1994 Ford Explorer Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 24about this part
- Share
- 2%of 1,207 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 99,999miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 24 complaints about the steering of the 1994 Ford Explorer, 2% of the 1,207 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 99,999 miles. 3 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I was browsing for a used car and came on an add selling cars I had no vehicle I asked if they can pick me up on the other side of the clinton ferry. They said yes they will pick me up. So checked out their inventory. I picked a 1994 Ford Explorer little damage to the body, tires needed changing, the front windshield has damage, and rear view mirror was gone. I accepted these and asked for a test ride proceeded off the lot there was no gas making a test drive short. It was as if they rushed me through the deal nothing was said about the problems. …”
NHTSA complaint #10206124, filed 2007-10, 99,999 miles“Ignition turns off without warning while driving on I-95. Also occurs at slow speeds. Power steering and brakes stop working without power, making maneuvering difficult. After 10 minutes, will restart. Ford corp. Office has no record of problem, yet is settling 5 state lawsuit according to todays newspaper.”
NHTSA complaint #750291, filed 2001-08“Consumer took vehicle to dealer because it wasn't shifting. Dealer said transmission needed to be replaced. Consumer has 70,000 miles on truck, and it was serviced on time. Also told that the truck neede new shocks, ball joints, and tie-rods. Vehicle has never been driven off-road or in a harsh manner.”
NHTSA complaint #859660, filed 2000-04“Bolts on the steering gear broke. Consumer heard a loud popping sound when bolts broke. Also, noticed looseness in the steering. Had over compensated while steering. Was able to control vehicle. Dealer informed of problems. Mechanic indicated nothing could be done. Had the parts.”
NHTSA complaint #866749, filed 2000-08“While driving vehicle will stall. In doing so power steering will go out, and consumer can no longer control vehicle. Contacted dealer, and dealer was not willing to do anything.”
NHTSA complaint #8018940, filed 2002-09Steering: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | 2% |
| 2025 | 9 | 8% |
| 2024 | 2 | 10% |
| 2023 | 12 | 11% |
| 2022 | 9 | 3% |
| 2021 | 6 | 1% |
| 2020 | 28 | 2% |
| 2019 | 9 | 3% |
| 2018 | 21 | 3% |
| 2017 | 76 | 4% |
| 2016 | 532 | 22% |
| 2015 | 348 | 19% |
| 2014 | 500 | 30% |
| 2013 | 836 | 37% |
| 2012 | 360 | 43% |
| 2011 | 742 | 62% |
| 2010 | 4 | 3% |
| 2009 | 1 | 3% |
| 2008 | 13 | 9% |
| 2007 | 10 | 5% |
| 2006 | 9 | 1% |
| 2005 | 12 | 2% |
| 2004 | 41 | 3% |
| 2003 | 27 | 2% |
| 2002 | 155 | 5% |
| 2001 | 21 | 6% |
| 2000 | 40 | 4% |
| 1999 | 38 | 3% |
| 1998 | 70 | 4% |
| 1997 | 33 | 2% |
| 1996 | 47 | 3% |
| 1995 | 52 | 6% |
| 1994 | 24 | 2% |
| 1993 | 19 | 2% |
| 1992 | 25 | 4% |
| 1991 | 10 | 2% |
Other parts of the 1994 Ford Explorer
331 complaintsBrakes
261 complaintsBody and structure
158 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
86 complaintsElectrical system
75 complaintsEngine cooling
74 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
71 complaintsSuspension
65 complaintsVehicle speed control
51 complaintsFuel system
33 complaintsEquipment
32 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
23 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1994 Ford Explorer
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology