NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Steering complaints
530 reportsClear category filter19,500 miles · Oct 18, 2017
Electronic Stability Control (esc)Service BrakesSteeringCrash
WAS TRAVELING DOWN A CITY SURFACE STREET WHEN ANOTHER VEHICLE TRIED TO BEAT ME TO GETTING ONTO THE SAME STREET I WAS TRAVELING ON MADE A SUDDEN TURN BEFORE I COULD GET TO HIS LOCATION. UPON TRYING TO MANEUVER AND AVOID A COLLISION THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY DID NOT RESPOND TO THE MANEUVER AND INSTEAD VEERED OFF THE ROAD AND CRASHED IN…
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WAS TRAVELING DOWN A CITY SURFACE STREET WHEN ANOTHER VEHICLE TRIED TO BEAT ME TO GETTING ONTO THE SAME STREET I WAS TRAVELING ON MADE A SUDDEN TURN BEFORE I COULD GET TO HIS LOCATION. UPON TRYING TO MANEUVER AND AVOID A COLLISION THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY DID NOT RESPOND TO THE MANEUVER AND INSTEAD VEERED OFF THE ROAD AND CRASHED INTO A RESIDENCE. STEERING FAILED TO FUNCTION AS INTENDED, ABS SYSTEM ALSO FAILED TO FUNCTION PROPERLY. THIS HAS NOT BEEN THE FIRST TIME I GOT INTO A WRECK LIKE THIS WITH THIS VEHICLE. MAKING A SUDDEN TURN IN THIS VEHICLE WILL LIKELY SUFFER SOME SORT OF ACCIDENT, VEHICLE DOES NOT RESPOND LIKE IT SHOULD WITH ALL THEM ELECTRICAL SAFETY FEATURES.
NHTSA ODI #11034214
42,000 miles · Oct 17, 2017
Steering
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE, THE POWER STEERING SUDDENLY FAILED AND MADE THE STEERING WHEEL VERY DIFFICULT TO TURN. DURING THE INCIDENT, THE "AUTO STEERING SYSTEM FAULTY, HILL START ASSIST NOT AVAILABLE, SERVICE ADVANCE TRACK, AND TORRAIN MANAGEMENT SYSTEM FAULT" WARNING MESSAGES DISPLA…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE, THE POWER STEERING SUDDENLY FAILED AND MADE THE STEERING WHEEL VERY DIFFICULT TO TURN. DURING THE INCIDENT, THE "AUTO STEERING SYSTEM FAULTY, HILL START ASSIST NOT AVAILABLE, SERVICE ADVANCE TRACK, AND TORRAIN MANAGEMENT SYSTEM FAULT" WARNING MESSAGES DISPLAYED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO CURRIE FORD IN VALPERASO, IN WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE POWER STEERING RACK MALFUNCTIONED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 42,000.
NHTSA ODI #11034125
40,000 miles · Oct 6, 2017
Steering
I PURCHASED A 2016 FORD EXPLORER 5 MONTHS AGO. THE CAR HAD 38K MILES WHEN PURCHASED AND NOW HAS 42K MILES. LATELY I HAVE HAD ISSUES WITH THE STEERING WHEN IN CURVES THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKS AND GETS VERY STIFF AND YOU HAVE TO FIGHT IT TO GET THE WHEEL STRAIGHTENED OUT TO KEEP FROM WRECKING. I TOOK THE CAR TO THE LOCAL FORD DEALE…
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I PURCHASED A 2016 FORD EXPLORER 5 MONTHS AGO. THE CAR HAD 38K MILES WHEN PURCHASED AND NOW HAS 42K MILES. LATELY I HAVE HAD ISSUES WITH THE STEERING WHEN IN CURVES THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKS AND GETS VERY STIFF AND YOU HAVE TO FIGHT IT TO GET THE WHEEL STRAIGHTENED OUT TO KEEP FROM WRECKING. I TOOK THE CAR TO THE LOCAL FORD DEALER WHO STATED THAT THE RACK AND PINION NEEDS REPLACED COSTING $1900.00. FORD STATED THAT WOULD NOT BE COVERED UNDER MY EXSISTING WARRANTY. I CONTACTED FORD REFERENCE THE ISSUE AND THEY STATED THEY WOULD OPEN A CASE AND HELP WITH COST. I RECENTLY HEARD BACK FROM FORD AND THEY STATED THAT THEY WOULD NOT HELP WITH THE ISSUE EVEN THOUGH IT IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE. WHEN THE CAR IS STOPPED IT DOES NOT HAVE THIS ISSUE BUT ONCE YOU ARE MOVING IS WHEN THE STEERING LOCKS. THE VEHICLE IS ONLY 6K MILES OVER BUMPER TO BUMPER WARRANTY AND STILL UNDER POWER TRAIN BUT FORD SAYS THAT THEY ARE NOT GOING TO HELP FIX THIS ISSUE.
NHTSA ODI #11032138
55,000 miles · Oct 5, 2017
Steering
AT HIGHWAY SPEED MY STEERING LOCKS UP AND TAKES GREAT EFFORT TO STEER. THEN LOOSENS FOR A BIT UNLESS KEPT IN THE SAME POSITION FOR MORE THAN SAY 30 SECONDS THEN LOCKS UP AGAIN. SOMETIMES WORSE THAN OTHERS. I ALMOST HIT A BARRIERS AT 75 TODAY 10/5/17.TURNS ARE WORSE THAN STRAIGHT. I WAS TOLD THAT THE FORD ELECTRONIC STEERING RACK…
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AT HIGHWAY SPEED MY STEERING LOCKS UP AND TAKES GREAT EFFORT TO STEER. THEN LOOSENS FOR A BIT UNLESS KEPT IN THE SAME POSITION FOR MORE THAN SAY 30 SECONDS THEN LOCKS UP AGAIN. SOMETIMES WORSE THAN OTHERS. I ALMOST HIT A BARRIERS AT 75 TODAY 10/5/17.TURNS ARE WORSE THAN STRAIGHT. I WAS TOLD THAT THE FORD ELECTRONIC STEERING RACK NEEDS TO BE REPLACED AT A MIN. COST OF $1800 AS I HAVE 55000 MILES ON MY 2016. THIS IS UNSAFE! PLEASE HELP
NHTSA ODI #11031981
62,914 miles · Sep 25, 2017
Steering
WAS DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY GOING ABOUT 70MPH AND AN ALERT POPPED UP ON THE DASH THAT SAID TERRAIN MANAGEMENT SYSTEM FAULT. FOLLOWED BY ANOTHER ALERT THAT SAID SERVICE ADVANCETRAC. FOLLOWED BY ANOTHER ALERT THAT SAID OUR TRACTION CONTROL WAS TURNED OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS STILL DRIVING FINE SO WE DROVE TO THE NEAREST EXIT TO TURNNO…
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WAS DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY GOING ABOUT 70MPH AND AN ALERT POPPED UP ON THE DASH THAT SAID TERRAIN MANAGEMENT SYSTEM FAULT. FOLLOWED BY ANOTHER ALERT THAT SAID SERVICE ADVANCETRAC. FOLLOWED BY ANOTHER ALERT THAT SAID OUR TRACTION CONTROL WAS TURNED OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS STILL DRIVING FINE SO WE DROVE TO THE NEAREST EXIT TO TURNNOFF THE CAR AND RESTART IT. WHILE WE WHERE PULLING OFF THE EXIT RAMP GOING ABOUT 30MPH THE CAR ALERTED US THAT THE HILL ASSISTANCE WAS TURNED OFF. AND ONCE WE STOPPED AT THE GAS STATION AND TURNED THE CAR OFF ONCE WE TURNED IT BACK ON IT ALERTED US EVERY SINGLE ALERT AGAIN AND THEN A NEW WARNING THAT OUR STEERING WAS LOST AND TO PLEASE PULL OVER SAFELY. WE HAVE TRIES TO TURN CAR ON SEVERAL TIMES AND ITS STILL NOT WORKING.
