What 2,224 owners told NHTSA about the 2013 Ford Explorer Police Intercept

There is an open recall for 2011-2013 Explorers (#14V286000) for the exact cause of the submission of this complaint. My family and other's lives were at risk when my explorer lost power steering capabilities while driving. The power steering was completely disabled almost making it impossible to navigate. The vehicle had to be towed because it was such a hazard to drive with local traffic. Upon the loss of the power steering a "power steering assist" light illuminated on the dash. The local Ford dealership noted that this was a known problem and the 2013's were actually recalled for this exact issue. Once they looked up my VIN number they noted that mine was not included even though it is textbook for the other 2013 explorers which noted the same problem that caused this recall. Ford has not been of any help and instructed I submit this complaint here. The repair is not an affordable cost to swallow when there is an open recall for the exact problem on the SAME years, but for some reason mine was not included.

NHTSA ODI 11453222

Vehicle has lost ability to steer and several warning light illuminated indicating power steering problem. Diagnosis revealed the problem is a failed rack and pinion.

NHTSA ODI 11453274

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving, the power steering and advanced tract warning lights illuminated. The steering wheel failed to move. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the steering gear needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V286000 (Steering) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to NHTSA for assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 150,000.

NHTSA ODI 11452748

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving approximately 2 MPH in a parking lot, the vehicle rolled forward and power steering assist fault warning light illuminated. The contact was able to safely pull over and had to have the vehicle towed to the local dealer where it was diagnosed with needing the power steering control module replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that she had researched online and found NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V286000 (Steering) which was similar to the failure experienced. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure however, the contact was informed that the VIN was not included. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.

NHTSA ODI 11451424

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while reversing out of the driveway, the steering wheel locked up. The contact was unable to turn the steering wheel in either direction. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer to be diagnosed and remained at the dealer. The contact was informed that the power steering assist failed and would be an out-of-pocket expense. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V286000 (Steering) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was contacted and notified of the failure. The contact was provided with a case number. The failure mileage was 59,800.

NHTSA ODI 11450399

I was stopped in the middle median waiting to make a left turn. Once there was a gap with on coming traffic I started to make the left turn and I lost control of the vehicle, not sure what happened in the moment. Once I gripped the steering wheel to try and regain control before I jumped the curb and hit the apartment building that was in front of me I was able to park the vehicle and assess the situation. I looked down and noticed the warning light that said “Power steering fault.” I had the vehicle towed to the nearest Ford dealership and they have diagnosed the problem as needing to replace the whole “steering rack.” This is a $2300 repair. Under further investigation I have become aware that there is already a recall “14S06” for this exact problem, but due to my build date being out by a couple months my Explorer is not covered. I have read online many other experiencing the same concern I am having, and their Explorers are not covered as well. This is a huge safety concern and could cause accidents relating to injury/death. This needs to be addressed immediately!

NHTSA ODI 11449754

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 25 MPH and making a turn, the steering wheel inadvertently lost power steering assist functionality. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact turned off the vehicle and as he restarted it, the steering wheel regained power steering assist functionality. The contact was able to continue to drive the vehicle; however, the failure reoccurred upon starting the vehicle the next day. The contact stated that the failure had been reoccurring intermittently while driving. The contact became aware of NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V286000 (Steering). The vehicle was taken to the dealer who advised the contact that he would be responsible for the cost of the repair since the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 96,000.

NHTSA ODI 11448002

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving, the speedometer failed to provide the vehicle's speed. Additionally, the steering wheel became difficult to turn. The contact stated that the power steering assist message was displayed. The vehicle was not taken to a local dealer to be inspected. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in a recall. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V286000 (Steering) however, the VIN was not included. The failure mileage was approximately 108,000.

NHTSA ODI 11447206

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving approximately 45 MPH, the power steering became inoperable. The steering fault warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed that the steering gear needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V286000 (Steering). The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to NHTSA. The approximate failure mileage was 135,000.

NHTSA ODI 11446893

Driving on freeway interchange from one freeway to another am alarm went off that my steering had faulted out. The steering wheel was almost impossible to turn and I nearly hit the retaining wall. Vehicle was almost uncontrollable.

NHTSA ODI 11446818

I came out of Lowes and got into my vehicle and when I tried to back it out, I could not turn my wheels and the message on the instrument panel stated, "Power Steering Assist Fault". I shut of my engine and restarted the Explorer and after a few seconds I was able to steer my vehicle. I am afraid to drive the Explorer because I have two car seats in the car that carry two children. My Explorer was made in the Chicago plant in March of 2013, but my vin number appears not to be included in the ones to be covered.

