2017 Ford Explorer Steering

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at approximately 10 MPH, the steering wheel became stiff with the message "Power Steering Loss" displayed. The vehicle was pulled over to the side of the road and restarted; however, the failure persisted. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V530000 (Steering). The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 109,000.

I am reporting a safety-related defect involving the electric power steering system on my 2017 Ford Explorer. The vehicle displays a “Steering System Fault” warning, and when this occurs the power steering assist is reduced or disabled, creating a safety risk during low-speed driving, turning, and parking. When the ignition is on with the engine off, multiple communication fault codes appear, including U0100, U0131, U0140, and U0151. After the engine is started, these communication codes disappear, but the steering fault warning remains illuminated and no active fault codes are stored. This behavior indicates the steering system enters a fail-safe state during startup and does not recover. The battery was tested and replaced. Fuses, relays, wiring, grounds, and voltage drop during engine cranking were checked and found to be normal. Steering system reset and relearn procedures were performed using diagnostic tools, but the issue persisted. No external electrical or communication network problems were identified. Based on these findings, the problem appears to be an internal failure of the electric power steering rack or its control module. The loss or reduction of steering assist can occur without warning and increases the risk of a crash. This issue is commonly reported on 2016–2018 Ford Explorer vehicles, suggesting a design or durability defect. I am submitting this complaint to request that NHTSA investigate this condition as a potential safety defect.

Problem with the power steering. When turning to the right, the wheel sticks. I have to forces it past the parts that sticks. This happens at low and high speeds. 68,569 miles all maintenance done at Ford dealership.

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds on uneven terrain or roads, the rear of the vehicle was pulling to the left or the right. There was no warning illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local independent mechanic where it was diagnosed and determined that the rear of the vehicle was misaligned from the front end. In addition, the local independent mechanic advised the contact that the rear tie rod needed to be replaced. The local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 37,000.

The power steering went out with no warning. Stirring wheel went stiff and made it extremely hard to turn. All the traction and steering lights came on.

Problem with the power steering. When turning, the wheel sticks.

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving approximately 30 MPH to the residence, the power steering became inoperable. The contact stated that the steering wheel was previously pulling to the right. The message that the “Lane Assist Steering Lost - Check Park Assist: Service Advancetrac” warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was previously taken to the local dealer for a tire rotation, oil change, and alignment, but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 89,415.

My daughter was driving our 2017 Ford Explorer when the steering wheel locked up without warning, putting her life at risk. It mirrors the exact steering rack failure already recalled for 2011–2013 Explorers (Recall #14S06 / NHTSA 14V286000). We were told by a certified mechanic that the steering rack and gear failed, and that this is a common issue in these models. Ford has opened Case #xxx-xxx, but refuses to take responsibility or escalate the matter. They acknowledge several other recalls on this vehicle, but not the steering system — even though multiple 2016–2017 Explorer owners report similar failures. This is a serious safety hazard that could result in death. I am requesting an immediate NHTSA investigation into expanding the current steering rack recall to include 2017 model Explorers. Please escalate this complaint and notify me of any developments. I am collecting evidence and testimony from other Explorer owners with the same issue.

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that after restarting the vehicle, the steering wheel was difficult to turn in either direction and the warning messages "steering assist" and "service advanced Track" had been displayed. The vehicle was later taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the steering rack and pinion were faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 136,000.

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while his sister was driving 5 MPH making a right turn, the steering wheel seized and failed to turn as needed. There were no warning lights illuminated. The driver was able to continue driving to the residence. The contact called the local dealer and was informed that the failure was due to the power steering unit. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 36,000.

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the power steering assists warning light illuminated. In addition, the contact stated that the power steering had seized, and the vehicle was inoperable. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a failed power steering module. The contact stated that the dealer performed a power steering factory reset; however, the failure reoccurred. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was driven to the residence. The vehicle was parked and turned off. The contact stated that when the vehicle was restarted, the power steering had seized. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that after restarting the vehicle, the message "Power Steering Assist Fault" was displayed, and the steering wheel became difficult to turn in either direction. The vehicle was later towed to the residence. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in the NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V530000 (STEERING). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 50,000. The VIN was not available.

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at approximately 55 MPH, the vehicle lost power steering functionality and the steering wheel became firm. The contact stated that the power steering assist failure warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was steered to the side of the road and inspected. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the steering rack gear module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000.

