2018 Ford Explorer Steering Problems
NHTSA lists 20 Steering complaints for the 2018 Ford Explorer, 3% of its 731 total complaints that year. One crash and no fires or injuries were reported, with a median failure mileage of 35,000 miles. No related recalls are listed for this issue.
- Steering complaints
- 20
- 3% of 731
- Crashes reported
- 1
- Fires reported
- 0
- Injuries reported
- 0
- Median mileage
- 35,000 mi
- Related recalls
- 0
Typical steering symptoms owners report
- Electronic power steering assist cuts out intermittently, sometimes while the vehicle is stationary or at low speed.
- A warning light for power steering assist comes on before the steering becomes very hard to turn in either direction.
- Some owners describe the steering column itself as faulty, requiring replacement after intermittent power steering loss.
- A squeaking noise develops under the steering wheel that dealers described as normal for the vehicle.
- One owner reported the steering rack failed, causing the wheel to stop turning entirely and needing a dealer-sourced replacement part.
- One owner noted the vehicle pulled sharply to the right under acceleration, a problem that persisted after dealership visits.
When 2018 Ford Explorer steering complaints were filed
First complaint Aug 8, 2018, latest Jun 28, 2026.
Steering recalls for the 2018 Ford Explorer
No safety recalls on record for this model year.
Steering complaints by Explorer model year
Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.
Frequently asked questions
- Does the 2018 Ford Explorer have steering problems?
- NHTSA records 20 Steering complaints for the 2018 Ford Explorer, making up 3% of the 731 total complaints filed for that model year. Owners describe intermittent power steering loss, warning lights, and steering column faults.
- Is there a steering recall for the 2018 Ford Explorer?
- No related recalls are listed in NHTSA data for Steering issues on the 2018 Ford Explorer. One complaint mentions a prior recall on 2016 and 2017 Explorers for a similar issue, but no recall is listed for 2018.
- At what mileage do steering problems occur on the 2018 Explorer?
- The median mileage at failure for Steering complaints on the 2018 Ford Explorer is 35,000 miles.
- Did steering problems cause any crashes in the 2018 Explorer?
- NHTSA data shows 1 crash associated with Steering complaints for the 2018 Ford Explorer, with no fires or injuries reported.
- How does the 2018 Explorer compare to other years for steering complaints?
- The 2018 Explorer's Steering complaints make up 3% of its total complaints, lower than the 62% share seen in 2011 and well below the 37% and 43% shares seen in 2013 and 2012.