2014 Ford Explorer
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Steering is the leading concern among 1,678 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 6th highest complaint count among 26 Explorer model years with reports.
Of the 2014 reports, 32 involved a crash and 6 involved a fire. 38 people were injured and 2 people died.
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, rearJul 15, 2021
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2017 Explorer vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and the District of Columbia. Exposure to road salt can cause the cross-axis ball joint to corrode and seize, resulting 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.
Dealers will inspect and replace as necessary, the cross-axis ball joint (CABJ) knuckle, and replace the rear suspension toe links, free of charge. This recall is an expansion of previous NHTSA recall numbers 16V-245, 19V-435, and 20V-675. Certain vehicles previously repaired will need to return for the new remedy. An interim notification letter notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed on September 10, 2021. Owner notification letters were mailed on March 16, 2022. Owners may contact Ford's customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21S32.
Campaign 21V537000 on NHTSA.gov
Suspension, rearMar 12, 2021
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2017 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 that were previously repaired under a prior recall numbers 16V-245 or 19V-435. The outboard section of a rear suspension toe link may fracture.
A rear toe link fracture can result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the cross-axis ball joint (CABJ) knuckle attached to the rear suspension toe link and replace it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began November 27, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S62.
Campaign 20V675000 on NHTSA.gov
Power train, axle assembly, axle shaftNov 10, 2020
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2014-2016 Explorer, 2014-2015 Taurus and 2014 Edge vehicles equipped with 2.0L or 2.3L engines and front wheel drive. The support bracket for the front drive axle halfshaft may fail.
The failed bracket could result in a loss of park function which can cause unintended vehicle movement, and loss of motive power while driving which increases the risk of a crash.
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the link shaft bracket, free of charge. Parts are not currently available. Owners received an interim notification detailing safety risk December 8, 2020. A second letter will be mailed when parts become available in January 2021. The recall began February 2, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S63.
Campaign 20V692000 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
Suspension, rearApr 26, 2016
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Ford Explorer vehicles manufactured January 17, 2014 to May 31, 2014. The affected vehicles may have improperly welded rear suspension toe links that may fracture.
A fracture of the rear suspension toe link may result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear suspension toe links, free of charge. The recall began on November 18, 2016. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 16S18.
Campaign 16V245000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: steering
498 reports, newest first. Show all
Steering, Jan 28, 2020
POWER STEERING RANDOMLY FAILED WHEN I TURNED THE CAR ON TO PULL IT OUT OF GARAGE, POWER STEERING ASSISTS FAULT OR SOMETHING, UNABLE TO STEER THE CAR EASILY. READ ONLINE THAT THIS IS A PRETTY COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS MODEL YEAR, CAN HAPPEN WHILE DRIVING, ALL SURROUNDING YEARS HAVE BEEN RECALLED ALREADY. WAS LUCKY I WAS NOT ON A HIGH SPEED ROAD OR COULD HAVE HAD AN ACCIDENT AS WOULD NOT HAVE BEEN ABLE TO STEER THE CAR.
Steering, Jan 24, 2020
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING THE POWER STEERING CEASED WHICH MADE IT DIFFICULT TO STEER THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT EXTRA EFFORT WAS NEEDED TO MANEUVER THE VEHICLE. KOONS FALLS CHURCH FORD (1051 E BROAD ST, FALLS CHURCH, VA 22044 (703) 241-7200) WAS CONTACTED AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE REPAIRS WOULD COST $3,000. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT SUBJECTED TO A RECALL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 117,000.
Steering, Jan 23, 2020
WHEN BACKING OUT OF GARAGE STEERING FREEZES AND CAN NOT TURN STEERING WHEEL. SHOWS "STEERING ASSIST MALFUNCTION SERVICE REQUIRED". TURN OF AND ON WILL COME BACK ON, (LAST 4 TIMES). THIS WAS A PROBLEM WITH 2011-2013 AND 2015-2017. FOR SOME REASON NO RECALL ON 2014. HEARD THE POWER STEERING HAS GONE OUT ON PEOPLE WHEN DRIVING ON HIGHWAY. THIS IS MY WIFES CAR. IF IT HAPPENS TO HER I AM SURE SHE WILL NOT BE ABLE TO CONTROLL THE CAR. ANY ACCIDENTS OR DEATHS REPORTED BECAUSE OF THIS? TOOK TO DEALER BECAUSE I ALWAYS HAVE IT SERVICED AT DEALER. THEY SAID IT "NEEDS POWER STEERING RACK AND STAB LINKS". COST TO REPAIR $2,365.77!!!!!! WHY ARE 2011, 2012, 2013, 2015, 2016 AND 2017 COVERED WITH RECALL BUT 2014 NOT COVERED??????????? HELP!!!!!
