1998 Ford F-150: loss of power steering

Filed Feb 8, 2012 · Steering · 200,000 miles · LA

Tl* the contact owns a 1998 ford f-150. The contact stated that the power steering assist failed while driving 5 MPH. The contact was able to maneuver the steering wheel however, the vehicle would not change direction when the steering wheel was turned. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence and was neither diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and offered no assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 200,000. The VIN was not available.

Filed Jan 24, 2007 · Airbags, Steering · 162,224 miles · NJ · crash · 1 injury

I had just turned off interstate 287 onto intervale road (a local road). I was approaching an intersection with a very sharp left hand curve. As I proceeded to enter the curve I had no steering. The steering wheel would turn, but the vehicle did not respond. This happened without any warning or noise. I attempted to brake, but there was loose sand and gravel and I ended up sliding into a utility pole straight ahead, without airbag deployment and only minor damage to the right front side of the vehicle. I was secured by the seat belt, but my head struck the sun visor. Police at the scene examined the vehicle and confirmed loss of steering. Subsequent investigation by the shop to which my truck was towed revealed that the sector shaft was broken where the pitman arm is attached. After further investigation I was told that this part should never fail in a vehicle, regardless of mileage. I was further told that if the part was pounded all day with a sledge hammer that it should not fail. The mechanic said that he had only heard of one failure ever of this part in a high speed accident. Furthermore, this part is located on the left side of the vehicle which did not suffer any impact from the accident. I contacted ford with this information and they are totally indifferent to it. They want me to pay up to $60,000 to hire an expert witness to prove that the part failed prior to the accident and was defective. I have been unable to use this vehicle since 2004 and have no resolution or commitment from ford to do anything. This accident could have easily resulted in death had this part failed at highway speeds. I wonder how many fatal accidents have been caused by this failure that was never properly investigated. *jb the consumer stated the vehicle was turned over to state farm insurance to repair . The consumer provided a picture of the vehicle and would like a list of repair shops. Updated 08/23/07

Filed Jun 9, 2005 · Steering · 88,105 miles · NY

I was traveling 30 MPH when the tie rod of my 1998 f150 came apart.all of a sudden I had no steering period. There was no indication this was bad ,no bad tire wear, no shaking ,nothing. Between the towing ,replacing the part & an unneeded alignment iam out 200$ which is cheap cosidering what could of happened.

Filed Dec 7, 2004 · Steering · 69,700 miles · ME

While making a left turn into a parking lot at 15 MPH or less, the consumer heard a loud noise and the consumer lost steering control. The vehicle was towed to a local repair shop. The mechanic informed the consumer that tie rod was broken and need to be replaced. *jb

Filed Oct 14, 2004 · Steering · 58,254 miles · MI

Driving over railroad tracks appoximately 40 MPH, right outer tie rod end separated, causing loss of steering . I have replaced inner and outer tie rod ends on both sides of the vehicle. Old part was thrown away.

Filed Jul 11, 2003 · Brakes, Steering · 62,441 miles · VT

The front left tie rod broke, which caused loss of steering. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for repairs. *ak *ts. The dealer replaced all 4 tie rods. The rotors were replaced which caused the vehicle to vibrate when the brakes were applied.

Filed Sep 27, 2002 · Steering · MA

Pe 98 024 / tie rod end failure: consumer states while driving in heavey traffic of 10-15 MPH the tie rod end broke on the left front causing loss of steering. Dealer and the manufacturer has been notified. Feel free to provide any further information.

Filed Jun 2, 2002 · Steering · OH

Consumer states while pulling into a parking lot the left front tie rod broken and causes loss of steering. Dealer and the manufacturer were notified. Feel free to provide any further information.

Filed Apr 18, 2001 · Brakes · TX

When applying brakes front disc brakes locks up, creating extreme vibration which results in loss of steering control. *ak the left front wheel assembly gets hot.

Filed Jan 22, 2001 · Steering · NY

Tie rod end fell off, causing loss of steering control.