2013 Ford Explorer: Steering complaints
Owner-reported issue (NHTSA complaints, not a recall)
Symptoms
NHTSA has 836 owner complaints for the 2013 Ford Explorer that list the steering component. Complaints are individual owner reports, not verified defects.
Examples:
- NHTSA complaint ODI #11771507 (filed 10/15/2026): “Power steering failure extremely hard to turn when in low speeds, recall on other explorers for same year…”
- NHTSA complaint ODI #11764872 (filed 09/17/2026): “The steering rack limiter on the passenger side dislodged itself and got caught on the rack and pinion teeth causing my wheel to get stuck…”
- NHTSA complaint ODI #11754999 (filed 08/05/2026): “This is a 2013 ford explorer experiencing the exact catastrophic power steering failure described in recall 14s06 / 15s18. the rack has failed twice, creating an immediate crash hazard. the current recall parameters are inadequate as they exclude my vin despite identical component failure. not only …”
Likely causes
These complaints do not establish a single root cause; read the examples above and get a diagnosis.
Fix, in plain English
No single fix is established by these reports. Check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls, ask a dealer about technical service bulletins (TSBs) or extended warranty coverage, then have the system diagnosed.
DIY difficulty: Pro
Electric power steering faults typically need module diagnosis with a scan tool and calibration. (Our assessment.)
Cost
No sourced cost range for this issue. Get a written quote after diagnosis.
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