2012 Ford Explorer
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Steering is the leading concern among 827 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 12th highest complaint count among 26 Explorer model years with reports.
Of the 2012 reports, 10 involved a crash and 6 involved a fire. 13 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Structure, body, roof and pillarsJan 19, 2024
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2011-2019 Explorer vehicles. The A-pillar trim retention clips may not be properly engaged, allowing the trim to detach.
A detached trim piece can fall off the vehicle, becoming a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash.
Dealers will inspect and replace the A-pillar trim as necessary, free of charge. This will be a phased campaign, with the remedy becoming available in different phases based on model years. Owner notification letters were mailed between July 18, 2024 and December 16, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24S02.
Campaign 24V031000 on NHTSA.gov
Suspension, rearSep 22, 2021
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2011-2013 Explorer vehicles originally sold, or currently registered in Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wisconsin. These vehicles may be equipped with a cross-axis ball joint (CABJ) replacement part that could seize, and result in a fracture of the outboard section of the rear suspension toe link.
A rear toe link fracture can result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Dealer will inspect for the presence of a CABJ. If a CABJ of any design is found, the dealer will inspect the tightness of the CABJ, and replace the CABJ, knuckle, and/or toe link as necessary, free of charge. Interim notification letters were mailed November 10, 2021. Owner notification letters were mailed on March 17, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21S43.
Campaign 21V746000 on NHTSA.gov
Suspension, rearJun 10, 2019
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2011-2017 Explorer vehicles. The rear suspension toe links may fracture due to stress on the rear suspension.
A fractured rear toe link will cause a sudden change in vehicle handling and increase the risk of a crash.
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear suspension toe links, and inspect both rear toe link ball joints, replacing the rear wheel knuckle(s), if necessary, free of charge. The recall began June 26, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19S17.
Campaign 19V435000 on NHTSA.gov
Wheels, hubAug 28, 2017
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain Wheel Hub Bearing assemblies, part number HB5Z-1104-C, incorrectly listed as being for installation on the rear axles of 2011-2017 Ford Explorer 4X2 vehicles. These bearings assemblies were manufactured without a self retention feature, possibly resulting in the separation of the wheel or wheel end.
A loss of the wheel or wheel end can increase the risk of a crash.
Ford will notify the distributors of the hubs specifying that they are to only be used on drive axles. It is believed that none of the hubs were purchased from Ford dealers for the incorrect application. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332.
Campaign 17E048000 on NHTSA.gov
Structure, body, doorMar 24, 2015
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2011-2013 Explorer vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the interior door handle return spring may unseat, resulting in interior door handle that does not return to the fully stowed position after actuation.
If the interior door handle return spring is unseated, the door may unlatch in the event of a side impact crash, increasing the risk of personal injury.
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect all four of the interior door handles and either repair or replace them, free of charge. The recall began on July 23, 2015. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 15S11.
Campaign 15V171000 on NHTSA.gov
Steering, electric power assist systemMay 29, 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 began on July 23, 2014. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-800-392-3673. Ford's number for this recall is 14S06.
Campaign 14V286000 on NHTSA.gov
SteeringJan 6, 2014
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain replacement steering gears installed on model year 2011-2012 Explorers as service parts in September 2013 and January 2014. The affected gears may lock, preventing the driver from being able to steer the vehicle.
The inability to steer the vehicle increases the risk of a crash.
Ford will notify owners and dealers will replace the suspect steering gears with new steering gears, free of charge. The recall began on January 29, 2014. Customers may contact Ford at 1-800-392-3673. Ford's number for this recall is 13S14.
Campaign 14E001000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: steering
358 reports, newest first. Show all
Steering, Apr 3, 2020
STARTED MY 2022 FORD EXPLORA , AND AS I STARTED TO BACK OUT OF MY PARKING SPACE I NOTICED I COULD NOT STEER WITH THE STEERING WHEEL , THE STEERING FROZE ON ME . I ATTEMPTED TO START THE VEHICLE ONCE MORE AND I FOUND MY SELF IN THE SAME SITUATION WITH MY STEERING FROZEN . I TRAVELED OVER 78 MILES WITH NO STEERING CAPABILITY.
