NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Steering complaints
530 reportsClear category filter87,000 miles · Feb 10, 2021
Steering
I LOST MY STEERING COMPLETELY AND HAD TO TAKE MY VEHICLE INTO A SHOP. THE RACK AND PINION FOR THE STEERING OF MY VEHICLE HAS GONE OUT COMPLETELY AT ONLY 80,000 MILES. THIS IS AN EXTREMELY DANGEROUS ISSUE, AS IT COULD HAVE CAUSED A SERIOUS CRASH. WHILE STATIONARY OR MOVING SLOWLY, THE WHEEL IS HARDER TO TURN AND MAKES A LOUD SLID…
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I LOST MY STEERING COMPLETELY AND HAD TO TAKE MY VEHICLE INTO A SHOP. THE RACK AND PINION FOR THE STEERING OF MY VEHICLE HAS GONE OUT COMPLETELY AT ONLY 80,000 MILES. THIS IS AN EXTREMELY DANGEROUS ISSUE, AS IT COULD HAVE CAUSED A SERIOUS CRASH. WHILE STATIONARY OR MOVING SLOWLY, THE WHEEL IS HARDER TO TURN AND MAKES A LOUD SLIDING/GRINDING SOUND. AT HIGHER SPEEDS, THE STEERING WHEEL GETS "STUCK" AND IS VERY HARD TO GET OUT OF A CERTAIN POSITION. THIS ISSUE CAUSED ME TO ALMOST HIT ONCOMING TRAFFIC. AS COMMON AS THIS ISSUE IS AT AN AVERAGE OF 52,000 MILES ON THESE EXPLORERS, IT SHOULD BE A RECALL! THE REPAIR IS AT AN ESTIMATED $3,000 TO FIX. NOW I AM OUT OF A VEHICLE UNTIL I CAN COME UP WITH THAT KIND OF FUNDING, WHILE STILL OWING TONS OF MONEY ON IT. NOT ONLY IS THIS A HUGE FINANCIAL NIGHTMARE, BUT IT IS EXTREMELY UNSAFE!
NHTSA ODI #11395515
90,000 miles · Feb 4, 2021
Steering
I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AND WHEN I BEGAN TO TURN OFF THE EXIT I BEGAN HEARING A LOUD GRINDING SOUND COMING FROM MY STEERING COLUMN. IT WAS ALSO EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO TURN THE WHEEL. IAM GRATEFUL THAT MY YOUNG CHILDREN WERE NOT WITH ME AT THE TIME BECAUSE THE GRINDING WAS SUPER LOUND AND I WAS ABOSULTELY TERRIFIED THAT I …
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I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AND WHEN I BEGAN TO TURN OFF THE EXIT I BEGAN HEARING A LOUD GRINDING SOUND COMING FROM MY STEERING COLUMN. IT WAS ALSO EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO TURN THE WHEEL. IAM GRATEFUL THAT MY YOUNG CHILDREN WERE NOT WITH ME AT THE TIME BECAUSE THE GRINDING WAS SUPER LOUND AND I WAS ABOSULTELY TERRIFIED THAT I WAS GOING TO CRASH. I IMMEDIATELY TOOK THE TRUCK TO MY LOCAL MECHANIC WHERE HE SAID THAT I SHOULD NOT BE DRIVING THR TRUCK AT ALL BECAUSE I COULD DEFINITELY CRASH AN KILL MYSELF OR ANY OTHERS AROUND ME. ALSO THAT IT IS GOING TO COST $2500.00 TO FIX THE PROBLEM. I JUST PURCHASE THIS TRUCK FROM AUTOFAIR FORD IN JULY 2020 FOR 20K AND 6 MONTHS LATER AM FORCED TO DUMP 2.5K INTO IT WHEN MONEY IS TIGHT AND MY FAMILY IS STRUGGLING AS IT IS...I AM EXTREMELY UPSET THAT THIS HAPPENED AND TO LEARN THAT THIS HAS HAPPENED TO THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE, YET THERE IS NO RECALL FOR THIS ISSUE. AOMETHING SHOULD BE DONT TO HELP ME AND MY FAMILY BY FORD MOTOR COMPANY THIS IS NOT ACCEPTABLE TO BE GOING BROKE BECAUSE OF THIS ISSUE AND THE CAR IS JUST 5 YEARS OLD.
