Power Steering Failed problems of the 2012 Ford Explorer - part 1

Vehicle had been stationary all day. Got in it to back and and power steering failed. Light came on the dash that said power steering assist fault.

Power steering assist failure is coming on and the steering wheel completely locks. In researching this- several other Ford Explorers have been recalled due to this. This is a very serious concern - luckily this happened to me while in my driveway- I can not imagine what the outcome would be if I were on the road running 50 mph.

Tl-the contact owns a 2012 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the vehicle was at stand still at a gas station, when starting the ignition, the steering wheel became difficult to turn. The contact stated "power steering fail" warning light was illuminated. The contact stated he turned of the ignition, waited 5 minutes and when restarting the ignition the steering wheel was functioning normal. The vehicle was taken to local dealer tropical Ford located at 9900 s orange blossom trail, orlando, FL 32837, (407) 851-3800, where it was diagnosed with steering wheel software needing to be reprogram. The vehicle has not been repaired as of yet. The contract associated the failure with NHTSA campaign number: 14v286000 (steering) and when contacting the manufacturer, they informed the VIN in the pas has been repaired fo this recall. The failure mileage was 106,000. Dp.

Tl-the contact owns a 2012 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at 40 mph, without warning the power steering failed. The contact stated that it became difficult to maneuver the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to corwin Ford tri cities, 1225 n autoplex way, pasco, wa 99301, (509)544-8000, to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the steering gear needed to be replaced. She was informed that the manufacturer had extended the warranty to 10 years/150,000 miles for the steering. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted or informed of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 210,800. Ah.

Tl the contact owns a 2012 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the power steering failed and the steering wheel made an abnormal grinding noise when turned. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who stated that the VIN was included in an unknown recall. The vehicle was then taken to gosch Ford of temecula (26895 ynez rd, temecula, CA 92591, (951) 708-9148) where it was diagnosed that a new power steering rack needed to be installed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and stated that the recall repair could not be performed because the VIN did not match the vehicle. The failure mileage was 108,107.

I have been experiencing �power steering assist fault� errors on startup on my 2012 Ford explore fwd. This results in complete power steering failure which makes it impossible for me to turn the wheel to either direction. I've read that there is a recall but Ford has not sent me any notifications in mail or notified me when I had the car at the dealership for service.

Vehicle was in motion when power steering locked up and all dash lights flashed. Resulted stranded on side of busy road and all power steering failed. Was driving side street at time of occurrence. I made multiple attempts to contact Ford corporate to resolve and they refuse to cover under guaranteed recall of the power steering rack and pineon. I have auto service center repairs with a repair cost of $2000. 00. Please assist in covering this cost for repairs under warranty recall. I have only owned this vehicle for 2 years. Thank you.

Tl the contact owns a 2012 Ford Explorer. Approximately two and a half years after the vehicle was repaired per NHTSA campaign number: 14v286000 (steering), the steering ability failed and the power steering indicator illuminated. The vehicle was taken to junge cedar rapids (319-393-6500, located at 1200 boyson rd, hiawatha, IA 52233) where it was diagnosed that the power steering gear failed and needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to NHTSA. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 100,100.

Tl- the contact owns a 2012 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle the power steering had failed. Making the steering very difficult to turn in either direction. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer watson quality Ford(6130 I 55, jackson ms. ) who diagnosed that the electronic power steering was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but not assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 150,700. Own. Jft.

While driving on a rural road warning lights came on. Pulled over, turned vehicle off. Turned back on. Complete power steering failure. Appears to be same issue as previous recall.

Our power steering failed completely on 12/17/2018. Exact symptoms as described in former recall 14v286000 - somehow Ford was able to change this recall to an extended warranty which lapses at 150,000 miles. Our vehicle failed at 150,950 miles - rendering it extremely dangerous and impossible to control. Repair costs over $2300. How the NHTSA can accept such an agreement as an extended warranty in place of a blanket recall demonstrates the power of the auto-maker lobby at the extreme detriment and danger to the american public. Ford and NHTSA should be ashamed.

