2,323 of the
48,021 complaints filed about the Ford F-150
are about the steering —
100% of everything owners reported.
The worst model year for it is 2011.
The vehicle experienced a sudden and unexpected loss of power steering assistance while being driven on a highway. The failure made the vehicle extremely difficult to steer and nearly caused an accident, creating a serious safety hazard. After pulling over to get off the highway, it was observed at lower speeds, the vehicle did not have its full range of steering also creating a safety hazard. The problem was confirmed by the dealer, who determined that the power steering gear system had failed. The dealer replaced and repaired the entire power steering system. No warning lights or other alerts appeared before the failure. The sudden loss of steering assistance occurred without warning while the vehicle was in motion, significantly increasing the risk of a crash.
NHTSA complaint #11763788 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Suddenly lost power steering dash lights for traction control and power steering assist it takes a lot of strength to steer it no prior warning and I recently had spinal surgery
NHTSA complaint #11763524 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2017 Ford F-150. The contact stated that the air bag warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the clock spring needed to be replaced. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V847000 (Steering, Air Bags); however, the contact was informed that the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure by phone, but no assistance was provided. The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline and to the DMV for assistance.
NHTSA complaint #11763620 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Subject: Steering Rack Failure Reimbursement Request, VIN [XXX] To Whom It May Concern, I am requesting review and reimbursement for an electronic steering rack replacement on my 2021 Ford truck, VIN [XXX]. The electronic steering fault first appeared at start-up and when turning the wheel to full lock. Initially, I could pull over, shut the truck off, restart it, and the warning would clear. After a battery replacement, battery monitoring system reset, and multiple steering relearns, the steering failed completely. When the failure occurred, steering became extremely difficult. After hitting a bump, the steering wheel jerked suddenly and caused pain to my hand and thumb. This also created a serious safety risk for me and others on the road due to the reduced ability to steer. The dealership replaced the electronic steering rack at a cost of over $2,000. The truck had only about 40,000 miles at the time. I later found Ford Recall 21S28, which appears to cover certain trucks built between XXX. Based on my VIN and build date, my truck appears to fall within that range, but the dealership advised my VIN was not included. Given the low mileage, safety risk, and apparent build-date match with Recall 21S28, I request that Ford and NHTSA review my vehicle’s eligibility under this recall or any related program and reimburse me for the repair. Thank you, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11762148 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
On XXX, my [XXX] son was driving this 2017 Ford F-150 when the transmission suddenly downshifted while traveling on the road. The downshift was severe enough that the rear tires lost traction and the vehicle fishtailed, nearly resulting in an accident. The vehicle was taken to an authorized Ford dealer on 8/18/2026. We reported the sudden downshift, but the dealer was unable to duplicate the condition. The dealer performed Ford Recall 26S28/NHTSA 26V-237 and campaign 19G01, and the vehicle was returned on XXX. On XXX, only two days after the recall repair, the engine unexpectedly shut off while the vehicle was being driven. It restarted afterward. On XXX, the engine again unexpectedly stalled while the vehicle was moving. When the engine stopped, power-steering assist was lost and the driver had to coast the vehicle safely to the side of the road. The engine restarted immediately. When attempting to drive away, the transmission appeared to be starting in approximately third gear rather than first gear. After the vehicle was moving, the transmission eventually began operating normally again. Ford Customer Relationship Center was notified on XXX and formally documented these incidents. The vehicle is available for inspection. I am concerned because the original sudden downshift closely resembles the safety defect addressed by Recall 26V-237/26S28, and serious intermittent stalling and abnormal transmission operation have continued after the recall remedy was performed. I am requesting that NHTSA document and evaluate these post-recall safety symptoms and whether the recall remedy adequately addresses the underlying defect. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11760892 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I have a 2014 F150 manufactured in 5/2026 and recently had my electronic power assist steering fail. Ford issued recall 14S09 / NHTSA 14V-316. The recall was for F150's made between 5/26/2014 and 6/19/2026 that covered a steering gear motor position sensor magnet that was installed incorrectly. The result of this problem was a failure of the electronic power assist steering. Ford just diagnosed my F150 with an internal binding/failure of the steering gear, but when I searched for the recall using my VIN it wasn't included in the recall. I find this more than coincidental that my truck was manufactured in May of 2014 and just had the same failure stated in the recall.
NHTSA complaint #11759541 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
"While operating my 2016 Ford F-150, the vehicle lost power-steering assist. Ray Skillman Ford diagnosed an internal failure of the power steering control module and replaced the steering gear assembly. The vehicle had approximately 94,620 miles. Sudden loss of steering assist significantly increased the effort required to steer the truck and created a safety concern. The repair cost me $3,804.27."
