Feds probing 2011 explorer power steering

[jrmexplorer]

http://www.twincities.com/ci_2091582...ering-problems

The NHTSA is probing the issue of power steering failures on 2011 Explorers.

If any members are experiencing this problem I would suggest contacting the NHTSA.

[JDraper]

I'll Sticky this one.

[tropicvi]

Thank you for this link. I have filed a report as of this morning as well as advised my legal team.

[tropicvi]

A point of clarification, it is not NTSB, but NHTSA that is doing the investigation.

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

this link is to the page for reporting instances. There is a simple on-line form. Make sure you have your VIN handy.

[jrmexplorer]

Originally Posted by tropicvi

A point of clarification, it is not NTSB, but NHTSA that is doing the investigation.

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

this link is to the page for reporting instances. There is a simple on-line form. Make sure you have your VIN handy.

Thanks for the clarification.... I knew it was one of those agencies with a bunch of letters making up the name ....

[LeFurg]

http://www.arfc.org/complaints/2011/...g/problem.aspx

http://www.arfc.org/complaints/2012/...g/problem.aspx

Apparently, some 2012's are having the issue too. Makes me wonder about the 2013's. I thought all model years 2011 to current had the same steering rack and control module...

2011 & 2012 Ex's:
http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/complaints/results.cfm

Basically, the same thing as arfc.org.

So far, nothing on the 2013 Ex's. also, given that the explorer is based on the taurus, I checked for steering issue complaints on the taurus...none for 2011 or 2012. After checking for steering lock issues on the flex, I found there were 3 complaints for the 2011 model year flex very similar to the explorer, but nothing for 2012 flex as of yet.

[Rick]

Just did some digging around in the forum. Looks like some of our members have had problems with "Power Steering Faults" since 6/11

[rsscully]

I started my Explorer up on 6/23/12 and had multiple system warnings (see video)

http://youtu.be/4l-BT4EBwS4

I had to drive to the dealership today 06/25/12 with no power steering. If you start your vehicle and receive any of these warnings run a vehicle health report while the warnings appear and print it out as the report will be replaced every time you run a new one.

Spoke with the service manager who told me that the ESP unit needs to be totally replaced and they are back-ordered until 07/30/12. Now the dealer I drove it to (closest to me) and the dealer I bought the vehicle from (approx. 20 miles away) are trying to figure out who is on the hook for a loaner vehicle for the next month. Will keep you updated.

[RonJrSVCMGR]

I would call Ford. They should assist with the loaner in this extreme and safety concern....

[mattgator]

I had the same issues on Saturday traveling approx 60mph on a one lane country road. I restarted the car, all problems solved. The next day, as I was pulling into Ford, the power steering went out again, and all of the warnings lit up. Talked to dealership today, needs a new "rack" and that is "backordered until NOVEMBER!!!" 27000mi on the car. Thank goodness it's under warranty. I am now driving around an Enterprise rent a car (Ford Focus)...

Any thoughts or suggestions why the lengthy delay for the backorder? Do I have any rights? Was planning a big family trip in October (really needed the 3rd row).

Thanks in advance,

-m

[TFK82150]

I have 'joined' the club. My 2011 Explorer has 40K miles and is out of warranty. I bought it used last December with 32K miles. On August 29, the Power Assist Warning came on & I lost the power steering. I was able to restart and get the power steering back and immediately took the vehicle to my dealership.

I am told it will take about $2,600+ to fix the problem, as I need a new 'rack' as well(?) especially because it is an 'electrical' component with front wheel drive.
All parts are backordered and I probably won't get the vehicle back for a week.

The dealer is springing for a 'free' loaner from Enterprise.

I will be writing to FMC and to the NHTSA, because of this premature failure of a major component; which could have led to a dangerous situation.

I will keep the 'thread' up to date as this situation evolves and if I hear from the NHTSA and/or Ford Motor Company.

