Ford E-150 power steering loss problems

Filed Jan 22, 2022 · Steering · OH

While turning into a parking space the bolts to the steering box sheared off with complete loss of steering. Further inspection showed severe cracking and loss of metal in the steering box area. After doing some searches I found that this is common issue in the E series vans. I did do a recall search and a CSA search to see about having this problem resolved safely by a certified shop. Unfortunately I haven't found any recall information on what is obviously a serious safety issue. Apparently the bolts shear off at low speeds while turning. The real concern is should one bolt only crack and not let the steering box become useless the vehical may be at highway speed when the failure does occour causing complete loss of control of the vehicle. I've read hundreds of emails on this subject and none had a resolution provided by the Ford Motor Company. I would think that something this critical would have been addressed by now. Concidering the recalls for comparatively much lesser safety issues. Thank you for reviewing this matter.

Filed Mar 8, 2019 · Electrical, Engine · 151,674 miles · OK

Engine stalling at red lights intermittent. No engine light. In town. No power steering almost cause accident. This has happened several times.

Filed Aug 1, 2018 · Body, Steering · 86,000 miles · WI

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 ford e-150. The contact stated that the frame experienced severe corrosion. As a result, the vehicle lost steering ability because the bolts connected to the gear box, which were all connected to the frame, detached from the vehicle. The contact was able to safely maneuver the vehicle to the side of the road. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and advised the contact to take the vehicle to a dealer for diagnostic testing. The vehicle was taken to les stumpf ford (3030 w college ave, appleton, wi) where the failure was confirmed; however, no further assistance was offered because the VIN was not included in a recall. The failure mileage was approximately 86,000.

Filed Sep 7, 2017 · Steering · 150,000 miles · MN

While backing out of tight parking spot 9/1/17, with multiple turns of the wheel, turned wheel one last time to pull forward into parking spot drive area but at that point, heard a clunk and all steering control was gone. Called for a tow. Tow truck drive assisted in the diagnosis noting that the steering box had disconnected from van frame rendering steering wheel connection lines useless. Had van towed home. After online read, looked at frame through left front tire access and saw the 3 bolts we read about. Grabbed the top bolt and it came right out. Same with second bolt. Last (third) bolt was a bit jammed due to the steering box drop, but all 3 bolts had sheared and all steering was lost. Had we not stopped at a store for labor day holiday supplies on our way to campsite, would have lost steering somewhere else, like on the freeway, possibly during a similar turn situation. We could have killed others or ourselves. Found that this ford e150 steering bolt issue has already been documented. Why when we had the van serviced and said the steering had felt "loose", why didn't any mechanic find this potential?? Un-excusable situation. Our parents, children and grandchildren are currently dependent on us. Had we died due to loss of steering, what a nightmare that would have been. Granted, the 20-yr-old van is rusty, but we didn't know to look under the left front tire area and apparently, multiple (non-ford dealerships) mechanics didn't either !!

Filed Dec 30, 2016 · Driver assistance, Steering · 84,600 miles · SD

12-25-2016 after drooping off maid and gardener here in huatulco mexico my power steering quit. Since going so slow down hill on village street I thought that motor had quit. Realized that motor was running. Then noticed dash warning that said hill descent control fault, power steering assist fault, service advance track . Called dealer that we bought truck from they told me there was a computer update needed for truck. Not to happy since I had told dealer when truck was in shop that we drive 2850 miles to our home in huatulco mexico each year and that I was in hutulco. Had local dealer look at. Local dealer now tells me that truck needs power steering column and that he did put in service update also blinker will not stay on unless held down

Filed Nov 16, 2016 · Steering · 135,000 miles · IL

Tl* the contact owns a 1994 ford e-150. The contact stated that one of the three bolts had become loosely connected associated with the steering. The contact tightened the washer as an interim repair to prevent a power steering failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The VIN was not available. The approximate failure mileage was 135,000.

Filed Sep 7, 2016 · Steering · 100,000 miles · TX

Tl* the contact owns a 2011 ford e-150. While turning the vehicle at 40 MPH, the power steering failed and the steering wheel seized. The power steering assist fault warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, but was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 100,000. The VIN was not available.

Filed Apr 26, 2016 · Steering · 140,000 miles · VA

I was driving and came thru the tunnel,and stop by mall to get something to eat.while parking my steering gear box broke away from the frame,causing me to have no steering.if this would have happen 10 minutes earlier or after I would have left the mall going thru the two lane midtown tunnel I would have had a head on collision which would have been deadly.is this something ford knew about and did no recall.the bolts are bad and I researched and it happen to alot of people's driving that type.my van in the shop and I do think ford should foot the repair bill.I love my van.have a mustang too it's just the idea I could have killed some one or myself.please if I can have some feed back on this issue or even who else I could contact regarding this issue.

Filed Aug 28, 2015 · Tires · 36,350 miles · FL

I was driving on I-95 when my vehicle started thumping and vibrating erratically and steering was very hard to control. I exited immediately to find that my tire had a huge bulge a little larger than a softball. A man stopped and said I should be okay to drive the 2 miles I had left to get home. When I backed out to drive home the bulge popped exposing broken ply cords and tread separation.

Filed Mar 2, 2015 · Steering, Transmission · OH

Gearbox bolts broke away from frame causing loss of steering.