SOME 2010-2016 EPAS EQUIPPED VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT STEERING RELATED NOISES. THE WORKSHOP MANUAL (WSM) DIAGNOSTIC PROCEDURES HAVE BEEN UPDATED IN SECTION 211-02. WHEN DIAGNOSING AND REPAIRING EPAS STEERING NOISES USE THE UPDATED PROCEDURES.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2011 Ford F-150 steering problems
moderate 412 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $700 · see steering across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
412
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$700
6crashes
1fire
3injuries
When does it fail?
Of the 412 steering complaints filed for the 2011 Ford F-150, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 25,000-50,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Of the 17 model years of Ford F-150 we track for steering problems, this one carries the most owner complaints on file — 412.
Owners have filed 412 steering complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering steering on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
FORD: WHEN MAKING LEFT HAND TURNS, THE STEERING WHEEL LACKS RETURN ABILITY TO CENTER LOCATION. THE ISSUE IS INTERMITTENT.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗FORD: THERE MAY BE HIGH STEERING EFFORT OR LACK OF ASSIST.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2011 F-150 is plagued by failures in its first-generation electric power-assisted steering (EPAS) system. Owners describe sudden and complete loss of power steering assist while driving—sometimes at highway speeds—with little or no warning. The steering wheel either locks up, becomes extremely stiff, or loses all assist function. In many cases, the warning light (Service AdvanceTrac or Power Steering Fault) appears only after the failure has begun or not at all.
Beyond outright failure, owners report chronic vibration, clunking, and loose play in the steering column over bumps and road imperfections, starting as early as 6,000 miles. Steering can feel sticky or resist automatic return to center, requiring jerking the wheel to unlock. These problems worsen in hot weather and are compounded by the fact that Ford's initial TSB (11-8-18) and dealer responses have been inconsistent—many owners took vehicles in during warranty only to be told the problem could not be duplicated, then hit with $1,500–$2,500 repair bills after warranty expired.
Dealership responses have been poor. Multiple owners report technicians first blaming battery corrosion or a weak battery, which did not solve the problem. Replacement EPAS racks occasionally fixed symptoms only temporarily, with the issue recurring within weeks. Ford issued a recall on 2014 F-150 models for the identical EPAS defect but refused to extend coverage to 2011 models. Owners have documented dozens of complaints on forums, yet no blanket recall exists.
Same Ford F-150 steering reports on nearby years: 2008 · 2009 · 2010 · 2014
Failure modes owners describe
Electric Power Assisted Steering (EPAS) Rack Motor Failure
Complete or partial loss of power steering assist. The EPAS motor embedded in the steering rack fails, sometimes with warning lights (Service AdvanceTrac, Power Steering Fault), sometimes without. Owners report inability to steer or extreme difficulty steering—turning the wheel requires excessive force or becomes impossible. Failure can occur while driving at highway speeds or during parking/low-speed maneuvers.
When: Various mileages reported: 6,000 to 230,000 miles. Some failures occur early (under 25,000 miles), others later. Temperature-dependent in some cases (worse in heat above 75–80°F).
Symptoms owners cite: Complete loss of power steering assist or intermittent loss; Steering wheel becomes very stiff, difficult to turn; Steering wheel locks or freezes in position; Warning messages: 'Service AdvanceTrac', 'Power Steering Assist Fault', 'Power Steering Fault', 'Torque Angle Sensor Fault'; Loss of steering assist happens suddenly with little or no warning; Restarting vehicle temporarily restores function in some cases; Turn signal failures occurring simultaneously
Codes mentioned: C1278, C1963
Repairs/costs cited: Entire EPAS rack assembly must be replaced (not serviceable). Owners report repair costs of $1,500–$2,552. Some dealers had parts in stock, suggesting widespread demand. Ford part number EL3Z3504BE (and variants DL3Z3504BE) mentioned. TSB 11-8-18 issued August 2011 for affected vehicles, but repair coverage inconsistent.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: TSB 11-8-18 (2011-2012 models built May 2011 onward). 2014 model Ford Recall #14S09 for same issue, but 2011 models often excluded from warranty coverage once out of warranty period. Ford has issued recalls on other vehicle models for identical EPAS failures but not uniformly on F-150.
Steering Vibration, Clunking, and Loose Feel at Highway Speeds
Owners report steering wheel vibration, knocking, clunking, and/or loose/sloppy feel, especially over bumps and road imperfections. Often accompanied by audible clicking or popping from the steering assembly. Feels as if a component in the steering column or rack is loose. Problem intensifies in heat. Owners report this begins as early as 6,000–20,000 miles and persists or worsens with mileage.
When: Begins 6,000–20,000 miles; worsens with temperature (worse above 75–80°F). One case reported starting before 100,000 miles and continuing at 230,000 miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel vibration, knocking, clunking, or popping when driving straight or over bumps; Loose or sloppy steering feel; Steering feels as if it rattles internally; Audible clicking noise from steering shaft or rack area when turning wheel manually in engine compartment; Problem worse in heat (above 75–80°F), less pronounced in cold but still present; Worse when towing; Dealer unable to duplicate or investigate
Repairs/costs cited: Multiple owners report steering rack assembly replacement by Ford provided only temporary relief (a few hundred to a few thousand miles); problem often returns. Owners cite dealer reluctance to replace parts without clear diagnosis. No confirmed permanent repair described in narratives.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Ford denies this is abnormal or covers as warranty repair in some cases; most cases have no recall or TSB. One narrative mentions Ford service reps suggesting battery terminal corrosion as cause, which owner found did not fully resolve issue. Owners report Ford reluctant to replace components without confident diagnosis.
Steering Sticking, Sticky Return-to-Center, and Notchy Steering
Steering wheel becomes sticky or resistant when turning; vehicle does not automatically return to center position when wheel is released. Requires jerking the wheel to unlock. In severe cases, steering locks in position and requires hard force to break free. Problem intermittent and variable, sometimes worse when turning in one direction (often left turns or when at 10 o'clock position). Occasionally coincides with 'notchy' steering response.
When: Reported starting before 100,000 miles, continuing or worsening beyond 200,000+ miles. One case reported onset at approximately 32,000 miles (October 2014). Intermittent; comes and goes seemingly at random.
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel sticky or resistant to turn; Vehicle does not automatically return to center after turning; Steering wheel locks in position, particularly when turning left or at specific angles (e.g., 10 o'clock position); Requires jerking or hard pulling to unlock steering; Notchy or jerky steering response during long gradual turns; Steering locks while already in a turn; overcompensation when it breaks free; Problem exacerbated when braking while turning; 'Service Power Steering' warning may appear; Intermittent nature; problem comes and goes
Repairs/costs cited: Owners report dealership diagnosis often inconclusive. One owner had battery replaced (told weak battery was cause), but sticking resumed immediately after. Battery terminal cleaning improved but did not eliminate issue. TSB mentions battery terminal corrosion as potential contributor, but not definitive cure.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealerships initially misdiagnosed as battery issue (weak battery or corroded terminals). Some dealers unable to duplicate. No specific recall or TSB cited for this symptom profile.
Electric Brake Vacuum Assist Pump Failure
Electric vacuum pump (brake assist) runs constantly or audibly when it should not, indicating failure or malfunction. One owner confused this noise with a steering issue initially.
When: Reported at 32,000 miles (October 2014). Pump replaced under warranty but same part failed again nine months later.
Symptoms owners cite: Audible constant or near-constant running of vacuum pump; Pump noise where it was not previously heard
Repairs/costs cited: Pump replaced under warranty at 32,000 miles (October 2014). Nine months later, identical part (no updates from Ford) began running constantly again. Warranty expired (12,000-mile mark post-repair); Ford refused further warranty coverage. Owner cited repair cost: $130 diagnosis, $580 pump, $200 labor = $910.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall or campaign implemented despite multiple owner reports. Replaced with same design; no engineering updates. Warranty coverage strict: owner only 9 months into replacement part when issue recurred.
Dashboard Electrical Glitches and Instrument Failures Coinciding with Steering Issues
Dashboard lights, instrument cluster, interior lights, and turn signals malfunction. In severe cases, loss of electrical system power accompanies or precedes steering failure. Lights flash on/off, gauges go to zero, 'wrench' icons appear momentarily, navigation display goes blank. Turn signals may fail to stay on (blink once and turn off). In one case, loss of alternator power due to collision directly caused steering and brake failure.
When: Timing varies. One case reported on I-405 at 65 mph with cruise control engaged; another in driveways or parking situations. Electrical symptoms can precede mechanical steering failure by weeks.
Symptoms owners cite: Dashboard and interior lights flash or go completely off then return; Instrument gauges fail to zero or flashing erratically; 'Wrench' warning icon appears momentarily; Turn signals malfunction (won't stay on, blink and turn off immediately); Advancement Trac/Service AdvanceTrac warning light illumination; Power steering warning/fault light illumination; Navigation or SYNC system display goes blank or malfunctions; Cluster display turns on/off, blinking random warnings; System does not respond to key removal (accessories remain on with key out); Loss of electrical power cascades through systems (headlights, turn signals, power steering)
Codes mentioned: C1278, C1963
Repairs/costs cited: In one case, battery replacement did not resolve electrical glitches. Another narrative involved alternator damage (ice strike) causing complete power loss and cascading failure of steering, lights, and brakes. No repair costs specified for electrical-steering coincidence cases.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Ford reportedly aware of these issues (per owner research), but no uniform recall issued. TSB 12-11-18 mentioned for ABS module update related to flashing dashboard/power steering symptoms.
Spurious Vehicle Control Events (Unintended Acceleration/Sudden Lane Change)
Vehicle experiences sudden, unintended violent pull to one side (usually right) or steering input without driver intervention while on highway at cruise control or normal driving speeds. Accompanied by sound of skidding tire and/or speedometer fluctuations. Vehicle pulled across lanes and nearly left roadway.
When: One incident on I-405 near Long Beach, CA at 65 mph with cruise control engaged. Driver noticed speedometer fluctuation 5–10 minutes prior.
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle pulls violently and abruptly to the right without warning; Simultaneous sound of skidding tire; Speedometer fluctuates (e.g., shows 50 mph while vehicle maintains 65 mph) 5–10 minutes before loss of control; Speedometer and tachometer both fail to zero momentarily, dashboard display goes blank; 'Wrench' icon appears on display; Vehicle regains control briefly before crossing all lanes and shoulder
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle towed to Ford dealer for investigation; no repair outcome specified in narrative.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None documented in narrative.
Intermittent EPAS Lag/Delay During High-Speed Turns
When making left-hand turns at highway speeds (45–50 mph), steering response lags or stalls momentarily; steering wheel does not respond when turned right to return to center. Intermittent; happens multiple times during extended driving. First occurred at ~21,000 miles (September 2013); continued intermittently for 3+ years. Over 30,000 miles, problem occurred 5 times in 30 minutes on a winding road, causing vehicle to cross centerline at least twice.
When: First at ~21,000 miles (September 2013). Continued intermittently for 3 years. Recurred frequently at 30,050 miles (August 2016, 5 times in 30 minutes).
Symptoms owners cite: EPAS catches and lags momentarily during left-hand turns at higher speeds (45–50 mph); Steering does not respond when turning right to return to center; Vehicle drifts across centerline during turns; Intermittent; happens multiple times, then stops for days/weeks; Recurrence pattern suggests heat or load-related issue
Repairs/costs cited: EPAS steering gear replaced at 30,223 miles (September 2016) under TSB 11-8-18. Owner paid $1,757.77 out of pocket after warranty expired despite having brought vehicle in during warranty period. Dealer initially (2013) could not duplicate; did not perform repair.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: TSB 11-8-18 issued August 2011 to replace EPAS steering gear under standard warranty. However, vehicle was not repaired during warranty period despite owner's complaint, and dealer refused warranty coverage after expiration.
Synthesized from 412 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 7 most recent
Power Assist Fault warning is displayed and the power steering stops working while driving causing a dangerous situation. Stopping the truck and turning off the ignition and restarting it clears it. This condition is becoming more frequent and harder to clear. The last occurence was 12/28/2024. It happened about 10-12 times in a row.
While driving about 40 m per hour the steering wheel lock, couldn't turn left or right very dangerous and risky , almost hit a barrier, 3 years ago had to replace rack and pinion, replaced with original , now dec 2020 the mechanic told me is the rack and pinion again, I see too many complaints about this very serious and dangerous fault
The contact owns a 2011 Ford F-150. The contact stated while driving approximately 40 MPH and making a turn, the steering wheel became difficult to turn. The contact was able to pull over and restart the vehicle. The contact stated that the power steering assist fault warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a local mechanic where it was diagnosed with the EPS module needing to be…
The contact owns a 2011 Ford F-150. The contact stated while driving 15 MPH, the steering wheel became difficult to turn and steered to the right. The contact stated the service advancetrac warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not drivable. The contact towed the vehicle to his residence. The contact drove another vehicle to an independent mechanic and was informed that the fuse to the…
When turning steering locks up going left prevent correction or turning. *js
On tuesday morning, december 27, 2016 just as I was pulling into the parking space at my office a light flashed on the panel and read "power steering fault" and all of a sudden I could not turn the steering wheel. I turned the engine off and waited about 2-hours before starting it again. Now the message read "service steering now". I contacted Ford's roadside assistance and they came the next…
Steering started making a funny noise and power steering stopped working. Could not steer vehicle. No prior issues with steering. *tr
Had steering trouble with your 2011 Ford F-150?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the steering problem on the 2011 Ford F-150?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 412 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?
Across the 356 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most steering failures cluster between 46,400 and 110,000 miles, with the median around 77,500. A quarter of owners report trouble before 46,400; a quarter make it past 110,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
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.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2011/Ford/F-150.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.