2016 Ford F-150 Steering Problems

My 2016 Ford F-150 is currently subject to Recall 26S28 / NHTSA Recall 26V237. Prior to the recall remedy becoming available, the vehicle began experiencing erratic transmission shifting and illuminated the check engine light, wrench symbol, and codes P0720 and P0722 were present. I brought the vehicle to an authorized Ford dealership for diagnosis. The dealership documented that the vehicle was experiencing erratic shifting and was considered not drivable. The technician determined that the erratic shifting condition was related to DTCs P0720 and P0722 and recommended replacement of the transmission lead frame/conductor plate. The technician also noted the need for additional diagnostics involving the Output Speed Sensor (OSS) circuit within the transmission. The vehicle remains available for inspection at the dealership. This condition created a safety concern because the transmission was shifting erratically and the vehicle could not be relied upon for normal operation. Unpredictable transmission behavior creates a risk during acceleration, merging, highway travel, and other driving situations where consistent vehicle response is required. At the time, I was preparing for a cross-country military PCS move and did not believe the vehicle was safe or reliable to drive long distance. The problem was confirmed by an authorized Ford dealership who documented the condition, diagnostic codes, and repair recommendation. The findings were provided to Ford Motor Company through Corporate Case Number CXH-08096574-L9M6T4. Ford representatives advised that the Automotive Safety Office was notified regarding the technician findings and the open recall. My concern is that the vehicle developed transmission-related symptoms involving P0720, P0722, erratic shifting, and a recommended lead frame/conductor plate replacement while subject to an active safety recall affecting related transmission systems. Ford has stated that the recall remedy is not available until July 2026.

NHTSA ID

11742178

Incident

May 22, 2026

The contact owns a 2016 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel seized, and the vehicle lost the power steering assist feature. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who replaced the electric power-assisted steering (EPAS) system. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 81,000.

NHTSA ID

11729633

Incident

Mar 16, 2026

Mileage

81,000 mi

Our 2016 Ford F-150 experienced a sudden, forceful, uncommanded lane deviation while traveling at highway speed. Without warning or driver input, the vehicle abruptly jolted into the left lane. The steering was corrected and returned to our lane, but shortly afterward the truck again forcefully veered left. The movement felt comparable to being struck by another vehicle. There was no oncoming traffic at the time; however, had there been oncoming traffic, this would have resulted in a head-on collision. Weather conditions were calm, roads were dry, and visibility was clear. Prior to this incident, the vehicle exhibited no warning signs, including no pulling, steering issues, warning lights, or diagnostic codes. We immediately pulled over and had the vehicle towed to a mechanic who inspected the truck but could not replicate the issue. Although the vehicle was later driven approximately 120 miles home and short distances locally without recurrence, we believe it remains unsafe due to the unpredictable nature of this failure. A vehicle should never abruptly and forcefully change lanes without driver input. We have also experienced ongoing issues with the key becoming stuck in the ignition and intermittent starting problems, raising concerns about potential electrical or mechanical defects. This incident involved two uncommanded lane deviations under normal driving conditions with no identified cause or warnings. Due to the risk of serious injury or fatal collision, this remains an unresolved safety concern requiring investigation. We are requesting that NHTSA review this complaint, evaluate whether similar incidents indicate a pattern or defect involving the steering, transmission, or electronic control systems in the 2016 Ford F-150, and take appropriate action to protect public safety. Once we receive the NHTSA complaint number, we will also be submitting a formal complaint to Ford Motor Company requesting a thorough investigation and resolution.

NHTSA ID

11716506

Incident

Nov 21, 2025

While driving vehicle between approximately 30-50mph and making a slight turn left or right and lane changes, vehicle steering would stick. Power steering would get stuck and driver would have to manually correct the steering wheel in the opposite direction after lane changes or slight turn to prevent further veering off of the vehicle. Only occurs when vehicle speed is approximately 30-50mph.

NHTSA ID

11716355

Incident

Feb 1, 2025

All push button controls on steering wheel are not functioning. Appears the Steering Wheel Clock Spring is going bad. Which in turn affects airbag, steering, cruise control ect.

NHTSA ID

11699449

Incident

Oct 1, 2024

Steering is binding during turning. Very scary. Beginning at startup and continuing while driving.

NHTSA ID

11688514

Incident

Sep 12, 2025

While driving today, my Ford F150 manual light came on while I was driving and then break assistance. Light came on, and it told me to check the brake system. And immediately immediately the truck slammed on the brakes while driving. I almost wrecked with my [XXX] daughter who is [XXX] in the vehicle. This needs to be fixed ASAP. This is very dangerous and could’ve been a lot worse this morning. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11681248

Incident

Aug 18, 2025

The contact owns a 2016 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the power steering assist became inoperable. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that an independent mechanic was contacted. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed, and it was determined that the steering rack and pinion needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance and transferred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 225,000.

