2011 Ford Explorer Steering Problems

The power steering has fully stopped working , the car cannot be steered, this started to happen on the road, I had to steer the entire weight of the car myself, at fast speed it was difficult but not impossible, at slow speed and zero speed or while the vehicle is stationary it was impossible or unmovable to steer. there were no warning lamps about this, the Ford dealer has not detect this in my vehicle's previous recall, further vehicle has two more recalls this year, that have been cited this year by the dealer. this needs to be addressed on their recalls because this can cause a very severe problem on the road

NHTSA ID

11753984

Incident

Jul 31, 2026

On Friday 7/24/2026, I was driving and all the sudden my steering went out. Dash flashed No Power Steering Assist / AdvanTrac System Fail. I pulled over immediately to turn around & get home with zero power steering. The amount of strength to steer/control was extreme. To turn was almost impossible. I took my car to Ford AutoNation on Arapahoe in Centennial on 7/27/26, they ran full diagnostics & it came back that the car suffered a hard internal failure (DTC U3000) of the electronic Power Steering Control Module, creating an immediate, dangerous loss of steering assist while driving. This vehicle was subject to Federal Safety Recall 14S06 (NHTSA Campaign 14V286000). According to official Ford OASIS data, Ford attempted to remedy this safety defect in 2014 using a software reflash shortcut (Labor Code 14S06A) rather than replacing the physical defective hardware. I have a text (via their service dept) from the service manager as well stating "it was a reflash" when I asked which labor code was done under the 14S06; "was it the software reflash or the full rack replacement?". I have a formal case with Ford Corporate created 7/31/26, and have that number as well. IBecause Ford's software patch completely failed to prevent the component's internal hardware failure, the original federally mandated safety defect remains active, unresolved, and dangerous in this chassis. Ford Corporate is refusing to honor the recall remedy because the vehicle is past an arbitrary 10-year limit on their internal customer satisfaction extensions, violating the permanent nature of safety recalls. I stated I would be filing with the NHTSA and they pushed my information on to the Safety Auto Office on 7/31/26.

NHTSA ID

11753968

Incident

Jul 24, 2026

The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the message "Power Steering Assist Fault" was displayed and the vehicle failed to start. The contact stated that the failure reoccurred after starting the vehicle, and the steering wheel locked up. The dealer was contacted, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 14V286000 (Steering) and 14E001000 (Steering); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.

NHTSA ID

11751531

Incident

Jan 20, 2026

Mileage

140,000 mi

The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving 25 MPH, the steering wheel became difficult to turn to the left or the right. The contact stated that while depressing the brake pedal, there was an abnormal rumbling sound coming from the vehicle and the steering wheel started shaking. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V286000 (STEERING); but the repair failed to fix the vehicle. The contact stated that the failure had occurred after the recall repair. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 199,455.

NHTSA ID

11747972

Incident

Jun 15, 2014

Mileage

199,455 mi

Vehicle is very hard to steer, will not reset when restarting the vehicle. two dash messages; advance track warning and power assist failure. I have not attempted to drive on road due to difficulty of steering the wheel. I am afraid the vehicle is uncontrollable at this point and needs to be towed to a repair facility. Not sure if this incident is linked to the recall under 14S06 for ford recalls.

NHTSA ID

11739398

Incident

May 18, 2026

The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle became difficult to maneuver. The message that the "Vehicle Needed Attention" was displayed on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to back to the residence. The contact researched and was made aware of an unknown recall; however, the VIN was not associated with the recall. The dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 270,000.

NHTSA ID

11734002

Incident

Apr 24, 2026

Mileage

270,000 mi

The steering wheel got stiff and impossible to turn. I had to use extreme force to be able to make a left turn. It happened in a large intersection. No warning appeared.

NHTSA ID

11730954

Incident

Apr 9, 2026

The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel became extremely stiff. The steering wheel was extremely difficult to turn. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 160,000.

NHTSA ID

11727331

Incident

Dec 1, 2025

Mileage

160,000 mi

The electrical power steering stopped working while in motion was real hard to steer and avoid hitting curbs or vehicles close to our vehicle. It was previously replaced by Ford for the same reason but now it happened again and they are telling me it doesn’t have warranty which is fine but if i buy the part which is not cheap by the way it just going to keep failing after a few years.

NHTSA ID

11724849

Incident

Nov 14, 2025

The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the steering wheel was difficult to turn to the left or the right. The steering wheel seized, and the steering wheel symbol was displayed on the instrument cluster. The vehicle was turned off and restarted to reset the steering assist function. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, and the contact was informed that the electric power steering assist system needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V286000 (Steering); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 180,000.