"power steering assist failure" warning when starting the car can usually be resolved by restarting the car and has been intermittent for the life of the vehicle, however the power steering (which is completely electronic--no pulley or hydraulics) is now failing while driving making the car nearly impossible to turn and especially at lower speeds because you're fighting through the electronic motor in the epas system.

I first reported an incident with the loss of power steering on March 24. I was told the problem was resolved by the dealer by replacing my battery? here it is 10 days later and another power steering assist failure. Vehicle was remote started from inside our home. 5 or more minutes later my wife got in the truck to find no power steering and the "power steering assist fault" error message on the dash.

My wife first told me she thought she had a flat in the front tire because the steering wheel was pulling back and forth. She stopped to check, no flats. Restarted the vehicle and all was good. Later that week while driving her dashboard lights blinked including the traction control lights. (she wasn't sure what other lights illuminated) at the same time the power steering failed. The software fix had already been done for recall 14s06 last August. Took the vehicle to the dealer and was told the battery didn't have enough charge to run diagnostics? there was never any sign of a weak battery. I had no recourse but to have them change it. After installing the new one I was told no codes are present that would warrent any additional service. I am not confident at all that this vehicle is safe to drive.

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Explorer. While driving various speeds, the power steering assist suddenly failed and caused the steering wheel to become very difficult to turn. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who indicated that the power steering was faulty. The contact indicated that the power steering assist software was updated in 2013, but the failure still occurred. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 160,000.

Power steering failed on interstate. Driver drove to a safe place. I met them and drove the car to a place until it could be driven to a dealership. When I tried to drive it to the dealership, vehicle would not steer at all. I called a tow truck. Dealership told me the steering gear needed replaced. They said it wasn't covered under the recall. I called Ford customer service and they said the recall had been performed and was closed, therefore the steering gear was not covered. When they performed the software upgrade for the steering I had not had a problem with the steering. I believe Ford agreed to the recall and provided the software upgrade to avoid fixing the real problem, the steering gear. If the steering had completely locked up on my wife, she could have been involved in a violent accident at 70 mph. I think the investigation should be reopened on the steering failure, due to the fact people could be injured or killed in an accident and because I believe Ford chose to make the least costly repair to avoid correcting the problem. I am not the only person that has had this problem. I have seen multiple posts where Ford did the same thing to other owners with this problem. It is obvious the cost difference between a software "fix" and the steering gear replacement at a cost of over $1,500. 00 would be the desired fix for Ford. The safety fix would be replacement of the steering gear. I believe you should investigate any accidents that may have occurred due to this defect and may not have been investigated due to extensive front end damage. I could not steer the vehicle at all, when I wanted to drive it to the dealer. This was witnessed by relatives and the tow truck driver. I don't think Ford should be able to offer a "software fix" to a problem that is not fixed by the software upgrade. Thank you for all you do.

I went to crank my car and when I did I immediately received a power steer fail assist notice. My car had no power steering. I was able to slowly drive to a parking space and review my owner's manual. I let the car set for 10 seconds and then cranked again in hopes that it would reset. It didn't. I was able to drive home and park the car. This morning I took the car to hixson Ford in monroe, la. By that time I had received a traction error on the dashboard and also was unable to use my signal light. I was told all of this was in relation to the power steering and the need to replace the steering column for a price of $1794. 00. It appears that Ford is very aware of the problems of the power steering failure. Why hasn't there been a larger recall? my car is not one of the 2012 models that was recalled. Just out of warranty and then this. I think further investigation is needed in the problems with the power steer failure.

Started car and power steering assist failure warning came on. You could not steer at all. Had to turn car off and on a couple times to get computer to reset. Cars 3 yrs old just out of warranty and Ford won't cover it even though steering could lock up as your driving.

