My 2013 ford explorer started making a scrubbing sound while turning, it slap felt 'sticky' while steering left or right. The next day an alert badge came on to 'service power steering.' my husband stopped at the gas station and after cranking the car back up the steering is locked down and will not turn either way. I checked my VIN on this website and it says it is not part of the recall.
2013 Ford Explorer steering complaints
Page 24 of 29: complaints 671 to 700 of 837, newest first, as owners wrote them.
Tl* the contact owns a 2013 ford explorer. While driving 65 MPH, the steering wheel seized. As a result, the vehicle drove over a pothole and into some bushes. The contact stated that two unknown warning indicators and the traction control warning indicator illuminated. The dealer (al piemonte ford, 2500 w north ave, melrose park, il 60160) stated that the vehicle was not included in the federal safety agency campaign number: 14v286000 (steering). The dealer diagnosed that the brake pad, rotors, and electronic power steering gear needed to be repaired. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and did not assist. The approximate failure mileage was 108,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2013 ford explorer. While driving 70 MPH, the steering wheel suddenly malfunctioned and became very difficult to maneuver. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer (tuscaloosa ford, 6500 interstate pwy, cottondale, al) where it was diagnosed that the power steering column was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The contact was informed that the vehicle was not included in the federal safety agency campaign number: 14v286000 (steering). The contact indicated that the vehicle experienced the same failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 93,000. *tt
I picked up my car from the local dealership, who had just replaced brakes and rotors, done a alignment, and replaced a circuit breaker on 5/16/2018. I then took said car on a road trip down the east coast. When I first got onto the highway, I felt my car pulling ever so slightly to the right. I assumed the alignment was off and didn't think anymore of it until I tried to go across the george washington bridge, where my car began to become increasingly more difficult to steer and handle. Several warnings came across the dashboard, including 'service power steering', along with two traction control lights on the opposite side. I pulled off into the nearest service station on the nj turnpike, where I could no longer steer the car (as I was decreasing speed), and the red warning flashing 'service power steering now' appeared. I put my vehicle in park, and could not move the steering wheel at all. I had to have my car towed to the nearest dealership to be serviced, rent a car, and drive back home. It is absurd that 196,000 other explorers were recalled for this problem, but mine was not (along with about 150+ other cases I researched before reporting this problem. I have 77,000 miles on my car, extended and powertrain warranties, and had to pay $2000 plus nj state taxes out of pocket for a problem that should have never happened. This is my first ford, and it's disappointing that they aren't including these other affected vehicles with the same issue in a recall.
Tl* the contact owns a 2013 ford explorer. While driving various speeds, the steering wheel became stiff while turning and remained in the position of the turn. Hall ford lincoln in newport news, virginia was made aware of the failure and stated that the rack and pinion and the steering motor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 85,000.
Power steering does not work at times on start up. Could go out at high rate of speed and cause an accident. Should be a recall
Steering column is supposedly damaged by "environmental factors" according to dealer service. I am not sure how the environment gets in there but they won't cover it even with the ford premium care warranty package. The vehicle is only 5 years old 59,000 miles. Can't turn steering wheel easily, it skips sometimes. They say there is rust and corrosion in there and almost $1000 to replace after paying over $2600 for this super package warranty. It cost me $135 for them to tell me they wouldn't cover any of it!! I can't believe ford is not doing anything about this issue that is pretty common after doing some research. People not to be able to turn their steering wheel could turn into a major issue. If I get into an accident for not being able to turn when they wouldn't cover anything better be sure I will be getting a lawyer.
The rack and pinion steering gear failed. I was not driving at the time. There is a recall on 2011 to 2013 ford explorers for this issue, however the recall was for 2011-2013 models build through 2/28/12. Clearly this issue was not resolved in future models. My vehicle's steering failed at 43,000 miles.
I had the same power steering issue the other 150+ people have posted. Ford recall -14s06, the federal safety agency recall - 14v‑286. Ford is 100% aware of this and their official stance is they will not take any action unless the nhtsb directs them to. My goal of reporting this information is to hopefully have an investigation opened. I truly hope it does not take a serious accident or death for this to get the proper attention it deserves. I don't blame nhtsb on this as I'm sure like many organizations they are focused on the urgent top issues. I've driven a number of vehicles and while there have been failures that have been frustrating, this is the first time I had something happen where I was truly concerned about safety. There were no warning lights or sounds till roughly an hour or 70 miles after I had been driving and dealing with the issue. This is in direct contraction to fords stance that drivers are notified. Even with that concentrated effort I was not able to stay in my lane. It was not possible to keep the vehicle in a straight line on the freeway. As my vehicle would start to drift out of a straight line I would make a minor correction, the vehicle would continue to drift, so I made an increased correction, then the vehicle would have a delayed response to my inputs which caused over correction and required me to counter correct in an effort to stay in my lane. The issue in most cases appears within 59,000 to 73,000 miles. As 2013+ explorers hit this mileage the number of dangerous situations will increase. There have been over 30 reported instances in just the last 4 months alone not counting other model years. This doesn't take into account people not reporting since the vehicle is out of warranty. In total there have been over 150 reports and that doesn't include the early population of 2013 vehicles that was included in the recall.
Electric power steering (epas) completely failed again. This time I drove through deep water over the roadway (16" deep). A day later a noise (like an un-lubricated roller bearing turning) could be heard every time the steering wheel was turned substantially (like when parking). After 4-days the steering system, accutrak, and steering failure messages came on the information screen while driving, but I was still able to drive without effort. I was able to drive to my destination, but when I switched off the vehicle and restarted it, the power steering was totally dead! It required superman strength to turn wheel and drive. Those are the facts. My opinion is that ford's epas steering system is terribly designed, and dangerous! When an epas fails, it should not be monumentously harder to steer than a failed hydraulic power steering system!!! (you can drive older cars with failed hydraulic power steering forever!) I am very amazed that more people are not dead because of this defective system.
Steering hard with grinding noise. Parked vehicle. Upon next attempt to drive power steering did not work until heavy force to turn wheel. Was able to drive vehicle which had loud grinding noise when turning low speed but after stop no power assist worked.
2013 ford explorer. Consumer writes in regards to power steering failure. *ld
While driving on the freeway and changing lanes to the right, the steering locked up and caused the car to go off right side of freeway. Luckily I was heading in a realatively safe direction. I had the car towed to the nearest ford dealer and they said the electronic steering module had lost its position and failed. They also told me this is a known problem and ford may cover repair. However they did not. This VIN is outside of the current recall period for the same issue.
Tl* the contact owns a 2013 ford explorer. While driving at an unknown speed, the power steering failed. It was unknown if there were any warning indicators illuminated before or after the failure. The vehicle was taken to the dave littleton ford dealer (1098 us-169, smithville, mo 64089) where it was diagnosed that the steering column failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The contact believed the failure was relevant to the federal safety agency campaign number: 14v286000 (steering). The approximate failure mileage was 82,419. The VIN was not provided.
Electric power steering failure . While drive the power steering failed and was almost impossible to control
2013 ford explorer. Consumer writes in regards to vehicle VIN not listed under power steering control module recall notice. Consumer has previous complaint on another vehicle in artemis. *smd the consumer stated the steering would not always function on initial start up. The consumer was advised that there was a steering recall, but the vehicle's VIN was not included.
Tl* the contact owns a 2013 ford explorer. While driving, the steering wheel became difficult to maneuver. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The steering ability returned to normal the next day. Four days later, the steering wheel became difficult to turn again. On another occasion, while the vehicle was idling, the contact exited the vehicle and the door locks malfunctioned. The contact became locked out of the vehicle. The vehicle was currently at chapman auto store (6744 e black horse pike, egg harbor township, nj 08234, (609) 646-2000), but had not been diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and did not assist. The approximate failure mileage was 129,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2013 ford explorer. The contact stated that the steering wheel was loose without warning. The vehicle was taken to the dealer (bondy's ford lincoln, 3615 ross clark cir, dothan, al 36303, (877) 858-3522) where it was diagnosed that a nut became disconnected. The dealer replaced the part and inspected the steering area. The vehicle was not included in the federal safety agency action number: pe12017 (steering) and the federal safety agency campaign number: 14v286000 (steering). The manufacturer was notified and did not assist. The approximate failure mileage was 43,517.
Tl* the contact owns a 2013 ford explorer. While driving unknown speeds, the steering wheel failed to move and the default steering warning indicator illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified and did not assist. The VIN was unknown. The failure mileage was 70,157.
Steering got really hard while driving, could barely turn the wheel. Felt like I didn't have power steering. Did it several times on way home trying to turn. Next morning steering wheel was completely locked. Called a tow truck and delivered to ford dealer. They said the steering rack (power assisted) is defective and will need to be replaced. I told dealer this was extremely dangerous, and that I wanted the defective part back.
Same problem that hundreds of other ford owners have complained about, the power steering stops working, steering wheel locks up, the warning power steering fault light comes on. Had checked at clasic ford in smithfield, nc said there were 99 faulk codes listing that there was a loss of motor position sensor signal, which ment that the steering rack assembly had to be replaced. The very same problem that the 14s06 ford recall is for, but this vehicle was built after the approved dates ,built at the same plant chicago, ford does not care enough about their customer safety they just want your dollars. Dealship says it will cost $2500.00 to fix. Vehicle only has 59,000 miles.
