- Ford is recalling 30,735 previous generation Mustangs to update the power steering control module (PSCM) software.
- Some 2022-23 models have a problem that causes the steering to turn from side to side by itself.
- Dealers will update the PSCM, but the Mustangs don’t accept over-air updates so a dealer visit is necessary.
The next time you watch a video of a Ford Mustang crashing while leaving an intersection – and the chances are you won’t have to wait very long – don’t jump to the conclusion that it was all the driver’s fault. By all means step right up close to that conclusion, but don’t jump to it because there’s a spark plug gap-slim chance that the car was to blame.
Ford has just announced a recall of 30,735 previous generation Mustangs because they need update the power steering control module (PSCM) software to prevent the steering turning left and right all by itself. Only Mustangs built between September 2022 and April 2023 are affected.
Related: Manual 2024 Ford Mustang Dark Horse And GT Recalled Over Clutch Fire Hazard
The problem originates from a secondary digital torque sensor in the steering gear that was calibrated with an inverted polarity. Ford says that if the car’s primary steering torque sensor fails the steering wheel may start swinging backwards and forwards as it applies steering assistance that the driver hasn’t asked for.
The automaker cautions that this kind of unintended steering could cause a loss of control and increase the risk of a crash, but claims not to be aware of any accidents arising from the defect. It has, however, received two warranty claims.
Ford’s solution for the Mustang steering issue doesn’t require hardware changes, but a trip to a local dealership will be necessary. There, owners can have their Mustang’s PSCM software updated free of charge. While 2023 Mustangs lack the capability for over-the-air updates, the good news is that this recall is eligible for pickup and delivery service at participating dealerships. This means a dealer visit might not be necessary for everyone.
Ford also sent us a statement regarding the recall: “Our goal is to prevent quality issues from happening in the first place. When they do occur, our focus is on responding quickly with a recall or service action to prevent our customers from experiencing issues with the least inconvenience possible. We are committed to improving our launch quality and long-term quality and are already starting to see improvements in both.”
Last month Ford recalled 8,161 examples of the 2024 Mustang GT and Dark Horse equipped with the manual transmission because a hydraulic line leading to the clutch could come loose and get too close to the exhaust headers causing a fire. The announcement came two months after a Dark Horse owner’s coupe was torched due to the fault.
