2015 Ford Explorer: engine knocking or ticking

Filed Jan 12, 2024 · Suspension · 23,000 miles · NY

The contact owns a 2015 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at slow speeds and making a left turn, there was an abnormal knocking sound coming from the vehicle. The contact stated that while having a routine alignment at an independent mechanic, the contact was informed that there was an issue with the alignment. The contact was informed that the passenger’s side rear ball joint connected to the chassis was not aligned. The contact was informed that the bolt was embedded in the chassis. The contact stated that the nut had been overtightened. There was a crack detected. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where the vehicle was repaired under the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 21V537000 (Suspension). The manufacturer was contacted and informed the contact that there was no warranty coverage for the repair. No assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 23,000.

Filed Jan 27, 2022 · Steering · VA

When making a right hand turn I noticed that the car began making knocking/thumping noises. Shortly after those noises began, when I attempted to turn left the steering wheel got stuck in the left turn position. I had to jerk the steering wheel hard to get it to straighten out. If I had not been able to get it straightened out I could have driven off the road or into oncoming traffic. Ford had to replace the entire steering rack and the dealership acknowledged that this is a known issue for 2015 Explorers.

Filed Nov 30, 2020 · Steering · 77,000 miles · NC

Vehicle started make grinding and knocking noise in slow speed turns. 77,000 miles on vehicle. Took to dealership, and was advised steering rack needed replacement. Cost would be over $2,000, and not covered by warranty or recall. After seeing all the posts on this site, and others, it is obvious a recall should have been issued. Not only has this been ongoing in explorers, but is also a major safety issue.

Filed Sep 30, 2020 · Steering, Suspension · 37,000 miles · AL

Popping/knocking noise when turning at low speed, gradually get getting more severe over time. In addition there have been instances where the car has not turned as the steering wheel is moved. Ford garage has diagnosed this as a steering rack and pinion unit problem. With on 40k unacceptable early failure of this component with a $3,000 repair cost.

Filed Sep 24, 2020 · Steering · 77,000 miles · PA

Popping/knocking noise when turning at low speed, gradually get getting more severe over time. In addition there have been instances where the car has not turned as the steering wheel is moved. Ford garage has diagnosed this as a steering rack and pinion unit problem. With on 77k this seems to be an unacceptable early failure of this component.

Filed Jan 28, 2020 · Steering · 45,000 miles · CO

Steering started making a "knocking" noise when moving the steering wheel. This occurs while in part or in motion. I was told by the repair shot and my 2015 explorer with 45k miles on it needs to have the rack and pinion replaced at a cost of $2100. Not covered under warranty and apparently no recall for this dangerous situation.

Filed Dec 7, 2018 · Steering · 29,216 miles · CT

A knocking/popping noise could be heard when turning the steering wheel. It first started when turning the wheel to the right in reverse when the SUV was in motion. I brought it to my mechanic and he couldn't find the cause of the noise (no damage was visible). The noise became progressively worse over the next few months. The knocking/popping noise happened whenever the steering wheel was turned (left or right, forward or reverse, stationary or in motion). Then the power steering seized. This happened while driving 25 miles an hour on a secondary road. I was turning around a bend to the right and lost the power steering. There was no warning at all. Luckily, the power steering returned after a few seconds. I returned home and immediately scheduled service at my local ford dealer. It took them five weeks to diagnose and fix the problem.the steering gear needed to be replaced. Since my 2015 explorer xlt only had 29,000 miles on it, the mechanic tried to get ford to cover the entire cost (bumper to bumper warranty expired, and this was not covered under powertrain warranty). Ford agreed to cover half, which tells me that they admit that the steering gear is defective, and shouldn't fail at 29,000 miles. This is a serious defect and ford needs to issue a recall before someone is seriously injured or killed!

Filed Aug 2, 2018 · Steering · 35,200 miles · AL

While turning the steering wheel to the right a knocking sound can be heard. Took vehicle to my local ford dealer and it was diagnosed with having a bad steering gear and it needed to be replaced for $1600 plus tax. The vehicle has 35,766 miles on it and is over the 3 year warranty by 5 months. Ford would not give assistance on replacing the part. Someone needs to look into these faulty steering components before someone is seriously injured. Power steering gears should not go out with that few miles. Seeing by the complaints on this page I am not the only one with this issue.

Filed Feb 15, 2017 · Engine, Transmission · 27,000 miles · FL

I've been dealing with exhaust fumes entering my vehicle upon a hard acceleration. I'v taken my 2015 explorer to the dealership 5 times to get this correct, with no positive resolution. I'm also experiencing a knocking noise when making a hard left hand turn. I've brought to the dealership twice to fix it, with no resolution.

Filed Nov 23, 2016 · Steering, Suspension · 32,000 miles · CA

Sport model front end has had a loud popping/ creak noise when going over bumps at a angle and also sharp low speed manuevers ( pulling into tight parking space) since it was basicly brand new. Loud ticking noise from front hubs at low speeds first visit to ford was at 9,000 miles they could not duplicate it. Vehicle now has 32,000 miles roughly, the popping and creaking has gotten worse my wife was leaving work and was backing out of her parking spot and the rack and pinion locked up on her. Mulltiple wanring lights came on and she was unable to steer the vehicle. She called me and I told her to cycle the key multiple times and see if it will reset to be able to drive to my work so I could scan it and see what codes it has. She took surface streets to my work. It had codes p0022: cam timing over retarted p052d: cold start cam timing over retarted p193e: A/C clutch request signal u0121: lost communication with ABS control module c1b00: steering angle sensor this is the second time cam phaser codes came up. They replaced cam phaser this last visit and vehicle still stumbles/misfire feel at idle. They were "unable to duplicate" rack and pinion/ suspension noise. My wife does not feel safe driving vehicle. It has been getting random hard spots while driving. I took it to another local ford dealer and they want to charge me for diagnostic if they cant "duplicate" I just got done paying for 3 weeks of rental and cant risk several hundred more dollars to have them, say they cant duplicate it. So I will be picking up the explorer and I am now stuck with a unsafe vehicle as the steering could "lock up" again at any point. There are multiple cases just like mine that I found and I am not willing to risk having my wife and child have the rack and pinion fail while she is going down the freeway we got lucky with it locking up while at low speed the first time.