1996 Ford Explorer steering problems

Filed Feb 20, 2007 · Steering · 97,940 miles · CO · crash

Was driving a 1996 ford explorer on dry concrete on a 2 year old (I.e., in great condition) interstate highway at 75 MPH. Was driving perfectly straight, not changing lanes, nothing. Suddenly and violently, the vehicle swerved first to the left, then to the right. The vehicle went over an ice hump on the side of the right shoulder, went airborne, and slid to a stop in the ditch. No airbags deployed, no seat belt bruises, so very fortunate that the runout was clear and smooth. The 2 driver-side tires were flat and no longer mounted on the rims. Both driver-side rims were bent, both driver side hubs were bent, rear axle was bent. Item of note -- the tires were fine, and are still in-use on the vehicle after repairs were made. No patches were necessary. Driver and passenger are absolutely positive that this was a vehicle malfunction, not caused by driver error or road conditions. 2 repair shops (ford dealership and independent shop) could find no cause for the swerving.

Filed Feb 17, 2006 · Steering · 53,981 miles · CA · crash · 1 injury

1996 explorer front end began shaking violently. Vehicle then pulled to the right and consumer lost control striking a guard rail. *ts the steering arm broke on the right wheel resulting in an accident.

Filed Jun 8, 2005 · Body, Steering · TX · crash · 5 injuries

Sudden tread separation on left rear tire of ford explorer caused loss of control and on-road rollover. Tire was a cooper eldorado radial zr1, size p23575r15, dot# 3dhlekn2900.

Filed Dec 29, 2004 · Steering · 960,000 miles · CA · crash · 1 injury

While driving 35 MPH steering wheel turned right. When consumer attempted to correct the direction of the steering wheel vehicle rolled over six times. No report of airbag deployment. Driver sustained head injuries. *ak

Filed Oct 29, 2003 · Steering · 120,416 miles · PA

Lower steering shaft had to be changed in my 1996 ford explorer in aug. 2000 (68250 miles) and october 2003 (120000+ miles). First time it occurred, I had almost no steering. The rubber boot keeps tearing and ripping. I bought car new in october 1995.

Filed Sep 23, 2003 · Engine, Steering · 53,264 miles · TX

While driving at any speed and without warning, the engine shut off, which caused the consumer to pull over. Dealer had been notified. *ak the lower engine locked, the power steering leaked at the rack assembly, the belt tensioner was faulty and there was a whining noise from the power steering when turning left, right or at stand still. *scc

Filed May 7, 2003 · Steering, Suspension · PA

We purchased our vehicle used in 1999 with 33000 miles. 6 months after the purchase we needed a new transmission, another new transmission last year (2002), new ball joints, and now we are being told the rack and pinion needs to be replaced. Ford has not offered any recalls on this part but I have seen other complaints regarding this. My vehicle is constantly shaking (feels like I am going over rumble strips) when I am over 30-40 MPH. We also just had our vehicle aligned and it is out of alignment again because of this problem.

Filed Jun 18, 2002 · Steering · IN · crash

While driving 10-15 MPH vehicle steered left. Consumer was unable to control vehicle, and hit a concrete divider, causing $ 4000.00 damage to vehicle. Dealer determined that spindle assembly had broken on right front.

Filed Mar 18, 2002 · Steering · VA

Rack and pinion steering is leaking fluid, causing loss of steering control.

Filed Feb 7, 2002 · Brakes, Engine · FL

Vehicle will stall out and lose power steering and ABS system while driving on the freeway. Contacted dealer, and the dealer was not willing to do any work on vehicle.