Steering, Feb 25, 2020
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF THE NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V286000 (STEERING). SHORTLY AFTER RECEIVING THE RECALL LETTER, THE CONTACT'S WIFE WAS DRIVING AT 20 MPH AND EXPERIENCED COMPLETE LOSS OF POWER STEERING. THE CONTACT ALSO EXPERIENCED THE FAILURE WHILE DRIVING AT 70 MPH. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO MCCOMBS FORD WEST LOCATED AT 7111 NORTHWEST LOOP 410, SAN ANTONIO, TX 78238, WHERE A SOFTWARE UPDATE WAS PERFORMED HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE CONTACT ALSO EXPERIENCED THE LOSS OF POWER STEERING ASSIST WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS BEING REVERSED OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE RACK AND PINION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 165,000.
Steering, Feb 22, 2020
MY WIFE WAS DRIVING DOWN THE STREET AND THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP ON HER. NOW IT IS STIFF AND CANNOT DRIVE IT. THE DEALERSHIP TOLD ME SINCE IT WAS OVER 160,000 MILES THAT THEY WILL NOT FIX THE RECALL.
Steering, Suspension, Seat belts, Feb 14, 2020
THE FRONT STRUT TOWER MOUNTS ARE BAD. THIS IS ON EVERY 2011-2015 FORD EXPLORER I HAVE SEEN. IT MAKES A BAD CLUNK SOUND EVERYTIME THE WHEEL IS TURNED.
Steering, Feb 10, 2020
POWER STEERING ASSIST FAULT, FIRST APPEARED JANUARY 9TH 2020 - PURCHASED VEHICLE WITH AROUND 146,000 MILES ON 4/2019 - WE ARE THE SECOND OWNERS, FIRST OWNER BOUGHT NEW AND HAD DETAILED MAINTENANCE RECORDS - NEVER HAD RECALL WORK DONE FROM 2014 REGARDING THIS ISSUE. TOOK TO PAUL MILLER FORD, LEXINGTON, KY - STATED FORD SHOULD HAVE TO FIX - BUT THEY WON'T BECAUSE IT IS OVER 150,000 MILES. POWER STEERING ASSIST FAULT LIGHT CAME BACK ON FEB 7, 2020 - AND STILL REMAINS ON AND UN-DRIVEABLE. FORD REFUSES TO FIX THE ISSUE, AND I'M NOT THE ONLY ONE. THERE ARE SEVERAL OF US ON FORUMS BEING TOLD THE SAME THING. I DO NOT BELIEVE THE PREVIOUS RECALL FIXED THEM ALL - THEY ONLY CONTACTED ONES THAT WERE MANUFACTURED OUT OF CHICAGO - WITH THIS MANY STILL HAVING PROBLEMS, THERE HAS TO BE PROBLEMS WITH ALL MODELS DURING THIS TIME-FRAME, REGARDLESS OF WHERE THEY WERE MANUFACTURED. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE AND SHOULD BE ADDRESSED AND FORD SHOULD BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE. HAD I KNOWN ABOUT THIS ISSUE - I WOULD NOT HAVE BOUGHT THE VEHICLE.
Steering, Jan 6, 2020
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD EXPLORER. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED, THE POWER STEERING WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AND THE STEERING REQUIRED EXTRA EFFORT TO TURN. THE VEHICLE WAS TURNED OFF AND ON AND RESUMED NORMAL OPERATION AFTER FIVE MINUTES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO TROPICAL FORD (LOCATED AT 9900 S ORANGE BLOSSOM TRAIL, ORLANDO, FL 32837, (407) 851-3800) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE EPS SOFTWARE NEEDED TO BE UPDATED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED PER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V286000 (STEERING). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 106,000.
Steering, Dec 30, 2019
AFTER A RECALL FREE FIXED, THE CAR ITS SHOWING THE SAMETHING PROBLEM, BUT THE DEALERSHI SAY NOW I SHOULD TO PAY BECAUSE 4 YEARS AGO WAS FIX IT....
Steering, Electronic stability control (ESC), Dec 22, 2019
OUR SUV LOST POWER STEERING WHILE DRIVING AND UNABLE TO STEER VEHICLE WITHOUT EXCESSIVE FORCE. WARNINGS THAT CAME ON DASH INCLUDE: SERVICE POWER STEERING NOW, ADVANCETRAC WARNING, AND ALL TERRAIN WARNING. THE TURN SIGNALS ALSO WILL NOT OPERATE PROPERLY.
