Steering Rack And Pinion Problems of 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.

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The contact owns a 2012 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at approximately 50 mph, he became aware of a strong clicking sound coming from the steering wheel. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the rack and pinion needed to be replaced. The local dealer was contacted and confirmed that an unknown safety recall related to the rack and pinion for the vehicle had expired. The contact had not received notification regarding the recall. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

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The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while accelerating from a parking lot and starting to make a turn, the contact heard a loud grinding sound coming from the steering wheel while completing the turn. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with rack and pinion gear failure. The contact was informed that the rack and gear needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and advised the contact to call the nhsta hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 78,000.

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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.

Electrical rack and pinion - locked up steering wheel. Wife driving car could have been hurt. Was inspected by independent service person. No warning !!.

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The contact owns a 2014 Ford fusion. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel became firm and was difficult to maneuver. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the rack and pinion had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the VIN was included in a recall and then transferred to the NHTSA hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 128,000.

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The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 40 mph, the vehicle experienced a loss of power steering assist with the power steering fault message displayed on the instrument panel. The failure occurred on two separate occasions. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the rack and pinion needed to be replaced; however, the dealer confirmed that the warranty had expired. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The contact related the failure to NHTSA campaign number: 14v286000 (steering) however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 186,000.

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The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel seized, and the "service power steering now" and "service advancetrac" messages were displayed. 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 made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA hotline. The failure mileage was unknown.

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.

April 17, '23 traveling down mountains in wv to va the steering on 2014 Ford Explorer lost powersteering very difficult control vehicle descending 9 degree grade on 2 lane highway no place to pull over right then. Had to fight the steering down the mountain until I was able to pull off in an emergency stop area. No dash warning lights, under the hood p/s fluid was good all seemed normal, looked under the car no leak. Rack & pinion steering system t no signs of damage. Started car turned steering wheel back/ forth a few times, heard a grinding noise each time I turned the wheel, like metal pieces binding. Since it scared the wheaties out of me I called for a tow. Quote $400. 00 to shop. I called my husband to get a trailer, get this car as I'm not risking going down a mountain, injuring or killing anyone. 2 -1/2 hrs & 135 miles my husband arrives I finally felt safe. We took it to our mechanic he confirmed rack and pinion steering component needs replacing. Suggested to check for safety recall seen many fail/break my 2012-2017. Cost $2k/part $1200. Certainly a safety hazard with little to no control over a 4000lb deadly weapon. Driver cannot manipulate 2nd most important (brakes being #1) function - steering- whichever direction or get out of harms way. 2014 Explorer nhsta reports of 1171 total complaints, 2 largest complaints: #1 steering(loss of steering control) 374 reported; #2 suspension-86 reported. See NHTSA id#11518075-suspension 2014 Ford Explorer while driving vehicle made abnormal sounds, vibration, no steering. Dealer replaced steering rack & bushings. Nhtsa issues 3 suspension recalls :ball joint knuckle campaign# 19v435000 & 20v692000 & 21v537000 = rear suspension toe links may fracture: 1)toe links may fracture due stress rear suspension. 2)rear toe link fracture can cause loss of steering control & crash. 3)fractured rear toe link cause sudden change in handling, crash risk. 86 complaints=3recalls 374 steering complaints=0recalls why?pls recall.

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle experienced a loss of power steering assist with the power steering assist warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who diagnosed 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 155,044.

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.

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving 55 mph, the steering wheel became difficult to turn. The contact stated that the advance track and the traction control warning lights were illuminated as well as the abs warning light. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed the failure as the electrical power steering. The contact stated that the rack and pinion and electrical motor for the steering wheel needed replacement. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that parts were on backorder. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure however, no assistance was offered. The approximate failure mileage was 116,000.

The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 55 mph, the power steering failed to operate while the power steering system and advancetrac warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the steering racket pinion needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 90,000.

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 30 mph, the contact loss control of the steering wheel and the vehicle drove off the road. The contact drove onto the curb where the vehicle come to a complete stop. The contact shut off the vehicle and had the vehicle towed to the dealer. The dealer stated that the rack and pinion and the bushing on the steering gear needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. On another occasion while starting the vehicle, the contact smelled an abnormal gasoline odor inside the vehicle. The contact examined the vehicle and noticed a fuel leak. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and stated that the fuel pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and stated that the VIN was not under recall. The approximate failure mileage was 120,000.

