Check a VIN

2015 Ford Explorer steering complaints

Page 8 of 13: complaints 191 to 220 of 348, newest first, as owners wrote them.

See the summary of 2015 Ford Explorer steering problems: which part fails, at what mileage and related recalls.

Filed May 28, 2020 · Steering · 54,628 miles · KY

Popping sounds coming from right side wheel. Took to ford dealer to be serviced and the told me the gear stop in the rack and pinion as broken off and needs to be replaced and would put me at $2100. They also told me if I did not want to replace it at this time I could leave it alone and continue with the popping sound or they could cut it off but then I would need to be careful and not overly turn the steering wheel.

Filed May 13, 2020 · Steering, Suspension · 66,000 miles · GA

Started hearing popping sound on passengers side when backing and turning and now it has advanced to steering feels like it catches or binds for a second while driving down road.

Filed Apr 11, 2020 · Steering · NY

After sitting for 1 month, I went to start and battery was dead. Aaa got car running, and batter was recharged. Sort time after, power steering became inoperable and has been for 6 weeks. Steering now manual and very stiff.

Filed Mar 9, 2020 · Steering · 73,500 miles · AR

My daughter in law was driving the vehicle when the power steering assist fault came on the screen and steering became very hard. She was driving in town around 30 MPH and was able to pull over and stop the vehicle. When she restarted it the fault was gone and she was able to drive home. I found that there were many cases of this happening on the internet at speeds from slow to fast. I took the vehicle to the local dealer who told me the steering gear had to be replaced. He also said there was no recall on my ford even though several complaints were on the web. They are ordering the part for it and the parts and labor are over 2000$. Will ford wait til somebody gets killed before they recall the vehicles?

Filed Feb 5, 2020 · Steering · 136,000 miles · TX

I have recently heard a popping sound when I turn the steering wheel. This happens when stationary and in motion. I have had a mechanic look at my vehicle and state that the rack system needs to be replaced and that there is a chance the steering can lock up while driving. I did research and found there are recalls on ford explorers for 2011 to 20014 but not 2015. Why? It is the same issue just a different year.

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 Nov 15, 2019 · Steering · 31,000 miles · IA

I left my 2015 explorer with just 31000 miles on it parked in the garage for 10 days. When I started it again, the 'check charging system ' light came on just for a moment and cleaned. I tried to pull the car out of the garage, but the steering wheel was locked. Eventually it unlocked. When I started driving it, a very loud grinding noise could be heard when the steering wheel was turned left or right. The vehicle does not need to be moving for concern to happen. Took it to charles gabus ford in des moines iowa, and they told me that a steering gear needs to be replaced to eliminate the noise. They installed the new steering gear, but it cost me $2234.00. When I went to pick up my car from the shop, there was another explorer waiting to be picked up as well. I asked my service advisor was wrong with that one, and he told me 'the steering'. I am a very disappointed in ford that they didn't recall the steering wheel assembly on 2015 explorers yet. There are too many complains about it. Maybe they are waiting for somebody to get a very badly injured or killed to make it happen.

Filed Nov 1, 2019 · Steering · 97,631 miles · MI

Driving down a highway road approximately speed of 60 MPH and warning lights on dash came on "steering assist failure" and a couple others. Lost total control of steering was unable to turn the wheel. Vehicle was diagnosed at fremont ford of fremont michigan said to of had a faulty steering rack as its electronic when it fails it fails. Well 2100$ later its repaired.

Filed Oct 29, 2019 · Electrical, Engine · 70 miles · TX

The first incident was about 9months ago I was driving with my 3 year old on highway at about 65mph the car locked up steering the wheel. The car was moving all directions on three lanes and it was very hard for me to atempt to steer as the wheel was very tight. It finally went down to 0 MPH and I pulled over thanking god I did not crash. The lights were flickering all over. Attempted to trade at a dealership regor dykes in texas bc I was scarred to drive it. They fixed it as a trade then got sued and returned it back to me and took my new car back. Then yesterday I left home to take all my kids to school 3. And got to 40 MPH and it did it again luckily we were not on a highway. This time when it hit 0 MPH it was still driveable but would not accelerate above 40. I'm scarred for my life in this car and there is nothing I can do about it. It is now parked and I dont know what to do.

Filed Oct 18, 2019 · Steering · 45,000 miles · UT

Tl* the contact owns a 2015 ford explorer. When turning the steering wheel in either direction, a metal on metal grinding noise was present coming from the steering column. The vehicle was taken to ken garff ford (145 w. Hilton dr, st. George, ut) where it was diagnosed that the steering rack 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 failure mileage was 45,000.

Filed Oct 13, 2019 · Steering · 30,000 miles · TX

When turning on the car sometimes the " check charging system " light comes on. When it does the steering wheel locks and you cannot turn the car left or right. You have to turn off the car and restart the car and hope that the " check charging system" light does not come on. I it does not come on the steering will not lock. The steering locks only when you turn on the car and the " check charging system" light comes on. Have taken it over and over to a ford dealer and they say that it is the battery, have changed the battery twice. Then they say it is the alternator, have changed the alternator once. I just took it again and now the dealership says it is the power steering assembly and that it is out of warranty and it will cost about 2,000.00. This has happen many, many, many times throughout the 3 years we have had this car.

