Water can accumulate in end fitting and freeze. Ice could prevent accelerator from returning to idle. Increased stopping distance would result. Reduced steering control could occur. If both corners of sub frame drop, steering becomes difficult.
System can fracture, increasing risk of injury to seat occupant.
Heat can build up within assembly, and under hood fire could result. Coupling that connects steering column to shaft to intermediate shaft is cracked, allowing shaft to separate, causing possible loss of steering control. Buckle may not operate properly and fail to restrain passenger in a crash. Cable chamber can wear, allowing cable to drop out of chamber so shoulder belt anchorage becomes stuck. Seat occupant may be improperly restrained.