Steering, Dec 21, 2019
VEHICLE IN MOTION. STEERING BECAME MORE DIFFICULT. NO SENSOR LIGHT CAME ON. I PULLED OVER TO STOP AND SENSOR SAID POWER STEERING AND INTELLIGENT 4 WHEEL DRIVE NEED SERVICE. CALLED MECHANIC . TRIED TO DRIVE AND STEERING WAS COMPLETELY LOCKED .
Steering, Dec 12, 2019
LOSS OF POWER STEERING CONTROL
Steering, Dec 1, 2019
STEERING SYSTEM FAILURE APPEARED IN MY CAR AND I COULD NO LONGER MOVE THE STEERING AS IT GOT TOO HARD FOR NO REASON, I DON'T EVEN WANT TO IMAGINE WHAT WOULD HAVE HAPPENED IF I HAD DRIVEN ON THE HIGHWAY WITH MY FAMILY I THINK IT IS THE DEFECT OF THE FORD FOR WHICH FORD SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR SOLVING THIS PROBLEM TO PREVENT CRASHES
Steering, Suspension, Electronic stability control (ESC), Nov 20, 2019
ELECTRONIC STEERING GEAR ASSEMBLY WAS A RECALL AND WAS REPLACED. REPLACEMENT PART HAS NOW GONE BAD ONCE AGAIN. FORD IS NOT HONORING THE WARRANTY IT PROVIDED FOR THIS PART. VEHICLE HAS NO STEERING POWER NOW. WENT OUT WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD. UNABLE TO TURN LEFT CAUSING TO GO OFF THE ROAD. WAS ABLE TO CORRECT AND TRAVELED TO DEALER TO FIND OUT THAT THE STEERING IS GONE.
Steering, Wheels, Service brakes, Nov 12, 2019
07/25- HAD RECALL ORDERED- TOE LINK ON BOTH SIDES, REAR. PERFORMED AT HARRISONBURG FORD, VA. ; 09/04 DRIVING ON ROUTE 33 IN VA, MOUNTAIN ROAD. HEARD GRINDING NOISE COMING DOWN MOUNTAIN, NOISE STEADILY INCREASED AND BEGAN TO FEEL LIKE A LOSS OF CONTROL. SLOWED DOWN AND A MILE FROM SHOP THE NOISE STOPPED. WENT TO RICE TIRE IN VA AND HAD IT CHECKED. THE BOLT HOLDING TOE LINK ON RIGHT SIDE HAD DISLODGED NEARLY COMPLETELY. HAD IT REPLACED AND TOLD TO GO TO FORD TO RE TORQUE BOTH SIDES.; 09/05 WENT TO FORD. WAS INFORMED THAT MECHANIC HAD HAND TORQUED THE BOLTS, ESSENTIALLY MISREAD INSTRUCTIONS. MANAGER ACTUALLY STATED THAT THEY WERE GOING TO HAVE TO CALL MANY OTHER CUSTOMERS TO RE TORQUE THEIR TOE LINKS CORRECTLY AS WELL. I ASKED FOR ALIGNMENT AS WELL, BECAUSE THIS PROBLEM WOULD SURELY AFFECT BALANCE AND ALIGNMENT, THIS WAS PERFORMED AS WELL. THEY BILLED IT TO RECALL WARRANTY DEPT.; 11/6 DRIVING ON 25 IN COLORADO SPRINGS 65 MPH, TRAFFIC STOPS AND AS I BREAK HEAVILY I LOSE CONTROL AND VEHICLE HOPS A LANE. NO ACCIDENT.; 11/07 TAKE VEHICLE TO FORD TO CHECK TOE LINKS, WAS TOLD BOTH NUTS WERE LOOSE, LEFT AND RIGHT, THE KNUCKLE ON ONE SIDE HAS SNAPPED THE BRAKES ARE BAD, ROTORS AND BACK 2 TIRES ARE BAD..I SPECIFICALLY ASKED , SAYS THAT THIS IS ALL RELATED. THE FRONT BRAKES ARE WORN AS WELL, CLEARLY FROM COMPENSATION OF DRIVING WITH BAD TOE LINKS. I WAS TOLD SPECIFICALLY YES THIS IS ALL RELATED. FORD RECALL MANUFACTURER REFUSING TO COVER TOE LINKS AS WELL AS ALL ASSOCIATED DAMAGE, TOTALING OVER $3K. I HAVE NEVER HAD ANY ISSUES WITH VEHICLE AND PERFORM REGULAR MAINT ON TIRES BRAKES AND ROTARS, ETC. AND WITHIN 3 MONTHS OF RECALL I HAVE HAD 2 LIFE THREATENING INCIDENTS AND COMPLETE RUINATION OF MY VEHICLE SAFETY, AND ALOT OF DAMAGE INCURRED. RECEIPT OF RECALL ON 11/25 STATING EVERYTHING RELATED IS GREEN. NO WAY THIS DAMAGE IS NOT ASSOCIATED TO "NEW, SAFER" TOE LINKS.