Filed Oct 11, 2019 · Steering · MI

Made a complete right turn leaving my driveway within 1000 feet the steering wheel locked up and I stopped. I was able to use extreme force to manuver steering wheel to go back and forth to turn around to get back to my driveway. Thankfully I wasn't on a highway doing 70 MPH when it occured.

Filed Oct 10, 2019 · Steering · 45,000 miles · WI

We were driving on the freeway from a mini vacation at 70 miles per hour when our 2015 ford explorer which only had 45,000 miles logged began to lose steering power. We almost crashed into the vehicle next to us on I-94 going at a very rapid speed of 70 miles per hour. Immediately my husband began to slow down and tried to move to the furthest right lane. He was having a tremendous amount of difficulty as our car would not allow us to steer. He finally made it to the exit lane. At this time we needed to pull off of the hwy and get a friend to tow us home. We took our vehicle into the dealership where we purchased it and they told us that they needed to recalculate our computer at the fee of $100. Within two weeks the same problem began to happen again. We took our explorer back to the dealer to repair this problem. We were now told that it is a rack and pinion problem and it could be upwards of $2,000 to repair. It is not covered in our extended warranty and it is not covered by the upcoming recall that we have scheduled to repair which ironically is a rear suspension repair which if not fixed will cause a problem with steering. In my opinion this problem will seriously harm or even kill the owner and family of a vehicle that this can happen to as it is impossible to control your vehicle when this occurs. I hope that this issue will be resolved by ford as this vehicle is very popular for families due to its size and this could be a fatal mistake to drive this car if this issue happens.

Filed Oct 8, 2019 · Steering · 90,000 miles · CA

Loud clanking noise when parking car or at a slow speed, turning. Took into ford dealer today and it will cost $2200 to replace.

Filed Oct 8, 2019 · Steering · 111,000 miles · MA

Steering fault warning light comes on then the car looses its steering like no power steering. This has happened 4 or 5 times now

Filed Oct 7, 2019 · Steering · 55,000 miles · MO

Steering started making a grinding noise at 55k miles. Sound is most pronounced when turning at slow speeds. Dealership and local shop confirm steering rack and pinion need to be replaced. They advised this is a common problem with ford explorers. Dealership advised the warranty expired 1 month ago.

Filed Oct 5, 2019 · Steering, Suspension · 81,518 miles · CA

When we turn the wheel to the right it has a loud popping noise during driving or stationary its progressing from a popping and something the steering wheel gets stuck. Told by two different mechanics that the popping noise has to do with strut and cv joint and electric steering gear and rack and pinion going bad. Our explorer only has 91000 miles. Both mechanics say this is odd that this is going on for a 2015. That we should check for recalls.

Filed Sep 30, 2019 · Steering · 56,000 miles · IL

The power steering went out on the highway, twice, while I was driving. Thank god I was able to gain control of the car before crashing. We had the problem fixed, under warranty, but now after 26,000 miles the problem is back. I am very concerned because my my wife now drives this car.

Filed Sep 30, 2019 · Steering · LA

I have a 2015 ford explorer xlt and the steering rack and pinion needs replacing. It can stop at anytime causing an accident.

Filed Sep 30, 2019 · Steering · 59,600 miles · TN

The rack and pinion locked up as we were pulling out of my driveway. I was 9m pregnant and my 4yr old was in the back. Cant help but think about what would have happened had it locked up going around a curve. The repair shop I took it to said this was really common in the ford explorers and they have 146 service records on this one issue.

Filed Sep 24, 2019 · Steering · 52,000 miles · NJ

While driving on a highway, steering fault light came on causing vehicle to lose power steering. Vehicle only has 50k miles and the steering column had to be replaced. There have been many complaints regarding this, ford has already recalled this issue on later years. It is neglectful that nothing has been done, knowing that cars can lose power steering at any moment while driving, this endangers everyone on the road. I was able to pull the vehicle over safely. Dealership quoted me $2450 to replace. Worked with ford customer satisfaction team who were able to help in reducing the amount. But it should have been free and this issue should be recalled before anyone is injured.

Filed Sep 22, 2019 · Steering · 70,000 miles · FL

Steering assist fault, lane keeping system malfunction

Filed Sep 10, 2019 · Driver assistance, Steering · 70,000 miles · OR

Steering assist error came on dash along with terrain control error while driving down road. Lost power steering ability. Luckily it was close to home when failed or could of happened when in traffic and a horrible accident could of happened. Took to mechanic and said new steering rack needed. This was a recall on the same car a few years older. Car is also being taken in next week for rear suspension recall.

