RoadVitals

2020 Ford F-250 Sd Steering Problems

Owner-reported complaints naming the steering system, filed with NHTSA

Data refreshed

Steering reportsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
44
Latest Jun 2, 2026
Share of all reportsThis category as a share of every owner report on file for this model year. One report can name more than one component, so the categories overlap.
17%
of 260 total
Crash or fire reportedReports in this category whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. The reporter's own answer on the NHTSA form, not a verified finding.
2
Injuries or deaths reportedTotals the submitters entered on their own reports in this category. Not verified by NHTSA and not a casualty statistic.
1

What this page shows

Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage. Every record below is an owner-reported complaint about the 2020 Ford F-250 Sd submitted to NHTSA — not a confirmed defect, not a recall and not a manufacturer bulletin. 44 reports on file name it.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

Owner reports naming steering

The 25 most recent of 44, in the owner's own words

Steering
Filed Jun 2, 2026

The contact owns a 2020 FORD F-250. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: (25V626000 (STEERING) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.

NHTSA ID
11741499
Incident
Sep 23, 2025
SteeringSuspension
Filed Apr 27, 2026

While driving at speeds above 30mph truck will have the death wobble. We will lose complete control in direction of steering. Have to try to stop and then turn the wheel right and left before the truck will regain normal travel. Is a huge safety issue and has almost caused us to wreck. Has happened multiple times and we have been unable to determine what has caused the issue. We have had the steering column recall fixed and have even changed the tie rod ends with no change.

NHTSA ID
11734145
Incident
Mar 1, 2026
Steering
Filed Mar 9, 2026

The contact owns a 2020 Ford F-250. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V626000 (Steering); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were on backorder. The contact was advised not to drive the vehicle. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were on backorder. The contact had not experienced a failure.

NHTSA ID
11723014
Incident
Sep 19, 2025
ElectricalSteeringSuspension
Filed Feb 27, 2026

Good Morning, Ms. Edds My name is [XXX] . I spoke to you a few years back in regards, to a vehicle I had. Well, today I am writing about another situation . I have a 2020 Ford F250 vin [XXX] . Since purchasing this vehicle, I have had recall after recall on it and getting nowhere with Ford Motor Company Customer Service Division. I have a local dealership that I have taken it to Spalding Ford who does not take the time to look at the vehicle when I tell them there is an issue and what it is doing all they do is make 1 excuse after another and then about a week or so goes by and I get a recall letter about the issue I just complained about. The last time it was at this dealership they cracked my windshield and said they get back with me about getting it fixed so far nothing and I have called a number of times and now being told they had no idea about it. It has been several months but guess that is going to have to fall on me because no one wants to take accountability of their own actions. I have 3 outstanding recalls in which I complained about before the recall came into effect. I contacted a dealership located in the next county over who willingly sent a tech to my house for a recall when the tech got here he was unable to fix the recall do to the Ford Motor Company Customer Service Division running errors in their system and was unable to do the update. I have also complained about having steering issues and was told no there is nothing wrong but then all of a sudden, I received a recall letter. I am an average John Doe trying to take care of my [XXX] grandson and my [XXX} husband this is supposed to be my dependable vehicle for us I cannot just go out and trade it in and lose all the money I have placed into it already I don't have the funds or means to do that. I called and talked with the recall department and the gentleman i spoke with was really concerned and tansfered me to someone who didnt want to fix it INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID
11720861
Incident
Feb 27, 2020
EngineFuel systemSteering
Filed Feb 9, 2026

While driving cross country, my dash warning light came on and said " In 50 miles your vehicle will lose power and you won't be able to drive more than 5 mph. DEF problem". I spent $70,000 on this vehicle used with 50K miles on it. Recall from 2024, this is unacceptable. Now another recall for steering. The steering column disengagement. I am afraid to drive it. The dealer keeps telling me no fix yet. FORD has no email to complain. I am not sure what can be done. This is my first FORD, never again.

NHTSA ID
11716649
Incident
Oct 30, 2025
Driver assistanceSteering
Filed Jan 30, 2026

The contact owns a 2020 Ford F-250. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V626000 (Steering) and 25V686000 (Back Over Prevention). The local dealer was contacted and determined that parts were not yet available for the recall repairs. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The contact had not experienced a failure.

NHTSA ID
11714410
Incident
Jan 30, 2026
Driver assistanceFuel systemSteering
Filed Jan 5, 2026

The contact owns a 2020 Ford F-250. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 24V957000 (Fuel System, Diesel), 25V626000 (Steering), and 25V686000 (Back Over Prevention); however, parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced PCM failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA ID
11708820
Incident
Sep 10, 2025
Powertrain (other)Steering
Filed Dec 20, 2025

Sometime sudden decrease of power , f250 truck rpm goes high while parking with engine on and now pitman arm broke off causing no control of steering . Having it push safely off the road , contact dealership but no parts to fix and timely how long it takes to get part to fix problem. 2020 ford f250 start but very unsafe to operate with no control of the steering

NHTSA ID
11706235
Incident
Dec 13, 2025
Powertrain (other)Steering
Filed Dec 18, 2025

Driving while pitman arm broke in half lost total control

NHTSA ID
11705754
Incident
Dec 13, 2025
Fuel systemSteering
Filed Nov 25, 2025

The contact owns a 2020 Ford F-250 SD. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 24V957000 (Fuel System, Diesel) and 25V626000 (Steering); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repairs. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.

