2011 Explorer Power Steering Issue

[Dex64]

I had the same issue, driving to work on July 9th and my powers steering died as I was changing lanes. Right before it died, an error popped up that the traction failed. After the power steering failed, I got a notice that the power steering failed, a little too late as I almost took out a barrier in the road. Luckily I didnt' have a cup a coffee in my hand at the time as I need both hands and all of my strength to get the car under control. Drove it directly to my dealership and would not turn off the car until they saw the error messages. The part is still on back order and they are suppose to call me today with an update on the estimated ship date. My explorer is a 2011 Limited with 37,400 miles. Unfortunately I did not buy the extended warrenty, Ford is telling me that the part is $1500 and labor is $500. They have said that Ford Corp and the dealership will cover the part but I have to cover the labor, I am hoping for a recall so that I don't have to put out that money. I have filed a complaint last month with the NHTSA and I have sent emails to Ford customer service explaining to them that they should be covering this entire cost as this issue is both a saftey issue and is happening more and more so obviously this should be a recalled part. I am waiting on their response later today. I am a little nervous that they have not fixed this issue and that they are putting parts with known potential failure issues back in our trucks as I haven't heard anywhere that they have identified why the part is failing and have fixed the part.

[kaygee01]

Originally Posted by peterk9

Welcome to the Forum kaygee01.
This seems to be happening more and more lately. I also have a 2011 but so far so good although I don't have that many miles on it yet. I hope you took the time to file a comlpaint with the NHTSA. Every one helps in possibly getting a recall on this issue.
Kody, if it happens again, see if you can get it to a dealer right away without shutting it off. This problem seems to correct itself at times when the ignition is cycled.
Good luck.

Peter

Peter,

my truck is at the dealership we bought it at now. They are still looking into it. I can't believe that the computers don't pick up that kind of a fault. We had a used vehicle inspection performed on it before we bought it. It came back fine. This is so frustrating. Not sure what options I have in terms of returning the vehicle. I can't be without it for the 6-8 weeks that the part may be on back order, if that is the issue.

[willied]

Originally Posted by Dex64

I had the same issue, driving to work on July 9th and my powers steering died as I was changing lanes. Right before it died, an error popped up that the traction failed. After the power steering failed, I got a notice that the power steering failed, a little too late as I almost took out a barrier in the road. Luckily I didnt' have a cup a coffee in my hand at the time as I need both hands and all of my strength to get the car under control. Drove it directly to my dealership and would not turn off the car until they saw the error messages. The part is still on back order and they are suppose to call me today with an update on the estimated ship date. My explorer is a 2011 Limited with 37,400 miles. Unfortunately I did not buy the extended warrenty, Ford is telling me that the part is $1500 and labor is $500. They have said that Ford Corp and the dealership will cover the part but I have to cover the labor, I am hoping for a recall so that I don't have to put out that money. I have filed a complaint last month with the NHTSA and I have sent emails to Ford customer service explaining to them that they should be covering this entire cost as this issue is both a saftey issue and is happening more and more so obviously this should be a recalled part. I am waiting on their response later today. I am a little nervous that they have not fixed this issue and that they are putting parts with known potential failure issues back in our trucks as I haven't heard anywhere that they have identified why the part is failing and have fixed the part.

That sucks that you're out of warranty. If it does get recalled (and it should) then they will most likely refund your money if you get it fixed now.

[BCMC]

Originally Posted by FordCustSrvc

MTN, that must have been unsettling to have this happen with your Explorer, and I’m sorry to hear you’re still waiting for the part. I’d like to have your issue reviewed by escalating your concern. Would you mind sending a PM with your VIN, approximate mileage, and dealer name?

Cory

Hi, Cory

May I request the same assistance of you? My dealership took my vehicle in, had it for four days, supposedly checked the error codes I ran from a Veh Health Rpt run during the fault, didn't order any parts nor do any work. According to the service advisor, they couldn't do a darn thing until they observed the error as I did. Their hands 'were tied' as it was a Ford corporate issue being 'worked out.' It was driven a total of 8 miles, then parked. Oh yeah. I got a 'free' car wash out of it. I didn't even get a courtesy call to let me know it was available for pickup. After nothing have been done. Mind you, I almost lost it while accelerating/turning onto a freeway and heading for the ditch in the side of the road!

I appreciate all your efforts, on everyone's behalf.

[FordCustSrvc]

Originally Posted by jrosner50

I just got a call from my dealer and they told me my Explorer is ready to be picked up...Cory on this forum did escalate my case to a regional service manager who I was in contact with during this process...

I’m glad your dealer took care of your concern, jrosner50; thanks for posting the updates.

Originally Posted by zed512

...My wife has the 2011 and she hasn't experienced any failure yet (touch wood)...

Originally Posted by phreaky_d

I'm about to pick up a new '12 Limited with a build date of 12/11. Can anyone confirm whether this build date should be ok, or is that hard to determine at this point?

zed512 & phreaky_d,

Our engineers have rigorous safety standards and do constant testing on our vehicles to ensure reliability. All vehicles are checked to make sure the latest programs/recalls have all been applied before you buy it.

Originally Posted by Razziel24

Im having the same exact problem...

Originally Posted by Dex64

I had the same issue...

Originally Posted by kaygee01

...my truck is at the dealership we bought it at now. They are still looking into it...

Razziel24, Dex64, & kaygee01,

I want to see this taken care of once and for all, guys. I can assist by escalating your case to the Customer Service Manager for your region. For me to do this, please send a PM with your contact information, approximate mileage, dealer name/state, and VIN.

Originally Posted by BCMC

Hi, Cory

May I request the same assistance of you?...I appreciate all your efforts, on everyone's behalf.

I appreciate your kind words, BCMC; I’m happy to lend a hand. Please send me a PM with the details I listed above.

Cory

[fadingsparks]

Having the exact same problem, the "Service Auto Trak" light comes on and I lose the ability to steer with ease; I have to muscle it off the road to turn the ignition off. I'm worried that this is an issue, though I feel slightly better to see I'm not imagining this and it has happened to other people.

It happened a few times over the past month or so.. but it was easily handled and it went away for a while. Today it happened on a turn, my steering wheel locked up and I almost went into the on coming traffic.

Cory, I'm taking it into the dealer today, I will PM you my information so that you can escalate it to the regional manager. Thanks in advance.

Angelo

[peterk9]

Originally Posted by fadingsparks

Having the exact same problem, the "Service Auto Trak" light comes on and I lose the ability to steer with ease; I have to muscle it off the road to turn the ignition off. I'm worried that this is an issue, though I feel slightly better to see I'm not imagining this and it has happened to other people.

It happened a few times over the past month or so.. but it was easily handled and it went away for a while. Today it happened on a turn, my steering wheel locked up and I almost went into the on coming traffic.

Cory, I'm taking it into the dealer today, I will PM you my information so that you can escalate it to the regional manager. Thanks in advance.

Angelo

Welcome to the Forum fadingsparks.
Too bad you had to introduce yourself this way, reporting a steering problem.
Did you file a report with the NHTSA following the link posted earlier in this thread? The link is also available in the 'sticky' at the beginning of this Forum. Hopefully all the reports will result in a recall for this dangerous issue.
Good luck Angelo.

Peter

[FordCustSrvc]

Originally Posted by fadingsparks

...Cory, I'm taking it into the dealer today, I will PM you my information so that you can escalate it to the regional manager. Thanks in advance...

Thank you for letting me know, Angelo; I’ll keep an eye out for your PM.

Cory

[broncoford]

Just filed my complaint with the NHTSA

[jmann]

I am having the same issue! I lost power steering while driving my 11 year old and his friend home. My dealership has had my car for 6 weeks, and they can not give me a eta on the part. I believe it is because they have not figured out how to fix the part in the first place and then put it into production. They tell me there are 800 people in the same situation as I am. After 800 people reporting this I cannot believe it is not at a recall status. I have only made 3 car payments on the explorer and 6 of those weeks so far I have not been able to drive it. I contacted ford cusomer service and they bacically have no info at all. I complained and wanted compensation and they explained for put me in a rental car and that no other compensation would be done until my car was returned to me. I lost it at that point...I am driving a small rent a car but paying a monthly payment for a suv. Also Ford did not put me in a rental the warrenty that I bought and paid for did! So ford has done nothing! So as of right now they are trying to get me in a suv rental because they have no idea when my suv will be ready. Is there a link to put this compliant in so it can be noted and possibly help the recall decision??

[peterk9]

Originally Posted by jmann

I am having the same issue! I lost power steering while driving my 11 year old and his friend home. My dealership has had my car for 6 weeks, and they can not give me a eta on the part. I believe it is because they have not figured out how to fix the part in the first place and then put it into production. They tell me there are 800 people in the same situation as I am. After 800 people reporting this I cannot believe it is not at a recall status. I have only made 3 car payments on the explorer and 6 of those weeks so far I have not been able to drive it. I contacted ford cusomer service and they bacically have no info at all. I complained and wanted compensation and they explained for put me in a rental car and that no other compensation would be done until my car was returned to me. I lost it at that point...I am driving a small rent a car but paying a monthly payment for a suv. Also Ford did not put me in a rental the warrenty that I bought and paid for did! So ford has done nothing! So as of right now they are trying to get me in a suv rental because they have no idea when my suv will be ready. Is there a link to put this compliant in so it can be noted and possibly help the recall decision??

You don't show what model/year you have in either your profile or in the Vehicle Specs. I'm guessing it is either a late 2011 or early 2012. These are the ones that seem to be having this problem. As far a link to report this problem, yes, there is a 'sticky' at the beginning of this Forum that has the link and it is also shown in a few posts in this thread. The report goes to the NHTSA.

