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10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
1 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
1 / 0
Average Mileage:
69,008 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.

2013 Ford Explorer steering problems

steering problem

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2013 Ford Explorer Owner Comments

problem #16

Feb 022024

Explorer

  • 159,000 miles

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

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the steering wheel was locked. The contact stated that there was a message displayed that the steering wheel was locked. The vehicle was towed to a local mechanic where a diagnostic test was performed. The mechanic stated that the power steering had failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 159,000.

- Katy, TX, USA

problem #15

May 282023

Explorer

  • 156,000 miles
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving approximately 40 MPH, the steering wheel became firm, requiring extra effort while steering the vehicle. The contact stated that the stability control warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the warning light turned off an hour before the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The contact pulled over and turned off and restarted the vehicle however, the power steering functionality had not returned. The contact had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed and determined that the electronic power steering assist had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V286000 (Steering). The failure mileage was approximately 156,000.

- Orlando, FL, USA

problem #14

Mar 162023

Explorer 6-cyl

  • 200,060 miles
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH with her three-year-old in the vehicle, the power steering assist fault warning light illuminated and the steering wheel became difficult to turn, causing the vehicle to strike a street pole sign. The contact stated that she was unable to turn the steering wheel. The contact stated that the air bags did not deploy. The driver sustained neck injuries but did not receive medical attention. A Police report was not filed. The contact was concerned for her safety and had the vehicle towed to an independent mechanic and was diagnosed with an electrical power steering assist failure. The contact was informed that the electrical power steering assist needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and the contact was informed that the part required to fix the vehicle was no longer in production. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V286000 (Steering) however, the VIN was not included. The failure mileage was 200,060.

- Ozark, AL, USA

problem #13

Aug 162022

Explorer

  • 190,000 miles

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

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds when the power steering would suddenly fail to make it difficult to maneuver the vehicle and or seize complete movement. The contact stated that when the failure occurred they would park the vehicle and maneuver the steering wheel until they were able to gain control. The contact had made an appointment with the dealer but not taken the vehicle to be diagnosed as of yet. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 190,000.

- Cozad, NE, USA

problem #12

Jul 012020

Explorer 6-cyl

  • 120,000 miles
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH, the steering wheel stiffened with the "service power steering" and service advance track" messages on the instrument panel. Despite the failure, the contact was able to drive the vehicle home using excessive force to steer the vehicle. Once the contact arriver at her residence, the steering wheel became more difficult to steer. The contact's husband was unable to turn the steering wheel. Both the dealer and the manufacturer were notified of the failure and both informed her that the vehicle was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V286000 (Steering). The contact also stated that prior to the failure, the steering while would remain locked in the turn position and that she had to manually adjust the steering wheel to correct the steering. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.

- Nichols, SC, USA

problem #11

Sep 242021

Explorer

  • 82,410 miles
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the power steering assist failed, and the steering wheel was stiff and became difficult to turn. The power steering assist and traction control warning lights were illuminated. The contact was able to drive to his residence. The dealer was made aware of the failure and scheduled an upcoming appointment for diagnosis. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 82,410.

- Lakeland, FL, USA

problem #10

Sep 232021

Explorer

  • miles

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

Driving it and lost power steering and the wheel got very hard and almost crashed my Explorer

- Aguada, PR, USA

problem #9

Sep 152021

Explorer

  • 118,000 miles
The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while his wife was driving 55 MPH, the power steering assist warning light illuminated. The steering wheel locked up when the warning light illuminated. The vehicle was restarted, and the driver pulled over to the side of the road. The driver was waiting on the two trucks to arrive to tow the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 118,000.

- Loxahatchee, FL, USA

problem #8

Sep 052021

Explorer

  • miles
Was pulling out of my driveway and when I went to go forward the steering became hard so I had to get help to push it back into my driveway

- Albuquerque, NM, USA

problem #7

Sep 072021

Explorer

  • miles
I noticed a "clunking" in my steering, when i turn steering wheel. so husband put it up on jack stand to see if anything was loose. While up on jack stands and turning the wheel, it done a "shutter" feeling. when pulling back and forth on tire, it moved fine. I made appointment with local Ford dealer and they inspected the front end and steering rack. I paid $100 for the diagnose. They told me I needed to replace steering rack. costing up to $2500 If the price hadnt been bad enough news, they told me it was not recalled, but complaints were high. Also, told me that they can not get parts to fix it for a month or so"?" which means, I am paying for a car that i can not drive. Something needs to be done!! As i read through all the complaints on here about steering rack issues, they need to watch over our saftey and others. Im not happy with this situation.

- Bradner, OH, USA

problem #6

Sep 052021

Explorer

  • 78,662 miles

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

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while in his driveway the steering became inoperable. The power steering message was displayed. The contact called the local dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA for assistance. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V286000 (Steering). The failure mileage was 78,662.

- Canyon Lake, TX, USA

problem #5

Jul 262021

Explorer

  • miles
A significant clunk noise is present any time the steering wheel is used but worse when in reverse. The clunking is present when parked and the steering wheel is moved and while driving. If turning, the clunk is present and there is an involuntary slight but forceful pull of the wheel that has nearly caused an accident. Frequent instances with unusual handling and feels very unsafe, and after being evaluated at a local mechanic it was mentioned that there is a possible misaligned affecting the rear wheel and slight axel off set. It has been stated that if a fracture or bend is present that over time it will significantly diminishes steering control, and put my family at risk for an accident. My local Ford dealership, Bluebonnet Ford of New Braunfels Texas, refuses to assist despite the recent recall due to my VIN not being included in the recent release. I need assistance immediately to keep myself and children safe. I have poured thousands of dollars into this vehicle after sensor failure and AC/hose failure which was essential poisoning my family for months.

- New Braunfels, TX, USA

problem #4

Aug 202021

Explorer

  • miles
Was driving my 2013 Ford Explorer and the service steering light came on. Pulled in parking lot and turned car off. Turned it back on and then I had do steering. Had to have car towed. Was told I needed a new steering rack. This was a recall on my year 2013 explorer but my car is out of the manufacture date. Major safety issue

- Dagsboro , DE, USA

problem #3

Aug 182021

Explorer

  • miles
Power Steering Assist Fault comes up when I crank my car. The wheel locks up and I cannot turn it. If I turn the car off and back on, then it works fine.

- Pendergrass, GA, USA

problem #2

Jun 122021

Explorer

  • miles
I kept getting the power steering assist failed. I got it repaired and then I found out that there was a recall previously on my car. How do I go about getting reimbursement about me fixing the recalled part.

- Mesa, AZ, USA

problem #1

Jun 182021

Explorer

  • miles
I was driving when all of a sudden the power steering gave out. My wheel locked tight and I was unable to move the wheel easy. The light on the dash first stated drivers assist disabled and then "service power steering". I almost ran off the road due to loss of control of the wheel. It was taken to Gates Toyota where a Certified Ford Technician stated it was the power steering module. Upon looking this was an issue in Ford Explorer's in the past with a recall on it. Mine was not covered in this recall.

- South Bend, IN, USA

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