While driving on the highway my steering started to stiffen. I had trouble turning and correcting my steering. There is a recall specifically for this issue but my truck is not covered. This is a very dangerous issue that needs to be resolved immediately.
After starting I noticed the steering very hard to turn. Almost like it had lost power steering. When turning, at first it is hard to turn, then becomes easy and then goes back to being hard to turn. Call my local dealership and wa stood some 2013 model years are covered and some not. If not covered, the cost to replace the electronic module would $1,800.00. Very very dangerous to drive. How can some model year 2013 be covered on a recall and others not>
Shortly after merging onto the highway I started to feel resistance in the steering wheel. The steering wheel was "sticking". When I attempted to make slight adjustments to the steering wheel is felt as if it stick, then break free. It felt like I lost fine control of my steering. I got off the highway and while driving at slower speed I felt the same sensation. I could also hear what sounded like grinding noise when turn the wheel both left and right. The problem also generated aloud gringing noise. I brought the vehicle to the dealership and was told that e steering rack was failing and would need to be replaced at a cost of $1900. The vehicle is 2013 ford explorer with 72,000 miles. I discovered that there was a recall for this problem on my make and model year but my vehicle was not covered under the recall.
Door panels out of line. Rpms drop to 0 while sitting, carbon monoxide, front end noise, seat broke, back vents poured water in, transmission slipping blinker switch replaced, modular replaced, back up camera system replaced. Front end worked on more than 7 times.
Takata recall my power steering system error has popped up 2 times now to where I am unable to steer my car. This took place right after I turned my car on and started driving away. I was luckily in a parking lot when it took place so I stopped put my car in park turned my car off and back on again. I have talked to an auto mechanic and he has informed me that it is the sensor that is malfunctioning. This is so dangerous and I have only had this car for 2 years now. This could put me and my family in extreme danger!!!
Tl* the contact owns a 2013 ford explorer. While the vehicle was parked or while driving various speeds, the steering wheel seized and the power steering and trac warning indicators illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where a diagnostic test was performed, but no failure codes were found. The contact called tomball ford (22702 tomball pkwy, tomball, tx 77375, (877) 359-7182) and was informed that there were no open recalls. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 52,000.
So, it was -17 degrees the other day in minnesota and we packed our car to leave town. Went to start the vehicle and the power steering assist fault light came on. Along with service adv. Trac failure and terrain management system fault. This is not the first time it has happened, it has happened three or four times. Except usually we can shut the car off and then restart it and "walla" it works fine. Except this time:( (sad face)! I was a little worried about driving it to the ford dealer in order to have it checked out however life goes on (I'm ex military). The wife drove the f350 I drove the explorer. We "fist bumped" she wished me luck and we drove 12 miles without killing anyone. Yippee . $47.48 later they told me the computer is reading bla bla bla.. Dollar signs are going through my head. ($1910.42) is the estimate. Hmmm... Im thinking maybe there is a recall on this. I found the recall!!! So I thought! My car was a few months to new??? (what the) well, that doesn't make sense or (cents) (it does for ford) I contact the federal safety agency and ford to see if there is anything that can be done so I dont have to pay for this out of my pocket. I explained the problem to the ford consumer and told her that we need to drive this car if ford cant resolve the issue. The girl on the other end bless her heart, told me we will just have to drive it the way it is. What??? I don"t think she understood the problem at hand! What if the steering kicks in at 60 miles an hour? (umm not good)!!! Im hoping ford reads this blog and understands the problem. Please give me strength to drive this car and the reflexes it may take to avoid an accident. Thanks for nothing at the moment ford. I do believe in you!!
Tl* the contact owns a 2013 ford explorer. When the contact started the vehicle, the power steering warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle had to be turned off to reset the warning indicator. The vehicle was taken to the dealer (park rapids ford, 1205 park ave s, park rapids, mn 56470) where it was diagnosed that the power steering assist failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact referenced the federal safety agency campaign number: 14v286000 (steering), but the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 130,000.
Deadly consequence involving power steering in ford explorers. This is a "known issue" that ford continues to have issues with. The steering goes out unexpectedly, makes awful noises and makes it hard to turn. Ford had a recall on this but many folks continue to have issues with power steering going out which could lead to serious events and/or tragedy on highways. Ford customer service is trained to tell customers that its their responsibility to pay the $2,000 to fix it. I am fully capable and ok with paying for car repairs from wear and tear but I dont think power steering going out in thousands of cars, many with miles well below 60,000 should have this problem! Ford keeps having to upgrade their systems and software because this part is problematic. At least they could offer to pay for the part or labor but it is easier for them to have the federal safety agency force them to do it than to do it voluntarily. Thus, their customers are left holding the bag. Disappointing.
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