Steering Rack And Pinion Problems of Ford Explorer - part 2

The rack and pinion steering went out on our 2015 Ford Explorer and had to be replaced. The vehicle started making a weird rubbing noise at low speeds. When I googled the issue, I found out that Ford had a recall for 2011-2017 Ford Explorers for the rack and pinion steering, however they were only for vehicles manufactured in chicago and apparently my vehicle was not covered by the recall. I have attached repaid invoice. The cost of the repair was over $2500 (see jobs 1 & 2 on the attached invoice.

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Popping/knocking noise when turning at low speed, gradually get getting more severe over time. In addition there have been instances where the car has not turned as the steering wheel is moved. Ford garage has diagnosed this as a steering rack and pinion unit problem. With on 40k unacceptable early failure of this component with a $3,000 repair cost.

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.

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Popping/knocking noise when turning at low speed, gradually get getting more severe over time. In addition there have been instances where the car has not turned as the steering wheel is moved. Ford garage has diagnosed this as a steering rack and pinion unit problem. With on 77k this seems to be an unacceptable early failure of this component.

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.

Tl the contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the steering column ceased while driving 55-70 mph causing the vehicle to sway to the left and to the right. The contact stated that while attempting to turn the vehicle to the left or to the right, there was an abnormal grinding sound coming from the steering column. The contact stated that excessive force was needed to steer the vehicle. The contact took the vehicle to pittsville Ford (7155 friendship rd, pittsville, MD 21850, (877) 760-5870) who stated that the steering column and rack and pinion needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 77,000.

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This is the second time my power steering has quit suddenly! the first time I replaced the rack and pinion myself and all is fine for bout a year and it just did it again!! I pulled up to get gas and killed my car and went to get back in and leave and I didn't have steering anymore! no warnings!.

My wife was driving on the highway when the steering started feeling different. As she excited the highway onto city streets, the steering became increasingly difficult to control to the point that any required sudden movements would have created an accident due to difficulty turning the wheel. The following day, the steering was completely locked up and could not turn the wheel at all. The car was towed to first Ford in fall river, MA and determined the entire power steering pump, rack and pinion needed to be replaced.

My Explorer was experiencing the exact symptoms and diagnosis as in the recall 14s06 at low speeds the electronic power steering would fault causing it to be more difficult to steer in short burst it would come and go as well as making a whining sound. I took the vehicle to the dealership and the root of the problem ended up being the steering gear/rack and pinion it cost me roughly 2,000 to have it replaced when I questioned them about this recall they said my vehicle did not fall under recall 14s06 but my vehicle had the exact symptoms of said recall. This is extremely dangerous and can cause a crash with inexperienced drivers. Especially with kids in the car. The vehicle has been repaired at my expense with no help from the dealership as far as parts and labor cost.

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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.

Power steering stopped while driving. This is not a typical power steering pump, it is electronic. When a normal one fails, you can still steer easily when moving. It only becomes hard when stopped or moving slow. The electronic one gets extremely hard even at highway speeds. I have brought it to the dealership which diagnosed it as the rack and pinion. I have seen online that there are many that have failed with the same issue for multiple years from around 2011 on which tells me it is fairly common even on vehicles with low mileage.

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.

Tl the contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving and attempting to make a left turn, there was an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to carriage Ford inc (908 e. Lewis and clark pkwy, clarksville, in 47129, (612)284-4444) to be diagnosed. The strut bearings were replaced however, after test driving the vehicle, the contact was informed that the rack and pinion needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired at a cost of $2,300. The contact was concerned that the failure was due to a defect in the manufacturing of the vehicle. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 54,000.

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.

Popping sounds coming from right side wheel. Took to Ford dealer to be serviced and the told me the gear stop in the rack and pinion as broken off and needs to be replaced and would put me at $2100. They also told me if I did not want to replace it at this time I could leave it alone and continue with the popping sound or they could cut it off but then I would need to be careful and not overly turn the steering wheel.

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 had a repair done tie-rods and control arms and 2 days later my steering start stiffing they said rack and pinion is bad. So I looked up in Ford they said it was a recall for that year and model some years of that year.

My car started making a popping notice every time I turned my wheel while driving. I was told it was the rack n pinion and also suspension on my Ford.

Tl the contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the power steering locked in position. The contact stated that it was also difficult to steer the vehicle. The contact stated that excessive force was needed to steer the vehicle. The contact contacted the dealer ted russell Ford Lincoln - address: 9925 parkside dr, knoxville, TN 37922, phone: (865) 251-3673) who stated that the rack and pinion needed to be replaced. The failure was related to NHTSA campaign number: 14v286000 (steering) however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle had not been repaired as of yet. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and confirmed that the vehicle was not included in the recall. The approximate failure mileage was 125,000.

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?!?!.

About a year aego my steering wheel started making a noise whenever I turned the wheel both parked or moving. Since then it has progressed into a loud grinding noise. The wheel is sticking while driving on the highway and I have to force it to move at times. It does not return freely anymore on it"s own to a straight forward position. After having the car in at chapman Ford, egg harbor NJ, they told me it"s dangerious and I could loose my steering entirely while driving and to have the rack and pinion replaced. I can see this is a common problem with this model and there was a similiar recall a few years prior for a similar problem. I don"t think the proper improvements to the rack and pinion where ever applied in later models and there should be another recall or the prior recall should be extended. Thank you.

Driving on a two lane highway and the power steering completely failed. We were told by the dealership where we purchased the car to bring it in but it sounded like "steering assist fault" since that was the error message, duh. It was cost $500 for an alignment? replaced faulty rack and pinion gear and checked alignment(should be ok since they aligned it the same day) total bill $2291. 00 this is a 2015 Explorer limited that has been in the shop several times for car a carbon monoxide leak in the cabin of SUV for repairs, power seat repairs and interior door panel coming apart.

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 55 mph, the steering wheel became loose. The contact stated that it was difficult to maneuver the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the frederick motor company located at 1 waverley dr, frederick, MD 21702 where it was diagnosed that the steering rack and pinion needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 79,000. The VIN was not available.

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.

This truck is experimenting the power steering system shutdown after sometime of driving and I notice the rack pinion is been replace for new one I took it to the dealer to get the computer updated software and reprogram the steering system but a week later vehicle did same problem and they say that there is not recalls on it even that the vehicle is presenting the problem of the recall and it fall in the year of the recall itself.