NHTSA complaint #11759088 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
My 2021 F-150 has been diagnosed with a failed electric steering gear Code PSCM C1B00 49 2F. I understand there was a recall on some 2021 trucks with similar steering issues, although my VIN is not included. The part is on national backorder and my dealer says there are approximately 150 vehicles ahead of mine. This is a safety-related steering component, part number "ML3Z3504G"
NHTSA complaint #11759149 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
My vehicle was left rendered unable to steer during use. It was taken to a local shop All Japanse Auto, who found the damage was consistent with Ford Saftey Recall 21S28. Upon speaking to AutoFair Ford of Haverhill service they informed me Ford did not include my truck in the recall despite it matching year and model and they would not be addressing the issue for me. Loss of steering mid use is amazingly careless and should be cause for taking more aggressive action
NHTSA complaint #11758766 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while parking the vehicle, the vehicle unexpectedly lost power steering functionality. The contact opened and closed the driver's side door to reset the vehicle, and the power steering function was restored; however, the failure recurred while driving. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with a PSCM internal failure and steering mechanism ball retainer failure. The mechanic determined that the failure was associated with NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V407000 (Steering) and referred the contact to the dealer for assistance. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, and the issue was confirmed after a diagnostic test, but the contact was informed that parts were not yet available. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 79,000.
NHTSA complaint #11754406 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Read out is showing power steering assist fault. Steering is locking up and screaming. Shows there was a recall for this but that this vin was not on the recall. now it is saying service advance trac.
NHTSA complaint #11753733 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2024 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving approximately 20 MPH, the steering wheel locked up and the vehicle stalled, and it rolled across an intersection and then stopped. The vehicle failed to restart. The contact stated that a tow truck arrived, and the tow truck driver could not shift into drive (D), but the vehicle was towed from the scene. The vehicle was towed to a dealer, but the failure was not duplicated. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 11,000.
NHTSA complaint #11752582 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2017 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30 MPH, there was an abnormal whistling and dinging sound coming from the vehicle, and the powertrain malfunction warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle independently downshifted, and the rear driver’s side of the vehicle slid to the left, and the front passenger’s side of the vehicle crashed into another parked vehicle. The contact exited the vehicle and discovered that due to the impact, there was windshield fluid leaking out of the windshield washer fluid reservoir onto the ground, and the vehicle caught on fire. The contact entered a local AutoZone, retrieved a fire extinguisher, and extinguished the fire. The local fire department was contacted. The contact stated that no air bag was deployed. A police report was filed. A Fire Department report was not filed. The contact had a cut on the right arm, and the medical team in the ambulance patched up the arm; no further medical attention was needed. The vehicle was towed to the residence, where it was self-diagnosed that the steering and ball joint assembly needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V237000 (Power Train); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. A dealer was contacted and stated that the remedy was not yet available and would not be available until July 26th. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
NHTSA complaint #11750882 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Pulling into traffic the truck suddenly shifts from fifth gear to second causing the vehicle to suddenly slow which makes getting slammed in the rear by another vehicle highly likely. At high speeds on the highway it becomes dangerous to change lanes and expect the truck to maintain speed. This problem is occurring frequently now so an accident is likely to occur. I want a loaner until Ford fins and makes the fix available.
NHTSA complaint #11748163 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2024 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle before the vehicle became difficult to maneuver, and the front passenger’s side of the vehicle crashed into a curb. No warning lights were illuminated. The air bags failed to deploy. A Police report was filed. No injuries were sustained. Medical attention was not needed. The vehicle was towed to a dealer; however, the cause of the failure was unknown. The vehicle was later diagnosed; however, the diagnostic result was unknown. Additionally, the steering column and several other unknown parts were replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 7,500.
NHTSA complaint #11747199 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
While driving my vehicle (2019 Ford F150), it suddenly came to a complete stop. The engine shut off and the steering wheel locked up. While in the middle of a roadway, I had to quickly throw my vehicle into park, turn it off and back on. At that point, it was running again and I was able to safely get it to a dealership where it was inspected for an issues. There were no warnings, alerts or messages on my dashboard. The dealership confirmed what had happened. It was due to the electronic steering system failing. They fixed it and so far there has been no issues. This is not the first time I have heard of this happening and after researching, it appears it is more common than not. I believe, because of the risk of this vehicle unexpectedly and suddenly stopping on any roadway, a recall should occur. I could not imagine what would happen if one of my loved ones had been driving and a serious crash occurred.
NHTSA complaint #11746712 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Truck suddenly reported ABS issue while driving. Traction assist light came on. Parking brake light came on.steering assist failure message appeared. Now the power steering is not functioning. I know of 2 other people with near exact issues on a ford and a Lincoln. There is also a pending master cylinder recall that ford said the didn’t have parts for and still haven’t heard back from them on that. Please investigate this dangerous situation.
NHTSA complaint #11746552 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.