Recall 24V542 affects 1,902 2023-2024 Ford Transit vehicles with Trail packages for EPAS ground corrosion. Repair is free at any franchised Ford dealer.
Ford is recalling 1,902 2023-2024 Transit vans with the Transit Trail package because corrosion at the electronic power assist steering ground eyelet joint can cause loss of power steering assist. That loss can make the van harder to steer and increase crash risk; Ford dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The electronic power assist steering system on 2023-2024 Ford Transit vehicles with the Transit Trail package uses an electric motor to help you turn the steering wheel. That motor and its control module need a clean ground connection, which is the electrical return path that lets current flow reliably through the steering system.
On affected Transits, the ground eyelet joint was reworked and moved during the body-lift preparation for the Transit Trail package. The tin-plated eyelet was cut and drilled, exposing the base metal underneath. Once that exposed metal faces road splash and weather, corrosion can build at the joint and interrupt power to the steering motor or control module. When that happens, the van can lose power steering assist intermittently or completely.
If the loss of power steering assist lasts more than two seconds, the instrument cluster displays "Steering Assist Fault Service Required." Steering still works, but the wheel becomes harder to turn.
Who's affected?
Both model years point to the same EPAS ground circuit harness in the power steering system.
| 2024 Ford Transit | power steering system |
|---|---|
| 2023 Ford Transit | power steering system |
| Units affected | 1,902 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
The year and model narrow the scope, but the VIN decides. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific van is included.
What's the safety risk?
Power steering assist loss makes the Transit harder to steer and increases crash risk. If assist is lost long enough, the cluster shows "Steering Assist Fault Service Required." Treat that message as a reason to slow down safely, avoid extra trips, and schedule the repair soon. Repair is free at any franchised Ford dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2023-2024 Ford Transit with the Transit Trail package is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Ford dealer to schedule the free EPAS ground pigtail kit installation that fixes the corroding steering ground connection.
- Bring the owner letter if you have it. If not, reference recall number 24V542 and Ford recall 24S46 when you call.
- Drive cautiously until the repair is complete. Loss of power steering assist can make the van harder to steer.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Ford technician installs a new EPAS ground pigtail kit for the electronic power assist steering ground connection. The recall repair is free, with parts and labor covered by Ford. If you've already paid out of pocket for this repair before the recall notice, Ford's reimbursement plan covers qualifying documented expenses. Bring receipts or repair paperwork to the service desk, or contact Ford customer service to ask how to submit the claim.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| July 19, 2024 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| July 22, 2024 | Dealer notification began |
| July 22, 2024 | Dealer notification ended |
| August 5, 2024 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| August 5, 2024 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| January 10, 2025 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 24V542?
Recall 24V542 covers 1,902 2023-2024 Ford Transit vehicles with the Transit Trail package. Corrosion at the electronic power assist steering ground eyelet joint can cause a loss of power steering assist, increasing crash risk. Ford dealers will install a new EPAS ground pigtail kit for free.
What should I do if my 2023-2024 Ford Transit is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific Transit is included in recall 24V542. If it is, contact a franchised Ford dealer to schedule installation of the EPAS ground pigtail kit. Reference Ford recall number 24S46 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost. Ford dealers will install the new EPAS ground pigtail kit free of charge for included 2023-2024 Transit vehicles, regardless of where the vehicle was purchased.
What is the safety risk in recall 24V542?
The safety risk is reduced steering assist. If corrosion affects the EPAS ground eyelet joint, the Transit can lose power steering assist, which makes steering harder and increases crash risk. The dealer repair addresses the ground connection with a new EPAS ground pigtail kit.
When were owners notified about recall 24V542?
Ford mailed owner notification letters on January 10, 2025. If you bought the Transit used or never received a letter, check your VIN to confirm whether your vehicle is included, then call a franchised Ford dealer and reference Ford recall number 24S46.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/24V542000 |
|---|---|
| Ford customer service | 1-866-436-7332 |
| NHTSA recall # | 24V542 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 24V542000 |
Source documents
-
Download Quarterly Report (PDF) - Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 20, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →