Some 2018 F-150 vehicles may exhibit temporary heavy, stiff, or slow steering assist and/or diagnostic trouble code U3003:68 after an engine auto start stop event. This may be due to a reduced steering assist state caused by a low state of charge battery. Follow the Workshop Manual (WSM), Section 414-01 to evaluate the health of the battery, and reprogram the PSCM with the latest software level of the appropriate Ford diagnostic scan tool. For claiming, use causal part 3504 and applicable labor operations in Section 3 of the Service Labor Time Standards (SLTS) Manual.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2018 Ford F-150 steering problems
severe 80 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $700 · see steering across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
80
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$700
3crashes
3injuries
What stands out
Owners have filed 80 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.
No new NHTSA steering complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 3 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
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.
SSM 48563 - 2017-2020 F-150 - No Crank/No Start, Multiple Illuminated Warning Indicators And/Or DTCs Some 2017-2020 F-150 vehicles may exhibit a no crank/no start, auto start stop inoperative, illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) and/or powertrain malfunction indicator lamp, transmission shift concerns, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) P061A, U0140, U0401, U0101, U0074 and/or U0037 being set in the powertrain control module (PCM), transmission control module (TCM), instrument panel cluster (IPC), front controls interface module (FCIM), anti-lock braking system (ABS) module and/or power steering control module (PSCM). This may be due to the 15525 transmission wire harness not being pro
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Some 2016-2019 F-150 vehicles may exhibit DTC C0051 in the ABS module. This DTC compares steering angle between the power steering control module (PSCM) and ABS and may set due to towing, driving in heavy winds, loose suspension or steering gear components, alignment, or harness or connector concerns with the ABS or PSCM circuits. The ABS pinpoint tests AE, LA, or LB may direct a replacement of the PSCM after disconnecting/reconnecting PSCM connectors. Do not replace the PSCM using ABS Pinpoint tests AE, LA, LB. Refer to the Workshop Manual (WSM) Section, 211-02 to locate the correct PSCM pinpoint tests for the PSCM DTCs that are retrieved during the PSCM self-test. The ABS pinpoint tests ar
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2013-2019 vehicles equipped with a LKS system with customer complaints of steering wheel vibration, steering pull or vehicle drift may be due to an alert and/or steering aid input from the LKS. The LKS system detects unintentional drifting toward the outside of the lane and alerts and/or aids vehicle to stay in the lane. Be sure the customer understands how the lane departure warning feature settings work for Alert (steering wheel vibration) and Aid (steering input toward lane center). Further information on the LKS can be found in the owners manual. If the customers concern is due to the LKS functioning as intended, do not attempt to repair.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Some 2016-2018 F-150 vehicles may exhibit a steering drift, pull, and/or wander. To diagnose these conditions refer to Pinpoint Test (PPT) H - Steering System Pull, Drift, Wander or Steering Wheel is Off Center in Workshop Manual (WSM) Section, 211-00. Do not use PPT I - Poor Returnability Sticky Steering or Binding to diagnose drift, pull, and/or wander symptoms. These Pinpoint Tests are in the process of being updated.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2018 F-150 steering system shows a cluster of failures that fall into several distinct patterns. The most common complaint is uncontrolled drifting and pulling left and right. Owners describe their trucks wandering across lanes, requiring constant hand pressure to stay straight even on flat, calm roads—many report this feels like driving in a wind that doesn't exist. Alignment checks come back good, yet the problem persists.
A second major failure involves the electric power steering system losing assist or becoming delayed when the auto stop/start feature activates. Owners stopped at intersections waiting to turn left experience 1–2 seconds of hard, unpowered steering as the engine restarts. Several report nearly colliding with oncoming traffic because they couldn't turn the wheel fast enough.
A third pattern includes the steering wheel seizing, binding, or locking up—sometimes intermittently, sometimes completely. Owners report the wheel won't turn at all, or requires extreme force. A few describe losing all power steering suddenly while driving, forcing them off the road.
Finally, some owners report the steering system making odd electrical corrections on its own—the wheel oscillating back and forth or fighting the driver's input as if an invisible algorithm keeps overcorrecting. One owner notes the system seems to be "creating road conditions in its mind" that don't exist.
Multiple owners have had steering gears replaced, alignments redone, modules reprogrammed, and tires swapped—yet problems return. Dealers have told owners the behavior is normal, or refused further warranty work.
