I was on a residential street driving 35 miles an hour when the car suddenly went less than 5 miles an hour immediately. I drove it off to a safe spot and parked it. Luckily no one was behind med and I was not on an interstate or highway. No warning. It would not go over 5 miles an hour, even with the accelerator push all the way to the floor. I took it back to the dealer, where it was evaluated and I was told it needed an "update". now, I received a letter in the mail from Ford and was told there is a recall on this car's power steering unit. I am afraid of now driving the car till the electrical /computer system is fully tested. How do I get an answer?

- Tahlequah, OK, USA

The contact owns a 2012 Ford Explorer. While driving approximately 30 mph, the steering wheel became difficult to maneuver and the service power steering warning light illuminated. In addition, the contact stated that the steering seized. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the steering gear needed to be repaired. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and stated that the VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 14V286000 (steering). The failure mileage was 42,000.

- Punta Gorda, FL, USA

Power steering failed on interstate. Driver drove to a safe place. I met them and drove the car to a place until it could be driven to a dealership. When I tried to drive it to the dealership, vehicle would not steer at all. I called a tow truck. Dealership told me the steering gear needed replaced. They said it wasn't covered under the recall. I called Ford customer service and they said the recall had been performed and was closed, therefore the steering gear was not covered. When they performed the software upgrade for the steering I had not had a problem with the steering. I believe Ford agreed to the recall and provided the software upgrade to avoid fixing the real problem, the steering gear. If the steering had completely locked up on my wife, she could have been involved in a violent accident at 70 mph. I think the investigation should be reopened on the steering failure, due to the fact people could be injured or killed in an accident and because I believe Ford chose to make the least costly repair to avoid correcting the problem. I am not the only person that has had this problem. I have seen multiple posts where Ford did the same thing to other owners with this problem. It is obvious the cost difference between a software "fix" and the steering gear replacement at a cost of over $1,500 would be the desired fix for Ford. The safety fix would be replacement of the steering gear. I believe you should investigate any accidents that may have occurred due to this defect and may not have been investigated due to extensive front end damage. I could not steer the vehicle at all, when I wanted to drive it to the dealer. This was witnessed by relatives and the tow truck driver. I don't think Ford should be able to offer a "software fix" to a problem that is not fixed by the software upgrade. Thank you for all you do.

- East Bank, WV, USA

On 6/23/2015 my wife brought her 2012 Ford Explorer to me stating it was very hard to steer. By the time I left work at 6pm, the hixson Ford dealership was closed. The next morning, while on the way to the Ford dealership and while going around a long curve on hwy 546, the steering wheel totally locked up causing me to be within inches of hitting an on-coming car in the curve. Jerking the wheel in the opposite direction that I was turning in the curve and then back unlocked it and enabled me to get back in my lane. Ford states that they had already "reprogrammed the pscm power steering control module" last July so therefore the "recall" for this issue (#14S06) has already been cleared for this particular vehicle. Whether Ford already reprogrammed the pscm or not, the issue which the recall was issued "power steering may lock up" has happened. My position is that "reprogramming" or updating the software is not going to fix a faulty sensor which is a part of the steering gear so the "alternative" recall fix should have been completed in the first place which is "replacing the steering gear". hixson wants $1,795 to replace the electronic steering gear. The faulty sensor cannot be replaced because it's apparently built into the steering gear. This recall issue should be paid for by Ford who has already admitted to a faulty sensor. Im now on my 6th day of a rental car.

- Eros, LA, USA

When turning steering wheel left to right it makes clunking sound sound comes from under car most of the time to the right

- Sparks, GA, USA

Steering making clunking noise when you turn steering left to right most of the time to the right

- Sparks, GA, USA

I first encountered the problem on Monday June 08, 2015 as I was driving to work at the traffic light all of a sudden the steering was really hard to steer as I was trying to make a left turn I had to use all of might to make the turn very scary. I was able to drive my car home after work that night, everything okay till Wednesday, June 10, 2015 @ 7-8am, driving to drop my kids off to school and work, as I was a making a left turn it happened again, but worst it was busier day, 2 error message came on about steering assist and trac advance message, and 2 lights came on dashboard with a car and 2 wavy lines (road) 2nd picture was the same with the word off. I had to use all my might and drive slow to turn into the school turned the car off and on hoping lights will go off, still the same call my boss let her my car issues and that im running late. I called Ford service dept, I was told to the bring car in immediately not safe to drive but it will cost me to tow car. I drove car in that night myself, Thursday pick up rental, Friday -06/12/15, I received a call from Ford saying part will cost me 1500.00- $2000, not including labor. Outrageous its a electrical problem Ford should fix it free, but no per rep, let him know what I want to do on Monday rental will be on my own after that. Wow, first my rental I have to pay for upgrade it was not same size as my vehicle, family of 6(including my blind, disabled wheelchair father) who we care for, Ford still wont cover for a car same size as my car. I was told I need to take care of the difference for rental upgrade if I want a bigger car. So, ive decided I dont have that kind of money so I will pick my car up on Monday, June 15, 2015 and hope and pray that I wont get into an accident because Ford will not work me. My option is to trade my car in for another car and spend more money. Very disappointed in Ford!!!!!

