general problems of the 2012 Ford Explorer - part 1

While driving, my 2012 Ford Explorer displayed a “service power steering now” warning message, and the steering wheel completely locked, making the vehicle impossible to steer safely. This happened without warning and rendered the car undrivable, creating an immediate safety hazard. This issue matches the conditions described in Ford safety recall 14s06 (NHTSA campaign 14v286000) and customer satisfaction program 15n01, both addressing electric power steering (epas) system failures in 2011–2013 Explorers. Ford’s defect information report to NHTSA (pe12-017) states that intermittent electrical connections in the steering gear’s motor position sensor can cause a total loss of power steering assist exactly what occurred in my vehicle. Despite this, Ford and the dealership (tommie vaughn Ford, houston TX) have stated that my VIN is “expired” for program 15n01 and refused assistance. However, the failure mode and symptoms are identical to those covered by these safety campaigns. My Explorer was manufactured in December 2011, which falls directly in the affected build range. The carfax report for my vehicle even lists program 15n01 epas steering efforts as an associated service campaign. This is a critical safety issue, and Ford’s refusal to assist due to expired coverage should not override the need to correct a known steering defect. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate whether Ford’s current handling of epas steering failures is sufficient, and whether customer satisfaction program 15n01 should be reopened or extended to cover affected vehicles like mine that are experiencing the same safety defect.

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while attempting to make a turn, the steering wheel seized. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the steering wheel became difficult to maneuver, and the steering wheel failed to return to center after making a turn. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 220,000.

Loss of power steering occasionally, getting a power steering fault, but as of now, starts working again.

Electric power steering system does not work.

Clunking noise coming from rear possible tow link, clicking noise coming from steering even when vehicle not moving.

Steering assist not working, could not steer the vehicle.

Ford dealership loganville GA serviced recall 14s06 on this vehicle on Aug. 2014 when no problems were detected. This closed the recall with no parts being replaced. Now June 2025 the steering module and steering gear failed leaving me not many options because of being just outside the warranty window. I asked Ford for a one time replacement of the steering gear since no parts where replaced at time of service but was denied. I think safety issues like this should be addressed on case by case situation. I have all documentation from my local dealership in fayetteville GA. I think another recall should be issued because of reoccurring problems with the steering system on this vehicle. Thanks.

The contact owns a 2021 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel seized, with the power steering warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the power steering module had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 206,000.

Power steeeing system cuts out and stops working intermittently. Especially when making u turns.

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 3 mph, the power steering fault, the turn signal, advance-trac alert, and power train warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the steering wheel became inoperable. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who determined that the control modules were inoperable. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 237,000.

I just bought this vehicle in the last 2 months. While my husband and I were driving down the road with our 2 daughters the power steering stopped working and the light came on for it . . . . . We noticed there was a recall Ford says they serviced it in 2014 for the recall and won't again. . . . We're lucky we didn't get in an accident.

The steering module and steering gear has failed for a second time within a 12 year window. This steering failure was under recall 15n01 and was repaired Aug. 2014, but has failed again April 2025. There is something wrong with parts failure that should not happen again and I think another recall should be filed again for this ongoing problem. This is a safety issue that needs to be addressed before someone has a fatal accident.

Car was working fine and had been parked. Then the next morning got ready to take my youngest to school. Started it up, and began backing out of the driveway and out of nowhere the service power steering now light comes on as well as the service trac light. My wheel locks up and I almost hit the neighbor opposite side of the street who was getting ready to take her kids to school because of the difficulty cutting the wheel. We are a Ford family. My wife, myself and my oldest daughter all drive Fords. I would hope Ford reconciles this issue and support their loyal customers. This was a very scary experience loosing control of my vehicle. But even scarier with me having my youngest in the car. This is becoming a well documented issue as well as a safety concern and I hope Ford reconciles this immediately. Also, issue is affecting the turning signals.

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel seized, with the power steering and traction control warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the steering wheel was difficult to turn. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 121,000.

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Explorer. The contact stated upon starting the vehicle, the steering wheel was locked. The message "power steering assist fault" was displayed. The contact turned off and restarted the vehicle and the vehicle functioned normally. The failure had occurred on several occasions. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the steering rack needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the failure was related to customer satisfaction program: 15n01 (steering). The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel failed to turn in the intended direction. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated the failure had occurred while out of state on a family trip. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with an electric power steering gear failure. The contact was informed that the electric power steering gear needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The contact was informed about a recall; however, the contact was informed that the recall campaign was closed. The failure mileage was approximately 124,742.

Power steering assist. I can not turn my wheels and and was sliding on the ice. No. Unknown. Unknown.

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while his wife was driving 70 mph in the passing lane, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The contact stated while the driver was decelerating, the vehicle started shuddering significantly. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated, and a message advising of a power steering failure and to service the vehicle immediately was displayed. The tail lights and the hazard lights became inoperable. The driver was able to pull to the side of the road. The driver was able to continue driving at a lower speed. The contact stated that his daughter and his [xxx] grandchild were passengers in the vehicle during the failure. The contact stated that the vehicle was uncontrollable while driving at higher speeds. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the power steering gear motor and an unknown parts needed to be replaced. The contact related the failure to Ford campaign number: 15n01; however, the dealer informed the contact that the manufacturer declined to cover the repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was unknown. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

The contact owns 2012 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving on several occasions at various speeds, the steering wheel became extremely stiff, and was difficult to turn. Additionally, the "steering fault" message was displayed on the instrument cluster. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 75,000.