Same Ford F-150 steering reports on nearby years: 2015 · 2017 · 2019 · 2021
Failure modes owners describe
Steering wander and drift
Vehicle drifts or pulls left and right without driver input, requiring constant correction. Owners report feeling like they're driving in wind that isn't there, especially at highway and city speeds. Problem persists after multiple alignments.
When: Occurs at any speed (25–70 MPH), on flat or curved roads, from early ownership (some starting under 1,000 miles)
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle drifts left then right without warning; Constant steering wheel pull in alternating directions; Requires excessive hand pressure to maintain lane position; Feels like erratic electrical impulses in steering; Steering wheel oscillates slightly back and forth; Truck veers off road or crosses centerline if driver looks away briefly
Repairs/costs cited: Owners report dealerships have performed multiple wheel alignments (often 2–4 times), tire pressure checks, tire rotation, and tire replacement, with no resolution. Some had steering gear replaced. One owner had steering wheel moved and power steering control module reprogrammed. No repairs resolved the issue.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Ford has told owners the behavior is normal. One Ford technical representative claimed all 2018 F-150s drive this way. Dealerships have refused further warranty work in some cases.
Auto stop/start power steering delay
When auto stop/start feature shuts off the engine while stopped (especially at traffic lights), power steering does not immediately return when engine restarts. Steering becomes hard and unresponsive for 1–2 seconds, creating a hazard when turning into traffic.
When: Occurs when auto stop/start engages at idle or stops; most dangerous when driver is making a left turn from stopped position into oncoming traffic
Symptoms owners cite: Power steering unresponsive or delayed 1–2 seconds after engine restart; Steering wheel becomes very hard to turn when engine is off; Driver struggles to turn wheel without power assist; Multiple near-collisions reported when crossing traffic lanes; Worse if vehicle battery is not fully charged
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers told owners this is normal operation and suggested disabling auto stop/start manually each drive (though it resets to ON each startup). One dealer noted the electric power steering pump must run off battery for a period after engine restart. No permanent fix offered.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealerships acknowledged the delay is part of the system design but offered no remedy. Owners note Ford has not made the feature permanently disableable without voiding warranty.
Steering wheel seizing and locking
Steering wheel becomes locked, seized, or extremely difficult to turn, sometimes intermittently and sometimes completely. Can occur while driving or when approaching intersections. In extreme cases, truck becomes nearly undrivable.
When: Can occur at any speed or while stopped. One owner experienced it at 45 MPH while turning. Another while approaching a stop sign. Some at 20 MPH.
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel won't turn or extremely difficult to turn (requires all of driver's strength); Wheel locks in one direction and won't return to center; Steering wheel seizes as if vehicle is in park with engine off (while engine is running); Can occur without warning; One owner cracked his elbow trying to force the wheel
Repairs/costs cited: One owner had steering wheel module replaced (diagnosed at dealer). Some owners have had steering gear replaced. Multiple repair attempts at different dealerships have failed in some cases. One vehicle was condemned as a total loss after steering wheel detached and driver crashed into a tree.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: One dealership told owner 'this is the nature of the truck and they should deal with it' and refused to repair. Manufacturer case filed in one instance but no resolution reported.
Loss of power steering assist or failure
Power steering system suddenly fails or becomes inoperable while driving, leaving driver unable to steer the vehicle or requiring extreme manual effort. Some owners report complete power steering loss; others report 'Steering Assist Fault' warning followed by loss of assist.
When: Can occur at highway speeds or in intersections. One instance at 45 MPH, another at 75 MPH towing. One occurred at 157,000 miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden loss of all power steering assist; Dashboard warning: 'Steering Assist Fault – Service Required'; Steering becomes extremely difficult or impossible to turn; Vehicle veers off road; Power steering fluid leak reported in one case (failed rear seal on master pump); Low power steering fluid message displayed
Codes mentioned: Power steering fluid low warning
Repairs/costs cited: One owner added power steering fluid at a gas station, but it leaked out immediately (failed seal). Not repaired. Another had steering actuator failure (diagnosed by independent mechanic, case opened with manufacturer but no assistance). Some vehicles not diagnosed or repaired.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer refused assistance in multiple cases. One owner told vehicle was outside recall 24S45 despite similar symptoms. Another case opened with manufacturer but no further assistance offered.
Steering system electrical anomalies and self-correction
Steering system appears to be making unwanted electrical corrections on its own, as if an algorithm is constantly working to steer the vehicle when the driver hasn't changed input. Wheel oscillates or 'fights' the driver's corrections.
When: Occurs during normal driving, especially noticeable on flat, calm-weather roads. One instance occurred while passing another vehicle at 70 MPH.
