99 problems related to power steering failed have been reported for the 2011 Ford Explorer. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2011 Ford Explorer based on all problems reported for the 2011 Explorer.
The car drove fine at 7am - at 8:30 am. I pulled out of my driveway, I was going 45 mph with my 9 year old in the car on a very busy road, all of a sudden the car starting flashing "hill descent control off" then it went to "service advance trac" then "service power steering now" and power steering completely failed. I had to steer the car to the side of a ditch with my 9 year old daughter, and its 26 degrees out. Car had to be towed to my repair shop. Repair guy states power steering rack is not good and states there is an open recall on 2011 Ford Explorer for it. I look through service records I show him in 2016 riverhead Ford did the work 5 days after I bought the car - he says there is no way it was done otherwise this would not be happening. Or, the parts they used to repair it are faulty. I called riverhead Ford they can't service the car, or give me a loaner until 1/7/2021 because of covid & told me there was nothing they can do. In the last four years I've replaced the power steering rack, the engine blew 18 months ago, and now the power steering rack again. The car is defective, and I'm lucky my daughter and I are alive. Ford needs to address this before someone is killed.
Power steering failed for the second time in 4 years.
Power unit assist fault. Power steering failed with my wife driving and she was lucky to not have an accident. I found that there is a recall that was issued for this year and model but for some reason our vehicle is not included in this recall. It is the exact issue as specifed in the recall. My wife was driving on back from the store when this failed. She was able to pull off the road with some effort and noticed the fault light on the dash. She called me and I told her to stop and restart the car. She did but the fault still shows. The car is almost impossible to drive in this condition and a safety hazard.
There is currently a recall for Ford explores 2011-2013. The recall is listed as 14s06. I was told by for customer service that my VIN number is not covered in that recall. I would like to appeal that. In January 2020 my power steering failed and my vehicle had to be towed to a shop and the steering rack and assembly had to be replaced. This cost about 3k in out of pocket costs for me to repair. Less then 3 months later my power steering failed again. This resulted in my vehicle having to be towed to the shop again I was then told that the power steering control module needed to be updated and it was another almost $400 for them to update the module. All of the above issues are the same issues listed in the recall under 14s06. The only issue is my VIN number is not associated with the recall. I'd like to appeal the decision that did not include my vehicle in the VIN listing for this recall.
Power steering has previously been recalled, software was updated but then ultimately power steering failed, Ford sent out supplemental recall and extended warranty to repair steering issues yet that is disregarded after 10yrs or 150,000 miles whichever comes first for the vehicle. I, like many, experienced failure after 150,000 miles, 156k to be exact. It's pathetic that Ford will not back their own vehicles past 150,000 miles. Aside from the steering failure our current 2011 Explorer looks brand new, it's a shame that Ford turns their backs to you and lays the repair cost on the consumer knowing that it has been an ongoing issue for some time. I spoke with Ford customer service to no avail, they will not do anything for you past 150,000. Sadly this is my wife's vehicle that transports our kids. Ford knowingly puts consumers in danger by not honoring their recalls or extending them for the lifetime that the vehicle is in use. Even after the first software update they performed on the car the power steering would not turn on here and there, eventually it stopped turning on entirely. Ford is not built tough like they preach, they are built poorly and their backs are turn towards the consumers when issues arise. Such a frustrating experience.
Tl the contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. While attempting to reverse from the driveway, the "power steering assist failure" message appeared on the message center. The contact turned off the vehicle and it restarted normally. The contact stated that the failure began approximately two months ago and was becoming more frequent. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic for diagnostic testing. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 83,000.
While on the highway at about 80 mph the gauge cluster screens showed a �power steering fault� and a �traction control failure� error and it caused the steering wheel to stiffen up moving only about less than an inch, we pulled over to the side of the highway and shut off the car and then we turned the car back on and it started working just fine until the same exact scenario occurred for the second time. A few days before the power steering error and traction control error popped up on the gauge cluster at a red light, the steering was very stiff and allowed for limited movement. The power steering and traction control error occurred twice at stoplight and they both went away by turning on and off the car. All of this happened after we sent the car to a mechanic to get the power steering module checked and replaced after the car left us stranded as the power steering had previously failed entirely on us. This has been an ongoing issue with this car for about a 5 months and it's been an absolute headache!!!!.
