Steering Problems of Ford Explorer - part 1

I was in a parking lot when the electric power steering went out. Couldn’t turn wheel at all.

See all problems of the 2015 Ford Explorer 🔎.

The system that warns the driver that you do not have both hands on the steering wheel. It turns on while I have both hands on the wheel and sometimes I can not get it to acknowledge that and the car begins to stop on the interstate, in traffic and in a dark tunnel wiht no shoulder. The dealer can not reproduce the proble,. I have had it to them now for the third time. It has been inspected by the dealer and they have only reinstalled the software and can not fix the problem nore can they disable the system. This has been occuring with this care since I purchased it and have had it into the dealer but no fix. During a recent trip it acted very dangerously and I began to slo in a dark tunnel and even after banging ther steering wheel in frustration it continued to activeae and slow the car from 70 mph to 30 mpg. I tryed to take a video of the problem but that became to dangerous. I stopped during my trip and installed a zip tie on the steering wheel and that seemed to help a bit with but even with both hands on the steering wheel and the zip tie it still activated several times. This has occurred several times over the past two years.

See all problems of the 2023 Ford Explorer 🔎.

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).

See all problems of the 2016 Ford Explorer 🔎.

Power steering went out, could barely steer the vehicle.

See all problems of the 2013 Ford Explorer 🔎.

The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 50-55 mph, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The message "power steering failure -service immediately" was displayed. The contact was able to pull over to the side road. The contact was able to drive to an independent mechanic, where the vehicle was diagnosed and determined that steering column needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 139,160.

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.

The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while attempting to make a right turn at 20 mph, the power steering assist failed to operate as needed as the "steering assist fault service required" warning message appeared on the instrument panel. The contact stated that her left arm had been broken prior to the failure and that the loss of power steering assist nearly caused an accident. The contact had the vehicle towed to a mechanic where she was informed of NHTSA campaign number: 14v286000 (steering). The mechanic linked the failure to the recall and referred the contact to the dealer for assistance. Both the dealer and the manufacturer informed the contact that her vehicle was not under recall; the manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA hotline to file a complaint. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was unknown.

See all problems of the 2011 Ford Explorer 🔎.

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving on the highway at 65 mph the power steering was disabled and the steering wheel became very difficult to steer, the following warning messages were displayed on the instrument panel "service advance track" and "steering loss, stop safely" and the check engine warning light was illuminated. The local dealer however the vehicle was not diagnosed as the contact was advised that the vehicles VIN was not included in any open recalls. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 131,590.

See all problems of the 2014 Ford Explorer 🔎.

I’m the original and only owner of a 2011 Ford Explorer (VIN [xxx]). Although Ford recall 14s06 (NHTSA 14v-286) was marked complete by autonation Ford of bellevue, I’m now experiencing the same issue: loss of power steering assist while driving, which creates a safety hazard. On July 29, 2025, a certified dtc scan at pierre Ford of seattle revealed three power steering control module (pscm) codes: u3000:49, u3000:72, and u3000:96. These codes are explicitly listed in Ford’s own bulletin (rcmn-14v286-7022) as qualifying for steering gear replacement under customer satisfaction program 15n01, which Ford issued as an extension of recall 14s06. Despite this, Ford denied the dealer’s request to perform the repair, citing that the csp period had ended. However, Ford’s bulletin states that repairs should still be approved via sssc request if dtcs are present — which they are. I believe Ford is failing to honor its own published recall repair procedure. This is not wear-and-tear; it is a continuation of a known safety defect. The steering intermittently becomes difficult to control — especially at low speeds — putting my family and others at risk. I’m requesting NHTSA investigate Ford’s denial of valid repair claims tied to recall 14s06/15n01 and hold them accountable for unresolved safety issues. Documentation available upon request. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

Electric power steering failure while driving.

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that upon taking the vehicle for regular service, he was made aware that the driver’s side cv axle was leaking. The contact was informed that the driver’s side cv axle needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 54,000.

See all problems of the 2020 Ford Explorer 🔎.

An emission control alert appears when driving; seconds later, you have no control over the vehicle. The steering wheel locks up, and you can not turn while you are still driving. The risk is very high due to the car doesn't stop, and you can not move out of traffic due to no control over the vehicle. If this were to happen on the highway or during bad weather, this could cause death. This has happened a total of 3x and had to be towed 2x to the machines. July 28th 2025 and July 20th 2024 it was towed for this issue of no control of the vehical due to locked up.

