Consumer Complaints

Fail datemilesoccurencesPurchase date
STEERING
01/11/201320000
 Tl* the contact owns a 2012 ford explorer. the contact stated that the engine was started and both the power steering and power assist warning lights illuminated as steering wheel became hard to turn. the vehicle was taken to the dealer, who inspected the vehicle and located the failure at the rack and pinion, which failed due to an electrical shortage. the vehicle was not repaired because the rack and pinion was on back order. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure. the failure and current mileage was 20,000.
01/11/201320000
 Tl- the contact owns a 2012 ford explorer. the contact stated that the engine was started and both the power steering and power assist warning lights illuminated as steering wheel became hard to turn. the vehicle was taken to the dealer, who inspected the vehicle and located the failure at the rack and pinion, which failed due to an electrical shortage. the vehicle was not repaired because the rack and pinion was on back order. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure. the failure and current mileage was 20,000. kmj
01/11/201320000
 Tl-the contact owns a 2012 ford explorer. the contact stated that when the engine was start up the power steering and power assist ligh illuminated and steering became hard to turn. the vehicle was driven to the dealer inspected the vehicle. the failure was located at the rack and pinion failed due to an electrical shortage. the vehicle was not repaired the rack and pinion was on back order. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure. the failure and current mileage was 20,000. li
09/07/2012106001
 While driving uphill on a narrow mountain road i lost all power steering assist with a simultaneous audible warning and a dash visual warning that my power steering assist had failed. with difficulty i was able to exit the road into a private driveway. i turned the vehicle off. in a few moments i started the vehicle again and everything functioned normally. i took the vehicle to my ford dealer on or about september 10, 2012. they told me i needed a new steering assembly. it has been on back-order since then. no additional faults have occurred. the vehicle now has over 12,000 miles on it. *tr
09/07/201210600
 While driving uphill on a narrow mountain road i lost all power steering assist with a simultaneous audible warning and a dash visual warning that my power steering assist had failed. with difficulty i was able to exit the road into a private driveway. i turned the vehicle off. in a few moments i started the vehicle again and everything functioned normally. i took the vehicle to my ford dealer on or about september 10, 2012. they told me i needed a new steering assembly. it has been on back-order since then. no additional faults have occurred. the vehicle now has over 12,000 miles on it.
11/13/2012347001
 I started my vehicle as usual, had just turned left off my street onto a two lane road, and approximately 0.25miles later i lost power steering. as i was accelerating from my turn, going approximately 40mph i felt the brake pedal pulsate and the steering wheel jerk a little. immediately i had an alert on my dash power steering fault. i attempted to press the brake pedal with no success and there was no resistance. i put it in neutral and coasted to the safest parking lot (approx. 1 mile). i shut the vehicle down and restarted but i still didn't have power steering however i regained brakes. i drove the dealership (3miles away). they shut the vehicle down then restarted and everything appeared to be operating correctly. later after several test drives the ford mechanic had my vehicle re-inact my same events for him. *tr
11/13/201234700
 I started my vehicle as usual, had just turned left off my street onto a two lane road, and approximately 0.25miles later i lost power steering. as i was accelerating from my turn, going approximately 40mph i felt the brake pedal pulsate and the steering wheel jerk a little. immediately i had an alert on my dash power steering fault. i attempted to press the brake pedal with no success and there was no resistance. i put it in neutral and coasted to the safest parking lot (approx. 1 mile). i shut the vehicle down and restarted but i still didn't have power steering however i regained brakes. i drove the dealership (3miles away). they shut the vehicle down then restarted and everything appeared to be operatering correctly. later after several test drives the ford mechanic had my vehicle re-inact my same events for him.
10/17/2012158881
 Ford motor company october 18, 2012 while driving my 2012 ford explorer, the power steering unit quit working as i was turning into the school parking lot. i almost hit a gate post and had to backup with a ten car line behind me. the steering continued powerless for the entire trip home, about ten miles or 15 minutes. after parking overnight in my drive, i started the suv to drive to the dealership and the power assist steering worked as normal. this could cause a serious accident if turning a sharp curve and going into the other lane of traffic or traveling around one of the mountainous curves we encountered this summer, with no guardrail and a hundred foot drop into the pacific ocean rocks of the northern california coast. if an accident did occur the explorer would check out to be mechanically trouble fee and the cause would be listed as operator error. [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6) *tr
10/17/201215888
 Ford motor company october 18, 2012 while driving my 2012 ford explorer, the power steering unit quit working as i was turning into the school parking lot. i almost hit a gate post and had to backup with a ten car line behind me. the steering continued powerless for the entire trip home, about ten miles or 15 minutes. after parking overnight in my drive, i started the suv to drive to the dealership and the power assist steering worked as normal. this could cause a serious accident if turning a sharp curve and going into the other lane of traffic or traveling around one of the mountainous curves we encountered this summer, with no guardrail and a hundred foot drop into the pacific ocean rocks of the northern california coast. if an accident did occur the explorer would check out to be mechanically trouble fee and the cause would be listed as operator error. ron hepp 8000 traway ct. n. chesterfield, va 23235 (804) 276-2396
09/07/201285001
 Was driving on straight roadway when warning lights came on saying power steering assist failure and advance trac failure. lost power steering, advance trac, blinkers, etc. shutting vehicle down and restarting corrected the problem. second time this happened. first time was approx. two months prior while in reverse. problem was corrected the same way and didn't think much of it until the second incident. dealer said rack and pinion assembly needs to be replaced. parts are on back order & may not be available until late october 2012. serious safety issue. ford needs to issue a recall. *tr
09/15/2012180001
 Driving on rt 495 when the warning lights activated and a warning came on in the message center saying service advance track. i started to pull over to the side of the road and discovered my power steering wasn't working. after i pulled over i stopped the car i looked in the message center i saw that the advance track wasn't selected. i tried to select it but wasn't able to. i turned the car off and back on a couple times and the problem cleared. called ford dealership and they didn't seem to want to help because turning the car off and back on fixed the problem. i pushed them to get an appointment, they called me saying that the power steering module was bad and needed to be replaced. *tr
09/07/201285001
 Was driving on straight roadway when warning lights came on saying power steering assist failure and advance trac failure. lost power steering, advance trac, blinkers, etc. shutting vehicle down and restarting corrected the problem. second time this happened. first time was approx. two months prior while in reverse. problem was corrected the same way and didn't think much of it until the second incident. dealer said rack and pinion assembly needs to be replaced. parts are on back order & may not be available until late october 2012. serious safety issue. ford needs to issue a recall. *tr
09/15/2012180001
 Driving on rt 495 when the warning lights activated and a warning came on in the message center saying service advance track. i started to pull over to the side of the road and discovered my power steering wasn't working. after i pulled over i stopped the car i looked in the message center i saw that the advance track wasn't selected. i tried to select it but wasn't able to. i turned the car off and back on a couple times and the problem cleared. called ford dealership and they didn't seem to want to help because turning the car off and back on fixed the problem. i pushed them to get an appointment, they called me saying that the power steering module was bad and needed to be replaced. *tr
09/07/20128500
 Was driving on straight roadway when warning lights came on saying power steering assist failure and advance trac failure. lost power steering, advance trac, blinkers, etc. shutting vehicle down and restarting corrected the problem. second time this happened. first time was approx. two months prior while in reverse. problem was corrected the same way and didn't think much of it until the second incident. dealer said rack and pinion assembly needs to be replaced. parts are on back order & may not be available until late october 2012. serious safety issue. ford needs to issue a recall.