Tl the contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. While driving 40 mph, the power steering failed. While driving off the freeway ramp, the contact had to use more strength than usual to steer the vehicle. The contact pulled the vehicle over to the shoulder, waited a few seconds, and drove home. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The dealer was not contacted due to full waiting lists. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 144,992.
The power steering failed causing the steering to become difficult almost resulting in a car crash.
While driving on highway 80 near donner pass in California the "traction control unavailable" light came on with "check power steering" light. Steering wheel resistance increased as if power steering was beginning to fail. About 15 minutes later while driving in a snowstorm the red "service power steering immediately" light came on and the power steering totally failed making controlling the vehicle extremely difficult. The fact that this failure could happen at any time and in my case during white out winter conditions is incredibly dangerous and I felt lucky to not to have gotten into an accident as a result. I have read so many reports of this same power steering failure and am surprised that no recall action on this VIN has been initiated. Contacted Ford dealerships who say that since no "error" code is present they will not correct or repair the issue. Hopefully the nhsta will finally initiate a recall before someone dies from this problem.
Power steering failure. Has happened when stationary as well as when moving. Steering is locked and steering wheel cannot be turned without considerable force.
Tl-the contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that when attempted to steer out a parking space, the ability to steer was lost. The message center displayed " power steering fault " the vehicle was driven to the residence. The vehicle was taken to the dealer moses Ford inc, 2001 maccorkle Ave, st albans, wv 25177, they determined that the power steering had failed and needed replacement. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 62960. Bp.
Power steering intermittedly fails at different times. Seems to happen early when the car is used. This occurs when the car is in motion and steering becomes really hard.
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the electric power steering failed after the vehicle was serviced per NHTSA campaign number: 14v286000 (steering). Shults Ford of harmarville (1300 gulf lab rd, pittsburgh, PA 15238) only reprogrammed the computer, but had not replaced the steering rack. Six months later, the steering rack failed. The dealer wanted the vehicle owner to be responsible for the steering repair. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified. The VIN and failure mileage were not available.
Power steering failure while in motion.
Started car and pulled out of parking space and no power steering. Received "power steering sensor fail" notice on dash. Turned off car and restarted and was ok. Am concerned to drive as there is no specific recall on my VIN# for this however there is a recall on other 2011 Ford Explorers for this reason.
Power steering has failed recall should be sent out for 2011 Explorer 14s06.
While making a sharp left turn on a city street, the power steering failed causing me to lose the ability to maneuver the turn. Luckily, there was a parking lot straight ahead so I was able to steer with difficulty into that lot. I turned off the ignition, waited 30 seconds or so, and re-started the engine. I had no other issues and reached my destination safely.
Power steering failure. Power steering failed while driving and caused accident. I was queens boulevard between 52nd and 51st street when it occurred. My video is too large to download.
Power steering fails with no warning dealer states no codes stored so cannot verify failure and therefor will not repair suspect Ford software is not recording codes to capture failure to avoid having to repair failing power steering system.
My car has about 95k miles. Currently it is in the shop getting 2 things done. A part is ordered for air bag. I've had several airbag issues needed service. My biggest concern is the power steering unit. I bought the car new from diblasio in 2012 w/ about 7k miles on it. I have extended warranty from Ford. Sept 2016 the original power steering unit failed and was replaced. 14 months later the replacement has now failed and is being replaced! the warning light came on while my wife was driving on the highway. Thank god!!!!! the power assist did not fail or she could have been killed. When I started the car the next time there was no power steering. I had the car towed to dealer. I no longer trust this car. The ps unit is a critical part of the vehicle. I have never owned a car that had a similar problem once, yet twice. With the second time taking only 14 months to fail. I call Ford corporate and told them about the situation and that I no longer trust the car. Looking online, I see articles about a ps unit recall in the 2014s. I don't recall ever receiving a notice about my vehicle and only brought it in when it started acting odd in 2016. Ford asked me what I wanted them to do. At this point I said I no longer want the car and do not want to sell it to someone with what I know and fear. I thought Ford should buy it back from me at a reasonable price and I will get a different vehicle. I was put on hold for show and the person came back and said they were sorry there is nothing they can do and that any time there is a problem I should bring it to the dealer. I am disgusted with Ford and I don't know what my options are. I need help please. I fear anyone driving this car once I get it back tomorrow.
