10.0
really awful- Crashes / Fires:
- 10 / 1
- Injuries / Deaths:
- 6 / 1
- Average Mileage:
- 58,359 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
I was on the highway on Apr 21st and the steering wheel felt a little sensestive/artfical but it was windy out so I thought it was maybe due to the conditions outside. So we traveled about 30 minutes then the warning light came on stating "steering loss stop safely" came on which was a shocking so we pulled over to check for issues. At this time the steering was still ok just just touchy, so I restarted the car thinking it would reset the components that was maybe throwing the messages, the red warning went away but was returened by the same message as we pulled in to the driveway of my home but at the suggestion of the dealership they asked that I remove the battery for 1 hour to see if the components would reset due to that but did not help things at all so I had to bring it in on 4-20 which they informed me of the $2K bill to fix which if you do research is a highly common issue with-in the F-150, Explorer and flex line ups. So my question, why is Ford not offering to fix an issue which clearly make the car totally un-safe and un-driveible?
- Lakeville, MN, USA
I started to listen a noise when I turned right without any advice on board. Cause the noise (it was increasing) I decided to go to Ford service center (forcenter) and they told me that I have to change all steering system with a cost of usd 3000. This kind of failure is not acceptable for a car of these skills, my car has only 55.000 kms and only it was used on the city and when the main argument of sale is the safety. Reading other users, it is not acceptable that a failure like that it must considered only an user problem.
- Miami, FL, USA
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. While driving approximately 30 mph, the steering ability became very difficult. The contact stated that the failure worsened and the steering wheel was very close to not being able to turn at all. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic for diagnostic testing. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 64,415.
- Lyon, IL, USA
When driving, the wheel would be hard to turn sometimes. It started occasionally but now the power steering does not work at all. It is very difficult to turn. I have researched the problem and took it to my mechanic and it is the electronic power steering module. This part has been recalled on all newer models of the Ford Explorer except 2014. This has caused several accidents with other owners of the 2014 Ford Explorer as at some point, the steering stops working completely. Ford has heard complaints from several owners with no response. This is a $2500 fix that I can't afford. I have a warranty on my vehicle, however this part is not covered, of course. A $20,000 vehicle should not have problems like this. Especially when it puts me and my children in danger.
- Grayling, MI, USA
Wheel would lock up when starting the car to drive. Light came on stating steering assist fault service required. This vehicle only has 69,306.7 miles on it and is only used to go back and forth to work and was purchased in September 2014 and now it is March 2019. Took to Ford dealership for diagnostic and was told that it is the electronic power steering rack and was not covered under warranty and would cost me over $2,000 to fix. It has to be fixed because its a safety issue and this vehicle is used to Transport my children. Ford needs to take responsibility for this and recall due to being a safety hazard. What if I was on the highway and the steering locked up, or if my teenage daughter that just got her license and is an inexperienced driver was driving this car and the steering locked up?this could be fatal.
- Lake Mary, FL, USA
While driving on the highway, the vehicle's power steering system failed without warning. The steering took much more muscle to maneuver, and was a lot less responsive. There was no indication on the dash that anything occurred. In the days following the power steering system intermittently kicked in and back out, making it hard to steer consistently and requiring much more attention. The vehicle has still never provided any indication that the power steering system has been compromised. In reading about this failure it should be noted that the previous versions of this vehicle were recalled for steering failures as well.
- Seattle, WA, USA
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. When the steering wheel was turned in either direction, a clunking noise was heard coming from the steering column and the steering wheel became more difficult to turn. The vehicle was taken to banner Ford (1943 N. causeway blvd, mandeville, la) where it was diagnosed that the steering wheel gear needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was 78,000.
- Madisonville, LA, USA
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. While driving 45 mph, the steering wheel seized and the power steering assist and traction control warning indicators illuminated. The contact coasted the vehicle into a driveway and powered off the engine. The vehicle was restarted, but the failure recurred. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or an independent mechanic for diagnostic testing. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 88,000.
