2012 Ford F-150 steering problems

STEERING

The component involved is the Electronic Power Assisted Steering (EPAS) system. It intermittently fails and returns unexpectedly, causing sudden changes in steering effort and jerking of the steering wheel. This creates a serious safety risk because vehicle control can change without warning, especially at highway speeds. The steering system (rack and pinion/EPAS assembly) has been replaced twice, but the issue persists. Replaced parts are not available for inspection. No manufacturer inspection has confirmed a permanent fix. This failure puts my safety and others at risk due to unpredictable steering behavior and potential loss of control. Other owners have reported similar EPAS failures, including sudden loss of steering assist, near-collision events, and accidents documented in public complaint records. The vehicle has received repeated repairs for this issue, including two rack and pinion replacements, without resolution. No police or insurance inspection has occurred. Warning symptoms include intermittent steering assist loss, sudden changes in steering resistance, and inconsistent steering feel. These occur without consistent warning, making the failure unpredictable and dangerous. This appears to be a recurring defect in the EPAS system that has not been reliably resolved through repair attempts or existing recall actions.

NHTSA complaint #11730286 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STEERING

Rear wheel and steering lock up while traveling at 70mph on interstate causing broken controls on steering wheel . Vehicle is unsafe to drive. Truck was taken to Rivertown Ford 1680 Whittlesey Rd Columbus Ga 31904 for recall repair. Truck was released to me with no signals no wipers. The steering is very loose and hard to control

NHTSA complaint #11722639 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STEERING

Vehicle: 2012 Ford F-150 Incident Description: While driving straight under normal conditions, the “Service Power Steering Service Now” warning message suddenly appeared on the dashboard, accompanied by an audible warning alarm. Immediately after this warning, the steering wheel became extremely stiff and difficult to turn, with a sudden loss of power steering assistance. This failure occurred At the time, traffic was heavy, making it very difficult and dangerous to safely maneuver the vehicle and pull over. The sudden loss of steering assistance created a serious safety risk for myself and other drivers and could have resulted in a crash. I was eventually able to pull over to a safe location, This appears to be a sudden steering system failure and represents a significant safety concern

NHTSA complaint #11707213 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STEERING

- What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? IGNITION SWITCH, TRACTION CONTROL, ABS, STEERING ANGLE SENSOR, STEERING ANGLE MODULE, MISFIRE CYLINDER 3, TPMS SENSOR LIGHT WITH NO TPMS FAILURES, SHIFTER WILL NOT MOVE WITHOUT FORCE OR HAVING TO TRY AND ENGAUGE THAT GEAR MULTIPLE TIMES BEFORE GOING INTO GEAR AND BLINKERS IN-OP. "SERVICE ADVANCE TRAC" WARNING ON DISPLAY. - How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? VEHICLE NO START, LOSS OF TRACTION CONTROL, LOSS OF ABS SYSTEM, TRANSMISSION WILL NOT GO INTO GEAR ON FIRST TRY AND INTERMITTENT DIRECTIONAL FUNCTION. - Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? PROBLEMS CAN BE EASLIY REPRODUCED - ISSUES PRODUCE MIL/ DTC EVEN AFTER CODES HAVE BEEN CLEARED INTERMITTENTLY. OPERATION OF DIRECTIONALS VARIES ON EACH START UP. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? YES, MULTIPLE ASE CERTIFIED TECHNICIANS - Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? YES. MIL'S INCLUDE BUT NOT LIMITED TO: B10F1:14-0A, P0303:00AF, P0316:00-2F, C1963-20, U0428-F0, B1B48:01-8A, U0401:68-08, C1B00:62-0B, U0428:20, C1278:20 AND B1596:20. DASH WARNINGS DISPLAYED: "SERVICE ADVANCED TRAC", "TIRE PRESSURE LOW", "CHECK 4X4", TRACTION CONTROL DASH LIGHT STAYS ILLUMINATED, TPMS LIGHT FLASHES AND STAYS ILLUMINATED, TRUCK MUST ROLL TO ENGAGE PARKING GEAR, BRAKE LIGHT WILL STAY INTERMITTENTLY ILLUMINATED, ROUGH IDLE, VEHICLE WILL NO START INTERMITTENTLY, INTERMITTENT LOSS OF TRACTION CONTROL, INTERMITTENT LOSS OF ABS, INTERMITTENT LOSS OF DIRECTIONALS, KEY FOB AND DOOR LOCK SWITCH WILL INTERMITTENTLY NOT TRIGGER OR TRIGGER LOCKING MECHANISM. THE DOORS WILL OPEN BUT ECU/PCM THINKS THE VEHICLE IS LOCKED BUT DOORS OPEN AND TRIGGERS ALARM. LOCK BUTTON ON FOB AND DOOR LOCK SWITCH WILL NOT OPERATE.

