RoadVitals

2020 Ford F-350 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.
35
Latest Jun 24, 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.
19%
of 185 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.
4
Injuries or deaths reportedTotals the submitters entered on their own reports in this category. Not verified by NHTSA and not a casualty statistic.
2

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-350 Sd submitted to NHTSA — not a confirmed defect, not a recall and not a manufacturer bulletin. 35 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 35, in the owner's own words

Steering
Filed Jun 24, 2026
Crash reported1 injury reported

The contact owns a 2020 Ford F-350. The contact stated that while driving 30 MPH and driving around a curve, the steering wheel was turned; however, the vehicle failed to respond and crashed into a guardrail. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V626000 (Steering). There was extreme damage to the underbody of the vehicle, and several parts were separated from the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to an impound lot and was deemed a total loss by the Insurance Company. The contact sustained a concussion and neck injury and was taken to the hospital for medical assistance. The dealer was not contacted. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA ID
11746176
Incident
Aug 22, 2025
Driver assistanceFuel systemSteering
Filed Apr 7, 2026

The contact owns a 2020 Ford F-350. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 24V957000 (Fuel System, Diesel), 25V626000 (Steering), and 25V686000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the parts for two of the recall repairs were not yet available. The local dealer was made aware of the recalls and confirmed that parts for two of the recalls were not yet available; however, parts for the steering column recall were available. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it remained for two months. The contact was then informed that parts to repair the vehicle were unavailable, and the contact was informed to retrieve the vehicle. 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 and provided the same information as the dealer. The contact had not experienced a failure.

NHTSA ID
11729685
Incident
Feb 16, 2026
Steering
Filed Mar 2, 2026

The contact owns a 2020 Ford F-350. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 24V957000 (FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL), 25V626000 (STEERING), and 25V686000 (BACK OVER PREVENTION). The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel was wobbly. The steering wheel detached from the housing four inches and independently moved up and down. The contact had not lost control of the vehicle. The contact was unsure if any warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was driven to the dealer at slow speeds. The dealer determined that the steering column upper shaft had separated. The dealer informed the contact that the recall repair stated that the upper shaft would be repaired or replaced. The contact was informed that replacing the steering column was not part of the recall repair and the contact would be responsible for additional repairs. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but denied assistance in covering the cost of the additional repairs. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.

NHTSA ID
11721549
Incident
Feb 23, 2026
Mileage
100,000 mi
Steering
Filed Feb 6, 2026

Ford sent this recall letter in October, 2025. It’s unbelievable, and unacceptable that Ford would describe a “potential loss of steering control resulting in a crash or injury (or death). However we don’t instruct you to stop driving your vehicle. Parts to fix your defective steering column which could come apart in your hands while driving down the interstate with loved ones, or towing (full ton trucks are meant for heavy towing) won’t be available until 1st quarter 2026”. Are you serious? It’s now halfway through 1st quarter 2026, & still no follow up from Ford. How many people have to die, before the actuaries at NHTSA decide it’s time to put pressure on Ford to expedite this fix? I had no choice but to risk driving my truck 1,200 miles to Florida last week. Thankfully, we made it. However, I refuse to drive it any further as it’s parked in my driveway. I will not hook up my boat or horse trailer until Ford manufactures a new, safe part, and installs it in my truck’s steering to correct this deadly condition. What is NHTSA doing to pressure Ford to get this done? If you send me a standard, boiler plate answer like others have received “be patient, don’t call us, call Ford (and talk to their AI robot)” I will get together with others affected by this recall, and we will go to the media, and possibly higher, if that’s what it takes. Shame on you, claiming to be on the side of living people who just want to stay alive.

NHTSA ID
11716226
Incident
Oct 6, 2025
Steering
Filed Jan 15, 2026

This recall has been going on for over three months. I have canceled vacations and other trips due to the severity of this recall. I haul a truck camper and I do disaster relief/recovery with several groups. I use my truck to get there and sleep in my camper due a lack of resources during a disaster. This recall has prevented me from responding. Ford has given no indication of when this is to be repaired.

NHTSA ID
11711251
Incident
Oct 9, 2025
SteeringSuspension
Filed Dec 9, 2025

This has occured multiple times. While driving on freeway at speeds between 65 and 75 MPH and hitting rough asphalt, the vehicle begins shaking violently, almost to the point of losing control. It will only stop if I slow down to under 40 mph or stopping altogether. This has been very frightening when it occurs in traffic on freeways. It seems to occur mainly when on a curve.

