2008 Ford Explorer Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 13about this part
- Share
- 9%of 148 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 91,620miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 13 complaints about the steering of the 2008 Ford Explorer, 9% of the 148 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 91,620 miles.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Brakes failed ! I was making a left turn ( about 80 angle ) into a store plaza that has a slight hill . While making the turn there was a single thump. Steering wheel locked into turning position then released , depressed the breaks as I hit the breaks the break peddle went to the floor and nothing happened made several quick attempts then brakes went to normal operation.”
NHTSA complaint #10876474, filed 2016-06, 98,240 miles“When driving in the rain, if I go through a puddle on the passenger side of the car, the power steering fails for varying amounts of time. It has happened more than once, through the life of the car. I only just found out I could make a complaint.”
NHTSA complaint #11271318, filed 2019-10, 140,000 miles“Car shuts off and brake system locks up. Repair shop and Ford said it was a power steering control module.Ford has admitted that this part is a problem and that there are none available anywhere in the us. I have been without my car for over four weeks. Ford customer service admitted to the problem, but said there was nothing they could do. It was a supplier problem.”
NHTSA complaint #10639083, filed 2014-09, 117,000 miles“While driving, the steering wheel suddenly became loose and as I drove it got worse. The steering wheel was rocking side to side and up and down no less than 2-3 inches. This was scary! I called , and the service department told me to bring it in, which I did asap. They looked at it the next day, and told me the bolt/nut that holds the steering wheel on was coming loose. It was repaired and treadwell Ford charged me $99.98 for tightening up the bolt/nut. …”
NHTSA complaint #10445871, filed 2012-01, 47,938 miles“Loss of steering. Power steering assist fault this is a known issue and documented issue and Ford is 'selectively' choosing to cherry-pick coverage on recall. This needs to be covered on all effected vehicles not cherry picked! I should not have to pay 2-$3,000 + for a repair that's been well documented”
NHTSA complaint #11080370, filed 2018-03, 148,550 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10148819Oct 2, 2018This SKU is a front upper ball joint. The Customer communication requested return of unsold inventory to inspect for ball studs with excessive rotational friction in the ball…
Steering: 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 | 347 | 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 2008 Ford Explorer
38 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
36 complaintsSeats
27 complaintsEngine
21 complaintsExterior lighting
12 complaintsOther or unknown
12 complaintsWheels
9 complaintsBrakes
8 complaintsVehicle speed control
7 complaintsAir bags
4 complaintsEngine cooling
4 complaintsSeat belts
4 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2008 Ford Explorer
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 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