10.0
really awful- Crashes / Fires:
- 11 / 1
- Injuries / Deaths:
- 4 / 0
- Average Mileage:
- 78,948 miles
About These NHTSA Complaints:
The NHTSA is the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints can be spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem. See the Back button — blue bar at the very top of the page — to explore more.
« Read the previous 20 complaints
My 2013 Ford Explorer Sport lost control while driving. My wife ran off the road while driving going around a curve because the power steering went out without warning. Luckily, she was not in a place where she did not hit anyone but had a near miss with a pedestrian walking on the side of the road. I noticed in the past that the power steering fault indicator came on a few times when starting the vehicle. After turning the SUV off and back on, everything worked fine. I notified them at the dealership the last time I was getting serviced and they said it was a common problem but for some reason, there was no recall for my VIN. After reading the complaints online for this issue, I find it disturbing that this is not a safety recall. I can only imagine how this could have turned tragic while driving down the mountain last weekend if this happened while on a downward descent, my family could have been killed. This is scary to think about and I am surprised that more people have not been seriously hurt or killed due to this electrical malfunction. I also don't understand how the same year models have recalls on the same part but because of the factory location that this is not covered on some VIN numbers. This should defiantly be a recall that is reconsidered. Thank God that she was able to vear enough to miss the pedestrian walking.
- Dacual, GA, USA
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at 50 MPH while depressing the brake pedal to make a left turn, the steering wheel became difficult to turn. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact continued driving to her residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. A dealer was not contacted. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V286000 (Steering), however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
- Lorain, OH, USA
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the power steering assist would fail to operate as the power steering assist fault warning message appeared on the instrument panel. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer where she paid to have the vehicle's computer reset. Despite the reset, the failure recently returned. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed her that her vehicle was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V286000 (Steering). The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.
- Louisville, KY, USA
Steering Rack Motor Failure recall #14S06 did not include this vin and needs to be added to this vin as the dealership Timberline Ford in Libby Mt has investigated the failure and deemed the issue should be part of this recall and that due to the fact that this was a fleet vehicle (Police Interceptor) this could be why it was not listed in this individual recall. There were no prior instances or notifications before failure. Failure was immediate and the Drive Assist lamp did light up immediately. Traveling down Yaak Pass Hwy 2 Montana the failure occurred causing malfunction in steering capability and adverse and unsafe handling of the vehicle almost causing collision with guard rail, and oncoming traffic. Very winding road way made it difficult to maneuver to a safe location for tow. Putting my passenger and dog (Family) at risk of accident. Below is information obtained from one of many sources on the internet involving this recall: Vehicles Affected: About 177,500 model-year 2011-13 Ford Explorer SUVs The Problem: A potential electrical issue in the steering gear may result in the loss of electric power steering assist while driving. This could cause the steering system to default to manual mode, making the vehicle more difficult to steer, especially at lower speeds, and increasing the risk of a crash. According to the Detroit News, Ford said drivers will hear a chime and see a message in the instrument cluster if electric power steering assist is lost. The Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will either update software for the power steering control module or replace the steering gear for free. Why is my electronic power steering not working? Today's electronic power steering systems may fail due to issues with the mounted electric motor. In particular, excessive heat on the motor is likely to cause the failure modes.
- Troy, MT, USA
Today is Thursday, August 11, 2022, while driving on the highway at a speed of 65 miles an hour my steering wheel just lost steering. Ford has a recall of this problem but for some reason my Vin number is not part of the recall. This has occurred about 5 to 6 times since I purchased the vehicle. I returned it to Ford at least about three times with this concern. The first time I was advised that my Vin number was not part of the recall but that it was under warranty and they updated the computer. Other times when I complain about this problem I was advised that there was no code for them to read. And nothing was done. As I stated at the beginning of this complaint it happened to me again. All I can say is thanks to God I was able to control the vehicle and not get into an accident. This is a problem that Ford knows and the highway safety division. This is a safety issue and it-??s not new.
- Newark, NJ, USA
Steering loss on highway two times but came back and a squealing noise when trying to park some times found out there isn't a power steering pump so don't know where the squealing noise is coming from but it is in the steering had the Ford dealer check it out and they said it needs replaced
- Lebanon, OR, USA
The power steering failed on my 2013 Ford Explorer while driving which made steering extremely difficult, especially at slower speeds. I was very startled by the immediate loss of steering while traveling at a high rate of speed. I also had to be extremely cautious turning to ensure there was ample time to turn and not cause an accident. My turn signals also quite functioning properly. When turning on my turn signals they would only blink once unless I held down the turn signal which would then allow it to work which is difficult to do as it takes the strength of both hands to steer the wheel with the power steering not functioning. The vehicle is available for inspection and I have an appointment to take it to a Ford dealership next week. The vehicle has not been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or anyone else. It will be taken to a Ford dealership next week as that is the soonest they were able to see it. The two warning messages that went off at the time of power steering failure were Power Steering Failure and Service AdvanceTrac System.
