Steering Tie Rod Assembly Problems of Ford Explorer - part 1

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds on uneven terrain or roads, the rear of the vehicle was pulling to the left or the right. There was no warning illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local independent mechanic where it was diagnosed and determined that the rear of the vehicle was misaligned from the front end. In addition, the local independent mechanic advised the contact that the rear tie rod needed to be replaced. The local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 37,000.

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The contact owns a 2012 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, he heard an abnormal sound, and the steering column was inoperable, and the vehicle was immovable. The contact stated that he was able to shift into reverse and safely drove the vehicle into a parking lot. The contact stated that when he inspected the vehicle, he noticed that the tie rod was fractured. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the vehicle had recently been serviced for two safety recalls and a front-end alignment prior to the tie rod failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 137,137.

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Passenger side tierod end broke off at rack and pinion assembly.

See all problems of the 2014 Ford Explorer 🔎.

The front tires chewed to pieces, one blew, and the dealer initially felt it was an alignment issue from the factory. Up one further inspection, they found an aluminum toe rod with a 45 degree bend. I believe this was a factory issue as we hit nothing on the highway. It seems from an fmea point of view, it is likely the blown tire and momentum of the car bent the tie rod and that the tire damage was caused by a part failure or some other issue with the car. It is a 3 month old car with 9,400 miles. The car struck nothing on the highway.

See all problems of the 2021 Ford Explorer 🔎.

When I go to turn, it continues to pop. The tie rods have been replaced along with rack and pinion but you could be stopped and applying brake and turn wheel and it pops.

See all problems of the 2016 Ford Explorer 🔎.

Rear tow link snapped while wife was driving on interstate at 70 mph, lost control, fishtailed across traffic lanes before regaining control and pulling over. Wife was scared to death. Had towed to Ford service center. Told it was a recall issue, repaired free of charge. Repaired and picked up the car. Two days after repair, 7 year old grandson and I were driving 65 mph on hwy when rear tow link snapped again, lost control, fishtailed across traffic lanes before regaining control and pulling to side of highway. Grandson and I were terrified. Towed to Ford service center, repaired toe link and replaced rear tie rods. Told the tie rods where so wore out that vehicle was unsafe to drive. No mention of tie rod issue from previous service center. Picked up car after all repairs completed. Four days after picking up vehicle, rear toe link snapped, while same 7 yr old grandson and I were driving north on interstate at 75 mph. Lost control, fishtailed across busy traffic lanes, crossed the median and hit reflector post on the edge of the southbound lane before regaining control narrowly missing on coming traffic. Reflector post hit an oncoming car causing damage to the drivers door and side mirror. Grandson and I are in shock, scared to death as we almost hit a car head on. Car towed to same Ford service center for repair. When we went check on car was told by the staff that he would give me the keys very hesitantly because he felt the vehicle was unsafe to drive. Did not take car because we are terrified to drive it as we have almost died while driving on three separate occasions. All within 400 miles of driving. Have yet to take possession of vehicle. We are now stuck with a vehicle, and a loan, that we are too afraid to drive. I've had to see my therapist to discuss the level of stress, anxiety and fear. Grandson will not get in a car alone with me as he is to afraid.

See all problems of the 2015 Ford Explorer 🔎.

Had just picked up my mail from mailbox and started crossing road to enter my lane/private driveway when heard a loud clunk and was unable to steer car. Kept pushing gas pedal to try to move forward and get across the road and barely did but couldn't control direction the car was moving. When felt was safe I got out and walked around car to see if I could see what was wrong. Noticed front right passenger wheel was turned in while others were straight. I got back in car to turn steering wheel and see if it would move but it did not. I called family to come help and upon further looking discovered wheel had become disconnected from the tie rod. The car was towed to a garage and upon their inspection I was told that I needed a new inner and outer tie rod and that the axle centre bracket had broken. I googled the internet to see if this was a known problem and found a website carproblemzoo. Com where 29 reports were listed of similar instances with a most recent date of 7/12/2019. This driver did contact Ford customer care as did I but had no assistance or resolution from them. In fact Ford told me they can't monitor every website and I told them this wasn't acceptable because one complaint said a mother's neck was broken. These problems must be further investigated.

