Problems with 2012 Ford Explorer STEERING

Power steering assist fault, first appeared january 9th 2020 - purchased vehicle with around 146,000 miles on 4/2019 - we are the second owners, first owner bought new and had detailed maintenance records - never had recall work done from 2014 regarding this issue. took to paul miller ford, lexington, ky - stated ford should have to fix - but they won't because it is over 150,000 miles. power steering assist fault light came back on feb 7, 2020 - and still remains on and un-driveable. ford refuses to fix the issue, and i'm not the only one. there are several of us on forums being told the same thing. i do not believe the previous recall fixed them all - they only contacted ones that were manufactured out of chicago - with this many still having problems, there has to be problems with all models during this time-frame, regardless of where they were manufactured. this is a safety issue and should be addressed and ford should be held accountable. had i known about this issue - i would not have bought the vehicle.

Tl* the contact owns a 2012 ford explorer. when the vehicle was started, the power steering warning indicator illuminated and the steering required extra effort to turn. the vehicle was turned off and on and resumed normal operation after five minutes. the vehicle was taken to tropical ford (located at 9900 s orange blossom trail, orlando, fl 32837, (407) 851-3800) where it was diagnosed that the eps software needed to be updated. the contact was informed that the vehicle was previously repaired per nhtsa campaign number: 14v286000 (steering). the manufacturer was notified of the failure. the approximate failure mileage was 106,000.

Loss of power steering control

Steering system failure appeared in my car and i could no longer move the steering as it got too hard for no reason, i don't even want to imagine what would have happened if i had driven on the highway with my family i think it is the defect of the ford for which ford should be responsible for solving this problem to prevent crashes

On 11-3-2019 at around 1820 hours while driving in the mountains, a yellow "service power steering soon" light illuminated. i acknowledged the warning and felt no change in handling at the time. i continued driving about another 10 minutes to my destination. as i turned into a driveway i could feel the steering get very tight and mentioned it to my passenger. i parked the car and returned about two and a half hours later. when i started the car at that time, a red "service power steering now" warning illuminated. i attempted to turn the steering wheel and was only able to do so with great effort. i drove the car about 100 ft and parked it for the night until i can get a tow truck for it. i will be contacting my local dealership, redlands ford, where i purchased the car originally.

Tl* the contact owns a 2012 ford explorer. while driving approximately 35 mph, the steering lost power and the service power steering indicator illuminated a few minutes prior to the failure. the vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who replaced the fuse. surprise ford (623-792-2522, located at 16825 w. waddell road, surprise, az 85388) was called and stated that there was no recall. the manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. the independent mechanic informed the contact that the failure might recur. the failure mileage was approximately 153,000.

Tl* the contact owns a 2012 ford explorer. while driving 40 mph, the power steering failed without warning and it became difficult to maneuver the vehicle. the vehicle was taken to corwin ford tri cities (1225 n autoplex way, pasco, wa 99301, (509)544-8000) where it was diagnosed that the steering gear needed to be replaced. the contact was informed that the manufacturer extended the warranty to ten years/150,000 miles for the steering. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was not contacted. the approximate failure mileage was 210,800.

Tl* the contact owns a 2012 ford explorer. while driving 25 mph, the "power steering aid off" warning message illuminated and the steering wheel seized. the vehicle was towed to anderson ford of grand island (120 diers ave, grand island, ne 68803, (308) 384-1700) where the contact was informed that the vehicle was repaired per an unknown nhtsa campaign number and that the power steering needed to be replaced. a repair appointment was scheduled for october 24, 2019. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure and stated that they were not responsible due to the vehicle's mileage. the failure mileage was 159,111.

Tl* the contact owns a 2012 ford explorer. while driving 45 mph, the steering seized and the power assist warning indicator illuminated. the contact managed to drive the vehicle home. the vehicle was taken to jim burke ford (2001 oak st, bakersfield, ca 93301, (661) 328-3600) where it was diagnosed that the steering column needed to be replaced. the vehicle was not repaired; however, the steering module was updated. the failure recurred. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure. the failure mileage was approximately 132,000.

Came out to start up my vehicle when immediately my power steering assist fault came on. it wouldnt allow me to back my car back nor turn my steering wheel as if it was locked. so i turned the car off feeling discouraged i may have waited 20 minutes and started the vehicle up to now there is no message. i proceeded to drive the vehicle once i made it back home the message came on once again at this time i took out my car book and it gave information on what the problem is and to seek service as soon as possible.

