Some 2016 Explorer vehicles equipped with factory remote start (on the key fob) may exhibit erratic operation of the climate control seats and/or heated steering wheel during a remote start event. Examples of this may include: cooled seats when the last setting commanded heated seats, inoperative/deactivated heated steering wheel, etc. This may be due to a software concern within the HVAC control module. To correct this condition, update the HVAC control module to the latest software level using the latest version of the IDS service scan tool. For claiming use causal part number 19980 and refer to applicable labor times found in Section 10 of the Service Labor Time Standards (SLTS) Manual.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2016 Ford Explorer steering problems
moderate Owners of the 2016 Ford Explorer have filed 526 NHTSA complaints about the steering, typically surfacing around 58,000 miles at roughly $700 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See steering across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
526
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$700
| Model year | steering complaints |
|---|---|
| 2012 Explorer | 357 |
| 2013 Explorer | 832 |
| 2014 Explorer | 496 |
| 2015 Explorer | 342 |
| 2016 Explorer (this page) | 526 |
| 2017 Explorer | 74 |
| 2018 Explorer | 20 |
| 2019 Explorer | 9 |
| 2020 Explorer | 25 |
10crashes
7injuries
When does it fail?
Of the 526 steering complaints filed for the 2016 Ford Explorer, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 25,000-50,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Owners have filed 526 steering complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
Among the 19 model years of Ford Explorer in our records for steering problems, this one ranks #3 by owner-complaint volume.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering steering on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
2013-2019 vehicles equipped with a LKS system with customer complaints of steering wheel vibration, steering pull or vehicle drift may be due to an alert and/or steering aid input from the LKS. The LKS system detects unintentional drifting toward the outside of the lane and alerts and/or aids vehicle to stay in the lane. Be sure the customer understands how the lane departure warning feature settings work for Alert (steering wheel vibration) and Aid (steering input toward lane center). Further information on the LKS can be found in the owners manual. If the customers concern is due to the LKS functioning as intended, do not attempt to repair.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗When connecting the Vehicle Communication Module (VCM) and Integrated Diagnostic System (IDS) or Ford Diagnosis and Repair System (FDRS) to the DLC located on the driver side under the steering column at the GWM, make sure that the ignition is off before connecting the VCM. If the ignition is on or the engine is running during the connection, it can result in various warning lights being illuminated with diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), no start, no crank conditions or the IPC inoperative. If a vehicle displays these issues, disconnect the equipment from the DLC and disconnect the vehicle battery. Wait 10 minutes and reinstall with the ignition off. Clear any DTCs present and retest.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗SOME 2010-2016 EPAS EQUIPPED VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT STEERING RELATED NOISES. THE WORKSHOP MANUAL (WSM) DIAGNOSTIC PROCEDURES HAVE BEEN UPDATED IN SECTION 211-02. WHEN DIAGNOSING AND REPAIRING EPAS STEERING NOISES USE THE UPDATED PROCEDURES.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗WHEN HOOKING UP THE VEHICLE COMMUNICATION MODULE (VCM) AND INTEGRATED DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM (IDS) TO THE DLC LOCATED ON THE DRIVER SIDE UNDER THE STEERING COLUMN AT THE GWM, MAKE SURE THAT THE IGNITION IS OFF BEFORE CONNECTING TO IDS. IF THE IGNITION IS ON OR THE ENGINE IS RUNNING DURING THE HOOK UP, IT CAN RESULT IN VARIOUS WARNING LIGHTS BEING ILLUMINATED WITH DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES (DTCS), NO START OR NO CRANK CONDITIONS OR THE CLUSTER INOPERATIVE. FOR LINCOLN VEHICLES, THIS INFORMATION IS NOW LISTED IN THE TECHNICAL INSPECTION AND POST ROAD TEST SECTIONS OF EPDI ON THE PTS WEBSITE. IF A VEHICLE DISPLAYS THESE ISSUES, DISCONNECT THE EQUIPMENT FROM THE DLC AND REINSTALL WITH THE IGNITION OFF
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2016 Ford Explorer has a pattern of electronic power steering rack failures that render vehicles undriveable or dangerously difficult to steer. Owners describe the steering wheel locking up suddenly without prior warning, most commonly while driving at highway speeds (65–70 mph) but also in parking lots and residential areas. Several owners lost control of their vehicles on highways, crossing multiple lanes or nearly colliding with other cars.