NHTSA ODI #11394716
70,000 miles · Jan 21, 2021
Steering
DRIVING 45MPH SUDDENLY LOST STEERING CONTROL, WAS ABLE TO DECELERATE AND GET OFF THE ROAD, THEN SLOWLY GET HOME. AFTER THIS IT SEEMED TO WORK FINE. HOWEVER, EVERY DAY, A LOUD POPPING CREAKING SOUND THAT YOU CAN EVEN FEEL IS COMING FROM THE ELECTRIC POWER-ASSIST STEERING. ESPECIALLY NOTICEABLE WHEN PULLING IN OR OUT OF A PARKING …
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DRIVING 45MPH SUDDENLY LOST STEERING CONTROL, WAS ABLE TO DECELERATE AND GET OFF THE ROAD, THEN SLOWLY GET HOME. AFTER THIS IT SEEMED TO WORK FINE. HOWEVER, EVERY DAY, A LOUD POPPING CREAKING SOUND THAT YOU CAN EVEN FEEL IS COMING FROM THE ELECTRIC POWER-ASSIST STEERING. ESPECIALLY NOTICEABLE WHEN PULLING IN OR OUT OF A PARKING LOT/DRIVEWAY/GARAGE. LOCAL SHOP SAYS IT WILL COST ABOUT $2500 TO REPLACE THE ELECTRIC POWER-ASSIST STEERING RACK AND PINION, AND IT MUST THEN BE PROGRAMMED TO THE VEHICLE. THIS EXPLORER HAS 78,000 MILES ON IT. THANKS.
NHTSA ODI #11389315
24,950 miles · Jan 12, 2021
Power TrainSteeringUnknown Or Other
I TOOK MY 2016 FORD EXPLORER XLT ON DEC 29TH 2020 TO GET A OIL CHANGE ETC. THEY HAD THE VEHICLE ALL DAY EVEN THOUGH I TOOK IT IN AT 7AM. I PICK IT UP A 4:45 PM THEN DRIVE IT HOME BECAUSE I WORK FROM HOME I DID NOT DRIVE IT AGAIN UNTIL SATURDAY JAN 9TH 2021, WHILE DRIVING IT THAT MORNING I REALIZED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL WAS HAR…
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I TOOK MY 2016 FORD EXPLORER XLT ON DEC 29TH 2020 TO GET A OIL CHANGE ETC. THEY HAD THE VEHICLE ALL DAY EVEN THOUGH I TOOK IT IN AT 7AM. I PICK IT UP A 4:45 PM THEN DRIVE IT HOME BECAUSE I WORK FROM HOME I DID NOT DRIVE IT AGAIN UNTIL SATURDAY JAN 9TH 2021, WHILE DRIVING IT THAT MORNING I REALIZED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL WAS HARD TO STEER AND THE TRUCK WOULD MAKE NOISES WHEN I TURN THE STEERING IN EITHER DIRECTION. I TOOK IT IN TO THE DEALERSHIP THAT MORNING AND ASKED THE SERVICE CONSULTANT TO TAKE A LOOK AT IT. HE TOLD ME WHILE MY FATHER WAS ON THE PHONE THAT HE BELIEVES IT THE RACK AND PINION AND HE CAN'T TAKE IT BECAUSE THEY ARE BUSY AND IT'S OKAY FOR ME TO DRIVE IT. I ALSO TOLD HIM AT THAT TIME I AM SUPPOSED TO DRIVE OUT OF TOWN AND I WON'T BE BACK FOR AWHILE SO IF THERE IS A PROBLEM I RATHER LEAVE IT SO IT CAN BE FIXED. I HAVE DAMAGED ON MY C5 VERTEBRAE SO I CAN FEEL THE HARDNESS IN THE STEERING. HE ASSURED OR DISMISSED ME BUT HE SAID IT'S FINE. A FEW HOURS LATER THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED UP AND THE DASHBOARD STARTED MAKING NOISE AND THE WARNING LIGHTS AND MESSAGES STARTED TO DISPLAYING. IT ALMOST KILLED BOTH MY MOTHER AND I ON THE HIGHWAY. IF YOU KNOW NYC HIGHWAY YOU KNOW THERE IS NO SHOULDERS. WHEN I PULLED OF THE ROAD THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP AND I COULD NOT MOVE IT. I HAD TO PAY FOR THE TRUCK TO BE TOWED AND A UBER FOR MYSELF BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEN PAID FOR ME TO GET HOME. NOW THEY ARE TELLING ME THAT I HAVE TO PAY $2719.81 FOR THE RACK AND PINION REPAIR AND THE ALSO PAY FOR THE STRUT BEARING TO BE REPAIRED WHICH THEY HAVEN'T GIVEN ME THE PRICE FOR IT BECAUSE "IT WAS TOO MUCH TO GIVE ME BOTH PRICE AT ONCE." OH BY THE WAY, THIS IS THE SAME SERVICE CONSULTANT THAT TOLD ME IT WAS FINE FOR ME TO DRIVE AND ALMOST KILLED 2 GENERATION OF MY FAMILY AT THE SAME TIME. I AM PISSED!! NOW I SEE OTHER CUSTOMERS COMPLAINING ABOUT THE SAME ISSUE ON THERE SUV!!