The vehicle was started up and went to back out of a parking spot. the vehicle was practically impossible to steer. the steering was the worse ever to try to turn the wheel. had to pull into another parking spot and park it there. turn the car off. then came back a few hours later and started the car and the steering worked fine. this has happened on previous occasions when starting the vehicle. the steering is impossible to turn the wheel. again, this has happened to me before, but luckily only when starting up and initial driving. it has probably happened at least 4 times to me and at least 2 times for my wife. i have heard of other people's steering stop when driving!

Since march 2019, i had been experiencing a slight stiffness in the power steering. by may, the traction sign came on then went off. when i asked the dealer about this, they said there was a 2-3 week wait to have the car looked at. it didn't happen often, but infrequently. then one day in late june, when i turned on the car and backed down the driveway, there was no power in the steering. i drove back up the driveway and turned off the car. then turned it back on and all was fine. in late july it happened again and early august it completely went out. i was able to get the car in at the dealership on a friday and they found it was the steering gear failed internally. they finished repairing the car by the following tuesday. when the car was at 141,000 miles i had asked if there were any recalls that haven't been done on this car. they said no. my questions is: does a safety recall expire?

Car won't go into park

When turning left steering would not return without extreme force on my part. very dangerous because it kept me going left and would cause a wreck. dealer duplicated the steering problem. vehicle was in motion. dealer stated the problem was with the steering gear: refer to recall 19v-435

Power steering went out. my vehicle is part of the recall. took it to mcmullen ford in council bluffs, ia. they told me i'm 300 miles over the recall and it was going to cost $1,900 to fix. vehicle has 108,954 miles on it.

Tl* the contact owns a 2012 ford explorer. while driving, the steering wheel seized and the power steering assist warning indicator illuminated. the contact was able to coast the vehicle to the side of the road and powered off the engine. the vehicle was restarted and was able to drive normally. the contact stated that the vehicle was previously repaired per nhtsa campaign number: 14e001000 (steering) at visalia ford (1300 e mineral king ave, visalia, ca 93292, (559) 625-1000). however, the repair did not correct the failure. in addition, while making turns, the steering wheel became difficult to turn and the power steering assist warning indicator illuminated. the contact stated that the vehicle would only move forward and backwards. the vehicle was unable to be driven and was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic for diagnostic testing. the manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. the approximate failure mileage was 75,000.

Tl* the contact owns a 2012 ford explorer. the contact stated that the electric power steering (eps) failed and the eps indicator randomly illuminated. the vehicle was not included in nhtsa campaign numbers: 14v286000 (steering) and 14e001000 (steering); although, the failure was the same as listed in the recalls. classic ford of smithfield (1698 e booker dairy rd, smithfield, nc 27577, (877) 679-8179) was notified of the failure and indicated that a diagnostic appointment needed to be scheduled. the vehicle was included in nhtsa campaign number: 19v435000 (suspension) and the dealer was to also schedule an appointment for the recall repair. the manufacturer was notified of the failure. the approximate failure mileage was 132,000.

Tl* the contact owned a 2012 ford explorer. the contact stated that while driving at 30 mph and making a turn, the steering wheel was wobbling and crashed into a tree. the vehicle flipped into an embankment. there were no warning indicator lights illuminated. the contact sustained injuries to the neck/back that required medical attention. all the air bags deployed. a police report was filed. there was no fire due to the crash. the vehicle was towed to an independent lot. the contact called five star ford lincoln of warner (900 russell pkwy, warner robins, ga 31088 (478) 273-8151) but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. the insurance company deemed the vehicle a total loss. the manufacturer was contacted who provided case number: cas 21979461 but no further assistance was provided. the contact received nhtsa campaign number 19v435000 suspension. the failure mileage was 130,000.

Tl* the contact owns a 2012 ford explorer. the contact stated that while the driver was driving at a unknown speeds around a curve, the steering wheel seized as a result, the driver hit a curve and crashed into a building metal pole. the driver did not sustained injury, the front and rear passengers sustained bump and bruises that required medical attention. a police report was filed. the vehicle was towed to the contacts residence. the vehicle was not taken to a dealer or an independent mechanic for a diagnostic testing. the vehicle was not repaired. the vin was included in nhtsa campaign number: 14v286000 (steering). the manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. the approximate failure mileage was 86,000.

While my was driving she went to accelerate from a stop and heard a noise. she thought maybe she ran over glass or something. when she went to turn the corner the vehicle kept going straight. she ended up hitting another vehicle due to the rear suspension breaking. my vehicle is part of the rear suspension recall.