While driving on [xxx] in atlanta, GA, my 2014 Ford Explorer suddenly lost all power steering without warning. The dash displayed: “steering assist fault – service required”, and the steering wheel became extremely difficult to turn. I was in the vehicle with my wife and [xxx] daughter, and we were traveling at highway speed. We were extremely lucky to be in the right lane at the time — otherwise, I may not have been able to safely maneuver or exit traffic. This could have easily led to a catastrophic crash. I was barely able to keep control of the vehicle and managed to pull over onto the shoulder. A few days before this incident, I noticed a brief steering warning, but the system reset on its own. After the highway event, I had the vehicle scanned and received the following diagnostic codes: u2011:00-49 and u3000, indicating a power steering control module (pscm) failure. This is the same exact failure that led to recall 14s06 for 2011–2013 Ford Explorers, but my 2014 model is not currently included — despite having the same eps system and failure pattern. The component is still in the vehicle and available for inspection. I have not yet had it inspected by a Ford dealer or a certified mechanic but intend to do so. I am submitting this complaint to request an investigation and to express my deep concern for the safety of my family and others who may be driving 2014 Explorers with the same defective system. This is a dangerous, recurring problem that demands immediate attention. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while his wife driving at an undisclosed speed, the electronic power steering was not functioning properly, requiring increased effort to maneuver the vehicle. The vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular occurrence. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. 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 not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 135,000.

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.

As I was parking my 2015 Ford Explorer sport, a warning appeared on the instrument panel stating “power steering assist fault,” and the steering suddenly became so difficult that I was unable to move the vehicle. Although this has only happened once, I’m very concerned about the possibility of it occurring again—especially while driving on the highway. Losing the ability to steer could put my family’s lives, and the lives of others, in serious danger. I have read numerous customer complaints about this exact issue on the NHTSA website. It’s time for the manufacturer to issue a recall for these vehicles and fix the problem before someone loses their life due to this defect.

The contact’s daughter owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while his daughter was driving on the highway at 55 mph, the steering wheel seized, and the power steering assist was disabled. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact pulled over to the side of the road and turned off and restarted the vehicle however, the power steering assist feature was still inoperable. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer to be diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the rack and pinion was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, 2 years later the failure reoccurred. The contact stated that while his daughter was driving 35 mph, the vehicle lost power steering functionality and the steering wheel became stiff. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The driver pulled over, restarted the vehicle, and the vehicle regained power steering functionality and the warning lights turned off; however, the failure reoccurred. The local dealer was not contacted and the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 129,000.

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while stopped at a light, and accelerating, he observed a loud popping noise. The contact stated that the vehicle did not steer as intended as the vehicle slid all over while attempting to steer. Additionally, the tms warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure . The failure mileage was approximately 45,000.

See all problems of the 2017 Ford Explorer 🔎.

My power steering went out within 5 minutes of the "service power steering now" and the "lane keeping system malfunction service required" lights came on while I was driving on the interstate at 75 mph. When I turned off the Explorer and turned it back on the power steering was completely gone. I checked on Ford's recall website and they show that there is a "customer service program" for the epas steering efforts and for "rear toe link inspection replacement", nothing stating that these "customer service programs" were restricted at 10 years or 150,000 miles anywhere online. When I call Ford to let them know that my VIN is showing that the electric power steering should be covered and asking about what can be done to get my broken down Explorer to them and then I get told that my Explorer doesn't qualify anymore. When I typed in my VIN it said my Explorer qualifies, why would it show that if the program ended at 10 years which would have been 2023. This makes the owners of these Ford's believe that Ford will take care of their vehicles when there is a know safety issue but then that is not the case. I could've wrecked going 75 mph if I wouldn't have gotten off the interstate. This known issue for the 2013 Ford Explorers should be taken care of if they are still coming up under recalls on Ford's website when the VIN is entered.

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.

I’ve been experiencing a buzzing sound whenever I turn the steering wheel, and the more I drive the vehicle, the louder the noise becomes. I took it to a local shop, and they advised me that the power steering rack is going bad — a very common issue in 2017–2019 Ford Explorers, especially around the 100,000-mile mark. They provided a quote of $2,652. 86 to have it replaced. I was also warned that if it’s not replaced soon, the steering could lock up while driving, preventing me from turning the wheel, which poses a serious safety risk. No warning lights or dashboard messages have appeared, which makes the issue even more concerning.

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the steering became difficult to turn. The message “power steering assist fault" was displayed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed and the contact was informed that an unknown part had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 180,000.

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle went into limp mode and stalled. The power train warning light was illuminated. The contact pulled over to the side of the road, turned off, and restarted the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed, and it was determined that the steering gear rack and pinion needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA campaign number: 14v286000 (steering); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 183,340.