NHTSA ODI #11387641
60,000 miles · Jan 5, 2021
Steering
MY 2016 FORD EXPLORER XLT TURBO 4WD IS HAVING POWER STEERING PROBLEMS, THE TRUCK ONLY HAS 65,000 MILES AND IT'S HARD TO TURN THE WHEEL AND IT MAKES A GRINDING RUBBING SOUND WHEN TURN THE WHEEL LEFT OR RIGHT. IT MAKES THAT NOISE WHILE DRIVING OR PARKED.
NHTSA ODI #11386703
100,000 miles · Jan 5, 2021
Steering
WENT TO VISIT FAMILY ON CHRISTMAS MORNING AND WHILE DRIVING POWER ASSIST WENT OUT AND POPPED UP THE DISPLAY WARNINGS. DROVE IT ANOTHER 8 MILES TO DESTINATION. VEHICLE SAT FOR ABOUT 3 HOURS IN THE DRIVEWAY. 30 DEGREE WEATHER. WENT TO LEAVE AND AS I PULLED ONTO THE MAIN ROAD THE STEERING LOCKED AND WARNING MESSAGE LOSS OF STEERING…
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WENT TO VISIT FAMILY ON CHRISTMAS MORNING AND WHILE DRIVING POWER ASSIST WENT OUT AND POPPED UP THE DISPLAY WARNINGS. DROVE IT ANOTHER 8 MILES TO DESTINATION. VEHICLE SAT FOR ABOUT 3 HOURS IN THE DRIVEWAY. 30 DEGREE WEATHER. WENT TO LEAVE AND AS I PULLED ONTO THE MAIN ROAD THE STEERING LOCKED AND WARNING MESSAGE LOSS OF STEERING BRAKE SAFELY. I COULD JERK THE WHEEL HARD TO GET IT TO SLIGHTLY MOVE ENOUGH TO GET BACK IN THE DRIVEWAY. JUST HIT 100K MILES. HAD TO HAVE IT TOWED BACK HOME.