[peterk9]

Originally Posted by TFK82150

I have 'joined' the club. My 2011 Explorer has 40K miles and is out of warranty. I bought it used last December with 32K miles. On August 29, the Power Assist Warning came on & I lost the power steering. I was able to restart and get the power steering back and immediately took the vehicle to my dealership.

I am told it will take about $2,600+ to fix the problem, as I need a new 'rack' as well(?) especially because it is an 'electrical' component with front wheel drive.
All parts are backordered and I probably won't get the vehicle back for a week.

The dealer is springing for a 'free' loaner from Enterprise.

I will be writing to FMC and to the NHTSA, because of this premature failure of a major component; which could have led to a dangerous situation.

I will keep the 'thread' up to date as this situation evolves and if I hear from the NHTSA and/or Ford Motor Company.

Welcome to the Forum TFK82150.
A week would be great. Some members have indicated parts are back ordered to November.
Check out the thread on this problem and enter your update there.

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/...d.php?t=320445

Peter

[WoodduckMN]

My 2011 is sitting at the dealer for the second time. The first time they by-passed some electrical connection and told it would fix the problem. Then a couple of weeks later it failed twice in one day. Made another appointment and took it back in. Now they are going to replace the entire rack. They told me there are 1,200 on back order. At least, they gave me a car to drive until it is repaired. May not get it back for a month. Filed the paper work with the NHTSA after the first problem which arrived on the same day it was going back in for the second time.

The service advisor I'm working with believe this will become a recall. I would argue if they try to charge you for it.

[peterk9]

Originally Posted by WoodduckMN

My 2011 is sitting at the dealer for the second time. The first time they by-passed some electrical connection and told it would fix the problem. Then a couple of weeks later it failed twice in one day. Made another appointment and took it back in. Now they are going to replace the entire rack. They told me there are 1,200 on back order. At least, they gave me a car to drive until it is repaired. May not get it back for a month. Filed the paper work with the NHTSA after the first problem which arrived on the same day it was going back in for the second time.

The service advisor I'm working with believe this will become a recall. I would argue if they try to charge you for it.

Welcome to the Forum WoodduckMN.
Sorry to hear you are having this issue. The following link will take you to the thread where posts on this problem are being placed. Also, in that thread is a link to Ford's response to the NHTSA investigation. As it stands, there will be no recall. The repairs are being done without cost unless you get saddled with a rental fee.

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/...d.php?t=320445

Peter

[Jrister24]

I was reading this forum post yesterday thinking how much it would suck to have this happen and it happened to me today in the mall parking lot. I was going around a turn and almost hit a parked car. I'm at the dealership now and they are scanning the car for codes. I'm gonna have to get the rack replaced. Dealership won't give me a rental! Needless to say, I'm mad right now! Going out of town this weekend and now gonna have to pay $100 to rent a car!!

[peterk9]

Originally Posted by Jrister24

I was reading this forum post yesterday thinking how much it would suck to have this happen and it happened to me today in the mall parking lot. I was going around a turn and almost hit a parked car. I'm at the dealership now and they are scanning the car for codes. I'm gonna have to get the rack replaced. Dealership won't give me a rental! Needless to say, I'm mad right now! Going out of town this weekend and now gonna have to pay $100 to rent a car!!

I would like to suggest that you post in the thread I have indicated above so that everything can be kept in one place.

Peter

[Razziel24]

The article is not there anymore

[velanzia]

^-- it is a good thing I backed it up.

https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B9Ee...9tUzR5V0k/edit (PDF)
https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B9Ee...k5MENCRTA/edit (Zip)

Hopefully this is what you are looking for

[Razziel24]

awesome, thanks !!!

[peterk9]

Originally Posted by Razziel24

The article is not there anymore

If it is the article regarding Ford's reponse to the steering issue, there are links in the thread that deals with the loss of steering. The thread is;

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/...d.php?t=320445

Links to the article are on page 15 and 16 for anyone else looking for the report.

Peter