This bulletin supersedes 26-2150. Reason for update: To remove the M6 nut from the part list and remove the Steps to install the M6 nut from the Service Procedure. Some of the vehicles listed in the Model statement above may exhibit all of the following conditions: * "Steering Assist Fault Service Required" message displayed in the instrument panel cluster (IPC) * Reduced steering assist * Diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) U3008:1B and/or U3009:1B stored in the power steering control module (PSCM) This may be due to the PSCM ground connections.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2025 Ford Explorer steering problems
severe Owners of the 2025 Ford Explorer have filed 8 NHTSA complaints about the steering at roughly $700 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of August 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See steering across all vehicles →
Complaints
8
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$700
| Model year | steering complaints |
|---|---|
| 2021 Explorer | 5 |
| 2022 Explorer | 9 |
| 2023 Explorer | 12 |
| 2025 Explorer (this page) | 8 |
1crash
1injury
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.
This TSB supersedes TSB 26-2035. Reason for update: update the Service Procedure to add figures 1, 2, 5 and 6 to clarify the ground location, update Steps (13-15, 21-22), and update the Parts list according to the type of vehicle variant and repair. Some of the vehicles listed in the Model statement above may exhibit all of the following conditions: * "Steering Assist Fault Service Required" message displayed in the instrument panel cluster (IPC) * Reduced steering assist * Diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) U3008:1B and/or U3009:1B stored in the power steering control module (PSCM) This may be due to the PSCM ground connections.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This TSB supersedes TSB 25-2350 to update the Service Procedure, vehicles affected, and parts list. Some of the vehicles listed in the Model statement above may exhibit all of the following conditions: * "Steering Assist Fault Service Required" message displayed in the instrument panel cluster (IPC) * Reduced steering assist * Diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) U3008:1B and/or U3009:1B stored in the power steering control module (PSCM) This may be due to the PSCM ground connections.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Some of the vehicles listed in the Model statement above may exhibit steering column shrouds that are misaligned or pushed out. This may be due to the wiring harness causing interference with the upper and lower shroud connection. Additional Model specification: Equipped with BlueCruise hands free driving system.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Some 2025 Aviator/Explorer/Police Interceptor Utility vehicles may exhibit diagnostic trouble code (DTC) C1110:56 and/or U3000:96 stored in the power steering control module (PSCM) after programming the PSCM, or may display the following message in Ford Diagnosis and Repair System (FDRS) when performing PSCM programmable module installation (PMI): <br /><br /> "It has been detected that a Model Year 2025 Steering Gear (R1MC - level) is fitted to this vehicle. It is not possible to run the Power Steering Control Module (PSCM) Programmable Module Installation (PMI) application on this Steering Gear. If later software is available, this PSCM can be updated by running the PSCM Software Update ap
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
What owners are reporting 4 most recent
When making a turn or going around curves the steering does not return to center and sticks in whatever direction you are turning
I would need to change many more of the points on the top, see report.
-EPAS malfunctioning and is available for inspection. -Steering sticks in turns and requires too much effort to return to center causing me to overcorrect which causes the steering to stick in the opposite direction and so on. This is not consistent or predictable Also The car is constantly drifting left to right and requires constant corrections to maintain center. -I replicated the issue with…
Steering drifts to left and will not return to center with out darting to the right when correcting , a constant movement back and forth to keep it in your lane !
Had steering trouble with your 2025 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 2025 Ford Explorer?
It's a meaningful issue. 8 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $700.
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?
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/2025/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.