DRIVING, THE STEERING WHEEL SHOOK, JERKED, AND LOST POWER. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A MEDIAN AND A TIRE BLEW OUT. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO BIG VALLEY FORD LINCOLN (3282 AUTO CENTER CIR, STOCKTON, CA 95212, (800) 867-1516) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE POWER STEERING ASSIST FAILED AND THE RACK AND PINION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 144,000.