Early warning signs include grinding, clicking, or popping noises from the front end when turning—sometimes present for months before catastrophic failure. One certified mechanic found broken metal seal pieces loose inside the steering rack that could jam the gear. Owners also report multiple dashboard warnings ("Steering Fault Service Now," "Service AdvanceTrac," "Hill Start Assist Not Available") appearing either intermittently and clearing after restart, or appearing suddenly with complete loss of steering control.
Failures cluster between 29,000 and 80,000 miles, though some occur as early as 22,000 miles. The electronic steering rack assembly requires complete replacement; owners cite repair quotes of $1,800–$4,500. Parts are consistently on national backorder, delaying repairs by weeks. Dealership service advisors have confirmed this is a "common problem" and stated Ford is aware of it, yet no recall has been issued. One owner reported a Ford supervisor admitting it is a "recall issue" but that the owner's VIN had not yet been added to the recall scope.
Same Ford Explorer steering reports on nearby years: 2013 · 2014 · 2015 · 2017 · 2018
Failure modes owners describe
Electric Power Steering Rack & Pinion System Failure (Complete Loss of Steering)
The electronic power steering rack and pinion assembly fails intermittently or completely, causing sudden loss or severe stiffness of steering control. Owners report the steering wheel locking up mid-drive, becoming extremely difficult or impossible to turn, often without warning.
When: 22,000–115,000 miles; most failures between 29,000–80,000 miles. Incidents reported across all seasons, though some owners note cold weather correlation.
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel locks up or becomes extremely stiff while driving at highway and city speeds; Complete loss of power steering assist with no manual steering option; Steering wheel seizes and will not turn even with force; Steering becomes difficult to turn, especially at higher speeds; Intermittent loss of steering assist; resets after restarting vehicle, then recurs
Codes mentioned: U0420-41, C0051-67, U0151-00, U0131-00, 'Steering Assist Fault Service Required', 'Steering Fault Service Now', 'Service AdvanceTrac', 'Hill Start Assist Not Available', 'Terrain Management System Fault'
Repairs/costs cited: Entire steering rack and pinion assembly replacement required; parts consistently on national backorder. Owner repair costs: $1,800–$4,500+ including labor and alignment. Many owners report dealerships stating the part is the OEM assembly with no fix or update available.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Ford has issued recalls for steering issues on 2011–2013 and 2014–2015 Explorers (rear suspension toe link fractures) but has not recalled the 2016 steering rack assembly despite multiple owners reporting identical failures. Dealerships acknowledge the problem as 'common' but claim no recall coverage. Some owners report Ford supervisors admitting the steering is a 'recall issue' but VINs not yet included in recall scope.
Steering Gear Grinding, Clunking, and Popping Noises
Owners report grinding, clunking, popping, and clicking sounds emanating from the steering mechanism, especially when turning the steering wheel at low speeds or while parked. Noises often progress from intermittent to constant. In some cases, broken internal retainers or seals are found inside the steering rack.
When: 30,000–75,000 miles. Noises may be present early and worsen over time or appear suddenly.
Symptoms owners cite: Popping or clunking noise when turning steering wheel, especially at low speeds and in parking lots; Grinding sound when steering, both at standstill and while driving; Clicking noise from the steering gear assembly; Whining or winding noise from the steering column; Metal rattling sounds audible inside the steering boot
Repairs/costs cited: Internal components of the steering rack (retainers, sealing washers, grease seals, bearing surfaces) are damaged or deteriorated. Repair requires steering rack replacement. One owner found loose metal pieces inside the steering boot that could jam the corkscrew gear. Parts shortages delay repairs by weeks.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealerships unable to replicate noise on initial inspection in many cases, delaying diagnosis. Second and third dealer visits often necessary. One non-Ford repair shop confirmed Ford is aware of the problem and the part is on national backorder.