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel oscillates or pulses slightly back and forth; Steering makes impulses as if fighting the driver's input; Steering wheel 'locks' itself in one direction during a turn and won't return to center; Vehicle makes unwanted steering corrections; Owner feels electrical impulses in the steering; Occurs even in calm weather on flat surfaces; Becomes worse with a trailer attached
Repairs/costs cited: One owner suspects the EPAS (electric power assist steering) and drift control algorithm is malfunctioning. Dealership acknowledged electrical steering issue but offered no fix. One Ford technical representative confirmed complaint but blamed tires/wheels.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Ford has stated this is normal behavior and refused to correct the algorithm. One technical representative told owner to 'keep your hands on the wheel and the truck will go straight.'
Steering system failure during auto stop/start at highway speeds while towing
Auto stop/start feature activates unexpectedly while driving at highway speeds, especially while towing a boat or trailer. Engine shuts down, power steering is lost, and error message 'Auto Start/Stop Shift to P, Then Restart Engine' appears.
When: Occurred 8+ times for one owner; at 75 MPH while towing; on highways during active driving
Symptoms owners cite: Engine suddenly shuts down at 75 MPH while towing; Power steering lost (no steering control); Error message: 'Auto Start/Stop Shift to P, Then Restart Engine' displayed; Error message appears while vehicle still in Drive (not Park); Driver forced to coast to safety shoulder or median; Vehicle sometimes won't restart immediately after shutdown; Happens multiple times in single trip
Codes mentioned: Auto Start/Stop Shift to P, Then Restart Engine
Repairs/costs cited: Disabling auto stop/start manually seemed to stop the issue, but feature cannot be permanently disabled without reset each startup. Ford dealership stated no known fix and issue not known. PM module was later flashed (for emissions recall), but unclear if it resolved towing issue.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Ford dealership had no fix and claimed issue not known, despite multiple forum reports from other F-150 owners.
Steering gear failure and replacement ineffectiveness
Steering gear fails or is suspected to have failed, often requiring replacement. However, even after replacement, the steering problems persist.
When: One owner's steering gear broke near gearbox at 68,000 miles. Another had steering gear replaced at 2,900 miles but problems continued. Some early in ownership.
Symptoms owners cite: Steering gear assembly broken; Vehicle risks losing steering at any time (per service advisor); Pulling and wandering persist even after gear replacement; No warning lights or codes; One rack and pinion locked up while turning, forcing vehicle into oncoming traffic
Repairs/costs cited: Steering gear replaced in multiple cases. One replacement was on national backorder through Ford. In several cases, replacement did not fix the pulling and wandering problem. One vehicle waiting for backordered steering gear assembly with no timeline.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Not covered under warranty in at least one case (68k miles). Manufacturer referred owner to NHTSA in some instances.
Steering wheel horn button cracking and airbag module issues
Steering wheel horn button (airbag module cover) cracks repeatedly. In some cases, liquid appears to leak from cracks, and horn becomes intermittent.
When: Second occurrence within a few years of ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Horn button/airbag module cover cracked; Liquid leaks slightly from cracks; Horn does not always work when pressed; Repeated cracking (second incident)
Repairs/costs cited: First repair was done under warranty. Second occurrence deemed not under warranty by dealer (King's Ford). Dealer refused to help on second repair despite earlier warranty coverage.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer stated not covered under warranty for second occurrence.
Steering wheel looseness and bearing fracture
Steering wheel becomes loose while driving. Diagnostic investigation revealed plastic bearing behind the airbag in the steering column had fractured.
When: At 60,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Abnormal clicking sound from steering wheel; Steering wheel becomes loose while driving at various speeds; No warning light illuminated
Repairs/costs cited: Independent mechanic identified plastic bearing behind airbag as fractured and needing replacement. Not yet repaired as of complaint date.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified and referred owner to NHTSA Hotline for assistance. No repair assistance offered.
Synthesized from 80 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 1 most recent
While driving at generally any speed from 8mph up to 70mph the electronic steering wheel will pull in either direction, I have brought this truck into a certified Ford dealership and they said everything they checked out was okay with said truck. This is not okay as it almost pulled me into the ditch while turning a corner. Other then that incident this erratic steering situation arises anytime I…
Had steering trouble with your 2018 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 2018 Ford F-150?
It's a meaningful issue. 80 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $700.
At what mileage does the steering typically fail?
Across the 45 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most steering failures cluster between 10,000 and 39,000 miles, with the median around 17,459. A quarter of owners report trouble before 10,000; a quarter make it past 39,000. 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/2018/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.