NHTSA complaint #11700330 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STEERING

I had several instances where my electronic power assist steering (EPAS) has failed resulting in advance trac and other errorson my information screen.This has resulted in effectively NO steering. Thank goodness I was in a parking lot or going slow otherwise may have resulted in severe injury or death. This appears to be a problem with my make and model of truck based on what I have read on the internet and my personal experiences. I am in shock that there has not been a proper recall as of this date. I am having dealer put in a second EPAS unit in less than 2 years and considerable cost to me.

NHTSA complaint #11681386 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STEERING

My truck started to skid as I was making a left turn. I wasn't going fast enough to skid. I then noticed the idiot light was on so I took it in for an estimate. I was told that the truck needed a power steering rack and the cost would be around $3000.00 I arranged for the repair. Truck mileage was 101051.

NHTSA complaint #11670374 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STEERING

I started getting a notification on my dash about a issue with the charging system. I checked system and it is fine. Now I am getting other lights on my dash and head lights flashing. Come to find out, it's a bad Body control module. I also have a steering issue, from time to time the truck is hard to steer and I been told it's signs of a bad rack and pinion. I also have had the same issues with my 2011 F-150. The bad body control module I fixed but the steering if bad. I have read on Ford forums that others across the country are have the same issues but of course no recall.

NHTSA complaint #11616795 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STEERING

This truck is a safety hazard! The waterpump had to be replaced due to overheating, plus numerous other engine issues. it only has 137,000 miles on it But the REAL safety hazard is the power steering goes out at random times. and when this happens the dash goes blank. This has happened 4 times and each time we were lucky it was not on a busy highway, and close to home. The mechanic did everything he knew to do, and when we got it back....It did it again!!! Now, supposedly it is fixed, and we drove it home with no issues.....but...again, they are random, and I am scared to drive the truck. Will it take someone getting killed for this recall to happen? I have seen numerous post about this happening to others. I live on a winding back road, and if the power steering went out, I dont think it would end well. We are thinking of selling it, but I cant in my heart sell it to someone knowing these issues, and if we trade at a dealership, they will find numerous problems and never give us what it is worth, even though these problems are not from neglect

NHTSA complaint #11612131 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STEERING

The contact owns a 2012 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while reversing, the “Service Power Steering Now” message was displayed. Additionally, the contact stated that the steering wheel became stiff and would not turn as intended. The vehicle was taken to the residence, and the battery was replaced but the failure persisted. The vehicle was then taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the electronic power steering rack needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 89,073.

NHTSA complaint #11593106 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STEERING

The contact owns a 2012 Ford F-150. The contact stated while driving at approximately 55 MPH, the message "Service Power Steering Now" activated, and the power steering malfunctioned, causing the steering wheel to become difficult to turn in either direction. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The local dealer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 139,000.

NHTSA complaint #11582064 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STEERING

The contact owns a 2012 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle experienced a loss of power steering assist. The contact was able to drive to the residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 17,362.

NHTSA complaint #11551682 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STEERING

The contact owns a 2012 Ford F-150. The contact while driving at an undisclosed speed and making a left turn, the steering wheel became firm. The "Power Steering Assist Failure" message was displayed. The contact pulled over and turned off and restarted the vehicle several times while driving to the residence. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and the contact was informed that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V316000 (Steering). The contact was referred to the dealer for assistance. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted that stated there was no recall on the VIN related to the failure. The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 228,000.

NHTSA complaint #11543442 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STEERING

Electric assisted steering locks up traveling or parked. While traveling really have to strain muscles keeping in lane of travel, when steering turns it turns to far and I am trying to correct steering over corrects back in opposite direction. Cannot keep pickup in lane of travel.

NHTSA complaint #11539695 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STEERING

Whilst driving, suddenly power steering assist fault light flashed on and steering became very difficult to turn. Was able to safely pull off the road. After several attempts, the fault cleared and steering was fully functional again. Had I been on interstate it most likely would have caused accident.

NHTSA complaint #11538986 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STEERING

Service Advance Trac warning light comes on when backing while steering wheel turned. Multiple instances. Clears after a few minutes, but researching issue seems to be widespread across the Ford community, and has resulted in steering locking up while vehicle is in motion. Scheduled for maintenance visit to local dealership to diagnose. Codes read were C1963 & U0428

NHTSA complaint #11533033 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STEERING

The contact owns a 2012 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle experienced a loss of power steering assist. The restraint warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who informed the contact that the steering gear assembly needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 209,000.

NHTSA complaint #11529739 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STEERING

The contact owns a 2012 Ford F-150. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the vehicle lost power steering functionality with the traction control warning light illuminated. Due to the failure, the vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was discovered that the power steering angle sensors were defective, and the rack and pinion needed to be replaced. An unknown dealer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that there were no recalls on the VIN. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired and remained in the possession of the dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 141,000.

NHTSA complaint #11523876 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STEERING:STEERING WHEEL /HANDLE BAR:YAW/ANGLE SENSOR

The contact owns a 2012 Ford F-150. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the vehicle lost power steering functionality with the traction control warning light illuminated. Due to the failure, the vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was discovered that the power steering angle sensors were defective, and the rack and pinion needed to be replaced. An unknown dealer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that there were no recalls on the VIN. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired and remained in the possession of the dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 141,000.