- Wailuku, HI, USA

On my way to work the service power steering light came on in my 2012 Ford Explorer. When I got work I called the Ford dealer they said bring the vehicle in the steering could go out. Later the same day I took it to the dealer and the steering went out in the 2.5 mile trip to get to there. I was going very slow and managed to maintain control of the car, it was difficult and scary, no hydraulics any more these systems are all electronic. The dealer has had the vehicle for a week and has not been able to recreate or diagnosis what's wrong and therefore how to fix it. Ford has been absolutely no help will not return phone calls, nothing. So today they stop the car rental coverage and shove an undiagnosed safely issue back on me. I really do not want to drive this vehicle not knowing if the steering might go out at any time. I found on the internet there have been steering recalls on this vehicle make, model and year, but apparently only those assembled in Chicago. Ford has not issued a recall on this vehicle.

- Roswell, GA, USA

I went to crank my car and when I did I immediately received a power steer fail assist notice. My car had no power steering. I was able to slowly drive to a parking space and review my owner's manual. I let the car set for 10 seconds and then cranked again in hopes that it would reset. It didn't. I was able to drive home and park the car. This morning I took the car to hixson Ford in monroe, la. By that time I had received a traction error on the dashboard and also was unable to use my signal light. I was told all of this was in relation to the power steering and the need to replace the steering column for a price of $1794. It appears that Ford is very aware of the problems of the power steering failure. Why hasn't there been a larger recall? my car is not one of the 2012 models that was recalled. Just out of warranty and then this. I think further investigation is needed in the problems with the power steer failure.

- West Monroe, LA, USA

I am unable to enter the date of 5/29/2015 which was the date this occurred. The car was driving good and I stopped to shop. I came back to the car, cranked the car and immediately received the message of power assist failure. I tried to back up and realized that I had no power steering. I was able to get to a parking spot and checked the service manual. I followed the instructions and hoped that the power steering would reset as was told in the owner's manual. I was able to drive slowly and get home. Today I took my car to hixson Ford, monroe, la and had it checked. At this point I was receiving an additional error messages related to traction. Also, my signal lights would not work. I had read last night that there were some recalls on this problem related to Ford Explorer. The technician checked my car and told me we would have to replace the steering shaft/gears for $1,794. I had to leave my car at the dealership because it is not driveable. I would like for you to check and see if this is an on-going problem for cars with VIN numbers not included in the recall. I was told the recall was based on where the car was manufactured. It appears to me that Ford has consistently had a problem with the power assist failure on 2012 Ford Explorer.

- West Monroe, LA, USA

Started car and power steering assist failure warning came on. You could not steer at all. Had to turn car off and on a couple times to get computer to reset. Cars 3 yrs old just out of warranty and Ford won't cover it even though steering could lock up as your driving.

- Manteca, CA, USA

I received a recall notice a while ago and took my car in right away for the software fix. Not long after that, I started having problems where the power steering intermittently didn't seem to be working. 2 weeks ago I took it to the dealer to be checked. They said they found no problem. 7 days later I got in my car and immediately got a power steering assist fault error on the dashboard and couldn't turn the steering wheel. I had it towed to the dealership but once it was there, the power steering was working fine. Now, 5 days later, my car is still there and the only thing they keep telling me is that they have not been able to replicate the problem so they can't do anything. I sent the service rep a link to multiple websites where many people have had this exact same problem which can only be repaired by replacing the steering gear assembly but they made it clear that they won't fix it until they see it happen for themselves even though they retrieved the error code from the diagnostics in the car. I contacted a Ford rep directly and got an email message from the regional rep who also said that if the dealership cannot replicate the problem there is no repair. So, unless it happens again while they have it I'll have to just drive it and hope that when it does happen again it isn't in a situation that injures me or a member of my family. Also, if it does happen again while I'm driving but doesn't go out permanently it doesn't matter because they'll only fix it if it happens to them no matter what codes are present in the system. So it appears that intermittent loss of power steering is ok for Ford since they'll only repair it if they experience it no matter what the car diagnostics say! how many Ford owners are on the road now just waiting for their power steering to go completely out" how is this a safe policy" I shouldn't be afraid to drive my car!!!

- Concord, CA, USA

In a parking lot on a Friday Dec.19 at 6am, the steering assist dash warning light came on, and in same instance, steering locked up. I was unable to steer, but was able to bring my 2012 Ford Explorer limited to a stop. Restarting the car enabled steering. I notified my spouse who called dealership and arranged for a service visit the next Monday. Dealer honored recall ( 14S06 electric power steering ) for issue by flashing the software. My 2012 Ford Explorer was presented to me as repaired & fixed and ready to drive in a safe manner. Same event occurred Jan. 8 at 8pm in a parking lot. I took my Explorer to same dealer the next morning. The dealer called and stated the rack & pinion and several steering modules required replacement. Dealer then stated you only get one (1) Ford recall service for an event and any further work would not be covered by Ford Motor Company. After the first repair attempt which was not a solution, all costs ($1700-$2300 for rack & pinion/associated parts contrasted to a virtually no cost software update done under the recall as a potential fix(thus using up your recall and closing your case, when the recall addresses the parts failure) are borne by the vehicle owner even if it still a recall event. Dealer did state they would check what Ford would do since the second event occurred 2 weeks and 600 miles later. Basically, Ford has developed a policy to circumvent covering the cost of a mandated safety recall. An internet search shows this is a business-as-usual practice for Ford for this steering lock up recall. Bottom line - Ford is keeping unsafe vehicles, which have a recall notice, on the road as people who don't have the funds or stamina to fight Ford, leave the Ford dealer service department with the same unrepaired safety defect present.

