2020 Ford F-150 Steering Problems

While driving, my 2020 Ford F-150 suddenly displayed a warning on the dashboard that read “Steering Assist Fault – Service Req’d.” Moments later, the truck completely lost power steering, and the steering wheel began to lock up while the vehicle was still in motion. I, (the owner of the vehicle), was able to muscle the steering wheel just enough to safely get us off the road and home. Had he not had the physical strength and experience to manage the vehicle manually, this could have resulted in a major accident or fatality. The truck was towed to Duval Ford on October 13, 2025, where it was diagnosed as needing an electronic power steering rack replacement, with a total repair estimate of $4,049.70. The vehicle is not under warranty, and Ford has informed us there is no recall currently associated with this issue. This is a critical safety failure of a steering system and should not be happening at any mileage. We are reporting this incident to request a formal NHTSA investigation into this issue, as it could easily lead to severe injuries or death in other cases.

NHTSA ID

11693793

Incident

Oct 9, 2025

I brought my 2020 F-150 XLT to Cook Ford Texas City for a recall (24E12 PM reprogramming) and a steering issue that have happened while driving and making me loose control, almost hitting the vehicle front! After spending over $3,400 to get the whole steering system changed, I picked up my truck thinking everything was good. Within one day of the recall being done, my check engine light came on with an emissions fault. When I asked about it, I was told this was "normal" after the recall because now the PCM is able to read codes. But it feels shady that a brand-new problem shows up immediately after a recall reprogramming. Now, I'm being told I might have to pay for even more expensive repairs like a catalytic converter (5k for both) - right after just spending thousands. It's frustrating, stressful, and feels like a never-ending cycle. After looking online, I found many other Ford owners sharing the same experience with this recall on forums like Reddit. That makes me believe this is not an isolated case.

NHTSA ID

11690822

Incident

Aug 8, 2025

When the vehicle is cold, and the transmission has not yet warmed up, putting the truck into gear results in a significant jerk. Specifically: Initial Gear Engagement (Drive/Reverse): When shifting into either drive or reverse from park, especially when the engine is cold, there is a noticeable delay before the gear engages. This delay is followed by a harsh "jerk" or "thud" as the gear finally engages. Reverse to Drive Transition: When shifting from reverse to drive, a similar delay and jerk occurs before drive engages. Hard Shifting: In addition to the initial engagement issues, the transmission exhibits delayed and harsh shifting for several minutes when cold. Shifting is not smooth and seems delayed then shifts very hard and aggressively when driving during the warm up period. Clunking Noises: While driving, I intermittently hear clunking noises when the transmission shifts gears. This occurs at [ Mention the specific times or driving scenarios when you observe this - e.g., "low speeds," "during upshifts/downshifts," "when accelerating," etc. ]. These problems are most pronounced when the engine and transmission are cold and seem to gradually improve (though not completely disappear) as the vehicle warms up. I am concerned that these symptoms indicate a serious problem with the transmission. I have asked a Ford Dealer to look at this and they state that there is NO RECALL for my VIN #. They have always appeared since I purchased this truck.

NHTSA ID

11643194

Incident

Jan 1, 2023

The contact called for her partner who owned a 2020 Ford F-150. The contact stated that the dashboard had warped near the passenger side's glove compartment when purchased. The dealer had been informed of the failure and informed the owner that the dashboard needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that while the vehicle was stopped and idling at a traffic light, the vehicle lunged forward causing the contact to aggressively depress the brake pedal, causing the vehicle to jerk abnormally. The contact stated that the engine was revving abnormally while stopped at a traffic light. Additionally, while shifting into reverse or drive, there was an abnormal clicking sound coming from underneath the vehicle. The contact stated that the failure had occurred approximately 5 times. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and a computer reset was performed. The contact was unaware of the diagnostic results, or the repairs performed on the vehicle. The contact stated that the failure persisted, and the steering wheel intermittently loosened, there was oil leaking underneath the vehicle, and there was an abnormal burning oil odor coming from the vehicle. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and opened a case. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was 81,557.

NHTSA ID

11636285

Incident

Jan 16, 2024

Mileage

81,557 mi

The contact owns a 2020 Ford F-150. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering did not function as intended. The contact stated that the vehicle independently veered over to the left. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the dealer and independent mechanics a total of 14 times, however the failure was not duplicated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The contact stated that an associate in the automotive industry provided him with information regarding an equipment recall 24S45 which had a similar failure description. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and several cases were filed. The contact was informed that the contact's VIN was not associated with the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 27,000.

NHTSA ID

11628829

Incident

Feb 4, 2024

Mileage

27,000 mi

Not one check engine light has ever come on. Bought this truck new off the lot, now to almost 60,000 mi. Every single component on this truck, immediately failed. Bucking/ jerking/ chugging on acceleration and maintaining speed while inclining. Incorrect gear selection 90% of the time. Going 5 mph with no foot on the gas, it up shifts and takes off down my driveway. Sudden down shifts causing violent decreases in speed. When braking the truck may rail on the brakes and "assist" you to stop or it may decrease reading of the pressure of your braking. Tire pressure sensors don't read accurately. Digital and analog speed read differently. The truck nudges itself side to side on the road. Truck will change the steering tension going around corners, so the driver must react to stay on track. Not going around corners the steering tension will change. Almost 2 in of play in the steering at times while sometimes one side is more responsive than the other. If not wearing a seat belt and the alarm goes off while the blinker is on, the blinker will slow down until the alarm stops then pick back up again. The RPM gauge doesn't respond at all or accurately. It will stay at 1,500- going up hill, accelerating, braking. The RPM's read inversely while down shifting. For 2.5 years SYNC update wouldn't install, a month after last attempt, it connected to my WIFI and updated itself. For 6 months, I dropped calls every time in one spot. Then I unplugged my phone from the center USB and I never dropped calls there again, unless I chose to have my phone plugged in charging. No start, couldn't find fob. No unlock. Unlocks on own. Heated seat and steering wheel turn on without the button. Burning smell coming from the motor <5,000mi. A/C never cold and heat never hot. Both sound like they are blowing hard, but the vents could barley rock a face mask back and forth. USB plugs don't have great power. The AC outlets have never had enough to charge anything. My BIL phone treated as key fob.

NHTSA ID

11591191

Incident

Jul 6, 2020

The contact owns a 2020 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 75 MPH, the steering wheel became very difficult to turn. The contact stated that the power steering and traction system warning lights were illuminated. The contact pulled over to the side of the road and the vehicle was towed to the dealer. The vehicle was diagnosed with an internal steering failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000. The VIN was not provided.

NHTSA ID

11581920

Incident

Apr 9, 2024

Mileage

100,000 mi

BRAND NEW F-150 CREW CAB 4X4 V8. CURRENTLY HAVE LESS THAN 700 MILES. ON THREE OCCASIONS UPON STARTING THERE WAS NO POWER STEERING ASSIST. EACH TIME I TURNED OFF THE IGNITION AND RESTARTED. POWER STEERING WAS AVAILABLE UPON RESTART. IS POWER STEERING LIKELY TO QUIT WHILE DRIVING?

NHTSA ID

11341559

Incident

Jul 25, 2020

Mileage

208 mi