09/15/2012180001
 Driving on rt 495 when the warning lights activated and a warning came on in the message center saying service advance track. i started to pull over to the side of the road and discovered my power steering wasn't working. after i pulled over i stopped the car i looked in the message center i saw that the advance track wasn't selected. i tried to select it but wasn't able to. i turned the car off and back on a couple times and the problem cleared. called ford dealership and they didn't seem to want to help because turning the car off and back on fixed the problem. i pushed them to get an appointment, they called me saying that the power steering module was bad and needed to be replaced. *tr
09/15/201218000
 Driving on rt 495 when the warning lights activated and a warning came on in the message center saying service advance track. i started to pull over to the side of the road and discovered my power steering wasn't working. after i pulled over i stopped the car i looked in the message center i saw that the advance track wasnt selected. i tried to select it but wasnt able to. i turned the car off and back on a couple times and the problem cleared. called ford dealership and they didnt seem to want to help because turning the car off and back on fixed the problem. i pushed them to get an appointment, they called me saying that the power steering module was bad and needed to be replaced.
07/09/201290001
 Power steering assist was lost, suddenly and drastically increasing the strength needed to turn the steering wheel. *tr
08/19/201290004
 Power steering has failed on a number of occasions resulting in driver having to manually steer. steering fails when auto in motion. occurrence when speeds anywhere from 10-60mph. very dangerous. one has to pull over (if possible) and turn off auto and then re-start. issue has occurred four times in last month. only 10,000 miles on auto now. *tr
07/09/201290001
 Power steering assist was lost, suddenly and drastically increasing the strength needed to turn the steering wheel. *tr
08/19/201290004
 Power steering has failed on a number of occasions resulting in driver having to manually steer. steering fails when auto in motion. occurrence when speeds anywhere from 10-60mph. very dangerous. one has to pull over (if possible) and turn off auto and then re-start. issue has occurred four times in last month. only 10,000 miles on auto now. *tr
07/09/201290001
 Power steering assist was lost, suddenly and drastically increasing the strength needed to turn the steering wheel. *tr
08/19/201290004
 Power steering has failed on a number of occasions resulting in driver having to manually steer. steering fails when auto in motion. occurrence when speeds anywhere from 10-60mph. very dangerous. one has to pull over (if possible) and turn off auto and then re-start. issue has occurred four times in last month. only 10,000 miles on auto now. *tr
07/18/2012210001
 I bought a certified preowned ford explorer with 19,900 miles in last week of june 2012. within one month, i had multiple incidence ( roughly ten times)of the vehicle power steering assist failing while driving. it would fail both at complete stops , slow speeds and once while exiting a highway offramp at approximately 25mph. once the vehicle was restarted the system would reboot and the problem would be temporarily corrected. the local ford dealer has had the vehicle since first week of august and is now telling me it may take until november to correct this issue. they have been telling me the needed part is on back order.that is all i have heard. ## vin passed ## ford, explorer, 2012 ## *tr
07/09/20129000
 Power steering assist was lost, suddenly and drastically increasing the strength needed to turn the sterring wheel
08/19/20129000
 Power steering has failed on a number of occasions resulting in driver having to manually steer. steering fails when auto in motion. occurrence when speeds anywhere from 10-60mph. very dangerous. one has to pull over (if possible) and turn off auto and then re-start. issue has occurred four times in last month. only 10,000 miles on auto now.
07/18/2012210001
 I bought a certified preowned ford explorer with 19,900 miles in last week of june 2012. within one month, i had multiple incidence ( roughly ten times)of the vehicle power steering assist failing while driving. it would fail both at complete stops , slow speeds and once while exiting a highway offramp at approximately 25mph. once the vehicle was restarted the system would reboot and the problem would be temporarily corrected. the local ford dealer has had the vehicle since first week of august and is now telling me it may take until november to correct this issue. they have been telling me the needed part is on back order.that is all i have heard. ## vin passed ## ford, explorer, 2012 ## *tr
09/05/20123595
 Tl- the contact owns a 2012 ford explorer. the contact stated that while driving 25 mph, the power steering failed and the power assist default warning light illuminated on the instrument panel. the contact restarted the vehicle which functioned properly. the dealer was contacted who stated that the vehicle was not included on any recalls and advised the contact to bring in the vehicle in order to diagnose the failure. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. the failure mileage was 3,595. pmb
07/09/20129000
 Power steering assist was lost, suddenly and drastically increasing the strength needed to turn the sterring wheel
08/19/20129000
 Power steering has failed on a number of occasions resulting in driver having to manually steer. steering fails when auto in motion. occurrence when speeds anywhere from 10-60mph. very dangerous. one has to pull over (if possible) and turn off auto and then re-start. issue has occurred four times in last month. only 10,000 miles on auto now.
07/18/2012210001
 I bought a certified preowned ford explorer with 19,900 miles in last week of june 2012. within one month, i had multiple incidence ( roughly ten times)of the vehicle power steering assist failing while driving. it would fail both at complete stops , slow speeds and once while exiting a highway offramp at approximately 25mph. once the vehicle was restarted the system would reboot and the problem would be temporarily corrected. the local ford dealer has had the vehicle since first week of august and is now telling me it may take until november to correct this issue. they have been telling me the needed part is on back order.that is all i have heard. ## vin passed ## ford, explorer, 2012 ## *tr
09/05/20123595
 Tl- the contact owns a 2012 ford explorer. the contact stated that while driving 25 mph, the power steering failed and the power assist default warning light illuminated on the instrument panel. the contact restarted the vehicle which functioned properly. the dealer was contacted who stated that the vehicle was not included on any recalls and advised the contact to bring in the vehicle in order to diagnose the failure. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. the failure mileage was 3,595. pmb
08/06/201230001
 Car's power steering went out making it very difficult to drive. my wife was able to pull over into a lot and called me. the car was a few miles from a ford dealership (northgate ford near cincinnati, ohio). after starting it back up, i was able to drive the car to the dealership. the dealer called me back that night (aug 6th) and stated they confirmed the problem and the car can't be driven until this is fixed. the car has now been in the shop for more then 30 days with no fix and the date to get parts keeps slipping. the last i heard the earliest they will have parts is nov 2012. that will means the car will be in the shop for 90 to 120 days waiting on parts. i see articles about a 2011 ford explorer power steering issue that seems to fit what we are seeing on our 2012. i have contacted the bbb and i'm looking into ohio's lemon law. *tr
08/19/20129000
 Power steering has failed on a number of occasions resulting in driver having to manually steer. steering fails when auto in motion. occurrence when speeds anywhere from 10-60mph. very dangerous. one has to pull over (if possible) and turn off auto and then re-start. issue has occurred four times in last month. only 10,000 miles on auto now.
