Problems · by component

2012 Ford F-150 steering problems

197 owner complaints to NHTSA about the 2012 Ford F-150 cite steering, 11% of all 1,717 complaints for this model year.

Complaints
197
11% of all complaints
Crashes
2
Reported by owners
Fires
0
Reported by owners
Injuries
0
Reported by owners
01 —Owner reports

What owners say about the steering

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
“My truck started to skid as I was making a left turn. I wasn't going fast enough to skid. I then noticed the idiot light was on so I took it in for an estimate. I was told that the truck needed a power steering rack and the cost would be around $3000.00 I arranged for the repair. Truck mileage was 101051.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jun 30, 2025SteeringODI 11670374
“I started getting a notification on my dash about a issue with the charging system. I checked system and it is fine. Now I am getting other lights on my dash and head lights flashing. Come to find out, it's a bad Body control module. I also have a steering issue, from time to time the truck is hard to steer and I been told it's signs of a bad rack and pinion. I also have had the same issues with my 2011 F-150. The bad body control module I fixed but the steering if bad. I have read on Ford forums that others across the country are have the same issues but of course no recall.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 27, 2024Steering, Electrical systemODI 11616795
“This truck is a safety hazard! The waterpump had to be replaced due to overheating, plus numerous other engine issues. it only has 137,000 miles on it But the REAL safety hazard is the power steering goes out at random times. and when this happens the dash goes blank. This has happened 4 times and each time we were lucky it was not on a busy highway, and close to home. The mechanic did everything he knew to do, and when we got it back....It did it again!!! Now, supposedly it is fixed, and we drove it home with no issues.....but...again, they are random, and I am scared to drive the truck. Will it take someone getting killed for this recall to happen? I have seen numerous post about this happening to others. I live on a winding back road, and if the power steering went out, I dont think it would end well. We are thinking of selling it, but I cant in my heart sell it to someone knowing these issues, and if we trade at a dealership, they will find numerous problems and never give us what it is worth, even though these problems are not from neglect”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 2, 2024Steering, Electrical system, EngineODI 11612131
“The contact owns a 2012 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while reversing, the “Service Power Steering Now” message was displayed. Additionally, the contact stated that the steering wheel became stiff and would not turn as intended. The vehicle was taken to the residence, and the battery was replaced but the failure persisted. The vehicle was then taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the electronic power steering rack needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 89,073.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jun 7, 2024SteeringODI 11593106
“The contact owns a 2012 Ford F-150. The contact stated while driving at approximately 55 MPH, the message "Service Power Steering Now" activated, and the power steering malfunctioned, causing the steering wheel to become difficult to turn in either direction. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The local dealer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 139,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Apr 10, 2024SteeringODI 11582064
“The contact owns a 2012 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle experienced a loss of power steering assist. The contact was able to drive to the residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 17,362.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 24, 2023SteeringODI 11551682

Showing 6 of 197 reports. Read every report on NHTSA.gov.

Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 3, 2026NHTSA vehicle page

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.