2017 Ford Explorer steering problems

Related recalls

• Recall 17V530000Aug 28, 2017253 vehicles
  STEERING

  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.

  Risk: If the heat shield detaches, the steering gear may overheat, increasing the steering effort required by the driver, especially at lower speeds, and increasing the risk of a crash.

  Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers to inspect and replace the heat shield fasteners as needed, free of charge. The recall began on September 13, 2017. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 17S23.

What owners say

1. Filed Aug 13, 2026NJSteering

   The steering wheel sticks when going into a turn then pulls back . It’s been on going . I know they had issues and recalls with steering .

   NHTSA complaint #11756710 · source
2. Filed Jul 27, 2026IDElectrical SystemSteeringTransmission & Drivetrain

   Begin with cliff, I was not wanting to lock or locked or start the vehicle as I was driving. I stopped at the light vehicle started shaking, and as I drove through the light to pull over power steering assist failure, terrain, failure, and control failure.

   NHTSA complaint #11752959 · source
3. Filed Apr 15, 2026CABody & StructureEngineSteering

   I am reporting a serious safety concern with my 2017 Ford Explorer. The vehicle currently has approximately 93,752 miles and has become increasingly unreliable and unsafe to operate. On April 9, 2026, while my wife was driving home from work, the vehicle overheated, creating a dangerous situation and risk of sudden breakdown. This is especially concerning as the vehicle is used to transport children. Recently, after taking the vehicle in for an oil change, I was informed of…

   NHTSA complaint #11731347 · source
4. Filed Dec 19, 2025109,000 miFLSteering

   The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at approximately 10 MPH, the steering wheel became stiff with the message "Power Steering Loss" displayed. The vehicle was pulled over to the side of the road and restarted; however, the failure persisted. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V530000 (Steering). The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 109,000.

   NHTSA complaint #11706040 · source
5. Filed Dec 13, 2025NCSteering

   I am reporting a safety-related defect involving the electric power steering system on my 2017 Ford Explorer. The vehicle displays a “Steering System Fault” warning, and when this occurs the power steering assist is reduced or disabled, creating a safety risk during low-speed driving, turning, and parking. When the ignition is on with the engine off, multiple communication fault codes appear, including U0100, U0131, U0140, and U0151. After the engine is started, these…

   NHTSA complaint #11704877 · source
6. Filed Nov 16, 2025GASteering

   The power steering went out with no warning. Stirring wheel went stiff and made it extremely hard to turn. All the traction and steering lights came on.

   NHTSA complaint #11699645 · source
7. Filed Nov 12, 2025WVSteering

   Problem with the power steering. When turning to the right, the wheel sticks. I have to forces it past the parts that sticks. This happens at low and high speeds. 68,569 miles all maintenance done at Ford dealership.

   NHTSA complaint #11698914 · source
8. Filed Nov 3, 2025VASteering

   My daughter was driving our 2017 Ford Explorer when the steering wheel locked up without warning, putting her life at risk. It mirrors the exact steering rack failure already recalled for 2011–2013 Explorers (Recall #14S06 / NHTSA 14V286000). We were told by a certified mechanic that the steering rack and gear failed, and that this is a common issue in these models. Ford has opened Case #xxx-xxx, but refuses to take responsibility or escalate the matter. They acknowledge…

   NHTSA complaint #11697135 · source
9. Filed Oct 11, 2025NJDriver Assistance & Safety TechSteering

   When driving and going to make a turn or change lanes . The steering wheel will stick and have a little jerk . Had it looked at but could not find anything. It’s been happening since July . I’m afraid it might not turn when I want it to . My husband did notice it when I drove him to airport . Wondering if recall on this .

   NHTSA complaint #11692718 · source
10. Filed Aug 7, 2025OHElectrical SystemSteering

    I’ve been experiencing a buzzing sound whenever I turn the steering wheel, and the more I drive the vehicle, the louder the noise becomes. I took it to a local shop, and they advised me that the power steering rack is going bad — a very common issue in 2017–2019 Ford Explorers, especially around the 100,000-mile mark. They provided a quote of $2,652.86 to have it replaced. I was also warned that if it’s not replaced soon, the steering could lock up while driving, preventing…

    NHTSA complaint #11679111 · source
11. Filed Aug 4, 202545,000 miMOSteeringSuspension

    The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while accelerating from a complete stop from a traffic light, the vehicle made an abnormally loud popping sound. The contact exited and inspected the vehicle but could not determine the cause of the failure. The contact stated that upon attempting to resume driving, the steering wheel was uncontrollable, the suspension seemed to have failed, and the vehicle was sliding. The message "Terrain Management System Fault"…

    NHTSA complaint #11678163 · source
12. Filed Apr 15, 202589,415 miTNTowedSteering

    The contact owns a 2017 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving approximately 30 MPH to the residence, the power steering became inoperable. The contact stated that the steering wheel was previously pulling to the right. The message that the “Lane Assist Steering Lost - Check Park Assist: Service Advancetrac” warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was previously taken to the local dealer…

    NHTSA complaint #11654791 · 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