2013 explorery EPS system randamly will go out causing very hard steering to the point you almost crash. It don't matter if it's dry or wet hot cold it'll randomly come on and it'll pull you to the side. There's been a recall for this couple times but I'm told my vehicle isn't in the recall well I don't understand why it's not because I've had the Ford dealership come out and reflash my PSCM and still it comes on and I lose power steering almost killing myself and my family multiple times now I don't know what to do it cost way too much for me to buy new parts all the time they say the recall won't apply to it but I don't understand why it won't it's been recalled that's confirmed recalled why can't I get my vehicle fixed on my family is safe
2013 Ford Explorer steering complaints
Page 5 of 29: complaints 101 to 130 of 837, newest first, as owners wrote them.
We own a 2013 Ford Explorer XLT AWD 3.5L with an Odometer reading of 150,507 that we bought used from a private owner and owned for over a year. In the recent weeks of 1/5/2024 - 2/9/2024 the Power steering assist has gone out while maneuvering in and out of our garage multiple times. With a restart, the power assist comes back and seems to be ok for a few days until recently while driving, multiple times the steering wheel became locked in the 12:00 position and it took extra effort to turn the wheel from center. It appears as a faulty or sized rack and pinion. Also recently noticed audible noise while turning the steering wheel from lock to lock coming from the steering rack. I am an Automotive Technician in the field for 30+ years. That next morning I raised the vehicles front wheels off the ground and rotated the steering wheel with engine off to investigate the issue. I noticed a severe binding issue while rotating the steering wheel where the steering wheel will come to a binding stop and it takes 2 hands to get past the binding. At this point I knew this is a major safety concern and to not have my wife drive this vehicle anymore until repaired. I have researched the Technical Service bulletins on this issue and searched the internet as well. Obviously this has become a very common issue on these Explorers with all the filed complaints and the lack of availability of a replacement Rack and Pinion. I went to the Ford dealer to inquire about this known issue and safety concern and they said there are no recalls for this problem on this vehicle. Fortunately I caught this issue before the rack and pinion did seize into a position where my wife would not have been able to steer out of it and crash into another person, car or object. I understand that components eventually wear and fail over the vehicles lifetime and need replacing, but this seems to be a bigger issue and safety concern which needs addressing.
steering is very tight sometimes on turns and there is a lot of play in the steering wheel itself, i changed out almost all suspension and steering related parts and still have this issue. Also the steering wheel somehow always is off center and crooked even after multiple alignments
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact heard an abnormal sound. The contact became aware that the power steering was inoperable. The contact stated that the steering was extremely difficult to turn due to the failure. However, the vehicle was safely driven to the residence. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired after remaining with the mechanic for two weeks. The vehicle was towed back to the residence. The contact stated that there was an open recall for the failure, but the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 135,000.
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the steering wheel was locked. The contact stated that there was a message displayed that the steering wheel was locked. The vehicle was towed to a local mechanic where a diagnostic test was performed. The mechanic stated that the power steering had failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 159,000.
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at approximately 30 MPH, while turning the steering wheel to the right to follow the road, the steering seemed to seize, and extra effort was needed to turn the steering wheel. The contact arrived at her destination and parked the vehicle. When the contact returned to the vehicle and restarted the vehicle, the power steering functionality had not returned. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not diagnosed and was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The contact researched online and related the failure to the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 14V286000 (Steering). The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.
Last year I had to replace my front rack and pinion costing me a couple thousands of dollars. While driving the power steering went making it very difficult to steer and have good control of the vehicle. No safety lights or warnings came on at this time. One year later just a few days ago the same exact thing happened. No warning, no lights. I called my local ford dealer because I researched and seen a recall for power steering issues. The dealership told me my vehicle was not included in the recall. I am worried that this is not only an issue that I have but others on the road driving these lemons. I have had nothing but issues with this vehicle. It is unsafe at this point. I am unaware of what determines recall eligibility but the model I am driving most certainly needs to be included. I cannot afford to replace another rack. This vehicle is not even paid off yet. So frustrating and concerning. Ford needs to step it up before someone really gets hurts.
Power steering failure. I noticed appeared on the instrument panel briefly before the vehicle power steering seized. I was unable to move the steering wheel in any direction without significant force. I was not driving thankfully or else this may have resulted in a serious accident due to inability to steer vehicle on public road.
We purchased a 2013 Ford Explorer in June of 2023. I had changed the rear wheel bearings on the vehicle and we had an alignment done at a local Firestone Auto Repair shop after the bearings were replaced. The Firestone shop did the alignment and the steering wheel felt stiff after. We drove the vehicle for two days after the alignment and around August 1, 2023 then the power steering went out on my wife when she had our infant son in the car. She said the service advance track light was flashing red and power steering light was flashing as well. She had no steering at all and luckily she was able to park the vehicle and get a ride home safely. I took the vehicle to a local Ford Dealer and they said the alignment computer showed the steering wheel was 30 degrees off. They re calibrated the alignment but could not confirm that was the reason the power steering went out but gave me a quote to repair the power steering unit. When they pulled it out of the shop, the power steering came back on. We drove the vehicle until around August 30 2023 and the power steering went out again when my wife was driving the vehicle. We had an independent shop look at it and when they hooked it up to the scan tool, it said power steering fault. When they pulled it out of the shop, the power steering came back on. We drove the vehicle until November 3, 2023 when the power steering went out again while driving and had a different Ford Dealer look at it. The diagnoses was intermittent power steering failure but it was not covered under the recall and the dealer nor Ford was provide any assistance. The diagnoses was exactly what the recall states but it was not covered. $4200 repair cost later we have an operational vehicle. Not very impressed with Ford. Reaching out to hope to get some kind of feedback and help in this matter. Three times total while owning the vehicle for six months intermittent power steering failure. Super dangerous situations luckily no one was hurt.
the electronic power steering system seems to be failing causing extremely hard steering. This seems to be a common issue among the explorer family. It is not causing any warning lights or check engine lights to appear on the dash. This could potential cause crashes due to intermitent failures. I have had it inspected by a local mechanic who stated this is a common problem that was recalled on some explorers but mine did not qualify. Mechanic stated the repairs could be extremely pricey.
I was driving and the steering wheel seized up and locked while I was turning to the left. The car continued to turn left despite my best efforts to straighten the wheel or turn it in any other direction. I just slammed on the brakes to stop from hitting someone or something. Eventually, the steering wheel loosened and I was able to park. During the parking, the steering wheel continued to stay tight and was difficult/almost impossible to turn. I called a tow truck and got the vehicle taken to my local Ford Dealership. I looked online to see what the issue might be and that's when I noticed many complaints/concerns about power steering in 2013 Ford Explorers. This is what I found: "Ford recalled certain model year 2011-2013 Ford Explorers, saying these vehicles “may experience an intermittent connection in the electric power steering gear, which can cause a loss of the motor position sensor signal resulting a shut down of the power steering assist.” This is the exact problem that I have but I never received a recall notification. I contacted Ford and they said my car wasn't made in the same plant that the recall vehicles were made. However, other articles point out that it was widespread and continuous. "Ford Motor Co. announced three safety recalls in North America, including nearly 775,000 Explorer SUVs for an issue that may result in loss of steering control and thus increase the risk of a crash." The recall number was 14S06 but I am being told I don't qualify for the recall despite having a Ford Explorer within that exact year and the exact same issues and problem. I am very disappointed that Ford is unwilling to acknowledge the issue or help to remedy it. I contacted Dealerships and Ford Customer Service and both said there are no recalls on file. I hope this issue can be made aware (it already has if it is a recall of 775,000 vehicles) and addressed. Luckily, no one was hurt but this could have been very bad and Ford should take ownership.
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 5 MPH from a parking spot and turning the wheel to the left, the steering wheel seized. The steering wheel failed to turn left or right. The contact was able to reverse into a parking spot. The traction control warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the steering needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was contacted, and the contact was informed that the vehicle was not covered under recall. The contact stated that the failure was related to the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 14V286000 (Steering). The manufacturer referred the contact to the federal safety agency Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 105,000.
ELECTRICAL RACK AND PINION - LOCKED UP STEERING WHEEL. Wife driving car could have been hurt. Was inspected by independent service person. No warning !!
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, the Electronic Power Steering malfunctioned, and the steering wheel was difficult to turn in either direction. After restarting the vehicle, the failure was self-corrected, and the vehicle operated normally. The failure was intermittent but eventually, the failure became a persistent failure. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the steering rack assembly was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 14V286000 (Steering). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 120,000.
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle the Electronic Power Steering had malfunctioned and the steering wheel was difficult to turn in either direction. After restarting the vehicle the failure had self corrected and the vehicle operated as normal. The failure was intermittent but eventually the failure became a permanent problem. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the Steering Rack Assembly was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but no assistance was offered. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 14V286000(Steering). The contact indicated that the vehicle had experienced that same failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 120,000.
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, the steering wheel was loose and the traction control was inadvertently deactivated. The failure caused the vehicle to vibrate abnormally. The traction control warning light was illuminated, and the Service Advance Trac System message was displayed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who recalibrated the steering wheel; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with the federal safety agency Hotline. The contact related the failure to the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 14V286000 (Steering); however, the VIN was not included in the recall repair. The failure mileage was approximately 153,000.
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that upon start the vehicle and while driving at various speeds, the power steering assist failed to operate as needed. There was no warning light illuminated. In addition, the contact also stated that an abnormal clicking sound was coming from the steering wheel while driving. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where a diagnostic test was performed, and the contact was informed that a new steering gear system was needed to repair the vehicle. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. Upon investigation, the contact linked the failure to the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 14V286000 (Steering). The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was unknown.
The electric power assist for the steering quit working. This would be dangerous if driven
Steering failure- known issue and has safety recall but my serial number was not in recall but having issue with power steering going out and giving fault warning. Usually able to restart and code goes away and steering works. Now it has happened while driving and cannot reset. No power steering. Asked dealer and they refused to repair since VIN was not in recall. Wrote Ford and they refused to repair under recall. This is a problem even though VIN is not in recall. Ford needs to repair under warranty since it’s a safety issue. Latest incident was 11/28/2023 but has happened multiple times in the last 8 months.
While driving I’ve been having trouble with my steering wheel getting stuck when I make turns. Or just locking up randomly without movement. I then have to shut my car off and restart. It has almost caused me to wreck on multiple occasions. I’ve taken my car to two different mechanic shops and I was told by both that I would need to take my car into the dealership because the steering is electric. The dealership quoted me a price for 3 grand to have it fixed. This needs to be on the recall list immediately as I’ve found this to be a major issues for this make and model. Very dangerous! Be careful.
The power Steering Assist failed. I was unable to steer the vehicle.
2013 Ford Explorer: Power Steering service now red light came on as problem occured it did ding, but not in time for reaction. While driving the wheel will lock no matter how fast or slow you are going. Put myself, my children and husband in danger, as well as others. This has occurred now 4 times in the last month. It is being sent to dealership for a current Recall. No police or insurance has inspected.
Electric Steering Module failure loss of steering control could have caused accident, able to stop and pull over barely. Was like steering was fighting me, used a lot of force to pull over almost caused accident not safe!!!!!! Scared the hell out of me.
Started car with auto start. Drove approx 5 miles. Pulled up to gas station shut car off, no issues. Pumped gas started vehicle and all these warning lights came on. Service power steering, and so on. Vehicle wheel is locked in place. Called tow truck.
Power steering is not working properly. Steering is easy then a few seconds later it's hard to turn
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the power steering assist warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the power steering became inoperable. The contact stated she was able to safely drive the vehicle to the shoulder of the road. The contact turned off the vehicle and waited for several minutes before restarting the vehicle and driving to the residence. The vehicle was parked at the residence and failed to restart for four days. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The contact was advised to report the failure to the federal safety agency Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 120,500.
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the steering wheel was making an abnormal squealing sound while turning left or right. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who stated the steering rack and pinion was warped and needed to be replaced. The local dealer was called, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the federal safety agency Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 170,000.
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving approximately 30 MPH, the power steering failed to function as needed. The contact stated the "loss of power steering" message was illuminated. The contact stated that he drove the vehicle to the side of the road and turned the vehicle off and on and the power steering functionality returned. The contact stated that the vehicle was driven to a dealer who diagnosed and determined that the power steering gears, and the rack and pinion needed to be replaced. The vehicle had been repaired. The contact researched online and related the failure to the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 14V286000 (Steering). The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 105,192.
Power steering assist popped up on dashboard with no warning. The safety of me and my children were put at jeopardy because what if we were driving on road and the steering wheel locked up on us?
See Ford Campaign 15N01. Coverage for this vehicle expired 3-25-2022. O/A 10-1-2023 steering became very erratic and traction light would come on intermittently. Independent garage found 4 mounting points for EPAS/steering gear were bad allowing unit to move freely and cause loss of steering. Advised was dealer repair because of proprietary computer program. Coggin Ford over several days couldn't find or would not acknowledge problem even though they were told several times where to look. They just said the lower control arms needed repair for $2500+. Had to get car back to independent garage to do repairs using parts obtained from the same dealer. Went to dealer after repair, showed replaced parts and got refund of their diagnostic fee.
VIN decoder
See the problems and recalls for an exact car
Buying a used 2013 Ford Explorer?
Check the exact car before you pay: accidents, salvage or flood titles, odometer readings and previous owners.
Check its history