Safety recall notice 14s06/NHTSA recall 14v-286 we received this recall notice in the mail from fmc. Knowing we had a trip coming up, I immediately took the vehicle in to ken garff Ford in utah for servicing and to have the recall corrected. They supposedly fixed the issue so I went on my way. I drove a single gas tanks worth (appx 400 miles) and then everything went to hell. Power steering failed, traction control failed, terrain management failed. This is the exact problem for which Ford issued the recall in the first place. The Ford dealership is now telling me that they completely fixed the problem and it is my fault that these systems failed. They want me to believe an elaborate tale about how I have driven my Explorer 72000 miles without a problem and suddenly, after the recall gets fixed, I then have that exact problem? that is a sneaky lie that might work on someone more passive. When the vehicle failed we were driving with our family on a vacation and this incident stranded us in meridian, idaho, where our vehicle currently sits 6 weeks later. It seems to me that when a safety recall is issued and "fixed" it shouldn't create a safety issue for the consumer anymore, which is exactly what this problem caused. It also seems to me that it is awfully convenient for fmc that my car broke immediately after it was "fixed". So now I am liable for the repairs. How nice for fmc. Meanwhile, it took fmc 6 weeks to get the part to the dealership in idaho so they could "fix" the issue. We'll see how long it holds up this time. I am still waiting to get my car back.

This is the second incident with the steering assembly. In August of 2012 my power steering failed and the steering assembly was replaced after a two month wait for parts. (first clue there was a serious problem) it was repaired and 6 months later it has failed again. I am a police officer and we have purchased Ford Explorers as patrol vehicle. I have written a letter to the police association with my concerns about officer safety issue. When is NHTSA going to step up to the plate and recognize the serious safety issues with this flaw. This problem could have been buried years ago, but with social media the problem is exposed. Your credibility as an investigative body is certainly at question. The fact recalls were forced on Toyota and you blatantly ignore the issues with Ford is an integrity issue with your abilities to be impartial. My neighbors lost a 4 year old son in the old Chrysler Mini van issues with the rear latch problem. It was uncovered that Chrysler was aware of this problem and was exposed by the media. Dealing with Ford head office gives me the impression that they are not concerned about customer safety or my concerns. I wonder how they were so empowered. There are many articles since 2012 about NHTSA investigating this issue. Influenced by corporate power or an inept investigative body. I think both.

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Explorer. The contact was driving 50 mph when the advance tracking warning lamp illuminated and the power steering failed. The vehicle was taken the dealer for inspection. The contact was informed that the electronic power assistance system failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the incident. The approximate failure mileage was 37,000.

Power steering failed during a turn making controlling the vehicle difficult. Warning lights for power steering assist, traction control and terrain monitor came on. After shutting down the car and restarting the vehicle the problem was cleared.

While driving on the highway steering wheel became stiff and a message appeared "power steering assist failed". Vehicle was very hard to steer but I managed to turn on flashers, reduce speed and steer safely to the side of the road. I turned the vehicle off and called for assistance. While waiting for help I restarted the vehicle to try to maneuver to a safer roadside position. At that time the power steering seemed to be working again so I drove carefully home. I then visited the Ford dealership where no error codes or error history was found and they found no problem and sent me on my way.

Tl- the contact owns a 2012 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving 25 mph, the power steering failed and the power assist default warning light illuminated on the instrument panel. The contact restarted the vehicle functioned properly. The dealer was notified and they stated there was no recall on the vehicle and to bring the vehicle in for inspection. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was 3,595. Ap.

While the vehicle is moving, the power steering assist failed and the steering wheel becomes extremely difficult to turn. It is virtually impossible to turn the steering wheel, only with extreme difficulty and approximately a tenth of a mile of straight roadway was I able to steer the car to the shoulder. Turning the car off will temporarily re-engage the power steering. However, the problem continually re-occurs without any warning. The vehicle is not controllable at highway speeds or on curvy roads.

I was slowing down as I was approaching a traffic signal and heard a warning chime. Initially, vehicle did not show any signs of problem, but got a warning message of power steering failure (or something similar) and another one indicating to service the advance track system. The advance track indicator light went out on the dial, too. After a few hundred feet the power steering was completely gone and I had to use significant effort to steer the vehicle into my driveway. Fortunately, I was only 2 miles from home with few turns to get there. Almost couldn't make the turn into my driveway. Started & restarted the vehicle several times and eventually all problems and warning lights disappeared. Drove the vehicle a few miles and all seems ok. Will update with any additional issues after 8/21/12. Vehicle was purchased used on 8/15/12 with 12,700 miles. Called dealer and they said to bring in if problems persist.

