Some 2017-2019 Explorer/Police Interceptor Utility vehicles may exhibit various noise concerns while turning. Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 211-02 Power Steering > Diagnosis and Testing has been updated with improved information to aid with accurate noise diagnosis. Replacing the steering gear may not necessarily eliminate the noise concern. Use Chassis Ears on all suspected components to accurately diagnose noise concerns.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2018 Ford Explorer steering problems
moderate Owners of the 2018 Ford Explorer have filed 20 NHTSA complaints about the steering, typically surfacing around 35,000 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
20
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$700
| Model year | steering complaints |
|---|---|
| 2014 Explorer | 496 |
| 2015 Explorer | 342 |
| 2016 Explorer | 526 |
| 2017 Explorer | 74 |
| 2018 Explorer (this page) | 20 |
| 2019 Explorer | 9 |
| 2020 Explorer | 25 |
| 2021 Explorer | 5 |
| 2022 Explorer | 9 |
1crash
When does it fail?
Of the 20 steering complaints filed for the 2018 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
No new NHTSA steering complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 5 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
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.
Some 2017-2019 Explorer/Police Interceptor Utility vehicles may exhibit various noise concerns while turning. Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 211-02 Power Steering > Diagnosis and Testing is in the process of being updated with improved information to aid with accurate noise diagnosis. Replacing the steering gear may not necessarily eliminate the noise concern. Use Chassis Ears on all suspected components to accurately diagnose noise concerns. Monitor OASIS for updates.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗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 ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners describe two dominant steering failure patterns. The first is catastrophic: rear tow link fracture with seized knuckle causing abrupt loss of steering control at highway speed—one owner nearly hit the median at 70 mph and spun 360 degrees across two lanes. Ford has issued a recall for this exact failure in 2011–2017 Explorers but refuses to extend it to the 2018 model year despite owners noting identical hardware.
The second pattern involves the steering column and rack: units seize, fail to respond, or become immovable after illuminating a "Power Steering Assist Fault" warning. These failures occur as early as 20,000 miles and range from intermittent (resolved by restart) to permanent loss of steering. Dealers consistently diagnose steering column fracture or steering rack/pinion failure requiring replacement, with parts costing upward of $1,500 and sourced from Ford.
A third concern is electrical: multiple owners report simultaneous loss of power steering, headlights, acceleration, and climate controls—sometimes at highway speed—often accompanied by a wrench light and terrain management fault. One owner's throttle body replacement did not prevent recurrence; another owner has documented five dealership visits without resolution.
One owner reported severe tire wear on both rear sides shortly after the recall rear-toe-link repair, suggesting post-service alignment issues.
Same Ford Explorer steering reports on nearby years: 2015 · 2016 · 2017 · 2020
Failure modes owners describe
Rear Tow Link Fracture/Seized Knuckle
Rear driver-side tow link snaps, often with seized knuckle, causing sudden loss of steering control and catastrophic vehicle handling.
When: 74,000 miles; also reported at various mileages
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden loss of steering control; Vehicle veers sharply without warning; Multiple 360-degree spins on 2 wheels; No warning sounds or symptoms before failure; Occurs under normal driving conditions
Repairs/costs cited: Rear tow link replacement required; one owner reports alignment does not stay set after rear toe link recall repair and rapid tire wear (both sides) after 1,000 miles
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall exists for 2011–2017 Ford Explorers (same parts); Ford refuses to acknowledge issue affects 2018 model year despite identical hardware
Steering Column Fracture/Failure
Steering column develops internal fracture or mechanical fault, causing steering wheel to seize, become difficult to turn, or stop responding entirely.
When: 20,261 miles; 47,000 miles; 50,000 miles; 25,000 miles; intermittent over 1+ year at low mileage
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel seizes and becomes extremely difficult or impossible to turn; Power steering assist fault warning light illuminates; Steering wheel locked in one position; Intermittent failures that resolve after vehicle restart; Hill assist and traction control warning lights may illuminate simultaneously
Codes mentioned: Power Steering Assist Fault warning
Repairs/costs cited: Steering column replacement required; one owner reports steering stopped responding multiple times and required restart to restore function; another reports $1,500 steering rack/pinion part cost after similar failure
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 24V031000 (Structure) issued; parts availability delayed at time of report; some dealers replace component under warranty; manufacturer referred at least one complainant to NHTSA Hotline
Steering Rack/Pinion Failure
Steering rack and pinion assembly fails or malfunctions, rendering steering inoperable or extremely stiff.
When: 21,000 miles; 62,000 miles; intermittent low-mileage failures
Symptoms owners cite: Power steering suddenly malfunctions at highway speed (60+ mph); Steering wheel becomes very difficult or impossible to turn; Power steering assist fault warning may precede failure; Steering may briefly restore function after vehicle restart
Codes mentioned: Power Steering Assist Fault warning
Repairs/costs cited: Steering rack/pinion replacement; one owner reports $1,500 part cost; multiple dealers cited need for parts to be sourced from Ford
Electrical System/Power Loss Events
Widespread electrical faults causing loss of power steering, headlights, climate controls, and acceleration; often accompanied by wrench light and terrain management fault codes.
When: Low mileage (under 9,000 miles in one case); also at higher mileages
Symptoms owners cite: Loss of headlights and all lighting for several seconds; Loss of power steering, power, and acceleration simultaneously; Wrench light illumination; Cruise control inaccessible; message rapidly flashes; Terrain management fault; Power windows and door locks unresponsive; Unable to start (4 separate occasions in one case); Vehicle unloads itself from trailer
Codes mentioned: Wrench light, Terrain management fault, Fault codes present (owner reports FORScan data available)
Repairs/costs cited: Throttle body replacement attempted at one dealership 3 days before repeat failure; no permanent fix achieved across five dealerships; owner has FORScan reports and scene photos documenting multiple failures
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealerships have attempted repairs; initial dealership (where vehicle was purchased) more responsive; Ford dealerships report they cannot replicate issues; no warranty coverage honored
Steering Wheel Squeaking Noise
Squeaking noise emanates from underneath steering wheel, particularly when turning right; dealer initially dismisses as normal characteristic.
When: Within first few months of ownership (purchased November 2018, noticed a month later)
Symptoms owners cite: Squeaking noise under steering wheel; Noise only audible when steering wheel turned to right; Disturbing to driver
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer attributed to vehicle characteristic; did not investigate further
Vehicle Pulls Sharply to One Side
Vehicle pulls sharply to the right during acceleration, unrelated to alignment issues.
When: 21,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Sharp pull to right during acceleration; Problem documented while under warranty
Repairs/costs cited: Alignment was tested and ruled out as cause; not resolved after 30 days at dealership
Synthesized from 20 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 1 most recent
Vehicle when accelerating pulls sharply to right . Problem not resolved after 30 days at dealership. Alignment was not problem. Was documented while under warrantee ant was first noticed at 21000 miles and documented
Had steering trouble with your 2018 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 2018 Ford Explorer?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 20 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 10 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most steering failures cluster between 15,780 and 38,000 miles, with the median around 35,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 15,780; a quarter make it past 38,000. 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/2018/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.