NHTSA ODI #11025483
22,809 miles · Aug 8, 2017
Seat BeltsSteeringStructure
SINCE PURCHASING THIS VEHICLE IN DECEMBER 2016 I HAVE HAD SEATBELT RETRACTABLE MECHANISM IN THE THIRD ROW REPLACED; I HAVE HAD THE NAVIGATION SYSTEM REPLACED; I HAD TO HAVE THE KEYPAD ON THE DOOR PANEL REPLACED; I HAVE HAD TO HAVE THE POWER STEERING EPAS REPLACED (MOST RECENT). MOST HAPPENED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY THA…
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SINCE PURCHASING THIS VEHICLE IN DECEMBER 2016 I HAVE HAD SEATBELT RETRACTABLE MECHANISM IN THE THIRD ROW REPLACED; I HAVE HAD THE NAVIGATION SYSTEM REPLACED; I HAD TO HAVE THE KEYPAD ON THE DOOR PANEL REPLACED; I HAVE HAD TO HAVE THE POWER STEERING EPAS REPLACED (MOST RECENT). MOST HAPPENED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY THANK GOODNESS. THE NAVIGATION SYSTEM DID GO OUT WHILE DRIVING.
NHTSA ODI #11013793
7,010 miles · Jul 26, 2017
Steering
ON JULY 26 AT ABOUT 10:40 AM I WAS DRIVING MY STOCK (NO ADDED EQUIPMENT) 2016 FORD EXPLORER (PLATINUM EDITION). I HAD JUST MERGED FROM NORTHBOUND I-680 ONTO WESTBOUND I-580 (NORTHERN CALIFORNIA). I WAS MOVING AT A CONSTANT FREEWAY SPEED (ABOUT 60 MPH) FROM LANE #5 (RIGHTMOST LANE) TO LANE #1. A FEW SECONDS AFTER ENTERING LANE #…
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ON JULY 26 AT ABOUT 10:40 AM I WAS DRIVING MY STOCK (NO ADDED EQUIPMENT) 2016 FORD EXPLORER (PLATINUM EDITION). I HAD JUST MERGED FROM NORTHBOUND I-680 ONTO WESTBOUND I-580 (NORTHERN CALIFORNIA). I WAS MOVING AT A CONSTANT FREEWAY SPEED (ABOUT 60 MPH) FROM LANE #5 (RIGHTMOST LANE) TO LANE #1. A FEW SECONDS AFTER ENTERING LANE #1 THE POWER STEERING FAILED. A WARNING APPEARED ON THE VEHICLE WARNING INDICATOR THAT THE POWER STEERING FAILED. A FEW MINUTES LATER I WAS ABLE TO SAFELY DRIVE OFF THE FREEWAY AND TURN OFF THE VEHICLE. POWER STEERING RESUMED AFTER RE-STARTING THE VEHICLE.
NHTSA ODI #11010804
Mileage unknown · May 2, 2017
Steering
WHILE DRIVING AT SPEED THE POWER STEERING FAILED GOING INTO A CORNER, AT THE SAME TIME THE BATTERY WARNING LIGHT APPEARED ON THE DASH. IT WAS A DANGEROUS CURVE. I DROVE THE CAR THE NEXT DAY AND IT HAPPENED A SECOND AND THIRD TIME. WAITING FOR DEALER RESPONSE IT IS UNSAFE AT THE LEAST OR WORSE....
