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10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
6 / 1
Injuries / Deaths:
5 / 0
Average Mileage:
71,470 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.

2012 Ford Explorer steering problems

steering problem

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2012 Ford Explorer Owner Comments (Page 5 of 13)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #176

Dec 202019

Explorer

  • 120,000 miles

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

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.

- Lampe, MO, USA

problem #175

Dec 192019

Explorer

  • 172,000 miles
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.

- Kapaa, HI, USA

problem #174

Dec 122019

Explorer

  • 79,000 miles
Loss of power steering control

- Aurora, CO, USA

problem #173

Nov 272019

Explorer

  • 10 miles

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

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

- Plano, TX, USA

problem #172

Nov 062019

Explorer

  • 164,000 miles
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.

- Burr Oak, MI, USA

problem #171

Jul 252019

Explorer

  • 120,000 miles
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.

- Fulton, MO, USA

problem #170

Nov 082019

Explorer

  • 170,500 miles

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

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.

- Calhoun, LA, USA

problem #169

Oct 312019

Explorer

  • 153,000 miles
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.

- Surprise, AZ, USA

problem #168

Nov 032019

Explorer

  • 150,000 miles
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.

- Yucaipa, CA, USA

problem #167

Oct 272019

Explorer

  • 210,800 miles
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.

- Richland, WA, USA

problem #166

Oct 152019

Explorer

  • 132,000 miles

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

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.

- Bakersfield, CA, USA

problem #165

Oct 212019

Explorer

  • 159,111 miles
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.

- Spalding, NE, USA

problem #164

Oct 122019

Explorer

  • 120,958 miles
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.

- Omaha, NE, USA

problem #163

May 222019

Explorer

  • 94,516 miles
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

- Burnsville, MN, USA

problem #162

Oct 092019

Explorer

  • 126,499 miles
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.

- Vaiden, MS, USA

problem #161

Jul 032019

Explorer

  • 75,000 miles
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.

- Visalia, CA, USA

problem #160

Aug 032019

Explorer

  • 144,000 miles
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.

- Morgantown, WV, USA

problem #159

Sep 052019

Explorer

  • 121,775 miles
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!

- Huntley, IL, USA

problem #158

Aug 202019

Explorer

  • miles
The steering locked on my 2012 Ford Explorer ltd. While driving down a city street. I could not turn the steering and had to coast off the road. Had to call to have the vehicle towed. A notice on the car said check power steering. I seen where others have had similar problems with this vehicle, but I didn't see it as a recall item on your site.

- Glenn Heights, TX, USA

problem #157

Aug 202019

Explorer

  • 108,757 miles
Power steering recall of 2014- my vehicle was recalled for steering was fixed under a recall in 2014 the extended the warranty to 10 years of 150,000 miles. My vehicle keeps showing a power steering assist default. It has been to the dealer and they claim it is not saving a code so they can't do anything. What is gonna happen when it happens at 70 mph and me or one of my family members is killed. They need to honor their warranty and fix it. I can not drive it to dealer once ther steering fails and they tell me this is the only way they can fix it.

- New Castle, PA, USA

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