2015 Ford Explorer · symptom sheet
Power steering cuts out or goes heavy
- 204owner reports
- 63,450median miles
- $2,291median quote
- 1involved a crash
Newest report Sep 29, 2026 · checked Oct 2, 2026
346 of the 1,791 complaints on this car are about the steering system. 204 of those describe power steering loss. Only trim coming off is reported more often on this car.
Tick what matches of 204 reports
Power steering loss on other Explorer years
Report counts are for each model year on its own, so a newer car has had less time to collect them. Model years with too few reports of it for a sheet: 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2025, 2026.
What this problem usually is
Power steering loss is the steering wheel suddenly going heavy, usually with a warning on the dash. Nearly six in ten complaints in this group mention a warning light or message, and almost two thirds mention driving or highway speed rather than parking.
What got replaced
Owners who name the part that was replaced mention the steering rack (55 reports), the EPS motor or module (26 reports) and the column (8 reports).
Recalls and investigations
No recall on the steering system covers the 2015 model year as of Oct 2, 2026.
NHTSA investigations into the steering system on the Explorer
Electric power steering failure. Closed jun 12, 2014, led to recall 14V-286.
Vehicle rollaway allegations. Closed aug 19, 2009.
Steering knuckle separations. Closed oct 29, 1999.
None of these investigations covers the 2015 model year.
What owners paid
33 of the 204 reports quote a price. Each dot is one quote. The middle half runs $1,800 to $2,789.
When it happens
The middle half of failures fell between 45,000 and 96,000 miles, from the 146 reports that gave a mileage.
What owners wrote
“Vehicle power steering failure, causing locked steering. After reading, am finding this is a major problem with many Ford models. There has been recalls on many other models. No warning at all just locked up. Luckily did not happen to my wife at highway speeds. DTC codes U3000-96 U2011-61 C1B00-2F U3003-68 U0415-00”
Filed Jan 22, 2024 · 151,126 miles
“The power steering went out while I was driving. I had to hold the steering wheel all the way to the left just to go straight. Had the car towed to the dealership where I was informed the repair would cost $3000 and Ford will not cover any of it. Was told that Ford does not even make the part any more because they had so many problems so they would have to order a refurbished part in order to fix.”
Filed Sep 9, 2022
“Electronic power steering failure, no warnings no lights on dash, steering completely bound up was unable to control vehicle, vehicle came to a halt on side of road narrowly missing a service pole, powered off vehicle and started again, steering was active but decided not to risk driving and called a tow”
Filed Apr 18, 2022
“Rack and pinion failure while driving vehicle at speed. Unable to turn steering wheel without strenuous effort. Terrain Management fault, Advance Trac fault and Steering Assist fault lights/warnings indicated on dashboard.”
Filed Apr 2, 2022
Should you keep driving it?
This page can't tell you that. 1 of 204 reports involved a crash and 1 people were hurt. Owners who file are the ones who had a bad experience, and nobody checks their reports. If the problem affects steering, braking, power or a fire risk, treat it as a safety fault and have it inspected before a long or high-speed drive.
File your own report with NHTSA. Complaint counts are how a problem gets an investigation. How reports land on this sheet.
Guide Taking it to a shop? How to describe this problem so it gets found
Other problems on this car
- Trim or a body panel comes off while driving 210 reports
- Infotainment, screen or backup camera fails 196 reports
- Windshield cracks or distorts 146 reports
- A/C blows warm or the compressor fails 109 reports
- Airbag warning light or recall 84 reports
- Suspension noise, struts or alignment 83 reports
- Engine stalls or loses power while driving 59 reports
- Steering wheel clicks, clunks or grinds when I turn 54 reports
- Seat belt or seat problems 53 reports
- Engine overheats or leaks coolant 49 reports
- Water leaks into the cabin 35 reports
- Brakes grind, pulse or wear early 30 reports
- Check engine light or misfire 26 reports