Steering wheel locks up when you start truck and have to turn off and restarts to go away

Tl* the contact owns a 2012 ford explorer. the contact stated that the power steering failed and the steering wheel made an abnormal grinding noise when turned. there were no warning indicators illuminated. the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who stated that the vin was included in an unknown recall. the vehicle was then taken to gosch ford of temecula (26895 ynez rd, temecula, ca 92591, (951) 708-9148) where it was diagnosed that a new power steering rack needed to be installed. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure and stated that the recall repair could not be performed because the vin did not match the vehicle. the failure mileage was 108,107.

Power steering assist fault came on. 2014 a recall for this issue. i just bought this vehicle 3 weeks ago, can i still have work done.

I have been experiencing 'power steering assist fault' errors on startup on my 2012 ford explore fwd. this results in complete power steering failure which makes it impossible for me to turn the wheel to either direction. i've read that there is a recall but ford has not sent me any notifications in mail or notified me when i had the car at the dealership for service.

The power steering assist fault will randomly shut down my ability to steer the vehicle. this happened once while leaving my driveway to take my kids to the bus stop. i could not budge the steering, i lost all control. i turned the vehicle off, than restarted it, the assist fault was not on now and i was able to drive. luckily this occurred be for i left my driveway because you loose all control of the steering. other times it comes on when i start the vehicle and will not go off right away, leaving me stuck at work, grocery store so on. my car is now in my driveway with the fault on. i have tried everyday, but the car is not drivable and the fault will not shut off this time. i have only owned this car for two years and only drive it when i have to. i don't feel safe in a car that looses steering at any time. if i'm on the highway when it shuts down i feel this is risking life and safety of myself and anyone around me.

Vehicle was in motion when power steering locked up and all dash lights flashed. resulted stranded on side of busy road and all power steering failed. was driving side street at time of occurrence. i made multiple attempts to contact ford corporate to resolve and they refuse to cover under guaranteed recall of the power steering rack and pineon. i have auto service center repairs with a repair cost of $2000.00. please assist in covering this cost for repairs under warranty recall. i have only owned this vehicle for 2 years. thank you.

Power steering locks up and needs replacement. ford dealer claims this is not covered under recall, and vin search indicated no open recall for this vehicle. dealer has reset vehicle computer and that may be why no open recall shows up. internet searches indicate that this is a very common problem and should have been covered under a previous recall, but there is no evidence that the vehicle ever had recall work done. so far the problem only presents itself upon initial startup while the vehicle is stationary. however, internet searches show that others have had steering lock up while in motion, causing vehicle accidents.

Tl* the contact owns a 2012 ford explorer. approximately two and a half years after the vehicle was repaired per nhtsa campaign number: 14v286000 (steering), the steering ability failed and the power steering indicator illuminated. the vehicle was taken to junge cedar rapids (319-393-6500, located at 1200 boyson rd, hiawatha, ia 52233) where it was diagnosed that the power steering gear failed and needed to be replaced. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to nhtsa. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure mileage was 100,100.

Tl* the contact owns a 2012 ford explorer. while operating the vehicle, the power steering failed, which made the steering wheel very difficult to turn in either direction. the vehicle was taken to watson quality ford (6130 i 55, jackson, ms) where it was diagnosed that the electric power steering was faulty and needed to be replaced. the vehicle was repaired. electric steering gear was replaced. the manufacturer was notified of the failure. the failure mileage was 150,700.*bf *jb

Tl* the contact owns a 2012 ford explorer. while pulling out of the driveway at an unknown speed, the steering wheel became difficult to turn and the power steering assist fault warning indicator illuminated. the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the control module needed to be replaced. the local dealer was not contacted. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was called, but the contact did not speak with anyone. the failure mileage was 78,000.

Start car and epas steering does not work. restart a couple of times was able to drive just once. the next day even restarting the car did not work. i see that their was a recall for this issue. i hope ford fixes this issue under the recall.

While driving on a rural road warning lights came on. pulled over, turned vehicle off. turned back on. complete power steering failure. appears to be same issue as previous recall.

Power steering fault. the power steering just stopped work while i was driving with now warming until it was completely inoperable. i nearly crashed it to an on coming car in the parking lot of my gym. i notice there was a recall for this make and model but when i did a vin search my truck was not registering a recall.

In 2014 there was a recall for my vehicle. it was not fixed because when checked my car did not show any problem. now i cannot drive my car due to power steering assist fault. i called the dealership and was informed they cannot fix my car based on warranty because it previously checked out fine. this car is not safe to drive and quite expensive to fix. why can't the recall still apply to my car. my car was in my driveway when it happened so thankfully no one was hurt. but the danger remains if i have to drive it anywhere without being able to get it fixed.

