10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
9 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
7 / 0
Average Mileage:
41,787 miles

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« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #91

Apr 242019

Explorer

  • 103,448 miles
Loss off power steering and stability control

- Forest Hills, NY, USA

problem #90

Apr 172019

Explorer

  • 69,800 miles
While stopped and attempting to turn my steering wheel to the right or left to maneuver out of a parking space, backing into my driveway or simply making a right or left turn, I would hear a popping noise coming from the steering mechanism. The noise did not happen all the time and I could go a month or so without hearing it at all. I took the vehicle into the dealership for an oil change and asked Ford to do a visual inspection of my steering mechanism to make sure nothing appeared to be obviously identifiable. Explained to Ford that the popping noise comes and goes. I was told that everything looked to be in good shape and nothing was loose. A couple of months later the popping noise was replaced with steering resistance and grinding as I turned the steering wheel in a parked position and while driving. Furthermore, when changing lanes the vehicle appeared to have too much play in the steering wheel and would have to be pulled back to center. This appears to be a serious safety issue, so I researched "2016 Ford Explorer steering complaints" and was surprised to find hundreds of steering complaints just like mine. My vehicle currently has roughly 69,800 miles, however, the complaints I read dealt with vehicles between 22,000 - 80,000 miles. I dropped my car off today at Ford to have the problem assessed. My vehicle is not under warranty and this may be something I have to pay out of pocket for. With the number of complaints I was able to uncover with a simple google search I'm sure Ford is aware of the steering mechanism defective and a recall should be ordered. There is no way a major part such as the steering mechanism should be failing on any vehicle. I encourage the NHTSA to look into the hundreds if not thousands of other complaints related to the 2016 - 2018 Ford Explorer steering assembly.

- Columbus, OH, USA

problem #89

Apr 072019

Explorer

  • 18,000 miles
Takata recall. Whenever I maneuver slowly when I park horizontally, I can hear crackling sound and this was fixed twice by Ford dealer. Recently, the dashboard had warning that steering is not working. The steering became stiff right away and stiffer that have to drive slowly and turn on my hazard light the next 3 miles to reach home. I could hardly turn the wheel that have to avoid roads where I have to turn. It was fixed by same dealer and got my vehicle after a week. The mileage is 18,000 and now I'm not confident to take my 3 year old car on long distance drive. The suspension was fixed as well mid 2018 for the car is running like a 20 year old truck on the road.

- Woodside, NY, USA

problem #88

Mar 012019

Explorer

  • 44,000 miles
After 44K miles the steering rack is completely broken and requires a full replacement. This is greater than $2500 cost for a new car car makes a loud mechanical clunking sound when turning right. Had it reviewed by local Ford dealer and they said bearings on the rack and pinion assembly are going. This is a safety issue where a new car with such low miles has a steering system that requires full replacement. Internet searches have shown many instances of people requiring a replacement of the system.

- Cedar Rapids, Ia, IA, USA

problem #87

Mar 202019

Explorer

  • 78,000 miles
Started hearing grinding noise when turning left or right. Rack and pinion went bad at 78000 miles.

- Plattsmouth, NE, USA

problem #86

Aug 252016

Explorer 6-cyl

  • miles
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. While driving approximately 50 mph, the vehicle shut down without warning. The vehicle was towed to rountree Ford (318-798-3673, located at 8770 business park dr, shreveport, la 71105) where it was diagnosed that the throttle body needed to be replaced. The failure was repaired. After the repair, while driving at an unknown speed, the seat belt indicator illuminated. The vehicle was taken to wray Ford (318-686-7300, located at 2851 benton rd, bossier city, la 71111) where the seat belt harness, buckle, and computer module were replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failures and offered an extended warranty, stating that nothing else could be done. Later on, while driving approximately 70 mph, the steering lost power. An unknown warning indicator regarding a visit to the dealer illuminated. The vehicle was taken back to wray Ford where it was diagnosed that the steering column needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The failure mileage was not provided.

- Great Falls, MT, USA

problem #85

Feb 262019

Explorer

  • 70,000 miles
Randomly, car began making a grinding noise when turning one day. Took care into shop and discovered that steering rack needs to be replaced. Car only has 70K miles and will cost $2,300 to repair.

- Mckinney, TX, USA

problem #84

Feb 012019

Explorer

  • 43,000 miles
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. While driving approximately 20 mph, the steering lost power and the power steering, brake assist, and other unknown indicators illuminated. The contact managed to drive the vehicle to his residence where the steering wheel locked. The vehicle was towed to quirk Ford of augusta (207-560-1371, located at 7 water St, hallowell, me 04347) where it was diagnosed that the electronic power assist steering system needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and stated that the failure was not covered by the warranty. The failure was repaired at the contact's expense. The failure mileage was approximately 43,000.

