Steering Noise Problems of Ford Explorer - part 1

Heard noises when I turn my steering wheel. I was told I need to have my rack and pinion steering replace-est cost mid 2k. Starting to research online and I see that this is a common problem with potential severe consequences if not fixed. Why hasn't this been recalled??? also we had to replace the struts. The car does not have 50k miles yet. I do have the repair for the struts. Have not repaired the rack and pinion yet. ## #vpic# 1 - check digit (9th position) does not calculate properly; 400 - invalid characters present #vpic#.

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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.

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Tl the contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 5 mph, the vehicle made an abnormal noise prior to the steering wheel locking up. The vehicle was turned off and restarted and the steering wheel unlocked. The contact stated a tire sensor warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to banner Ford of monroe (6300 frontage rd, monroe, la 71202) where it was diagnosed with the rack and pinion needing to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired however, the replacement part was defective. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 101,509.

Front steering noise popping same as the recall for 2011-13. 2014 needs to be added. Front rack and pinion needs replaced affects steering. Major safety concern.

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When backing out of my driveway and turning slowly there is a poping noise and my steering wheel locked up multiple times. Before this I spent 1000 bucks to get the wiring harness for air bags replaced. None of them work Ford would not cover it because there is not a recall.

While wife was driving vehicle home from work, steering abruptly got stiff and making the vehicle became very difficult and dangerous, got a warning from dash and now while turning the steering wheel there is a loud grinding/rubbing noise from the steering assembly. Have been advised the rack and pinion needs to be replaced. This is a 2014 Ford Explorer but was manufactured in late 2013 as a 14 model. Yet this rack and pinion is not covered under the recall. Since I cannot afford the repairs the vehicle has had to sit. Prior recall for the 2011-2013 needs to be expanded to cover these new complaints as these parts were most likely the same parts included in the intial recall but placed in the newer model year vehicle. I cannot get the newest recall address because I can't get the Explorer to the dealer without paying for a tow to and from since the rack and pinion is a major issue.

I purchased the Ford Explorer sport last November 2018, and there's no squeaking noise under the steering wheel. I noticed it last month and I go straight at the Ford dealership and they told me it's the characteristic of the car. Im so disappointed with the diagnosis, the disturbing noise is under the steering wheel, and the confusing part is the squeaking noise you can only hear that when you turn the steering wheel to the right. Hopefully you can pin point the problem. If it's the steering wheel or the air bag inside is the problem.

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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.

Vehicle started to make a grinding noise when we turned the steering wheel. So we took it to the shop where we bought the vehicle. They diagnosed the problem saying it was the electronic power steering rack and pinion. The shop did not want us to drive vehicle home due to being unsafe to drive. Vehicle has under 80k miles.

While driving at 75 mph the vehicle experienced a loss of power steering, the wheel jerked and I almost ran off the road. Then the steering made grinding noises. The dealership wants $1500 for the part and just as much or more for the labor, not covered under warranty and the vehicle only has approximately 77000 miles on it.

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.

When turning right at a slow speed, heavy knocking/thumping noise and steering was jerky. Vehicle has 33,400 miles. Had it repaired at the Ford dealership yesterday and they replaced the rack and pinion at a cost of $1800. Since I read this seems to be a common problem I asked if this issue has been recalled and was informed it was not.

I have a 2016 Ford Explorer that was purchased brand new 3. 5 years ago. It has 55k miles on it, which isn't what I consider many miles, and is driven by my wife 90% of the time to and from work and we use it for longer drivers with our 4 year old daughter. I just received word, after I took the vehicle in for a grinding noise in the steering column, that the steering rack and gear has failed. I have seen others talk about this problem and it is a very big safety concern in my opinion. If this thing failed on the highway at a faster speed and my wife and child were in the car and she had limited steering control it could have been disastrous and tragic. I see on carcomplaints. Com I am the 165th case of this happening. I wanted to make you aware of this and hopefully you can make the 3rd recall on this vehicle happen in the near future (had 2 already) please reach out to me with any questions.

Tl the contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the steering made a clinking noise while driving at any speed without warning. The vehicle was taken to lewis Ford (888-314-4824, located at #3373 north college, fayetteville, ar 72703) where it was diagnosed that the steering gear box needed to be repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and stated that there was no recall. The contact was provided case number: cas24964944 and was referred to NHTSA. The vehicle was repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 68,500.

My vehicle was in motion, when I heard an odd noise. I stopped and decided to move only to hear a grinding noise any time I turned steering to left or right. Went to the chantilly Ford dealership in virginia. It was diagnosed as a steering rack pinion problem which cost just over $2000.

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.

My steering starting making noise and hesitating when turning during city type driving. The next day driving became more difficult steering especially at higher speeds on the highway. I was unable to keep the vehicle straight continually going back and forth in my lane. The following day the wheel would not turn at all and all sorts of error display messages started. Saying steering failure, stop as soon possible, traction control failure and more. My Explorer is only 3years old with less than 80,000 miles. If this failure happened while I was driving it could have caused serious injury or death. Ford is unwilling to do anything to address this issue. Only thing I could get them to tell me is that it was being looked in to. Online message boards show this is a very common in the 2016 Explorers and even reoccurs sometimes after being 'fixed'. Seems Ford doesn't have a handle on the issue and this needs to be addressed ASAP. Searching online also shows several lawsuits in regards to this issue. I'm unsure why this is not being addressed when it's clearly a major, major safety concern.

