What is the steering lawsuit on the Ford Explorer?
A growing body of civil litigation has challenged Ford over alleged steering defects in some Ford Explorer SUVs, including claims of loss of power steering or difficult/unstable steering that could raise crash risk. Ford has disputed a systemic defect and highlighted recalls and service campaigns aimed at addressing specific issues; outcomes depend on the model year and individual case.
What the lawsuits allege
This section summarizes the core claims that plaintiffs have raised in the steering-related lawsuits involving the Explorer. The themes cover the nature of the defect, the alleged impact on safety, and the plaintiffs’ arguments about Ford’s handling of the issue.
- Loss of power steering assist or severely reduced steering performance at varying speeds, allegedly creating difficulty in steering, especially during turns or maneuvers in parking lots.
- Sudden or intermittent steering stiffness, binding, or jamming that plaintiffs describe as unpredictable and potentially dangerous while driving.
- Allegations that the issue stems from design or manufacturing flaws in steering components (such as the steering gear, steering column, or electronic steering systems) rather than isolated incidents.
- Assertions that Ford was aware, or should have been aware, of the defect and failed to warn customers, adequately notify owners, or promptly issue recalls.
- Requests for remedies including compensatory damages, and in some cases demands for recalls or broad changes to how Ford monitors and fixes steering-related safety concerns.
The lawsuits span multiple jurisdictions and often involve class-action or multi-plaintiff complaints, with plaintiffs arguing the defect endangers drivers and passengers and that timely action would have reduced risk.
Ford’s position and regulatory actions
This section explains Ford’s stance on the matter and any regulatory steps that have accompanied the legal proceedings. It covers Ford’s defenses, recall activity, and how federal or state agencies have engaged with the issue.
- Ford has contended that there is no systemic steering defect across Explorer models and emphasizes that any concerns are limited to specific vehicle VIN ranges or isolated incidents.
- The company has pointed to recalls or service campaigns aimed at addressing steering-related problems in certain Explorer models, and it indicates that affected vehicles have received repairs to fix identified issues.
- Many lawsuits have been unresolved or moving through the court system, with some motions to dismiss, motions for summary judgment, or settlements occurring in particular cases, while others remain active.
- Regulators and safety agencies—including federal and state authorities—have monitored complaints and, in some instances, initiated investigations or recalls related to steering components in Explorer vehicles or related platforms.
Because legal rulings and regulatory actions evolve over time, the status of individual cases and recall campaigns can change as new filings, investigations, or settlements occur.
What owners should know and do
If you own a Ford Explorer, understanding your options and staying up to date on recalls can help mitigate risk. The following guidance summarizes practical steps relevant to steering concerns and related recalls.
- Check for open recalls and service campaigns on your specific vehicle using Ford’s official recall lookup and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) database by entering your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).
- If you experience steering issues—such as unusual stiffness, loss of steering assist, or response lag—contact your Ford dealer promptly for an inspection and repair under any applicable recalls or service campaigns.
- Document incidents with dates, symptoms, and any temporary fixes or repairs, since such records can be helpful if you pursue a warranty claim or participate in a lawsuit.
- Do not ignore sudden changes in steering behavior. If steering feels markedly different or unpredictable, reduce driving speed and seek professional assessment before continuing to drive the vehicle.
- Stay informed about updates from Ford and regulatory agencies, as new recalls or safety notices related to steering may be issued for specific model years or production periods.
Routinely checking recall status and maintenance advisories can help owners identify issues early and avoid potential hazards on the road.
Summary
The steering lawsuits surrounding the Ford Explorer focus on alleged defects in steering systems that could compromise control and safety. Ford maintains it does not recognize a broad, systemic problem and has pursued or implemented recalls and service campaigns to address particular cases. The legal outcomes and regulatory responses are ongoing and vary by model year and case, underscoring the importance for Explorer owners to monitor recalls, report steering concerns promptly, and seek professional evaluation when needed.
Further context and questions
Key takeaways for readers
The landscape of steering-related litigation involves claims of dangerous steering behavior, Ford’s defenses of no systemic defect, and targeted recalls that aim to fix identified issues. Your model year and VIN will play a crucial role in eligibility for any recall or settlement tied to this topic.
Is there a recall on the power steering on a 2013 Ford Explorer?
2011-2013 Ford Explorer Recall
According to the Ford recall release, a potential intermittent electrical connection in the steering gear of the 2011-2013 model year Ford Explorers may result in the loss of electric power steering assist while driving.
What is the Ford recall for steering issues?
Ford issued a recall for 115,539 Super Duty pickups due to an issue with the steering column. According to documents associated with the recall, the steering column upper shaft may separate from the steering column. The recall covers certain F-250, F-350, and F-450 pickups from the 2020 and 2021 model years.
What is the class action lawsuit against Ford power steering?
Consumers have slapped Ford Motor Co. with a putative class action in a California federal district court, claiming the automaker equipped its Focus and Fusion models with a defective power steering system is prone to sudden failure that leaves drivers unable to control their cars.
What Ford Explorer is being recalled?
Recent Ford Explorer recalls include issues with windshields, a forward collision avoidance warning, trailer hitches, tail lights, engine hard parts, seat assembly, hydraulic disc calipers, a frame, and a power train control module. Other recalls address problems like A-pillar trim detachment (2011-2019), a rear axle mounting bolt fracture (2020-2022), a faulty rear camera display (2023), and an engine block heater leak (2016-2023). The most effective way to check if a specific vehicle is affected is to use its VIN on the Ford owner's website or the NHTSA website.
Recent recalls
- 2025: Windshield issues, forward collision avoidance warnings, trailer hitches, tail lights, engine hard parts, seat assembly, hydraulic disc calipers, frame, and power train control module software.
- 2024-2025: Certain models have a recall for a transmission issue where a valve body may cause reverse gear failure or unexpected movement.
- 2023: A recall addresses a manufacturing error in the wire harness for the standard rearview camera, which can cause it to display a blue image. Another recall is for a loose fastener connecting the steering knuckle and strut on the right front of the vehicle.
- 2022: Recalls include a powertrain control module (PCM) update issue, where the automatic electronic parking brake feature was not included, and a rear axle horizontal mounting bolt that may fracture.
- 2021: Recalls have been issued for faulty airbag fasteners and rear suspension issues, including a defective rear axle horizontal mounting bolt.
- 2017: Recalls cover issues like faulty A-pillar trim retention clips which could detach and become a road hazard.
- 2016-2023: A recall for the engine block heater covers this range of model years, as the heater may crack, leak coolant, and cause a short circuit when plugged in.
- 2011-2019: A recall addresses the A-pillar trim detaching from the vehicle.
How to check for recalls
- Use your VIN: The best way to check if your specific vehicle is affected is to enter its 17-digit Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) into the Ford owner's website, RepairPal Safety Recall Checker, or the NHTSA website.
- Contact a dealership: After checking your VIN, you can schedule a repair with a Ford dealership to fix any open recalls.
