The auto defect attorneys at Gibbs Law Group are investigating reports of power steering problems in 2016-2018 Ford Explorers. I was told this part is on back-order and it took approximately a week for the replacement steering rack to arrive. Power steering is a modern marvel that many of us take for granted. The radio would turn off and all hands free devices wouldn't work. There is a whopping 1,461 complaints on file with the NHTSA. Seems to be a consistent Ford Explorer problem. This was my 2nd and last time I buy Ford. Dylan concentrates his practice on investigating and prosecuting fraud matters on behalf of whistleblowers, consumers, and employees. Brakes squeak, loud airplane noise, not too smooth. NTSB can rectify this problem by forcing Ford to do the right thing and permanently repair this issue. Some drivers are inquiring about a Ford Explorer Power Steering Lawsuit. All Rights Reserved. The third instance was June 24th 2021. Not the original dealership that we purchased the vehicle from. For it to be a 300$ core as well, sounds like its still a valuable part broken. Until I turned it on one day at a sonic drive in and would not steer . I am done with the brand. Last, the raised roof racks are flush as opposed to prior years where there is space between the rack and the roof. 18 problems related to steering noise have been reported for the 2016 Ford Explorer. Power Steering assist failed. Reportedly, the power steering has a tendency to go out at random, with drivers reporting the wheel going stiff mid-turn. Slush covered roads, driving and manually needing to turn my vehicle was almost impossible. Ford just kept it for almost three months because they couldn't determine what was wrong with it and now my 3 y' old car has a new engine. Luckily it happened in residential area, no body got hurt, as well as my familly, I was Able to tow it to the ford dealer in Illinois, diagnosed it a week after as electric power steering failure, cost is around $3000 to repair, and part is on national.back order, This has been a common safety issue for part failure for the 2016 Ford explorer and up, but ford refuses to open an recall, its all over the internet same part issue and same model cars people have been suing and reporting it to Ford, dealer quote to repair is $3000 plus tax to repair, on today's date 01/01/2023 and no transportation since 12/26/2022, its more of safety concern than just a part failure if it happens on a highway speed/road and steering seizes than just a part failure without a warning. (Page 1 of 2) I was heading directly for a car waiting to go at the other side of the intersection and missed hitting it head-on by mere meters. The NHTSA is currently running the second stage of an investigation into an exhaust odor reported in the cabin of a number of Ford Explorers. It was quickly diagnosed over the phone but still took it to get looked at, at Ford . Specifically, owners of certain 2016-2018 Ford Explorer or Escape models report that a service assistant failure warning (e.g., "steering fault" or "steering assist fault") will pop-up on their dashboard without warning while the car in operation, causing the steering . Its important to check the power steering fluid often, and you should top it off whenever necessary. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2016 Ford Explorer based on all problems reported for the 2016 Explorer. So, drivers dealing with a coolant leak are going to have to cover the repairs out of pocket. But worse then all the issues I had with the car, was the Ford dealership. Please recall this dangerous defect! No warning lights was illuminated. My car engine started smoking a few weeks ago, and lots of components are breaking. Losing power steering capability while the vehicle is being operated is a major safety concern, which could lead to a motor vehicle collision, especially if being driven at highway speeds. The dealership is now escalating to find out what more they can do. Fit the tab into the steering housing opening and the tool spline into the keyway. The vehicle only has 57K . Unless you get very familiar with all of the options on the touch screen it's hard to use other than the radio. While driving down the highway the power steering suddenly went out, showing errors "steering assist fault, service required" , "hill start assist not available" , and "service advancetrac". I have a 2016 Ford Explorer and while driving on a highway, I had several alerts come on the . I have significant bruising from the seat belt impacting my right side hip, my mirror dislodged and hit me in the head, seat airbag bruised my left shoulder, and my neck is about as sore as it can get. The issue extends to 2014, with 264 power steering complaints on file. In most car models, you will need to remove the steering wheel in order to access it. Bad o2 sensors. Malfunction" faults appeared on my dash display. Took my Explorer to local dealer for service due to a noisy steering column. Learn how to find a dealership you can trust. Ford dealership acknowledged that it was a very common issue and was easy to diagnosed . The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to have to have a diagnostic performed. The vehicle is available for inspection if requested. Of 575 total complaints, 110 are for the engine, 38 are for the power train, and 27 are for the fuel/propulsion system. Overall. This is completely unacceptable for a 6 year old car with just over 100,000 miles. After bringing the car in for service, owners find out that the power steering system alone is not the issue. This isnt the most expensive repair in the world. Also, the front seats are abnormally short with regards to their depth and the driver and passenger side windows are uncomfortably high and further away so its impossible to rest an arm. Without strong upper body strength, you can easily have an accident. The contact was informed that the steering rack and pinion was faulty and needed to be replaced; however, the parts needed to repair the vehicle were on backorder. Otherwise, the same thing is going to happen, or you could even lose power steering completely. The 2021 Ford Explorer Isnt Recommended by Consumer Reports. The explorer's in this year range have had many problems with the steering gears having internal failures that require the rack and pinion to be replaced. "Steering Assist Fault" and Lane Keeping Sys. Today, I actually lost steering and almost crashed into sidewalk. Power steering assist failure indicator appeared on dashboard resulting in inability to steer car. (things to consider before ever buying a Ford again). said he would not let us drive it anymore after I offered to pick it up and wait on the rack to get here. Each time I'm told if it's not giving a code at the time i bring it, there's nothing that can be done. This is absolutely insane and I plan on fighting it. If youre considering purchasing a 2016 Ford Explorer, you need to ensure that there are no mechanical issues that will cost you money and possibly put the