10.0
really awful- Crashes / Fires:
- 11 / 1
- Injuries / Deaths:
- 4 / 0
- Average Mileage:
- 79,005 miles
About These NHTSA Complaints:
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« Read the previous 20 complaints
14V286000 the Explorer experiences a loss of power steering assist at low speeds and one time at 55 miles on the freeway.
- Conroe, TX, USA
Two issues the power assist failed multiple times when drive at low speeds. The second is the front suspension failed in 2013 multiple complaints ignored by Ford and NHTSA. Dealer refused to fixed under warranty. This type of vehicle has recalls for these two issues all but the base models and Ford refused to repair my vehicle both issues cost over $1000 to repair.
- Conroe, TX, USA
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. While driving approximately 5 mph, a grinding noise was heard and the steering wheel seized. In addition, the "power steering service now" and advancetrac warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who determined that the steering rack failed and needed replacement. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 140,000. The consumer stated the vehicle experienced the same failures as described in recall 14V2846000 but, the vehicle was not included in the recall. The vehicle was repaired.
- Louisville, KY, USA
The vehicle felt as if the alignment was bad. It was very difficult to steer. Turning was particular;Y difficult. It sounds very similar to exactly what the recall on the toe links stated. The dealership said the knuckles were bad and needed replaced and that it happens to every 2013 Ford Explorer for some reason.
- Lewisburg, WV, USA
Vehicle has 74,200 miles on it. Power steering is failing intermittently. I have been noticing that under minor steering movements (lane changes or minor curvature in road) I understeer due to intermittent loss of power steering assist for approximately 1 second. When power steering comes back oversteer and end up swerving vigorously due to assist returning. It has created a dangerous situation many times in the past couple weeks can easily create complete loss of control of vehicle at speed.
- Naperville, IL, USA
Power steering failure
- Chase City, VA, USA
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. While the contact's spouse was driving 55 mph, the steering lost power and the traction control and steering warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was pulled over to the side of the road. The contact was called to the scene drove the vehicle, using manual steering, to rowe Ford westbrook (800-872-7693, located at 91 main St, westbrook, me 04092). The dealer stated that the failure was a known, but uncommon, issue. The technician replaced the steering gear box. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and stated that there was no recall. The failure mileage was 105,000.
- Westbrook, ME, USA
Cranked up Explorer and received power steering assist fault about a year and a half ago. Called dealership to check on recall or see what this was about. We were told that there was no recall and by turning the Explorer off and on again usually fixes the problem this did at that time. Then it happened again a couple months later and did what they said because they told us it was not communicating correctly. It has not happened again for a while until today when trying to do that five times it did not communicate but this time it gave the same power steering assist fault and a service advancetrac message. Lucky this happened in a parking lot and my wife and kids were not in the car. Had to haul the vehicle out of parking lot to my house for the time being until I can get an answer on what needs to be done. I did see that there was a recall on this same issue a while back after doing some research. Lucky for me and my family every time these issues have popped up the car has been stationary.
- Wingate, NC, USA
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. While driving approximately 20 mph, the steering wheel was difficult to turn left and right. In addition, the power steering and service advancetrac warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was towed to allan vigil Ford of fayetteville (275 glynn St N, fayetteville, ga 30214, (770) 461-1151) where it was diagnosed that the electronic steering gear needed to be repaired. 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 91,000.
- Jenkinsburg, GA, USA
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the steering wheel was extremely difficult to turn in either direction and the eps warning indicator randomly illuminated. Scott Ford (17812 veterans memorial hwy, kingwood, wv 26537, (304) 329-3673) was urgently notified, but failed to provide an appointment. The contact ordered a steering rack and had an independent mechanic replace the part, but the failure recurred. The dealer was notified and provided an update to the control module. Within two business days, the eps indicator flashed again and the steering wheel seized, which increased the risk of a crash. The vehicle was unable to be safely driven. Astorg Ford Lincoln of parkersburg (2028 7th St, parkersburg, wv 26101, 304-485-8585) was notified of the failure for further diagnostic testing. The manufacturer was notified of the failures numerous times, but had not yet provided a remedy. The approximate failure mileage was 68,000.
- Reedsville, WV, USA
Our power steering went out on our 2013 Ford Explorer while my husband was driving. Luckily he didn't crash the car when it happened because it immediately made it difficult for him to use his steering. The steering is completely out and needs to be fixed. I checked if there was a recall and his car is just outside the manufacture date for the recall that was done in 2014 on 2011-2013 Ford Explorer. We are now out of pocket over $2000 because we have to replace the rack and pinion. Also, when I called Ford regarding this problem I was told if there is a recall on the part in the future I would not be reimbursed and should wait to have it fixed until there is a recall.
- Diamond Springs, CA, USA
While driving down the highway my power steering assist failed making my car very unsafe to drive.
