2016 Ford Explorer steering problems
530 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the steering on the 2016 Ford Explorer — 22% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“Approximately 3 years ago, while driving my 2016 Ford Explorer on a [XXX], warning chimes sounded and a power steering/steering assist fault message appeared. Electric power-steering assist then stopped functioning and the steering became extremely difficult to operate. I slowed down and was able…”
filed Sep 8, 2026
“Hello. I purchased my car in 2018. 2-3 years later, the power steering would randomly go out while driving - on the highway and city roads. This could happen once and then not again for 6+ months. When this happened a message would display about a "steering assist fault, service now". I found that…”
filed Aug 9, 2026
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Steering problems in other Explorer years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 Explorer | 1 | 3% |
| 2025 Explorer | 9 | 9% |
| 2024 Explorer | 2 | 10% |
| 2023 Explorer | 12 | 11% |
| 2022 Explorer | 9 | 3% |
| 2021 Explorer | 6 | 1% |
| 2020 Explorer | 25 | 2% |
| 2019 Explorer | 9 | 3% |
| 2018 Explorer | 20 | 3% |
| 2017 Explorer | 76 | 4% |
| 2015 Explorer | 345 | 19% |
| 2014 Explorer | 497 | 30% |
Other reported problem areas on the 2016 Ford Explorer
Counts are unique NHTSA complaints naming this component group. Complaints are unverified owner reports; mileage is computed only from complaints that included a usable odometer reading.