Steering Rack And Pinion problems of the 2016 Ford Explorer - part 1

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while making left and right turns on several occasions at various speeds, the parking assist warning light illuminated and the steering wheel became stiff. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the rack and pinion needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 122,312.

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel was tight while turning. There were no warning lights illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who informed the contact that the failure was due to the rack and pinion. The manufacturer was contacted and opened a case. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, there was a grinding and squeaking sound coming from the steering column. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the noise was due to a faulty steering rack and pinion. The contact was informed that the rack and pinion needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 40,000.

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that when driving and making left and right turns, the contact heard a clunking noise in the steering wheel. Additionally, the contact stated that the steering wheel felt detached and started to sway left and right. No warning lights was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the rack and pinion needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was transferred to the NHTSA hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 89,000.

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, a ticking noise was present within the steering column while turning in either direction. The contact stated that eventually the noise became louder. The contact stated while driving approximately 15 mph and turning the steering wheel to the right, the steering wheel seized causing the driver to forcefully turn the steering wheel in the opposite direction to avoid losing control of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic who diagnosed that the steering column rack and pinion was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The local dealer and manufacturer were notified of the failure but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 102,000.

On January 4, 2022, while driving my children to school at 55pmh, my steering rack failed. I was able to get the vehicle parked before the steering wheel completely froze up. Multiple messages showed up on the dashboard, including a steering failure message. The vehicle was towed to my local mechanic, and he has determined that the steering rack needs to be replaced, at an estimate of $2200. 00. The repair is scheduled to be done on 2/10/22.

Steering locked up while driving, causing a dangerous situation, fortunalty it was at low speeds an no harm came of it. 61,000 miles on the vehicle, failed rack and pinion steering, needed to be replaced. $2,500 .

I lost my steering completely and had to take my vehicle into a shop. The rack and pinion for the steering of my vehicle has gone out completely at only 80,000 miles. This is an extremely dangerous issue, as it could have caused a serious crash. While stationary or moving slowly, the wheel is harder to turn and makes a loud sliding/grinding sound. At higher speeds, the steering wheel gets "stuck" and is very hard to get out of a certain position. This issue caused me to almost hit oncoming traffic. As common as this issue is at an average of 52,000 miles on these Explorers, it should be a recall! the repair is at an estimated $3,000 to fix. Now I am out of a vehicle until I can come up with that kind of funding, while still owing tons of money on it. Not only is this a huge financial nightmare, but it is extremely unsafe!.

Driving 45mph suddenly lost steering control, was able to decelerate and get off the road, then slowly get home. After this it seemed to work fine. However, every day, a loud popping creaking sound that you can even feel is coming from the electric power-assist steering. Especially noticeable when pulling in or out of a parking lot/driveway/garage. Local shop says it will cost about $2500 to replace the electric power-assist steering rack and pinion, and it must then be programmed to the vehicle. This Explorer has 78,000 miles on it. Thanks.

48k miles platinum edition , steering wheel began sticking. Recently started pulling hard to the right at times. Had it looked at and it looks like as with many many others like it, the the rack and pinion needs to replaced. Ford should be forced to recall the cars and fix the problem. There are literally hundreds of people with the same problem. When is the NHTSA going to step up and do something? after people start dying?.

El rack an pinon ya fue remplazado. Entiendo que ES muy prematuro para remplarlo. Es un falla DE fabrica. Translation: "the rack and pinion was replaced. To my understanding is too premature to be replaced. It seems like is a manugacturing defect".

Tl the contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving 70 mph, the steering wheel failed. The driver kept the steering wheel under control and move into the slow lane while continuing to drive. The contact stated that the steering system failure warning light illuminated on the instrumental panel when the failure occurred. The vehicle was towed to lewis j c Ford (9505 abercorn street savannah, georgia, 31406, (912)-210-5677) to be diagnosed. The mechanic located the failure at the steering wheel rack and pinion. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted. The approximate failure mileage was 65,000.

While making turns either at slow speeds or at a complete stop, the steering makes popping sounds. Steering wheel also locks for half a second. Took vehicle to a shop and was advised it was the rack and pinion on the front right tire area. The vehicle is a 2016 and has 41k miles. This issue began manifesting approximately two weeks prior. Estimated cost to repair is $2500. According to vehicle forums this is a common issue with this vehicle make and model.

The vehicle was in motion on a state highway when the following warning messages were displayed steering assist fault service required, hill start assist not available, service advance trac, terrain management system fault. At this point I had complete loss of power steering. I was able to pull to the side of the road safely and had to have towed to the Ford dealer in my town which is was 2 hours away. Ford dealership diagnosed the problem as power steering control module. Which is integral with the rack and pinion assembly. Cost of repair is 2400. 00 of course I have a lifetime warranty on most parts including fuel pump, engine ,transmission but rack and pinion not considered under this warranty.

Steering would lock up and you would have to force the steering back to drive ability. The rack and pinion was worn out, in my opinion prematurely. This happened while the vehicle was in motion. The first time it was notice was on highway driving in a construction zone. The steering would catch when turning left or right and you would have to force the wheel to straighten out the vehicle.

The vehicle was in motion on a state highway when the following warning messages were displayed steering assist fault service required, hill start assist not available, service advance trac, terrain management system fault. At this point I had complete loss of power steering. I was able to pull to the side of the road safely and had to have towed. Local Ford dealership diagnosed the problem as power steering control module. Which is integral with the rack and pinion assembly.

49000 miles, electronic steering is starting to go out. When driving moderate speeds car makes loud audible noises especially when turning the wheel. Rack and pinion will need to be replaced. Ford told me it was 100% safe to drive. Took to independent mechanic who said the exact opposite and should be replaced before it goes out heaven forbid at high speeds. Family of 4 young kids, this is supposed to be a safe, family car. Ford is putting a lot of families at risk not recalling this. This car only has 49k miles. They are losing lots of return customers by not handling a safety issue properly. I hope no deaths have to happen to bring more severity to this pressing issue. If you hear a click when steering, get the car inspected ASAP! clicking occurs when stationary and is more intense when driving. It could go out at any moment.

The rack & pinion motor failed on this vehicle after only approximately 40,000 miles. In this instance it did not cause an accident. However, I understand that these motors are failing at a relatively high rate and steering could lock up in these vehicles while driving.

Steering was getting difficult while making turns. Took it to a Ford dealer and was told the rack & pinion need to be replaced for $2,560 and it is unsafe to drive. Ford is not covering this issue even though it is a faulty part on their end and should be their responsibility.

Our 2016 Ford Explorer with 44k miles is making knocking sounds while turning. The sound was intermittent at times so not all turns made the knocking sound. We had it looked at by a mechanic and he said the rack and pinion steering is going out. He explained in more detail, but the gist of it is a repair cost of $2k on a vehicle that's not paid off and extreme hazard to drive. This is a critical concern for many Ford Explorer owners that have reported the same issue. Please investigate.

Saturday June 20th 2020 the hill assist message came on as did the abs and traction control lights came on. There is no power steering and both axles are making a clicking noise. I have learned that this is the rack and pinion electronic power assist system. Epas unit has failed. Luckily it was in my cul DE sac turning around and not on the freeway. My wife predominantly drives this vehicle. The steering is very difficult to move. The vehicle only has 64,000 miles on it. Is this a private recall? I have spoken with a couple of other Explorer owners that Ford "took care of it" for them. I have ordered the part, but it will not be there for a week. This car is well taken care of and is normally driven on city streets and occasionally on the highway.

Steering started making a grinding noise turning left or right. Intermittent severe pulling to the left or turning from left to right. Happens at low or high speed. Started about 58k miles. Car is unsafe and un-drivable in this condition. Advised the rack and pinion is bad and needs to be replaced at approx $2000.

The 2016 Explorer experienced a clucking sound and the steering would hitch while turning at approx 50k miles. Vehicle was taken to dealer but dealer could not recreate. At 60k miles there was a constant clunking and steering sticking while turning the wheel. Vehicle was returned to dealer for review, dealer confirmed the rack and pinion was failing and was a major safety issue. Dealer also confirmed they have to replace many rack and pinions for Explorers and it is a problem but hey can only do what Ford instructs. After review on the NHTSA. Gov site, there are over 200 complaints for the same issue with the rack and pinion system that occurs from 30k to 60k miles. This is an issue that is not being dealt with by the manufacturer and needs to be addressed since most of these vehicles are now hitting this mileage range.

