2016 Ford Explorer steering problems

Related recalls

No recalls on file.

What owners say

1. Filed Oct 1, 2026NYSteering

   What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Yes How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Yes: While driving on [XXX] at highway speed, my vehicle suddenly began to swerve, causing a significant loss of steering control and creating an unsafe driving condition. Concerned that I had experienced a flat tire, I immediately pulled over to inspect the vehicle. Upon inspection, I found that none of the tires…

   NHTSA complaint #11768397 · source
2. Filed Sep 29, 2026NCBody & StructureElectrical SystemSteering

   1. What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The exterior B-pillar trim on the side of the vehicle became detached while the vehicle was being driven. After the trim became loose and was temporarily secured by a Ford dealership, the vehicle's security system malfunctioned, the tailgate would not open, and the vehicle would not shut off normally. The trim piece is currently taped in place. 2. How was your safety or the…

   NHTSA complaint #11767630 · source
3. Filed Sep 8, 2026CASteering

   Approximately 3 years ago, while driving my 2016 Ford Explorer on a [XXX], warning chimes sounded and a power steering/steering assist fault message appeared. Electric power-steering assist then stopped functioning and the steering became extremely difficult to operate. I slowed down and was able to maneuver safely off the freeway. I shut the vehicle off, opened the driver’s door, waited approximately 45 seconds and restarted it. Normal steering assist returned. Shortly…

   NHTSA complaint #11762935 · source
4. Filed Aug 9, 2026TNSteering

   Hello. I purchased my car in 2018. 2-3 years later, the power steering would randomly go out while driving - on the highway and city roads. This could happen once and then not again for 6+ months. When this happened a message would display about a "steering assist fault, service now". I found that if I pulled over, turned the car off and then on, it would generally work again. We had the vehicle in to 3 separate repair shops between 10/2022 and 10/2025 and no one could…

   NHTSA complaint #11755766 · source
5. Filed Jun 22, 2026TXSteeringSuspensionWheels & Tires

   2016 Ford Explorer, VIN [XXX]. Filing against Planet Ford Dallas regarding incomplete Regional Program 21R01 (Rear Toe Link Replacement), tied to Federal Safety Recall 21V537. May 11, 2026: Vehicle presented for 21R01 service. May 15: Returned with recall marked complete in Ford's system. 21R01 mandates replacement of both rear toe links, alignment check, and rear toe adjustment. None of these steps were correctly completed. Dealer has since acknowledged to me that the toe…

   NHTSA complaint #11745716 · source
6. Filed Jun 13, 2026KYSteering

   The electronic power steering failed Yes its available for inspection My child and my safety were put at risk when I warning came up and said "steering loss, stop safely" and the steering wheel was locked. The problem was still there when it was brought into Ford service center Nothing prior to the warning

   NHTSA complaint #11743933 · source
7. Filed Apr 30, 2026MOSteering

   The steering on my Explorer has seized up making it very dangerous to drive because you can not hardly get the steering wheel to turn.

   NHTSA complaint #11734930 · source
8. Filed Oct 20, 202579,000 miMASteering

   The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 35 MPH, the steering wheel became difficult to turn to the left or to the right. The contact stopped and turned the vehicle off and restarted the vehicle, and the power steering functionality returned. The contact stated that the failure had occurred twice and during the second failure the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a local…

   NHTSA complaint #11694477 · source
9. Filed Sep 9, 2025INSteering

   The car had ongoing issues with a warning sensor that stated Steering Fault - Service Now. There was also a clinking noise when driving straight and then turning right. Took car to dealer repair show and they ran a diagnosis report (I assume they did). It was reported that it was an internal fault with strut bearings and installed a bracket that was suppose to remedy the issue. Since then I would get the Steering Fault warning but it would happen and then not show up for…

   NHTSA complaint #11685961 · source
10. Filed Aug 26, 2025MTSteering

    Dear NHTSA, I am submitting a formal safety complaint regarding my 2016 Ford Explorer (VIN: [XXX] .) Build Date: (08/15.), Mileage (115,262.). My vehicle has experienced a steering rack failure, which poses a serious risk of loss of steering control. I am aware of multiple recalls (such as 20v-675 / Ford 20S62 and 21V-537 / Ford 21S32) Addressing rear suspension toe link fractures in 2016 ford explorers. These recalls cover vehicles built in the same timeframe as mine, but…

    NHTSA complaint #11683234 · source
11. Filed Aug 13, 202597,000 miNYSteering

    The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the vehicle lost power steering assist functionality, and the steering wheel was stuck while attempting to turn the steering wheel to the left or the right. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact spoke with the dealer and was informed that the power steering assist had failed and needed to be repaired. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure…

    NHTSA complaint #11680362 · source
12. Filed Aug 6, 2025156,580 miGASteeringSuspension

    The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 35 MPH, the steering wheel became stiff and did not drive as intended. The contact stated that the next morning, she observed a sound emanating from the steering column. The check engine warning light was illuminated before the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact believed that the failure was associated with NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V675000 (Suspension).…

    NHTSA complaint #11678846 · source

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology