Steering Noise problems of the 2015 Ford Explorer

On 03/31/2021 I took my 2015 Explorer in for an alignment after I replaced the two front struts due to a loud intermittent popping noise when steering the vehicle left and right at low speed. The popping noise has existed since I purchased the car a month ago. The car was aligned at bill brown Ford, and I had them inspect the vehicle to find the sound. The young technician was not able to identify the sound, and said to bring the vehicle back if it continues. Well, I just got home and the steering still clunks. After doing extensive research and the dealership confirming that it isn't the front struts, I am concerned that the steering rack is going bad in my car. At 58k miles I should not have this problem and I am concerned for my safety. What happens if it goes out on the freeway??? I could get killed and cause an accident. Wake up Ford!!! this is your responsibility and you people are putting loyal customers in harm's way. Unreal.

Vehicle began to exhibit a popping noise while turning the steering wheel at low speeds or while stopped. Initially began only while in reverse, slowly progressed to forward motion as well. Generally occurs only when turning the wheel clockwise. Took to independent mechanic who diagnosed it as faulty electronic steering rack, however due to design could not perform further diagnosis. Entire rack replaced under extended warranty. Mileage of vehicle is approximately 80,000, issue began approx 78,000 miles. No dash lights illuminated, no failure or loss of steering at speed.

I bought my 2015 Explorer back in 2018 with the popping noise in the steering. I was told back then it was normal. As time went on, the popping noise has become worse. I have addressed it over the past week, and have determined two things. 1, the TSB put out by Ford for the thrust washers on the axles is a waste of money. 2, the rack an pinion should be the true recall on the 2011-2015 Ford Explorer, and possibly newer models from what I have read. Mine was troubleshot down to the rack and pinion today by my mechanic, and just like everyone else here, it's going to cost $2300 to replace. I have had the same problems of the steering locking up over prolonged sitting as well. This is alarming and should be addressed by the NHTSA, sooner rather than later.

Steering started making a "knocking" noise when moving the steering wheel. This occurs while in part or in motion. I was told by the repair shot and my 2015 Explorer with 45k miles on it needs to have the rack and pinion replaced at a cost of $2100. Not covered under warranty and apparently no recall for this dangerous situation.

Noisy popping noise when steering left and right at a stand still or low speeds. This turns into a locked steering wheel in one position.

This complain is for Ford Explorer sport 2015 that I own and has 26,000miles. I bought this car brand new from the dealer and I've been having a problem with steering wheel. Every time when I get out from the parking or trying to park the car,I turn the steering wheel left and right and I get this squeezing noise. Beside this problem, the engine makes a whistle noise when is parked. I had this whistle noise 4months after I got the car from the dealer. I did send it to the dealer service for this whistle, they didn't find any issue, which it really upset me. I'm very disappointed with Ford service and brand itself, and the fact that I'm find in more complains about the steering wheel noise and not being recalled as a problem to be solved. I would never ever recommand to anyone to buy Ford. This is bad business!.

Have noticed the popping noise when turning the steering to the right. Noticed sometimes an oil leak by this side 1 year before. This leak was notified to the dealer in every scheduled maintainance appointment. Never was corrected. Now they told me I have to change the rack and pinion and warranty is expired. I don't know if this uncoreected leak could be associated with this rack and pinion problem I have now.

My wife has for a while heard some noises from the steering and we believed this to be a minor issue. We have had the car in for service a number of times and to our surprise they have not found issues. Now the mileage of the car (38k+) and age (3y+) is beyond warranty and at our last visit to the Ford dealer we were informed that it was an issue with the "rack and pinion" and it needed to be replaced at a cost of $1800 ! we have complained and the dealer will check with Ford to see if they will cover this. I urge all Ford owners to have the rack and pinion checked specifically before the warranty runs out as this seems to be a common problem.

Tl- the contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving various speeds on six different occasions the steering wheel locked, in addition the contact heard a noise and steering became stiff making it difficult to turn in both directions. The advance trac service indicator illuminated. The contact stated hitting the curve and was able to continued to drive. The contact pulled to the side of the road to inspect vehicle. The vehicle was taken to darcars Ford lanham located at (9020 lanham severn rd, lanham, MD 20706 (301) 459-1100) the vehicle is awaiting to be diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and was inform the vehicle was not part of a recall. The failure mileage was 59,000. As.

2015 Explorer sport - have a binding, popping noise when turning the steering wheel to the right. Pops before completing a full turn at full stop and will pop multiple times when doing a k-turn or right turn at slow speed. Had thrust washer, nuts, and other items replaced Nov 2017 at 34776 miles, now at 38000 and its back and of course techs can't duplicate. I also went to dealer and drove after they rotated tires and changed the oil and couldn't. Next morning in driving its doing it again, but one pop at a time at full stop. This must be a defect becuase I had the same type of problem in my 2013 Explorer. My warrenty is up and I need this fixed as I'm afraid to drive with confidence.

While driving at 65 miles an hour on a busy highway the steering wheel on my 2015 Ford Explorer experienced a complete failure. The power steering assist warning illuminated and my vehicle was unable to safely move from one lane to the next. I was approaching a curve in the road and I applied my brakes and turned on my hazards to avoid wrecking into the highway barrier. I was nearly struck by a large semi-tractor trailer and a few other vehicles as I attempted to get to safety. I thought for sure I was going to be struck by passing vehicles. Once I was able to get to safety, the messages read "power steering assist fault" and then I saw another message that read a terrain management function fault as well. I immediately called my wife to tell her I was stuck on the side of rt 280 in west orange, NJ. Just in case something happened to me. I the called aaa to request a tow. I turned off the engine and the terrain management fault was still illuminated. I attempted to move my vehicle to a safer place and kept hearing a whining noise and the steering would go in and out of faults. Once I was in a safe place I advised aaa of my location and awaited their service. I was surprised to hear that this is not an unknown issue to Ford by the tow truck driver. We had the Explorer towed to beyer Ford in morristown, NJ. I received a call today from the Ford dealer that the power steering rack has to be replaced. I looked this issue up on-line and found many complaints regarding the same issue and not just on Explorers, but other Ford vehicles and different years. I am extremely concerned about this problem because it literally came out of nowhere while I was driving at 65 mph. That possibility that I could have had my family including my 6 year old daughter in the vehicle and giving different circumstances, it could have been a catastrophic event. We also own a 2011 Ford Explorer.