2013 Ford Explorer Steering Problems
NHTSA lists 835 steering complaints for the 2013 Ford Explorer, 37% of all complaints filed for the model year. Owners report sudden power steering assist loss, sometimes causing crashes, at a median mileage of 95,000. A related recall (14V286000) covers PSCM software but some 2013 owners say they were told their vehicle is not included.
- Steering complaints
- 835
- 37% of 2,234
- Crashes reported
- 12
- Fires reported
- 1
- Injuries reported
- 5
- Median mileage
- 95,000 mi
- Related recalls
- 1
Typical steering symptoms owners report
- Power steering assist cuts out suddenly while driving, making the wheel very hard or impossible to turn.
- Steering failure occurs at low speed in parking lots, sometimes causing minor collisions with parked vehicles.
- Power steering assist fault warning light comes on before the steering becomes difficult to turn.
- Some owners report an intermittent problem that recurs after the vehicle is turned off and on, or after multiple dealer visits without a fix.
- A few owners report burning odor near the electric power assist mechanism.
- Owners who experienced steering loss on the road were told by Ford or dealers that their 2013 Explorer is not covered by the existing recall despite similar symptoms.
When 2013 Ford Explorer steering complaints were filed
First complaint Nov 1, 2012, latest Sep 17, 2026.
Steering recalls for the 2013 Ford Explorer
- NHTSA 14V286000May 29, 2014Steering179,027 vehicles
Steering:electric power assist system
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2011-2013 Ford Explorer vehicles manufactured May 17, 2010, through February 28, 2012. The affected vehicles may experience an intermittent connection in the electric power steering gear, which can cause a loss of the motor position sensor signal resulting in a shut down of the power steering assist.
Risk: 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.
Remedy: 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.
Steering complaints by Explorer model year
Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.
Frequently asked questions
- How many steering complaints does the 2013 Ford Explorer have?
- NHTSA lists 835 steering complaints for the 2013 Explorer, which is 37% of the 2,234 total complaints filed for that model year.
- Is there a steering recall for the 2013 Ford Explorer?
- Yes, recall 14V286000 covers 2011-2013 Explorer vehicles built from May 17, 2010 through February 28, 2012 for an intermittent connection issue in the electric power steering system; Ford dealers update the Power Steering Control Module software free of charge.
- At what mileage do steering problems typically appear on the 2013 Explorer?
- The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA for steering complaints on this model year is 95,000 miles.
- Does the steering recall cover all 2013 Explorers with the problem?
- Not according to some complaints; several 2013 owners report Ford or their dealer told them their vehicle, despite showing the same power steering assist failure, was not included in the recall.
- Did the steering problem cause any crashes?
- NHTSA data tied to this complaint area lists 12 crashes, 1 fire, and 5 injuries for the 2013 Explorer.