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 ↗2019 Ford F-150 steering problems
severe 16 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $700 · see steering across all vehicles →
Complaints
16
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$700
1crash
1injury
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.
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 ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners of 2019 F-150s report a range of steering-related failures. The most serious involve complete loss of steering function: one owner's son experienced complete steering failure at 25-35 MPH that sent the truck over a curb into mailboxes; another reported the vehicle shaking uncontrollably at 60 MPH while towing a trailer, causing a spin-out. One owner described a steering wheel nut coming loose, creating excessive play at 68,000 miles.
Multiple owners report steering column problems requiring full replacement, some with associated warnings about AdvanceTrac, pre-collision assist, and hill assist systems. One column failure occurred within 2 months of purchase. Vibration is common—owners describe harmonic steering vibration above 40 MPH, high-amplitude shaking at 50-70 MPH, and steering that "jumps" during turns. In one case, ring and pinion gear replacement, wheel balancing, and complete wheel-and-tire replacement all failed to cure the vibration.
Other failures include a tie rod breaking mid-drive with no warning lights, steering that forces the vehicle toward oncoming traffic after multiple system faults, and repeated false "keep hands on wheel" warnings while both hands are engaged. The airbag horn pad seal splits from normal horn pressure. Separately, several owners report engine stalling with complete loss of steering and braking power.
Same Ford F-150 steering reports on nearby years: 2017 · 2018 · 2021
Failure modes owners describe
Sudden loss of steering function
Steering becomes completely unresponsive or inoperable while driving, forcing the vehicle off course with no warning. Owners reported the vehicle veering uncontrollably, requiring immediate loss-of-control recovery maneuvers.
When: At speeds of 25-35 MPH and 60 MPH; one case at unknown mileage (58,814 mi), another unspecified
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle veered to the right; Steering inoperable; No warning lights; Vehicle left the road
Repairs/costs cited: One vehicle deemed total loss by insurance; dealer stated no recall coverage available. Another case: vehicle diagnosed but results not provided to owner.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign 14V316000 cited; manufacturer referred owner to NHTSA hotline. No recalls mentioned for this specific failure mode.
Steering wheel looseness at shaft
Steering wheel nut becomes loose, causing excessive play and loss of steering control feel. Owner who is an independent mechanic took apart the wheel and found the fastener unsecured.
When: Approximately 68,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel significantly loosened; Play in wheel assembly
Repairs/costs cited: Owner tightened the steering wheel nut to specification. No dealership involvement.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified; referred owner to NHTSA hotline. No recall or service bulletin mentioned.
Steering self-corrects or forces vehicle off-course
Steering actively steers the vehicle to the left (toward oncoming traffic) without driver input, particularly after multiple vehicle systems report faults. Occurs randomly during normal highway driving.
When: Unknown mileage; intermittent condition
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wants to force car into oncoming traffic to the left; Cruise control offline; Anti-collision system offline; Blind-spot monitoring offline; AdvanceTrac offline; Random system faults
Repairs/costs cited: None; dealer unable to find any indication of issues despite FordPass alerts sent to owner
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall or service bulletin mentioned; dealer could not diagnose despite multiple system alerts
High-amplitude steering vibration
Steering wheel exhibits noticeable vibration at highway speeds (50–70 MPH and above 40 MPH), ranging from harmonic vibration to violent shaking. Multiple diagnostic and replacement attempts failed to resolve the issue.
When: At 4,200 miles; intermittent at various speeds above 40 MPH
Symptoms owners cite: High amplitude vibration at various speeds; Most noticeable 50–70 MPH; Harmonic vibration above 40 MPH; Vehicle shook uncontrollably at 60 MPH; Steering wheel vibration during turns
Repairs/costs cited: Ring and pinion gears replaced at 4,200 miles with no improvement; wheels and tires balanced via RoadForce and checked for runout without success; wheels and tires replaced entirely without resolution
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall or service bulletin mentioned
Steering column failure requiring replacement
Steering column develops electrical or mechanical faults necessitating complete column replacement. Associated with warning lights for AdvanceTrac, pre-collision assist, and hill assist. One case noted 'jumping' sensation during turns.
When: Less than 82,000 miles; approximately 2 months after purchase in one case
Symptoms owners cite: Service AdvanceTrac warning; Pre-collision assist not available; Hill assist not available; Drive mode will not work; Brake lights on continuously; Steering 'jumps' upon turning
Repairs/costs cited: Steering column replacement ordered (5-day lead time noted); dealer diagnosed but did not provide diagnostic codes
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall or service bulletin mentioned
Airbag horn pad seal splitting
Airbag perforated seal on the horn pad ruptures repeatedly from normal or light horn pressure, creating a safety concern about airbag integrity and reliability.
When: Shortly after purchase; two occurrences within brief ownership period
Symptoms owners cite: Perforated seal splits when horn is honked; Occurs with normal and light to medium horn pressure; Airbag cover detaches; Doubt about airbag deployment integrity
Repairs/costs cited: First split repaired; second split required another scheduled repair appointment
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall or service bulletin mentioned
Steering wheel false 'hands on wheel' warnings
Driver-assist system generates repeated false alerts demanding hands on the steering wheel while driving straight, even when both hands are firmly on the wheel. The warnings occur frequently on straightaways at speeds above 40 MPH.
When: Intermittent; occurs on straightaways above 40 MPH
Symptoms owners cite: Message and alarm: 'Keep your hands on the steering wheel'; Occurs on nearly every straightaway; Occurs while both hands are on the wheel; Causes driver distraction
Repairs/costs cited: Visited dealership three times without resolution
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Ford Technical Support acknowledged the issue but stated they are not addressing it
Tie rod structural failure
Tie rod breaks while driving, causing the front suspension to collapse. The failure resulted in loss of vehicle control and structural damage to the suspension system.
When: Unknown mileage; during normal driving
Symptoms owners cite: Tie rod breakage; Suspension collapse; Significant suspension damage; No warning lights
Repairs/costs cited: Damage confirmed by dealer and insurance representative inspection
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall or service bulletin mentioned
Engine stalling with loss of all power
Engine cuts out completely while driving or fails to start, resulting in simultaneous loss of steering, braking, and all electrical power. Owner describes behavior similar to a dead battery despite battery testing normal. Occurs without warning during normal driving and at traffic lights.
When: Unknown mileage; intermittent stalling events; vehicle at dealership 45+ consecutive days for diagnosis
Symptoms owners cite: Engine shuts off while driving; Engine won't start when needed; Acts like dead battery despite battery being normal; Loss of power steering; Loss of power braking; Loss of all power when stalling occurs
Repairs/costs cited: Unresolved after 45+ days at dealership; no repair details provided
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall or service bulletin mentioned
Synthesized from 16 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 0 most recent
Had steering trouble with your 2019 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 2019 Ford F-150?
It's a meaningful issue. 16 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $700.
At what mileage does the steering typically fail?
Based on the 16 complaints filed, steering issues most often appear around 29,852 miles. Some report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 with no symptoms. Maintenance habits matter — vehicles that received timely fluid services and were not regularly overworked tend to last longer.
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/2019/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.