1999 Ford F-150 steering problems

Filed Jan 14, 2017 · Steering · 188,000 miles · ID

The overdive knob on gear shifter broke off while down-shifting from drive to 2nd gear. When researching the internet.... This seems to be a common problem!!!

Filed Oct 19, 2014 · Electrical, Lights · 105,000 miles · NC

Approximately two weeks ago (10/2014) I noticed that the headlights on my 1999 ford f-150 were not working. A few times once I returned to home I noticed that when I shifted the truck into park, the headlights came on. It did not appear to matter if the high beam or low beam lights were activated. I started to inspect the headlight operation and noticed that when I tilted the steering wheel to it's lowest position, typically it's operating position, the headlights turned off. When I tilted the wheel up slightly to the next position, the headlights would come on. Today, 10/19/2014 I removed the trim around the steering column and noticed that there are two wires that have broken and separated from the wiring harnesses that attach to the turn signal assembly and several contacts that are loose in the upper harness. I have taken photos and a video showing the parts that are loose and or broken. Because these broken wires and contacts are loose and affect the operation of the headlights, I am concerned about the risk of a short or sparks that they could create and without fully operational headlights, the vehicle is not drivable. I am the second owner of the truck and purchased it at around 11,000 miles. The steering column has never been taken apart nor has the trim around the steering column been removed. These wires could be seen moving as the steering wheel was tilted up and down prior to the signal assembly being removed as the headlights turned on and off with the light switch left in the on position.

Filed Apr 30, 2006 · Steering · 70,325 miles · PA

Complete loss of steering control.

Filed Jan 3, 2006 · Steering · 80,810 miles · PA

Dt: the contact took vehicle to have it inspected. The vehicle would not pass inspection due to the tie rod ends being defective. He was told the tie rods ends were corroded and worn out.

Filed Sep 25, 2005 · Steering · 91,500 miles · CT

Tie rod broke at ball joint while traveling at slow speed.(5 MPH).

Filed Aug 9, 2005 · Electrical, Engine · 82,000 miles · NY

Dt: bought a used truck, and after the warranty expired had to replace the starter/the ball joints/he upper tie rods, and the control arm on both sides. Engine manifold split, and exhaust system rusted. Later, while driving tie rods came off. There was a slight drop at the entrance to the parking lot, and as vehicle went back up the drop, it slid and there was an impact. Got out of the car, and saw that the tie rod came off and gouged into the pavement. Spoke to the manager of country club chevrolet, and he simply gave consumer a discount on parts and labor. Yesterday he went to a certified used vehicle dealer and asked for the 88-point inspection,, and they were unable to provide that information.

Filed Jun 13, 2005 · Steering · 100,925 miles · GA

Prior to this incident I had no indication of a problem with the steering or suspension system. On the evening of june 9, 2005 as I was braking and attempting to make a right turn into a parking lot I noticed that my truck seemed to skid. At first I thought it was the ABS system since the road was wet. There was a vehicle in front of me, but I was able to stop without running into any other vehicle. Because I did not realize what the problem was at that time I continued into the parking lot, and made another right turn into the parking space. At that time the truck did the same thing; it felt as though it was skidding. When I got out of the vehicle I noticed that the front driver and front passenger tires were pointed in different directions, so I knew that a tie rod had come detached. After towing the truck home I inspected it, and realized that the passenger inner tie rod had separated at the ball joint. Inspection of the joint revealed that both pieces were significantly rusted. I have replaced the inner and outer tie rod ends on both sides as a precaution, since I did not know if the others would do the same thing.

Filed May 31, 2005 · Steering · 48,000 miles · NY

Both tie rods broke on the 1999 ford f150 after 48000 miles. *mr *sc

Filed May 16, 2005 · Steering · 319,000 miles · MI

Dt consumer states while driving his vehicle the left tie rod broke, causing him to lose control of steering. The manufacturer did issued a letter in december, 2004, stating that the tie rods needed to be checked in the vehicle. Comsumer states the tie rods appeared to be fine at that time.

Filed Mar 31, 2005 · Steering, Suspension · MA

Failure of front end sterring parts( ball joints, tie rods, and idler arm). On several occassions my mechanic has instructed me that I should have the front end check for wear and tear due to premature failures in these parts. This is the third time in the past 3 years (@about 20k miles per year) I have had major replacements done on these parts. I do not beleive the failure is due to driving conditions, most is at high ways speeds on reasonably smooth roads. The latest failure has me very concerned about the overall safety of the vehicle as I typical drive on the highway. My mechanic indicated if a failure occurs at highways speeds - it might not be a great outcome... I feel I am lucky in that every time I go to the mechanic (serveral times per year) I have him check these parts. I recently received an inspection in june 2004 and these parts were ok then. Now (mar 2005) and I have a major replacement going on. The machanic indicated that I am not alone and the problem is very wide spread. Do not get me wrong - I really like the truck and would buy another, but so far dealers (2 local) indicate that my problems are not as wide spread. Hence I no longer go to ford dealers for service. The mechanic has also indicated that this issue may be larger in scope thant the firestone tire issues ford had years ago (speculation). But none the less - my mechanic has seen many of these issues and he is a small operation in a small town. At this stage I am unlikely to re-purchase a ford f150 and have major concerns over the saftey of the vehicle.