NHTSA ODI #11386587
Mileage unknown · Dec 30, 2020
Steering
I FIRST NOTICED THE PROBLEM LAST WINTER, WHEN WE WOULD DRIVE OUR EXPLORER IN THE SNOW THE CAR WOULD PULL IN RANDOM DIRECTIONS, IT GOT TO THE POINT WHERE I WAS SCARED TO DRIVE THE CAR IN FEET I WOULD BE PULLED INTO ON COMING TRAFFIC. I TOOK IT TO A MECHANIC AND THEY COULDN'T FIND ANYTHING WRONG OTHER THAN MY REAR SHOCKS WERE BAD,…
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I FIRST NOTICED THE PROBLEM LAST WINTER, WHEN WE WOULD DRIVE OUR EXPLORER IN THE SNOW THE CAR WOULD PULL IN RANDOM DIRECTIONS, IT GOT TO THE POINT WHERE I WAS SCARED TO DRIVE THE CAR IN FEET I WOULD BE PULLED INTO ON COMING TRAFFIC. I TOOK IT TO A MECHANIC AND THEY COULDN'T FIND ANYTHING WRONG OTHER THAN MY REAR SHOCKS WERE BAD, SO I REPLACED THEM. THEN OVER THE SUMMER I NOTICED WHEN I TURN GOING AT SLOW SPEEDS THE CAR WOULD MAKE A LOUD POP AND SOMETIMES THE STEERING WOULD GET STUCK WHEN IT POPED, SO I DID SOME RESEARCH A THOUGH MAYBE IT WAS MY TOE LINKS. SO I JUST REPLACED THEM AND THIS CAR IS STILL TERRIFYING TO DRIVE IN THE SNOW. I HAVE SEEN THAT A CONCERNING NUMBER OF PEOPLE HAVE HAD THIS SAME ISSUE AND THEY END UP REPLACING THEIR RACK AND PINION AND IT COSTS THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS.
NHTSA ODI #11385713
50,000 miles · Dec 30, 2020
SteeringVisibility/wiper
THE STEERING WHEEL AT TIMES WHEN EVEN MAKING A SLIGHT TURN POPS BACK AND SHAKES. RESTRICTING THE TURN THE WIPERS HAVE NOW MULTIPLE TIMES IN RAIN STOPPED IN THE UPRIGHT POSITIONS CAUSING A GRAVE DRIVING HAZARD
NHTSA ODI #11385683
120,000 miles · Dec 25, 2020
Steering
ELECTRONIC POWER STEERING HAS FAILED WHILE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION TURNING ON A HIGHWAY. IT WAS IMPOSSIBLE TO TURN THE VEHICLE OFF THE ROADWAY DUE TO LOSS OF POWER STEERING.
NHTSA ODI #11384930
80,000 miles · Dec 22, 2020
Steering
POWER STEERING BEGAN TO GO WHEN I WAS DRIVING ON A HIGHWAY, MAKING ME FEEL LIKE I WAS LOSING CONTROL. WAS ABLE TO GET CAR HOME AND ENDED UP COMPLETELY LOCKING UP NEEDING TO BE TOWED FROM MY DRIVEWAY. I NEED TO HAVE STEERING RACK REPLACED FOR OVER $1800 JUST FOR THE PART ON A VEHICLE WITH ONLY 80,000 MILES ON IT.
NHTSA ODI #11384557
Official recalls
14Jul 14, 2026
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Explorer vehicles. The roof rail covers may come loose and detach from the vehicle.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A detached roof rail cover can create a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the roof rail covers and as necessary, repair or replace the push-pins, rail clips, or roof rail covers, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed August 28, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the remedy is available, anticipated in January 2027. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S54. This recall expands previous NHTSA recall number 21V316. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on July 16, 2026.
Oct 10, 2025
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Lincoln MKC, 2016-2023 Explorer, 2019-2020 Fusion, 2019-2024 Ranger, 2020-2022 Lincoln Corsair, Escape, 2021-2024 Bronco, Bronco Sport, and 2022-2024 Maverick vehicles. The engine block heater may crack and develop a coolant leak, causing it to short circuit when the block heater is plugged in.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: An electrical short circuit can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Owners are advised not to plug in their block heater until the vehicle is remedied. Dealers will replace the block heater, free of charge. Owners will also have a alternative option to replace engine block heater element with a threaded blanking plug, and remove the block heater electrical cord. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed December 3, 2025. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available, anticipated September 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25SA4. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on October 15, 2025.
May 23, 2025
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Explorer vehicles. The driver and front passenger B-Pillar door trim may detach while driving.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: Door trim that detaches while driving can create a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will repair the B-pillar trim, free of charge. Interim letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed June 5, 2025. A second notice will be sent once the final remedy is available, anticipated November 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S53.
Jan 19, 2024
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2011-2019 Explorer vehicles. The A-pillar trim retention clips may not be properly engaged, allowing the trim to detach.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A detached trim piece can fall off the vehicle, becoming a road hazard and increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the A-pillar trim as necessary, free of charge. This will be a phased campaign, with the remedy becoming available in different phases based on model years. Owner notification letters were mailed between July 18, 2024 and December 16, 2025. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24S02.
