2011 FORD EXPLORER Steering Problems
718 NHTSA complaints on file
All Steering Complaints — Page 4
My 2011 Ford Explorer steering randomly went out . As I researched I realized that there was a safety recall 14S06 for that particular car. Apparently that recall was announced in 2014( before I purchased the vehicle) The previous owner took the truck to the dealership the have the pscm checked and no codes came back so it was only reprogrammed which is suppose to PREVENT steering loss which is what I am currently dealing with. The dealership is not trying to replace the part free of charge as stated in warranty although they know this is serious safety issue on this vehicle . They are trying to charge me 2800.00 to have the part replaced. I will continue to find a solution . Nothing about this is morally right
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, the vehicle lost power steering functionality without warning. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, and the contact was informed that the steering rack needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was contacted and stated that there was no recall on the VIN for the failure. The manufacturer was contacted, and the contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 200,000.
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, the "Service Power Steering" warning light illuminated along with several unknown warning lights. The contact stated that she was able to drive to her residence with the warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that while driving up her driveway, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The contact stated that she turned the vehicle off and shifted to park(P), turned the vehicle off and on and the failure persisted. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or independent mechanic to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The contact researched online and related the failure to a manufacturer Customer Satisfaction Program Number: 15N01 (EPAS Steering Efforts). The failure mileage was approximately 220,000.
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while her daughter was driving approximately 10 MPH out of the driveway and entering the street, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The contact stated that her daughter could not turn the wheel to the right or the left. The contact stated that her daughter informed her that power steering assist warning light was illuminated, and an audible chime was heard. The driver stopped and turned off the vehicle. After restarting the vehicle, the power steering functionality returned. The failure recurred and the vehicle was towed to a dealer; however, the mechanic was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.
Driving 25mph or less coming to a stop and warning service advance track soon message appeared, advance track off idiot light then appeared on dashboard, steering suddenly harder to turn. turned car off and on, now no steering.
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact stated upon pulling out of a parking space, the vehicle lost power steering functionality with the "Steering Assist Fault" message displayed. The contact stated that after he turned off and restarted the vehicle three times, the power steering operated as needed. The contact was able to continue driving. The failure reoccurred two years later. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that they could not assist as the VIN was not included in any recalls. The manufacturer then referred the contact to the NHTSA hotline. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V286000 (Steering); however, the VIN was not included. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, the steering wheel seized as the power steering assist failure warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the steering gear assembly needed to be replaced. The contact was made aware of NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V286000 (Steering); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was 98,500.
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 10 MPH, the steering wheel locked up. The message "EPAS Error" was displayed. The contact stated that he turned off and restarted the vehicle and the steering wheel operated as needed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who informed the contact that they could not duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the failure had been reoccurring while driving. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle could not be repaired under an unknown recall due to the mileage. The failure mileage was approximately 152,000.
The steering went
2011 Ford Explorer showed "Power Steering Assist Fault" message on dashboard pops up intermittently around 5 times in a span of 6 months of ownership. Latest occasion left driver stranded far from residence while parked since no steering can be done. Driver was put at risk of having to worry that it would happen again while driving on roads. Vehicle has been taken to dealership to get fixed. Dealer has inspected and attempted to reproduce fault but to no avail. Dealer recommended to replace complete steering assembly which cost is out of pocket of customer. Vehicle and VIN is under Customer Satisfaction Program Campaign # 15N01 EPAS STEERING EFFORTS and under NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V286000Loss of Electric Power Steering Assist states it should be at no-cost to customer to get fixed. Dealer refused and stated campaign expired. Driver looking to get more resources to disprove dealer's claim and to get...
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that occasionally after starting the vehicle, the power steering functionality would be inoperable. The contact stated that after the vehicle warmed up, the power steering functionality would return. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent. The contact stated that on one occasion while his wife was driving 60 MPH, the steering wheel lost power steering functionality and started drifting to the right unintendedly. The contact stated that the driver's side of the vehicle crashed into the guard rails. There was no injury sustained. There was no further information provided. The contact stated that the steering wheel regained power steering assist and his wife was able to drive to the residence. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the Power Steering Control Module (PSCM) and the steering rack needed to be replaced. The vehicle was...
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while his son was driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel became difficult to maneuver. The electronic power steering assist warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the Power Steering Control Module (PSCM) failed and needed to be replaced. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V286000 (Steering). The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the Power Steering Control Module failed again and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that no recall was affiliated with the VIN. The failure mileage was approximately 106,000.
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving approximately 65 MPH and making a right turn, the steering wheel suddenly became very difficult to turn in either direction causing the contact to almost lose control of the steering and crash into a second vehicle. After stopping and turning the vehicle off and restarting the vehicle, a power steering warning message was displayed. The vehicle was later towed to the residence. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer was notified of the failure. The manufacturer was not yet contacted. The failure mileage was 200,000.
The contact's husband owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH at night, the power steering became inoperable. A message indicating a power steering Assist Fault and the message Service Advancetrac were displayed. The steering wheel became significantly difficult to steer. The contact was able to veer in the middle turn lane but could not veer to the side of the roadway as the steering wheel was significantly difficult to steer. The contact stated that she turned off and restarted the vehicle several times within 30 minutes; however, the failure persisted. The contact's husband met her on the road and was able to drive the vehicle by using physical strength to steer vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the power steering module had failed. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V286000 (Steering); however, the VIN...
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that when he started the vehicle, the stability traction system, service power steering now, and power steering failure warning lights were illuminated on the instrument panel as the power steering failed. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where the mechanic used a diagnostic reader and retrieved failure codes for the steering wheel, not in contact with the vehicle, the power steering system, and the rack and pinion system in the front end. The mechanic made the contact aware of a Customer Satisfaction Program for the steering and then reset the failure codes. The vehicle was not repaired; however, the contact stated that the power steering was functioning as needed. The contact then made the local dealer aware of the failure and they informed him that the Customer Satisfaction Program had expired. The manufacturer was made aware of the...
My vehicle will intermittently lose power steering control causing it to become difficult to control especially at slower speeds
Hello, FORD in Woodbridge VA. I was driving with my daughter home. And all of a sudden the steering wheel locked or got really hard to turn. I was just a block away from home thank God so I immediately pulled over. The warning sign that came up said power steering. It was after hours so the next morning i called Ford to take my vehicle in for the recall and dropped it off. * I was told that although it's a recall it had expired so my claim was denied and the cost of repairs is $2700. I am outraged that a manufacture safety issue that's out of my control has an EXPIRATION date. There should NOT be expiration on something that has a recall on it. Not only did they tell me it's expired, regards to the repair, no discount was offered knowing they have that issues and...
I was driving my car and the steering went out completely with little warning. A light came on that said "Service power steering soon" and within 2 minutes the steering went completely out.
I was driving down the highway going 60mph when my steering wheel locked up and I wasn't able to steer the car and had to hit the brakes and try to pull over so I didn't cause a car accident. It has also locked up several times while driving it in town also
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH, the message “Service Power Steering Now” was displayed and the steering wheel lost power steering functionality. The contact stated that she was able to make a turn by using physical strength to steer the vehicle while driving to work. The contact stated that after turning off and restarting the vehicle, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the power steering control module and the Electric Power Assisted Steering EPAS) The steering gear needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V286000 (Steering). The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that they could not assist as the VIN was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 145,000.
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while his wife was driving 30 MPH, the vehicle lost power steering functionality with the Power Steering Assist fault message displayed. The contact was able to pull over to the side of the roadway and the vehicle was towed to the dealer. The dealer diagnosed the vehicle and stated that the Power Steering Control Module (PSCM) software needed to be updated and the steering rack assembly needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and a case was filed. The approximate failure mileage was 130,000.
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the power steering assist fault message was displayed. While driving, the steering wheel was very difficult to turn. The contact called the local dealer and was informed that the vehicle was out of warranty. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic. The manufacturer was contacted and confirmed that the warranty had expired and referred him to the NHTSA Hotline. The contact stated that the failure was similar to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V286000 (Steering). The approximate failure mileage was 162,893.
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while exiting a parking area, the steering wheel became difficult to turn. The contact stated the power steering assist fault and the service advancetrac warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that she turned off and restarted the vehicle but continued to experience the failure. The contact stated that she parked the vehicle. The contact's brother was able to drive the vehicle to her residence while experiencing the failure. The contact's brother took the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the steering rack and pinion to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V286000 (Steering); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 162,076.
The contact's girlfriend owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while his girlfriend was driving 30 MPH, the power steering assist failed with the stabilitrak warning light illuminated and a warning sensor chiming. His girlfriend pulled over and restarted the vehicle and was able to resume normal driving. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent and occasionally recurred upon restart. Upon investigation, the contact discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V286000 (Steering) which he linked to the failure. The dealer and the manufacturer were notified of the failure and confirmed that the VIN was not included. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.
Was driving and the steering stopped working and locked the power steering light came on and so did the traction control light.