Steering, Nov 11, 2019
RECALL: 14V286000 RECALL DATE: 05/29/2014 COMPONENT: STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM HELLO, I OWN A 2012 FORD EXPLORER LIMITED. WE RECEIVED THE RECALL SEVERAL YEARS AGO FROM FORD. WE THEN TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP AND HAD THE RECALL COMPLETED. HERE RECENTLY, THE STEERING HAS INTERMITTENTLY BECOME VERY DIFFICULT TO OPERATE WHEN FIRST STARTED UP AND FIRST MOVING. SO FAR, WE CAN REGAIN OPERATION BY SHUTTING OFF THE VEHICLE AND THEN RESTARTING. IT SEEMS OBVIOUS THAT FORD'S "FIX" FOR THIS RECALL DID NOT ADDRESS THE ISSUE. WE ARE NOW NERVOUS THAT THIS WILL SHOW UP WHILE ON THE HIGHWAY. WE ARE NOW FACING THE HIGH COST OF REPLACING THE RACK AND PINION.
Steering, Nov 4, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE STEERING LOST POWER AND THE SERVICE POWER STEERING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED A FEW MINUTES PRIOR TO THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO REPLACED THE FUSE. SURPRISE FORD (623-792-2522, LOCATED AT 16825 W. WADDELL ROAD, SURPRISE, AZ 85388) WAS CALLED AND STATED THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE INDEPENDENT MECHANIC INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE FAILURE MIGHT RECUR. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 153,000.
Steering, Nov 4, 2019
ON 11-3-2019 AT AROUND 1820 HOURS WHILE DRIVING IN THE MOUNTAINS, A YELLOW "SERVICE POWER STEERING SOON" LIGHT ILLUMINATED. I ACKNOWLEDGED THE WARNING AND FELT NO CHANGE IN HANDLING AT THE TIME. I CONTINUED DRIVING ABOUT ANOTHER 10 MINUTES TO MY DESTINATION. AS I TURNED INTO A DRIVEWAY I COULD FEEL THE STEERING GET VERY TIGHT AND MENTIONED IT TO MY PASSENGER. I PARKED THE CAR AND RETURNED ABOUT TWO AND A HALF HOURS LATER. WHEN I STARTED THE CAR AT THAT TIME, A RED "SERVICE POWER STEERING NOW" WARNING ILLUMINATED. I ATTEMPTED TO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL AND WAS ONLY ABLE TO DO SO WITH GREAT EFFORT. I DROVE THE CAR ABOUT 100 FT AND PARKED IT FOR THE NIGHT UNTIL I CAN GET A TOW TRUCK FOR IT. I WILL BE CONTACTING MY LOCAL DEALERSHIP, REDLANDS FORD, WHERE I PURCHASED THE CAR ORIGINALLY.
Steering, Nov 1, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE POWER STEERING FAILED WITHOUT WARNING AND IT BECAME DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO CORWIN FORD TRI CITIES (1225 N AUTOPLEX WAY, PASCO, WA 99301, (509)544-8000) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE STEERING GEAR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXTENDED THE WARRANTY TO TEN YEARS/150,000 MILES FOR THE STEERING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 210,800.
Steering, Oct 25, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE STEERING SEIZED AND THE POWER ASSIST WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT MANAGED TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE HOME. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO JIM BURKE FORD (2001 OAK ST, BAKERSFIELD, CA 93301, (661) 328-3600) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE STEERING COLUMN NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED; HOWEVER, THE STEERING MODULE WAS UPDATED. THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 132,000.