- Katy, TX, USA

Power steering assist failure light came on and vehicle steering locked up. Was told by Ford dealer it is unsafe to drive this vehicle yet they want me to drive it to them to be repaired which they are going to charge me for. I feel this should be covered by Ford in full.

- Marshall, TX, USA

Power steering loss while driving. Steering becomes difficult. Must shut off car and restart to recover power steering. Happens often. Taken in for service and source of problem was not isolated or fixed.

- Highlands Ranch, CO, USA

The power steering pump quit working 2 times on my mothers SUV. Vehicle was taken to Ford twice because they did not fix it the first time. Saw recall but Explorer was not in the list. I am a mechanical engineer and was driving the vehicle on both occurrences. It is my ethical responsibility to report this issue. I also work in automotive field and I know this was a failure of the power steering. I do not want my mother or any individual hurt due to lack of investigation. I expect a response from your organization. The dealership can pull up all info, a rental was provided. I was barely able to manage the vehicle to the side of the road, a weaker driver, physically, would have had an accident.

- Tuscaloosa, AL, USA

Safety recall notice 14S06/NHTSA recall 14V-286 we received this recall notice in the mail from fmc. Knowing we had a trip coming up, I immediately took the vehicle in to ken garff Ford in Utah for servicing and to have the recall corrected. They supposedly fixed the issue so I went on my way. I drove a single gas tanks worth (appx 400 miles) and then everything went to hell. Power steering failed, traction control failed, terrain management failed. This is the exact problem for which Ford issued the recall in the first place. The Ford dealership is now telling me that they completely fixed the problem and it is my fault that these systems failed. They want me to believe an elaborate tale about how I have driven my Explorer 72000 miles without a problem and suddenly, after the recall gets fixed, I then have that exact problem? that is a sneaky lie that might work on someone more passive. When the vehicle failed we were driving with our family on a vacation and this incident stranded us in meridian, Idaho, where our vehicle currently sits 6 weeks later. It seems to me that when a safety recall is issued and "fixed" it shouldn't create a safety issue for the consumer anymore, which is exactly what this problem caused. It also seems to me that it is awfully convenient for fmc that my car broke immediately after it was "fixed". so now I am liable for the repairs. How nice for fmc. Meanwhile, it took fmc 6 weeks to get the part to the dealership in Idaho so they could "fix" the issue. We'll see how long it holds up this time. I am still waiting to get my car back.

- West Jordan, UT, USA

Received recall letter from Ford to get my vehicle in immediately. Called sacramento downtown Ford and spoke with david. David said "sorry, can't help you right now as they have not sent us the parts or the software". he added, "call back in a couple of weeks". I was shocked that nothing was offered. Website even states may cause inability to steer your car and letter even states may cause an accident. But they can't help me right now? so disappointed in Ford! if something happens to me or my family Ford will pay.

- Sacramento, CA, USA

I was stopped and the car was idling in drive (I was braking) when the car beeped and displayed two warnings, one about power assist failure or off and the other about advancetrac service (I don't remember the exact wording of the errors). The power steering was no longer working in the car. I put the car in park and turned it off and on again. After it turned on it still said the errors but I was able to move the steering wheel, and when I put it in drive and moved up a bit the errors also went away. I called the dealership and they were able to tell me there is an active recall but that they didn't know anything on how to fix it what it was, or any type of remedy or reassurance. They said the soonest they could take the vehicle to look at it was a week away.

- Palmer, AK, USA

Driving to work on June 25, 2013 (20,420 miles) on the highway going 55 mph when a "power steering assist" fault code popped onto the screen and with very limited steering capabilities was able to pull off of the highway, turn off the engine for 10 minutes and the error corrected itself. On May 9, 2014 (30,513 miles), after coming off a winding road turned onto a straight lane, power steering assist fault code popped up again, was able to drive it home. On May 23, 2014 (31,002 miles), got into my parked vehicle turned on engine and the power steering assist code popped up and I wasn't able to turn the wheel at all, had to turn off the engine and restart it again. When the first incident happened on June 25, I contact my local dealership and I was instructed "if it happens again, bring in your vehicle." For the second incident, I took my vehicle to the dealership and because there was no fault code showing at that time, they couldn't find anything wrong and was told "if it happens again, don't turn off your engine and drive straight to the nearest dealership so they can retrieve the codes." My main concern is not being to control the vehicle if it happens again and causing an accident.

- Woodbridge, VA, USA