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CarComplaints.com Notes: The NHTSA's complaint data shows potentially scary power steering problems with the 2011 Ford Explorer.

The steering complaints are pretty serious - owners report the power steering cuts out while driving. The NHTSA opened an investigation into the power steering problems in June 2012, which lead to a recall in 2014. However years later, many 2011 Explorer owners report this defect is still occurring.

It's too bad because the 2009 & 2010 Ford Explorer are solid, trouble-free model years.

10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
15 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
2 / 0
Average Mileage:
69,570 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2011 Ford Explorer steering problems

steering problem

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2011 Ford Explorer Owner Comments (Page 16 of 33)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #355

Apr 282018

Explorer

  • 113,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

My electronic power steering(eps) has gone out 3 times. The first time the dealership supposedly fixed it according to the recall that was out. I was never notified in any way by Ford or the fird dealership that my SUV even had a recall. The eps has gone out 2 more times since the "fix" and the dealership claims there isnt a problem or that tire pressure is low and shuts off the system. Every time it has gone out it was while driving during a road trip. It seems as if you drive an hour or more the eps system shuts off doesn't matter if its city driving ir highway.

- York, PA, USA

problem #354

Dec 172017

Explorer

  • 83,000 miles
Power steering fails with no warning dealer states no codes stored so cannot verify failure and therefor will not repair suspect Ford software is not recording codes to capture failure to avoid having to repair failing power steering system

- San Jose, CA, USA

problem #353

Jan 232018

Explorer

  • 93,000 miles
While making a sharp left turn on a city street, the power steering failed causing me to lose the ability to maneuver the turn. Luckily, there was a parking lot straight ahead so I was able to steer with difficulty into that lot. I turned off the ignition, waited 30 seconds or so, and re-started the engine. I had no other issues and reached my destination safely.

- Chesapeake, VA, USA

problem #352

Dec 182017

Explorer

  • 99,270 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Power steering failure. Power steering failed while driving and caused accident. I was queens boulevard between 52nd and 51st street when it occurred. My video is too large to download.

- Woodside, NY, USA

problem #351

Nov 112017

Explorer

  • 95,000 miles
My car has about 95K miles. Currently it is in the shop getting 2 things done. A part is ordered for air bag. I've had several airbag issues needed service. My biggest concern is the power steering unit. I bought the car new from diblasio in 2012 w/ about 7K miles on it. I have extended warranty from Ford. Sept 2016 the original power steering unit failed and was replaced. 14 months later the replacement has now failed and is being replaced! the warning light came on while my wife was driving on the highway. Thank god!!!!! the power assist did not fail or she could have been killed. When I started the car the next time there was no power steering. I had the car towed to dealer. I no longer trust this car. The ps unit is a critical part of the vehicle. I have never owned a car that had a similar problem once, yet twice. With the second time taking only 14 months to fail. I call Ford corporate and told them about the situation and that I no longer trust the car. Looking online, I see articles about a ps unit recall in the 2014S. I don't recall ever receiving a notice about my vehicle and only brought it in when it started acting odd in 2016. Ford asked me what I wanted them to do. At this point I said I no longer want the car and do not want to sell it to someone with what I know and fear. I thought Ford should buy it back from me at a reasonable price and I will get a different vehicle. I was put on hold for show and the person came back and said they were sorry there is nothing they can do and that any time there is a problem I should bring it to the dealer. I am disgusted with Ford and I don't know what my options are. I need help please. I fear anyone driving this car once I get it back tomorrow.

- Lagrangeville, NY, USA

problem #350

Oct 032017

Explorer

  • 40 miles
My 2011 Explorer has experienced the steering problem in several occasions, most of the time when I'm making a turn on the street or trying to park the vehicle the steering warning light comes on and the steering wheel becomes really hard to move around. Most of the time I'm driving under 30mph but it's pretty dangerous specially when there's other vehicles around and you can control your own vehicle it has happened at least 7 times in the past year. I have checked for recalls on the steering system, but there's recall

- Albuquerque, NM, USA

problem #349

Apr 032017

Explorer

  • 0 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

2011 Ford Explorer exhaust leak everytime I go 60 or 70 mile perhour exhaust smell inside the car

- Camden, NJ, USA

problem #348

Oct 122017

Explorer

  • 116,000 miles
Loss of power steering while driving some Explorer 2011-12 were recalled. Mine was not, however it has been determined to be the steering gear and the safety issue of concern. In retrospect why was mine not recalled. This occurred while my wife was driving on the expressway. The vehicle is now at the dealership waiting for parts. Repair estimate is $2000.

- Brownstown, MI, USA

problem #347

Oct 092017

Explorer

  • 90,000 miles
Warning electric power assist came on in dash and was unable to steer

- Canada, KY, USA

problem #346

Oct 052017

Explorer

  • 139,000 miles
When I was driving I came to a stop sign. I proceeded to make a right turn, that's when the SUV shut off and the steering wheel became hard to control simultaneously. I stopped in the middle of the road, turned the key to the off position and re-started the SUV again. None of my warning lights in the dashboard are displayed. This issue has happened to my spouse and I on at least 5 other occasions. I am very alarmed that if we're driving in traffic and this occurs again, which it will, it may cause a collision injuring drivers and passengers. I have researched this dilemma on the internet and it appears alot of Ford Explorer owners are having this same problem. I ask that you put pressure on Ford to solve this problem. Many Ford Explorer owners are at risk of serious injury or death.