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While operating 2013 Ford Explorer on highway at approximately 30 mph the right wheel suddenly turned 45 degrees right causing the vehicle to unexpectedly veer to right towards curb and pedestrian walkway. A visual inspection showed the outer tie rod disconnected from outer tie rod connector without warning. Mechanic determined the male thread on outer tie rod "worked" it's way out of the female outer tie rod connector. The metal threads on the end of the tie rod were stripped allowing outer tie rod and tie rod connector to sliding in and out freely without any rotation(loosening/tightening) of tie rod end. Fortunately no personal injury was sustained by anyone involved. At time of the incident the vehicle had approximately 40,000 miles and was in excellent condition receiving regular service. I believe the oem equipment on the vehicle is defective and runs the risk of serious injury or death if it were to fail at highway speed. I contacted Ford customer service to explain incident and they simply stated the vehicle was out of warranty. They did not seem to be interested in the details of mechanical failure as they did not connect me with a technician. Customer service representative told me if they would mark it as a simple tie rod failure and if enough people "complain" they would contact me. Out of abundance of caution I replaced both left and right tie rods and tie rod ends to prevent further failure. Repairs cost including labor exceeded $750 photos of failed parts attached please contact me for further information/questions.

Tl the contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. While driving 25 mph, the steering wheel became difficult to turn and made an abnormal noise. The vehicle was taken to balise Toyota of warwick (located at 1400 post rd, warwick, ri 02888, (401) 352-5911) where it was diagnosed that the inner tie rod assembly needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified. The failure mileage was 61,653.

While turning the steering wheel wether stopped or moving, there was a popping/clunking noise. Sometimes the clunk noise was louder, sometimes it wasn't as loud. Noise could be felt and heard from steering column and floorboard. Steering wheel would also grab at times where you physically had to force the wheel to turn. This seemed to happen more at slow speeds. While doing a service on the vehicle, I inspected all steering components. While another person was turning the wheel, I could hear popping in the right side steering boot that covers the inner tie rod end. I grabbed the boot and shook it and could hear metal rattling inside of it. Left side did not make any noise. I removed the boot off of the rack and pinion and found 2 pieces of metal that were hanging on the gear of the rack and damaged. The prices of metal appeared to be a grease seal as there is rubber attached to the inside piece(see picture attached). From looking at this, it is obvious that the hanging metal piece could get hung up on the corkscrew gear causing clinch noise and also cause the steering to grab. I did cut both pieces off for safety and in the process of getting it into the Ford dealer of the certified warranty will cover it. This is a very dangerous issue and I have seen many complaints of this same issue with no fix noted by Ford.

Steering gear and tie rod issue. Tie rods have failed and steering gear is going out. Dealer recommends complete replacement. Diagnosis is that steering will lock up will driving once steering gear completely fails.

My 2016 limited Ford Explorer with about 38000 miles began making a noise when turning the steering wheel. I was driving on the interstate and the steering was jerky and would hang. Took it to the Ford dealership when I returned home and they replace the right tie rod end at a cost of $200+. The Explorer continued to make a noise at low speeds. Wife said that the steering was jerky when she drove it. Took it back to Ford dealership and was told that a nut had come off in the steering box and it needed a complete steering rack. Dangerous to drive as it was so authorized the replacement. Cost this time was $1685. 67. The Explorer had 40634miles on it when this was done. Got on the internet and found the steering is a rather common problem on Ford Explorers.

2016 Ford Explorer started making a noise when turning the steering wheel. Was driving on the interstate at about 60 mph and the steering became jerky and didn't want to steer. This was at somewhere around 38000 miles. I took it to the Ford dealership when I got home and was told it needed a right tie rod end. The tie rod end was replaced at a cost of $200+. The Ford Explorer continued making a noise at a low speed and wife stated that the steering was jerky when she drove it. Took it back to Ford dealership and was told that a nut had came off in the steering box and the steering rack needed to be replaced. The car was dangerous to drive as it was so authorized the repair. The repair was done at 40634 miles. So far this appears to have fixed the problem.

Tl the contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. While driving 65 mph and attempting to make a turn, the power steering warning indicator illuminated and the vehicle continued to drive forward. The vehicle ran off the roadway, which caused the front passenger side wheel and tie rod to fracture. There were no injuries. The vehicle was driven to beechmont Ford (located at 600 ohio pike, cincinnati, OH 45245, (513) 752-6611) where it was diagnosed that the power steering control module software needed to be updated. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred three times. The manufacturer was notified of the failures. The approximate failure mileage was 100,000.

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My tie rod and rod and navigation system which are electric broke while I was driving my vehicle. There was no forwarning of the event. I was on the highway, driving at traffic speed, fast moving cars everywhere, left, right and centre, front and back all going above speed limits, no steering control, no safety ramp visible for a few kilometres. Suddenly I found myself unable to steer my wheels, the instrument panel listed "loss of navigation systems" and in red ¿loss steering control stop safely¿. The car has had a single owner, never involved in any high impact collision, was driven mainly in urban areas, only 58,813 miles, purchased directly from the dealership. I had only 6 miles on the speedometer when I took ownership of the car.

