2011 Ford Explorer: sudden loss of power

Filed Aug 29, 2026 · Steering · IN

I am reporting a serious safety concern involving my 2011 Ford Explorer, VIN [XXX]. After recently filling the vehicle with fuel, I went to drive it and received a “Power Steering Assist Fault” message on the dashboard. The vehicle then lost power steering assistance, making the steering extremely difficult and requiring significantly more effort to control. The vehicle was inspected by a repair shop, and I was advised that the power steering/steering gear requires replacement at an estimated cost of $2,126.43. Because of the loss of steering assistance, I believe the vehicle is unsafe to drive and presents a serious safety risk, particularly during turns or emergency maneuvers. I understand that Ford previously recalled certain 2011–2013 Ford Explorers under the federal safety agency Recall 14V‑286 (Ford Recall 14S06) for a defect involving the electric power steering gear that could result in loss of power steering assist. The symptoms I am experiencing appear very similar to the defect described in that recall. My vehicle does not appear to be covered by the existing recall based on its VIN. I am requesting that the federal safety agency review my vehicle and this failure to determine whether it should be included in the recall or whether additional action is warranted. I can provide the VIN, repair estimate, diagnostic information, photographs, and any other documentation needed. Thank you for investigating this potentially dangerous safety defect. Sincerely, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Feb 13, 2026 · Driver assistance, Transmission · AZ

During a red-light, as I was coming to a stop, the vehicle gave the warning saying “service power-steering now” and “traction control off.” I was unable to turn the steering wheel much due to it being so heavy. My official complaint: Vehicle: 2011 Ford Escape XLT Safety Recall: the federal safety agency Campaign Number 14V284000 (Ford Recall 14S05) Issue: Loss of Electric Power Steering Assist (EPS) / Steering Torque Sensor Fault I am submitting this complaint regarding an unresolved safety defect involving my 2011 Ford Escape XLT. This vehicle is subject to a federally recognized safety recall for loss of electric power steering assist: the federal safety agency Campaign Number 14V284000, Ford Recall 14S05, which involves the electric power steering (EPS) system and steering torque sensor faults that can cause the vehicle to suddenly lose steering assist. The safety issue covered under this recall is still present and represents an ongoing risk. The vehicle experiences a loss of power steering assist, which makes the steering wheel extremely difficult to turn and increases the risk of a crash, especially at lower speeds, in traffic, or during turns. On February 13, 2026, I had a scheduled appointment at Kingman Ford (Arizona) at 3:00 PM specifically to address this safety recall issue and the continuing steering assist problem. Kingman Ford declined service and refused to perform any recall-related repair, stating they could not provide service related to the recall. After the dealership refusal, I contacted Ford Corporate Customer Service directly. Ford Corporate also declined to provide any repair assistance, and stated they had no knowledge of any federal directives or requirements regarding safety issues connected to this recall. Because this is a federally recognized safety recall and the defect continues to occur, I am requesting that the federal safety agency document this as a recall remedy failure / unresolved safety defect, and review Ford’s refusal (and the dealership’s refusal) to correct a known steerin

Filed Dec 31, 2025 · Steering · NM

Loss of power steering

Filed Dec 14, 2025 · Steering · MI

My vehicle is subject to the federal safety agency Safety Recall 14S06 related to loss of electric power steering assist. The Power Steering Control Module was reprogrammed in 2014, and Ford now considers the recall closed based on that reprogramming. In 2025, the vehicle again experienced loss of electric power steering assist and currently exhibits the EPAS diagnostic trouble code associated with the recall defect. This condition has been verified by a Ford dealer. On November 13, 2025, the dealer attempted reprogramming of the steering control module as a diagnostic and customer service step to determine whether reprogramming would resolve the condition. This attempt did not correct the defect, and the loss of steering assist persists. Supplement 3 to Recall 14S06, issued in 2019, includes a Dealer Q&A section (Attachment 4, Question 3) that specifically addresses what happens if a customer experiences loss of steering assist after the module has been reprogrammed. Ford’s guidance states that any subsequent loss of assist after reprogramming may be eligible for extended coverage under a related program. This guidance acknowledges that reprogramming alone may not prevent recurrence of the defect and that further corrective action may be required when the loss of assist returns. Despite this acknowledgment, Ford has denied further remedy solely because the recall is marked “closed” in its internal system and because the vehicle exceeds the time and mileage limits of customer satisfaction program 15N01. The recall defect remains present in the vehicle, and the original remedy has not been adequate to correct it. I am requesting the federal safety agency review whether Ford has met its obligation under 49 U.S.C. §30120 to provide an adequate remedy for this safety defect. Component: Steering Issue: Loss of power steering assist Recall Remedy: Remedy failed / not provided

