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Is there a recall for the rack and pinion system on the 2016 Ford Explorer?

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37 answers

★ Top Answer
Natalie W.

The 2016 Ford Explorer has been recalled due to a potential suspension issue that could result in decreased steering control. It is important to replace the power steering fluid every 75,000 miles. When changing fluids, listen for any unusual noises coming from the steering components. A faulty bearing may produce a harsh sound, while a loose one can be bothersome to hear. Maintaining proper steering is essential for safe lane changes and maneuvering on the road. However, it is possible to encounter issues over time, such as a faulty rack mount, steering fluid leakage, veering to one side, a stuck steering wheel, or a loose steering pump that could pose a danger to your vehicle. Additionally, the strut bearings may deteriorate over time.

More answers

  • Jami J.

    I'm also struggling with the rack and pinion issue in my 2016 Ford Explorer. Unfortunately, none of the dealers have the necessary parts for the repair. I believe this issue warrants a recall.

  • Jerrod w.

    The 2016 Ford Explorer's rack and pinion system has not been recalled.

  • Terrance

    I recently switched out the rack and pinion on my 2016 Ford Explorer, which had 136,000 miles on it. I'm surprised there hasn't been a recall for this issue, especially since I've heard of several others experiencing the same problem.

  • Gregg D

    I'm having trouble with my steering and I believe it warrants a recall.

  • Wsnda

    In 2016, the rack and pinion system in the Ford Explorer failed at 105,000 miles. Given the widespread use of this popular Ford vehicle, a safety recall for this well-known problem is anticipated.

  • Kenisha F.

    I'm facing an issue with my 2016 Ford Explorer as well - the power steering rack needs to be swapped out. This should really be something that prompts a recall notice.

  • John R. Arnold, Jr

    I'm having issues with the power steering rack and pinion on my 2016 Ford Explorer XLT. Ford quoted me $3500 for the repair, but I discovered there's a recall for this specific issue on the 2016 Ford Explorer XLT after checking the vehicle history. When I bought the car, the Park Aid light was on, and when I inquired about it, I was told it was likely nothing and just needed to be turned on. It turns out the real problem was due to the failing power steering rack that they failed to disclose. They sold it to me "as is" in Aurora at Ford.

  • John W

    My daughter recently had the steering rack replaced on her 2012 Ford Explorer. The same part had a recall in 2015, and she had assumed it was done under warranty for the replacement. However, she ended up paying $3200 for the repair in Alberta. This situation is concerning because a faulty steering rack could potentially lead to a dangerous situation where the steering wheel might turn unexpectedly, risking a collision with oncoming traffic. Ford, you need to address this issue promptly.

  • Flatheadfred

    It seems like there may be grounds for a class action lawsuit, and people should consider holding off on making any payments to Ford until they address the parts shortage and resolve the issue. It's ironic how the dependable SUVs, like the front-wheel drive Ford Edge, are no longer being produced.

  • Ruby a

    No recall, numerous others experiencing the same issue. The service manager at World Ford in Pensacola claimed that a total steering failure at 51,000 miles was due to "normal wear and tear." They are currently out of parts with no estimated time of arrival for replacements, following a recent rear suspension replacement. A $40,000 SUV is now stranded in the driveway. This experience has left me with no desire to purchase from FORD again!

  • Darron

    I just got my 2016 Ford Explorer's electronic rack and pinion steering fixed, it had 80,000 miles on it. The repair set me back $2700. The car broke down in a parking lot so I had to have it towed. Thankfully, it broke down while it was stationary because the steering wheel was almost impossible to turn.

  • Austin W.

    There is no recall reported.

  • torii

    My 2016 Ford Explorer suddenly experienced a rack and pinion failure, causing a $3,000 repair bill with no prior warning. Despite reaching 60,000 miles, there's been no recall issued for this issue. Has anyone else reported similar problems to the NHTSA considering it poses a significant safety risk? Don't forget to visit https://www.nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem#index to file your complaint.

  • Lemuel M.

    In 2016, my Explorer reached 129,000 kilometers when its power steering completely failed. The rack and inner parts needed to be replaced since they were almost falling off the vehicle. Although the new rack comes with inner parts, I ended up replacing them separately just to make it home. I contacted Ford, and they informed me that my vehicle's VIN wasn't included in the recall. It feels too coincidental that many other 2016 Explorers are facing the same problem. I had the rack replaced at a shop for $2,700, while Ford quoted $3,500 for the repair.

  • Gail E.

    here's a paraphrased and slightly revised version: My car's rack and pinion, after reaching 80,000 miles, needed replacement. Ford wanted $3,500 for the job, but a local front end shop did it for $2,200 using the same part.

  • Curtis G

    Experiencing a similar issue with my 2016 Explorer at 80,000 miles.

  • Elizabeth Hennen

    I've driven 34,000 miles and now my rack and pinion system needs to be replaced. Unfortunately, it will cost an additional $2,000 on top of the $55,000 you've already paid for a new one.

