general problems of the 2016 Ford Explorer - part 1

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 35 mph, the steering wheel became difficult to turn to the left or to the right. The contact stopped and turned the vehicle off and restarted the vehicle, and the power steering functionality returned. The contact stated that the failure had occurred twice and during the second failure the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a local dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 79,000.

Dear NHTSA, I am submitting a formal safety complaint regarding my 2016 Ford Explorer (VIN: [xxx] . ) build date: (08/15. ), mileage (115,262. ). My vehicle has experienced a steering rack failure, which poses a serious risk of loss of steering control. I am aware of multiple recalls (such as 20v-675 / Ford 20s62 and 21v-537 / Ford 21s32) addressing rear suspension toe link fractures in 2016 Ford Explorers. These recalls cover vehicles built in the same timeframe as mine, but my VIN is not included. This exclusion is concerning, as both the steering rack and suspension defect involve loss of steering control and directly impact driver and passenger safety. I respectfully request that NHTSA investigate: 1. Why certain VIN's, including mine, were excluded despite being manufactured in the recall window. 2. Whether steering rack failures in the 2016 Ford Explorer should also be subject to an official safety recall. Thank you for your attention to this urgent safety matter. I look forward to hearing from somebody. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 35 mph, the steering wheel became stiff and did not drive as intended. The contact stated that the next morning, she observed a sound emanating from the steering wheel column. The check engine warning light was illuminated before the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact believed that the failure was associated with NHTSA campaign number: 20v675000 (suspension). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 156,580.

I was driving the family and about to enter the highway when my steering started to feel like there may be a problem. The steering started to feel like it was sticking. I turned around and headed back home (about 4 miles) by the time I entered my street, steering failure warning lights started on the dashboard. I had to come to an abrupt stop because the steering wheel would not turn to pull in my driveway. We had to dolly the rear of the car over so I can pull straight into my driveway. I can not even imagine what would have happened if I did not turn around to head home. If this happend on the highway or on a ramp, I could have become devestating.

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while in reverse (r) the vehicle would not turn left or right as the steering wheel became stiff. The contact stated that when the vehicle was put in drive (d) and pulled into a parking spot, the steering wheel was stiff as well. The contact did not recall any warning lights at that time. The contact stated that the vehicle was turned off and restarted and the failure did not reoccur. The vehicle was taken to a dealer to have maintenance on the brakes, where it was diagnosed that steering rack assembly needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 93,500.

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel failed to turn in the intended direction. The power steering unit failure warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a failed electronic power steering rack. The contact was informed that the electronic power steering rack needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with a failed electronic power steering rack. The contact was informed that the electronic power steering rack needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 75,000. The VIN was unavailable.

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact became aware that the electronic power steering was not functioning properly, requiring increased effort to maneuver the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and was diagnosed with electronic power steering control module failure. The contact was informed that that the independent mechanic found that the eps control module was water damaged. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA campaign number: 14v286000 (steering), but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was 135,000.

Steering gets really hard and jerks acts like the steering isn't working.

I was at apple Ford of lynchburg, va when I grabbed the steering wheel to exit the vehicle when the steering wheel came loose and began to wobble up and down, making the car impossible to control safely. The service department and I came to the conclusion that this may represent an apparent safety issue that must be addressed.

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the vehicle lost power steering assist functionality, and the steering wheel was stuck while attempting to turn the steering wheel to the left or the right. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact spoke with the dealer and was informed that the power steering assist had failed and needed to be repaired. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 97,000.

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact received notifications of NHTSA campaign numbers: 24v031000 (structure) and 25v347000(structure); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repairs. Additionally, the contact stated that while driving 40 mph and making a right turn, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the steering wheel had failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but denied assistance in covering the cost of the repair. The failure mileage was approximately 105,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while reversing out of the driveway at approximately 1-2 mph, there was a loud, abnormal humming sound coming from the vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle was pulling to the side. Additionally, while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle was vibrating abnormally. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the steering rack needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the NHTSA hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 29,000.

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 60-65 mph, the vehicle experienced a loss of power steering functionality. The contact stated that the message “power steering failure - stop driving vehicle” was displayed. The traction control warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to pull over to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with internal steering gear head failure. The dealer performed the steering gear replacement and realignment. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was filed. The manufacturer later informed the contact that no assistance would be provided. The failure mileage was 65,964.

Water pump.

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while turning the steering to the left or right while driving at various speeds and while the vehicle was idling, the steering wheel seize approximately a quarter way into the turn. The driver had to manually turn the steering wheel to continue the turn or to merge. The failure occurred intermittently but became more persistent. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact called the dealer who confirmed that the VIN was not under recall. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle experienced a loss of power steering assist. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined that the rack and pinion needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 144,337.

Vehicles steering is extremely difficult to turn, power steering fluids have been checked and changed out as well. Issue persists in high and low speeds.