NHTSA ID
11704106
Incident
Dec 8, 2025
Driver assistanceFuel systemSteering
Filed Nov 6, 2025

The contact owns a 2020 Ford F-350. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 24V957000 (FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL), 25V626000 (STEERING), and 25V686000 (BACK OVER PREVENTION); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The local dealer was not contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.

NHTSA ID
11697899
Incident
Dec 6, 2024
Steering
Filed Nov 3, 2025

The steering column upper shaft may have been manufactured wrong and can result in losing the steering. I can not drive the vehicle. I live far from Boise and I'm missing family events and hunting for which I paid tags/license. The parts for this will not be in till next year sometime, per the recall letter. The vehicle has not been inspected and the recall letter doesn't ask for it to be. There has not been any problems up until now.

NHTSA ID
11697188
Incident
Oct 30, 2025
Steering
Filed Sep 30, 2025
Crash reported1 injury reported

I was driving when the steering column upper sharft sperated from the steering wheel. i was driving without any control of the steering. They still have not inspected this. I had it towed to Capital Ford of Sept 3rd. This is directly related to recall 25V626. This can happen while driving and is terrifying especally because there is zero warrning and you do not expect this to happen.

NHTSA ID
11690649
Incident
Sep 3, 2025
Other / unspecifiedSteering
Filed Sep 8, 2025
Crash reported

I WAS DRIVING FORWARD APPROX 5 MPH AND LOST ALL CONTROL OF THE STEERING. THE STEERING WHEEL WAS NOT MOVING THE FRONT TIRES AT ALL. THERE WAS NO WARNING, AND INDICATION THAT THE STEERING WAS GOING BAD. THE TRUCK IS 2020 WITH APPROX 80,0000 MILES. NOT LIFTED, NO OFF ROADING. THE STEERING WHEEL WILL JUST SPIN NO STOP TO IT IN EITHER DIRECTION. MY UNDERSTANING WITH THIS TRUCK IS THERE IS NO INTERMIDATED SHAFT SO IT DIDNT SLOWLY GO OUT. THE NIGHT BEFORE MY FAMILY AND I WERE COMING DOWN FROM LAKE TAHOE WITH A BOAT ATTACHED. HAD THIS HAPPENED AT THAT SPPED WITH A TRAILER IT WOULD HAVE BEEN A VERY DIFFERENT OUTCOME.

NHTSA ID
11685751
Incident
Sep 3, 2025
Steering
Filed Jun 9, 2025

The steering wheel all of a sudden got really loose and will pull away from the steering column. I called Ford service at the dealership I bought it from. They said my extended warranty has just expired. They also say there are no active recalls for this issue. This is not something that should ever happen. I have never had this problem with and vehicle I have ever owned in the 30 + years of owning and driving. Is there anything that can be done to have them cover this repair?

NHTSA ID
11665884
Incident
Jun 2, 2025
Steering
Filed Apr 2, 2025

The contact owns a 2020 Ford F-350. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the steering wheel was loose and had no resistance. The contact stated that the steering wheel failed to operate as needed. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the steering shaft had fallen out of the lower steering column. The mechanic was able to order the part and repaired the vehicle. The dealer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the manufacturer for further assistance. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not under recall for the failure. The vehicle was repaired. The failure mileage was 75,000.

NHTSA ID
11652235
Incident
Mar 19, 2025
Mileage
75,000 mi
Steering
Filed Mar 26, 2025

The contact owns a 2020 Ford F-350. The contact stated while driving 5 MPH, the steering wheel became inoperable. The contact stated that the steering wheel was turning in a circular motion. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact was able to stop the vehicle. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the steering drive line drive shaft U-joint needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 125,924.

NHTSA ID
11650818
Incident
Mar 25, 2025
Mileage
125,924 mi
Steering
Filed Sep 8, 2024

The steering column has failed causing steering wheel separation from the steering column. The issue happened simply driving down the road almost causing a loss of control of the vehicle. Vehicle has been at a local dealership currently and they are stating there is no active recall for this model year vehicle and ford is not responsible for repairs due to being outside of my warranty by approx. 2k miles. It is open knowledge that the same issue is happening on newer model year vehicles with a recall in effect.