Filed Sep 6, 2019 · Steering · 80,000 miles · MI

Driving on highway when the steering failed. Dealer says that the electronic power steering failed and needs to be replaced. Vehicle has approx 80k miles. I have found many instances of this same occurrence when searching online. Fortunately in this instance no accident or injury but why has a recall not been issued and why is ford ignoring the problem.

Filed Sep 3, 2019 · Steering · 53,000 miles · MI

While I was driving 70mph on a freeway, power steering stopped working. Showing the warning messages on the gauge cluster. "power steering loss" "advance trac control fault" I was able to pull over to a side of the freeway safely as there was no traffic. This is an extremely dangerous problem and must be recalled. My explorer has about 53k miles.

Filed Aug 29, 2019 · Steering · 102,000 miles · CA

I purchased a 2015 ford explorer sport with 90k miles from a ford dealer in december.a week later I noticed that every time I turned right I would hear a clicking noise. I also heard a humming noise from the wheels. I immediately took it to the dealer and explained to them the issue. I told them that if they don't fix the issue I was gonna return the car back to them. They changed the wheel bearings and the humming noise decreased. The technician said he tightened something from the spare tire compartment and that's what was making the clicking sound. Months later as we continued driving the car the clicking would happen on occasion. I originally thought that it was something in the spare tire compartment. So I looked all over the place and nothing the noise continued occasionally. Now in july it began happening more often. I took it to the dealer again and had to pay a diagnostic fee even though I told them its the same issue as before. Now a different technician says that the steering rack and pinion is broken and needs to be replaced or the steering wheel could lock up on us on the road and cause an accident. I asked why they didn't tell me that the first time and he couldn't explain. So I've been driving a time bomb for months. The 2011-2014 model had a recall on this issue. I can't believe they wouldn't include all the years with the same issue. The steering system should be the most reliable part of the car because it ensures that you're in control of you safety. I have read many complaints on the steering rack and pinion for this vehicle.

Filed Aug 26, 2019 · Steering · 85,000 miles · GA

The steering makes loud metal noises when turning at slow speeds (like parking or tight turns). It also makes grinding noises when turning primarily to the right. The steering has locked on us twice in the last few weeks! Dealer suggests that the electronic steering gear has gone bad. On google search, we see that hundreds of customers have the same problem. How can such a critical component and safety issue not be recalled and fixed by ford. Dealer tells us that the steering could lock while driving causing a major accident. We are taking the car for repairs hoping that nhsta and ford can issue a formal recall of such a dangerous issue.

Filed Aug 20, 2019 · Steering · 42,865 miles · NC

Takata recall I have a ford explorer 2015 mileage approximately 42,865 . I have had 2 occasions where the steering has failed. Last time was august 17,2019. I had no control over .the steering . I was traveling 30 miles per hour and was able to stop the car before having an accident . I contacted paramount automotive group in valdese nc august 20 2019 and spoke to the service person about this serious issue. The service person said to bring the explorer in to be checked out. I also was able to get a ford explorer suspension recall fix to be worked in as well. I left the explorer and was contacted by the service person that the steering had to be replaced and the steering not covered under warranty at a cost of $1,750. Warranty ended at 36,000. I have done some research to out that there are a large number of complaints being filed for low mileage for 2015 fordexplorers with steering issues. I have plans to contact ford customer satisfaction to this serious defected steering problem. I have concerns with the ford replacement steering that it may as well have future issues. I do not know at this time if ford has made any announcements to correct and not harm the owner. I need to make all aware that a serious accident is going to occur where someone will get hurt or killed.

Filed Aug 11, 2019 · Steering, Suspension · 59,500 miles · PA

When steering left or right at a standstill, steering makes a popping or clicking noise. My guess is it is either rack and pinion assembly or suspension parts. In addition, rear end has a bad rattle even on smooth roads. There is about 59,500 miles on the SUV and it was just state inspected. We are afraid to drive it. Checked complaint boards and there are many similar problems.

Filed Aug 9, 2019 · Steering, Wheels · 49,100 miles · NH

Tl* the contact owns a 2015 ford explorer. The contact heard a squealing sound when turning the vehicle in either direction. The vehicle was taken to autofair ford in manchester (1475 s willow st, manchester, nh 03103, (603) 634-1001). The contact took the vehicle to the same dealer six weeks before to have the driver's side wheel bearing replaced under a warranty. The dealer performed an 100 point inspection and recommended several repairs that needed to be performed. The dealer had been aggressively soliciting the contact to trade in the vehicle and checked to see if she wanted to act on any of the service repair recommendations. Regarding the squealing noise, the dealer diagnosed that the entire rack and pinion needed to be replaced and an alignment was needed. The repairs would cost $2,215. The manufacturer was contacted online and stated that there was no recall for the failure. The failure mileage was 49,100.

VIN decoder

See the problems and recalls for an exact car

Buying a used 2015 Ford Explorer?

Check the exact car before you pay: accidents, salvage or flood titles, odometer readings and previous owners.

Check its history