- Samson, AL, USA
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving approximately 55 MPH, the steering wheel seized and the power steering assist warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to two independent mechanics who diagnosed a failure with the power steering assist. The vehicle was not repaired due to parts not being available. The contact pulled the steering wheel for it to operate correctly. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer who diagnosed a failure with the power steering assist. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V286000 (Steering). The approximate failure mileage was 88,000.
- Meridian, ID, USA
I was driving and my steering wheel got really hard to turn.
- Dowagiac , MI, USA
While backing out of my driveway, my power steering fault light came on and I lost power steering. The steering became unresponsive. Fortunately I was going slowly and could stop. We took the car to the Ford dealership to determine the problem. They determined the rack and pinion gear failed requiring the rack & pinion assembly to be replaced. A $3,000 repair. It is frustrating that Ford has recalled thousands of cars of the same model and year for this exact problem, but our particular vehicle was not included in the recall. Ford's response was sorry, your car is not included in the recall. Reading through other complaints on the website, it is clear that Ford knows that this component is defective and refuses to stand behind their vehicles.
- Westlake Village, CA, USA
The contact called on behalf of his wife who owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while his wife was attempting to reverse out of the driveway, the power steering assist was inoperable. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V286000 (Steering). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 91,669.
- Madison Heights, VA, USA
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while reversing, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The contact stated that the Power Steering Assist and traction control warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed that the rack and pinion needed to be replaced because the rack and pinion module was not communicating with the computer system. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V286000 (Steering). The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA. The failure mileage was approximately 165,000.
- Provo, UT, USA
After picking up the vehicle from an oil change from the Ford dealer, the power steering functionality has changed. Upon entering the vehicle and attempting to reverse, the steering felt like it locked up. But with enough force the resistance can be overcome and the wheel will turn, but in jerking motions. It takes a strong effort, but will make an approx 60-90 degree advance/rotation of the steering wheel, then another effort to continue the turn, advancing about a quarter turn each time. Vehicle now feels unsafe to drive and am concerned it will sieze completely while driving due to a known recall that exists for this exact issue, NHTSA recall ID 14V286000, but the VIN falls just outside the recall range.
- Poynette, WI, USA
Multiple times throughout the last month, I turned the vehicle on and went to back out of our garage and the dash displayed a warning of "electric power steering assist failed". The steering wheel was extremely hard to turn, so I stopped and placed the vehicle in park, turned it off, waited about 15 seconds and restarted the vehicle with no steering problems. This last time after doing the same, the error did not go away and the issue remains. I contacted the dealer, and they say there is no recall on the 2013 model year explorer for a vehicle built in October 2013. Just before and after.... how does a known recall issue for the prior yearand following year not indicate a potential issue in this year? The repair estimates are crazy high, and I feel did should repair at their cost.
- Grove City , OH, USA
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while reversing out of the driveway at 20 MPH, she heard an abnormal knocking sound coming from underneath the driver's side floorboard. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the rack and pinion needed to be replaced; however, the part was not available. The vehicle was repaired with remanufactured parts; however, while driving and turning all the way to the right, the steering rack was making abnormal grinding sounds. The vehicle was taken back to the independent mechanic where the rack and pinion were replaced; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to the independent mechanic who advised the contact to take the vehicle to an authorized Ford dealer since the parts to repair the vehicle were no longer available. The contact stated that the parts were on national back order. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 92,000. The VIN was not available.
- Mamou, LA, USA
I bought this car less than 2 years ago and I am tired of it already. I have gotten a power steering assist warning light multiple times in the past 2 weeks. The light comes on and I am unable to move the steering wheel. I tried waiting a while and restarting the car but the light still comes on. This left me and my child stranded at a gas station and waiting for assistance to get home. The dealership can not get me in until the end of next month. I am now without transportation. This is ridiculous because I need transportation to my job and to get my children to their activities.
- Columbia, MO, USA
Power steering, can't steer the SUV out of my driveway
- Saint Louis , MO, USA
My 2013 ford explorer sport ecoboost.. steering locked up. Mechanic diagnostic code came back power steering gearbox replacement/ steering rack needs to be replaced. My warranty doesn't cover the $2400 repair. Only had vehicle for less than a yr.
- Omaha, NE, USA
While driving down the road my steering locked up and stopped working. I turned my vehicle off and called for a tow truck. I had it serviced and it was found to have electrical issue in the steering gear which resulted in the loss of electric power steering assist while driving. They had to replace the electronic steering rack and pinion.
- Glenford, OH, USA
- Caguas, PR, USA