Steering Rack And Pinion problems of the 2014 Ford Explorer

The contact owns a 2014 Ford fusion. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel became firm and was difficult to maneuver. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the rack and pinion had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the VIN was included in a recall and then transferred to the NHTSA hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 128,000.

April 17, '23 traveling down mountains in wv to va the steering on 2014 Ford Explorer lost powersteering very difficult control vehicle descending 9 degree grade on 2 lane highway no place to pull over right then. Had to fight the steering down the mountain until I was able to pull off in an emergency stop area. No dash warning lights, under the hood p/s fluid was good all seemed normal, looked under the car no leak. Rack & pinion steering system t no signs of damage. Started car turned steering wheel back/ forth a few times, heard a grinding noise each time I turned the wheel, like metal pieces binding. Since it scared the wheaties out of me I called for a tow. Quote $400. 00 to shop. I called my husband to get a trailer, get this car as I'm not risking going down a mountain, injuring or killing anyone. 2 -1/2 hrs & 135 miles my husband arrives I finally felt safe. We took it to our mechanic he confirmed rack and pinion steering component needs replacing. Suggested to check for safety recall seen many fail/break my 2012-2017. Cost $2k/part $1200. Certainly a safety hazard with little to no control over a 4000lb deadly weapon. Driver cannot manipulate 2nd most important (brakes being #1) function - steering- whichever direction or get out of harms way. 2014 Explorer nhsta reports of 1171 total complaints, 2 largest complaints: #1 steering(loss of steering control) 374 reported; #2 suspension-86 reported. See NHTSA id#11518075-suspension 2014 Ford Explorer while driving vehicle made abnormal sounds, vibration, no steering. Dealer replaced steering rack & bushings. Nhtsa issues 3 suspension recalls :ball joint knuckle campaign# 19v435000 & 20v692000 & 21v537000 = rear suspension toe links may fracture: 1)toe links may fracture due stress rear suspension. 2)rear toe link fracture can cause loss of steering control & crash. 3)fractured rear toe link cause sudden change in handling, crash risk. 86 complaints=3recalls 374 steering complaints=0recalls why?pls recall.

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle experienced a loss of power steering assist with the power steering assist warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the rack and pinion needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 155,044.

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving 55 mph, the steering wheel became difficult to turn. The contact stated that the advance track and the traction control warning lights were illuminated as well as the abs warning light. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed the failure as the electrical power steering. The contact stated that the rack and pinion and electrical motor for the steering wheel needed replacement. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that parts were on backorder. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure however, no assistance was offered. The approximate failure mileage was 116,000.

The steering wheel has become hard to turn. Checked on rather web and found over 100 complaints of this happening and in some cases freezes the steering wheel keeping it from turning. There was a safety recall on the 2013 Explorer with the same problem but it does not cover the 2014 unit. Should the steering gear fail while driving in traffic the vehicle becomes unsteerable. This problem can be researched on the web by looking under Ford rack and pinion failure.

On November 8, 2020 I was pulling out of my drive way to leave my house and noticed a grinding sound coming from the front end, it was very loud, and caused me to have loss of control over the cars steering; especially when turning wheel left and right at lower speeds and on sharp turns. (the wheels do not straighten out or return to center when exiting a turn and will then over compensate and veer to the right after having to manually turn the wheel back. ) we took it to a local Ford dealer. After reviewing my Explorer they stated that the rack and pinion was bad and it needed to be replaced ASAP due to this being a major safety issue and we shouldn't wait to get it replaced total cost for the job would be $4,284. 59. I called Ford cooperate and explained to them that this was a safety issue as it came on suddenly with out warning. I was made aware that the previous years 2011-2013 have been recalled for this same issue, and that there have been multiple other complaints on the 2014 and 2015 having the same issue but with only a "warning" being placed on them, not a recall for the 2014 or 2015. They told me that my year doesn't have a recall and stated I could open a case and file a complaint with the NHTSA and that was all I could do, but if a recall was offered in the future I could possible get reimbursed. When we brought the vehicle to the local Ford dealer, they informed us that there was a recall notice for the toe link that can affect the steering but not a recall on the rack. This steering rack issue poses a major safety concern. Please consider working with Ford to ensure the safety of all who drive the 2014 Explorer and place a recall on this item ASAP. I am very fortunate no one was physically hurt when my steering went. Thank you for your consideration in this matter of major safety. I look forward to hearing from you.