NHTSA complaint #11523876 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STEERING

As your driving advance track failure light comes on and you lose power steering. Steering gets real tight and hard to turn. Almost got in a car accident but was able to turn the steering as hard as i could just to make the turn. Drive for a little while then all of a sudden power steering kicked back on. It happen every time i drive my truck.

NHTSA complaint #11518488 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STEERING

Without warning, power steering went out. This truck has less than 17,000 miles on it and is kept spotless and well maintained, garage kept. Power steering came back but now we're worried it'll go out again without warning and under possibly much worse/dangerous conditions. Bringing it in for a diagnostic, but cost of a new rack is over 2000.00. And what assurance do we have that it will not happen again with the new rack? These electric racks are being recalled under other Ford vehicles, yet not the F150.

NHTSA complaint #11516329 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STEERING

After arriving at work, when I went out to my truck to drive to lunch I started the truck and it was fine, for about 3 seconds. As I started to drive it the power assist steering failed and the error code displayed on the dash. The steering as you might expect become very heavy and hard. Luckily I was not at speed, and there was not a vehicle near me to hit. Turned off the truck and inspected under the hood. No apparent damage and nothing appeared broken. Closed hood and restarted truck. Same sequence occurred. Could steer initially just enough to start moving, then complete steering assist failure with the error code popping up on the dashboard display. Turned off again. Restarted and left running and popped hood to see if anything looked bad. Nothing bad. After idling for about 5 minutes while I poked around, tried again and for some reason the power assist had restarted itself and was working. After carefully testing in the parking lot, decided to drive to a local auto repair shop I use. They are assessing the error codes and trying to figure out what happened. If this had happened at speed and without warning, I guarantee I could have hit something or someone before I could wrestle the truck to a safe place.

NHTSA complaint #11493978 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STEERING

Turning right the vehicle's steering and brakes locked up. The traction control system warning indicator illuminated. Rac and pinion unit replaced by Ford Dealer. Same problem occurred within 50 miles. Returned to Dealer. Dealer is unable to reproduce problem.

NHTSA complaint #11489185 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STEERING

Electronic power steering module went out in the rack and pinion had to replace whole rack and pinion to fix problem. Power steering went out while driving

NHTSA complaint #11488524 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STEERING

The contact owns a 2012 Ford F-150. The contact stated while turning on the vehicle, the power assist failure warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to drive to his residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. A dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 107,000.

NHTSA complaint #11481121 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STEERING

The contact owns a 2012 Ford F-150. The contact stated while driving approximately 25 MPH, the steering was seized and could not be turned to the left or the right. The contact stopped the vehicle, shifted into neutral(N), restarted the vehicle, and the vehicle regained steering functionality. The contact stated that the failure recurred twice. The contact stated that the steering assist fault warning light was illuminated with an audible chime. The contact drove the vehicle to the dealer and was informed that the rack and pinon system needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 114,000.

NHTSA complaint #11475746 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STEERING

My power steering assist light and my advance track light came on then my steering locked up and I had no control of my vehicle. Luckily I was pulling Into my drive so no one was hurt. I had my 7 year old gson with me too. It could of been fatal. I did some research there's a recall on this on vehicles before 2012 and after 2012 but not on my vehicle which is a 2012 my rack and pinion went out I don't have any backup lights this could have been a serious accident and if anything would have happened to my grandson oh boy Ford but I want to know why my truck doesn't have a recall hurt

NHTSA complaint #11472848 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STEERING

Vehicle lost its power in the power steering system, and you lose all control over the vehicle and you can't move left or right Making it very dangerous for me while it occurred, since I was unable to move the car towards any direction.

NHTSA complaint #11467495 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STEERING

My wife had the steering lock up on her tonight and made her pull into oncoming traffic, head on. She was able to stop the truck in the oncoming traffic lane, narrowly missing being hit head on. The steering gave her no warning, and just locked on her when she wad attempting to veer into a turn lane. The truck immediately jumped a curb divider,landing her into on coming traffic on one of the busiest streets in town. Quick thinking of switching on the hazards and praying, is all that kept her safe. The steering on this 2012 Ford F150 ecoboost has become increasingly worse over the last 3 weeks. Started with the advance track light going off every time we turned left, and has now escalated to this...almost killing my wife. I know now, after doing extensive research that this is actually fairly common in these trucks. 2011-2014 seem to be the problem trucks. A Bulletin was finally made for the 2011 models. I think it's safe to say that the 2012, 2013 and 2014s should also be put on that list. There are countless people having a steering rack issue with these trucks. And when this issue comes to a head, it's usually when you are driving, and lose all control, because of the electronic steering mechanism.

NHTSA complaint #11448744 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STEERING

Electronic Power Assist System failure while driving down the road. It became very difficult to operate the vehicle. If anyone but myself were operating the truck it would have resulted in an accident.

NHTSA complaint #11440634 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.