Recall 14V286 affects 179,027 2011-2013 Ford Explorer vehicles for electric power steering assist loss. Repair is free at any franchised Ford dealer.
Ford is recalling 179,027 2011-2013 Explorer vehicles under recall 14V286 because an intermittent connection in the electric power steering gear can shut down power steering assist. If that happens, steering takes extra effort at lower speeds and the crash risk increases; the Ford dealer repair will be free once available.
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What's wrong?
The electric power steering gear on the 2011-2013 Ford Explorer is the unit that adds steering assist when you turn the wheel. It uses an electric motor instead of hydraulic pressure. A motor position sensor tells the control system where that assist motor is, so the system applies the right amount of help as you steer.
On affected Explorers, the steering gear has an intermittent electrical connection. That means the connection drops in and out instead of staying steady. When the system loses the motor position sensor signal, it shuts down the power steering assist.
There is no warning sign before failure. The first thing an owner notices can be a sudden loss of steering assist, especially at low speeds or while parking.
Who's affected?
Covers the 2011, 2012, and 2013 Explorer model years, all involving the same power steering system.
| 2013 Ford Explorer | power steering system |
|---|---|
| 2012 Ford Explorer | power steering system |
| 2011 Ford Explorer | power steering system |
| Units affected | 179,027 |
The year and model narrow the scope, but the VIN decides. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific SUV is included.
What's the safety risk?
Loss of power steering assist makes the 2011-2013 Ford Explorer harder to steer at lower speeds and increases the risk of a crash. Keep extra space, steer with care, and schedule the recall repair soon. Repair will be free at any franchised Ford dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2011-2013 Ford Explorer is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Ford dealer and ask whether recall number 14V286 is open for your vehicle.
- Schedule the free PSCM software update that addresses loss of power steering assist.
- Ask the dealer to check for stored motor position sensor faults; Ford replaces the steering rack assembly free of charge when that fault history is present.
- Bring the owner notice if Ford mailed one, or give the service desk recall number 14V286 when you call.
- Use extra steering effort at lower speeds until the repair is complete.
What happens at the repair
Once Ford opens the remedy, a Ford technician updates the Power Steering Control Module software at no charge. The technician also checks whether the vehicle has a stored history of lost motor position sensor signal. If that history is present when the vehicle comes in for the recall remedy, the steering rack assembly is replaced, also free under the recall. The dealer repair will be free once available, with parts and labor covered by Ford.
Timeline
| May 29, 2014 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| July 23, 2014 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 14V286?
Recall 14V286 covers 179,027 2011-2013 Ford Explorer vehicles with an intermittent electric power steering connection that can shut down power steering assist. Ford dealers update the Power Steering Control Module software for free, and replace the steering rack assembly for free if the vehicle shows the related fault history.
What should I do if my 2011-2013 Ford Explorer is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific Explorer is included in recall 14V286. If it is, contact a franchised Ford dealer and ask for recall 14S06. The dealer will perform the covered steering software update, and the repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the safety defect at no cost. Ford dealers update the Power Steering Control Module software free of charge, and Ford also covers steering rack assembly replacement when the recall inspection shows the related signal-loss history.
Is it safe to drive my Ford Explorer before the steering recall repair?
The safety risk is higher steering effort at lower speeds if power steering assist shuts down, which increases crash risk. This recall is not marked do not drive, but you should schedule the free dealer repair and stop in a safe place if steering suddenly becomes heavy.
What if I bought my Ford Explorer used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall eligibility follows the VIN, not the original owner. Check your VIN to see whether your specific 2011-2013 Explorer is included, then reference recall 14V286 or Ford recall 14S06 when you call a franchised Ford dealer.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/14V286000 |
|---|---|
| Ford customer service | 1-800-392-3673 |
| NHTSA recall # | 14V286 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 14V286000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Defect / Noncompliance Notice (PDF) (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on June 2, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →