general problems of the 2016 Ford Explorer - part 2

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 70 mph, 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 not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but referred the contact to the NHTSA hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 113,000.

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering failed to function as intended. The contact stated that the steering wheel was difficult to turn. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 106,558.

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while attempting to leave her residence, it was difficult to maneuver the steering wheel. The contact continued to drive the vehicle when several unknown warning lights displayed on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed with a power steering rack failure and needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA hotline. The failure mileage was 70,000.

July 17, 2024 a little over a week ago steering system on my 2016 Ford explore started making grinding noises when turning steering wheel. Steering started to feel " tighter " or stiffer when turning. There were no warning lamps or messages or other symptoms prior to the failure. Took it to the dealership where vehicle was purchased. Service advisor came out and verified there " seems " to be a problem but can't get the vehicle in until August 5. I am concerned about the danger of the steering system locking up while driving and asked him about it and advisor only said " just have it towed in " . In my opinion this is an extremely dangerous defect !!! if the steering locks up it certainly could cause the vehicle to veer into on coming traffic resulting injury or death. Who then is responsible for this defect and it is a defect in the rack and pinion. I have been doing research about this problem and have found not just a few but many, many, customers with the same problems with repair costs ranging from $2,500. 00 - $5,000. 00 and apparently a huge shortage of parts 2016 Explorers.

Took my 2016 Ford Explorer in to get a/c fixed and investigate "clunking" noise heard when turning. Dealer service rep informed me that the entire rack and pinion steering assembly needed to be replaced at a cost of ~$3200. When I asked if I could just ignore it and not get the work done (as this is quite expensive), I was told that I didn't have to get the work done but, I would be in danger of losing steering control of the vehicle. Upon doing research, online, to see if this was a normal cost, I found that there were many consumers who had the same issue. Some of these dated clear back to 2017 with low mileage. This is only a year after this vehicle was released. Even if that was the 1st complaint made, Ford has had 7 years to investigate this issue and, one would hope, issue a voluntary recall to fix it since it is a major safety issue.

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the vehicle made a loud rattling sound. The contact stated that several unknown messages were displayed. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel became abnormally stiff, and the vehicle became difficult to maneuver. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was diagnosed with rack and pinion failure. The vehicle was currently being repaired. The contact related the failure to an unknown recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to call the NHTSA hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 149,700.

The electric powered steering was making scraping-clicking noise when turning to the right. The steering rack over-extension stop came apart inside the rack enclosure. This can result in a tire scraping on metal parts inside the fender enclosure. I have 46,000 miles on this Explorer and I drive conservatively. I have learned that Ford vehicles have issues with these steering units and this part including labor is extremely expensive. Due to the safety factors I believe a recall repair or replacement for this part is in order.

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving 45 mph, the steering was seized and failed to return to center. The tire sensor warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the tie rod and steering rack needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and opened a case. The approximate failure mileage was 148,996.

Steering started grinding in the winter months around 110,900 and locked up while driving. Took to Ford service and the rack and pinion is faulty. The tech said it was not due to any driving damage, but a faulty part. Vehicle currently has 120,000 miles on it and locks up driving down the road. The potential for a dangerous accident is high. This is a known issue for Ford Explorers in various years and Ford should recall this.

Popping noise from rack and pinion.

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while turning the steering wheel to the right, the front end of the vehicle made an abnormal popping sound. The contact stated that the failure occurred while the vehicle was idling and while driving. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the rack and pinion steering gear had failed. The dealer determined that the rack and pinion needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided because the vehicle was out of warranty. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 54,000.

Component or system failed or malfunctioned unavailable for inspection upon he safety of others put at risk had the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer representatives or others warning lamps messages other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when didnt first appear what component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? how was your safety or the safety of others put at risk has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center component been inspected by the manufacturer,representatives any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear fully report.

Unknown overall something within while driving my truck I had starting hearing a grinding sound while turning and then the steering started to lock up, very unsafe and while my children were going to school had me in panic mode in which I never experience out of all the vehicle ive had and paid off.

Power steering module, which is part of the front steering linkage went out suddenly while driving which resulted in no power assist to steering at 55 mph. From the auto forums, this is not an uncommon issue with the 2016 Ford Explorer yet there has been no recall on it.