NHTSA ODI 11444267

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving approximately 60 MPH, the steering wheel became difficult to turn. The contact pulled over and restarted the vehicle however, the vehicle failed to regain steering functionality. The contact stated that the All-Terrain System and Forward Collision warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a local mechanic and the contact was informed that the rack and pinion needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V286000 (Steering) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and the contact was informed that the VIN was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 94,000.

NHTSA ODI 11443242

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the power steering assist fault warning message would appear on the instrument panel. The contact also stated that excessive force was needed to steer the vehicle while driving at various speeds. The contact took the vehicle to a dealer where they confirmed that the electrical power steering was defective. The contact was informed that his vehicle was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V286000 (Steering). The manufacturer was notified of the failure and confirmed that the VIN was not included. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 152,000.

NHTSA ODI 11442286

Right rear brake caliper has failed twice. Tire shop diagnosed problem both times. We’ve replaced the caliper and brakes on the car the first time and are in the process of getting parts to fix again Started hearing loud popping noise from front end and now we have a grinding noise when turning steering wheel. When driving the vehicle the steering catches when turning right or left causing it to feel like it isn’t stable. The car feels like it wanders on straight stretches and you have to fight the steering. Husband diagnosed rack and pinion. Problem now is we can’t get parts

NHTSA ODI 11441813

Electric power steering inop. POWER STEERING ASSIST FAULT displayed.

NHTSA ODI 11439704

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the steering wheel became difficult to turn and with an abnormal sound. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact stated she was able to drive to her residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. A dealer was not contacted. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V286000 (Steering) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000. Vehicle has been sold.*JB

NHTSA ODI 11439385

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while his wife was driving approximately 55 MPH, the vehicle was jerking. The contact stated that the vehicle lost power steering assist before the driver lost control of the vehicle. The traction control warning light was illuminated along with the service power steering message displayed. The driver sustained injuries to her arm however, no medical attention was provided. The contact called the local dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V286000 (Steering) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure however, no further assistance was provided. The approximate failure mileage was 188,000.

NHTSA ODI 11438871

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving approximately 45 MPH, the steering wheel became difficult to turn. The contact stated there was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer where it was diagnosed with needing the rack and pinion replaced. The vehicle was repaired. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V286000 (Steering) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not under recall. The failure mileage was approximately 99,000.

NHTSA ODI 11437805

Power steering assist fault. Lost power steering while driving.

NHTSA ODI 11437844

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that after restarting the vehicle, the power steering assist fault message displayed, and the steering wheel was very difficult to turn in either direction. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer who diagnosed that the steering rack was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the vehicle was not included in the NHTSA campaign 14V286000 (Steering). The contact indicated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 134,000. THE CONSUMER STATED VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DO TO NOT BEING MANUFACTURED AT A PARTICULAR PLANT.

NHTSA ODI 11437351

1. Water Pump leaking, Explorer ran hot, needs new water pump and transmission cooling line. 2. Steering suspension has a left and right popping sound, while turning steering wheel. 3. Steering knuckle has play in it while parked and engine is off.

NHTSA ODI 11436060

The steering got harder to steer and it is almost impossible to turn when you are pulling out

NHTSA ODI 11435925

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 80 MPH, the power steering failed, and the steering wheel was difficult to turn. The contact was able to drive to her residence. The contact's uncle drove the vehicle to an independent mechanic since it was difficult to steer the vehicle. The mechanic diagnosed the failure as a power steering failure and informed the contact that there was a recall. The vehicle was not repaired and remained with the independent mechanic. The dealer was made aware of the failure but informed the contact that there was no recall associated with the VIN. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V286000 (Steering). The failure mileage was approximately 109,000.

NHTSA ODI 11434653

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH, the steering wheel stiffened with the "service power steering" and service advance track" messages on the instrument panel. Despite the failure, the contact was able to drive the vehicle home using excessive force to steer the vehicle. Once the contact arriver at her residence, the steering wheel became more difficult to steer. The contact's husband was unable to turn the steering wheel. Both the dealer and the manufacturer were notified of the failure and both informed her that the vehicle was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V286000 (Steering). The contact also stated that prior to the failure, the steering while would remain locked in the turn position and that she had to manually adjust the steering wheel to correct the steering. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.

NHTSA ODI 11434461

Driving it and lost power steering and the wheel got very hard and almost crashed my Explorer

NHTSA ODI 11434173