NHTSA ID
11613300
Incident
Aug 22, 2024
Steering
Filed May 4, 2024
Crash reported

Steering shaft came apart causing the vehicle to go out of control. Yes inspection is available. Vehicle went into opposing traffic and hit barrier on opposite side of road. Vehicle was inspected by No warning lamp

NHTSA ID
11586956
Incident
May 3, 2024
SteeringSuspension
Filed Apr 9, 2024

Truck has death wobble.

NHTSA ID
11581916
Incident
Apr 5, 2024
SteeringSuspension
Filed Feb 13, 2024

Extreame front-end vibration ("aka" death-wobble as described for other F250 and F350 pickups on Google). Driving 60mph on 65mph limit highway. Small bump on road. Truck starts severe vibrations from the front end. No steering control. Slight drift into left lane. Another car in the lane left to me had to break to avoid me. Vibration would not stop until I applied brakes and the truck speed was 30mph. Both the loss of steering, and the necessary reduction in speed was extreamly dangerous. Upon searching the internet it appears this is a common problem with Ford F250 and F350 trucks that neither the NHTSA nor Ford has/is addressing.

NHTSA ID
11571627
Incident
Feb 12, 2024
Steering
Filed Nov 19, 2023

While traveling to and from New Orleans from New Jersey I had 12 incidents of the Ford Death Wobble. The first time I was traveling at 70 mile per hour when I hit a bump in the road and the wobble started. I was able to slow to about 30 miles per hour and the wobble stopped. Over the 2500 miles traveled I experienced this wobble at speeds as slow as 55 miles per hour. I will be taking my vehicle to the Ford dealer I purchased it from to see if they can help. Right now I am afraid to drive faster that 55 mile per hours for fear I my hit some kind of bump that will start this wobble and cause me to loose control of my truck.

NHTSA ID
11555927
Incident
Nov 11, 2023
Steering
Filed Nov 13, 2023

"Death Wobble"- At a speed of run 50 miles per hour. Going around the curve my steering will begin to shake violently. Also a handful of other times it shook in the same way after hitting a bump in the road. Once I slowed down it corrected itself.

NHTSA ID
11554775
Incident
Nov 13, 2023
Steering
Filed Oct 24, 2023

The contact owns a 2020 Ford F-350. The contact stated that while driving approximately 45–55 MPH and driving over a bump in the roadway, the contact experienced the death wobble. The contact was unable to hold onto the steering wheel. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact called the dealer and was informed that the repair was not covered under recall or warranty. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 45,000.

NHTSA ID
11551663
Incident
Aug 1, 2023
Mileage
45,000 mi
SteeringSuspension
Filed Aug 9, 2023

Severe steering wheel shaking at Interstate speeds. Appears to be the Ford Super Duty "death wobble".

NHTSA ID
11537459
Incident
Aug 8, 2023
Steering
Filed Jul 25, 2023

The steering begins to shake uncontrollably. This happens randomly, at highway speeds.

NHTSA ID
11534262
Incident
Jul 7, 2023
EnginePowertrain (other)Steering
Filed Feb 22, 2023

The contact owns a 2020 Ford F-350. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, there was a loss of power steering, and the vehicle lost motive power. The vehicle failed to restart. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact used an OBD scanner to retrieve failure codes for the powertrain control module (PCM) and the engine control module (ECM module). The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the fuse box and wiring harness needed to be replaced. The vehicle remained with the independent mechanic awaiting the repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The approximate failure mileage was 164,000.

NHTSA ID
11508554
Incident
Feb 10, 2023
Mileage
164,000 mi
SteeringSuspension
Filed Dec 9, 2022

Repeated “death wobble” where the steering components oscillate rapidly left and right causing a lack of steering control. One repair attempted. Later occurrence and another repair. A third event, this time while pulling a 14,000 pound 5th wheel trailer. At about 63 mph the wobble started. I braked, the truck pulled left and I could not maintain my lane. An 18-wheeler behind me moved to the left lane due to my braking and we almost collided due to my not being able to steer. I did get it under control to get back in my lane and avoid the collision. This has been worked on by two different dealers and is about to be looked at again by the original dealer. Almost every front-end component has already been replaced.

NHTSA ID
11496697
Incident
Dec 6, 2022
Other / unspecifiedSteeringSuspension
Filed Aug 30, 2022

My truck starting shaking really bad while driving after 45 miles per hour. I went to the repair shop today and they told me it was the death wobble. Could have lost control of truck as it was very terrifying.

NHTSA ID
11482109
Incident
Aug 29, 2022

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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