Free. Instant. No signup. Pulls recalls and complaints for your exact vehicle.
Couldn't find that VIN. Check the digits and try again.
moderate Owners of the 2021 Ford F-150 have filed 36 NHTSA complaints about the steering, typically surfacing around 56,000 miles at roughly $700 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See steering across all vehicles →
| Model year | steering complaints |
|---|---|
| 2017 F-150 | 49 |
| 2018 F-150 | 80 |
| 2019 F-150 | 16 |
| 2020 F-150 | 6 |
| 2021 F-150 (this page) | 36 |
Loss of steering control can increase the risk of a crash.
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 2021-2023 F-150 vehicles may exhibit diagnostic trouble code (DTC) U023A:08 in the steering column control module (SCCM) after reprogramming the SCCM with no customer symptoms present. If the vehicles automatic high beam operation is fully functional, this DTC does not affect vehicle operation, and no additional diagnosis or service is required for this condition. Replacement or reprogramming of the SCCM or image processing module A (IPMA) will not resolve this condition. To validate that the automatic high beam system is fully operational, cover the light sensor located in the middle of the dashboard to activate the automatic low beam headlamps. Push the steering wheel multifunction s
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Software Update SU6 P2 for 2021-2023 F-150 vehicles is now available. Quality Improvements include: -Robustness actions to improve steering column control module signal management to reduce battery drain contribution. - Improvement in automatic rain sensor function.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Some 2021 F-150 vehicles may exhibit a lack of steering assist upon start-up along with a Steering Assist Fault message in the instrument panel cluster (IPC) with DTC U3001:68 and/or U3001:89 along with U3000:96 in the power steering control module (PSCM). This may be due to low battery voltage when attempting to start the vehicle. Power steering assist will be restored when battery voltage is at or above 12 volts and the DTCs are cleared. Replacement of the PSCM is not necessary. Flash the PSCM to the latest software level and clear the DTCs afterwards. Once cleared, cycle the ignition to verify normal system operation. If the DTCs return, refer to Workshop Manual Section 211-02 for normal
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Some 2021-2023 F-150 vehicles may experience a lack of steering assist upon start-up along with a Steering Assist Fault message in the instrument panel cluster (IPC) with diagnostic trouble codes (DTC) U3001:89 and U3000:96 in the power steering control module (PSCM). This may be due to low voltage at the PSCM. Power steering assist will be restored when sufficient voltage is supplied. To clear the DTCs using the Ford Diagnosis and Repair System (FDRS), select and run the PSCM - Reset the Power Steering Control Module (PSCM) application. Once cleared, cycle the ignition to verify normal system operation. If the DTCs return, refer to Workshop Manual Section 211-02 for normal diagnostics. For
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Some 2021-2022 Mustang Mach-E and F-150 vehicles may exhibit a Reverse Brake Assist Unavailable message after module programming has been completed. This may be due to a network interruption from programming or configuring modules, which can cause steering center find to be reset. When the steering center find is reset, this causes various features to become disabled. The steering center find can be relearned by driving the vehicle approximately 5 minutes above 18 mph (30 km/h) straight ahead on a flat surface with no steering inputs for a few seconds. When steering center is found the Reverse Brake Assist Unavailable message will go away.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
Owners report two main classes of steering failures on the 2021 F-150. First, the power steering control module (PSCM) fails without warning, cutting off electric power assist and leaving the steering wheel extremely stiff—sometimes at highway speeds. These failures are intermittent at first (restarting the truck briefly restores steering), but eventually become permanent. Owners as young as 5,300 miles are stuck with unrepaired trucks because Ford has the PSCM on extended backorder (months to six-plus months).
Second, the steering gear itself fails internally or seizes when the truck is parked, especially in cold weather. One owner drove through a six-inch puddle and lost steering—the mechanic traced it to poorly sealed wiring harnesses allowing water into the steering system. Repairs run $1,900 or more.
A third problem: bolts on the steering column shifter came loose and fell out during normal driving. Additionally, some owners report the steering wheel catches mid-turn and won't auto-center, requiring full restart or physical force to complete the maneuver.
Most severe: multiple owners lost power steering at highway speeds (30 MPH to 58 MPH), with one nearly crossing into oncoming traffic when steering assist cut out. Dealers often cannot reproduce the failures or fix them even after software updates and battery replacements. Recall 21V407000 exists but doesn't cover all VINs by manufacture date.
Same Ford F-150 steering reports on nearby years: 2018 · 2019
The power steering control module fails, cutting off electric power steering assist. Owners report loss of steering function, multiple error messages ('Steering Assist Fault - Service Required'), and difficulty steering without power assist.
When: Ranges from 5,300 to 91,000 miles; some failures occurred within weeks of purchase
Symptoms owners cite: Complete loss of power steering assist; Steering wheel becomes extremely stiff and hard to turn; "Steering Assist Fault - Service Required" or "Steering Assist Fault Detected" messages; Multiple dashboard error messages appearing simultaneously (pre-collision assist, advanced traction control, ABS, TPMS warnings); Intermittent failures clearing temporarily after vehicle restart; Failure recurs after restart or during subsequent driving
Codes mentioned: Steering Assist Fault message, PSCM failure (Power Steering Control Module)
Repairs/costs cited: PSCM replacement required; parts on extended backorder (6 months or longer reported). Owners unable to obtain parts for 60+ days. Some vehicles have remained unrepaired at dealerships.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 21V407000 issued for some 2021 F-150 models but does not cover all VINs due to manufacture date restrictions. Ford customer service unable to provide part availability timelines. Parts unavailability exceeds reasonable timeframe per owners.