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.

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while she was at a stop sign, the steering wheel lost power steering inadvertently. The warning message "power steering assist fault" illuminated. The contact turned the vehicle off for a minute. The contact stated that upon restarting the vehicle, the steering wheel regained power steering functionality. The contact stated that the failure reoccurred while the vehicle was parked. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the power steering control module software needed to be updated. The independent mechanic referred the contact to the dealer for the repair. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the rack and pinion and the abs needed to be replaced. The contact stated that she purchased the rack and pinion and her boyfriend completed the replacement; however, the failure reoccurred months later while driving 40-45 mph. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that they could not assist as the recall repair for NHTSA campaign number: 14v286000 (steering) had previously been completed on the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 147,841.

The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while his son-in-law was driving, the power steering assists error message was displayed however, the vehicle was still drivable. The contact stated that the turn signal failed to stay in place while signaling a left or right turn. The turn signal switch failed to operate. The contact stated that several days later while driving the steering wheel was difficult to maneuver. The vehicle was taken to the dealer a month later where the failure was diagnosed as the rack and pinion needed to be replaced. The vehicle was currently at the dealer for repairs. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The approximate failure mileage was 60,000.

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 .

The contact owns 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 10 mph various warning lights illuminated as the steering became difficult to maneuver. The vehicle collided with the curb and then stalled. The vehicle was restarted with all warning lights and audio warning. The contact was able to drive without the power steering to a friends residence. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or independent mechanic for diagnosis or repairs. The contact called the dealer whom told him that the failure was related to the rack and pinion and a diagnosis appointment was scheduled. The manufacturer was notified and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.

My 2015 Explorer's power steering has went out. I also had a 2016 Explorer that the same thing happened to. I had a warranty on the 2016 model so the dealership replaced the steering rack and pinion on it. But my 2015 model is my husband's only vehicle to drive to work and we do not have 2500$ to get it fixed. This is unacceptable! there have been so many people with the same issue I can't understand why there isn't a recall for such a dangerous expensive problem.

The steering wheel has become hard to turn. Checked on rather web and found over 100 complaints of this happening and in some cases freezes the steering wheel keeping it from turning. There was a safety recall on the 2013 Explorer with the same problem but it does not cover the 2014 unit. Should the steering gear fail while driving in traffic the vehicle becomes unsteerable. This problem can be researched on the web by looking under Ford rack and pinion failure.

Power steering has gone out in my Explorer with only 62k miles. Have been told that it is the steering rack and pinion that needs to be replaced. My steering wheel locked up going 35 mph in normal traffic and I almost hit oncoming traffic. Hundreds or even thousands of other people are having this problem! Ford is lucky that my two small children were not in the car when this happened. There really needs to be review on these cars and a recall be made before someone dies!.

7 months ago started hearing a grinding sound whenever I turn the car and reported it to the service department of the Ford dealer when I had my oil change. They reported that they found nothing wrong. However the issue continues and is occurring more frequently. Yesterday I brought to the dealer for an oil change and reported the the same problem. This time they said that my rack and pinion steering needs to be changed a the cost of $2500. This is unexpected as I've never owned a car that had a this problem. Although I have 100k miles in it, all of it is from freeway driving. Now when I researched this issue and it is a common problem with this vehicle. The dealer that I go to must know this iand reassured me that there was nothing wrong with my vehicle when I first let them know a few months ago, I thinks they were negligent in letting me know and at the very least warned me of what could happen. Now I hesitate to drive this vehicle for safety reasons. Good thing I have not had any steering issues while on the road. But for some unknowing driver, a frozen steering wheel could spell disaster.

This vehicle had only 50,216 miles on it when the steering started to fail. On the highway. First there was a gradual loss of control which ultimately got worse. Managed to get it home since I wasn't far away at which time power steering completely failed. Diagnosis revealed a failed steering rack and pinion assembly. Replacement corrected the problem. An internet search revealed this is not an isolated problem and in fact appears to be quite common. I consider the premature failure of this assembly a significant safety issue. It appears there have been recalls for this applying to other years/VIN/manufacturing locations. I should also mention it took a month to get replacement assembly which tells me Ford cannot keep up with the demand. Thankyou.

