2013 ford Explorer steering problems

moderate 826 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $700

Complaints

826

Recalls

Crashes

Avg fix

$700

Related recalls

severe NHTSA 14V286000 29/05/2014

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2011-2013 Ford Explorer vehicles manufactured May 17, 2010, through February 28, 2012

If the vehicle experiences a loss of power steering assist it will require extra steering effort at lower speeds, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.

Fix: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will update the Power Steering Control Module (PSCM) software, free of charge. If a vehicle shows a history of a loss of motor position sensor signal when the vehicle is brought in for the recall remedy, its steering rack assembly will be replaced, free of charge. The recall began on July 23, 2014. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-800-392-3673. Ford's number for this recall is 14S06.

What owners are reporting 8 most recent

steering · filed 12/31/2016

FEW MONTHS AGO , AS I WAS BACKING UP IN THE DRIVEWAY, THE POWER STEERING ASSIST FAULT LIGHT CAME ON, COULDN'T MOVE. I TURNED ENGINE OFF AND ON LIGHT CLEARED AND WORKING FINE. THIS HAPPENED FEW TIMES PAST 4 MONTHS,. 2 DAYS AGO I WAS BACKING UP LIGHT CAME ON , 46800 MILES . COULDN'T MOVE STEERING LOCKED UP , , TURNING ENGINE ON AND OFF. 2 HOURD LATER SAME THING PANICKED I WAS AT A STORE PARKING LOT.…

steering · filed 12/30/2013

TL- THE CONTACT OWNS 2013 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL BEGAN TO MALFUNCTION WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION, BUT HAD NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE DEFECT. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 400. RK

steering · filed 12/29/2022

So my 2013 Ford Explorer XLT Steering locked up while I was driving lucky I did not crash but did had to use a lot of force to turn wheel to get to side of the road had car towed to ford dealership they said sorry it's not a recall but yet I've seen and read a lot of complaints but nothing as far as a recall I ended up paying a lot of money to fix it please someone put a recall on that Steering be…

steering · filed 12/29/2020

MY ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST KEEPS LOCKING MY STEERING WHEEL, AND MY STEERING WHEEL IS MAKING A GRINDING NOISE. SINCE MY VEHICLE WAS MADE AFTER THERE RECALL DATES IT WILL NOT BE COVERED TO FIX. YET IT IS STILL HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM AS THE RECALLED VEHICLES.

steering · filed 12/28/2020

THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE LOST POWER STEERING ON HIS VEHICLE AND HIS VEHICLE IS NOT PART OF THE RECALL .THE CONTACT STATED HIS WHOLE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM LOST POWER.

steering · filed 12/28/2019

WHILE DRIVING 70MPH WITH MY KIDS IN THE CAR THE POWER ASSIST LIGHT CAME ON. I LOST ALL CONTROL OF THE POWER STEERING. LUCKILY I WAS ABLE TO DRIVE TO A SAFE SPOT USING MUCH STRENGTH TO DO SO. 2013 FORD EXPLORER 74,700 MILES.

steering · filed 12/27/2022

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the failure nearly caused a collision. The local dealer and a second dealer, Gregg Smith Ford Lincoln (1316 Price Ln, Clinton, MO 64735) were made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not dia…

steering · filed 12/26/2023

ELECTRICAL RACK AND PINION - LOCKED UP STEERING WHEEL. Wife driving car could have been hurt. Was inspected by independent service person. No warning !!

Common questions

How serious is the steering problem on the 2013 ford Explorer?

It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 826 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $700 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.

At what mileage does the steering typically fail?

Mileage data is limited for this issue. Owners report failures across a wide range, suggesting cause is more about driving conditions and maintenance than mileage alone.

What does it cost to fix?

Independent shops typically charge around $700 for steering repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.

Are there any recalls related to steering?

Yes — 1 active recall(s) cover steering issues on this vehicle. Recall fixes are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status. Use the VIN decoder at the top of the page to check if your specific vehicle is affected.