I was driving 55mph (speed limit) down a curvy country road when the steering wheel became stiff and wouldn’t turn. A red light flashed and said I had lost steering. I was barely able to get stopped before going of a steep embankment. I was stoped in a dangerous spot with no way get out of oncoming traffic. My vehicle flashed a yellow light that said terrain management system failure. No only was my life risk everyone that traveled down that road that morning. This included a school bus full of children and several other people that were trying to make it so work just like me.

When driving the steering would loose power and would not respond. Warning message said power steering failed. Dealer checked and verified that the steering rack and pinion are bad.

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the dealer to be repaired under NHTSA campaign number: 19v435000(suspension), and the dealer confirmed that the recall repair was performed. However, the contact stated while driving at various speeds on a bumpy road surface, the vehicle jerked significantly, and there was an abnormal loud sound coming from the suspension. The contact stated that the failure progressively worsened, causing the steering wheel to seize. The contact stated that the vehicle had become undrivable. The dealer was notified of the failure and advised the contact that the recall repair had been performed. The manufacturer was contacted and informed the contact that the recall repair had not been performed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 199,000.

Other Explorers have a recall for electric steering problems but my VIN is not included in the recall. I only have 52,000 miles on the vehicle with clunking sounds when we back up with the wheels turn to the right. I also have had really bad tire wear on the back with the inside edge completely worn off. Toe in adjustment way off, says that this vehicle already had the fix for that but looks like it was not fixed right. We are still driving vehicle at this time but not sure if we should or not? we just had new tires put on vehicle and they checked for the clunking sound. There are no warning lamps on. I will be taking the vehicle to thr Ford dealer on October 23, 2024.

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, while attempting to make a left or right turn, there was a popping sound coming from the steering wheel. Additionally, while driving on the highway at 70 mph, the vehicle failed to exceed 70 mph. The contact stated that there was an abnormal burning odor entering the cabin of the vehicle with the tpms warning light illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 121,000.

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving 75 mph, the steering wheel locked inadvertently. The message "multitaction failure" was displayed. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The local dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 189,000.

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel seized with the power steering warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the steering wheel became difficult to turn. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the power steering had failed, and the steering wheel needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000.

Rack and pinion failure. Caused me almost to wreck. Cost is $4200 to fix. Ford has to program it and send it back to my mechanic. I’m lucky this didn’t go out while going down a hill that would have been very bad.

Rack & pinion went out while driving . Ford dealer said it’s on back order a lot of vehicles have done it . Had complete steering loss in the mist of driving down road. It’s electrical .

I recently went to a mechanic sho0 to have a wheel alignment done because my steering wheel is about 50% tilted to the left. The shop told me they were unable to align the vehicle because there was a problem with my toelinks in the back of my car preventing the wheel from being straight. I called Ford to see if there was anything they could do because I got my toelinks done when there was a recall back in 2019. I have since had issues with my steering wheel not being lined and thought it was just out of balance. I would like for the toelinks to be looked at once again because apparently there is an issue with them.

Randomly, the power steering, abs, and traction control went out on my car. There are thousands of others with this issue and previous years of this car have already had a recall relating to this issue.

Randomly whilst driving, my dash had multiple error messages pop up and my power steering went out completely. The error messages were as follows: service advancetrac, terrain management system fault, hill start assist not available, & power steering assit fault. This keeps happening intermittently, while I am driving. This causes a serious safety issue, for my steering wheel to lock up while I am driving! I did get the codes for the errors and they are as follows: u0420-41, c0051-67, u0151-00, u0131-00. My abs system failed check, as well. This is a known issue with Ford vehicles, as there have already been recalls for previous models. . Read more...

Power steering started to make creaking sounds when turning the steering wheel right or left. Speed not a factor. I was concerned that something might be seriously wrong so took to local mechanic. Need to replace the rack and pinion steering gear. Took a week to get the parts. Cost 2500. 00 to fix. Now it needs to go back for a redo cause there are issues with the electronics. Must wait another week for replacement parts. Must redo rack and pinion and recalibrate computer. Ford has to do it as local mechanics don’t have the the proper calibration computer. Platinum version. Just shy of 52,000 miles. This should be on Fords recall list.

Eps electronic power steering. Eps failed without warning. Wheel jerked to left with no ability to control it doing 45 in town. Consulted for dealership, they're asking $3,500 in repairs. No warning lights. Problem happened on 08/15/2024.

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 60 mph, the steering wheel was difficult to operate. The contact stated that the hill start assist not available, the terrain management system fault, and service advance-trac message was displayed on the instrument panel. The traction control and tpms warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not drivable. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the independent mechanic replaced the rack and pinion. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 160,000.

Steering went out without notice. Unable to turn steering wheel.

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel made abnormal grinding sounds. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was determined 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 132,400.

Steering was acting funny, return of the steering wheel to the straight position was becoming difficult. Electronic rack and pinion system then failed while driving. Luckily the issue occurred while in my driveway. Entire system was then replaced for roughly $2500.