At start, vehicle shows power steering assist failure and because vehicle is parked, almost impossible to turn steering wheel - started 2 months ago as intermittent problem, then permanent failure now. Issue has not occurred, yet, while driving this vehicle. Vehicle subject to recall 14v286000 - evaluated in oct 2014 when no faults or dtcs were showing up - dealer said software updated per recall actions - dtc is now u3000 which is the replace gear code. Prior evaluation wasno replacement needed then because no faults were showing which appears to be a useless recall action that did nothing to prevent safety issue. Even though the safety recall item (dtc u3000) is now occurring 2 years after initial evaluation, dealer & Ford will do nothing. Why is your recall # 14v286000 so useless?.
Power steering failed requiring extreme effort to pull over off the road. Warning came up "service power steering". Vehicle was brought to dealership where they determined the power steering rack needed to be replaced (many many reports on this) on 9/26. Picked up vehicle on 9/29 with a brand new power steering rack and drove it home. Started vehicle on 9/30 and drove 3 miles when the brand new power steering rack failed giving a red warning "service power steering now". Again, no power steering and had to man handle the vehicle to dealership. Contacted Ford roadside and they would not tow back to same dealer because there was a closer dealer by 9 miles. Why isn't Ford being required to recall these. This is a major safety issue.
The power steering fails, and it becomes very hard and almost impossible to steer the vehicle.
After having epas replaced (@hall Ford ellizabeth city, nc) under recall 15n01 after complete power steering failure. We began a 700 mi. Road trip home and began to experience spontaneous traction control interaction with our driving input which affected either power distribution to the axels, braking ability, and steering ability. After making it nearly 300 miles the electronic stability control completely went out along with what felt like abs control seemed like it intervened sporadically. We also recieved a dash prompt that the fuel filler inlet needed checked as well. Upon arrival to a Ford dealer along our route (sheehy Ford, warrenton, va) they pulled the codes listed and appeared to be a litany of codes nearly a page and a half long. They cleared the codes and drove the vehicle. After driving the vehicle around the block the traction control began to act intermittently without loss of traction. They came back and checked for error codes and the "steering position sensor was at fault" they went through re-calibrated the equipment installed and cleared out the codes and drove without any issues. We then continued on our remainder of our trip without any further issues. Upon arrival to our home destination the following day we began to again have traction control intervening with driver input when not needed where it appears to be shifting power from axle to axle or applying braking to aid in traction control. I have also noticed that that rear view camera displays the postion of the driver wheel in relation to the wheel path in reverse but appears intermittant as if there is a not a continuous connection with the sensor. Taking to our local Ford dealer here Monday 4-4-16 to have them thoroughly go through the vehicle but appears to continue to be an issue with the electronic power steering assist. All issues are present when traveling at speed and turning.
My 2011 Ford Explorer started having power steering assist failure in Dec, 2015 at first it would be on first start up, lasting 3-4 seconds with a frozen steering wheel. Gradually it happened more often and lasted longer (5-10 seconds) recently in March 2016 while driving across florida on vacation, I slowed to enter the driveway of a shopping center, as I made the turn at approximately 15 mph my steering went stiff and I had to use excessive force to turn and avoid a vehicle exiting the parking lot. It was only then I google searched if other Explorer owners had experienced similar failures. That's when I learned that its happening to thousands of other Ford Explorer. Even though a safety recall has been issued to replace the steering gear, you'll find Ford will want to change other parts first, parts not covered on the recall. The steering gear is very expensive ($1,500) first the dealer said its the steering wheel angle sensor and not the steering gear. They told me it would fix the problem and they charged me for the repair. . . . . . I literally pulled out of suburban Ford of waterford michigan and drove 1 mile to a nearby grocery store, after returning to my vehicle on the first start up after this repair my steering was frozen for 7-10 seconds after 4 days loss of usage of my vehicle while at the dealership, no rental car offered, I'll be returning my Explorer to the dealer tomorrow, I'll keep posting updates to this nightmare with Ford motor CO. Folks, I'm sure you'll all agree, loss of steering is one of the most dangerous defects a vehicle can have, not only to the owner and occupants but to the other innocent drives on the road as well.