- Harlingen, TX, USA

problem #345

Jun 122017

Explorer

  • 80,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Power steering power lost hard to turn

- Corinth, MS, USA

problem #344

Aug 072017

Explorer

  • 52,826 miles
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. When the contact attempted to make a left turn, the steering wheel seized and became difficult to maneuver. The power steering assist fault warning indicator illuminated. The contact was able to drive the vehicle to his residence. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer and was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 52,826.

- Pasadena, CA, USA

problem #343

Jul 202017

Explorer

  • 51,000 miles
"power steering assist fault" I was driving and attempting to turn and the message "power steering assist fault" came on the steering wheel locked and would not turn at all I was able to reverse back into a parking space avoiding the danger of all the passing cars and pedestrians around

- Brooklyn, NY, USA

problem #342

Jul 282017

Explorer

  • 157,000 miles
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. While driving approximately 45 mph, the steering lost power and the power steering warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle was pulled over to the side of the road. The dealer was contacted (tropical Ford in orlando, fl) and the contact was advised to tow the vehicle to the shop for diagnostic testing. The contact stated that the failure occurred earlier in the year and was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the dealer for diagnostic testing. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 157,000.

- Kissimme, FL, USA

problem #341

Apr 012017

Explorer

  • 87,000 miles
Our electricial power assist stops working while driving almost cause and accident has been seen 2 times to be fixed and keeps doing

- Sanford, ME, USA

problem #340

Jul 192017

Explorer

  • 91,000 miles
My steering went out on my vehicle while I was driving. My radio and screen goes out several times a month.

- Sterling Heights, MI, USA

problem #339

Jul 182017

Explorer

  • 90,308 miles
I've reported to a local Ford dealership that when I turn my car on, an alarm alert sounds and I get a warning light that says, power steering assist fault and I can't move my steering wheel. I have to re-start my car 1-5 times for it to start working. This is a major safety issue and a liability. I took it to Ford and they said they couldn't pull a code. However literally an hour after picking up my car, I got the warning again and I took a picture of it with mileage showing to show it happened after. They charged me $100 to be told my car is fine. It is not. Since taking it in, my rear view camera will now not work. I have made Ford aware of this steering issue and want it fixed immediately. Clearly the recall did not accurately hit all VIN numbers. This has happened at least 10 times in past 6-8 months.

- Ewa Beach, HI, USA

problem #338

Jun 152017

Explorer

  • 120 miles
I waa driving to work and all of a sudden warning messages appeared to service power steering assist fault, service terrain management system fault, service advance trac. I completely lost control of turning the wheel and my turning signals completely stopped working. I was barely able to pull over to the side which is very dangerous. Car had to be towed to shop and now I'm out of a car. Very stressful as I need a car to move around.

- Stony Point, NY, USA

problem #337

Jun 132017

Explorer

  • 60,000 miles
Having problems with the epas steering. Will get a warning that that says "electronic power assist failure". this has happened before and the dealer di a software update. Thought it was repaired, but it is happening again. This is a very dangerous situation when it happens because you have no notice. All of a sudden the power steering goes in manual mode and it is very difficult to steer. Especially when its my wife's vehicle. It almost caused her to have an accident while trying to turn on to another road, almost hitting other vehicles. I have since found that Ford is having a lot of problems with this on other vehicles. My vehicle should be included in the recall.

- Denham Springs, LA, USA

problem #336

May 312017

Explorer

  • 100,000 miles
14S06 replace steering rack assembly! update the power steering control module (pscm) software! my family was in this vehicle when the steering failed. This needs to be corrected immediately! news: Ford is recalling certain model year 2011-2013 Ford Explorer vehicles; power steering gear report receipt date: May 29, 2014 NHTSA campaign number: 14V286000 component(s): Power steering gear potential number of units affected: 179,027 June 2014 -- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2011-2013 Ford Explorer vehicles manufactured May 17, 2010, through February 28, 2012. The affected vehicles may experience an intermittent connection in the electric power steering gear, which can cause a loss of the motor position sensor signal resulting in a shut down of the power steering assist. If the vehicle experiences a loss of power steering assist it will require extra steering effort at lower speeds, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash. Ford will notify owners, and dealers will update the power steering control module (pscm) software, free of charge. If a vehicle shows a history of a loss of motor position sensor signal when the vehicle is brought in for the recall remedy, its steering rack assembly will be replaced, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin by July 25, 2014. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-800-392-3673. Ford's number for this recall is 14S06. Ford is recalling certain model year 2011-2013 Ford Explorer vehicles; power steering gear report receipt date: May 29, 2014 NHTSA campaign number: 14V286000 component(s): Power steering gear Ford does not have all VIN numbers impacted by this recall listed. I had to demand the dealer to check again. Please get word out so that there is no injury or loss of life due to this steering issue!!!!!!!

- Durham, NC, USA

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