Steering, Oct 23, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, THE "POWER STEERING AID OFF" WARNING MESSAGE ILLUMINATED AND THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO ANDERSON FORD OF GRAND ISLAND (120 DIERS AVE, GRAND ISLAND, NE 68803, (308) 384-1700) WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED PER AN UNKNOWN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER AND THAT THE POWER STEERING NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. A REPAIR APPOINTMENT WAS SCHEDULED FOR OCTOBER 24, 2019. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THEY WERE NOT RESPONSIBLE DUE TO THE VEHICLE'S MILEAGE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 159,111.
Steering, Oct 21, 2019
CAME OUT TO START UP MY VEHICLE WHEN IMMEDIATELY MY POWER STEERING ASSIST FAULT CAME ON. IT WOULDNT ALLOW ME TO BACK MY CAR BACK NOR TURN MY STEERING WHEEL AS IF IT WAS LOCKED. SO I TURNED THE CAR OFF FEELING DISCOURAGED I MAY HAVE WAITED 20 MINUTES AND STARTED THE VEHICLE UP TO NOW THERE IS NO MESSAGE. I PROCEEDED TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE ONCE I MADE IT BACK HOME THE MESSAGE CAME ON ONCE AGAIN AT THIS TIME I TOOK OUT MY CAR BOOK AND IT GAVE INFORMATION ON WHAT THE PROBLEM IS AND TO SEEK SERVICE AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.
Steering, Suspension, Oct 11, 2019
WHEN IT ACCELERATE 0 TO 60 IT FEELS LIKE TREMBLES, EVEN WHEN IT PASSES 60 MPH IT FEELS. IF YOU ACTIVE THE OVER DRIVE IT FEELS IVEN MORE... I REPLACE THE TIRES, BRAKES , CONTROL ARM, MOTOR MOUNT. THE MECHANIC CHECK EVERYTHING. SO THE ONLY REST FOR CHECK IS THE RACK AND PINION THE HALL THING. THE EXPLORER IS IN VERY GOOD CONDITION
Steering, Electrical system, Oct 9, 2019
POWER STEERING DEFAULT ACTIVATES WHICH CAUSE YOU TO USE EXTREME FORCE TO NAVIGATE THE WHEEL AND THERE IS A POPPING NOISE IN FRONT OF VEHICLE. ALL WHILE DRIVING AND SITTING STILL.
Steering, Sep 30, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED AND THE POWER STEERING ASSIST WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO COAST THE VEHICLE TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND POWERED OFF THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED AND WAS ABLE TO DRIVE NORMALLY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED PER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14E001000 (STEERING) AT VISALIA FORD (1300 E MINERAL KING AVE, VISALIA, CA 93292, (559) 625-1000). HOWEVER, THE REPAIR DID NOT CORRECT THE FAILURE. IN ADDITION, WHILE MAKING TURNS, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME DIFFICULT TO TURN AND THE POWER STEERING ASSIST WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD ONLY MOVE FORWARD AND BACKWARDS. THE VEHICLE WAS UNABLE TO BE DRIVEN AND WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER OR AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 75,000.