NHTSA ID

11675168

Incident

Apr 15, 2025

Mileage

225,000 mi

Driving out of town for a trip and out of nowhere at“Steering Assist Fail” alert hill decent alert

NHTSA ID

11654200

Incident

Apr 10, 2025

I’m a single mother driving a 2016 Ford F-150, my only vehicle, while transporting small children daily. I’ve been experiencing sudden, violent shaking and unexpected downshifting while driving, especially at highway speeds. On more than one occasion, it has felt like the rear wheels try to lock, causing the entire truck to jolt and decelerate rapidly, putting my safety and the safety of my children at serious risk. I’ve taken the truck to the dealership and multiple independent mechanics, but no one can diagnose the issue because no error codes appear related to the transmission or shifting. The only code that comes up is for a faulty catalytic converter, but both catalytic converters have already been replaced. The dealership confirmed that the check engine light keeps coming on anyway, even though there’s no actual issue with the new parts. They said it’s as if the system is being triggered by something else, but they don’t know what. I was relieved to learn that NHTSA is investigating this exact issue in 2015–2017 F-150 models, because what I’m experiencing matches it exactly. I depend on this truck for everything, school drop-offs, groceries, and survival, and I have no backup vehicle. I am asking NHTSA to prioritize this investigation and take action. This is not just a transmission defect, it’s a public safety threat, and families like mine are being forced to drive dangerous vehicles simply because there’s no help yet. Please step in and hold Ford accountable before someone gets seriously hurt.

NHTSA ID

11653978

Incident

Feb 1, 2023

The contact owns a 2016 Ford F-150. The contact stated while driving at slow speeds on several occasions, while making left or right turns, the steering wheel was shaking abnormally. The contact stated that the “Steering assist fault - Service Required" and "Traction - Steering Assist Failure” message was displayed on several occasions. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it diagnosed and determined that the steering rack and module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact linked the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V340000 (Steering). The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 103,000.

NHTSA ID

11635327

Incident

Jan 6, 2025

Mileage

103,000 mi

During highway driving at speeds of 70 mph the steering stiffens and while driving through curves I have to over correct because the steering wheel jerks to the left/right. On 9/12/24 while driving home from work at speeds of 35 mph the steering duplicated the issue and the Advance Trac service light came on along with Hill Assist disabled. This is a major safety concern. Furthermore this is the second F150 that I have experienced this issue. The first F150 was 2011 FX4 and had to spend $2800 to replace the steering rack. I would assume that Ford would be recalling this for potentially dangerous situation. My current truck is going to a Ford dealer tonight for diagnoses.

NHTSA ID

11614392

Incident

Sep 12, 2024

While driving after making a right turn steering wheel started whining then a loud popping noise then steering wheel starts jerking back and forth then locks on me without any warning lights coming on. I was going over 15 miles with cars behind me. Put on breaks to come to a complete stop and put the truck in park because the steering wheel had locked. Terrified!!! After turning the truck off and back on that’s when the light comes on about faulty steering. Thank God no one ran into the back of me.

NHTSA ID

11596870

Incident

May 8, 2024

The contact owns a 2016 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while her husband was driving approximately 70 MPH, the steering wheel almost seized, and was difficult to turn to the left or the right. The contact stated that her husband was not aware of any warning lights being illuminated. The contact stated that her husband pulled over and turned off and restarted the vehicle; however, the power steering functionality had not returned. The contact stated that the vehicle was towed to a dealer. The dealer diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the electrical steering assist had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.

NHTSA ID

11591591

Incident

May 24, 2024

Mileage

50,000 mi

I was driving and when I was making a right turn I hear one loud pop noise then a whining sound then the steering wheel jerked back and forth a couple of times out of my control and lock on me. Terrifying! Glad no one hit me from behind or me hitting someone or something. After I rolled into a parking lot, then all these lights started popping up on the dash saying steering default and etc. I turned the truck off and back on I can only move the truck forward and backwards because the steering wheel had locked and I could not turn left or right. I had the truck towed home. I’ve made an appointment with the Ford dealership but it’s not until [XXX], 2024 at [XXX] in Chattanooga, Tennessee. My number is [XXX] or [XXX] . INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11587821

Incident

May 7, 2024

I was driving home on the 4 lane from baseball practice and my power steering went out all of the sudden and now I have to fight to get it to turn. I took it to the Ford dealership I bought the truck at and they said the steering rack had went out and I needed a new one. That's a $3000 repair and I feel that a truck in that year model under 150,000 miles should lose power steering

