Ford Explorer steering problems, 2016–2027
649 of the 7,419 complaints owners filed with NHTSA about the Ford Explorer 2016–2027 name the steering (NHTSA’s “Steering” heading — the steering column, rack, pump and power assist). The loudest years: 2016 (539), 2017 (76), 2023 (13). Filed under the same heading across these years: 2 recall campaigns. Every figure is a linked federal record; none is a failure rate, none a repair cost, and none a verdict on one car.
Ford Explorer steering problems by model year
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer communicationsOne row per model year on file, newest first. A year marked in depth has its own page: the complaints, the owners’ words and every document under this heading for that year.
| Model year | Complaints naming the steering | Share of the year’s | Typically at | On file under the heading | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 | 0 | — | — | — | the year → |
| 2026 | 0 | — | — | — | the year → |
| 2025 | 9 | 9% | — | — | the year → |
| 2024 | 2 | 10% | — | — | the year → |
| 2023 | 13 | 12% | — | 1 recall | the year → |
| 2022 | 0 | — | — | — | the year → |
| 2021 | 1 | 0% | — | — | the year → |
| 2020 | 0 | — | 17k | — | the year → |
| 2019 | 9 | 3% | — | — | the year → |
| 2018 | 0 | — | — | — | the year → |
| 2017 in depth | 76 | 4% | 44k | 1 recall | the record → |
| 2016 | 539 | 22% | 58k | — | the year → |
Two things the counts carry that are not the car: how many of each year were sold, and how long each has been on the road — an older year out-counts a newer one before anything is wrong with it. The share column is the honest comparison across years: what part of that year’s complaints named the steering. Nothing here is a rate.
When the steering complaints were filed, and at what mileage
Source: NHTSA complaint databaseFiled per calendar year, every model year together: 2016: 12 · 2017: 10 · 2018: 55 · 2019: 128 · 2020: 95 · 2021: 65 · 2022: 67 · 2023: 77 · 2024: 77 · 2025: 42 · 2026: 21
Across the model years, half of the 427 owners who gave an odometer reading reported the steering problem between 39,000 and 79,000 miles. A median of reports, not the life of a part.
In owners’ own words
Source: NHTSA complaint databaseFiled with NHTSA by the people who own these cars, about the steering, from the model years with the most to say. Quoted as written, with anything identifying removed; unverified reports — what was said, not a finding that it was true.
The contact stated that the Police Department owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while a Police Officer was attempting to drive the vehicle; however, the steering wheel seized. There was no warning light illuminated.
While driving the vehicle, alarms go off and a notice saying 'steering assist fault' is displayed. This has happened 4 different time at random. 1 time, the steering completely went out and the vehicle lost all power steering. This is a huge safety concern as this is a family vehicle transporting very young children
At around 35,800 miles, I noticed a slight jerk of the steering wheel when going around curves. I was going 70mph on the highway for a quick afternoon trip out of town. On the way home (36,000 miles) it was doing this even when driving straight.
Rear suspension toe link recall: driving approximately 50 miles/hr with my husband behind the wheel and myself and our 3 children in this family vehicle, this rear suspension broke. We live in rural saline county and drive gravel daily. The incident happened while entering a bridge on a highway.
Twice the car has blown the main 80 amp fuse for the electric power steering after one of the front wheels hit something that caused the wheel to jerk slightly. I did not think either of these bumps should have caused the power steering to go out. one of them occurred at very low speed maybe two or three miles per hour.
What is on file about the steering, across the years
Source: NHTSA recalls, investigations and manufacturer communicationsRecall campaigns filed under this heading, any model year
- 24V091000 HighFeb 8, 2024 · 121 vehicles
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2023 Explorer vehicles. The right-front lower fastener connecting the steering knuckle and strut may be loose or missing.
- 17V530000 HighAug 28, 2017 · 253 vehicles
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2017 Explorer, Taurus and Police Interceptor Utility and Sedan vehicles. The steering gear heat shield fasteners may corrode, allowing the heat shield to detach.
Other systems with a record on the Ford Explorer
Source: the same files- transmission and drivetrain problems
- engine problems
- electrical problems
- backup camera and parking sensor problems
- brake problems
- visibility and wiper problems
- body and structure problems
- fuel system problems
Every system, every model year: Ford Explorer problems by year →
Common questions
Source: NHTSA complaint database, recalls and manufacturer communicationsWhich Ford Explorer years have the most steering complaints?
2016, 539; 2017, 76; 2023, 13. Raw counts, and an older year has had longer to collect them; by share of each year's own complaints the loudest is the 2016 (22%).
Is there a recall for the steering on the Ford Explorer?
Yes — 2 campaigns are filed under this heading across these model years: 24V091000 (2023), 17V530000 (2017). A recall is matched by VIN, and applies to specific years; check yours at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
When do steering problems show up on the Ford Explorer?
Owners who gave an odometer reading reported it at a median of 54,000 miles across the model years; half of them between 39,000 and 79,000. That is when reports cluster, not the life of a part.
What does NHTSA's "Steering" heading cover?
The steering column, rack, pump and power assist. Owners choose the heading when they file, so it says which area of the vehicle the complaint is about, not which part failed.