I've had plenty of Ford in the bay over the years, and the steering complaints on these don't surprise me. 12,991 on the NHTSA record across 231 model-year entries (2005–2025) is not a fluke. The complaints are spread across the lineup — no single model is doing all the work. That tells you it's an engineering or supplier pattern, not a one-off bad year. 7 fatality reports on file with NHTSA tied to this category on Ford vehicles. That elevates this from nuisance to safety-critical. Average shop fix runs about $700 — not catastrophic, but it adds up over time. Across the 8,184 complaints reporting odometer mileage, the median failure lands at about 73,826 miles. Steering does not have a graceful failure mode. Take any "unintended movement" complaints seriously and check for open recalls on the EPS module.
Ford steering problems
12,991 owner complaints filed with NHTSA against Ford vehicles for steering issues. 16 active recall campaigns. See steering across all makes →
Worst-affected Ford model-years for steering Top 25 by complaint volume
Active recalls — Ford steering 12 on file
Ford is recalling certain model year 2013 Fusion vehicles manufactured April 19, 2013, through April 23, 2013
This could result in impaired steering, including the loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2013-2016 Ford Fusion and Lincoln MKZ, 2015-2016 Ford Edge, and 2016 Lincoln MKX vehicles originally sold, or currently registered in Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, and Wisconsin
If the bolts corrode, the steering gear motor may detach from the gear housing resulting in a loss of power steering assist, requiring a greater steering effort, especially at lower speeds, and increasing the risk of a crash.
Ford is recalling certain model year 2005-2011 Ford Crown Victoria (including Crown Victoria Police Interceptors), Mercury Grand Marquis, and Lincoln Town Car vehicles
If the lower bearing separates, the vehicle may experience a loss of steering, increasing the risk of a crash.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021 F-150 vehicles
Loss of steering control can increase the risk of a crash.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2011-2013 Ford Explorer vehicles manufactured May 17, 2010, through February 28, 2012
If the vehicle experiences a loss of power steering assist it will require extra steering effort at lower speeds, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2008-2011 Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner vehicles manufactured August 18, 2006, through September 11, 2010
If power steering assist is lost, greater driver effort would be required to steer the vehicle at low speeds, increasing the risk of a crash.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2017 Explorer, Taurus and Police Interceptor Utility and Sedan vehicles
If the heat shield detaches, the steering gear may overheat, increasing the steering effort required by the driver, especially at lower speeds, and increasing the risk of a crash.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2022-2023 Ford Mustang vehicles
A steering wheel that turns unintentionally can cause a loss of vehicle control and increase the risk of a crash.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2013-2015 Ford Fusion and Lincoln MKZ vehicles manufactured February 3, 2012, to March 20, 2015, and 2015 Ford Edge vehicles manufactured February 26, 2015, to February 28, 2015, and originally sold, or currently registered in, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, Wisconsin and the District of Columbia
If the bolts corrode, the steering gear motor may detach from the gear housing resulting in a loss of power steering assist. Loss of power steering assist would require a higher steering effort, especially at lower speeds, which may increase the risk of a crash.
On certain sport utility vehicles, the two bolts that attach the steering gear assembly to the frame may have been over-tightened
This condition could cause "clunking" noise when steering as well as decreased steering effectiveness potentially resulting in a crash.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2014 Focus and C-Max vehicles manufactured August 8, 2014, to August 15, 2014
The incorrectly manufactured steering gears may cause impaired steering, including the loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Transit vehicles equipped with a Transit Trail package
A loss of power steering assist can increase the risk of a crash.
Common questions
How many Ford steering complaints are on file with NHTSA?
12,991 complaints across 231 model-year entries from 2005 to 2025. 16 active recall campaigns cover steering issues across the Ford lineup.
Which Ford model has the most steering complaints?
The 2009 Ford Escape leads with 824 complaints in this category. Next: 2019 F-250 (768) and 2011 Explorer (735).
What does it cost to fix Ford steering problems?
Independent shops average $700 for steering repairs across the Ford lineup. Dealer pricing tends to run twenty to forty percent higher. Specific cost depends on the failure mode and parts availability.
Are there Ford steering recalls?
Yes — 12 active recall campaigns cover steering on Ford vehicles. Recall fixes are free regardless of mileage or warranty status. The list below shows current campaigns with their NHTSA numbers.