- Ville Platte, LA, USA
While driving my Explorer down a city street at approx 45mph, the steering became extremely tight. A warning light saying 'steering assist fault' came in and then the 'traction control off' light came on. Immediately after both of those lights came on a red light came on saying 'steering failure service required' came on and I completely lost the ability to steer the SUV. I managed to get it off the road safely and stopped. The steering wheel would not turn at all. I contacted the Ford dealership near me and told them what happened. They said there is a recall on 2011-2013 and 2015-2017 Ford Explorer but not the 2014 and what I was describing is what happens to the other models years under recall. There needs to be a recall on the 2014 Explorer for the steering gear assembly as with the surrounding model years. Had I been a less experienced driver this would have caused a crash and could have injured or killed myself or other people on the road. The failure of this system is dangerous to not only the driver but to other people on the road.
- Shawnee, OK, USA
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. While driving 40 mph, the steering wheel seized and the power assist failure warning indicator illuminated. The contact pulled the vehicle off to the shoulder of the road and managed to drive home. Courtesy Ford (6393 us-98 w, hattiesburg, ms 39402, (609) 264-5555) was contacted to schedule an appointment. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in a recall. The failure mileage was approximately 78,902.
- Petal, MS, USA
2014 Ford Explorer steering wheel locked up, I thought it was the steering wheel lock motor but bad "electronic" noise if you turn wheel either way. Every once in a while it will start up and steer normally, but then manual steering, then locked up again. No code. Wife was on highway when it went out, says she wont drive it again. I found out now that the electronic steering gears have been an ongoing issue, ... Ford, own up and help with this expensive repair.
- Redford, MI, USA
Vehicle became difficult to steer when driving on several occasions. Especially when trying to turn left. Vehicle was taken to a mechanic who scanned the steering control system and test drove the vehicle. The code showed rack internal failure and it was recommended to replace the power steering rack. Total quoted cost is $1942 + tax. It was suggested that this had been the topic of a recall, however the years included in the recall do not include the 2014. Will be contacting the Ford dealership to discuss further action this should be covered, as it is the same issue of the previous recall, despite being a later model and a major safety issue. I was informed by the mechanic that the loss of the sensor could cause the wheels to steer in the wrong direction and become a major problem.
- Mogadore, OH, USA
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. While driving 15 mph, the steering wheel seized and became difficult to turn. Also, the power steering warning indicator illuminated. The contact was able to drive the vehicle to her residence and powered off the engine. The vehicle was restarted, but was unable to drive. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or an independent mechanic for diagnostic testing. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to NHTSA. The approximate failure mileage was 100,000.
- Maryland Heights, MO, USA
Started loosing power steering then lost all assist completely very unsafe to operate had to return home I couldn't control the vehicle I have to get the vehicle towed
- Burbank, IL, USA
While driving our 2014 Ford Explorer, the service steering assist warning light came on, then the acs fault warning light came on. At that time, the power steering went out and the turn signals quit working properly. The vehicle could still be steered manually by a physically stronger person, but not by the average person. The vehicle was taken to the local Ford dealership, where we were informed that a new rack and pinion would be needed. The dealer service manager stated that this repair has been covered under a previous recall for 2011-2013 Explorer, however, that my particular model was not covered. After doing more research, the steering going out seems to be a common problem in all late model Ford Explorer. I am concerned that if Ford has not resolved this issue in later model Explorer, there will be accidents resulting from this malfunction.
- Homer, GA, USA
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. While pulling into a parking space, the power steering suddenly failed and the steering wheel became very difficult to turn in either direction. After restarting the engine, the vehicle operated normally. The vehicle was taken to bryden Ford (303 N. center St, durand, il) where it was diagnosed that the steering gear assembly was faulty. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was 42,000.
- Davis, IL, USA
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. While driving approximately 30 mph, the vehicle started to make a clunking sound and the steering seized. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was driven to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed, which was still pending. The dealer and manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 68,000.
- Waynesboro, PA, USA
Steering goes out while driving. Therefore, the power steering show power steering assist fault and traction control comes on. So while driving it goes out it is hard to dri E and can cause a major accident.
- Harrisburg, AR, USA
Lost power steering while driving down the highway doing over 55mph. Took to a Ford dealership for repair, they fixed it, they replaced the power steering rack... worked for 3 weeks and now it is not working again. Again while driving the car on the road the power steering went out.
- Pottstown, PA, USA
- Indio, CA, USA