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, the electrical components failed to function as intended. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a failed steering column control module. The contact was informed that the steering column control module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 85,000.

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving on several occasions, there was a squeaking sound coming from the tires. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was observed that the steering wheel had seized and failed to move. The vehicle was diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the battery needed to be replaced. The battery was replaced, but the failure persisted. The vehicle was towed back to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the steering rack needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 103,000.

Rack and Pinion is bad... vehicle is only six years old... why?? please look into this issue.

Our Explorer was in the shop for over 4 weeks in September The steering went out randomly while driving. We are lucky that the vehicle did not crash. Called FORD Care and they said nothing they could do. So, we took it to ford, and they tried to get the vehicle to throw codes at no success. They replaced the Rack & Pinion assembly and asked us to pick it up. The problem was worse when we picked it up and returned it to the dealer. They worked with ford tech support to try to fix it again, picked it up and still broke. They took it all apart checking the ball joints and other front-end parts, and decided to replace the Rack again, they called us that it is ready for pick-up. Not sure yet if it is fixed but call Ford Care again. They said sorry, after pushing the said to contact Ford Consumer Affairs. They also said that there is no recall for this issue so there is nothing they can do. If the first Rack from ford was bad, this caused us to wait an additional 3 weeks while the dealership worked with ford tech. The onboard diagnostic should help the dealership with solving steering issues. How many people will have to go thru this before there is a recall? The dealer was awesome thru this whole ordeal. I can go on and on about spending over 2k, but hope. Total of 6 weeks in the shop. Now, mid December 2023, the car is still doing it, this time the car crossed the double yellow on RT 12 a major highway here in Illinois. They have had the car for 2 more weeks and can not fix it. They said they will be working with Ford again.

Power steering locked up during a drive around the block, had to turn off the engine and turn it back on. After the car was running again, no issue. If this issue persists or comes back again, drivers aside from myself will be put in danger on the road as the steering can lock up anytime during the drive. I was lucky enough to only have it happen during a short drive around the block.

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle was swaying and became difficult to control with several unknown warning lights illuminated. The contact then received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V537000 (Steering). The dealer had been notified on multiple occasions of the issue and informed the contact that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer had been notified of the issue. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The failure mileage was approximately 48,000. Parts distribution disconnect.

The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the power steering assist would fail to operate as needed. The contact stated that excessive force was required to steer the vehicle due to the failure. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer and was informed that the tires and battery were the cause of the steering failure. Upon investigation, the contact linked the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V530000 (Steering). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 69,000.

I drove the suv to the store, with my kids. On the way back home , the steering wheel stop working and it was hard to steer the suv. We took it in to the dealership in inverness Ford, but they couldn't find anything wrong with the suv. Two days later it turn hard to steer again, but no codes.

The rack and pinion failed; these parts were replaced by Ford at my expense and Ford kept the old parts. The safety of myself, my passengers, and other drivers was put at risk because the steering would catch while in a curve and cause the driver to be unable to steer momentarily. This caused me to almost drive head-on into a semi tractor-trailer, as the steering was not responding to my turning the wheel, but did just in time to avoid the collision. This steering catch also caused over-steering as a result of the steering not responding. The problem was reported to Burns Ford of York and the rack and pinion were replaced on 10/21/21. The vehicle was only inspected by Burns Ford of York. The catch in the steering first started in July of 2021 and progressively got worse. As the symptoms worsened, the loss of traction warning light would often come on when the steering caught.

The car sways when changing lanes on parkway

THE EPS UNIT SUDDENLY FAILED WITHOUT WARNING AND ALMOST CAUSED US TO GET INTO AN ACCIDENT. FROM DOING A LITTLE RESEARCH I HAVE DISCOVERED THAT THIS HAS BEEN AN ISSUE SINCE FORD CREATED THE EPAS SYSTEM. WE WERE TRAVELING ON THE HIGHWAY AT THE TIME IT FAILED. RESTARTING THE CAR DID NOT TEMPORARILY FIX OUR ISSUE. THIS ISSUE HAS BEEN DOCUMENTED BY MULTIPLE PEOPLE FOR QUITE A FEW YEARS NOW WITHOUT RESULT. THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE.

POWER STEERING JUST STOPS WORKING AND ALMOST CAN NOT TURN THE WHEEL AND TRACKING CONTROLS STOP WORKING. THIS IS POLICE VEHICLE ON A CITY STREET JUST BEFORE A TURN. *TR