Ford Recalls 2011-2013 Explorers for Electric Power Steering Defect
Ford is recalling 2011-2013 Explorers because an intermittent connection in the electric power steering gear can cause a loss of power steering assist, increasing crash risk.
What this means for you
Illness, injury, or structural failure has been reported. Stop using the product immediately and contact the manufacturer for a refund or repair.
Our severity reasoning: The recall involves a structural vehicle defect in the steering system that increases the risk of a vehicle crash, meeting the criteria for a Severe rating.
Plain-English summary
Ford Motor Company is recalling certain model year 2011-2013 Ford Explorer vehicles manufactured between May 17, 2010, and February 28, 2012. The affected vehicles may experience an intermittent connection in the electric power steering gear. This issue can cause a loss of the motor position sensor signal, resulting in a shut down of the power steering assist.
If the vehicle experiences a loss of power steering assist, it will require extra steering effort at lower speeds, which increases the risk of a vehicle crash. The recall affects approximately 179,027 vehicles.
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 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 or the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236.
The recalled product
- Product
- FORD EXPLORER
- Brand
- FORD
- Manufacturer
- Ford Motor Company
- Category
- Vehicle — Steering System
- Affected units
- 179,027
Is your product affected?
Check your packaging against the codes below. If any of them match, the product is part of this recall.
Model numbers (1)
- EXPLORER
Distribution
Distributed nationwide across the United States.
Related recalls
Same brand · FORD
- SevereFord Recalls 2026 Maverick, F-150, and Bronco Sport for Joint Issues
NHTSA · 2026-08-25
- SevereFord Recalls 2026 Vehicles for Engine Piston Dome Manufacturing Defect
NHTSA · 2026-08-25
- SevereFord Recalls 2024-2026 Mustangs for Wiring Harness Ground Fracture Risk
NHTSA · 2026-08-25
- HighFord F-650 SD Recall: Liftgate Platform Deck Pins May Break
NHTSA · 2026-08-20
- SevereFord Recalls 2026 Explorers Due to Engine Bearing Seizure Risk
NHTSA · 2026-08-13
Same manufacturer · Ford Motor Company
See all →- High
- HighFord Recalls 2023-2025 Mustang Mach E for Rear Window Trim Defect
NHTSA · 2026-07-28
- High
Same hazard · loss of steering assist
See all →- SevereBlue Bird Recalls Electric School Buses Due to Loose 12-Volt Cable
NHTSA · 2025-12-19
- SevereTesla Model 3 and Model Y may lose power steering assist
NHTSA · 2025-02-14
- SevereFord Recalls 2023-2024 Transit Vehicles for Steering Assist Loss Risk
NHTSA · 2024-07-19
- SevereMando Power Steering Module Recall Due to Short Circuit Risk
NHTSA · 2024-06-06
- SevereForetravel Recalls 2023 Realm Vehicles Due to Steering Gear Defect
NHTSA · 2024-02-09