The power steering gear or rack fails internally or due to water intrusion, requiring replacement. Failures occur at relatively low mileage with normal vehicle use.
When: 19,888 to 84,000 miles; one instance at 38,008 miles within months of purchase
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel seized or extremely stiff when parked (especially in cold/low-temperature conditions); Loss of power steering while driving; Steering becomes very hard to steer mid-turn; "Steering Assist Fault" messages appear while turning; Clicking or grinding sounds when turning; Steering wheel catches when turning left and does not return to center without driver intervention
Codes mentioned: Steering gear assembly failure, Internal steering gear failure, Electric steering fault message
Repairs/costs cited: Steering gear/rack replacement cost approximately $1,900 to $2,000+. Some dealers unable to repair or recommend full rack and pinion replacement. Water intrusion noted as cause in at least one case due to poorly sealed wiring harness hanging lower than appropriate.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 21V407000 (Steering) applies to some vehicles; VIN restrictions apply. One owner noted parts unavailable for recall repair.
Two bolts securing the steering column gear shifter under the dust cover came loose and fell out during normal operation, causing a loose feeling in the shifter.
When: Early 2025, discovered during vacation driving
Symptoms owners cite: Loose feeling when shifting gears; Shifter moves with increased play; No difficulty getting into proper gears despite looseness
Repairs/costs cited: Two bolts (part W790628S900) required replacement. Owner sourced and installed replacement bolts themselves. Owner speculates both bolts came loose during early 2025 and vacation trip without owner responsibility.
Steering wheel catches and does not return to center during turns, or becomes completely seized, requiring driver intervention or vehicle restart to restore steering.
When: First few thousand miles of ownership; one case at 19,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel catches when turning left of center; Steering wheel does not auto-return to center; Complete steering wheel seizure while attempting to turn; Regular recurrence of freezing when attempting sharp turns (almost full steering lock); Issue occurs at higher speeds (excess of 50 MPH) and lower speeds (parking lot maneuvers)
Codes mentioned: Steering Assist Fault Detected message, Power steering warning light illuminated
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers unable to reproduce failures; no repairs performed in reported cases. One owner reported intermittent issue with no secondary inspection.
Water enters the steering system wiring and components through poorly sealed harnesses, causing power steering rack failure after driving through shallow water.
When: Failure occurred after driving through shallow puddle (less than 6 inches deep)
Symptoms owners cite: Complete loss of power steering after driving through shallow water; Power steering rack failure
Repairs/costs cited: Steering rack replacement cost over $1,900. Mechanic identified cause as inadequate sealing of wiring harness under truck, allowing water ingress.
Multiple steering-related electrical faults and intermittent messages appear, sometimes accompanied by other system failures. Software updates and battery replacement have not resolved recurring issues.
When: 19,888 miles; other instances at various mileages within 91,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Multiple simultaneous error messages (steering assist fault, pre-collision assist not available, advanced traction control, seatbelt restraint light, ABS, TPMS faults); Steering wheel vibration with fault message during turns; Loss of steering assist intermittently; Faults clear temporarily after vehicle restart but recur
Codes mentioned: Steering Assist Fault - Service Required, Pre-collision assist warnings, Advanced traction control warnings
Repairs/costs cited: Software updates attempted by dealerships; battery replacement attempted. PSCM and steering gear replacement diagnosed as necessary but not completed in one case.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Engineering team involvement documented in at least one case where repair remained unsuccessful after 30+ days of dealer work.
Power steering assist randomly disables or becomes unavailable during specific driving conditions (turning, reversing, low-speed maneuvers), forcing manual steering without power assistance.
When: Various mileages; one case reported at 34,000 miles and another at 16,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Power steering assist randomly stops working; Steering becomes difficult at low speeds or during parking lot maneuvers; Fault message clears temporarily with restart but recurs; Occurs mainly when backing up or after backing up before moving forward; Occurs when crossing railroad tracks or at lower speeds during sharp/parking lot turns
Codes mentioned: Power Steering Assist Fault light, Steering Assist Fault message
Repairs/costs cited: Repair shops recommend new rack and pinion, noting this as a very common Ford issue. One vehicle had fault that would not clear on final occurrence.
Complete or near-complete loss of steering power steering assist occurs while driving at highway speeds, creating dangerous conditions and risk of loss of vehicle control.
When: At 30,000 miles (first occurrence); at 58,000 miles (another occurrence); at unspecified speeds/mileages in other cases
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden loss of power steering while driving straight (not turning); Multiple error messages appearing on dash; Vehicle drifts to right due to lost steering control; Steering wheel becomes extremely hard to turn; Loss of all power steering functionality; Driver forced to use only physical strength to steer vehicle
Codes mentioned: Steering Assist Fault message, Power steering failure codes
Repairs/costs cited: In one case, driver had to use physical strength to steer to dealer (approximately 15 MPH in parking lot scenario). One vehicle required placement in 4-wheel-drive mode to continue driving.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: One case referenced NHTSA Recall 23V896000 (Power Train); part unavailable for repair and manufacturer exceeded reasonable timeframe. Case was referred to NHTSA Hotline.
Synthesized from 36 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 36 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $700 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
Across the 11 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most steering failures cluster between 19,888 and 84,000 miles, with the median around 56,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 19,888; a quarter make it past 84,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
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.
Yes — 1 active recall(s) cover steering issues on this vehicle. Recall fixes are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status. Use the VIN decoder at the top of the page to check if your specific vehicle is affected.