The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is investigating complaints that steering wheels can come loose or fall off entirely in 2014-2016 Ford Fusions.
No injuries or crashes have been reported to date, according to a NHTSA report, and no recall has yet been issued.
But the report says that three vehicle owners have said that the steering wheel fastening bolt came loose in model years 2014 through 2016 Fusions. NHTSA’s Office of Defects has received one report for each model year, the filing says.
“Two of the complainants reported that the bolt attaching the wheel to the steering column had to be re-tightened at a repair facility,” the report says. “The third complainant alleged that while attempting to turn into a gas station, the steering wheel became completely detached from the steering column.”
The most recent complaint came on Sept. 23, according to the Associated Press, when a person in Georgia reported that the steering wheel of her 2015 Fusion fell into her lap while turning into a gas station.
Ford has said it’s cooperating with the investigation, the AP reports.
A detached steering wheel can, of course, become a serious safety issue by causing the driver to lose control of their vehicle. The NHTSA report says a preliminary evaluation has been opened to determine the scope and frequency of the alleged defect.
Ford told the AP that any concerned owners should contact their local dealer.
Ford didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment.
Update, 12:45 p.m.: In a statement to Jalopnik, Ford reiterated earlier comments it made to the AP:
We are cooperating with the agency, as we always do. Customers with concerns should contact their local dealer.