Steering, Seat belts, Service brakes, Dec 30, 2019, crash
WHEN DRIVING THE 2014 EXPLORER, COKING OVER A HILL AND BEGAN BRAKING. CAR LOST BRAKING CAPABILITY AND BEGAN TO SPEED DOWN THE HILL, AND CRASHED INTO A TREE. ONE MIDDLE OCCUPANT ON 2ND ROW CAME UNBUCKLED AND DIDN'T SURVIVE. THIS HAS BEEN AN ONGOING TRIAL FOR 3 YEARS AND RECENTLY INFORMED THAT NO INVESTIGATION HAS BEEN PERFORMED ON THE VEHICLE OTHER THAN THE EDR/CDR. NO POST VEHICLE INSPECTION HAS BEEN PERFORMED, NO MEDICAL REPORTS HAVE BEEN PULLED. I HAVE PREVIOUSLY FOR 3 YEARS INQUIRED FOR HELP ON THIS MATTER AND HAVE FORWARDED QUESTIONS REGARDING INFORMATION OBTAINED. I KNOW WITHOUT A SHADOW OF A DOUBT I AM NOT LIABLE FOR THIS ACCIDENT AND HAVE WORKED FOR 3 YEARS TRYING TO OBTAIN INFORMATION ON THIS VEHICLE. WHEN I WAS COMING DOWN THE HILL THE CAR SEEM TO BE INCREASED IN SPEED - THE REPORT DOES SHOW THAT FOOT WAS ON THE BRAKE THE ENTIRE REPORT AND NO GAS WAS APPLIED. I TURNED AS FAR AS I COULD WITH THE WHEEL AND THE STEERING BARELY STEERED AS WELL. I WOULD LIKE TO SAVE A LIFE SOMEWHERE DOWN THE LINE AS THIS HAS CHANGED MY LIFE FOREVER. THE OCCUPANT ON THE 2ND ROW PASSED AWAY THAT DAY FROM SEAT BELT COMING UNATTACHED. MEDICAL REPORTS SHOW HE WAS WEARING A SEATBELT. IF THERE WAS SOMEONE WILLING TO LOOK INTO THIS - WOULD BE A LIFE CHANGING SITUATION.
Steering, Dec 27, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT MANAGED TO DRIVE HOME AT LOW SPEEDS. THE VEHICLE WAS TURNED OFF AND RESTARTED, BUT IT DID NOT RETURN TO NORMAL. DAVE SMITH FORD, LLC (4045 TRANSIT RD, WILLIAMSVILLE, NY 14221, (716) 634-2000) WAS CONTACTED AND STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN A RECALL. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED TO BRING THE VEHICLE IN FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V286000(STEERING). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 70,000.
Steering, Dec 16, 2019
LOSE OF POWER STEERING IN COLD WEATHER; NEEDS 50 DEGREES OR MORE FOR POWER STEERING TO WORK. NO WARNING LIGHTS WHEN POWER STEERING IS LOST.
Steering, Dec 8, 2019
STEERING WHEEL FAULT ASSIST
Steering, Dec 6, 2019
WHILE TRAVELING AT ABOUT 50 MPH ON A 4 LANE HIGHWAY, THE STEERING OF THE CAR BEGAN TO BE UNRESPONSIVE. IN SLIPPERY CONDITIONS I REDUCED THE SPEED AND WAS ABLE TO NEGOTIATE MY RETURN TO HOME. AFTER SHUTTING THE CAR OFF, I RESTARTED AND THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD NOT MOVE AT ALL. WHEN THE CAR WAS BEING LOADED ON THE TOW TRUCK, THE FRONT WHEELS COULD NOT BE STEERED AT ALL. DEALER REPLACED THE STEERING COMPUTER BUT I WAS TOLD THE MECHANICAL STEERING MECHANISM HAD FAILED ALSO. NO ONE WAS HURT OR ACCIDENT OCCURRED, BUT THE CASCADING PROBLEM CREATED A DANGEROUS SITUATION.