09/05/20123595
 Tl- the contact owns a 2012 ford explorer. the contact stated that while driving 25 mph, the power steering failed and the power assist default warning light illuminated on the instrument panel. the contact restarted the vehicle functioned properly. the dealer was notified and they stated there was no recall on the vehicle and to bring the vehicle in for inspection. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was not notified. the failure mileage was 3,595. ap
08/06/20123000
 Car's power steering went out making it very difficult to drive. my wife was able to pull over into a lot and called me. the car was a few miles from a ford dealership (northgate ford near cincinnati, ohio). after starting it back up, i was able to drive the car to the dealership. the dealer called me back that night (aug 6th) and stated they confirmed the problem and the car can't be driven until this is fixed. the car has now been in the shop for more then 30 days with no fix and the date to get parts keeps slipping. the last i heard the earliest they will have parts is nov 2012. that will means the car will be in the shop for 90 to 120 days waiting on parts. i see articles about a 2011 ford explorer power steering issue that seems to fit what we are seeing on our 2012. i have contacted the bbb and i'm looking into ohio's lemon law
08/17/201210317
 Tl- the contact owns a 2012 ford explorer. the contact stated that while traveling 45 mph, the power steering failed and the steering wheel seized. the vehicle was taken to the dealer who confirmed that the power steering rack failed and needed to be replaced. the manufacturer was not contacted. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure mileage was 10,317 and the current mileage was 10,322. kmj
09/05/20123595
 Tl- the contact owns a 2012 ford explorer. the contact stated that while driving 25 mph, the power steering failed and the power assist default warning light illuminated on the instrument panel. the contact restarted the vehicle functioned properly. the dealer was notified and they stated there was no recall on the vehicle and to bring the vehicle in for inspection. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was not notified. the failure mileage was 3,595. ap
08/06/20123000
 Car's power steering went out making it very difficult to drive. my wife was able to pull over into a lot and called me. the car was a few miles from a ford dealership (northgate ford near cincinnati, ohio). after starting it back up, i was able to drive the car to the dealership. the dealer called me back that night (aug 6th) and stated they confirmed the problem and the car can't be driven until this is fixed. the car has now been in the shop for more then 30 days with no fix and the date to get parts keeps slipping. the last i heard the earliest they will have parts is nov 2012. that will means the car will be in the shop for 90 to 120 days waiting on parts. i see articles about a 2011 ford explorer power steering issue that seems to fit what we are seeing on our 2012. i have contacted the bbb and i'm looking into ohio's lemon law
08/17/201210317
 Tl- the contact owns a 2012 ford explorer. the contact stated that while traveling 45 mph, the power steering failed and the steering wheel seized. the vehicle was taken to the dealer who confirmed that the power steering rack failed and needed to be replaced. the manufacturer was not contacted. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure mileage was 10,317 and the current mileage was 10,322. kmj
08/06/20123000
 Car's power steering went out making it very difficult to drive. my wife was able to pull over into a lot and called me. the car was a few miles from a ford dealership (northgate ford near cincinnati, ohio). after starting it back up, i was able to drive the car to the dealership. the dealer called me back that night (aug 6th) and stated they confirmed the problem and the car can't be driven until this is fixed. the car has now been in the shop for more then 30 days with no fix and the date to get parts keeps slipping. the last i heard the earliest they will have parts is nov 2012. that will means the car will be in the shop for 90 to 120 days waiting on parts. i see articles about a 2011 ford explorer power steering issue that seems to fit what we are seeing on our 2012. i have contacted the bbb and i'm looking into ohio's lemon law
08/17/201210317
 Tl- the contact owns a 2012 ford explorer. the contact stated while traveling 45 mph the power steering failed and the steering wheel seized. the vehicle was taken to the dealer. the dealer confirmed the power steering rack failed and needed to be replaced. the manufacturer was not contacted. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure mileage was 10,317 and the current mileage was 10,322. rds
08/10/2012110001
 I was driving down the freeway with my son in the car and preparing to exit when the steering failed. i was unable to move the steering wheel more than an inch in either direction. with my hazard lights on i was able to pull over. there were several failure messages, the two most prominent being power steering assist and advance trac error. this could have been very dangerous. the car has now been at the dealership for three weeks. they are unable to get the part and have no timeline on when it will be available. *tr
08/17/201210317
 Tl- the contact owns a 2012 ford explorer. the contact stated while traveling 45 mph the power steering failed and the steering wheel seized. the vehicle was taken to the dealer. the dealer confirmed the power steering rack failed and needed to be replaced. the manufacturer was not contacted. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure mileage was 10,317 and the current mileage was 10,322. rds
08/10/201211000
 I was driving down the freeway with my son in the car and preparing to exit when the steering failed. i was unable to move the steering wheel more than an inch in either direction. with my hazard lights on i was able to pull over. there were several failure messages, the two most prominent being power steering assist and advance trac error. this could have been very dangerous. the car has now been at the dealership for three weeks. they are unable to get the part and have no timeline on when it will be available.
08/24/2012104501
 While the vehicle is moving, the power steering assist failed and the steering wheel becomes extremely difficult to turn. it is virtually impossible to turn the steering wheel, only with extreme difficulty and approximately a tenth of a mile of straight roadway was i able to steer the car to the shoulder. turning the car off will temporarily re-engage the power steering. however, the problem continually re-occurs without any warning. the vehicle is not controllable at highway speeds or on curvy roads. *tr
08/24/201210450
 While the vehicle is moving, the power steering assist failed and the steering wheel becomes extremely difficult to turn. it is virtually impossible to turn the steering wheel, only with extreme difficulty and approximately a tenth of a mile of straight roadway was i able to steer the car to the shoulder. turning the car off will temporarily re-engage the power steering. however, the problem continually re-occurs without any warning. the vehicle is not controllable at highway speeds or on curvy roads.
07/27/2012180001
 On july 27th, while driving on the highway, at approx. 60 mph, i received error messages regarding the trac assist and power steering assist. at that time, i noticed that the steering had completely locked up on me. luckily i was on straight-a-way, and there was no one in the lane next to me, so i was able to ease on over to the shoulder. i called the closest dealership, who advised me to turn the car off and on, and bring it in. in the meantime, my husband had sent me the arfc.org link showing several others who had the same issue. the tech at the dealership basically blew me off and said well, you can post anything on the internet. the next day, i was told that the entire steering mechanism would have to be replaced, and it took five days to get the parts in and the vehicle repaired and back on the road. it appears this is a known issue, but ford is failing to do anything about it, as far as recalls, etc. *tr
08/21/2012128001
 I was slowing down as i was approaching a traffic signal and heard a warning chime. initially, vehicle did not show any signs of problem, but got a warning message of power steering failure (or something similar) and another one indicating to service the advance track system. the advance track indicator light went out on the dial, too. after a few hundred feet the power steering was completely gone and i had to use significant effort to steer the vehicle into my driveway. fortunately, i was only 2 miles from home with few turns to get there. almost couldn't make the turn into my driveway. started & restarted the vehicle several times and eventually all problems and warning lights disappeared. drove the vehicle a few miles and all seems ok. will update with any additional issues after 8/21/12. vehicle was purchased used on 8/15/12 with 12,700 miles. called dealer and they said to bring in if problems persist. *tr
08/19/2012200381
 I was driving home from a movie on pacific coast hwy in huntington beach, ca and all of sudden the power steering assist fault warning came on, i hadn't lost complete function of the steering but it was about a half a mile down the road that it got almost impossible to steer. i called the dealership and they told me to tow it to the dealership as soon as possible. i didn't know that there was a short term fix by turning off and then turning back on again to make the warning light go away. tomorrow taking in my car to dealer to get it fix.... now before it ends in crash or someone killed.!!!!!! i have the ecoboost i4 cylinder engine. *tr
07/27/2012180001
 On july 27th, while driving on the highway, at approx. 60 mph, i received error messages regarding the trac assist and power steering assist. at that time, i noticed that the steering had completely locked up on me. luckily i was on straight-a-way, and there was no one in the lane next to me, so i was able to ease on over to the shoulder. i called the closest dealership, who advised me to turn the car off and on, and bring it in. in the meantime, my husband had sent me the arfc.org link showing several others who had the same issue. the tech at the dealership basically blew me off and said well, you can post anything on the internet. the next day, i was told that the entire steering mechanism would have to be replaced, and it took five days to get the parts in and the vehicle repaired and back on the road. it appears this is a known issue, but ford is failing to do anything about it, as far as recalls, etc. *tr
07/27/201218000
 On july 27th, while driving on the highway, at approx. 60 mph, i received error messages regarding the trac assist and power steering assist. at that time, i noticed that the steering had completely locked up on me. luckily i was on straight-a-way, and there was no one in the lane next to me, so i was able to ease on over to the shoulder. i called the closest dealership, who advised me to turn the car off and on, and bring it in. in the meantime, my husband had sent me the arfc.org link showing several others who had the same issue. the tech at the dealership basically blew me off and said well, you can post anything on the internet. the next day, i was told that the entire steering mechanism would have to be replaced, and it took five days to get the parts in and the vehicle repaired and back on the road. it appears this is a known issue, but ford is failing to do anything about it, as far as recalls, etc.