Steering, Electronic stability control (ESC), Sep 11, 2019
I HAVE A 2012 FORD EXPLORER THAT WAS INCLUDED IN THE SAFETY RECALL 14S06. THE PSCM WAS REPROGRAMMED PRIOR TO ME PURCHASING THE VEHICLE. ASSOCIATED TO RECALL 14S06 IS THE EXTENDED COVERAGE PROGRAM 15N01, WHICH IS TO REMAIN OPEN ON THE VEHICLES THAT WERE RECALLED IN THE EVENT THAT ANY LOSS OF STEERING ASSIST DTCS ARE PRESENT. MY EXPLORER HAS A COMPLETE LOSS OF POWER STEERING AND THE DEALER HAS NOTED THAT MY ENTIRE STEERING GEAR ASSEMBLY MUST BE REPLACED. FORD REFUSES TO ACKNOWLEDGE EXTENDED COVERAGE 15N01. THIS COVERAGE IS SUPPOSED TO LAST FOR 10 YEARS AND 150,000 MILES. I AM AT 144,000 MILES. FORD CONTINUES TO REPEAT THAT MY CAR IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE SPECIAL COVERAGE. HOWEVER, PUBLICATIONS FROM FORD INDICATE OTHERWISE. REPLACEMENT OF MY STEERING GEAR IS $2,200. ALL OF WHICH SHOULD BE COVERED BY FORD. MY POWER STEERING AND STABILITRAK WARNINGS GO OFF AND I LOSE POWER STEERING WHILE DRIVING. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE THAT NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED CORRECTLY BY FORD. FORD'S CUSTOMER CARE DEPARTMENT IS SEVERELY INCAPABLE OF ANSWERING THE MOST BASIC QUESTIONS. THEY ARE ALSO INCAPABLE OF ACCURATELY DOCUMENTING WHAT YOU HAVE CALLED ABOUT MAKING IT IMPOSSIBLE TO REACH ANY RESOLUTION OR PROVIDE INFORMATION BEYOND WHAT YOU RESEARCH ON YOUR OWN. I REQUESTED ESCALATION AND WAS TOLD THAT THEY DON'T HAVE BOSSES, WON'T ESCALATE MY REQUEST FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION OR PROVIDE ORIGINAL RECALL NOTIFICATIONS FOR MY VIN. I WAS TOLD THE ONLY WAY TO PURSUE THE ISSUE FURTHER WAS TO WRITE A LETTER.
Steering, Sep 5, 2019
FOR THE PAST YEAR WHILE DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS THE STEERING WHEEL GETS "STUCK" IN POSITION AND WILL NOT TURN LEFT OR RIGHT TO STAY IN YOUR LANE. I HAVE TO APPLY HEAVY PRESSURE ON THE STEERING WHEEL TO MAKE IT MOVE AGAIN BUT AFTERWARDS IT APPEARS TO DRIVE NORMALLY EXCEPT ON THE OCCASION WHEN IT DOES IT MULTIPLE TIMES IN A 3-4 HOUR TRIP. I MENTIONED IT TO MY FORD DEALERSHIP WHEN IN FOR OTHER SERVICE BUT NOTHING WAS EVER DONE ABOUT IT AND THEY DENIED A RECALL WAS OPEN FOR THE STEERING. FAST FORWARD TO MAY, JUNE, JULY AND AUGUST 2019. ON OCCASION WHEN BACKING OUT OF MY GARAGE, THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD LOCK UP AND I COULD NOT STEER THE VEHICLE WITHOUT USING EXCESSIVE FORCE. THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD THEN RELEASE AND STEER AS NORMAL. THIS HAPPENED MORE TIMES THAN NOT SO I STARTED TO WONDER IF IT WAS THE THE BRAKE PADS AND ROTORS STICKING TOGETHER BECAUSE THEY WERE WET WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED BUT THAT THEORY QUICKLY GOT SHOT DOWN AS IT HAPPENED EVEN IN A LONG DRY SPELL. TODAY, SEPT 05, 2019 AS MY WIFE WENT TO BACK OUT OF THE GARAGE, THE STEERING WHEEL WAS COMPLETELY LOCKED UP AND WOULD NOT BUDGE. NORMALLY I WOULD ROCK THE STEERING WHEEL LEFT TO RIGHT, BACK AND FORTH AND IT WOULD FREE UP BUT NOT THIS TIME. AFTER SEARCHING FOR REMEDIES ON THE INTERNET ONE PERSON RECOMMENDED TO TURN THE VEHICLE OFF AND WAIT A FEW MINUTES AND THEN TO START IT UP AGAIN. I DID THIS AND IT WORKED! I ALSO WANT TO RELAY THAT AT NO TIME DID I EVER SEE A WARNING LIGHT ON THE DASHBOARD WHILE DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS OR WHEN STARTING THE VEHICLE AFTER BEING PARKED IN THE GARAGE. ITS POSSIBLE THAT THE STEERING MAY HAVE BEEN REPAIRED IN THE PAST BEFORE I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE (USED) AS IT DOES NOT SHOW UP IN A RECALL BY VIN SEARCH. NOTE: JUST STARTED CAR AGAIN AND THE STEERING IS LOCKED AGAIN. TOOK SEVERAL RESTARTS TO FREE IT UP!