Explorer sport 57800 miles vehicle is experiencing popping noises when turning the steering wheel left or right also happens while braking the popping is significant enough to feel in the steering wheel as well as in the floor boards on both front passenger and driver. The steering wheel has exhibited extreme vibration enough to make the outside driver review mirror shake. The steering wheel has also been stuck in the left turning position twice while trying to straighten wheels back out. Dealer wants $2,500 to repair it. They also charge me $140 to tell me it needed to be fixed.

Tl the contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. While driving various speeds, the power steering made a grinding noise while the vehicle was making a turn. Also, the steering wheel became stiff and resistant without warning. Ted britt Ford of chantilly (Ford building, 4175 auto park cir, chantilly, va 20151, (703) 454-0008) was contacted and stated that diagnostic testing was needed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was 37,000.

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. While driving approximately 5 mph, a grinding noise was heard and the steering wheel seized. In addition, the "power steering service now" and advancetrac warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who determined that the steering rack failed and needed replacement. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 140,000.

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Vehicle is experiencing popping noises when turning the steering wheel left or right also happens while braking the popping is significant enough to feel in the steering wheel as well as in the floor boards on both front passenger and driver. The steering wheel has exhibited extreme vibration enough to make the outside driver review mirror shake. The steering wheel has also been stuck in the left turning position twice while trying to straighten wheels back out.

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.

While stopped and attempting to turn my steering wheel to the right or left to maneuver out of a parking space, backing into my driveway or simply making a right or left turn, I would hear a popping noise coming from the steering mechanism. The noise did not happen all the time and I could go a month or so without hearing it at all. I took the vehicle into the dealership for an oil change and asked Ford to do a visual inspection of my steering mechanism to make sure nothing appeared to be obviously identifiable. Explained to Ford that the popping noise comes and goes. I was told that everything looked to be in good shape and nothing was loose. A couple of months later the popping noise was replaced with steering resistance and grinding as I turned the steering wheel in a parked position and while driving. Furthermore, when changing lanes the vehicle appeared to have too much play in the steering wheel and would have to be pulled back to center. This appears to be a serious safety issue, so I researched "2016 Ford Explorer steering complaints" and was surprised to find hundreds of steering complaints just like mine. My vehicle currently has roughly 69,800 miles, however, the complaints I read dealt with vehicles between 22,000 - 80,000 miles. I dropped my car off today at Ford to have the problem assessed. My vehicle is not under warranty and this may be something I have to pay out of pocket for. With the number of complaints I was able to uncover with a simple google search I'm sure Ford is aware of the steering mechanism defective and a recall should be ordered. There is no way a major part such as the steering mechanism should be failing on any vehicle. I encourage the NHTSA to look into the hundreds if not thousands of other complaints related to the 2016 - 2018 Ford Explorer steering assembly.

I brought my 2016 Ford Explorer sport into lhm draper on April 29th with some service concerns. The most important problem was a clunking/knocking/buckling noise in the front end when turning the wheel. After leaving the car for 12 days I discovered they did not fix anything. For the next 9 days as I drove the car I noticed that the clunking noise was still very much present and happening every single day. There wasn't a single day that I didn't hear this noise. I took the car back in on may 24th again for a clunking/knocking noise in front end when the wheel is turned. Also a whining/winding noise from the steering wheel. I picked the car up on June 4th only to discover it still wasn't fixed. I have sent several messages to the dealer with no response. The car makes this noise daily. To my dismay, I did some google searches on the internet yesterday for potential causes of this knocking noise and discovered this is a huge problem with Ford Explorers!!! there are hundreds and hundreds of complaints!!! I also understand Ford recalled earlier model year Explorers with power steering problems with this same knocking noise. I am concerned that I am now outside of my warranty period. I know all too well about that. We have a 2006 Ford f350 with only 55,000 miles sitting on the side of our house that hasn't been drivable for years. About a year after we bought the truck, we began having problems with overheating and one day it started blowing white smoke. We immediately took it to the dealer and were told that this particular truck has problems with the egr cooler. The vehicle was serviced, but sometime after the warranty expired it began experiencing the same problems and Ford washed their hands of it. We've been told that it will cost over $10k to get it fixed. So there it sits! this vehicle is only 3 years old with 33,000 miles.

Steering noise is a when turning.

Whining, squeaking noise from steering column upon turning or moving the wheel at any speed, left or right. Dealer says the entire steering assembly and computer has to be replaced to prevent steering failure in the future, at the cost of $1900. I see other recalls for the same problem in years 2011-2013 and 2015-2017. I have also read a lot of online complaints about this same problem in other 2014 Explorers.

While driving steering became difficult and made noise while turning the steering wheel at 30 mph.

While driving the steering started to make noises when turning left or right. While turning the wheel, there was a complete different feeling with a small like bump and then the wheel would turn very freely with the car wheels not turning. Drove straight to Ford dealership and they said I cannot drive it because the steering shaft had to be replaced from failure. They determined this with a very short test drive in their own parking lot.

Loss of power steering. Started with a load grinding noise when turning the steering wheel. Within a couple of days, the problem worsened to the point of while driving, we lost steering control. An extremely dangerous situation. The current recall of this exact issue apparently does not apply to our VIN number. There are thousands of others with the same issue. The recall must be expanded to include more VIN numbers. Help!.

Started with a load grinding noise while turning the steering wheel in either direction. This problem has progressed to occasionally losing power steering. Like thousands of others, the current recall does not apply to my VIN, only models that were manufactured just a few months prior. This dangerous issue was not remedied on later models (2013, 2014 and even 2015's). Shame on Ford! they must be held accountable and extend the current recall of their faulty part to later Explorer models.

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.

Clicking noise when turning the steering left or right. I was told by the dealer that he heard the same noise from the same model and year vehicle. This needs more analysis as this may be a safety concern if the steering wheel locks.

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