Ford Explorer Power Steering Recalls: Worth Worrying?

Dec 8, 2020

As one of the most popular SUVs in America, the Ford Explorer has had its share of recalls. If you drive a 2011-2013 Explorer, there’s a chance that you’ve already heard of the power steering issues or even experienced them yourself.

What should I know about the Ford Explorers power steering recalls?

While the issue wasn’t addressed until a few years after the debut of the 2011 Explorer, the NHTSA ran an investigation in 2012 and found that the power steering problems posed a legitimate safety risk.

Blue 2013 Ford Explorer With White Background

If you want to find out exactly what this recall entailed, whether or not your Explorer was included in the recall, and what you should do if it was, keep reading.

Power Steering Assist May Fail

NHTSA Recall ID: 14V286000

This recall affected 179,027 potential units: Ford Explorers dated from 2011-2013 and built from May 17, 2010-February 28, 2012. The problem has to do with an intermittent connection in the electric power steering gear.

This could result in the electric power steering assist system shutting down. If you lose power steering in traffic, there’s a good chance of getting into an accident.

Ford issued notices to drivers on July 23, 2014 and began making the needed repairs, updating the power steering control module software.

Was Your Explorer Recalled?

It’s easy to find out whether or not your vehicle is subject to any open recalls. All you need to do is get your VIN number, type it into the search bar on the NHTSA website, and if you see any pending recalls, call Ford customer service at 1-800-392-3673 for further instruction.

From there, you’ll probably get sent to a nearby Ford dealer where they’ll make the appropriate repairs free-of-charge. No matter how old your car is, if there’s a pending recall, the repairs will be handled free-of-charge.

Owner Reviews

Write a Review

Vicki on January 25, 2024

Power Steering Assist May Fail NHTSA Recall ID: 14V286000

Power Steering Assist May Fail NHTSA Recall ID: 14V286000 This recall affected 179,027 potential units: Ford Explorers dated from 2011-2013 and built from May 17, 2010-February 28, 2012. The problem has to do with an intermittent connection in the electric power steering gear. This could result in the electric power steering assist system shutting down. If you lose power steering in traffic, there’s a good chance of getting into an accident. (quoted from this website) My coments: It would appear there are more!!! My daughter was driving my 2013 Explorer with my 2 grandchildren (one 2 months old, the other 14 months old) Because of needing 2 carseats my vehicle has to be used. This has now happened 2 other times. We were told to shut off the engine and restart the car; thus resetting the Power Steering Assist. It worked but it happened 2 more times after the first time. I thank God every day that we weren't on the highway. To get to most places in our town you have to get on an Interstate. Ford needs to get this taken care of by doing a recall!!!! I have bragged about this wonderful vehicle and how I have had no major repairs needed since I drove it new off the lot. I have always bought a Ford vehicle, but this may end up changing my mind.

Kayla on September 13, 2023

2016 Explorer

A week ago I almost hit someone head on because I lost all steering in my 2016 Ford Explorer. I could not turn the wheel whatsoever, I was surrounded by other vehicles while trying to come to stop I was also almost rear-ended. Per my mechanic, the parts, labor and having the module reprogrammed is going to cost me $3700. It only has 55,000 miles on it. I called Ford and they declined any help, no financial assistance. However, they did thank me for purchasing 6 ford vehicles, as if that was supposed to make me happy. Why is it that previous models, and tons of other complaints of newer models with the same issue aren't a concern? I guess when this car kills me, my husband can file a law suit and enjoy the insurance pay out. Thanks Ford for nothing! FYI I did file a complaint with NHTSA.org to investigate, maybe I'll get an answer in 18 months.

Lori T. on February 7, 2023

This happens with 2014 Explorers as well

I honestly loved my Explorer until this happened. My vehicle has not been drivable for the past 6 months due to the $2400 repair cost. Making the decision to repair it ourselves has only been a problem because the part is out of stock everywhere, and even dealerships are having trouble getting a hold of them. Dealerships are asking twice the normal price for the part. We were fortunate that the power steering went out as we were arriving at home, so we did not put ourselves or others in danger. The fact that you cannot safely pull the car off the roadway is so scary that I worry about every Explorer I see out on the road. I am not sure why this is not recalled on the 2014 as well.

Casey on February 18, 2023

2015power steering out twice in 1 year

Ford dealship couldn’t get the power steering assembly and would not ship between dealerships. I drove 4.5 hrs to get the part then local Ford told me they couldn’t put it in and told me to out source for install and they could program in well come whe it came time to program they said they sent it to a different shop outsourcing and gave me their info and now the power steering assembly has gone out again within a year of buying the new part. It was an expensive fix the first time I am furious with Ford not standing behind the products they make and the service at the dealerships. I even had to drive the core back because local wouldn’t take it after they said they could.

Tim Moes on November 4, 2022

2015 Power assist Failure

My 2015 has this issue and the whole steering assembly was replaced after waiting 2 weeks for the part. The new part was installed and didn’t work at all. The Ford dealer has reordered the part but this really gives me the confidence they have this issue solved. I think a recall needs to be done for the 2015 as the cost of this repair is $2400 but needs to be done as I can’t put my family in this dangerous vehicle.

Nurse304 on November 1, 2023

Power steering

Just yesterday my power steering went out as soon as I pulled in to work. I thank God no one else was out there. It was the scariest thing I have ever experienced. I was pulling in and all of a sudden all of these dings went off and a alert came across the screen saying "steering loss stop safety". I could turn the wheel at all, again thank god there was a parking space right in front of me.

Tim Moes on February 16, 2023

2015 Power Steering Assist Error update

Originally posted issue with replacing the steering assembly in November in 2022. The 2015 Explorer worked fine but failed again one month later after spending $2400. Have picture of error code on dash but dealer says to let them know the next time this happens as no code was left in computer. It appears Ford has no idea what to do but to replace parts and charge the customer.

Salena Glenn on November 8, 2023

Power Steering Failed

I have 2013 Ford Explorer suddenly the power steering went out while driving it with no warning whatsoever it's going to cost $2500 to fix Ford is saying it is not on recall yet it's same problem everyone else is having the Ford dealer wants $2500 to repair a vehicle with only 120,000 miles on it. I won't be buying Another Ford that's for sure

Lisa Crispen on December 5, 2022

2012 Explorer-Power steering assist fault

My explorer is sitting. Power steering gear went out. Luckily I wasn't driving at the time. I was stranded at grocery store by myself in the evening. Dealership quoted $2500 to fix. Sounds like many related issues with 2011 - 2013 explorers. Is this a recall?

Amanda Seymour on August 24, 2022

Power steering assist fault

Power steering assist fault light came on and I can’t move my car 2013 Ford Explorer Assist Fault came on. Does this get fixed for free?

Caroline B. on October 10, 2023