  • Danny Trz

    I just finished talking to the Ford dealership, and they mentioned that the rack and pinion is faulty, despite the car only having around 71,000 miles on it. I was hoping it would be covered under a recall, but it looks like I'll have to foot the bill.

  • Rick J

    What is the cost to repair this?

  • Chev

    Failure occurring at 60,000 miles without a recall or available parts.

  • Mike Zimny

    My 2016 Ford Explorer has 60,000 miles on it and makes weird noises when turning. I have no idea how much longer it will hold up before something major breaks.

  • Adrian Goodfellow

    I haven't seen any recall notices yet. My rack and pinion assembly has started making clunking noises when I turn the steering wheel at 80,000 miles. It's frustrating that new rack and pinion units are only available through dealerships, which have high service rates. These new units must be programmed to your specific vehicle by the dealership, making it uneconomical for local shops to invest in the necessary software. Ford is aware that they have a subpar product and essentially control the repair process. As for the legality of this situation, it's unclear in today's environment where the government used to protect consumers – now it seems like they just accept payments to look the other way.

  • Jerry Whittenburg

    I need to get my steering rack fixed, even though the vehicle only has 78,000 miles on it.

  • Mike Zimny

    My 2016 Explorer started having the same issues two weeks ago while still covered under the Ford Premium Care+ warranty. In 2017, about 350,000 Ford Explorers from 2013 to 2017 were recalled due to steering system failures that caused damage to rear end joints. Then in 2021, Ford recalled 750,000 vehicles for failing cross-axis joints in the rear end. I bought my Explorer in 2018, a year after the initial steering system recall. Now, after 5 years and 156,000 miles, the steering system failed, and the cross-axis joints that were replaced in 2021 have also gone bad. It's frustrating because they don't have the parts, so I've been renting a vehicle for two weeks since they don't offer loaners. It's unbelievable that approximately 1 million Explorers from 2013 to 2017 have experienced critical steering and suspension failures due to faulty racks. There hasn't been a full-blown recall, and it seems like they have no parts available. I'm extremely upset about the situation.

  • Asim

    40,000 miles on a 2016 Ford Explorer experiencing identical issues.

  • Karriena Hubbard

    Until yesterday, there has been no official recall for the problem I reported to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). My car has 125,000 miles on it, there are no strange noises, but the steering wheel is difficult to turn, there's a jerky motion when I turn, and it doesn't re-center properly. I took it to a trusted mechanic who didn't find any codes related to the issue and suggested changing the battery, but that didn't help. They suspect the issue is with the steering rack. It's frustrating how many people are experiencing the same problem, yet Ford and NHTSA seem uninterested. This is a safety concern and should be addressed as a design flaw. Along with the steering issue, I'm also dealing with paint chipping/bubbling on the hood and damage to the rear air system. This experience has soured me on Ford, and I won't be buying from them again.

  • Russell Burnett

    Our car's Rack and Pinion system failed last August as we were heading back from our vacation. Since the necessary parts are in short supply, we've been left without a vehicle and had to arrange for a tow home with our two children, a journey that took us over two hours. This incident should definitely prompt a recall.

  • Brandi

    I'm currently in the middle of swapping out the rack and pinion in my vehicle. It's such a pain. I own a 2016 Ford Explorer XLT that I purchased two years ago, and it's been a complete disappointment.

  • Make Ellen Green

    I think I might be facing a similar issue with my 2016 explorer. It began two days back - difficult steering and strange sounds at 72,000 miles. Frustrating! Could this be linked to the recall for the toe links? The first dealership I contacted didn't seem to believe so. Frustrating! Thank you!

  • Julio A.

    I drive a 2016 Ford Explorer and need to change the steering rack and pinion. There was no warning at all, just suddenly got difficult to steer. Ford should really do a recall on this issue! It's so risky when there's no heads up! Gonna cost me $3700.

  • Shel

    It's frustrating to have to pay $3,300 to fix the rack and pinion. Ford should make it a recall with all the complaints they've received!

  • Gladys

    I'm an American and I also own a 2016 Explorer. Recently, the rack and pinion in my vehicle broke down, and it's currently at the repair shop, costing me about $3500. With only 136,000 miles on the car, I believe this issue should be considered for a recall.

  • Carlos T.

    In 2016, at 140,000 miles, a Ford Explorer Limited needs its rack and pinion replaced. This issue should be considered for a recall as the part costs $3,500 and can only be obtained from authorized dealers.

  • Julian D.

    Has anyone attempted to contact Ford directly to seek compensation for a faulty steering rack in a 2016 Ford Explorer with 81,000 miles?

  • Bob shell

    My 2016 Explorer XLT is experiencing the identical problem at 120,000 miles. Initially, when it was still under warranty, I brought it to Ford multiple times due to a noise when turning the wheel, but they just kept lubricating it. Now that the warranty has expired about 10,000 miles ago, my steering has become stiff. It's frustrating that there hasn't been a recall on this issue simply because no one has been killed by it.

  • Imjustsean

    I'm in a similar boat, had to replace my rack and pinion at 60,000 miles.

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