08/21/2012128001
 I was slowing down as i was approaching a traffic signal and heard a warning chime. initially, vehicle did not show any signs of problem, but got a warning message of power steering failure (or something similar) and another one indicating to service the advance track system. the advance track indicator light went out on the dial, too. after a few hundred feet the power steering was completely gone and i had to use significant effort to steer the vehicle into my driveway. fortunately, i was only 2 miles from home with few turns to get there. almost couldn't make the turn into my driveway. started & restarted the vehicle several times and eventually all problems and warning lights disappeared. drove the vehicle a few miles and all seems ok. will update with any additional issues after 8/21/12. vehicle was purchased used on 8/15/12 with 12,700 miles. called dealer and they said to bring in if problems persist. *tr
08/19/2012200381
 I was driving home from a movie on pacific coast hwy in huntington beach, ca and all of sudden the power steering assist fault warning came on, i hadn't lost complete function of the steering but it was about a half a mile down the road that it got almost impossible to steer. i called the dealership and they told me to tow it to the dealership as soon as possible. i didn't know that there was a short term fix by turning off and then turning back on again to make the warning light go away. tomorrow taking in my car to dealer to get it fix.... now before it ends in crash or someone killed.!!!!!! i have the ecoboost i4 cylinder engine. *tr
07/27/201218000
 On july 27th, while driving on the highway, at approx. 60 mph, i received error messages regarding the trac assist and power steering assist. at that time, i noticed that the steering had completely locked up on me. luckily i was on straight-a-way, and there was no one in the lane next to me, so i was able to ease on over to the shoulder. i called the closest dealership, who advised me to turn the car off and on, and bring it in. in the meantime, my husband had sent me the arfc.org link showing several others who had the same issue. the tech at the dealership basically blew me off and said well, you can post anything on the internet. the next day, i was told that the entire steering mechanism would have to be replaced, and it took five days to get the parts in and the vehicle repaired and back on the road. it appears this is a known issue, but ford is failing to do anything about it, as far as recalls, etc.
08/21/2012128001
 I was slowing down as i was approaching a traffic signal and heard a warning chime. initially, vehicle did not show any signs of problem, but got a warning message of power steering failure (or something similar) and another one indicating to service the advance track system. the advance track indicator light went out on the dial, too. after a few hundred feet the power steering was completely gone and i had to use significant effort to steer the vehicle into my driveway. fortunately, i was only 2 miles from home with few turns to get there. almost couldn't make the turn into my driveway. started & restarted the vehicle several times and eventually all problems and warning lights disappeared. drove the vehicle a few miles and all seems ok. will update with any additional issues after 8/21/12. vehicle was purchased used on 8/15/12 with 12,700 miles. called dealer and they said to bring in if problems persist. *tr
08/19/2012200381
 I was driving home from a movie on pacific coast hwy in huntington beach, ca and all of sudden the power steering assist fault warning came on, i hadn't lost complete function of the steering but it was about a half a mile down the road that it got almost impossible to steer. i called the dealership and they told me to tow it to the dealership as soon as possible. i didn't know that there was a short term fix by turning off and then turning back on again to make the warning light go away. tomorrow taking in my car to dealer to get it fix.... now before it ends in crash or someone killed.!!!!!! i have the ecoboost i4 cylinder engine. *tr
08/21/201212800
 I was slowing down as i was approaching a traffic signal and heard a warning chime. initially, vehicle did not show any signs of problem, but got a warning message of power steering failure (or something similar) and another one indicating to service the advance track system. the advance track indicator light went out on the dial, too. after a few hundred feet the power steering was completely gone and i had to use significant effort to steer the vehicle into my driveway. fortunately, i was only 2 miles from home with few turns to get there. almost couldn't make the turn into my driveway. started & restarted the vehicle several times and eventually all problems and warning lights disappeared. drove the vehicle a few miles and all seems ok. will update with any additional issues after 8/21/12. vehicle was purchased used on 8/15/12 with 12,700 miles. called dealer and they said to bring in if problems persist.
08/19/201220038
 I was driving home from a movie on pacific coast hwy in huntington beach, ca and all of sudden the power steering assist fault warning came on, i hadn't lost complete function of the steering but it was about a half a mile down the road that it got almost impossible to steer. i called the dealership and they told me to tow it to the dealership as soon as possible. i didn't know that there was a short term fix by turning off and then turning back on again to make the warning light go away. tomorrow taking in my car to dealer to get it fix.... now before it ends in crash or someone killed.!!!!!! i have the ecoboost i4 cylinder engine.
07/15/2012150001
 I had a customer whose 2012 explorer had power steering failure (july 15, 2012). the vehicle was still running but he could not turn the steering wheel. i contacted ford mtr co and ask if they were having issues like this. they said no. i told them they may want to see all the complaints about the problem on line and they said again they did not have a problem. i called other dealers and found that all of them had been having the problems and was told how to correct it. i contacted ford again and received authorization to make the repairs, ordered the parts and found out they were on national back order. after waiting 31 days i called ford again and was told my parts order had expired (i personally followed up on the order everyday) and i would have to reorder. i can't understand why ford did not advise me of the problem when i first ask....can you spell cover up? i have supplied my customer a vehicle and ford has authorized up to $2000 for rental. from looking at the back order status, i would guess it will be another 30 days before we receive the parts. i would suggest that ford issue a recall as it is extremely dangerous (it happened twice to my customer) and some one is going to get killed. good luck finding the parts. park your vehicle and have ford tow it in. initially my customer thought that his vehicle had gone dead but that is not the case he just could not steer it. if it happens to you...park the vehicle....learn about your state's lemon law. my customer will be with out their vehicle for over 2 months but since it did not fail during the first warranty year, he is not covered by the lemon law in our state. *tr
07/15/201215000
 I had a customer whose 2012 explorer had power steering failure (july 15, 2012). the vehicle was still running but he could not turn the steering wheel. i contacted ford mtr co and ask if they were having issues like this. they said no. i told them they may want to see all the complaints about the problem on line and they said again they did not have a problem. i called other dealers and found that all of them had been having the problems and was told how to correct it. i contacted ford again and received authorization to make the repairs, ordered the parts and found out they were on national back order. after waiting 31 days i called ford again and was told my parts order had expired (i personally followed up on the order everyday) and i would have to reorder. i can't understand why ford did not advise me of the problem when i first ask....can you spell cover up? i have supplied my customer a vehicle and ford has authorized up to $2000 for rental. from looking at the back order status, i would guess it will be another 30 days before we receive the parts. i would suggest that ford issue a recall as it is extremely dangerous (it happened twice to my customer) and some one is going to get killed. good luck finding the parts. park your vehicle and have ford tow it in. initially my customer thought that his vehicle had gone dead but that is not the case he just could not steer it. if it happens to you...park the vehicle....learn about your state's lemon law. my customer will be with out their vehicle for over 2 months but since it did not fail during the first warranty year, he is not covered by the lemon law in our state.
08/01/2012110601
 As i was backing my vehicle up there was a chime and an error message displayed on my left screen instrument panel telling me that there was a power steering assist fault. i restarted the vehicle and the fault did not return. two or three days later as i was driving, it happened again. i was going 15mph and out of nowhere, the error popped up on the instrument panel and i couldn't make a turn. i restarted the vehicle in the middle of the road and the fault cleared. 8 aug 2012 i was driving down the road and it happened again. again i was doing 15mph. i attempted to restart the vehicle but this time the fault did not go away. i then drove the vehicle back home and since then i haven't been able to clear the fault long enough to drive it to the dealership. luckily for me, all of these occurrences happened in my neighborhood. had i been on the interstate or driving fast, i wouldn't have been able to make a turn and could've hurt myself or someone else. i contacted the dealership and they will be looking at the vehicle tomorrow. the only problem that i have now, other than the fact that i have a brand new $46,000 paper weight is figuring out how i will get the vehicle to the dealership. *tr
08/01/201211060
 As i was backing my vehicle up there was a chime and an error message displayed on my left screen instrument panel telling me that there was a power steering assist fault. i restarted the vehicle and the fault did not return. two or three days later as i was driving, it happened again. i was going 15mph and out of nowhere, the error popped up on the insturment panel and i couldn't make a turn. i restarted the vehicle in the middle of the road and the fault cleared. 8 aug 2012 i was driving down the road and it happened again. again i was doing 15mph. i attempted to restart the vehicle but this time the fault did not go away. i then drove the vehicle back home and since then i haven't been able to clear the fault long enough to drive it to the dealership. luckily for me, all of these occurences happened in my neighborhood. had i been on the interstate or driving fast, i wouldn't have been able to make a turn and could've hurt myself or someone else. i contacted the dealership and they will be looking at the vehicle tomorrow. the only problem that i have now, other than the fact that i have a brand new $46,000 paper weight is figuring out how i will get the vehicle to the dealership.