As I was driving, thankfully at a slow speed, and making a right hand turn there was a complete failure of power steering. I loss complete control of steering and went into oncoming traffic. When failure occurred, several warning lights simultaneously popped up but as I was under the duress of trying to avoid a collision, I do not have a complete list but I did see the steering assist system failure and requires service all blinking red. There were no adverse road conditions nor driving style and absolutely no warning whatsoever. The vehicle has approximately 93,000 miles. I had to cover the cost to tow the car to a Ford dealer shop and they tell me that the issue cannot be replicated but they believe it is a rack and pinion and steering/column failure and are quoting me over 2500 for repairs. As this issue has been happening to hundred if not thousands of owners of the same make and model, years 2011-2014 and 2015-2017 (if not later) fall under this same failure recall, this matter needs to be addressed immediately. I fear getting behind the wheel of this car and am lucky that I did not cause a serious accident due to this vehicle failure.

Tl the contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the steering column ceased while driving 55-70 mph causing the vehicle to sway to the left and to the right. The contact stated that while attempting to turn the vehicle to the left or to the right, there was an abnormal grinding sound coming from the steering column. The contact stated that excessive force was needed to steer the vehicle. The contact took the vehicle to pittsville Ford (7155 friendship rd, pittsville, MD 21850, (877) 760-5870) who stated that the steering column and rack and pinion needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 77,000.

This is the second time my power steering has quit suddenly! the first time I replaced the rack and pinion myself and all is fine for bout a year and it just did it again!! I pulled up to get gas and killed my car and went to get back in and leave and I didn't have steering anymore! no warnings!.

My wife was driving on the highway when the steering started feeling different. As she excited the highway onto city streets, the steering became increasingly difficult to control to the point that any required sudden movements would have created an accident due to difficulty turning the wheel. The following day, the steering was completely locked up and could not turn the wheel at all. The car was towed to first Ford in fall river, MA and determined the entire power steering pump, rack and pinion needed to be replaced.

Tl the contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the power steering locked in position. The contact stated that it was also difficult to steer the vehicle. The contact stated that excessive force was needed to steer the vehicle. The contact contacted the dealer ted russell Ford Lincoln - address: 9925 parkside dr, knoxville, TN 37922, phone: (865) 251-3673) who stated that the rack and pinion needed to be replaced. The failure was related to NHTSA campaign number: 14v286000 (steering) however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle had not been repaired as of yet. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and confirmed that the vehicle was not included in the recall. The approximate failure mileage was 125,000.

About a year aego my steering wheel started making a noise whenever I turned the wheel both parked or moving. Since then it has progressed into a loud grinding noise. The wheel is sticking while driving on the highway and I have to force it to move at times. It does not return freely anymore on it"s own to a straight forward position. After having the car in at chapman Ford, egg harbor NJ, they told me it"s dangerious and I could loose my steering entirely while driving and to have the rack and pinion replaced. I can see this is a common problem with this model and there was a similiar recall a few years prior for a similar problem. I don"t think the proper improvements to the rack and pinion where ever applied in later models and there should be another recall or the prior recall should be extended. Thank you.

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 55 mph, the steering wheel became loose. The contact stated that it was difficult to maneuver the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the frederick motor company located at 1 waverley dr, frederick, MD 21702 where it was diagnosed that the steering rack and pinion needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 79,000. The VIN was not available.

One week prior to incident, the car started making a clicking sound when turning the steering wheel to the left, both while driving and while sitting still, but was most noticeable at low speeds. We made an appointment with Ford to have it inspected, the first available was 10 days away. Over the next few days the clicking sound increased and was more noticeable. On the day of the incident the car was driven a short distance, then parked. When we returned to drive the car again and started the car the steering wheel was completely stuck, and could not be turned in either direction. It made a terrible screeching sound when trying to turn the wheel. The car had to be towed to a Ford dealership. They replaced the power control steering module and steering assembly (rack and pinion). This is the same part that was recalled on the 2011-2013 Ford Explorers, and from online research appears to be the same part in the 2014 Ford Explorers. Therefore, this part should be recalled and should be replaced by Ford as it is defective. This is a serious safety issue as the inability to steer increases the risk of crash and death. If the wheel had locked up while driving we would have certainly crashed.