NHTSA ID

11715978

Incident

Nov 3, 2025

Mileage

180,000 mi

The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving approximately 15 MPH, the power steering suddenly failed while attempting to make a right turn, causing the steering wheel to seize. The power steering warning light was illuminated. The contact turned off the vehicle and followed the owner's manual instructions on how to reset the power steering; however, all attempts failed. The contact left the vehicle parked at the incident location. The vehicle had not been taken to the dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000.

NHTSA ID

11708272

Incident

Dec 31, 2025

Mileage

200,000 mi

Loss of power steering

NHTSA ID

11708118

Incident

Dec 31, 2025

My vehicle is subject to NHTSA Safety Recall 14S06 related to loss of electric power steering assist. The Power Steering Control Module was reprogrammed in 2014, and Ford now considers the recall closed based on that reprogramming. In 2025, the vehicle again experienced loss of electric power steering assist and currently exhibits the EPAS diagnostic trouble code associated with the recall defect. This condition has been verified by a Ford dealer. On November 13, 2025, the dealer attempted reprogramming of the steering control module as a diagnostic and customer service step to determine whether reprogramming would resolve the condition. This attempt did not correct the defect, and the loss of steering assist persists. Supplement 3 to Recall 14S06, issued in 2019, includes a Dealer Q&A section (Attachment 4, Question 3) that specifically addresses what happens if a customer experiences loss of steering assist after the module has been reprogrammed. Ford’s guidance states that any subsequent loss of assist after reprogramming may be eligible for extended coverage under a related program. This guidance acknowledges that reprogramming alone may not prevent recurrence of the defect and that further corrective action may be required when the loss of assist returns. Despite this acknowledgment, Ford has denied further remedy solely because the recall is marked “closed” in its internal system and because the vehicle exceeds the time and mileage limits of customer satisfaction program 15N01. The recall defect remains present in the vehicle, and the original remedy has not been adequate to correct it. I am requesting NHTSA review whether Ford has met its obligation under 49 U.S.C. §30120 to provide an adequate remedy for this safety defect. Component: Steering Issue: Loss of power steering assist Recall Remedy: Remedy failed / not provided

NHTSA ID

11704918

Incident

Oct 1, 2025

The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35 MPH, there was a grinding sound coming from the steering column while making left and right turns. Additionally, the contact stated that the steering wheel jerked while driving and making left or right turns. The contact stated that three unknown warning lights were illuminated, and the traction control warning light was also illuminated. Additionally, there are unknown messages displayed. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, but the diagnosis was unknown. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 193,000.

NHTSA ID

11704721

Incident

Nov 15, 2025

Mileage

193,000 mi

I was driving to Independence missouri and the power steering went out, it was difficult to steer and if I was going slow enough I could not turn the wheel at all. There was an alert that popped up stating power steering fault. My mechanic reset the code and it was fixed for about 30 minutes before coming back on. I took it to a Ford dealership in chillicothe missouri and they had to reset the entire module and reprogram it. This fixed the issue for about 2 weeks and it is now doing the same thing as before. I paid $150 for an hour of labor plus diagnostic. I am expecting to take it back to the dealership on 12/3 for the same issue.

NHTSA ID

11702525

Incident

Nov 4, 2025

Loss of power steering

NHTSA ID

11698909

Incident

Nov 12, 2025

While driving power steering stopped working. Thankfully I was able to pull my vehicle over without incident. My vehicle has not been inspected as of yet by the dealership as I am on SSD called the dealership and the cost is $139.00 to run the diagnostic. Warning lights kicked on as soon as it happened. This was originally supposed to be remedied in recall 15N01 EPAS. I called the dealership and the cost for repair on this issue is extremely expensive compared to what I still owe on my explorer. Updated to show images of what was scanned, which falls under the recall from 2015. I still owe $2800.00n on this vehicle and repairs will cost more than what is owed. I've called Ford and they pretty much do not care

NHTSA ID

11698734

Incident

Oct 28, 2025

While driving power steering stopped working. Thankfully I was able to pull my vehicle over without incident. My vehicle has not been inspected as of yet by the dealership as I am on SSD called the dealership and the cost is $139.00 to run the diagnostic. Warning lights kicked on as soon as it happened. This was originally supposed to be remedied in recall 15N01 EPAS. I called the dealership and the cost for repair on this issue is extremely expensive compared to what I still owe on my explorer.