I would like to share my Ford experience with my 2016 Ford Explorer limited edition that was bought from higley Ford. At 64,000 miles. . . Yes 4,000 over my warranty my computer module fried and I had to replace that. . . $1500 out of my pocket. . . Then last summer my ac quit working followed by my drivers side seat heater and mirror on my visor. . . Then here recently I could smell something like burnt rubber and found out some seal popped off so oil was leaking. . . . Which is in a spot that you can't get to unless you take things apart. . . Then now just found out my rack and pinion went out. . . The steering (part alone costs $1500)!!! I was told I should have bought the extended warranty and that was all I got. Really!!!!!!! especially the rack and pinion! how the hell does that go out. . . I'm a night nurse that drives to work and back and that's about all! I've never been in an accident, in the ditch and I don't tear around in my car. I can understand maybe a computer thing happening because well. . . Computers are computers. . . But all of those things going wrong with 1 vehicle! and it's supposed to be a nice vehicle!!! let me just say. . . I feel very screwed.

The rack & pinion steering broke and Ford is refusing to include it in the recall they have on this exact problem.

2016 Explorer XLT with 70k miles and the power steering started to fail requiring the steering rack and pinion to be replaced. Symptom included sticking and unpredictable steering while stopped and at all driving speeds and conditions.

I got into my car one morning and the car made a terrible sound when turning the steering wheel left to right. The steering also wants to stick when going around a turn. I took it to a Ford dealership where the said the rack and pinion was going bad and is common in my year of car and mileage. They said at any point my car steering could completely be lost. How dangerous especially when driving with a toddler?!?!.

The steering makes popping and grinding noise when turning left or right. Had vehicle inspected at a trusted garage I use, they said that the rack and pinion was shot. The vehicle has approximately 53165 miles on it. The majority is highway miles.

I first noticed the problem last winter, when we would drive our Explorer in the snow the car would pull in random directions, it got to the point where I was scared to drive the car in feet I would be pulled into on coming traffic. I took it to a mechanic and they couldn't find anything wrong other than my rear shocks were bad, so I replaced them. Then over the summer I noticed when I turn going at slow speeds the car would make a loud pop and sometimes the steering would get stuck when it poped, so I did some research a though maybe it was my toe links. So I just replaced them and this car is still terrifying to drive in the snow. I have seen that a concerning number of people have had this same issue and they end up replacing their rack and pinion and it costs thousands of dollars.

Steering locked up while driving, was able to slow down safely but could have been really bad if going at higher speed or around a curve. Was able to stop and really force wheel to turn a bit. Dealer stated I needed to replace rack and pinion. $2500, but more of a safety issue to me.

I started to feel strain on the steering wheel, and since I started feeling that tension on Nov. 5th, it has increased to a heavier tension that whenever I move my steering wheel to turn in my car, something is happening to my wheel, and it is grinding together. The steering rack and pinion seem to be the thing that is grinding together to make my steering wheel have tension and be unsafe.

Tl- the contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at 35 mph, the steering wheel seized with no warning. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the contact was informed that the rack and pinion motor was seizing. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer for a diagnostic test or repairs. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 72000. Dr.

My 2016 Explorer just reached 85,000 miles when I started to hear a popping sound from the front end of my vehicle, while I was parking, the next day as I was turning onto a city street the steering wheel locked for a second followed by a loud pop. I took the car to sanderson Ford dealership and they advised me, my rack and pinion needs replaced. ($2,500) repair cost.

2016 Ford Explorer XLT, 86000 miles. Steering sticking while turning left/right while traveling at all speeds. There is also a popping noise when turning right at low speeds. After investigation I have found the is a rack & pinion problem that Ford refuses to recall. Many instances of steering wheels locking while driving which could potentially be fatal. Repair costs for replacement are $2000-$3000. This should not happen on a 3 year old vehicle, and definitely not to amount of vehicles that are showing the same issue. Consumer safety is definitely not being taken into consideration for this defect. It appears money is the driving force for not recalling this issue by Ford.

I was driving down the highway and all of a sudden all the warning lights for the power steering starting flashing on my dash and my steering locked up. I almost had an accident going down the road. The garage I have taken it to have told me that the power steering control module and the rack and pinion are what needs replacing and it's $1950. 00. I've read hundreds of other people's stories about this exact same thing happening to them and costing them anywhere from $2-$4000 to fix. And it's always happening when the vehicles are around 20-40,000 miles and it's always been Ford Explorers 2016-2018 models. My Explorer is at 102,000 miles. There needs to be a recall on these parts ASAP before someone dies from this happening!.