Steering, Dec 2, 2019
POWER STEERING STOPPED WORKING AND DASHBOARD LIT UP WITH WARNING LIGHTS.VEHICLE WAS ON I-77 DOING 70 MPH WHEN THIS HAPPENED.
Steering, Nov 25, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STEERING MADE A CLINKING NOISE WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO LEWIS FORD (888-314-4824, LOCATED AT #3373 NORTH COLLEGE, FAYETTEVILLE, AR 72703) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE STEERING GEAR BOX NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL. THE CONTACT WAS PROVIDED CASE NUMBER: CAS24964944 AND WAS REFERRED TO NHTSA. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 68,500.
Steering, Nov 7, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE, THE STEERING WHEEL SUDDENLY BECAME VERY DIFFICULT TO TURN IN EITHER DIRECTION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO REPLACED THE STEERING CONTROL ARM; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE CONTINUED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN UNKNOWN DEALER WHERE THE STEERING MODULE WAS REPROGRAMMED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 75,000.
Steering, Oct 28, 2019
THE POWER STEERING ON MY 2014 FORD EXPLORER STOPPED WORKING ALL TOGETHER WHILE PULLING INTO THE DRIVEWAY OF MY HOME OFF OF A CITY STREET. WARNING LIGHTS CAME ON STATING TRACTION ASSIST AND POWER STEERING FAULTS. THIS HAPPENED WITH OUT WARNING AND MADE THE VEHICLE VERY HARD TO STEER.
Steering, Oct 9, 2019
AFTER FUELING UP AT THE GAS STATION I STARTED DRIVING HOME WHEN THE STEERING GOT HARD AND COULDNT MAKE TURNS EASILY, ON THE DASH IT SAID 'STEERING ASSIST FAULT SERVICE REQUIRED', THANKFULLY I WAS ABLE TO SLOW DOWN AND THERE WASNT MUCH TRAFFIC BUT I WAS VERY SCARED FOR A FEW MOMENTS, I HAD A 1YR OLD AND A 6YR OLD WITH ME
Steering, Oct 4, 2019
STEERING ASSIST FAULT SERVICE REQUIRED MESSAGE POPPED UP WHEN I STARTED MY CAR. THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD NOT TURN EITHER DIRECTION. LUCKILY I WAS IN OFFICE PARKING LOT AND IT DID NOT HAPPEN WHILE DRIVING OR I WOULD NOT HAVE BEEN ABLE TO TURN TO AVOID OTHER CARS. I MADE ARRANGEMENTS TO HAVE CAR TOWED, BUT WHEN I STARTED IT UP AGAIN THE STEERING WORKED AS NORMAL. I DID NOT WANT TO CHANCE IT HAPPENING AGAIN SO I PUT IN THE SHOP. IT WAS AN ELECTRICAL ISSUE WITHIN THE STEERING SHAFT AND HAD TO BE REPLACED. I WAS LUCKY THAT IT DID NOT HAPPEN WHILE DRIVING, BUT WANTED TO REPORT IN CASE IT HELPS OTHERS.
Steering, Sep 25, 2019
WHILE DRIVING 2014 EXPLORER VERY NEAR HOME, THE POWER STEERING FAILED. I WAS ABLE TO DRIVE BACK HOME BUT CALLED FOR A TOW TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR REPAIR. THE 'CODE' SAID RESET COMPUTER. THIS WAS DONE BUT DURING TEST DRIVE FAILURE HAPPENED AGAIN. SINCE NO CODE IS PROVIDED, I AM TOLD THE ONLY THING THAT IS LEFT IS JUST TO DRIVE IT AND SEE IF IT HAPPENS AGAIN. THIS JUST SEEMS VERY UNSAFE ESPECIALLY IF MY WIFE IS DRIVING AND UNABLE TO HANDLE THE CAR TO A STOP OR WE ARE IN HEAVY TRAFFIC.
Steering, Sep 23, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, THE VEHICLE LOST POWER STEERING ABILITY AND THE SERVICE POWER STEERING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT DROVE TO PURCHASE FORD/LINCOLN (1352 US-45, MAYFIELD, KY 42066) ON SEPTEMBER 19, 2019 WHERE THEY REPLACED THE BATTERY; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.