Tl-the contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at 3 mph, the steering wheel seized. "power steering assist failure" was displayed across the message board. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 42,000. The VIN was unavailable. Oo.
Traveling at low speed coming to a stop, felt like a lost in power and advance trac system failure, power steering failure warnings go off. I turn the vehicle off, I thought the vehicle shut down. I started driving again and same thing happen at low speed at next stop sign. I drove a little further and turn car off. Upon returning all systems were working fine. On 6/19/15 same thing happen at low speed, advance trac and power steering failure and still not working after several hours sitting.
While driving on the interstate, the power assisted steering failed, and two alerts appeared (service power steering *, and something about the terrain management. I was able steer the vehicle (with a large amount of effort) to the dealership for service.
Several occasions turning on vehicle system reports power steering assist fault, service advance traction control - power steering failed, and steering wheel very difficult to turn. Turning off and back on had made it go away before, then did not. Power steering assist service advance traction and terrain management systems all failed, truck nearly impossible to steer. I believe this to be an extremely dangerous issue, if power steering goes out, and the wheel is that difficult to turn driving in any condition becomes a potentially hazardous activity. I live in a rural area, roads are very curvy, often scattered with loose debris (sand, salt, gravel) if paved, or just gravel in some areas, and safe navigation of these roads to get to my home would be impossible. I have discovered that Ford has issued a recall for vehicles assembled in the chicago plant, between 5/2010 and 2/2012, for exactly this problem, and though this vehicle meets those criteria, there is not a recall on my vehicle.
Power steering failed while driving.
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that driving at 45 mph, the steering wheel seized. In addition, the contact stated that power steering failure, service power assist was displayed across the message board. The vehicle was taken to a dealer. The technician diagnosed that the power steering needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 60,000.
When backing the vehicle out of a parking space a tone sounded, a warning message "power steering assist fail" came on and the vehicle became impossible to steer. After cycling the ignition the problem went away. It occurred again two days later in a similar situation (low speed) and again went away after cycling the ignition. Ford dealer diagnosed as "code u3000 failure type 49 internal electronic failure, need to replace electronic steering gear - part bb5z 3504 d".
After bringing my car in on 9/15/14 to address the Ford Explorer 2011 recall, sheehy Ford in springfield, va declared my parts ok and reprogrammed my pscm (I had never had a single issue with my power steering). . . I subsequently drove to kentucky (from burke, va) and several other places. . . Eventually driving to my parent's house in vienna, va (about 30+ minutes away) for thanksgiving day (12/27/14), just 3 months later. Several streets from arrival I received a message that my power steering was failing. The car became very difficult to drive, but I was able to park the car in front of their house. After research on the internet, I hoped to be able to start the car and find the problem fixed, but unfortunately was not able to steer the car at all. I had to have the car towed the next day to a dealer (I did not choose the same dealer who had done the recall). They replaced the power steering parts several days later, but the parts were not covered under the recall because the code they received was different. This happened 3 months after they declared my parts ok! I only had to pay $100 for the fix because of my extended warranty, but am ill about what might have happened if I had been on my way to or from kentucky when the power steering failure happened so I feel obligated to report my issue to you. I understand from press releases I've seen that you consider this issue closed. I do not believe that to be the case. . .
The power steering failed while I was driving south on I-75. The recall for the module (reprogramming) had already been performed less than 2 months before. Now, after having the car in the shop for a week and 2 days, Ford has agreed to pay all but $700 of the repair. The reprogramming obviously was not an effective solution since the power steering failed a short time after that was done. The car is not safe to drive. The steering went out without notice as I was traveling 70 mph on an interstate highway. I was eventually able to muscle it over to the right lane and get to an exit without getting into a crash, but that was pure luck. The traffic was very heavy and I didn't want to make any hasty moves because I wasn't sure what was going on. It was a very scary situation. Ford has admitted that this is a problem, now they need to fix it.