Steering gear box went out of my vehicle with only 29,000 miles on it, had to replace the whole gear. I only drive 600 miles or less a month I split my time between 2 vehicles. Just bought a few months before this happened

- Maxwell, IA, USA

On 19 June, 2017 I was driving my 2014 Ford Explorer on I-95 South, I initially heard a single pop come from the front of my vehicle, I thought I had hit something in the road, but nothing was visible in the road, so I continued to drive. I continued to drive with no problems. On 20 June, I was driving again on I-95 North bound and my steering system began to malfunction with a little tightness in the steering, the vehicle still easily turned left and right. I continued to drive the vehicle with no problems, suddenly a warning flashed and showed a stability warning and all of a sudden the steering locked up and I could not control my vehicle at all. I was nearly killed along with six members of my family when my vehicle steering malfunctioned (froze/locked) and two tractor trailers swerved to keep from hitting my vehicle. I could no longer control my vehicle steering. My vehicle has 68,000 miles and has been regularly maintained with no known issues.

- Chesapaeake, VA, USA

Since I purchased this vehicle new in July 2014, I have experienced a sulphur like smell in the cabin area of the vehicle when I accelerate. The odor is strong enough to make you feel nauseous and light headed. I have taken the car back to the dealership where it was purchased on two separate occasions. On one visit they claimed they had installed additional vents to eliminate the fumes. The second time, the exhaust was reportedly replaced. Neither repair created any improvement in regard to the smell. Additionally, I have experienced issues with the front suspension/steering area. The vehicle has been taken back to the dealership on two separate occasions to address the issue(s). The vehicle has a loud popping sound that emanates from the right front axle area when making a low speed turn. The first repair was reportedly a loose "boot cover". the second repair consisted of the installation of a "shim" to address the problem. Neither fix took care of the issue long term.

- Winston-Salem, NC, USA

While the vehicle was in motion, in a turn, the steering assist had a fault. A message showed on the screen stating that there was a steering assist fault. After restarting the vehicle several times, the issue did not go away. Steering the vehicle felt like the steering wheel was fighting against me (rather than simply a power steering loss). I was told by a dealership mechanic that the problem was unknown but somewhere in the steering column so replacing the entire steering column would fix it.

- Staunton, VA, USA

Our 2014 Ford Explorer Sport has suddenly lost its power steering making it very difficult to drive and has a tendency to jerk the wheel left and right when driving. This I'm told is not under warranty and will cost approximately $1800 to fix. I believe the three years prior to mine had the same problem and were recalled. The Explorer has not been in any accidents and has 73K miles. The airbag light also came on when the steering issue started however the Ford service department said that it was unrelated and that would be another expense after the steering was repaired.

- Hudson, FL, USA

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. While the contact's son was driving 55 mph, the power steering failed. In addition, the "steering loss stop safely" and "service advance trac" warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the steering gear assembly (power steering rack) needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and provided case number: Cas-12267703. The manufacturer declined to assist the contact since the vehicle was outside of the 36 month or 36,000 mile warranty. The failure mileage was approximately 42,988.....updated 06/21/17 updated 09/15/2017

- Durham, NH, USA

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the front driver side door failed to lock properly. The dealer diagnosed that the door latch needed to be replaced. The contact informed the manufacturer who requested that the vehicle receive a second diagnostic, which rendered the same results. The vehicle was not repaired. While attempting to leave an auto shop, the power steering failed. The contact was unable to reactivate the power steering and had the vehicle towed to her home. The contact informed the dealer of the failure, but could not drive to the dealer due to the power steering failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failures and opened case number: 12284176. The approximate failure mileage was 53,000.

- St Louis County, MO, USA

Vehicle was purchased in April 2014 with a little over 500 miles. The vehicle now has approximately 33,900 miles. A couple weeks ago we noticed a squeaking noise when the steering wheel was turned either way while moving and while not moving. I called on 4-25 for appointment on 4-27. The vehicle was looked over and I received a call on 4-28 stating the steering gear box was bad and need replaced. I was then told my warranty had expired on 4-17 and that they would not cover the bill of $1738. I did research and there were similar issues with this year vehicle as well as recalls on this same vehicle 2011-2013. Sounds to me like Ford has not fixed the issue and should cover these ridiculous costs to those that have had them. I should not have to worry about these types of things on such a low mileage vehicle. Ford will probably be losing our continued business.

- Uniontown, OH, USA

Takata recall cuando lo manejo SE mueve mucho ES difcil de controlar a 60 millas parese un bote 🚣 SE mueve de lado a lado como si patinara mas en el freeway ES muy riesgoso

- Redwood City, CA, USA

After a knock was discovered while turning I took the vehicle in to Ford assuming I was under warranty. They identified a code (not available) and diagnosed the problem to be with the "steering gear box assembly", specifically the rack and pinion. After researching the problem on the internet I found multiple occurrences of similar mishaps, some resulting in lock up of the steering component. Ford informed me that we exceeded the mileage portion of the warranty but not the years (vehicle is 2 1/2 years old). They also informed me that because I was out of warranty due to mileage, they wouldn't cover the repairs and quoted $2200 in repairs. $1500 for parts and the rest for labor. I believe this to be a safety issue due to the potential to lock up the steering resulting in collision. I have researched the repair and can obtain the same part number for approx. $650 and labor around $700. There are documented recalls on Ford Explorer up to 2013, but for some reason 2014 is not included.