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!.

Suddenly, while backing out of a parking spot we noticed a loud popping sound while turning towards the right. On the drive home it popped every time we turned right. After taking it to our main mechanic, he informed us about a steering gear / rack and pinion problem. My vehicle has 90,000. I drive it maybe 80 miles a week. It doesn't make any sense for it to be having this extent of a problem from �wear and tear� upon my own research I found hundreds of people with the exact issue with the rack and pinion. Also leaving them dumbfounded as to their Ford Explorer having <110,000mi with a steering gear issue that averages a cost of $2500. This is absolutely a dangerous Ford problem that needs to be recalled and resolved immediately.

Loud popping, clunking noise coming from passenger front wheel. Steering becomes difficult to control. More dominant noise at low speed. I took the vehicle to a local ase certified mechanic. They inform me that the rack and pinion needs replaced. I only have 71,500 miles on the vehicle. Within further research, I have found hundreds of complaints with this same issue.

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.

Tl the contact owns a 2012 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 40 mph, the steering wheel became difficult to turn. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with needing the rack and pinion replaced. The vehicle was repaired. Recently, the vehicle started experiencing the same symptoms, and was taken to suburban Ford of ferndale (21600 woodward Ave, ferndale, mi 48220 248) 399-1000) where it was diagnosed with needing the rack and pinion replaced. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA campaign number: 14v286000 (steering) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was informed of failure and determined that the contact had to pay out of pocket for the repairs. The failure mileage was approximately 106,653.

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?.

On November 8, 2020 I was pulling out of my drive way to leave my house and noticed a grinding sound coming from the front end, it was very loud, and caused me to have loss of control over the cars steering; especially when turning wheel left and right at lower speeds and on sharp turns. (the wheels do not straighten out or return to center when exiting a turn and will then over compensate and veer to the right after having to manually turn the wheel back. ) we took it to a local Ford dealer. After reviewing my Explorer they stated that the rack and pinion was bad and it needed to be replaced ASAP due to this being a major safety issue and we shouldn't wait to get it replaced total cost for the job would be $4,284. 59. I called Ford cooperate and explained to them that this was a safety issue as it came on suddenly with out warning. I was made aware that the previous years 2011-2013 have been recalled for this same issue, and that there have been multiple other complaints on the 2014 and 2015 having the same issue but with only a "warning" being placed on them, not a recall for the 2014 or 2015. They told me that my year doesn't have a recall and stated I could open a case and file a complaint with the NHTSA and that was all I could do, but if a recall was offered in the future I could possible get reimbursed. When we brought the vehicle to the local Ford dealer, they informed us that there was a recall notice for the toe link that can affect the steering but not a recall on the rack. This steering rack issue poses a major safety concern. Please consider working with Ford to ensure the safety of all who drive the 2014 Explorer and place a recall on this item ASAP. I am very fortunate no one was physically hurt when my steering went. Thank you for your consideration in this matter of major safety. I look forward to hearing from you.

As I was driving, thankfully at a slow speed, and making a right hand turn there was a complete failure of power steering. I loss complete control of steering and went into oncoming traffic. When failure occurred, several warning lights simultaneously popped up but as I was under the duress of trying to avoid a collision, I do not have a complete list but I did see the steering assist system failure and requires service all blinking red. There were no adverse road conditions nor driving style and absolutely no warning whatsoever. The vehicle has approximately 93,000 miles. I had to cover the cost to tow the car to a Ford dealer shop and they tell me that the issue cannot be replicated but they believe it is a rack and pinion and steering/column failure and are quoting me over 2500 for repairs. As this issue has been happening to hundred if not thousands of owners of the same make and model, years 2011-2014 and 2015-2017 (if not later) fall under this same failure recall, this matter needs to be addressed immediately. I fear getting behind the wheel of this car and am lucky that I did not cause a serious accident due to this vehicle failure.

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".