08/01/201211000
 Tl-the contact owns a 2012 ford explorer. the contact stated that, the power steering seized and he was unable to turn the steering wheel in any direction. the contact was able to temporarily remedy the problem by shutting off and restarting the vehicle. the failure recurred without any warning. the vehicle was not taken to dealer. the manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. the vin was not available. the current and failure mileage was 11,000. pmb
08/01/201211060
 As i was backing my vehicle up there was a chime and an error message displayed on my left screen instrument panel telling me that there was a power steering assist fault. i restarted the vehicle and the fault did not return. two or three days later as i was driving, it happened again. i was going 15mph and out of nowhere, the error popped up on the insturment panel and i couldn't make a turn. i restarted the vehicle in the middle of the road and the fault cleared. 8 aug 2012 i was driving down the road and it happened again. again i was doing 15mph. i attempted to restart the vehicle but this time the fault did not go away. i then drove the vehicle back home and since then i haven't been able to clear the fault long enough to drive it to the dealership. luckily for me, all of these occurences happened in my neighborhood. had i been on the interstate or driving fast, i wouldn't have been able to make a turn and could've hurt myself or someone else. i contacted the dealership and they will be looking at the vehicle tomorrow. the only problem that i have now, other than the fact that i have a brand new $46,000 paper weight is figuring out how i will get the vehicle to the dealership.
08/01/201211000
 Tl-the contact owns a 2012 ford explorer. the contact stated that while driving, the contact lost power steering. the contact was unable to turn the steering wheel, and it was locked in a fixed position. the contact momentarily resolved issue by turning vehicle off and restarting. the failure recurred; the contact was unable to fix failure anymore. the failure recurred without warning. the vehicle was not taken to dealer for inspection or repair. the manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. the vin was unavailable.the current and failure mileage was 11,000.yn
06/20/201250001
 I was driving my ford explorer on a road when a service advance trak warning appeared on the left hand dash. my steering wheel locked, and i had to forcibly muscle the car to the side of the road. i turned the car ignition off, then back on, and the error went away. clearly, this was dangerous, as i could have crashed into another car. a few weeks went by, this happened again sporadically during this time, usually after my car was in park. yesterday i turned my car on, and power steering issue popped up as a warning, and again the car was not able to be steered as the steering wheel locked. despite turning the ignition off and on, the warning and steering lock did not turn back on. i had the car towed back to the dealer. *tr
08/02/201260001
 Power steering fault while returning from short supermarket trip, lost all power steering, dash board lit up, then terrain sensor fault, causing a feeling of reduced gear, turn signals failed as well. very difficult to drive, and unable to reset by shutting vehicle off. dealership stated a fault in power steering rack, requiring replacement, they also stated it is a different part number then original part meaning it may have been remodeled due to issues. very dangerous situation!!!! *tr
08/01/201211000
 Tl-the contact owns a 2012 ford explorer. the contact stated that while driving, the contact lost power steering. the contact was unable to turn the steering wheel, and it was locked in a fixed position. the contact momentarily resolved issue by turning vehicle off and restarting. the failure recurred; the contact was unable to fix failure anymore. the failure recurred without warning. the vehicle was not taken to dealer for inspection or repair. the manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. the vin was unavailable.the current and failure mileage was 11,000.yn
06/20/201250001
 I was driving my ford explorer on a road when a service advance trak warning appeared on the left hand dash. my steering wheel locked, and i had to forcibly muscle the car to the side of the road. i turned the car ignition off, then back on, and the error went away. clearly, this was dangerous, as i could have crashed into another car. a few weeks went by, this happened again sporadically during this time, usually after my car was in park. yesterday i turned my car on, and power steering issue popped up as a warning, and again the car was not able to be steered as the steering wheel locked. despite turning the ignition off and on, the warning and steering lock did not turn back on. i had the car towed back to the dealer. *tr
08/02/201260001
 Power steering fault while returning from short supermarket trip, lost all power steering, dash board lit up, then terrain sensor fault, causing a feeling of reduced gear, turn signals failed as well. very difficult to drive, and unable to reset by shutting vehicle off. dealership stated a fault in power steering rack, requiring replacement, they also stated it is a different part number then original part meaning it may have been remodeled due to issues. very dangerous situation!!!! *tr
06/20/20125000
 I was driving my ford explorer on a road when a service advance trak warning appeared on the left hand dash. my steering wheel locked, and i had to forcibly muscle the car to the side of the road. i turned the car ignition off, then back on, and the error went away. clearly, this was dangerous, as i could have crashed into another car. a few weeks went by, this happened again sporadically during this time, usually after my car was in park. yesterday i turned my car on, and power steering issue popped up as a warning, and again the car was not able to be steered as the steering wheel locked. despite turning the ignition off and on, the warning and steering lock did not turn back on. i had the car towed back to the dealer.
08/02/201260001
 Power steering fault while returning from short supermarket trip, lost all power steering, dash board lit up, then terrain sensor fault, causing a feeling of reduced gear, turn signals failed as well. very difficult to drive, and unable to reset by shutting vehicle off. dealership stated a fault in power steering rack, requiring replacement, they also stated it is a different part number then original part meaning it may have been remodeled due to issues. very dangerous situation!!!! *tr
07/31/2012161003
 Three times in the same day my power steering went out. once when i started the car first thing in the morning and was backing our of my garage. twice when i started driving forward after idling in a drive through line it went out. all three times i received warnings immediately after the power steering was lost that the power steering assist was out. each time i had to turn the engine off and restart it to regain the power steering. *tr
08/02/20126000
 Power steering fault while returning from short supermarket trip, lost all power steering, dash board lit up, then terrain sensor fault, causing a feeling of reduced gear, turn signals failed as well. very difficult to drive, and unable to reset by shutting vehicle off. dealership stated a fault in power steering rack, requiring replacement, they also stated it is a different part number then original part meaning it may have been remodeled due to issues. very dangerous situation!!!!
07/26/201254871
 My 2012 ford explorer limited has lost power steering while in motion on four occasions, in less than one week time period. it loses all ability to steer and will only work again once it has been restarted. *tr
07/31/2012161003
 Three times in the same day my power steering went out. once when i started the car first thing in the morning and was backing our of my garage. twice when i started driving forward after idling in a drive through line it went out. all three times i received warnings immediately after the power steering was lost that the power steering assist was out. each time i had to turn the engine off and restart it to regain the power steering. *tr
07/26/201254871
 My 2012 ford explorer limited has lost power steering while in motion on four occasions, in less than one week time period. it loses all ability to steer and will only work again once it has been restarted. *tr
07/31/201216100
 Three times in the same day my power steering went out. once when i started the car first thing in the morning and was backing our of my garage. twice when i started driving forward after idling in a drive through line it went out. all three times i received warnings immediately after the power steering was lost that the power steering assist was out. each time i had to turn the engine off and restart it to regain the power steering.
07/26/201254871
 My 2012 ford explorer limited has lost power steering while in motion on four occasions, in less than one week time period. it loses all ability to steer and will only work again once it has been restarted. *tr
01/24/201215001
 Complete loss of power steering. happened multiple times. it showed power steering assist fault in the instrument cluster. very dangerous. when will it happen again at highway speeds on a corner? hopefully someone can help because i really don't feel like driving this vehicle with my wife and 2 small children. please note i live in toronto, ontario, canada, m8w2h8. *tr
07/26/201250001
 Driving down the massachusetts turnpike the power steering assist failed and i almost hit another car because the vehicle was extremely difficult to steer. *tr
07/26/20125487
 My 2012 ford explorer limited has lost power steering while in motion on four occasions, in less than one week time period. it loses all ability to steer and will only work again once it has been restarted.