Steering, Sep 18, 2019
WHILE DRIVING STRAIGHT ON THE HIGHWAY A WARNING LIGHT ALERT CAME ON SAYING STEERING ASSIST FAULT SERVICE REQUIRED. AT THE SAME TIME THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP AS I WAS TRAVELING 70 MPH. I COULD ONLY TURN THE STEERING WHEEL A 10TH OF A TURN IF THAT. I SLOWED DOWN AND PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. I THEN TURNED OFF THE CAR AND ATTEMPTED TO RESTART THE CAR HOPING IT WOULD RESET THE SYSTEM SO I COULD MAKE IT TO THE LOCAL CAR DEALERSHIP. UNFORTUNATELY IT WOULD NOT RESET SO I LIMPED THE CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP AS SAFELY AS I COULD. HAD I BEEN TURNING WHEN THIS HAD HAPPENED I WOULDNT NOT HAVE BEEN ABLE TO MAKE A TURN AT THE SPEED I WAS GOING (70MPH).
Steering, Sep 16, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED AND THE "PLEASE MAKE A SAFE STOP" WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO WAYNE AKERS FORD (2000 10TH AVE N, LAKE WORTH, FL 33461, (800) 749-8875) WHERE IT WAS CURRENTLY WAITING TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 88,000.
Steering, Sep 16, 2019
APPROXIMATELY 68,000 MILES. GRINDING NOISE COMING FROM RACK WHEN TURNING WHEEL LEFT AND RIGHT AT LOWER SPEEDS AND ON SHARP TURNS. THE WHEELS DO NOT STRAIGHTEN OUT OR RETURN TO CENTER WHEN EXITING A TURN...DRIVER MUST MANUALLY RETURN THE WHEEL TO THE MIDDLE. I WAS ALREADY AWARE OF THE RECALLS FOR THE 2011-2013 FOR THE MALFUNCTIONING POWER STEERING GEARS (OR RACK AND PINION) WHEN I TOOK THE VEHICLE INTO ROYAL OAK FORD (ROYAL OAK, MI), THEY DETERRMINED THAT THE RACK NEEDS TO BE REPLACED AND THAT FORD WILL NOT COVER THE COSTS FOR THIS SAFETY ISSUE. QUOTED $1650 FOR RACK AND $550 FOR LABOR FOR A TOTAL OF $2200. THEY WERE NOT ALSO ABLE TO DISCLOSE WHAT WAS THE ACTUALLY WRONG WITH THE RACK, ONLY STATED THAT IT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE RACK, P/N: STE633RM, WAS USED IN THE 2011-2015 FORD EXPLORERS. THE SAFETY RECALL IS ONLY FOR 2011-2013. I HAVE A 2014 EXPLORER WHICH IS NOT COVERED IN THE RECALL. PARTS.FORD.COM STATE THAT THIS IS A REMANUFACTURED RACK WHICH RETAILS FOR $1417.09. THERE IS A 2 YEAR WARRANTY INCLUDED WITH THIS PRICE.
Steering, Electronic stability control (ESC), Sep 1, 2019
TURNING AT A RED LIGHT MY POWER STEERING LOCKED UP WITH A WARNING ON THE SCREEN STATING STEERING ASSIT SERVICE REQUIRED. I TURN THE VEHICLE OFF AND BACK ON AND THE STEERING UNLOCKED. SINCE THE CAR IS MAKING A WHINING NOSE. I SEE MULTIPLE RECALLS FOR THIS MAKE AND MODEL FOR POWER STEERING ISSUES BUT MY VIN NUMBER ISNT LISTED.
Steering, Aug 28, 2019
WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY THE STEERING WAS STICKING AS I MOVED THE WHEEL LEFT OR RIGHT. AFTER A PERIOD OF TIME THE EXPLORER DISPLAYED THE FOLLOWING MESSAGE, "STEERING LOSS STOP SAFELY" AND "SERVICE ADVANCE TRAC". AT THIS POINT THE VEHICLE'S COMPUTER TURNED OFF THE STABILITY CONTROL AND TURN SIGNALS. I WAS ABLE TO REACH MY DESTINATION, BUT WHEN I TRIED TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE THE FOLLOWING DAY, THE COMPUTER DISPLAYED A MESSAGE THAT THERE WAS COMPLETE STEERING FAILURE AND I COULD NOT GET THE STEERING WHEEL TO BUDGE. I CALLED FOR A TOW AND IT WENT TO A FORD DEALERSHIP. THE CONTACTED ME LATER IN THE DAY AND STATED THAT THE STEERING RACK COMPLETELY FAILED AND THAT IT WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED. THE TOTAL COST OF STEERING RACK AMOUNTED TO $2173.75. MY UNDERSTANDING IS THAT FORD HAS RECALLED 2011-2013 AND 2015-2018 MODELS, BUT NOT MY MODEL YEAR OF 2014.