NHTSA ID
11701438
Incident
Nov 25, 2025
Fuel systemSteering
Filed Nov 13, 2025

The contact owns a 2020 Ford F-250. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 24V957000 (Fuel System, Diesel) and 25V626000 (Steering); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repairs. While the contact’s husband was driving approximately 45-50MPH, the vehicle suddenly lost motive power and power steering functionality. The driver coasted to the side of the road, and the vehicle became inoperable. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who determined that the high-pressure fuel pump (CP4 pump) had failed and there were metal fragments inside the fuel line. The CP4 pump was replaced. The dealer confirmed that the recall repairs were not completed. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 97,000.

NHTSA ID
11699233
Incident
Jul 13, 2025
Mileage
97,000 mi
Steering
Filed Nov 6, 2025

Safety of all people are affected by driving my truck with a steering wheel that might separate and cause a crash.. no loaner until fixed ...

NHTSA ID
11697821
Incident
Nov 6, 2025
Steering
Filed Oct 31, 2025

On October 29, 2025, while traveling around a sweeping freeway transition ramp at 65 MPH in my 2020 Ford F-250 (46k miles on it), I hit a bump in the road. Suddenly the truck began violent, uncontrollable shaking of the front end of the truck and the steering wheel, feeling like the truck was about to fall apart. This terrifying, chaotic event caused me to struggle to steer and maintain control of the vehicle, sending me into the center divide. My son in law and 2 year old grandson were in the vehicle with me, visibly shaken by the event. Thankfully I was not pulling my travel trailer at the time, this could have ended in a critical situation. No warning lamps illuminated. Ford is aware of this issue and previously ordered a "customer satisfaction" repair, but that only covers 2017-2019 trucks. The truck is scheduled to be taken to the Ford dealership today 10/31/2025, however we are unclear whether there will be a cost for the repair.

NHTSA ID
11696757
Incident
Oct 29, 2025
Fuel systemSteering
Filed Oct 9, 2025

The contact owns a 2020 Ford F-250. The contact had received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 24V957000(Fuel System, Diesel) and 25V626000(Steering); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The contact had contacted an unknown local dealer several times and had been advised that the recall parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repairs. The manufacturer was not contacted. The contact had not experienced a failure.

NHTSA ID
11692421
Incident
Dec 20, 2022
Steering
Filed Mar 25, 2025

Steering column failed. Loud pop and steering wheel became floppy and wold move in every direction including in and out. Fortunately it happened while driving in my driveway. I delivered it to a local service center where repairs were completed. I still have the old parts available for inspection. Only 50004 miles on the vehicle.

NHTSA ID
11650390
Incident
Mar 5, 2025
Steering
Filed Feb 7, 2025

I have been experiencing what is known as the “death wobble”. While driving at normal highway speeds, bumps or rough patches in the road will cause my vehicle to violently shudder. It is extremely difficult to maintain control and the vehicle has to coast to reduce speed to 20 mph before the shudder will stop. This is a known issue in previous year model F-series trucks. I have taken my vehicle to a dealership and had the issue confirmed as the steering stabilizer, however, Ford refuses to remedy the issue stating my year model is not affected. Ford claims the affected years models end at 2019. My vehicle is a 2020, however, my manufacturer date is 10/19. I believe my vehicle is actually what is considered a “half year”, meaning it received certain 2019 parts and certain 2020 parts. This issue is extremely dangerous for me as well as other motorists.

NHTSA ID
11641256
Incident
Feb 2, 2025
Steering
Filed Feb 4, 2025

When temperature is below 32 degree clock spring in steering makes noise and causes steering to become stiff also renders horn in operable in positions while driving. I have brought this vehicle to get it fixed under warranty and the temperature raised to 40 degrees and everything worked as it should. I got cut off the other day and when I honked my horn it made no noise!

NHTSA ID
11640718
Incident
Feb 3, 2025
SteeringSuspension
Filed Nov 25, 2024

The contact owns a 2020 Ford F-250. The contact stated while driving approximately 70 MPH, the vehicle drove over a bump on the highway and the front end started wobbling to the left and the right and the vehicle started shaking violently. The contact stated there was no warning light illuminated. The contact took his foot off the accelerator pedal to slow the vehicle. The contact was not depressing the brake pedal during the failure. The contact was able to slow and stop the vehicle. The contact turned off and started the vehicle and was able to resume normal operation. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH over a bump in the roadway, the vehicle started shaking and swaying to the left and the right. The contact stopped the vehicle and turned off and restarted the vehicle, and the vehicle drove normally. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer; however, the vehicle was not yet diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 45,000.