safety of your family at risk. Would have been nice if they figured it out while still under bumper to bumper warranty. The contact stated that the vehicle steering wheel failed when reversing out of the garage, the contact was unable to turn the steering wheel. I will be turning the vehicle and there is a pop sensation underneath. Ford said the recalled Explorers were built between 2012 and 2017 at plants in Chicago and Russia. A new car loses value the second you drive it off the lot. While there are a number of honest vendors out there, plenty of sellers are looking to pocket more of your money with unnecessary fees. Not enough room even though it seats 7. First three months it had to have the throttle body replaced and sensors replaced in the bumper. These days, most cars use electric power steering, and in most cases, when you see this warning message, there is something wrong with this unit or its sensors. Today, we have electric power-assisted steering systems. It's actually a complete failure of the steering rack, and it requires a complete replacement. The Explorer recall is for a steering issue. after I purchased my truck, I replace. The steering failure light came on about 2 weeks ago. 2022, CarProblemZoo.com All rights reserved. There are a few problems at play here, but among the most common: the engine coolant high temp light popping on at around 50,000 miles in 2.3L EcoBoost-equipped models. This Explorer has been in and out of the Ford service department at least 10 times. I have filed a complaint with Ford Customer Care and hoping they cover some of the cost. Either the joint or knuckle will be replaced if cracking is found. year to help you gain confidence about one of your largest purchase decisions. Its important to know why the fluid is low so there arent any other issues down the road. Looks like this is a huge problem Ford has with its Explorer rack and pinion failure I guess there waiting on somebody to get killed with faulty racks before they do anything. To activate, go to www.att.com/ford. Before you drop a chunk of change, read this list of red flags to look out for when buying a used car. Ford has recalled earlier model year Explorers with power steering problems before. This is an expensive fix that owners claim happens at relatively low mileage. Unsubscribe any time. 5 Symptoms of a Bad Wheel Alignment (Why you should fix it), 7 Symptoms of a Bad Serpentine Belt (& Replacement Cost), Service Brake Assist Meaning, Causes & Fixes, 6 Signs Of A Bad Power Steering Pump and Replacement Cost, 3 Types Of Power Steering Fluid And How to Change It, Steering Assist Is Reduced Drive With Care: Meaning, Causes & How To Fix, Electric vs. This steering issue appears to be a blatant safety issue where a driver could unexpectedly lose steering control while actively driving and have no safety message or indicator alerting them to the serious issue. Its engine logged over 240 complaints at the NHTSA, with a growing number of owners reporting a failed water pump. It is difficult to see out the side windows. If theres a leak, you need to repair this problem before you refill the system. the rack and pinion on my truck that I purchased from the dealer. Copyright 2023 Endgame360 Inc. All Rights Reserved. Lots of recalls, manufacturer and Honda. Poor customer service as well when I tried to call Ford about this. So, the problem can be quite severe, and, until the investigation is concluded, may be reason enough to skip the 2011-2017 model years. / CBS Pittsburgh. We are already having transmission issues with a 2.5 year old car. The bluetooth NEVER works right. They recommended taking it to a dealership to be repaired. Ford Explorer Power Steering Lawsuit Investigation, Gender Discrimination against Transgender and Nonbinary People, Wells Fargo Mortgage Modification Lawsuit. There is an odd odor coming from exhaust. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. It is unfortunate that Ford continues to see these recalls. Failure Date: 08/31/2018. Magnus is the owner and main author of Mechanicbase. Against our better judgment, we took it from PA to FL, well almost. Some owners report that at highway speeds the vehicle suddenly loses all power and forces owners off the road. However, there are many models that make it difficult to change the belt. The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. Power Steering Fluid Low Troubleshooting an electrical fault isnt always simple. It could be due to a low battery. If the power steering assist fault message appears on your dashboard, there is a fault code stored that tells why the light is on. Ford does NOT stand behind their product and they dont care what you have to say- theyve got your money already!! The failure mileage was 114,000. I will update this thread as the process goes on. Similar circumstances to the first instance: happened while driving, same errors, started working after restarting the car. Can you drive with a power steering fault? Would you like to know more than the salesperson? Made it to a Ford dealership who indicated that a new rack and pinion assembly is required at $2,900. If your vehicle uses parallel parking assist, lane assist or other advanced technology, the EPAS system might play a role in the operation. Makes too much of an odd noise when driving. Buyer please beware. This is an expensive fix that owners claim happens at relatively low mileage. Exposure to exhaust fumes can lead to drivers feeling light headed and even passing out at the wheel. If the steering fluid isnt topped off completely, you could start running into trouble. I have mechanical experience and thought it was an axle. The power steering leak's main causes deal with the breakdown of parts and lack of lubrication in your car's internal systems. If the light is on the dashboard, you can use your code scanner for hunting down the problem. April 2015: 520,000 model year 2013-2015 Ford Fusion and Lincoln MKZ, plus 2015 Ford Edge CUVs were recalled because their steering gear bolts can corrode and break, causing an immediate loss of power steering. I had my car in for service 9 days earlier and they swear they couldn't detect the issue because it wasn't visible until they opened the assembly and saw the corrosion. Plus, there seem to be no recalls on the way for the 2017s coolant leak. Issue is worse at highway speeds, creating a dangerous condition that was getting progressively worse. No fires resulted from this issue to Fords knowledge. Fortunately I purchased a extended warranty, with a "$0.00 deductible or as the service adviser said, it would be about a $2,000.00 out of my pocket repair. Take the alignment tool from the kit. Second instance was in mid may 2021. Bringing my out of pocket to roughly $1k. How can this not be a recall, how is this something owners who buy a luxury SUV should be required to pay out of pocket. Modern marvel that many of us take for granted the road steering column I actually lost steering and crashed. 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