# 1997 FORD EXPLORER — STEERING:LINKAGES:KNUCKLE:SPINDLE:ARM
> NHTSA complaint `357149` · 2002-06-11 · Ford Motor Company
## Severity
- **Deaths:** 0
- **Injured:** 0
- **Fire:** No
- **Crash:** Yes
- **Police report:** Yes
- **Medical attention:** No
- **Vehicle towed:** No
## Vehicle
- **Make:** FORD
- **Model:** EXPLORER
- **Year:** 1997
- **Manufacturer:** Ford Motor Company
- **Component:** STEERING:LINKAGES:KNUCKLE:SPINDLE:ARM
- **Speed:** 55 mph
## Narrative
THE STEERING COLUMN KNUCKLE THAT HOLDS THE TWO-PIECE COLUMN TOGETHER (UNDER THE DASH) WAS IMPROPERLY MAINTAINED OR MANUFACTURED.  ONE OF TWO ASSEMBLY PINS WAS MISSING CAUSING THE STEERING WHEEL TO FREE-SPIN, RESULTING IN COMPLETE STEERING LOSS.*AK
---
*Source: [NHTSA ODI](https://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/downloads/) · AI Analytics · CC0 1.0*