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Explorer. The contact stated upon starting the vehicle, the steering wheel was locked. The message "power steering assist fault" was displayed. The contact turned off and restarted the vehicle per the owner's manual; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the steering gearbox needed to be replaced. The contact was informed that the repair was not covered under NHTSA campaign number: 14v286000 (steering) because the VIN was not included. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 138,800.

Power steering (epas) has failed with no explanation.

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 15-20 mph and pulling into a parking lot, the steering wheel became inoperable, and the vehicle stalled. There was an unknown red light displayed. The contact stated that the failure was related to customer satisfaction program: 15n01 (steering). The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the eps needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The mechanic informed the contact that there was no coverage on the vehicle for the repairs. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 168,000.

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving out of the driveway the warning message "power assist fault" had displayed and the steering wheel became difficult to turn in either direction. The vehicle was eventually towed the local dealer who diagnosed that the steering rack was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but no assistance was offered. The contact was informed that the vehicle did not qualify for the manufacturers extended coverage to address the failure. Also, the vehicle was previously serviced under the NHTSA campaign number: 14v286000(steering) to prevent the failure from occurring. The failure mileage was 143,223.

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving approximately 25 mph and following the curve in the roadway, the steering wheel was extremely difficult to turn. The contact stated that the message "loss of power steering assist" and “loss of stability control" were displayed. The contact stopped, and turned off and restarted the vehicle several times; however, the power steering functionality had not returned. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was not taken to a local dealer or independent mechanic. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 155,000.

My 2012 Ford Explorer limited had a safety recall 14s06 performed in 2014. In 2020 the same problem happened. The steering wheel locked up while driving and the power steering stopped working. It was fixed again. Now it’s 2024 and it has happened yet again. This time I was on the highway with my children in the car and suddenly my dash lights up and my steering wheel basically locked. No power steering yet again. We are lucky we didn’t lose our lives yesterday. I was driving 70 mph on the highway when this happened.

Electric power steering was recalled a replacement was done in 2014 under a recall. Yet it broke again and the car is under 150,000 miles. I have talked to Ford and they will not replace it again. I am not the first person to experience this issue under 150,000 miles. My car is not a giant paper weight in my yard because it cost $2000 to fix more at the Ford dealership it was bought from. I am the second owner. We purchased Ford because it is a product made in the USA but I’m beginning to wonder if that means anything anymore. My husband has [xxx] so the repair cost is too much for our budget. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving approximately 15-20 mph attempting to make a right turn into a parking space, the vehicle lost power steering functionality, causing the contact to use an excessive amount of force to steer the vehicle. The "service power steering now" message was displayed. The contact became aware of NHTSA campaign number: 14v286000 (steering). The vehicle had not been taken to the dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The manufacturer confirmed that the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was 175,955.

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, the power steering malfunctioned, and the steering wheel was very difficult the turn in either direction. The contact stated that the failure lasted for approximately 10-seconds before self-correcting. The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic who diagnosed that the steering rack and power steering module were faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 85,000.

Last year around this time, my steering went out suddenly. It was difficult to drive and then it just wouldn’t turn. We replaced the drive belt and it hasn’t had much issue until recently. The steering went out much more violently this time- with me fighting to drive it down to work. Fluids were great so didn’t think too much of it until I went to drive it again and it wouldn’t turn at all. It had threatened not to turn while I was driving and it scared me a lot. Took it to a shop and they said the entire steering column is out. I haven’t done any extraneous driving that would tear it apart like that but it is still broken.

Steering. Yes. I was unable to steer the vehicle, steering wheel would not move. No. No. After I was unable to steer, a warning came up on my onboard computer screen saying electric steering assist fault.

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, several unknown warning lights illuminated, and the steering wheel seized. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed with a failure with the power steering gear and the electrical components. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to an unknown recall; however, the vehicle was not included. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.

Power steering control module failure occured on 2012 Ford Explorer. Dash displayed a "power steering assist fault" randomly but would resolve itself after turning vehicle off and back on, and now it is permenantly. Recall 15n01 was open on this vehicle but manufacturer will not service this vehicle under recall due to a 10 year, 150,000 mile limit. After getting the vehicle diagnosed a dtc u3000-72 was revealed which is one of the codes under recall. Previously unable to effectively steer vehicle without notice, and now unable to steer without assist all together.

Electronic power steering assist quit functioning while driving. After I parked the vehicle the steering wheel could not be turned under manual power leaving the vehicle only able to go straight forwards or backwards. Leading to a $2,900 repair bill and an additional $100 tow bill.

I purchased a 2012 Ford Explorer in April 2024. Less than a month later, the power steering assist fault light appeared. I had it checked by pepboy and was informed there was a recall on this issue and to contact my local Ford. I made the call and was told this was no longer a recall but a customer service issue and may not be covered due to age and mileage. The vehicle is driveable but turning is problematic.

It happened a year ago when I was parked I turned the car on and the steering wheel locked, giving me the power steer assist fault error on the dash. I had to turn off the car and turn it back on. This happened about 2 or 3 time that year. Yesterday while driving out of my driveway I got the error again. This time it was different I wasn't parked, the car locked while in motion. Thankfully I wasn't on the street driving with the wheel locked in a turning position. I called Ford and they said that they just extended the satisfaction for the warranty on power steer to 10 years or 150,000 miles. This isn't a warranty issue. No car should have its steering locked, it's a 2012 car not even that old to be posing a safety issue like this. This need to be made a recall not extended warranty.