TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD F-150. WHILE TURNING LEFT OR RIGHT, THE STEERING WHEEL STIFFENED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE POWER STEERING WAS LEAKING AND THE RACK AND PINION AND HOSE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000.
2008 Ford F-150 steering problems
moderate 53 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $700
What owners are reporting 2 most recent
STEERING BECAME STIFF. VEHICLE WAS HARD TO MAINTAIN EVEN ON STRAIGHT ROAD. AFTER MY INSPECTION, I FOUND THAT THE STEERING SHAFT WAS HORRIBLY CORRODED AT THE UNIVERSAL JOINT. I WILL NOT DRIVE THIS VEHICLE UNTIL I REPAIR IT. IT IS AT THE POINT WHERE IT COULD BREAK AND LOOSE ALL CONTROL OF STEERING. VERY DANGEROUS. I HAVE BEEN A MECHANIC FOR OVER 30 YEARS I HAVE NEVER SEEN THIS IN ANY VEHICLE, NO MA…
Common questions
How serious is the steering problem on the 2008 Ford F-150?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 53 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $700 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the steering typically fail?
Mileage data is limited for this issue. Owners report failures across a wide range, suggesting cause is more about driving conditions and maintenance than mileage alone.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $700 for steering repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to steering?
No active recalls currently cover steering issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.