Electric power steering failed without any warning. Ford HAD a voluntary recall, but as a second owner I did not get any notification. As vehicles are supposed to exceed 100k miles this is disturbing (like iPhone battery fiasco). Electric steering is nearly impossible to drive and being thIs is a KNOWN problem with this vehicle and the fact it is the #1 vehicle currently utilized by Law Enforcement I find it odd there is not a mandatory safety recall for this issue. Thank you, [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35-40 MPH, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The contact stated that the vehicle was difficult to control. While her son was driving at an unknown speed, the steering wheel was difficult to turn. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where she was informed the vehicle was previously repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V286000 (Steering). The vehicle was diagnosed and determined that the power steering module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 195,000.
Los steering control
Power steering suddenly went out 3 times in a 30 min period while driving at a low rate of speed. Error appeared on dash when fault occurred. After restarting engine error went away and had power steering.
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at an undisclosed speed and making a turn, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The driver was able to continue driving the vehicle. The contact stated that the power steering warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer and the contact was informed that the vehicle was repaired in 2015 under NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V286000 (Steering). The contact was also informed that the warranty had expired. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 68,000.
I was driving out of my driveway and the power steering froze. There was no warning. I ended up hitting the rear of another car I have in my driveway. Luckily nobody was in the vehicle. A light then cam on to see your dealer! I see there was a recall by Ford of the power steering, but that recall has expiried for my vehicle due to the fact it is 11 years old. The recall was for 10
The power steering suddenly went out. A "power steering assist fault" warning light came on. No power assist was available and the vehicle became extremely difficult to steer. Fortunately, I was traveling at a low rate of speed and was able to safely steer off the road.If this had occurred while taking a corner, it could have been catastrophic. When restarted, the steering worked again and the warning light went out. Since this happened, it had reoccurred twice, making the vehicle unsafe to drive.
Power steering randomly shut off while I was driving.
I was driving on the highway and the steering wheel locked on me. He was hard to turn and I also hit another car in the back.
The power steering failed while pulling into parking spot and garage approx 5 times in the last few months.
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle experienced a loss of power steering assist. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the power steering assist needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired and remained at the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000.
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while his wife was reversing out of a parking lot, the steering wheel seized. The contact stated that the power steering assists warning light was illuminated. The contact also stated he was unable to move the steering wheel. The vehicle was not drivable. The contact called an independent mechanic who serviced the vehicle at the parking lot. The mechanic was able to use the meteor sensor and stated the motor position sensor signal had to be reset. The motor position sensor signal was reset. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V286000 (Steering). The contact was able to drive to the residence. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the steering rack to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure....
The electric power steering continuesly Fails. The chain driver water pump failed while driving almost causing an accident with me and my son.
Upon starting the SUV an alert appeared stating “power steering assist failure” appeared. Attempted to reset the sensor multiple times with no success. It was impossible to move the steering wheel. Thankfully I wasn’t driving given I drive the highway everyday too and from work or I could have had serious harm to myself or others. There is no way I would have been able to control any sort of manual steering as I have a back injury. Now I will have to have it towed to get it repaired just so I can get too and from work.
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while his niece was driving at an unknown speed, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The contact stated that the electric power steering assists warning light was illuminated. The contact pulled over, turned off, and restarted the vehicle, and the vehicle operated as intended. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing however, the mechanic was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The manufacturer was contacted and stated that there was nothing that could be done because the vehicle was not under recall and the warranty had expired. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA for assistance. The failure mileage was 44,000.
I started the car and started to go then the car could not be steered and a warning came on that said "power steering assist fault". The steering wheel was impossible to turn and if this had happened in traffic or the freeway at a higher speed I could have been easily killed. Now every time the car is turned on the steering wheel will not turn.
while driving on the interstate my power steering went completely out and on the dash board the power steering assist light came on...scared me to death as coudnt steer. took off work next day and took to dealer said not under warranty bc i have 144k miles and is 11 years old and warranty was under 150k or 10 years...however i did find out this was a big safety issue and was a recall in 2014 on these with a recall...,,,the dealer said i was gonna have to pay 3100 and i had to get and pay for a rental car to drive home and leave at dealer to repair....i had no choice but to leave bc had to be fixed.they were nice at dealership in telling me out of warranty but i dont understand why this huge safety issue wouldnt be fixed and paid for by ford?I do not...
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle lost power steering functionality with the power steering assist warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer and was diagnosed with steering gear malfunction. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was approximately 105,000.
Power steering & terrain assist fault would occasionally pop up and lock my steering wheel up. which I would just turn my car on & off to make go away.Only one day in mid turn it came on locked my steering wheel up was side swiped right into a pole. Not only was my car physically damaged but my 4 yr old daughter refuses to get in the car now which makes it extremely frustrating when we have to go places
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer however, the mechanic was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure however, no additional assistance was provided. The approximate failure mileage was 80,000.