Approximately 68,000 miles. Grinding noise coming from rack when turning wheel left and right at lower speeds and on sharp turns. The wheels do not straighten out or return to center when exiting a turn. . . Driver must manually return the wheel to the middle. I was already aware of the recalls for the 2011-2013 for the malfunctioning power steering gears (or rack and pinion) when I took the vehicle into royal oak Ford (royal oak, mi), they deterrmined that the rack needs to be replaced and that Ford will not cover the costs for this safety issue. Quoted $1650 for rack and $550 for labor for a total of $2200. They were not also able to disclose what was the actually wrong with the rack, only stated that it needed to be replaced. The rack, p/n: ste633rm, was used in the 2011-2015 Ford Explorers. The safety recall is only for 2011-2013. I have a 2014 Explorer which is not covered in the recall. Parts. Ford. Com state that this is a remanufactured rack which retails for $1417. 09. There is a 2 year warranty included with this price.

On April 10, 2019 we were pulling out of my drive way to leave my house and noticed a grinding sound coming from the front end, it was very loud. We took it to a reputable mechanic company local to do a diagnostic the sound. This company is ase-certified. After reviewing my Explorer they stated that the rack and pinion was bad and it needed to be replaced ASAP due to this being a major safety issue and we shouldn't wait to get it replaced. $1998. 21 later we received the car back the next day fixed. I had called Ford and explained to them that this was a saftey issue and we had read on line that the previous years have been recalled. They told me that my year doesnt have a recall and stated I could write a letter and that was all I could do. I also asked if anyone would follow up with me and Ford couldnt answer my questions. We just received another recall notice for the toe link. So that car is going back to the dealer for that work. This is recall number 4 that I have had to take the car back to the dealership for.

Tl the contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. While the contact's husband was driving 5 mph and making a left turn, the steering wheel jerked and became difficult to turn. Also, the traction control warning indicator illuminated and "steering failed" was displayed. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer (stuart powell Ford, inc. , 225 s danville byp, danville, ky 40422, (859) 238-1197) where it was diagnosed that the rack and pinion seized and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and provided case number: cas 15916495. The failure mileage was 52,940.

On December 27, 2017 the steering wheel on my 2014 Ford Explorer limited seized. I was unable to move the wheel in any direction (even by force). The vehicle was stationary and in my driveway. It was unoccupied. It happened when I started the car, put it in gear, and couldn't turn the wheel in any direction. The vehicle was purchased new on 2/11/14 and had 34,872 miles. My local dealer advised it was out of warranty and there were no recalls listed. I found prior Ford recalls for multiple makes/models and specifically for Explorer model years '11 through '13 dealing with steering issues pertaining to electronic power assisted steering [epas] failures. [recall 14v286000 and/or 17s23] attached is the repair bill for $2,180. 67 [note the towing service]. I had to have the electric rack & pinion assembly replaced. The part alone, excluding labor was $1,120. 58. On January 2, 2018 I phoned Ford at 800-392-Ford and spoke with kimberly. I was provided with reference # cas1328239. Again, I was advised there is no recall issued and was told to hold on to my receipt should there ever be a recall. In my opinion, this should never had happened. I am thankful I wasn't driving with my family in the car. This catastrophic failure could have resulted in a major accident. Thank you for looking into the matter,.

After a knock was discovered while turning I took the vehicle in to Ford assuming I was under warranty. They identified a code (not available) and diagnosed the problem to be with the "steering gear box assembly", specifically the rack and pinion. After researching the problem on the internet I found multiple occurrences of similar mishaps, some resulting in lock up of the steering component. Ford informed me that we exceeded the mileage portion of the warranty but not the years (vehicle is 2 1/2 years old). They also informed me that because I was out of warranty due to mileage, they wouldn't cover the repairs and quoted $2200 in repairs. $1500 for parts and the rest for labor. I believe this to be a safety issue due to the potential to lock up the steering resulting in collision. I have researched the repair and can obtain the same part number for approx. $650 and labor around $700. There are documented recalls on Ford Explorers up to 2013, but for some reason 2014 is not included.

Police patro vehicle with loud noise when turning left, sustained complete power assist failure. Vehicle with 62,019 miles. After failure, dealer determined that rack and pinion assembly defective. Repair costs totalling $1065. 00 with dealer assisting with $400. 00 discount. Contacted Ford regional sale representative who will only state that Ford will honor the warranty. ***this is a safety hazard that will get someone killed***.

Steering first became intermittently sluggish turning at slow speed. Eventually, scraping type noise started coming from what seems like inside steering column when steering. Have not gotten any dash lights. Dealership wants to replace entire rack & pinion assembly for over $1,400. 00. It seems as though if same or similar problem has caused recall for earlier models this could be same issue and recall should be expanded.