Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power steering, steering column, rack and pinion).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2018 Ford Explorer owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Around 4:45 , was unable to access cruise control the message rapidly flashed., loss of headlights and all lighting for a few seconds. Was going 70 mph. I exited the interstate to turn around and go to my work on southbound the wrench light came on and I lost power steering, power, acceleration in my turn on the on ramp and proceeded off the road onto the incline somehow avoiding a rollover and teetering sideways. Meanwhile no power to open my window etc. at an angle where I couldn't open the door, took a minute to get out of the seatbelt. Suddenly got my window able to open and crawled out. The cops, and tow truck couldn't believe I didn't roll. The car was at a dealership the previous week for loss of power and terai. System problems/ no power steering and they replaced the throttle body 3 days before this happened. I've had multiple electrical/exhaust/power failures. …
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V031000 (Structure) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while at a complete stop and attempting to turn left, the steering wheel seized, and the vehicle veered to the right. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle with a fractured steering column. The contact was informed that the steering column needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 20,261.
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while his wife was operating the vehicle, the hill assists and traction control warning lights illuminated. The power steering failed to cause the steering wheel to become extremely difficult to turn in either direction. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer who diagnosed that the steering column was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 47,000.
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while parked in a parking lot and attempting to start the vehicle, the power steering assist warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent. The vehicle was towed to a dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the steering column needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 50,000. The vehicle has since been repaired.
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving approximately 60 MPH, the power steering suddenly malfunctioned and the steering wheel became very difficult to turn in either direction. The vehicle was later towed to the local dealer who stated that the steering rack and pinion was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 62,000. The VIN was not available.
The contact owns a 2018 Ford Explorer. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel seized and failed to function as intended. The contact stated that the steering wheel was difficult to turn. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic. Additionally, the contact stated that the failure had been reoccurring for over a year. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 25,000.
After replacing the newest recall for the rear toe link on my Explorer, I've noticed (along with a couple others on some forums) that the alignment does not stay set and will come undone. I finished driving 1000 miles after the swap and had sudden pressure loss in my rear tire. When I looked at it the entire outside of the tire on both driver and passenger side were completely eaten through and I'm not made of enough money to keep replacing tires and keep getting alignments done. I do have a video of my inside cam of when it happened if requested.
Power Steering Assist Fault warning flashed briefly on 6/1/2024, everything has been fine until 6/8/2024 I went out and started my car the Power Steering Assist Fault warning came on again so I turned the car off and turned it back on the warning was still there. My husband came out and did the same thing, still there. He noticed that the steering wheel was locked and would not turn easily. So we took it down to the Ford Dealership and it is the steering rack needs replaced. My car has 21,000 miles on it. Going to be in shop for 4 days to fix.
The steering stopped working. This happened a couple times and I stopped the suv and turned it off and when I turned it on it worked. This last time it completely stopped steering. The repair shop said it was a steering rack or something and the part had to come from Ford. This part was $1500.00. Now they say my rear suspension bushing need replacing along with a toe part causing excessive wear on my rear left tire. This part will cost me $600.00 plus.
The horn on my vehicle activates (blows) when I turn the steering wheel to certain positions. I believe this to be a road hazard. Especially since I had to remove the horn relay to prevent the horn from blowing in traffic until I can get it repaired. Several other Ford vehicles have been recalled for this exact problem. Just to diagnose this problem at the Ford dealer is $170.00. Help!
Steering complaints in other Explorer years
Frequently asked questions
How common are steering problems on the 2018 Ford Explorer?
NHTSA has 21 complaints about the steering of the 2018 Ford Explorer, 3% of the model year's 734 complaints. The component named most often is column (2 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2018 Ford Explorer steering problems?
No. NHTSA lists no steering recall for the 2018 Ford Explorer, though it has 7 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2018 Ford Explorer steering problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 35,000 miles, and 36% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 0 injuries to steering problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.