I purchased a new 2016 Ford Escape from a dealership in my area. Despite the fact that it's not even a year old yet, my vehicle is making a very unsettling grinding noise when I turn the steering wheel. In addition, when making turns, my steering wheel does not simply glide back into place after the turn is completed, but it has to be manually turned to return to its former position.
I took it to the dealership from which I purchased it today and the mechanic who listened to the noise that my steering wheel was making made a nasty face and said, "To be honest, I have NEVER heard that noise in my life. You should not drive this vehicle." HOWEVER, despite it being LESS THAN A YEAR OLD, my warranty is expired because I have accrued 36,000 miles (part of warranty agreement) because my job requires me to travel.
Does anyone have any advice as to what my options are? I can't believe after not even owning this vehicle for a year that Ford would abandon their brand and integrity to suck up more than $1,000 from me.