- Winslow, ME, USA

problem #83

Feb 222019

Explorer

  • miles
"takata recall "was driving slowly making turn and suddenly could not move steering wheel but vehicle was still moving a bit.. could not stop it... could not go forward... no backward....thanks god that was in the alley with no people otherwise somebody would get hit... just cars around but I did not hit any...thanks god...horible experience...

- Chicago, IL, USA

problem #82

Jan 312019

Explorer

  • 50,900 miles
Started hearing noise and feeling vibration when steering to the right while driving and parking; got more pronounced over several days. Took vehicle to Ford where they diagnosed need to replace steering gear/rack & pinion assembly. Repair cost $2125. Vehicle had 51K miles. Seems unusual to have major part fail after 3 years of driving.

- Reston, VA, USA

problem #81

Feb 172019

Explorer

  • 68,967 miles
Vehicle steering became stiff while driving in a parking lot, with multiple errors. Cannot drive vehicle safely. Happened without warning. -hill start assist not available -service advancetrac -terrain management system fault

- Neah Bay, WA, USA

problem #80

Feb 102019

Explorer

  • 50,150 miles
While driving on a major highway the power steering went out with eps failure error messages: "steering assist fault service required" and "service advancetrac" could not steer the vehicle effectively and needed to pull off the road. There were no warning signs or previous issues. No restart, battery disconnect or fix was/is available. Took it to the dealership who recognized full steering rack/pinion failure at only 50,000 miles.

- Mckees Rocks, PA, USA

problem #79

Feb 082019

Explorer

  • 44,000 miles
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. While driving, the steering wheel seized without warning and became difficult to steer. The contact stated that the failure was ongoing. The vehicle was taken to arroway Ford (located at 519 N bedford rd, bedford hills, NY 10507) where it was diagnosed that the electronic steering gear failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to NHTSA. The approximate failure mileage was 44,000.

- Ossining, NY, USA

problem #78

Feb 012019

Explorer

  • 50,000 miles
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. When the vehicle was started, the steering wheel failed to operate. The contact was unable to control the vehicle while driving. Also, the traction control and power assist warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was towed to red rock Ford of dickinson (2585 I-94bl, dickinson, nd 58601, (701) 225-5175), but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified. The failure mileage was 50,000.

- Dickinson, ND, USA

problem #77

Feb 062019

Explorer

  • 46,000 miles
My wife, daughter and I were driving form nyc to baltimore in my 2016 Ford Explorer. In the last 10 minutes of the trip I was on the highway traveling at approximately 65mph. I received a warning message on my vehicle stating that power steering has malfunctioned and to service now. I slowed the vehicle down and traveled another 8 miles to my destination. After consulting my owner's manual, I restarted the vehicle and got the same message as well as another one saying that the lane detecting sensor was malfunctioning as well. The next morning I was going to take it to a nearby dealership for service. However when I started the vehicle and tried to move forward the steering was very stiff and difficult to maneuver the vehicle. I had the car towed to the dealership. Currently they are assessing the vehicle and mentioned that this happens with some makes and models and that I may have to pay for the repairs which could cost in the $2000 dollar range. I have reached out to Ford customer service and they have passed me to 3 differ departments all who say there is nothing they can do.

- Port Washington, NY, USA

problem #76

Feb 042019

Explorer

  • 49,500 miles
While driving, dashboard alerts started with: Advance trac/terrain management fault. Steering loss/stop safely. Power steering seized up and only able to drive for 5 minutes but could feel power steering tightening up. Parked and turned off vehicle; then could not turn steering wheel.

- Chicago, IL, USA

problem #75

Feb 012019

Explorer

  • 45,000 miles
Vehicle was stationary thankfully and the steering wheel was locked and does not move.

- Waldorf, MD, USA

problem #74

Jan 312019

Explorer

  • 42,000 miles
Steering wheel not moving, not able to control it.milage on car 42,000. Car towed to a dealer. They found, that the rack and pinion is completely locked and needs to be replaced. Estimate repair at 2,400. Warranty does not cover it. A case was open with Ford.

- Lake Forest, IL, USA

problem #73

Jan 302019

Explorer

  • 42,785 miles
Power steering goes out while driving causing uncontrolled steering.

- Hastings, MN, USA

problem #72

Jan 162016

Explorer

  • 46,911 miles
Steering wheel locked

- Potomac, MD, USA

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