While driving, my steering column locked and an error message saying power steering assist failure alerted. I immediately stopped, attempted to start the car 4 times and the steering column would not move. There is a recall for this same problem from March 2014. Ford is saying that the recall for the same issue not applicable to my vehicle.
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving approximately 40 MPH, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The vehicle was difficult to turn to the left or the right. The contact stopped the vehicle safely in the middle of the road. The contact stated that the power steering assist failure message was displayed on the instrument panel. The contact had the vehicle towed to an independent mechanic; however, the vehicle was not repaired. The contact was able to drive the vehicle to a dealer the following day. The dealer diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the power steering assist had failed. The dealer related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V286000 (Steering). The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 156,000.
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH, the steering wheel seized with the power steering assist warning light illuminated. The contact pulled over to the side of the road, turned off and then restarted the vehicle and drove to her residence. The vehicle was later taken to an independent mechanic and diagnosed with a faulty steering control module. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V286000 (Steering) as a possible solution to the failure. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 157,000.
Power steering and terrain management system failure. Power steering assist failure has happened upon starting vehicle a few times but has reset after restarting. There is a recall for this but apparently not for my VIN
Loss of electric power assist, Backed out of drive and could not steer, was locked up. Pulled back in drive. Called wrecker and had taken to Ford. Ford states this is not covered due to it being a warranty out of date issue so repair will be at our cost.
Other 2011 FORD EXPLORER Problem Areas
Unknown Or Other
110 complaints
Electrical System
88 complaints
Engine
82 complaints
Power Train
62 complaints
Structure
53 complaints
Structurebody
47 complaints
Air Bags
44 complaints
Fuelpropulsion System
35 complaints
Electronic Stability Control Esc
28 complaints
Suspension
24 complaints
Service Brakes
21 complaints
Vehicle Speed Control
17 complaints
Engine And Engine Cooling
15 complaints
Seat Belts
14 complaints
Steeringelectric Power Assist System
9 complaints
Visibilitywiper
9 complaints
Wheels
9 complaints
Seats
6 complaints
Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust System
5 complaints
Service Brakes Hydraulic
5 complaints
Traction Control System
5 complaints
Equipment
4 complaints
Fuel System Gasoline
4 complaints
Steeringrack And Pinion
4 complaints
Visibility
4 complaints
Exterior Lighting
3 complaints
Forward Collision Avoidance Adaptive Cruise Control
3 complaints
Equipmentapplianceair Conditioner
2 complaints
Exterior Lightingturn Signal
2 complaints
Forward Collision Avoidance Warnings
2 complaints
Steeringsteering Control Module
2 complaints
Structurebodyroof And Pillars
2 complaints
Vehicle Speed Controlcruise Control
2 complaints
Visibilitydefrosterdefoggerhvac System
2 complaints
Visibilitysunmoon Roof Assembly
2 complaints
Visibilitywindshield
2 complaints
Back Over Prevention
1 complaint
Back Over Prevention Warnings
1 complaint
Electrical System Instrument Clusterpanel
1 complaint
Electrical System12v24v48v Battery
1 complaint
Electrical Systemalternatorgeneratorregulator
1 complaint
Electrical Systemsoftware
1 complaint
Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust Systemmanifoldheadermufflertail Pipe
1 complaint
Equipmentelectrical
1 complaint
Equipmentelectricalnavigational Systemglobal Positioning System
1 complaint
Exterior Lightingheadlights
1 complaint
Fuel System Gasolinestoragetank Assembly
1 complaint
Latcheslockslinkages
1 complaint
Power Trainautomatic Transmissiongear Position Indication Prndl
1 complaint
Power Traintransmission Casehousing
1 complaint
Seatsfront Assemblyseat Heatercooler
1 complaint
Service Brakes Hydraulicantilocktraction Controlelectronic Limited Slip
1 complaint
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsdisccaliper
1 complaint
Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsdiscrotor
1 complaint
Steering Steering Wheelhandle Bar
1 complaint
Steeringgear Box Other Than Rack And Pinion
1 complaint
Steeringhydraulic Power Assist System
1 complaint
Steeringhydraulic Power Assistpower Steering Fluid
1 complaint
Structurebodydoor
1 complaint
Structurebodyhatchbackliftgate
1 complaint
Structureinterior Panelsdoor
1 complaint
Tires
1 complaint
Tirestreadbelt
1 complaint
Visibilityglass Siderear
1 complaint
Visibilitypower Window Devices And Controls
1 complaint
Visibilitywindshieldcritical Fasteners
1 complaint