The steering shaft froze(steering shaft u jionts) making steering hard especially when it cold out.

Rack and pinion binds. This suddenly started around 70,000 miles. It makes a grinding noise that seems to be in the steering column. While driving it catches and takes effort to move steering wheel past the catch.

Steering has become extremely rough and sticks, dangerous to drive because it sticks hard and may not straighten out easy sometimes. Will take to dealer soon, suspect rack and pinion failure.

Driving and randomly the steering wheels loses power steering and gives a power steering fault code. I was with my children and almost crashed. I’m told this is very common and Ford refuses to recall it.

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, and making a turn, the steering wheel seized, and the contact struggled to regain control of the steering wheel. In addition, the contact noticed a grinding sound while making a turn. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a failed rack and pinion. The contact was informed that the rack and pinion needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and the contact was advised to report the failure to the NHTSA hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 147,000.

The contact stated the police officer owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated the police officer was attempting to drive the vehicle, however, the steering wheel locked. There was no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed the government mechanic who previously diagnosed the vehicle and stated the steering rack failed. The contact stated he had 2 police vehicles this week with a failed steering rack. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and stated there was not recall on the vehicle. The failure mileage was approximately 49,000.

As I was driving down the highway my steering got stuck in a turning position and I had to pull really hard for it to go straight almost crashing.

This is the problem I'm experiencing, my steering wheel would tighten up when I'm backing up from being part. Then when it comes to me, pulling out and about to drive and I have to make a turn the stand well will tighten up again and make it difficult for me to drive or or to turn go other way. When I took my vehicle in to suburban Ford service ferndale. I'm looking at the questions for additional details. I wasn't in no accident because of my. There's no fire, no injuries, but it can happen and I don't have to have the mileage at how fast I was going because the stand will would get tight when I'm about this pull off.

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering assist fault and traction control warning lights illuminated. In addition, the steering became difficult to steer. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a failed rack and pinion and the rack and pinion needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was informed that there was an unknown safety recall described with similar failure, however the contact's VIN was not associated with the recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The contact was also advised to report the failure to NHTSA. The failure mileage was approximately 37,000.

A loud clunking noise was heard when the vehicle was turned to the right. Diagnosis at the carmax repair facility indicated that the steering rack was broken. Diagnosis was complicated by the fact that the damaged part was hidden under a rubber boot. The actual damage on the steering rack appears to be a broken retainer, sealing washer, or similar that circles the jack screw of the steering rack. This retainer or washer is visible in the attached pictures. I believe there was a potential for the damaged retainer or washer to become jammed in the steering rack when the rack is in the right turn position which would make it impossible or difficult to turn the steering wheel. This could have resulted in an accident. I authorized carmax to complete the repair and was informed that the steering rack was back ordered from Ford and would not be available for approximately 3 weeks. Carmax gave me a loaner vehicle and completed the repair when the part arrived. The broken steering rack was returned to Ford. A steering rack is not a part that I expect to fail. The fact that the part was back ordered for three weeks suggests that this part is in high demand because this is a common problem with this vehicle. The fact that the damaged part was concealed by a rubber boot made it difficult to diagnose. Clunking noises in the front suspension of a vehicle can be caused by many problems and a failure to correctly diagnose this problem could have resulted in a serious accident. I thanked the carmax technicians for there perseverance in getting to the true cause of the noise. It is my opinion that this is a serious safety issue and that Ford should issue a safety recall for affected vehicles.

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving approximately 45 mph, the steering wheel became very firm. The contact stated that the "steering assist failure" message was displayed, and the traction control warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 108,000.

There has been many reports of electronic steering issue where it would just swerve you off the road and loose full control while driving for years 2013-2015 cars but 2016 years are also being effected. A dealership confirmed it was an electronic steering rack causing the issue. No warning lamps had went off either.

The contacted owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving, at unknown speeds there was an abnormal grinding noise was detected. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who informed the contact that the failure was due to the rack and pinion. The contact called the local dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified and referred to the NHTSA hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 58,000.