Jul 15, 2021
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2017 Explorer vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and the District of Columbia. Exposure to road salt can cause the cross-axis ball joint to corrode and seize, resulting in a fracture of the outboard section of the rear suspension toe link.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A rear toe-link fracture can result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace as necessary, the cross-axis ball joint (CABJ) knuckle, and replace the rear suspension toe links, free of charge. This recall is an expansion of previous NHTSA recall numbers 16V-245, 19V-435, and 20V-675. Certain vehicles previously repaired will need to return for the new remedy. An interim notification letter notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed on September 10, 2021. Owner notification letters were mailed on March 16, 2022. Owners may contact Ford's customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21S32.
May 5, 2021
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016-2019 Explorer vehicles. The retention pins could loosen and allow the roof rail covers to detach from the vehicle.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A detached roof rail cover can create a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will install push-pins and replace any damaged rail clips and roof rail covers, as necessary, free of charge. The interim owner notification letter was mailed on June 22, 2021. Owner notification letters (remedy available) were mailed on October 1, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21S22.
Mar 12, 2021
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2017 Explorer vehicles originally sold, or currently registered in Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wisconsin that were previously repaired under a prior recall numbers 16V-245 or 19V-435. The outboard section of a rear suspension toe link may fracture.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A rear toe link fracture can result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the cross-axis ball joint (CABJ) knuckle attached to the rear suspension toe link and replace it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began November 27, 2020. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S62.
Nov 10, 2020
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2014-2016 Explorer, 2014-2015 Taurus and 2014 Edge vehicles equipped with 2.0L or 2.3L engines and front wheel drive. The support bracket for the front drive axle halfshaft may fail.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: The failed bracket could result in a loss of park function which can cause unintended vehicle movement, and loss of motive power while driving which increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the link shaft bracket, free of charge. Parts are not currently available. Owners received an interim notification detailing safety risk December 8, 2020. A second letter will be mailed when parts become available in January 2021. The recall began February 2, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 20S63.
Jun 10, 2019
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2011-2017 Explorer vehicles. The rear suspension toe links may fracture due to stress on the rear suspension.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A fractured rear toe link will cause a sudden change in vehicle handling and increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear suspension toe links, and inspect both rear toe link ball joints, replacing the rear wheel knuckle(s), if necessary, free of charge. The recall began June 26, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19S17.
Nov 29, 2017
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2016 F-150 and Explorer vehicles. Loose power seat adjuster pivot bolts may cause the front seat cushions to detach and not properly restrain the seat occupant in the event of a crash.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: In the event of a crash, a seat occupant that is not properly restrained has an increased risk of injury.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the tightness of the power seat track upper pivot link bolt, either applying threadlocker or replacing the lift link and hardware, free of charge. Interim letters are expected to go out January 15, 2018. Owners will receive a second notice when the remedy becomes available. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 17S40.
Jun 28, 2016
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2016 Ford Explorer and F-150 vehicles equipped with a manual recline driver's seat. The seat back frame may have insufficient welds which may not meet the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) numbers 202, "Head Restraints" and 207, "Seating Systems."
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: The seat back may not adequately restrain the occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the seat back frame, free of charge. The recall begin on August 18, 2016. Owners may contact Ford at 1-800-392-3673. Ford's number for this recall is 16C11.
Mar 31, 2016
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Lincoln MKC vehicles manufactured November 25, 2013, to January 25, 2016, and 2016 Ford Explorer vehicles manufactured October 20, 2014, to January 28, 2016. The affected vehicles are equipped with 2.3L GTDI engines and engine block heaters. These engine block heaters have elements that may overheat while plugged in.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: Overheating of the engine block increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the engine block heater, free of charge. Dealers will also inspect and replace the electrical cord, as necessary. The recall began on May 18, 2016. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 16S14. Note: Owners should not use the engine block heater until the vehicle has been remedied.
Sep 28, 2015
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2015 Ford Taurus, Lincoln MKS, and 2016 Ford Explorer vehicles manufactured on July 24, 2015. During vehicle production, the fuel tank attachment bolts may not have been properly tightened. As a result, the fuel tank straps may fracture and the fuel tank could separate from the vehicle.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If the fuel tank separates from the vehicle, a fuel leak may occur, increasing the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will tighten the fuel tank attachment bolts, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on October 19, 2015. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 15S26.
Jul 24, 2015
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2015 Ford Taurus, Ford Flex, and Lincoln MKS vehicles manufactured May 4, 2015, to May 23, 2015, Lincoln MKT vehicles manufactured May 4, 2015, to May 21, 2015, and 2015-2016 Ford Explorer vehicles manufactured May 4, 2015, to May 23, 2015. The affected vehicles have a parking brake that may not fully engage when applied. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 135, "Light Vehicle Brake Systems."
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If the parking brake does not fully engage and the transmission is left in a gear other than 'Park' while on a slope, the vehicle may roll away, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will test the operation of the parking brake system, and if necessary, replace the parking brake control assembly, free of charge. The recall began on September 4, 2015. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 15C07.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
2PE23001 · Windshield Trim Molding Item Detachment
Opened Jan 27, 2023 · Closed Feb 8, 2024
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Structure:body:roof And Pillars
On January 27, 2023, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE23-001 to investigate allegations of A-pillar trim panel detachment on model year (MY) 2011-2019 Ford Explorer vehicles. At the time of opening, the office had received 164 Vehicle Owner Questionnaires (VOQs) reporting this failure. ODI has received 671 VOQs regarding this failure, including 1 alleged crash and 2 alleged injuries. Some consumers have reported that the failure occurred while they were driving at highway speeds, with the detached trim panel entering the path of travel of the vehicle behind them, requiring the driver of the following vehicle to take evasive action. It is noteworthy that motorists who experience this type of road hazard are less likely to accurately identify the subject vehicle the item detached from and report the event to the NHTSA. In its April 17, 2023 response to ODI’s information request, Ford provided 175 consumer complaints (including field reports) and 14,162 warranty claims related to A-pillar trim panel detachment. Ford relayed that the subject vehicles utilize a plastic A-pillar bracket, which is bolted to the vehicle structure during assembly. The A-pillar trim panel is attached to the bracket utilizing 7 plastic clips. Contributory factors which have been identified by Ford as leading to the subject defect include incomplete installation at the assembly plant, inadequate part stack up, damage to fasteners during installation, and failure to follow proper repair procedure during windshield replacements or other services. On January 19, 2024, Ford filed safety recall 24V-031 for MY 2011-2019 Ford Explorer vehicles to address the subject defect. In the Part 573 Safety Recall Report, Ford identified that a detached A-pillar trim panel can create a road hazard for other road users, increasing the risk of a crash. The recall remedy includes an inspection of the existing A-pillar trim panel and, if necessary, the replacement of the component. The remedy A-pillar trim panels will be installed with an additional adhesive for robustness and utilize an inspection procedure to ensure full engagement of all the retention clips during installation. In view of the recall action being taken by Ford, ODI is closing this Preliminary Evaluation. The agency reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by future circumstances. To review the reports cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.
EA17002 · Exhaust Odor In Passenger Cab
Opened Jul 27, 2017 · Closed Jan 17, 2023
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Engine And Engine Cooling:exhaust System:manifold/header/muffler/tail Pipe; Structure:body
During the EA17-002 investigation, the agency reviewed and analyzed reports of exhaust odors in the passenger cabins of Model Year 2011 to 2017 Ford Explorers. This investigation required an approach that incorporated knowledge and expertise from the automotive, medical, environmental health, and occupational safety fields. The agency conducted an in-depth investigation that encompassed the review of over 6,500 consumer complaints, conducting field inspections, and testing the relevant vehicles, both independently and in coordination with Ford and other entities. During the investigation, the evolution of Ford service bulletins intended to reduce the level of exhaust odors and carbon monoxide (CO) entering the occupant compartment was examined and independent tests to evaluate the effectiveness of the final Field Service Actions (FSA) for both consumer and police vehicles were conducted. As part of the investigation, the agency also examined the effects of cracked exhaust mani-cats on the measured CO levels in the vehicles and tested the FSA repairs to ensure they did not adversely impact occupant compartment CO levels due to cracked mani-cats.The investigation identified upfitting issues for Police Interceptor vehicles. Upfitting (sirens, lights, cages, auxiliary power, etc.) is typically performed by governmental fleet operations, independent repair facilities, or local Ford dealers after the sale of the new vehicle. Sealing issues caused by upfitting were responsible for the highest measured carbon monoxide levels in tested vehicles. The police FSA instructs how to inspect the quality of the vehicle upfits and how to properly seal any leaks caused by these upfits, at no cost to the police agency. Similarly, the highest CO levels measured in consumer vehicles were usually traced to sealing issues caused by rear crash damage where the repairs did not ensure sealing integrity. The most recent Ford FSA procedure for both the police (17B25) and consumer vehicles (17N03) includes an HVAC reprogramming operation. Tests by Ford and NHTSA have demonstrated a substantial reduction of CO levels due solely to the HVAC reprogramming. Other FSA repairs also demonstrated measurable contributions to CO level reductions during controlled tests.Throughout the investigation, vehicles accurately measured with higher levels of carbon monoxide were almost always affected by upfitter alterations, damage, or other causes compromising rear passenger cabin seals.NHTSA received thousands of reports alleging odors which triggered a variety of physiological responses, predominately nausea, headaches, and lightheadedness. NHTSA focused the investigation on accurately measuring vehicle CO levels, and accurately measuring carboxyhemoglobin (COHB) levels from properly administered blood tests. Using rigorous test methods to produce exhaust gas intrusion in vehicles with a properly performed FSA, occupant compartment CO levels remained below current environmental limits for CO in any environment (EPA ambient air quality standards). Furthermore, even without FSA repairs, no vehicles unaffected by upfitter issues or prior crash damage were identified with CO levels that exceed accepted occupational CO exposure levels. This investigation finds that the 2011-2017 Ford Explorer vehicles when accurately measured produce occupant compartment CO levels which fall below current accepted health standards, and could not identify COHB levels for vehicle drivers or other occupants, which exceeded thresholds for acute physiological effects. Therefore, the agency has not identified a defect that represents an unreasonable risk to motor vehicle safety.This inve
Additional source detail variants (2)
Engine And Engine Cooling:exhaust System:manifold/header/muffler/tail Pipe
During the EA17-002 investigation, the agency reviewed and analyzed reports of exhaust odors in the passenger cabins of Model Year 2011 to 2017 Ford Explorers. This investigation required an approach that incorporated knowledge and expertise from the automotive, medical, environmental health, and occupational safety fields. The agency conducted an in-depth investigation that encompassed the review of over 6,500 consumer complaints, conducting field inspections, and testing the relevant vehicles, both independently and in coordination with Ford and other entities. During the investigation, the evolution of Ford service bulletins intended to reduce the level of exhaust odors and carbon monoxide (CO) entering the occupant compartment was examined and independent tests to evaluate the effectiveness of the final Field Service Actions (FSA) for both consumer and police vehicles were conducted. As part of the investigation, the agency also examined the effects of cracked exhaust mani-cats on the measured CO levels in the vehicles and tested the FSA repairs to ensure they did not adversely impact occupant compartment CO levels due to cracked mani-cats.The investigation identified upfitting issues for Police Interceptor vehicles. Upfitting (sirens, lights, cages, auxiliary power, etc.) is typically performed by governmental fleet operations, independent repair facilities, or local Ford dealers after the sale of the new vehicle. Sealing issues caused by upfitting were responsible for the highest measured carbon monoxide levels in tested vehicles. The police FSA instructs how to inspect the quality of the vehicle upfits and how to properly seal any leaks caused by these upfits, at no cost to the police agency. Similarly, the highest CO levels measured in consumer vehicles were usually traced to sealing issues caused by rear crash damage where the repairs did not ensure sealing integrity. The most recent Ford FSA procedure for both the police (17B25) and consumer vehicles (17N03) includes an HVAC reprogramming operation. Tests by Ford and NHTSA have demonstrated a substantial reduction of CO levels due solely to the HVAC reprogramming. Other FSA repairs also demonstrated measurable contributions to CO level reductions during controlled tests.Throughout the investigation, vehicles accurately measured with higher levels of carbon monoxide were almost always affected by upfitter alterations, damage, or other causes compromising rear passenger cabin seals.NHTSA received thousands of reports alleging odors which triggered a variety of physiological responses, predominately nausea, headaches, and lightheadedness. NHTSA focused the investigation on accurately measuring vehicle CO levels, and accurately measuring carboxyhemoglobin (COHB) levels from properly administered blood tests. Using rigorous test methods to produce exhaust gas intrusion in vehicles with a properly performed FSA, occupant compartment CO levels remained below current environmental limits for CO in any environment (EPA ambient air quality standards). Furthermore, even without FSA repairs, no vehicles unaffected by upfitter issues or prior crash damage were identified with CO levels that exceed accepted occupational CO exposure levels. This investigation finds that the 2011-2017 Ford Explorer vehicles when accurately measured produce occupant compartment CO levels which fall below current accepted health standards, and could not identify COHB levels for vehicle drivers or other occupants, which exceeded thresholds for acute physiological effects. Therefore, the agency has not identified a defect that represents an unreasonable risk to motor vehicle safety.This inve
Structure:body
During the EA17-002 investigation, the agency reviewed and analyzed reports of exhaust odors in the passenger cabins of Model Year 2011 to 2017 Ford Explorers. This investigation required an approach that incorporated knowledge and expertise from the automotive, medical, environmental health, and occupational safety fields. The agency conducted an in-depth investigation that encompassed the review of over 6,500 consumer complaints, conducting field inspections, and testing the relevant vehicles, both independently and in coordination with Ford and other entities. During the investigation, the evolution of Ford service bulletins intended to reduce the level of exhaust odors and carbon monoxide (CO) entering the occupant compartment was examined and independent tests to evaluate the effectiveness of the final Field Service Actions (FSA) for both consumer and police vehicles were conducted. As part of the investigation, the agency also examined the effects of cracked exhaust mani-cats on the measured CO levels in the vehicles and tested the FSA repairs to ensure they did not adversely impact occupant compartment CO levels due to cracked mani-cats.The investigation identified upfitting issues for Police Interceptor vehicles. Upfitting (sirens, lights, cages, auxiliary power, etc.) is typically performed by governmental fleet operations, independent repair facilities, or local Ford dealers after the sale of the new vehicle. Sealing issues caused by upfitting were responsible for the highest measured carbon monoxide levels in tested vehicles. The police FSA instructs how to inspect the quality of the vehicle upfits and how to properly seal any leaks caused by these upfits, at no cost to the police agency. Similarly, the highest CO levels measured in consumer vehicles were usually traced to sealing issues caused by rear crash damage where the repairs did not ensure sealing integrity. The most recent Ford FSA procedure for both the police (17B25) and consumer vehicles (17N03) includes an HVAC reprogramming operation. Tests by Ford and NHTSA have demonstrated a substantial reduction of CO levels due solely to the HVAC reprogramming. Other FSA repairs also demonstrated measurable contributions to CO level reductions during controlled tests.Throughout the investigation, vehicles accurately measured with higher levels of carbon monoxide were almost always affected by upfitter alterations, damage, or other causes compromising rear passenger cabin seals.NHTSA received thousands of reports alleging odors which triggered a variety of physiological responses, predominately nausea, headaches, and lightheadedness. NHTSA focused the investigation on accurately measuring vehicle CO levels, and accurately measuring carboxyhemoglobin (COHB) levels from properly administered blood tests. Using rigorous test methods to produce exhaust gas intrusion in vehicles with a properly performed FSA, occupant compartment CO levels remained below current environmental limits for CO in any environment (EPA ambient air quality standards). Furthermore, even without FSA repairs, no vehicles unaffected by upfitter issues or prior crash damage were identified with CO levels that exceed accepted occupational CO exposure levels. This investigation finds that the 2011-2017 Ford Explorer vehicles when accurately measured produce occupant compartment CO levels which fall below current accepted health standards, and could not identify COHB levels for vehicle drivers or other occupants, which exceeded thresholds for acute physiological effects. Therefore, the agency has not identified a defect that represents an unreasonable risk to motor vehicle safety.This inve
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