NHTSA ODI #10983046
27,000 miles · Mar 9, 2017
SteeringSuspensionWheels
WHEN DRIVING ON A HIGHWAY AT APPROXIMATELY 70MPH, I COMPLETELY LOST CONTROL OF MY VEHICLE FOR NO KNOWN REASON. I VEERED ACROSS 3 LANES OF TRAFFIC AND BACK ACROSS 2 MORE. CARS WERE SWERVING AROUND ME AND MIRACULOUSLY I WAS NOT IN AN ACCIDENT. I PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND OTHER CARS TRAVELING BEHIND ME AT THE TIME DID…
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WHEN DRIVING ON A HIGHWAY AT APPROXIMATELY 70MPH, I COMPLETELY LOST CONTROL OF MY VEHICLE FOR NO KNOWN REASON. I VEERED ACROSS 3 LANES OF TRAFFIC AND BACK ACROSS 2 MORE. CARS WERE SWERVING AROUND ME AND MIRACULOUSLY I WAS NOT IN AN ACCIDENT. I PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND OTHER CARS TRAVELING BEHIND ME AT THE TIME DID TOO. WE COULDN'T SEE ANY REASON WHY THE CAR WASN'T WORKING PROPERLY SO AFTER CATCHING MY BREATH, I TRIED TO GET BACK ON THE ROAD. I COULD FEEL MY CAR INTERMITTENTLY "SLIPPING". IT FELT AS THOUGH IT WAS LOSING TRACTION AND I WAS LOSING CONTROL AND NOT ABLE TO STEER. I ULTIMATELY PULLED OVER AND CALLED A TOWTRUCK AS I KNEW MY VEHICLE WAS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. THE TOW TRUCK DRIVER SAW THAT MY REAR TIRES WERE COMPLETELY BALD ONLY ON THE INSIDE. MY CAR HAD 27,000MILES ON IT AT THE TIME. I REPLACED THE BACK 2 TIRES THAT DAY. AND THE FRONT 2 THE FOLLOWING DAY. 2 WEEKS LATER, MY CAR WAS NOT DRIVING PROPERLY AND I BROUGHT IT INTO A LOCAL FORD DEALERSHIP FOR SERVICE. THEY PERFORMED A DIAGNOSTIC. THEY TOLD ME MY REAR SUSPENSION WAS A MESS, THE UPPERCONTROL ARM NEEDED TO BE REPLACED, THE BUSHINGS ON MY BACK RIGHT WHEEL WERE LOSE AND HAD A LOT OF PLAY AND THAT NONE OF THIS WAS COVERED UNDER MY B2B WARRANTY BECAUSE THE RIGHT REAR TOW LINK WAS BENT AND THE WEDDINGS WERE LOSE. ALSO, THE TIRES I PUT ON 2 WEEKS AGO WERE STRIPPED BALD ON THE INSIDES AGAIN AND NEEDED TOMBS REPLACED. MY CAR HAS NEVER BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT. FORD RECALLED 75,000 EXPLORES MADE IN 2014-15 DUE TO FAULTY REAR SUSPENSION FROM IMPROPER WELDING OF TOW LINKS. I BELIEVE MY CAR IS A DEMONSTRATION THAT THIS IS STILL AN ONGOING MANUFACTURER ISSUE WITH THESE VEHICLES AND I WANT TO PROPERLY REPORT IT SO THAT OTHER YOUNG MOTHERS DO NOT HAVE THE SAME DANGEROUS ENCOUNTER THAT I HAD.
NHTSA ODI #10959706
6,700 miles · Oct 26, 2016
Service BrakesSteeringCrash
ON OCT. 18 WHILE OPERATING AT HIGHWAY SPEED OF 40 MPH ON HWY. 301 SOUTH IN WILSON NC AND ATTEMPTING TO SLOW DOWN TO STOP FOR THE TRAFFIC STOPPED AT THE TRAFFIC LIGHT AHEAD THE BRAKE PEDAL AND STEERING BOTH DID NOT FUNCTION, I WAS UNABLE TO STOP OR STEER THE VEHICLE CAUSING A REAR-END COLLISION TO HIT THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF MIN…
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ON OCT. 18 WHILE OPERATING AT HIGHWAY SPEED OF 40 MPH ON HWY. 301 SOUTH IN WILSON NC AND ATTEMPTING TO SLOW DOWN TO STOP FOR THE TRAFFIC STOPPED AT THE TRAFFIC LIGHT AHEAD THE BRAKE PEDAL AND STEERING BOTH DID NOT FUNCTION, I WAS UNABLE TO STOP OR STEER THE VEHICLE CAUSING A REAR-END COLLISION TO HIT THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF MINE. MY VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO KENLY FORD LATER THAT DAY FROM THE ACCIDENT SITE WHERE IT WAS PURCHASED, THEY RAN CHECKS AND FOUND NO CODES. ALL I KNOW IS THE BRAKES AND STEERING DID NOT WORK.
NHTSA ODI #10919214
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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