NHTSA ID

11573322

Incident

Jan 25, 2024

Check engine light just came on. Before that engine would shutter then stall. No steering and brakes could end up poorly. Think this is a safety hazard

NHTSA ID

11571399

Incident

Feb 1, 2024

The frame on this truck broke. The frame tore in a manner that the lower control arm became disconnected from the vehicle. I recognize that l live in an area where rust issues are real, however l am also very experienced with metal working and fabrication and can reliably assure that corrosion is not the cause of this failure in the frame of this vehicle. I have attached 4 photos, those are of the front & back of passenger side (good) and driver's side (bad). Note the broken bolt head (toward the front) and the broken frame. This is the actual frame that broke and not a bolted on subframe and to me this is a serious issue. There are so many of these trucks on the roads l feel that l am obligated to make you aware of the problem. I thank you for your time.

NHTSA ID

11559472

Incident

Dec 8, 2023

I was driving at 75 mph on the freeway when suddenly I lost acceleration and the ability to accelerate. There was a message "Hill Descent Control". I did not have time to see if it said error or failure. Then "Check Manual". I was very lucky to get 3 lanes over to get off to the side of the road without being rear ended. I turned the vehicle off in order to regain my composure, then back on with no warning messages. I drove home slower.

NHTSA ID

11548891

Incident

Oct 8, 2023

On 2/14/23 my 2016 Ford F-150 experienced an intermittent loss of steering while driving. There was a total loss of steering. I would turn the steering wheel, and the wheels would not respond. The steering wheel would turn freely, with no connection to the wheels. Upon parking my vehicle and turning it off, and removing the key, the steering wheel continued to "tick" and turn on its own. There were no warning lamps or messages. Once I restarted the vehicle the steering was not responding like normal. My safety was at risk had this happened at a greater speed, or in a different area I would have crashed. I had the truck towed to the local Ford dealership. It has now been there for 7 weeks . They have been unable to replicate the problem, or identify any solutions. I was told I could just pick up the truck or trade it in on a new truck since they could not identify the problem. I told them I was not comfortable driving it or selling it for someone else to drive with an issue that could prove catastrophic or deadly.

NHTSA ID

11515540

Incident

Feb 14, 2023

The contact owns a 2016 Ford F-150. The contact stated that upon entering the vehicle, he noticed that the steering wheel had semi-detached and became loosened. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the steering bolt failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. Additionally, the contact stated that upon having the tires rotated, the contact was informed that all the lug nuts were swollen. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was advised to call the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 22,845.

NHTSA ID

11510434

Incident

Mar 2, 2023

Mileage

22,845 mi

Was told the Steering Wheel Control Module needed replaced. Was driving and the blinkers stopped working, window washerfluid button doesn’t work, and anything pertaining to the hazard switch is not working. This is very dangerous to not have working blinkers and windshield wipers not working as they should. Was told that the part is on back order until December or January. Hopefully we will see it before that since it’s a primary vehicle and I don’t feel safe driving it with my children in the car.

NHTSA ID

11493448

Incident

Nov 7, 2022

Engines for the f150 stall out at idle and while on the road. This could leads to a variety of safety problems and for has shown a unwillingness to address the issue and an inability to fix it. i have found 10s of thousands of people online who have similar issues and have ( like me ) taken it to for at their own expanse and gotten no solution. Without action from NHTSA ford will not fix it as they have millions of income from customers paying to fix to no avail. I myself have spend over 5k at the dealership and hour of my time to resolve and yet no repair works for longer then a few weeks at best.

NHTSA ID

11484980

Incident

Sep 17, 2022

The contact owns a 2016 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving on the highway at approximately 75 MPH, the vehicle drifted to the left. The contact stated it felt like it was windy. The contact turned the wheel to the right but the vehicle failed to respond. The vehicle swerved across two lanes of traffic however, the contact was able to stop the vehicle. The contact turned the Lane Departure Assist feature off and continued to drive; however, the failure persisted. The contact turned off and restarted the vehicle and after five minutes the vehicle worked as designed. The ABS and several unknown warning lights illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted but no additional assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 27,000.

NHTSA ID

11481741

Incident

Aug 25, 2022

Mileage

27,000 mi

The contact owns a 2016 Ford F-150. The contact stated while driving approximately 70 MPH, the steering wheel aggressively started jerking to the right. The contact had to exert an excessive amount of force to steer the vehicle. The contact was able to pull to the side of the road and turned off the vehicle. The vehicle was restarted and the steering wheel functioned temporarily before the failure recurred. The vehicle was towed to the dealer but was not diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 125,000.

NHTSA ID

11474425

Incident

Jul 17, 2022

Mileage

125,000 mi