- Longton, KS, USA
The power steering failed as I was starting to turn. I was letting off the brake and barely pressing the gas pedal and as I started to turn the wheel, a warning message popped up stating that the power steering assist had failed. I could still turn the wheel (with quite a bit of effort), so I completed my turn very slowly and moved off to the side of the road. I turned the car off and on again and the power steering worked again. After that, the power steering failed 5 times while I was backing up. Each time I turned on the car, put it in reverse, then as I would let off the brake and just touch the gas pedal and start to turn, the steering wheel would seize up and the power steering assist failure notice would pop up. Turning the car off and on again would correct the problem. Brought it into the Ford dealership and this is not covered under warranty or recall.
- Eagle, ID, USA
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. While operating the vehicle, the power steering failed and the power steering indicator illuminated. The contact was able to drive the vehicle home. The vehicle was towed to scaffidi auto (3733 stanley St, stevens point, wi 54481, (715) 344-4100) where it was diagnosed that the steering gear needed to be replaced. The repair would cost $2,300. The manufacturer stated that there were no recalls and referred the contact to NHTSA. The warranty provided coverage up to 150,000 miles. The failure mileage was 150,246.
- Stevens Point, WI, USA
While driving, the steering became extremely difficult. The power steeling and stability control lights came on with a warning. The power steering failure nearly caused an accident. The vehicle was on a city street and the power steering failed while turning.
- Spokane Valley, WA, USA
Power steering failed and reverted to manual steering while operating the vehicle on a city street. "power steering fault" message displayed in the instrument cluster center. I was able to drive to vehicle to a safe location, although it was quite difficult. If my wife had been operating the vehicle under the these same circumstances, it would have been extremely hard for her to maneuver the vehicle, which could have resulted in accident. Also, we have small children that could have also been on-board which makes this issue all the more concerning, since this vehicle is mainly used to Transport children to and from school. After driving to a parking lot, I turned the vehicle off and then back on. The power steering re-engaged and I was able to drive home safely without any further issues. I immediately called the local Ford dealership and scheduled a service appointment. The dealer scanned the power steering control module for codes and found a diagnostic trouble code that requires replacement of the steering gear. Total cost for parts and labor was $2,000. The vehicle was repaired and we have not experienced any other issues with the power steering. It should also be noted that the vehicle was purchased new from the dealership and currently has approximately 74,500 miles. I was informed by Ford customer service that my VIN number wasn't part of any recall and there were no other programs available to assist me with the cost of the repair. Per my online research, there is a recall on this issue for the year of my vehicle, but it appears my build date is outside of the recall. This is not acceptable. It makes no sense why certain vehicles are excluded, when the issue has clearly been identified and addressed in other vehicles built in the same year. I am requesting that the NHTSA investigate the issue described above and issue additional recalls.
- Franklin, TN, USA
Hi I have recently purchase a 2013 Ford Explorer with only 67,000 miles on it. The power steering assist is not working and I have no steering at all. I have looked on line and there are several recalls for this very same issue but upon calling a Ford dealer, they said my vehicle VIN# is not listed in the recall. I don't understand how my car specifically is not listed as part of the recall when I have read alot of people have the same exact issues and their vehicle is in recall. I also have a friend who has the very same vehicle with the same issue and his Explorer was recalled. I think this is a known defect from Ford but fail to list all 2013 Explorer with this same recall which can be fatal during driving and having your steering wheel lock up on you. My Explorer only have 67,000 miles and this should not happen unless its a defect. Any assistance in this major issue would be very appreciated or any direction you can advise me would be great. Thank you.
- Cherry Hill, NJ, USA
2013 Ford Explorer parked in a parking lot for one hour after being driven 2 miles at 9:30 a.M. on first start on a 95-degree day. On starting one hour later, 10:30 a.M., the car started, it was shifted into reverse, but on holding the steering wheel to make a slight turn while backing up from the parking space to leave, the steering wheel was completely frozen and would not move at all. I could not steer the car. I shifted into drive and let the car drift back forward into the parking spot. Steering wheel completely frozen, would not move. Shifted the car back into drive and the car moved forward on its own, shifted into reverse and the car again moved a little, but I could not move the steering wheel at all. This error message appeared on the dash: Power steering assist failure. Turned off engine, left it off 5 seconds, restarted, and power assist steering failure code did not come one. I drove the 2 miles home, praying the power steering would not go out and freeze up again while being drive. 3 hours later the car is operating normally so far, but a complete power steering failure is life threatening and could reoccur in this vehicle at any time, resulting in injury, death, and damage to the car. Ford has acknowledged this problem in 2011 Ford Explorer and issued a recall. As my 2013 Explorer has the same epas problem, Ford needs to issue a recall and repair the problem at no cost to the owners. I have read online of owners having the power steering fail during turns, resulting in injuries. This car is not safe to drive in its current condition.
- Hilton Head Island, SC, USA
Power steering failure. Happened while driving down the foad.
- Madisonville, TN, USA
- Conroe, TX, USA