01/24/201215001
 Complete loss of power steering. happened multiple times. it showed power steering assist fault in the instrument cluster. very dangerous. when will it happen again at highway speeds on a corner? hopefully someone can help because i really don't feel like driving this vehicle with my wife and 2 small children. please note i live in toronto, ontario, canada, m8w2h8. *tr
07/26/201250001
 Driving down the massachusetts turnpike the power steering assist failed and i almost hit another car because the vehicle was extremely difficult to steer. *tr
03/01/201240004
 I have had 4 different instances where i received a power steering assist failure while driving the vehicle straight or entering a turn. this has occurred at speeds ranging from 10 mph and up to 40 mph. when i can finally pull over and turn the car on and off the warning goes away, and the power steering starts working again. *tr
07/25/2012109051
 From a stop-zero mph, conducted a right turn from surface street to freeway on-ramp. mid-turn, power steering assist failed, resulting in near accident/running off-roadway surface. additionally, elec stability control (ford 'advancetrac') warning light indicators illuminated indicating service required immediately. *tr
07/19/2012118001
 I live in ecuador (south america) and bought a 2012 explorer base model, on october 2011. a few days ago, after a long trip, i got the advance trac error message, and 3 days ago, i got the power steering failure, and the steering wheel got locked, traveling at around 20 mph, the two messages were on the screen, advance track and power steering. i turned the car off and then back on, and everything was normal. yesterday i turned on the car and had no power steering, i had to turn it off and on again, to have it back. *tr
07/26/20125487
 My 2012 ford explorer limited has lost power steering while in motion on four occasions, in less than one week time period. it loses all ability to steer and will only work again once it has been restarted.
01/24/201215001
 Complete loss of power steering. happened multiple times. it showed power steering assist fault in the instrument cluster. very dangerous. when will it happen again at highway speeds on a corner? hopefully someone can help because i really don't feel like driving this vehicle with my wife and 2 small children. please note i live in toronto, ontario, canada, m8w2h8. *tr
07/26/201250001
 Driving down the massachusetts turnpike the power steering assist failed and i almost hit another car because the vehicle was extremely difficult to steer. *tr
03/01/201240004
 I have had 4 different instances where i received a power steering assist failure while driving the vehicle straight or entering a turn. this has occurred at speeds ranging from 10 mph and up to 40 mph. when i can finally pull over and turn the car on and off the warning goes away, and the power steering starts working again. *tr
07/25/2012109051
 From a stop-zero mph, conducted a right turn from surface street to freeway on-ramp. mid-turn, power steering assist failed, resulting in near accident/running off-roadway surface. additionally, elec stability control (ford 'advancetrac') warning light indicators illuminated indicating service required immediately. *tr
07/19/2012118001
 I live in ecuador (south america) and bought a 2012 explorer base model, on october 2011. a few days ago, after a long trip, i got the advance trac error message, and 3 days ago, i got the power steering failure, and the steering wheel got locked, traveling at around 20 mph, the two messages were on the screen, advance track and power steering. i turned the car off and then back on, and everything was normal. yesterday i turned on the car and had no power steering, i had to turn it off and on again, to have it back. *tr
01/24/20121500
 Complete loss of power steering. happened multiple times. it showed power steering assist fault in the instrument cluster. very dangerous. when will it happen again at highway speeds on a corner? hopefully someone can help because i really don't feel like driving this vehicle with my wife and 2 small children. please note i live in toronto, ontario, canada, m8w2h8
07/26/20125000
 Driving down the massachusetts turnpike the power steering assist failed and i almost hit another car because the vehicle was extremely difficult to steer.
03/01/201240004
 I have had 4 different instances where i received a power steering assist failure while driving the vehicle straight or entering a turn. this has occurred at speeds ranging from 10 mph and up to 40 mph. when i can finally pull over and turn the car on and off the warning goes away, and the power steering starts working again. *tr
07/25/2012109051
 From a stop-zero mph, conducted a right turn from surface street to freeway on-ramp. mid-turn, power steering assist failed, resulting in near accident/running off-roadway surface. additionally, elec stability control (ford 'advancetrac') warning light indicators illuminated indicating service required immediately. *tr
07/19/2012118001
 I live in ecuador (south america) and bought a 2012 explorer base model, on october 2011. a few days ago, after a long trip, i got the advance trac error message, and 3 days ago, i got the power steering failure, and the steering wheel got locked, traveling at around 20 mph, the two messages were on the screen, advance track and power steering. i turned the car off and then back on, and everything was normal. yesterday i turned on the car and had no power steering, i had to turn it off and on again, to have it back. *tr
07/19/201213000
 Tl* the contact owns a 2012 ford explored. the contact stated that while driving 35 mph, the power steering warning light illuminated on the instrument panel. the vehicle then independently came to a complete stop. he was able to reset the vehicle and the vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnosis. the dealer stated they needed to replace the power steering pump and the power steering rack. the vehicle was repaired. the manufacturer was not contacted. the failure and the current mileage was 13,000. the vin was not available.
03/01/20124000
 I have had 4 different instances where i received a power steering assist failure while driving the vehicle straight or entering a turn. this has occurred at speeds ranging from 10 mph and up to 40 mph. when i can finally pull over and turn the car on and off the warning goes away, and the power steering starts working again.
07/25/201210905
 From a stop-zero mph, conducted a right turn from surface street to freeway on-ramp. mid-turn, power steering assist failed, resulting in near accident/running off-roadway surface. additionally, elec stability control (ford 'advancetrac') warning light indicators illuminated indicating service required immediately.
07/19/201211800
 I live in ecuador (south america) and bought a 2012 explorer base model, on october 2011. a few days ago, after a long trip, i got the advance trac error message, and 3 days ago, i got the power steering failure, and the steering wheel got locked, traveling at around 20 mph, the two messages were on the screen, advance track and power steering. i turned the car off and then back on, and everything was normal. yesterday i turned on the car and had no power steering, i had to turn it off and on again, to have it back.
