Some 2020-2022 Transit, 2022 E-Transit vehicles built on or before 26-Apr-2022 may exhibit a lack of power steering assist at initial vehicle start-up with diagnostic trouble code (DTC) C102D:00 stored in the power steering control module (PSCM). This may be due to the PSCM software. To correct this condition, update the PSCM to the latest software level using the latest version of Ford Diagnosis and Repair System (FDRS) tool. If the DTC C102D:00 returns, continue with diagnostics and repair direction from Workshop Manual, Section 211-02. For claiming, use causal part 3504 and applicable labor operations in Sections 10 of the Service Labor Time Standards (SLTS) Manual.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2020 Ford Transit steering problems
moderate 6 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $700 · see steering across all vehicles →
Complaints
6
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$700
When does it fail?
Of the 6 steering complaints filed for the 2020 Ford Transit, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 0-25,000 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
Among the 5 model years of Ford Transit in our records for steering problems, this one ranks #3 by owner-complaint volume.
No new NHTSA steering complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 5 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.
Some 2020-2021 Transit vehicles built on 12-Aug-2019 and through 1-Sep-2021 may exhibit a lack of power steering assist on initial engine start-up with diagnostic trouble code (DTC) U3000:49 stored in the power steering control module (PSCM). This may be due to the PSCM software. To correct this condition, use the appropriate Ford diagnostic scan tool to update the PSCM to the latest software level. If DTC U3000:49 returns, continue with diagnostics and repair direction using Workshop Manual, Section 211-02. For claiming, use causal part 3504 and applicable labor operations in Sections 03 and 10 of the Service Labor Time Standards (SLTS) Manual.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Some 2020 Transit vehicles built on 12-Aug-2019 and through 17-Jul-2020 may exhibit a lack of power steering assist on initial engine start-up with DTC U2016:47 stored in the power steering control module (PSCM). If the DTC is present, verify the current software level using the appropriate Ford diagnostic scan tool by opening log viewer for the PSCM and reading the part number listed next to "(PSCM)_FILENAME =". If the current software level is KK21-14D003-AF, update to the latest software level. If DTC U2016:47 returns, continue with diagnostics and repair direction from Workshop Manual, Section 211-02. For claiming, use causal part 3504 and applicable labor operations in Sections 03 and 1
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗SSM 48652 - 2020 Transit - Lack Of Power Steering Assist On Initial Engine Start-Up With Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) U2016:47 - Built On Or After 12-Aug-2019 Some 2020 Transit vehicles built on or after 12-Aug-2019 may exhibit a lack of power steering assist on initial engine start-up with DTC U2016:47 stored in the power steering control module (PCSM). If the DTC is present, before performing Workshop Manual (WSM) diagnostics, reprogram the PCSM with the latest software level of the appropriate Ford diagnostic scan tool. If DTC U2016:47 returns, continue with diagnostics and repair direction from WSM, Section 211-02. For claiming, use causal part 3504 and applicable labor operations in Se
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
What owners are reporting 4 most recent
Since purchasing the van, the steering wheel has occasionally felt sluggish and heavier to turn at certain times than others. The final time it was nearly impossible to turn and felt almost locked, which is obviously a huge safety issue. This has occurred while starting the engine at random times and impedes driving and overall safety as it seems to come and go as an issue. This has occurred both…
Upon starting the vehicle in the driveway a steering assist warning showed in the vehicle information area. It was stationary. The power steering did not function and the steering wheel was extremely difficult to turn. Next day started vehicle without steering assist warning appearing and the power steering was apparently working again. Moved vehicle to the street so it can more easily be driven…
In march 2024 my vehicle unexpectedly cutoff on [XXX] heading into wash. Dc. Called a tow to my mechanic and had the alternator and battery replaced. Mechanic noticed that the vehicles battery light remained and investigated further. After amonth in the shop we observed that components were utilizing battery power when the system should be off. We heard mechanical diagnostic sounds, and the…
While riding through a Walmart parking lot the power steering went out. I managed to manuever to a nearby Ford service station. While there awaiting service I read online that this make and model looses power steering. The Blog suggested turning off the vehicle and restarting it. I went back to my vehicle and started it and the power steering had returned. I was 5.5 hours away from home but when…
Had steering trouble with your 2020 Ford Transit?
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 2020 Ford Transit?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 6 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?
Based on the 6 complaints filed, steering issues most often appear around 23,814 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/2020/Ford/Transit.
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.