Tl*the contact owns a 1997 ford f-150. While the contact was driving 35 MPH he suddenly lost all steering control, moments later the contact applied the brakes which caused the vehicle to pull to the right. While coming to a stop the vehicle traveled over a ice patch which caused the vehicles rear end to sway left and right before stopping. The vehicle was diagnosed and the contact was informed that the steering column shaft had begun to rot and separate from the vehicle. There were no prior warnings. The current and failure mileages were 128000.
1997 Ford F-150 steering complaints
Page 2 of 8: complaints 11 to 40 of 202, newest first, as owners wrote them.
Tl*the contact owns a 1997 ford f-150. After making a right turn at 10 MPH, the pin in the steering column fell out. The contact lost control of the vehicle and managed to stop on the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to a personal mechanic. The manufacturer stated that they never heard of this failure and could not assist. The current mileage is 160,000 and failure mileage was 150,000. The steering shaft coupler sheered off. Updated 05/29/09
Tl*the contact owns a 1997 ford f150. When the contact attempted to turn the steering wheel, it made a cracking and popping noise. In addition, the steering wheel could be lifted up from the anchorage and tilted to the left and the right. His VIN was not included in the federal safety agency campaign id number 03v196000 (steering:gear box:shaft sector), although he received a recall letter in 2008. He was informed by both the dealer and manufacturer (ford of america) that there were no open recalls for the vehicle. The failure mileage was 160,000 and current mileage was 170,000.
As I was leaving the on ramp to enter heavy traffic on I-25 in denver the steering wheel became disconnected where the steering shaft meets the steering gear box. There was no steering capabilities of the pick-up. I was able to stop without causing any problems but was within feet of being in heavy traffic.
Tl* - the contact has a 1997 ford pickup f150. The contact stated that on 01/22/2007 he was making a turn when the steering wheel locked and he ran off the road. This has happened at least three other times while he was driving. The contact stated that there was a plate in the column that is loose and could push up and down an inch. The weather was not a factor, and he was driving approximately 15 MPH at the time of the last failure. *ak updated 02/22/07
Broken bolts to the steering box. No incident involved. Steering control became loose. Diagnosis of problem was a loose steering box from bolt failure. Additional failures of remaining bolts would cause loss of steering control.
Dt: the contact stated the right front steering linkage and tie rod broke, resulting in total loss of steering. The dealer provided a solution at the contact's expense. *ak updated 01/25/06.
While backing out to get on highway consumer ford f150 had no steering. *ts (11/16/05) the steering wheel assembly had broken. The consumers found that a piece on the steering shaft assembly that was made out of aluminum had worn out.
1997 ford f150 tie rods are extremely loose.***no answer required***. *mr it was demonstrated to the consumer that the ball end could be pulled out of the socket with bare hands. The socket was made of rubber.
1997 ford f150 driver side inner tie rod end became completely seperated during operation ot the vehicle, resulting in a sudden loss of control.
Caught problem before tragedy
1997 ford f-150 truck possible defect of "tie rod ends". *bf the consumer received a notice from the manufacturer, however the consumer believes they should pay for all repairs.
Tie rod broke at a very gently used 40,000 miles.
The consumer made a left turn at 10 MPH and tie rod came out of the socket. Consumer pulled over, and had the vehicle towed. Dealership was notified, but did not resolve the problem. *ak
While traveling about 20 MPH the steering wheel locked up. Consumer was able to maintain control of the vehicle, and pulled over. Vehicle was towed to the dealer for inspection. Consumer received recall 03v196000 concerning steering gear. Consumer informed the mechanic that this problem still occurred, and had not been resolved.
While driving 65 MPH the consumer lost steering power. The consumer was not able to maintain control of the vehicle, and crashed into a guardrail. Upon impact, both frontal air bags deployed. The vehicle was towed to the dealer for inspection, and the mechanic determined that the steering shaft broke, and needed to be replaced. *ak *sc
While shifting into reverse vehicle failed to move. Consumer got out of the vehicle to inspect it, and noticed that both front driver side and passenger side tires were turn inward. Consumer had the vehicle towed to a repair shop for inspection and the mechanic determined that both inner tire rods had popped and needed to be replaced.
While driving at 30 MPH vehicle started shifting to the left. Steering wheel kept turning into circles. There was no way to steer the vehicle. Mechanic determined that steering shaft was defective.
While driving at 30 MPH consumer tried to make a right and the vehicle kept going straight. Vehicle ended up in a ditch on the side of the road. Consumer took the vehicle to the dealer, who verified that the steering arm fell off the steering box.
Steering failure: my 1997 ford f150 had a steering failure. Vin:[xxx]. The steering shaft separated from the power steering box. The steering shaft connection is aluminum and the gear on the power steering box is steel. The aluminum wore and the steel, naturally did not. Basic engineering failure. Described exactly in recall no. 03s02 a very thorough search showed no recalls or maintenance notices. Please, please, please, if you have a 1997, ford f150 have the connection of the steering shaft to the power steering box check immediately. I cannot imagine a worst failure in a vehicle. No steering. *nm *js information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6)
I am sending in a full letter to explain the "failures". It centers around tsb 99b29 and lack of owner notification of a bad front cover design that can lead to engine failure, which occurred in this case. Additionally, I had a tie rod failure that was not addressed under warranty, but later broke while driving. Also, my crank shaft pulley / dampener assembly fell off while highway driving (70 MPH). There are other issues including door lock / key sticking.*ak campaign id number : 03v196000 component: steering:gear box:shaft sector. The engine cover gasket failed. *tc the serpentine failed, the transmission had an akward shift, the wipers operated periodically by themselves on high speed, there was little heat coming from the vents through the floor.
While backing out of the drive way the driver lost control of the front wheels. The driver feels lucky he wasn't driving in traffic or on highway. The driver says, "tie rod ends are failing." please provide any further information.
While turning the steering wheel binds and makes a grinding noise. The consumer has to use excessive effort to straighten the wheel. The vehicle was towed to the dealer for analysis but the technician could not resolve the problem. *ak the problem has been reported to the manufacturer but they refused to provide any assistance.
While leaving a gas station the passenger side tie rod came out of it's socket. The consumer lost control of the vehicle for a short time but was able to stop safely. The consumer repaired the tie rod. The ball joint was dry and rusted. The ball joint was worn due to no grease. There is no way to grease it or to check to see if it needs to be lubricated. *ak
Upon reversing out of an alley at 5 miles intermediate steering shaft separated from the steering gear. This resulted in loss of steering. As a result, consumer lost control of the vehicle and went onto the sidewalk.
1997 ford pickup dlerarm,pittman arm, tie rod end replacement-frozen-creaking: lower ball joints worn; we already replaced brakes,the pistons froze cause brake failure all rotors and brake pad and pistons had to be replaced. *ak why did this happen with only 34,152 miles on this vehicle. Is ford using poor quality products. Something is wrong with this vehicle, we should not have to have this expense at this low mileage.
Consumer stated that while driving and without warning the steering shaft snapped and caused the consumer to lose steering control. *ts *scc
While driving steering shaft separated from the gear, resulting in loss of steering control. Related recall 03v196000, but manufacturer advises that consumer's vehicle not included even though the vehicle's manufacturing date falls within the range specified.*ak *ph
While driving on a normal paved road at 25 MPH front end suddenly started shaking. This was caused by tie rod end falling apart and separating, not due to normal wear and tear.
While driving 30 MPH hit a rail road track and vehicle started traveling to the left, causing consumer to lose control of vehicle due to tie rods ,
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