The contact, who owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact reported an issue with the power steering becoming inoperable. The incident occurred when the owner's husband stopped for fuel, and upon returning, the steering wheel locked up. The maintenance engine warning light was also illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the rack and pinion and steering needed replacement. However, the vehicle was not repaired at the dealership. Subsequently, an independent mechanic confirmed the need for steering and rack and pinion replacement, but the parts were backordered. The manufacturer was contacted, and a case was opened. The owner was referred to the NHTSA hotline. The failure occurred at approximately 102,000 miles.

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the steering wheel felt stiff. The messages "service power steering now" and "service advance track" appeared on the instrument panel. The vehicle was towed to a local independent service shop, where it was diagnosed with an unknown communication error and in need of a sensor reset. The vehicle was repaired however, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken to another local independent service shop for a second opinion, where it was diagnosed with the same failure experienced prior. The local dealer was contacted, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. Upon further investigation the contact related the failure to NHTSA campaign number: 15v340000 (steering) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 30 mph, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The message "power steering assist fault" was displayed. The contact was able to pull over to side of the road. The contact turned off and restarted the vehicle, and the power steering functionality became operable. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle the following day, the failure recurred, and the steering wheel locked up. The contact stated that the vehicle was undrivable. The messages "power steering assist fault" and "service power steering" were displayed, and the traction control warning light was illuminated. The dealer was contacted and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 14v286000 (steering). The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 93,572.

I was driving to az from a CO vacation with my two kids in the car when the steering in my 2013 Ford Explorer locked up. I had exited the freeway and was on a 2 lane country blacktop. I approached some curves in the road and at that point noticed I had absolutely no steering whatsoever. I noticed warning lights came on around that same time. I started slowing down, as the road continued to curve I entered the oncoming traffic lane, went onto the shoulder, back into oncoming traffic lane, back into my lane and onto my shoulder before coming to a complete stop. I'm not sure how or why we are all ok/still alive. I had zero control or steering ability in my moving vehicle. We could have so easily been in an accident or killed. I myself, as a driver, am traumatized. The car was towed to the closest Ford dealer where I'm not getting much help. I've been told many 2013 Ford Explorers were recalled for steering issues, but unfortunately mine isn't included. They have also had the car for several weeks and have yet to completely figure out/repair the problem. When I called Ford customer service, they suggested I report it to you.

The power steering assist in my vehicle is becoming progressively worse, I would welcome an inspection. Basically, the power steering assist will vary throughout the sweep of the steering wheel. During a turn or lane change the power steering may feel normal, be non-existent, or alternate between the 2 conditions, often requiring significant force to steer the vehicle (vehicle speed seems to make no difference. ) this condition is an obvious safety risk for vehicle occupants or any other vehicles, pedestrians, or property in the vicinity. The problem has not been confirmed by a dealer or service center - I have gathered from researching various message boards that Ford will disavow the issue and tell me that I will need a new steering rack at a charge of approximately $3,000. No inspection has been done as of yet. No warning lamps or messages have presented as of yet and there are no unusual sounds accompanying the problem. The problem has been going on for approximately 3 weeks.

I own a 2015 Ford and the power steering system just stopped working with abs and traction being lost as well. My husband owns a 2016 Ford f150 and has the same thing going on with his truck. I am seeing this is being reported as a common problem with Fords electric power steering.

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while attempting to start the vehicle, the contact heard a grinding sound coming from the steering wheel. The contact stated that an independent mechanic was contacted. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed and determined that the steering module and rack and pinion needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA campaign number: 14v286000 (steering); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in the recall. The contact was referred to the NHTSA hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 155,000.

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 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving on the highway at 40 mph, there was a clanking sound coming from the steering wheel. The contact stated that the steering wheel shifted to the left and the contact immediately corrected the steering wheel; however, in the process the vehicle became airborne. The contact stated that upon landing, the front driver’s, the front passenger’s, and rear driver’s side tires were deflated. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer where the vehicle was diagnosed and the contact was advised that the control arms, wheel axles, wheel bearings, rims, and tires were faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 100,000.

The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving 25 mph, the contact became aware that the electronic power steering was not functioning properly, requiring increased effort to maneuver the vehicle. The contact stated that the message "power steering fault" was displayed. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the power steering control module. 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 and referred the contact to the NHTSA hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 172,000.

The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed and attempting to make a turn, the vehicle lost power steering functionality, and the steering wheel seized. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact was able to pull over to the side of the road. The contact stated that her daughter was inside the vehicle during the failure. The contact continued driving but the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the contact was informed that the power steering had failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to Ford campaign number: 15n01. The dealer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the manufacturer for assistance. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 158,000.

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.