07/19/201213000
 Tl- the contact owns a 2012 ford explored. the contact stated that while driving 35 mph, the power steering warning light illuminated on the instrument panel. the vehicle then independently came to a complete stop. he was able to reset the vehicle and the vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnosis. the dealer stated they needed to replace the power steering pump and the power steering rack. the vehicle was repaired. the manufacturer was not contacted. the failure and the current mileage was 13,000. the vin was not available. kmj
07/19/201213000
 Tl- the contact owns a 2012 ford explored. the contact stated while driving 35 mph when the power steering warning light illuminated on the instrument panel. the vehicle come to a complete stop. he was able to stop on the side of the road, where he had to reset the vehicle. the vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnosis. the dealer stated they needed to replace the power steering pump and the power steering rack. the vehicle was repaired. the manufacturer was not contacted. the failure and the current mileage was 13,000.jp
07/03/201240801
 We had just driven 1 1/2 hours (about 100 miles) from home to a campground, pulling our fleetwood pop-up camper. drove highway speeds, with air conditioning on (as it was hot outside), sometimes using the tow mode other times not. vehicle acted fine during our trip. pulled into the parking lot to register at the office and shut off the motor for about 15 min. started it again to pull into our site and there was no power steering. got a warning on the dash that said power steering assist fault. note: this had happened a couple weeks prior to this under similar circumstances, but after shutting off the ignition and restarting, problem cleared itself. not so lucky this time. power steering did not come back. it was 4:30 pm the day before a national holiday (july 4th) and i knew it was not going to get looked at until at least 2 days later. ford roadside assistance could only offer to have it towed to the nearest dealer 21 miles away. i decided to have it towed on july 5th. on july 4th, after letting it sit all night and completely cool down, i started it up. same problem plus two additional warning messages: service advancetrack and terrain management system fault. vehicle was towed to dealer and diagnosed as needing the steering gear (part of the electronic rack and pinion steering). part #bb5z-3504-he. i was told there were over 500 on back order and no estimated date as to when they will be in stock. had i known there was this known problem with the explorers i certainly wouldn't have bought one. why wasn't there a recall? there are now almost 600 of these parts on back order which tells me there are a lot of consumers affected and potentially many more to come. the service manager told me the design of the part was changed after my ford was built. *tr
07/17/2012123521
 Greetings, i saw information on the web that stated the nhtsa is investigating issues with 2011 ford explorer power steering fault as to a possible safety recall. the information i saw was specific to the 2011 model year. however, i have a 2012 with the same issue. for no apparent reason, a power steering assist fault message is displayed followed by service advance track. this can happen at anytime, without warning, regardless of your speed. this is very dangerous !!! my wife almost hit the railing on a curved bridge when the power steering decided to quit. and luckily, there was no oncoming traffic at the time. the vehicle was just purchased last november (2011) and has approximately 10k miles. this is definitely a dangerous safety issue that needs to be addressed as soon as possible !!! [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6). *tr
07/03/20124080
 We had just driven 1 1/2 hours (about 100 miles) from home to a campground, pulling our fleetwood pop-up camper. drove highway speeds, with air conditioning on (as it was hot outside), sometimes using the tow mode other times not. vehicle acted fine during our trip. pulled into the parking lot to register at the office and shut off the motor for about 15 min. started it again to pull into our site and there was no power steering. got a warning on the dash that said power steering assist fault. note: this had happened a couple weeks prior to this under similar circumstances, but after shutting off the ignition and restarting, problem cleared itself. not so lucky this time. power steering did not come back. it was 4:30 pm the day before a national holiday (july 4th) and i knew it was not going to get looked at until at least 2 days later. ford roadside assistance could only offer to have it towed to the nearest dealer 21 miles away. i decided to have it towed on july 5th. on july 4th, after letting it sit all night and completely cool down, i started it up. same problem plus two additional warning messages: service advancetrack and terrain management system fault. vehicle was towed to dealer and diagnosed as needing the steering gear (part of the electronic rack and pinion steering). part #bb5z-3504-he. i was told there were over 500 on back order and no estimated date as to when they will be in stock. had i known there was this known problem with the explorers i certainly wouldn't have bought one. why wasn't there a recall? there are now almost 600 of these parts on back order which tells me there are a lot of consumers affected and potentially many more to come. the service manager told me the design of the part was changed after my ford was built.
07/17/2012123521
 Greetings, i saw information on the web that stated the nhtsa is investigating issues with 2011 ford explorer power steering fault as to a possible safety recall. the information i saw was specific to the 2011 model year. however, i have a 2012 with the same issue. for no apparent reason, a power steering assist fault message is displayed followed by service advance track. this can happen at anytime, without warning, regardless of your speed. this is very dangerous !!! my wife almost hit the railing on a curved bridge when the power steering decided to quit. and luckily, there was no oncoming traffic at the time. the vehicle was just purchased last november (2011) and has approximately 10k miles. this is definitely a dangerous safety issue that needs to be addressed as soon as possible !!! [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6). *tr
07/03/20124080
 We had just driven 1 1/2 hours (about 100 miles) from home to a campground, pulling our fleetwood pop-up camper. drove highway speeds, with air conditioning on (as it was hot outside), sometimes using the tow mode other times not. vehicle acted fine during our trip. pulled into the parking lot to register at the office and shut off the motor for about 15 min. started it again to pull into our site and there was no power steering. got a warning on the dash that said power steering assist fault. note: this had happened a couple weeks prior to this under similar circumstances, but after shutting off the ignition and restarting, problem cleared itself. not so lucky this time. power steering did not come back. it was 4:30 pm the day before a national holiday (july 4th) and i knew it was not going to get looked at until at least 2 days later. ford roadside assistance could only offer to have it towed to the nearest dealer 21 miles away. i decided to have it towed on july 5th. on july 4th, after letting it sit all night and completely cool down, i started it up. same problem plus two additional warning messages: service advancetrack and terrain management system fault. vehicle was towed to dealer and diagnosed as needing the steering gear (part of the electronic rack and pinion steering). part #bb5z-3504-he. i was told there were over 500 on back order and no estimated date as to when they will be in stock. had i known there was this known problem with the explorers i certainly wouldn't have bought one. why wasn't there a recall? there are now almost 600 of these parts on back order which tells me there are a lot of consumers affected and potentially many more to come. the service manager told me the design of the part was changed after my ford was built.
07/17/201212352
 Greetings, i saw information on the web that stated the nhtsa is investigating issues with 2011 ford explorer power steering fault as to a possible safety recall. the information i saw was specific to the 2011 model year. however, i have a 2012 with the same issue. for no apparent reason, a power steering assist fault message is displayed followed by service advance track. this can happen at anytime, without warning, regardless of your speed. this is very dangerous !!! my wife almost hit the railing on a curved bridge when the power steering decided to quit. and luckily, there was no oncoming traffic at the time. the vehicle was just purchased last november (2011) and has approximately 10k miles. this is definitely a dangerous safety issue that needs to be addressed as soon as possible !!! thanks, mark
07/12/201298001
 As i was driving through two consecutive 90 degree turns at approximately 15 mph, the power steering failed causing the vehicle to be extremely difficult to turn. due to the loss of power, the vehicle nearly left the road into an adjacent ditch. the vehicle warning lights on the dash did light up indicating a failure. once regaining control of the vehicle, i turned the vehicle off. upon restarting the vehicle, the failure lights were still lit. after reading the owner's manual, i determined it would not harm the vehicle to continue driving it without power steering. approximately 0.2 miles later the power to the power steering system was restored. *tr
07/17/201212352
 Greetings, i saw information on the web that stated the nhtsa is investigating issues with 2011 ford explorer power steering fault as to a possible safety recall. the information i saw was specific to the 2011 model year. however, i have a 2012 with the same issue. for no apparent reason, a power steering assist fault message is displayed followed by service advance track. this can happen at anytime, without warning, regardless of your speed. this is very dangerous !!! my wife almost hit the railing on a curved bridge when the power steering decided to quit. and luckily, there was no oncoming traffic at the time. the vehicle was just purchased last november (2011) and has approximately 10k miles. this is definitely a dangerous safety issue that needs to be addressed as soon as possible !!! thanks, mark
07/12/201298001
 As i was driving through two consecutive 90 degree turns at approximately 15 mph, the power steering failed causing the vehicle to be extremely difficult to turn. due to the loss of power, the vehicle nearly left the road into an adjacent ditch. the vehicle warning lights on the dash did light up indicating a failure. once regaining control of the vehicle, i turned the vehicle off. upon restarting the vehicle, the failure lights were still lit. after reading the owner's manual, i determined it would not harm the vehicle to continue driving it without power steering. approximately 0.2 miles later the power to the power steering system was restored. *tr
07/12/20129800
 As i was driving through two consecutive 90 degree turns at approximately 15 mph, the power steering failed causing the vehicle to be extremely difficult to turn. due to the loss of power, the vehicle nearly left the road into an adjacent ditch. the vehcile warning lights on the dash did light up indicating a failure. once regaining control of the vehicle, i turned the vehicle off. upon restarting the vehicle, the failure lights were still lit. after reading the owner's manual, i determined it would not harm the vehicle to continue driving it without power steering. approximately 0.2 miles later the power to the power steering system was restored.
06/26/2012112551
 I imported this 2012 ford explorer to bolivia, bought in miami, fl. i was driving on a straight road, relatively slow (30mph). suddenly the steering got stiff, making it extremely hard to turn. i slowly parked on the side of the road. the dashboard showed a sign that read: steering fault assist. i turned the vehicle off, then back on again. the problem went away. i am lucky that i was not going any faster, on a highway, or on a curve. a friend who bought a 2012 explorer here in bolivia, from an newly (2012) authorized dealer, had the exact same problem. he was on a highway, going at approx 60mph. fortunately for him, he was going straight, and was able to park on the side. *tr
06/26/201211255
 I imported this 2012 ford explorer to bolivia, bought in miami, fl. i was driving on a straight road, relatively slow (30mph). suddenly the steering got stiff, making it extremely hard to turn. i slowly parked on the side of the road. the dashboard showed a sign that read: steering fault assist. i turned the vehicle off, then back on again. the problem went away. i am lucky that i was not going any faster, on a highway, or on a curve. a friend who bought a 2012 explorer here in bolivia, from an newly (2012) authorized dealer, had the exact same problem. he was on a highway, going at approx 60mph. fortunately for him, he was going straight, and was able to park on the side.