The contact owns a 2009 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving approximately 10 mph, the vehicle made a loud abnormal noise and suddenly lost control of the steering wheel. The contact mentioned that no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic. The technician stated that the failure occurred as a result of the passenger side tie rod end separating form the vehicle. However, the tie rod did not sustain any damages. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 76,000.

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Noise in front end, premature failure of tie rod ends.

See all problems of the 2004 Ford Explorer 🔎.

Have a 2002 Ford Explorer have had several problems, but while I was out driving today my car began to pop as I turned the wheel. I have gotten my tie rods replaced and there seems to continue to be a problem with my vehicle. My husband drove the car home for me slowly but will not drive for fear that the wheel may pop off. Contacted Ford and am waiting on a response, this problem has been noted on the internet by several owners of this model and year. This is a suspension problem and I would like this further investigated so that noone is riding down the highway with their children in vehicle and the wheel pop off. I was very lucky that my child was not in the truck with me at the time this incident happened.

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Needed lower tierod ends replaced and it was discovered that both rear coil springs were rusted and broken.

We are in the process of replacing the left rear outer tie rod and which the mechanic says displays excessive wear and movement. Also replacing rear gas charged struts (displays excessive wear and movement), rear coil springs (bent, cracked, and loose), and rear strut mounts. $1100. 00 on a car with 61109 miles on it. This vehicle is never used to haul or tow anything. We have trucks for that. I'm sick to see all of these complaints on the same problem - it can't be a coincidence.

My Ford Explorer lost control while on the highway. While changing lanes the vehicle would not straighten. The truck fishtailed several time before spinning out. Vehicles crashed into retaining wall. Tie rod was broken on the driver's side.

Power steering gear box is leaking. Both the gearbox and tie rods need replaced. Only 75,000 miles on the vehicle.

See all problems of the 1998 Ford Explorer 🔎.

: the contact stated while driving on the highway the vehicle started swaying as if it were in a lot of wind. Two days later the vehicle was taken to the dealership. Upon inspection, the mechanics discovered the rear tie rod ends were packed with mud causing the tie rods to corrode and rust. The tie rod ends were replaced. The dealership explained to the contact the vehicle was unsafe to drive. The manufacturer was alerted.

The contact stated the tie rod housing that attaches to the wheel failed, causing the contact to lose control of the passenger's side wheel. This incident cause d an accident with no injuries. This occurred while traveling at 15 -20 mph. The wheel hit the telephone pole which caused major structural damage under the vehicle. The dealership stated they did not know what to do with the vehicle, and urged him to file a complaint with the insurance company.

While driving 20 mph, the driver's side tire rod separated from the wheel. The driver was able to maintain control of the vehicle and pull over. The driver had the vehicle towed to the dealer for inspection. The mechanic replaced both driver and passenger side tire rod due to worn parts. Please fill in additional information.

See all problems of the 2003 Ford Explorer 🔎.

Consumer hears a grinding noise when slowing down and applying or releasing the brakes. Vehicle was taken to the dealer and inner tie rod had deteriorated from wear and tear. The part was replaced.

Consumer stated vehicle experiencd premature wear of the front ball joints and tie rods, dealer has been notified.

While driving 25 mph consumer lost steering control and vehicle dropped to right side. Dealer is replacing broken right tie rod. In oct 1997, left tie rod had broken.

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Tie rod on front passenger side broke in half causing Explorer to drift over into another vehicle.

Pin and bolt that connect tie rod to front end fell off, causing tire to blow. Dealer has inspected vehicle. Tire blew in driveway.

Two front inner tie rods have been replaced. Contacted dealer. Also, the outer tie rods failed.

There was squeaking noise coming from front of vehicle as if shocks were going bad in vehicle. In March, dealership informed her that there was nothing wrong with vehicle. On may 11, 2001- after the warranty expired, dealership informed consumer that following components needed to be replaced: both upper ball joints, right outer tie rod , and alignment. Please provide any additional information/attachments.

While trveling at 20 mph vehicle loss control and struck a phone pole. Vehicle towed to dealer shop. Dealer informed consumer that loss of control was due to failure of the tie rod and lower control arm. Parts are available for inspection if needed. Feel free to provide further details.

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While driving at 35 mph front right passenger's wheel collasped, causing loss of vehicle control. Dealer replaced ball joints and tie rods.

Tow rod rusted and broke, causing vehicle to vibrate while driving, as driver touch the brake to slow vehicle she lost control, hit a guard rail and landed on the roof breaking mothers neck.

See all problems of the 1996 Ford Explorer 🔎.