Steering System Electrical Faults & Dashboard Warning Cascade
The electronic power steering (EPAS) system triggers multiple dashboard warning messages indicating steering faults, advanced traction control faults, and hill start assist errors. These warnings often precede or accompany loss of steering control but not always, leaving drivers unaware of imminent failure.
When: Variable; warnings may appear intermittently weeks or months before catastrophic failure, or appear suddenly with loss of steering.
Symptoms owners cite: Steering Fault warnings appear on dashboard but clear after vehicle restart; Multiple simultaneous warnings: 'Service AdvanceTrac,' 'Hill Start Assist Not Available,' 'Terrain Management System Fault,' 'Power Steering Assist Fault'; Warning messages displayed with loud dashboard beeping; Loss of power steering coinciding with warning appearance; No warning lights prior to sudden steering seizure
Codes mentioned: U0420-41, C0051-67, U0151-00, U0131-00, 'Steering Assist Fault', 'Service Advance Trac', 'Hill Start Assist Not Available'
Repairs/costs cited: Steering rack and pinion assembly replacement. One owner's independent mechanic hooked vehicle to computer but found no error codes. Dealership diagnostics sometimes report 'spitting out codes like crazy' or cannot retrieve reproducible fault codes.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Ford customer service reportedly told owners 'there is nothing they can do' regarding the costs. Some dealerships have stated the EPAS system sensitivity was set too high or blamed key fob detection, but these attempted diagnostics do not resolve the underlying issue.
Steering Rack Retainer/Seal Breakage (Internal Component Degradation)
Internal components of the steering rack, including retainers and sealing washers, break or detach. One certified mechanic found two pieces of metal (grease seal fragments) hanging loose on the steering gear, with potential for the piece to jam the corkscrew gear and prevent steering movement.
When: 30,000–70,000 miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Popping or clunking sound from steering when turning; Metal rattling sounds inside the steering boot; Steering wheel grab or resistance, especially at slow speeds
Repairs/costs cited: One owner found broken retainer/seal pieces by removing the steering boot; the mechanic cut the loose pieces off for safety pending warranty coverage. Steering rack replacement is the manufacturer-recommended repair.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No formal response documented in narratives. One mechanic described the issue as 'very dangerous' with 'no fix noted by Ford.'
Steering System Failure Concurrent with Cold Weather / Idle Time
Steering failures occur or are triggered after cold nights or extended vehicle idle periods. One owner experienced steering lockup on a day below 20°F; another had steering seize after a snowstorm. Failures repeat on subsequent cold days until the vehicle idles for extended periods.
When: Cold-weather periods (below 20°F reported). Failures repeat over multiple days before the issue resolves after idle time.
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel locks up on cold mornings or after snowstorm; No steering movement for approximately 30 minutes after restart; issue resolves after idling; Failures repeat on subsequent cold days; Grinding sound in steering after initial lockup episode
Repairs/costs cited: Steering rack replacement required. One owner stated the electronic steering rack needed to be replaced at 63,000 miles. Temperature sensitivity and idle-dependent resolution suggest a hydraulic or electrical cold-weather thickening or detection failure within the EPAS module.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership confirmed electronic steering rack replacement was needed. No specific cold-weather service bulletin or software update mentioned by dealerships.
Synthesized from 526 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 5 most recent
My power steering has been making a snapping noise and I'm afraid of catostrofic failure. I no longer trust driving the vehicle, it has only 36,000 miles.
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
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…
With less than 30,000 miles, my steering began to bind when turned fully to the left or right. This was only noticeable at low speeds, but due to my concerns about the safety hazards of steering failures I took it to dealer for an evaluation. They reported that the steering module had failed and it would cost >$2300 to repair. My warranty expired due to time (42 months) so unless Ford offers a…
The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving approximately 45 MPH and turning to the right following a bend in the highway, the contact attempted to turn the steering wheel back to center and the steering wheel became difficult to turn. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact pulled over and turned off and restarted the vehicle and the steering…
Had steering trouble with your 2016 Ford Explorer?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the steering problem on the 2016 Ford Explorer?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 526 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?
Across the 339 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most steering failures cluster between 42,000 and 80,000 miles, with the median around 58,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 42,000; a quarter make it past 80,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
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?
No active recalls currently cover steering issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2016/Ford/Explorer.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.