Filed Nov 12, 2025 · Electrical, Steering · WV

Loss of power steering

Filed Aug 7, 2025 · Steering · WV

The contact’s daughter owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact was informed by his daughter that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. During the failure, the vehicle had to be turned off and restarted to regain power steering functionality. On another occasion, the vehicle lost power steering functionality; however, after a restart, the vehicle failed to regain power steering assist functionality. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the rack and pinion was replaced; however, the battery failed afterwards. The vehicle was repaired but the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer approximately three times. The vehicle was not repaired again. The manufacturer was informed of the failure, and a case was opened. The manufacturer referred the contact to the federal safety agency Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

Filed Aug 6, 2025 · Steering · WA

I’m the original and only owner of a 2011 Ford Explorer (VIN [XXX]). Although Ford Recall 14S06 (the federal safety agency 14V‑286) was marked complete by AutoNation Ford of Bellevue, I’m now experiencing the same issue: loss of power steering assist while driving, which creates a safety hazard. On July 29, 2025, a certified DTC scan at Pierre Ford of Seattle revealed three Power Steering Control Module (PSCM) codes: U3000:49, U3000:72, and U3000:96. These codes are explicitly listed in Ford’s own bulletin (RCMN-14V286-7022) as qualifying for steering gear replacement under Customer Satisfaction Program 15N01, which Ford issued as an extension of Recall 14S06. Despite this, Ford denied the dealer’s request to perform the repair, citing that the CSP period had ended. However, Ford’s bulletin states that repairs should still be approved via SSSC request if DTCs are present — which they are. I believe Ford is failing to honor its own published recall repair procedure. This is not wear-and-tear; it is a continuation of a known safety defect. The steering intermittently becomes difficult to control — especially at low speeds — putting my family and others at risk. I’m requesting the federal safety agency investigate Ford’s denial of valid repair claims tied to Recall 14S06/15N01 and hold them accountable for unresolved safety issues. Documentation available upon request. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Aug 4, 2025 · Steering · PA

The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while attempting to make a right turn at 20 MPH, the power steering assist failed to operate as needed with the "Steering Assist Fault Service Required" message displayed on the instrument panel. The contact stated that her left arm had been fractured before the failure and that the loss of power steering assist almost caused a crash. The contact had the vehicle towed to a mechanic and was provided information on the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 14V286000 (STEERING). The mechanic linked the failure to the recall and referred the contact to the dealer for assistance. The dealer and the manufacturer informed the contact that the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer referred the contact to the federal safety agency Hotline to report the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was unknown.

Filed Jul 15, 2025 · Steering · 158,000 miles · NC

The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed and attempting to make a turn, the vehicle lost power steering functionality, and the steering wheel seized. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact was able to pull over to the side of the road. The contact stated that her daughter was inside the vehicle during the failure. The contact continued driving but the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the contact was informed that the power steering had failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to Ford Campaign Number: 15N01. The dealer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the manufacturer for assistance. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the federal safety agency Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 158,000.

Filed May 27, 2025 · Steering · 200,000 miles · IA

The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH, the vehicle lost power steering functionality, and the vehicle became difficult to maneuver. The contact was unable to turn the steering wheel to the right or the left. The contact stated that two passengers inside the vehicle assisted with steering the vehicle. The message "Power Steering Assist" was displayed on the instrument cluster. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the steering rack had failed. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000.

Filed Mar 27, 2025 · Steering · WV

The contact’s daughter owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while his daughter was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The power steering failure warning light was illuminated. The warning light had escalated from yellow to red. The driver continued driving the vehicle; however, excessive force was needed to steer the vehicle. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer and was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

Filed Jan 20, 2025 · Steering · OH

I was driving down a highway at 55 MPH and my traction control lights came on. Next my assist power steering warning light came on which was yellow. Then the red assist power steering warning came on and I lost all power steering. The dealership did confirm the problem was my steering angle sensor, but said this did not fall under the recall anymore because I have too many miles.