- Poulsbo, WA, USA

A malfunction of the electric power steering system occurred, the vehicle warning lights for the stability control and the stability control system off turned on on the warning indicator dashboard. This cause a loss of steering assist on my vehicle while I was going up to big bear on highway 330. The vehicle was very difficult to steer and control making it a very unsafe and dangers drive. Luckily I was going at a very slow speed do to traffic conditions. I don't know what could of happen if I was going at the speed limit posted. There is a recall on the 2011,2012, and 2013 regarding this issue "suspension & steering, May 29, 2014" the Ford recall number is 14S06. My car is still in big bear unable to drive anymore steering wheel is stuck now that I parked it.

- Midway City, CA, USA

I've had issues with my Ford Explorer not turning well, making noises with the turn, and have taken it into the shop who have said it's a common issue. This is a danger. My other complaint is that there has been a recall (NHTSA recall 16V-245) and have taken my car in to have the repair and they have said they didn't want to use the parts/time to do the fix! I have called on 3 separate occasions for the repair and they state they are not willing to do the repair. I feel like I have a potential danger with my car and Ford sends a letter to cover themselves with the government, and I'm left in the lurch. The government has shown to be ineffective and I'm hoping that my message will be heard by someone.

- Issaquah, WA, USA

I started my vehicle at which time I noticed the steering wheel almost impossible to move left or right. The service advance trac system light was on. It would only move 1/4 of an inch in either directions. I could drive forward and backward however impossible to safely drive as you cannot maneuver the vehicle. On the other occasions this occurred it was after having driven the vehicle parking and then returning a short while later and attempting to leave. The dealership first said was a steering gear which was replaced then said codes need to be cleared then said was a module and then said was another module and as of today do not know what the problem is.

- Lake Elsinore, CA, USA

In June 2016, I received a manufacturers recall letter for a 2014 Ford Explorer. Recall number: 16S18. Indicating that the rear suspension toe link(s) may fracture due to an improper weld. Resulting in loss of steering control, a difficult steering condition, or rear suspension noise with an increased risk of a crash. It stated that when parts are available, Ford will send a letter to inform us to contact our dealer to schedule repair. Four months have gone by with no word from Ford. I called the local Ford dealer and asked about the timing on this particular recall. Dealer informed me that parts to facilitate repairs were not yet available and that they anticipate a letter to be sent out in January of 2017. My complaint is that 4 to possibly 6 months or more is not a timely completion of work associated with a recall that involves safety issues as serious as loss of steering control. Since the recall repairs have not been timely, my safety officer for the company I work for has informed me that my assigned vehicle can no longer be driven until the recall work has been completed. This has caused a major headache in dealing with the logistics of my job and the need to use that vehicle for my field-related work, where no other vehicle is readily available.

- Everett, WA, USA

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. While driving approximately 40 mph, the steering wheel seized. The contact coasted the vehicle to the side of the road and was able to resume driving. 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 approximate failure mileage was 90,000.

- Greenville, WI, USA

With 48,000 miles the power steering failed. The car was turned off and back on and it was still not working. It was driven a short distance and parked. After about 20 minutes of being off the power steering reset. It was driven to the local Ford dealer who stated it needed a software update. They refused to cover the cost stating it was not covered under warranty. The car was not returned for five days.

- Wonder Lake, IL, USA

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. While driving approximately 25 mph, the power steering failed without warning. The contact towed the vehicle to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the power steering module failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 103,000.

- Indianapolis, IN, USA

Police patro vehicle with loud noise when turning left, sustained complete power assist failure. Vehicle with 62,019 miles. After failure, dealer determined that rack and pinion assembly defective. Repair costs totalling $1065 with dealer assisting with $400 discount. Contacted Ford regional sale representative who will only state that Ford will honor the warranty. ***this is a safety hazard that will get someone killed***

- Montgomery, AL, USA

During my vacation in July 2016, while driving on route 95 interstate, I noticed that the steering was getting hard to control. I continued driving and received a alarm on the dash stating that the traction control is now off, service needed. I proceeded to the first gas station and upon re-starting the vehicle, another alarm on the dash said power steering not working. I had no power steering. I had to be towed to a Ford dealer where they determined it was a bad gear in the steering gearbox and the entire unit would need replaced. Vehicle only has 40,000 miles.

- Parkesburg, PA, USA

The contact owns a 2014 Ford Explorer. While driving various speeds, the steering became difficult to operate. There were no warning indicators illuminated. In addition, there were exhaust fumes inside the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The VIN was unknown. The approximate failure mileage was 81,590.

- Elkview, WV, USA