Steering, Aug 23, 2019
WHILE DRIVING, NOTICED THAT IS WAS MORE DIFFICULT TO TURN CORNERS. APPONTMENT WAS NOT AVAILABLE FOR A FEW DAYS TO HAVE IT LOOKED AT, AND IT WAS PARKED WHILE WAITED FOR APPOINTMENT. WHEN I DROVE IT TO DEALERSHIP, THERE WAS A GRINDING NOISE WHILE TURNING AS WELL AS THE DIFFICULT TURNING. WAS TOLD THE ELECTRONIC STEERING GEAR IS DEFECTIVE AND NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. IN DOING RESEARCH, THIS WAS RECALLED ON MANY OTHER EXPLORERS BUT NOT THE 2014 YEAR.
Steering, Aug 21, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, THE POWER STEERING SUDDENLY MALFUNCTIONED AND THE DRIVER WAS UNABLE TO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL IN EITHER DIRECTION. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO GERVAIS FORD(5 LITTLETON RD, AYER, MA) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE STEERING RACK WAS FAULTY AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. PREVIOUSLY, WHILE MAKING SHARP TURNS, A GRINDING NOISE WAS PRESENT COMING FROM THE STEERING COLUMN. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER, BUT NO FAILURE WAS FOUND. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 81,000.
Steering, Aug 15, 2019
WHEN I STARTED MY VEHICLE (IN PARK) I GOT A MESSAGE ON THE DASHBOARD THAT SAID "POWER STEERING ASSIST FAULT". I TRIED BACKING OUT OF THE PARKING SPACE AND TURNING AND THE POWER STEERING DID NOT WORK.
Steering, Aug 5, 2019
THE ELECTRICAL STEERING CONTROL MODULE WENT OUT ON MY CAR (63K MILES) AND HAS BEEN REPLACED BY THE DEALER AT MY COST FOR $3300. WHEN DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AT ANY SPEED, WORSE AT FREEWAY SPEEDS, THE CAR STARTED GRINDING WHILE SWITCHING LANES AND TURNING WITHOUT ANY FAULT LIGHTS ON. IT DID NOT FEEL LIKE A SAFETY ISSUE BUT WAS SCARY AS [XXX]. WHEN PARKED AND I WOULD TURN THE WHEEL IT WOULD MAKE A CLUNKING NOISE. I GOT IT HOME AND STOPPED DRIVING IT UNTIL I COULD GET IN TO AN APPOINTMENT AT THE DEALER A COUPLE DAYS LATER. THEY EXPLAINED THAT THEY HAD TO REPLACE THE ENTIRE STEERING RACK BECAUSE THE PIECES OF THE RACK ARE NOT SERVICEABLE - 3K AFTER THE WARRANTY RUNS OUT - HOW CONVENIENT FOR FORD! THEN I GO DIGGING ONLINE AND FIND THEY HAVE RECALLED THIS UNIT IN OTHER EXPLORERS AND ESCAPES BUT NOT THE 2014. BOGUS! I HAVE NEVER OWNED A CAR WHERE THE STEERING WENT OUT, BUT KNOW [XXX] WELL A NEW STEERING PUMP OR MECHANICALS IN A HYDRAULIC SYSTEM WOULD BE $200-$500 MAX. THIS YOUTUBE VIDEO INDICATES IT IS LIKELY AN ENGINEERING FLAW IN THE DESIGN AND FORD WON'T COVER OR FESS UP TO THEIR OWN ENGINEERING FLAW THAT CREATES HIGH HEAT IN THE STEERING MECHANICS AND THEY HAVE FAILED TO MITIGATE FOR EFFECTIVELY - HTTPS://WWW.YOUTUBE.COM/WATCH?V=SZHMXWCP9FO. SO ANGRY. AND I FULLY EXPECT THIS PROBLEM TO RECUR AT MY EXPENSE AGAIN, WHO KNOWS WHEN BECAUSE OF THIS ENGINEERING FLAW. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *JS *TR