Steering wheel stated making weird noise when turning. Got harder to steer and started jerking while driving. The Explorer jerked from side to side and almost caused me multiple wrecks. I took it to the shop and it was my steering rack and pinion that needed replacing and may also have to be reprogrammed, which is an extra $600. 00. I have had several cars and never had an issue like this! not to mention it was almost $3000. 00 fix. There were no warning lights for this and this is very dangerous especially since it happens so fast and could be deadly on the interstate! this needs to be recalled, there are many owners I read have had this problem. It is unacceptable and deadly! not safe!.

Our 2016 Ford Explorer suddenly the steering started making a loud grinding noise while rotating the steering wheel. The noise is anytime you move the steering wheel left or right parked or moving. The steering wheel locks up without warning while driving making it momentarily impossible to move and dangerous while driving. The Explorer was diagnosed as a faulty steering rack and pinion assembly with is electronic assisted. No warning lights are illuminated on the dash.

My steering wheel completely locked up and we couldn't turn it or anything. After repetitively trying to move it the steering wheel finally came loose. I was able to take it to a mechanic and he said its the steering rack but since it completely locked up and was unable to move the steering wheel I needed to contact you. Ford does have a recall for the steering rack but it does not include my year of Explorer.

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 40 mph, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The service stability track, traction control, and the loss of power steering warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that he used physical strength to steer the vehicle after the power steering assist failure to the residence. The vehicle was taken to a local mechanic who diagnosed that the angle sensor was defective and there was a loss of communication. The contact was informed that due to the failure and the loss of communication, the power steering assist, hill assist, and traction control features were disabled. The vehicle was not repaired due to a needed part being on backorder since November 2023. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a complaint was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 69,000.

Went to drive my vehicle and when I turned exiting my driveway , my steering was stiff, hard to turn. Shutting off vehicle and restarting sometimes helps, but now it is always no power assist. No warning lights, messages or check engine lights at all. Just lost power assist. I figure it is another rack n pinion steering assy by all I read online. This should deffinately be a recall. 2011-2013 had the same issue and was issued a recall. Why is this not? it is so dangerous. Get on the ball and do something. 2016 Explorer XLT.

The rack and pinion steering has gone bad. This is causing the vehicle to be hard to drive as it is very difficult to turn the wheel and control the vehicle. This is making it dangerous to drive as you are unable to turn the wheel very well.

I am writing to you as I just read an article about my Explorer being recalled for a different issue, pieces of trim flying off (which happened to us several years ago). I took to the dealership then, they replaced and it immediately cracked again. They were blaming my door as being off and causing the damage. I took to a repair shop (non-Ford) to look at and they told me that they had seen this alot and Ford knew there was a problem and it wasn't my door. It made me extremely upset as it almost caused an accident while we were on the freeway. This complaint is for a completely different safety issue and is recent. I am mentioning the above incident as my car this time was taken to a different repair shop. Their response was very similar to the above repair shop that Ford knows there is a problem as the part is on a national backorder. After a recent snowstorm, my husband went to drive his car to work. The storm had passed, but roads were still dangerous. As he was pulling out of the garage, multiple alarms showed up on the dashboard. "hill start assist not available", service advancetrac, "steering assist fault service required". He didn't fully know what any of these meant and had just driven the car the day before with no issues. As soon as he pulled out on the roads, he realized the power steering was out. He is lucky that he didn't crash as the roads were still icy and snow covered. Up until these alarms, there was no warning. What if it happened while in the middle of driving? I drive that car every day w my kids and my husband took it that Sunday as it is better in snow. I can't even imagine what would have happened if I was driving as there is no way I could have steered that car. Somehow we got the last replacement part (repair was over $3000!) and I only have 68,000 miles on my car. How can a part that is on an older Ford be on national backorder if there isn't a major problem! the rack and pinion w computer module was replaced.

Grinding/knocking noise when driving and turning front wheel either right or left. Was told need new steering gear. Only 115k miles on car. Numerous complaints online from other 2016 Ford Explorer owners with same issue. This is a safety issue as the car is not safe to drive, yet this is my only means of transportation. No warning lights. Verified problem with Ford dealership - but part is not available. Now what?! this should be a recall from Ford.