Peter

[ercole]

Originally Posted by jmann

I am having the same issue! I lost power steering while driving my 11 year old and his friend home. My dealership has had my car for 6 weeks, and they can not give me a eta on the part. I believe it is because they have not figured out how to fix the part in the first place and then put it into production. They tell me there are 800 people in the same situation as I am. After 800 people reporting this I cannot believe it is not at a recall status. I have only made 3 car payments on the explorer and 6 of those weeks so far I have not been able to drive it. I contacted ford cusomer service and they bacically have no info at all. I complained and wanted compensation and they explained for put me in a rental car and that no other compensation would be done until my car was returned to me. I lost it at that point...I am driving a small rent a car but paying a monthly payment for a suv. Also Ford did not put me in a rental the warrenty that I bought and paid for did! So ford has done nothing! So as of right now they are trying to get me in a suv rental because they have no idea when my suv will be ready. Is there a link to put this compliant in so it can be noted and possibly help the recall decision??

My car has been at the dealer for 2 weeks now and last I spoke with my regional Ford rep, there still is no ETA from the supplier as to when the part will be available. I don't believe Ford makes this steering mechanism, nor does Visteon.

Having said that, I encourage anyone having this issue to work with Cory and your regional Ford representative, who will assist in escalating this with your local dealer. My rep has been phoning me every week.

Ford set me up with a loaner vehicle, and the Enterprise folks said if I wasn't happy with the loaner car (GMC Canyon crew cab), to bring it in for something else. The kids think the pickup is cool. The open back is completely useless, if you ask me.

I would much prefer to be back in my own vehicle. With all of the electronics that car manufacturers have switched to in the spirit of trimming costs and increasing margins, I suspect other issues may be lurking just around the corner.

[FordCustSrvc]

Originally Posted by jmann

I am having the same issue!...

I want to help by escalating the details up to your regional Customer Service Manager, jmann. For me to do this, please send a PM with your VIN, contact information, approximate mileage, and dealer name/state.

Originally Posted by peterk9

You don't show what model/year you have in either your profile or in the Vehicle Specs. I'm guessing it is either a late 2011 or early 2012...

Originally Posted by ercole

...I encourage anyone having this issue to work with Cory and your regional Ford representative, who will assist in escalating this with your local dealer. My rep has been phoning me every week...

Peter & ercole,

Thanks; I appreciate all you guys do to help.

Cory

[Razziel24]

I managed to take pictures a week ago.... (2012 Explorer Base Model 13K Miles)

Ford should do something ASAP..... before someone gets injured....

[pietropavan]

Dear All,

I took the car at the dealer, they knew this was an issue.
They ordered the parts up front.
The power steering rack was replaced and now the problem is solved.

Regards,
Pete.
Dubai, UAE.

[jrosner50]

Has anyone that had their Explorer fixed had another steering failure? So far after about only 500 miles my Explorer has been acting fine.

[willied]

Originally Posted by jrosner50

Has anyone that had their Explorer fixed had another steering failure? So far after about only 500 miles my Explorer has been acting fine.

My mom's Explorer has had over 3000 miles put on it since it was fixed and so far no problems.

[dallasdog]

I believe we may be the only people who have had the steering replaced twice. The first replacement failed twice in one day after a little less than 2000 miles (we took pictures of the dash both times). Ford had a field engineer examine the car carefully, and he ordered a second replacement. Of course we worry constantly that there is something else wrong that caused both units to fail. "Unsettling" doesn't even begin to cover it.

[jmann]

Originally Posted by dallasdog

I believe we may be the only people who have had the steering replaced twice. The first replacement failed twice in one day after a little less than 2000 miles (we took pictures of the dash both times). Ford had a field engineer examine the car carefully, and he ordered a second replacement. Of course we worry constantly that there is something else wrong that caused both units to fail. "Unsettling" doesn't even begin to cover it.

i believe that this will eventually be a recall issue. there is a problem with that part. until they fix the problem all the new parts will do the same.

[Dex64]

So my Customer Service Rep Cory called from Ford Corporation this afternoon and they changed their mind about how much they will cover of their faulty power steering issues. Instead of splitting the cost with RT 23 Auto mall like they told me 38 days ago when my car broke down, Rt. 23 Auto Mall has decided that they are not covering any of the part/service and only covering 1/2 half of the Rental Car and it is up to Ford Corporate to cover what ever they want of the part. Well Ford Corporate is only throwing in $1000 and the other half of the rental car and now I have to cover the remaining $900.

This is all because my warranty is 1400 miles over the lousy 36K factory warranty.

I checked th NHTSA site the end of June and there were 15 reports to the NHTSA on this issue, as of today there are 79, 64 additional complaints in 6 weeks and those are just the people that took the time to make a complaint. Since the NHTSA is investigating this, I can only hope that there is a recall soon.

I am meeting with Ford Corp and Rt. 23 tomorrow on the phone for one last ditch effort to get them to cover their faulty steering part. One last thing.. Rt. 23 told me I had until tomorrow afternoon to get this straightened out with Ford or my rental car was no longer covered. Said it wasn't their fault it took 35 days for Ford to get the part in... This dealership has had at least 5 Explorers in for the same part so they must be frustrated. Mine is the 3rd to get fixed.

If Ford does not do the right thing, I think I will take it to Twitter and create a Facebook page to get the power steering recalled.

Oh yeah, now my navigation data stick is stuck in the unit and Rt. 23 won't cover it because they day there is liquid spilled on it...which I never spilled. The Nav has been in 3 times now to be repaired and this time it is my fault..another $400.