NHTSA ID
11627223
Incident
Nov 22, 2024
Mileage
45,000 mi
Steering
Filed Oct 4, 2024

Same as my previous Complaint dated yesterday, 10/3/2024, Ray Varner Ford, a Ford Dealer, tried to sell me the wrong Power Steering Fluid for this truck. I gave the Vehicle year, make, model and VIN # and they still tried to sell me passenger car steering fluid. Varner Ford LLC 2026 N Charles G Seviers Blvd, Clinton TN 37716 on Invoice [XXX], on which I purchased brake fluid but rejected the wrong PS fluid. This 250 3/4 ton truck uses Ford Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF), not power steering fluid, and adding the wrong fluid will result in system damage, failure and possibly accident if steering control is lost. A mechanic at a local Tire and Lube business told me that adding this incorrect fluid will result in damage to the seals in the PS system, so apparently this is a known problem. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID
11618056
Incident
Oct 4, 2024
Steering
Filed Oct 3, 2024

I am an Engineer in several capacities (Electronic, Mechanical, Automotive) and have studied motor vehicle fluids and lubricants in chemical and physical properties details. 2020 Ford 250 TRUCK, not light passenger veicle. A Ford Dealer, Ted Russell Parkside, 9925 Parkside Dr in Knoxville TN, sold me the WRONG POWER STEERING FLUID FOR THIS COMMERCIAL VEHICLE (TRUCK). Invoice [XXX] dated 10/02/2024. The purpose was routine maintenance on a nearly new truck. They sold me passenger CAR Power Steering (PS) fluid, not the correct Motocraft Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) : 1. ) as clearly specified on page 367 of the vehicles Owners Manual 2.) as obvious by looking at the dark red fluid, its obviously Ford ATF I took the steering fluid back to this Ford Dealer who blamed the mistake on a computer printout, which is a false excuse considering point 1.) above. The Parts Manager tried to blame me for the mistake stating I hadnt supplied the vehicles VIN number so they could look up the correct fluid. That was a deliberate LIE as: 1.) The Owner can find the correct fluid without knowing VIN as in 1.) above 2.) The Dealers Parts Employee neither asked for the VIN nor went out to get it as the vehicle was on their parking lot at the time of sale, 3.) An attempt at Blaming the Victim (me) which is a deliberate deceptive tactic Replacing the steering fluid in this heavy truck with the wrong, passenger car fluid, will result in fluid failure because normal PS fluid does not have the high pressure additive chemicals that are in the correct ATF. The wrong fluid will not lubricate the steering pump or rack in operation, especially at heavy loads, and cause excessive metal-to-metal wear and probably longer term steering failure which can result in accident or death. This further could be a deliberate fraud, as the un-knowing vehicle Owner would see system failure at some time in the future without being able to link the steering failure to installing the wrong fluid. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INF

NHTSA ID
11617912
Incident
Oct 2, 2024
SteeringSuspension
Filed Oct 1, 2024

The contact owns a 2020 Ford F-250. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving approximately 50 MPH, the vehicle began shaking violently. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that unknown parts needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 21,000.

NHTSA ID
11617560
Incident
Sep 1, 2022
Mileage
21,000 mi
Steering
Filed Sep 26, 2024

The contact owns a 2020 Ford F-250. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving at speeds over 50 MPH, the vehicle began shaking violently. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the pitman arm, steering damper, track bar, and drag link needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 112,600.

NHTSA ID
11616636
Incident
Sep 15, 2024
Mileage
112,600 mi
SteeringSuspension
Filed Sep 24, 2024

As I was driving on the freeway at 65 mph the vehicle started shaking uncontrollably. I slowed my speed to 55 mph and it finally stopped. I attempted to return to 65 mph again and it started shaking even worse. I pulled off at the next exit examined the truck and it looked fine. I just drove it home at 50 mph. No warning lights or maintenance lights came on.

NHTSA ID
11616120
Incident
Sep 13, 2024
SteeringSuspension
Filed May 31, 2024

Pulling my 5th wheel home to California today from Williams AZ on [XXX]. The truck has just over 53k miles. At least 8 times today my wife and I experienced the death wobble traveling on [XXX]. These episodes were difficult to overcome as we were in freeway traffic. The front end shook so violently that it took everything I had to maintain my lane, slow down and not become involved in an accident or wreck. I have called Ford customer service and have received a case #. As well I have an appt Wednesday at the dealership. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID
11591853
Incident
May 31, 2024
SteeringSuspension
Filed Nov 13, 2023

Driving on the interstate at speed limit after hitting a bump the driving straight the truck began to shake or ocellate violently to the point I did not have full control of the vehicle. Almost forced me off the pavement. THis is a known problem known by Ford but they are not going to recall it becuse no one has died YET! [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID
11554874
Incident
Nov 11, 2023

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.

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