Our power steering failed completely on 12/17/2018. exact symptoms as described in former recall 14v286000 - somehow ford was able to change this recall to an extended warranty which lapses at 150,000 miles. our vehicle failed at 150,950 miles - rendering it extremely dangerous and impossible to control. repair costs over $2300. how the nhtsa can accept such an agreement as an extended warranty in place of a blanket recall demonstrates the power of the auto-maker lobby at the extreme detriment and danger to the american public. ford and nhtsa should be ashamed.

While i was about to make a turn at a four-way stop, the power steering assist notification came on and my steering wheel locked. i ran up onto the sidewalk. had there been any pedestrians, they would have gotten hit.

Steering assist fault

Tl* the contact owns a 2012 ford explorer. while driving 70 mph, the power steering seized and the "service power steering", traction control, and "service now" warning indicators illuminated. the contact was able to coast the vehicle to the side of the road. the vehicle was towed to keystone ford (301 walker road, chambersburg, pennsylvania 17201, (717) 264-5104) where it was diagnosed that the power steering was faulty and needed to be replaced. the dealer located diagnostic trouble codes u2011-49 and c200b2f-2f. the vehicle was repaired at owners expense. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure and provided the contact with case number: 16436064. the contact stated that the vehicle had been repaired per nhtsa campaign number: 14v286000 (steering) on may 29, 2014. the contact stated that the manufacturer issued a memorandum on july 1, 2015 in reference to the recall, stating that it was subject to a warranty extension conversion. the contact stated that the manufacturer replaced the recall with a 150,000 mile warranty coverage extension under 15n01. the diagnostic trouble codes located earlier by the dealer were consistent with the warranty coverage; however, the manufacturer stated that the vehicle was not eligible for the 150,000 mile warranty extension program. the failure mileage was 158,000. *tr

While driving the stability control lights came on and the wheel got tuff.

Steering gears lock steering system almost causing a crash with my 11 year old son in the car.

While driving and going into turn power steering warning came on causing total loss of control of vehicle. was able to stop and have vehicle towed to dealership.

My vehicle has failure on the electronic power ateering assist, as noted on recall campain 14v286000 by nhtsa for this vehicle but my vehicle was not on recall list. vehicle has experience loss of power on electronic power steering making ateering hard. today when driving on highway problem happened for the third time, had some trouble getting out of highway, i need to mive to the side of the road and turn off vehicle for some time and turned back on to restart the electronics.

Power steering assist failure warning when starting the car can usually be resolved by restarting the car and has been intermittent for the life of the vehicle, however the power steering (which is completely electronic--no pulley or hydraulics) is now failing while driving making the car nearly impossible to turn and especially at lower speeds because you're fighting through the electronic motor in the epas system.

The vehicle at start up has disabled power steering causing the vehicle unable to be steered. the vehicle was in a driveway and was about to place into drive gear when the warning light came on and could no longer turn the steering wheel.

Sudden grinding in the steering wheel. suspect it is related to a prematurely failing steering gear box. occurred while vehicle was stationary

Sometimes my steering wheel will lock and i can not move and i am driving with my children and that scared me i've called the tow truck twice taking it to the dealership for them to find nothing. now my vechile is starting to shake when i'm driving and i'm tired of taking to the dealership for nothing. i've taken to 2 dealership and they say the same thing. it's always when i'm driving. it's all i the dealership papers. i'm sick and tired of this . it started about 1 year after i got it. i would not buy another ford

Tl* the contact owns a 2012 ford explorer. while starting the vehicle, the steering wheel seized and failed to maneuver as the power steering assist warning indicator illuminated. the vehicle was taken to a local dealer (lugoff ford, 979 highway 1 south, lugoff, sc 29078), but the failure was unable to be duplicated or diagnosed. the manufacturer was not notified of the failure. the failure mileage was 160,000.

Service power steering. advance trac light came on. unable to steer vehicle while on highway doing 55mph. we are unable to get this car repaired due to high cost to ship car 572miles out of town. told us that we need to pay for the repair and will get reimbursed at later date. however after explaining we don't have money to ship it they offer little to no help. there is a local shop that does warranty repairs but we have to pay out of pocket up to $1,600 not including labor costs of repairs done to vehicle. ford then said 'repairs and services would be our responsibility' explained in photo documentation

Steering wheel locks up while driving. i have to turn the car off in order to unlock the steering wheel. very dangerous. dealer made me buy a new battery and "reprogrammed" vehicle, but the problem came back.. it's happened multiple times. most recently on 1/10/18.

My vehicles is expediting recall 14s06 and has happened 2x and for dinner is as saying my vin number is born unser the recall. help