2011 Explorer Power Steering Issue

[controlfreak]

Thank you, Peter.

Yes, we have filed an NHTSA report. E-mailed Consumer Reports as well. Sent the link for this forum to the dealership's GM. Sent a PM to Cory.

Yes, this is a serious situation. My daughter was so proud of her new rig. Now, like some other members of this forum, she couldn't care less if she ever sees the vehicle again. Yesterday, she was ready to unload it, no matter the loss. She's so afraid that even if it gets "fixed", the problem may still be lurking out there, just ready to rear its ugly head again at the most inopportune time. She said she'll never be able to trust it again. She just wants someone to assure her that after they "fix" this, it will never happen again, and no one seems to be able to do that. Maybe it will last at least another 10,000 miles, and by then she'll have gotten rid of it.

[controlfreak]

Just talked to one of the dealerships. I should have a rental this afternoon. He informed me the part is on back order, 356 are on back order and 144 are to ship the beginning of July. I am guessing mine won't be included in the next shipment since my case has just started. They are "scouring" the country looking to get one sooner. This sounds to me like at least 356 other failures.

Dealer told us Fri. 7/13/2012, now 750 rack & pinion assemblies on back-order. Looks like the scope of this problem is expanding rapidly!

[peterk9]

Originally Posted by controlfreak

Dealer told us Fri. 7/13/2012, now 750 rack & pinion assemblies on back-order. Looks like the scope of this problem is expanding rapidly!

I still find it odd that a sudden loss of steering is related to the rack and pinion assembly. I still think it is an electrical problem. Why else would most people be able to recover their steering by switching the vehicle off and back on??

Peter

[controlfreak]

The more I'm learning about this, apparently the electronic control unit for the EPAS is integral with the rack & pinion assembly. That's why by replacing the rack & pinion, you're also replacing the apparent problem-child: the electrical control unit.

Maybe Cory can help out with this. Are we on the right track?

[HunterL]

Originally Posted by peterk9

Welcome to the Forum .
Did you also file a report with the NHTSA as suggested? There is a 'sticky' on that at the beginning of this Forum.

https://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/ivoq/index.cfm

Peter

Submitted info to NHTSA today.

[dallasdog]

The steering unit (rack and pinion) is all one unit including the electronic control module. After going out twice and much discussion, mine was finally replaced. In less than 2000 miles, it has gone out again twice in one day. Fortunately we took pictures with the mileage showing. Ford has an engineer coming to check it out. We all wish there was a clear understanding of the problem, but.....

[FordCustSrvc]

Originally Posted by willied

It says on the invoice:...

Thanks for taking the time to post, willied.

Originally Posted by AJGROGG

Mine was at the dealer for 18 days.

I’m sure you’re glad to have your ride back, AJGROGG.

Originally Posted by mbowsher

...Ford took care of me, even though we were without our Explorer for 3 weeks, I don't think anything could have been handled better...

It’s good you were taken care of, mbowsher!

Originally Posted by TigerWebb30

...The part was supposed to be here on Thursday and it is now Friday and they say check back Monday. I'll keep you posted on how long this takes and what had to be done to fix it...

TigerWebb30,

I want to offer my help by arranging a call from the Customer Service Manager for your area. For me to do this, please send a PM with your contact information, approximate mileage, dealer name/state, and VIN.

Originally Posted by HunterL

...The service writer was familiar with the issue but said it would probably be 6 to 8 weeks before they could get the needed part......BUMMER! They could not have been nicer at the dealership, and did put me in a rental unit, but the wait time for the parts seems to be ridiculous...

I see your PM in my inbox, HunterL. I’ll reply within a day or so.

Originally Posted by controlfreak

...Cory, thanks for helping the way you are. I'll PM you with the details for this case.

You’re welcome, controlfreak; thanks for the heads up. Expect a reply from me in the next two days.

Originally Posted by dallasdog

...In less than 2000 miles, it has gone out again twice in one day. Fortunately we took pictures with the mileage showing. Ford has an engineer coming to check it out...

dallasdog,

I still have your details from previous messages, so drop me a line with your current mileage and I’m happy to set up a follow-up call.

Cory

[CLOTAGAMES]

Wife had it happen to her also-going around a curve-said very hard to control-shut off and restarted and drove home OK. Took to dealership and were told new steering parts backordered. We have talked with service manager half a dozen times since. On Friday-he called and Ford could not provide him with an exact date for parts-anticipated mid August. Went in and talked with business manager-told him our cars never sit ouside-let alone a month and a half if August delivery. Went yesterday and took most of our gear out of unit. Told them this morning I wanted a plan-did not really want unit back if it had to sit outside that long in 100 degree heat-had already melted some things inside. They have now said will get with Ford district rep and see what could be done. Not sure I want another explorer! I told him I have a hard time with Ford building Explorer's every day but cannot furnish same part being put on at assembly-Typical-do not want to slow down production line-instead have someone get hurt.

[controlfreak]

Welcome to the forum, Clotagames!

Make sure you go to the NHTSA site and fill out the report. Takes very little time. Also PM your info to Cory @ Ford. You'll find his link just a few posts back up the thread. He's trying his best to help everybody with this issue.

You're right. This has to be fixed before somebody gets killed!

[peterk9]

Originally Posted by CLOTAGAMES

Wife had it happen to her also-going around a curve-said very hard to control-shut off and restarted and drove home OK. Took to dealership and were told new steering parts backordered. We have talked with service manager half a dozen times since. On Friday-he called and Ford could not provide him with an exact date for parts-anticipated mid August. Went in and talked with business manager-told him our cars never sit ouside-let alone a month and a half if August delivery. Went yesterday and took most of our gear out of unit. Told them this morning I wanted a plan-did not really want unit back if it had to sit outside that long in 100 degree heat-had already melted some things inside. They have now said will get with Ford district rep and see what could be done. Not sure I want another explorer! I told him I have a hard time with Ford building Explorer's every day but cannot furnish same part being put on at assembly-Typical-do not want to slow down production line-instead have someone get hurt.

Welcome aboard CLOTAGAMES.
As controlfreak point out, you should fill out the form regarding a complaint about this issue.
The link is located in the Sticky at the beginning of this forum and I also pasted it in a reply in this thread to HunterL.

Peter

[FordCustSrvc]

Originally Posted by CLOTAGAMES

...They have now said will get with Ford district rep and see what could be done...

CLOTAGAMES,

I want to help with resolving your concern by setting up a call from your regional Customer Service Manager. Please send me a PM with your contact information, VIN, dealer details, and approximate mileage.

Originally Posted by controlfreak

...Also PM your info to Cory @ Ford. You'll find his link just a few posts back up the thread. He's trying his best to help everybody with this issue...

Originally Posted by peterk9

Welcome aboard CLOTAGAMES. ...

controlfreak & Peter,

Thanks again for all your help, guys; it’s hugely appreciated.

Cory

[controlfreak]

Originally Posted by dallasdog

The steering unit (rack and pinion) is all one unit including the electronic control module. After going out twice and much discussion, mine was finally replaced. In less than 2000 miles, it has gone out again twice in one day.

This is terrible news! So the apparent "fix" may or may not work! Total luck-of-the-draw. Worked for some, but not for dallasdog. Sorry to hear this dallas.

So what are we dealing with here? With it being so random, is this an engineering issue or a parts supplier issue?

I'm not putting my daughter back behind the wheel of this thing HOPING that she's LUCKY enough to have steering on any given day! Give me a break!

Thanks for the shout-out Cory. I wish I could do more!

[AJGROGG]

[QUOTE=FordCustSrvc;3001585]Thanks for taking the time to post, willied.


I’m sure you’re glad to have your ride back, AJGROGG.


I am glad to have it back but I'm afraid of it now. I won't drive it on the Interstate for fear that it will happen again. I loved that vehicle but am really cautious now and that's not a good feeling. I'm hoping this will not happen again and I will gain more confidence in it. If not, sadly I will have to trade it in.

[AJGROGG]

Originally Posted by controlfreak

Thank you, Peter.

Yes, we have filed an NHTSA report. E-mailed Consumer Reports as well. Sent the link for this forum to the dealership's GM. Sent a PM to Cory.

Yes, this is a serious situation. My daughter was so proud of her new rig. Now, like some other members of this forum, she couldn't care less if she ever sees the vehicle again. Yesterday, she was ready to unload it, no matter the loss. She's so afraid that even if it gets "fixed", the problem may still be lurking out there, just ready to rear its ugly head again at the most inopportune time. She said she'll never be able to trust it again. She just wants someone to assure her that after they "fix" this, it will never happen again, and no one seems to be able to do that. Maybe it will last at least another 10,000 miles, and by then she'll have gotten rid of it.

I felt the same way! Still do sort of and I'm just hoping to gain some confidence in that it's fixed and hoping it won't happen again. I love the vehicle...but driving with the fear of it happening again with my young children in the car isn't cool. Looking at options of trading.

[FordCustSrvc]

Originally Posted by controlfreak

...Thanks for the shout-out Cory. I wish I could do more!

You’re very welcome, controlfreak. There are still a few PMs in my inbox before yours, so I’ll send a reply by tomorrow at the latest.

Originally Posted by AJGROGG

...I loved that vehicle but am really cautious now and that's not a good feeling. I'm hoping this will not happen again and I will gain more confidence in it...

AJGROGG,

Our engineers have rigorous safety standards and do constant testing on our vehicles to ensure reliability. I want you to have confidence in your ride; please don’t hesitate to shoot me a message and I’ll get you in touch with the regional Customer Service Manager.

Cory

[controlfreak]

I'm going to go out on a limb here. Because of the unpredictability of electronics, this problem is NEVER going to have a GUARANTEED fix in the way the steering system currently exists! Do you want someone else's opinion? Read this article dated Feb. 10, 2010. Very enlightening!

http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/201...power-steering

Oh, I also found a Ford press release dated Jan. 26, 2011 that stated that nearly 90% of Ford & Lincoln models will have EPAS by 2012. Wow! I can hardly wait to be doing 200mph in my 662 horsepower 2013 Shelby Mustang GT500 when the steering fails! Just kidding.

[FordCustSrvc]

Originally Posted by controlfreak

I'm going to go out on a limb here...

controlfreak,

In case you didn’t see, I sent a reply to your PM. Please see your inbox for the details.

Cory

[amandajane81]

My husband and I bought the '11 Explorer in March. A week and a half ago while driving home from work, the power steering failed. A power steering failure light illuminated on the dash board. The vehicle was able to be pulled safely (thank goodness) into a parking lot (though it was a lot like trying to drive a tractor). After the ignition was turned off for a few minutes and restarted, the problem seemed to be resolved except now there were warning lights illuminated about the traction control system. I drove it to the dealership the next day, and now I too am waiting on the elusive part to fix the problem. I've already sunk over $300 into a rental car. Is it possible to get some help with this, especially if I could be waiting over 3 weeks?

[Kevin-Truro,NS]

I know this isn't a dangerous issue like losing the ability to steer, I'm just a north of your border guy with a few gripes about Ford Canada. Number 1: I had one torsion bar adjusting bolt broken on my truck from a previous accident it was in. Why was I forced by Ford to buy a package of four? Number 2: I needed new park brake levers for the same rig. How can Ford justify the price they charge? It cost me $101.98 for three of those cheap stamped steel levers. Can't blame that on the exchange rate. Nothing is built with quality, or pride anymore. Corporate greed is going to make the world fall down.

[peterk9]

Originally Posted by amandajane81

My husband and I bought the '11 Explorer in March. A week and a half ago while driving home from work, the power steering failed. A power steering failure light illuminated on the dash board. The vehicle was able to be pulled safely (thank goodness) into a parking lot (though it was a lot like trying to drive a tractor). After the ignition was turned off for a few minutes and restarted, the problem seemed to be resolved except now there were warning lights illuminated about the traction control system. I drove it to the dealership the next day, and now I too am waiting on the elusive part to fix the problem. I've already sunk over $300 into a rental car. Is it possible to get some help with this, especially if I could be waiting over 3 weeks?

Welcome to the Forum amandajane81.
It is unfortunate that this had to be your first post. There are many members who have had this problem. Did you file a complaint as suggested at https://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/ivoq/index.cfm

As for the rental, I checked the Warranty booklet that came with the vehicle and only found that coverage for a rental vehicle is included with Roadside Service. I don't know if the basic warranty covers rentals unless you have taken out the ESP (Extended Service Plan). There are some on here who have taken a rental, perhaps they can clarrify.

Peter