NHTSA ID

11696911

Incident

Oct 28, 2025

Steering wheel locked up when I tried to restart car

NHTSA ID

11696900

Incident

Oct 17, 2025

Power steering stopped working while driving

NHTSA ID

11696013

Incident

Oct 28, 2025

I had a recall on my 2011 Ford explorer for toe Links and bushings. Since ever since this has been going on I have gone through 38 tires in the rear in the past two years alone no shop will fix my car because the camber is so out of whack I have to have the whole rear suspension redone again when it should have been fixed the first time with the recall link Ford spent 5 minutes going through my car and said that my car didn't qualify for any recall because my car is a front wheel drive and not an all-wheel drive so they did not do the recall now after bringing it to another shop I have the estimate of what it would cost to fix that needs to be done it is an emergency because when I hit a pothole I go in the ditch my friend and his smashed because I can't control my car my steering freezes while driving down the highway and this all has something to do with the rear suspension five Star automotive wrote down everything that needs to be replaced this is a hazard to be on the road, if I could afford another car I would have one I keep sinking money into this one, because of Link Ford and their mistake me and my car should not have to suffer for it or anyone else on the road because this is a hazard my car is going to kill someone if I would have had the recall replaced, I wouldn't have had to spend an additional $1,400 on parts and labor that never even got put in because they can't put them in until this is repaired I can't even get a front end alignment because of this the entire rear suspension is sagging to the ground and my tires tilt in about 42°. I have the printout from both Link Ford in mining and 5 star automotive in Superior WI because of the 22 times I've gone in the ditch due to my suspension and steering locking up I have a short in the ground wire somewhere that is now fried my ECU so when I put it in a $90 boot every time it lights on fire within 30 seconds I'm in closing that picture as well of the one I just put in little over an hour ago.

NHTSA ID

11695632

Incident

Oct 5, 2020

I was driving home with my 3 kids in the car when all of the sudden I lost control of steering this happened in January of 2024 I have since managed to deal with driving with no power steering but when I had it hooked up to diagnostics they told me it was EPS module. I don’t have the money to fix this so I manage to drive without it but it sucks.

NHTSA ID

11689534

Incident

Jan 25, 2024

The contact’s daughter owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact was informed by his daughter that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. During the failure, the vehicle had to be turned off and restarted to regain power steering functionality. On another occasion, the vehicle lost power steering functionality; however, after a restart, the vehicle failed to regain power steering assist functionality. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the rack and pinion was replaced; however, the battery failed afterwards. The vehicle was repaired but the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer approximately three times. The vehicle was not repaired again. The manufacturer was informed of the failure, and a case was opened. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA ID

11679092

Incident

Jan 7, 2025

I’m the original and only owner of a 2011 Ford Explorer (VIN [XXX]). Although Ford Recall 14S06 (NHTSA 14V-286) was marked complete by AutoNation Ford of Bellevue, I’m now experiencing the same issue: loss of power steering assist while driving, which creates a safety hazard. On July 29, 2025, a certified DTC scan at Pierre Ford of Seattle revealed three Power Steering Control Module (PSCM) codes: U3000:49, U3000:72, and U3000:96. These codes are explicitly listed in Ford’s own bulletin (RCMN-14V286-7022) as qualifying for steering gear replacement under Customer Satisfaction Program 15N01, which Ford issued as an extension of Recall 14S06. Despite this, Ford denied the dealer’s request to perform the repair, citing that the CSP period had ended. However, Ford’s bulletin states that repairs should still be approved via SSSC request if DTCs are present — which they are. I believe Ford is failing to honor its own published recall repair procedure. This is not wear-and-tear; it is a continuation of a known safety defect. The steering intermittently becomes difficult to control — especially at low speeds — putting my family and others at risk. I’m requesting NHTSA investigate Ford’s denial of valid repair claims tied to Recall 14S06/15N01 and hold them accountable for unresolved safety issues. Documentation available upon request. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11678922

Incident

Aug 1, 2025

The contact owns a 2011 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while attempting to make a right turn at 20 MPH, the power steering assist failed to operate as needed with the "Steering Assist Fault Service Required" message displayed on the instrument panel. The contact stated that her left arm had been fractured before the failure and that the loss of power steering assist almost caused a crash. The contact had the vehicle towed to a mechanic and was provided information on NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V286000 (STEERING). The mechanic linked the failure to the recall and referred the contact to the dealer for assistance. The dealer and the manufacturer informed the contact that the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA ID

11678239

Incident

Aug 3, 2025