Power steering has failed on a number of occasions resulting in driver having to manually steer. Steering fails when auto in motion. Occurrence when speeds anywhere from 10-60mph. Very dangerous. One has to pull over (if possible) and turn off auto and then re-start. Issue has occurred four times in last month. Only 10,000 miles on auto now.

Tl- the contact owns a 2012 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while traveling 45 mph, the power steering failed and the steering wheel seized. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who confirmed that the power steering rack failed and needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was not contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 10,317 and the current mileage was 10,322. Kmj.

Driving down the massachusetts turnpike the power steering assist failed and I almost hit another car because the vehicle was extremely difficult to steer.

From a stop-zero mph, conducted a right turn from surface street to freeway on-ramp. Mid-turn, power steering assist failed, resulting in near accident/running off-roadway surface. Additionally, elec stability control (Ford 'advancetrac') warning light indicators illuminated indicating service required immediately.

I live in ecuador (south America) and bought a 2012 Explorer base model, on October 2011. A few days ago, after a long trip, I got the "advance trac" error message, and 3 days ago, I got the power steering failure, and the steering wheel got locked, traveling at around 20 mph, the two messages were on the screen, advance track and power steering. I turned the car off and then back on, and everything was normal. Yesterday I turned on the car and had no power steering, I had to turn it off and on again, to have it back.

I bought a certified preowned Ford Explorer with 19,900 miles in last week of June 2012. Within one month, I had multiple incidence ( roughly ten times)of the vehicle power steering assist failing while driving. It would fail both at complete stops , slow speeds and once while exiting a highway offramp at approximately 25mph. Once the vehicle was restarted the system would reboot and the problem would be temporarily corrected. The local Ford dealer has had the vehicle since first week of August and is now telling me it may take until November to correct this issue. They have been telling me the needed part is on "back order". That is all I have heard.

I had a customer whose 2012 Explorer had power steering failure (July 15, 2012). The vehicle was still running but he could not turn the steering wheel. I contacted Ford mtr CO and ask if they were having issues like this. They said no. I told them they may want to see all the complaints about the problem on line and they said again they did not have a problem. I called other dealers and found that all of them had been having the problems and was told how to correct it. I contacted Ford again and received authorization to make the repairs, ordered the parts and found out they were on national back order. After waiting 31 days I called Ford again and was told my parts order had expired (I personally followed up on the order everyday) and I would have to reorder. I can't understand why Ford did not advise me of the problem when I first ask. . . . Can you spell cover up? I have supplied my customer a vehicle and Ford has authorized up to $2000 for rental. From looking at the back order status, I would guess it will be another 30 days before we receive the parts. I would suggest that Ford issue a recall as it is extremely dangerous (it happened twice to my customer) and some one is going to get killed. Good luck finding the parts. Park your vehicle and have Ford tow it in. Initially my customer thought that his vehicle had gone dead but that is not the case he just could not steer it. If it happens to you. . . Park the vehicle. . . . Learn about your state's lemon law. My customer will be with out their vehicle for over 2 months but since it did not fail during the first warranty year, he is not covered by the lemon law in our state.

As I was driving through two consecutive 90 degree turns at approximately 15 mph, the power steering failed causing the vehicle to be extremely difficult to turn. Due to the loss of power, the vehicle nearly left the road into an adjacent ditch. The vehicle warning lights on the dash did light up indicating a failure. Once regaining control of the vehicle, I turned the vehicle off. Upon restarting the vehicle, the failure lights were still lit. After reading the owner's manual, I determined it would not harm the vehicle to continue driving it without power steering. Approximately 0. 2 miles later the power to the power steering system was restored.

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while waiting at traffic light, the power steering failed and the steering wheel was difficult to maneuver. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who was unable to diagnose the failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The VIN was not available. The failure and current mileages were 11,000.