06/26/201261001
 While driving approx 45mph the system track warning light came on & beeped, immediately followed by the power steering failure light. i was in an area with heavy construction & could not pull off the road immediately & steering became less & less responsive & in less than a minute as i found a place to pull off, the steering locked up totally. i called for tow service after turning off & back on with the same warnings & unable to turn it at all. while waiting on tow, i turned it off a couple of more times & the steering was back but the system track control light remained on. once the car made it to the dealership, they were unable to duplicate the problem after checking, driving & rechecking for four days. i was told to drive it & return if it happened again. i am scared to death to drive this car for fear of it happening on the freeway at much higher speeds or my normal route to work which involves numerous curves & curves on bridges with no place to get off the road even if i could manage to get it off the road. my husband also fears for my safety in this vehicle. how many chances do i get before i crash & hurt or kill myself and/or someone else. i for sure do not want to carry any passengers in a vehicle that is capable of carrying seven. *tr
06/26/201211255
 I imported this 2012 ford explorer to bolivia, bought in miami, fl. i was driving on a straight road, relatively slow (30mph). suddenly the steering got stiff, making it extremely hard to turn. i slowly parked on the side of the road. the dashboard showed a sign that read: steering fault assist. i turned the vehicle off, then back on again. the problem went away. i am lucky that i was not going any faster, on a highway, or on a curve. a friend who bought a 2012 explorer here in bolivia, from an newly (2012) authorized dealer, had the exact same problem. he was on a highway, going at approx 60mph. fortunately for him, he was going straight, and was able to park on the side.
06/26/201261001
 While driving approx 45mph the system track warning light came on & beeped, immediately followed by the power steering failure light. i was in an area with heavy construction & could not pull off the road immediately & steering became less & less responsive & in less than a minute as i found a place to pull off, the steering locked up totally. i called for tow service after turning off & back on with the same warnings & unable to turn it at all. while waiting on tow, i turned it off a couple of more times & the steering was back but the system track control light remained on. once the car made it to the dealership, they were unable to duplicate the problem after checking, driving & rechecking for four days. i was told to drive it & return if it happened again. i am scared to death to drive this car for fear of it happening on the freeway at much higher speeds or my normal route to work which involves numerous curves & curves on bridges with no place to get off the road even if i could manage to get it off the road. my husband also fears for my safety in this vehicle. how many chances do i get before i crash & hurt or kill myself and/or someone else. i for sure do not want to carry any passengers in a vehicle that is capable of carrying seven. *tr
06/26/20126100
 While driving approx 45mph the system track warning light came on & beeped, immediately followed by the power steering failure light. i was in an area with heavy construction & could not pull off the road immediately & steering became less & less responsive & in less than a minute as i found a place to pull off, the steering locked up totally. i called for tow service after turning off & back on with the same warnings & unable to turn it at all. while waiting on tow, i turned it off a couple of more times & the steering was back but the system track control light remained on. once the car made it to the dealership, they were unable to duplicate the problem after checking, driving & rechecking for four days. i was told to drive it & return if it happened again. i am scared to death to drive this car for fear of it happening on the freeway at much higher speeds or my normal route to work which involves numerous curves & curves on bridges with no place to get off the road even if i could manage to get it off the road. my husband also fears for my safety in this vehicle. how many chances do i get before i crash & hurt or kill myself and/or someone else. i for sure do not want to carry any passengers in a vehicle that is capable of carrying seven.
06/30/20129150
 I was on the entrance ramp to the get on the highway and my steering locked up. i lost my power steering and the power steering assist fault light came on and the service advance trac warning also came on flashing back and forth between the two. this terrified me and thank goodness there wasn't much traffic and i was able to exit the highway and stop the car. the power steering came back on when the car was started. this is a very dangerous situation and i hope it is addressed immediately.
06/22/201211000
 Lost all power steering suddenly on the freeway, making it very difficult to steer. was only one mile from my dealer, so i drove there. very difficult to maneuver turns. later determined by dealer that the power steering gear needed replacement. has been on back order for one week now, part will not be available until following week at least. new vehicle, only 11,000 miles.
06/30/20129150
 I was on the entrance ramp to the get on the highway and my steering locked up. i lost my power steering and the power steering assist fault light came on and the service advance trac warning also came on flashing back and forth between the two. this terrified me and thank goodness there wasn't much traffic and i was able to exit the highway and stop the car. the power steering came back on when the car was started. this is a very dangerous situation and i hope it is addressed immediately.
06/22/201211000
 Lost all power steering suddenly on the freeway, making it very difficult to steer. was only one mile from my dealer, so i drove there. very difficult to maneuver turns. later determined by dealer that the power steering gear needed replacement. has been on back order for one week now, part will not be available until following week at least. new vehicle, only 11,000 miles.
06/25/201211000
 Tl-the contact owns a 2012 ford explorer. the contact stated that while waiting at traffic light, the power steering failed and the steering wheel was difficult to maneuver. the vehicle was taken to the dealer, who was unable to diagnose the failure. the manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. the vehicle was not repaired. the vin was not available. the failure and current mileages were 11,000. sm.
06/25/201211000
 Tl - the contact owns a 2012 ford explorer. the contact stated that while waiting at traffic light, the power steering failed as a result it was very difficult to steer. the vehicle was taken to the dealer who was unable to diagnosed the failure. the manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. the vehicle was not repaired. the vin was not available. the failure and current mileage was 11,000. pm
04/25/201213000
 Power steering failure while driving 40 mph on highway changing lanes. second time power steering has failed on freeway at lower rate of speed. vehicle now at fritts ford in riverside for third time regarding sudden power steering failure
04/20/20128200
 While driving grandchild to school the power steering suddenly went out requiring a tremendous amount of torque to turn car. i received several faults including traction control, traction control off, power steering assist fault. i was able to manhandle the car to a safe place and shut down the engine and after a few moments restarted an all faults cleared. if my wife had been driving at this time we would have been reporting an accident for she could not have possibly have turned this car. i immediately took the car to riggins motors (selling dealer) and had to leave the car with them for investigation. this is a problem ford needs to overcome now and not stall like they did on the my touch problem for this could easily cause a loss of life if it hasn't already happened.
04/02/201212890
 While changing lanes on the 60 west freeway i attempted to change lanes and vehicle power steering shut down. i was in the middle of my lane change and was nearly struck by a trailing diesel truck. i was only able to move steering wheel one inch to the right and one inch to the left. i pulled off highway based on my advanced driving skills as a law enforcement officer. this vehicle is my assigned work vehicle. several faults to include hill fault, traction fault flashed on the dashboard. i turned the vehicle off and on and the power steering worked. i immediately notified my workplace. a coworker followed me to the fritts ford in riverside, ca. i told them about the safety issue. fritts ford tested my vehicle for two days. they said the error could not be repeated but my vehicle had numerous faults recorded with the drivetrain, steering, hill, traction control. they said it was an electrical issue. there is a serious issue with this model. this is the first time it happened but it nearly cost me my life. i fear similar incidents will cause fatalities with unskilled civilian drivers.
01/06/20122569
 I stopped at a stop sign and took a left hand turn as i proceeded down a hill. my steering wheel wouldn't turn,like the wheel locked up, and the brakes were hard to push, not slowing me down. the explorer went off of the road striking a concrete pole. it destroyed the entire right front end, and destoyed the pole. the dealer said that they could fix the problem with the streering, and the brakes, but they are not responsible for the damage. they said that it's not ford's fault for the damage.

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