2011 Ford F-150: clunking or noise when steering

Filed Oct 9, 2023 · Steering · CA

I own a 2011 Ford f-150 4x4. The VIN I entered should provide any further information you need. This vehicle is equipped with electronic power assist steering. This vehicle has experienced stiff return of steering in left turns at approximately 45-50MPH. This vehicle has about 156,00 miles on it. This steering difficulty has existed for 4-5 years that I have owned the vehicle. Recently, the steering stared to make loud screeching noises in both left and right turns. This was accompanied by stiff steering as if the power assist was not functional. The power assist failed completely after a weekend vacation. I had to have the steering replaced at a cost of $2552.12. I have never had the power steering fail on any other vehicle I have owned, no matter what the mileage. I have read that many other owners of this year and make have experienced the same problem. Good thing I was strong enough to control the vehicle without the power assist. This could have been very serious problem!

Filed May 3, 2017 · Driver assistance, Steering · 96,000 miles · TX

Power steering keeps popping when turning and locks up

Filed Jan 16, 2017 · Steering, Transmission · 101,000 miles · NC

Electronic power steering (epsa) is leaking water and power steering fluid. It's making noises and I am scared to drive it since this is my main transportation for work and family. I've read about this issue and people saying their wheels have locked up and just missed fatal accidents especially doing higher speeds on highway travel. Is it going to take a death before this part is recalled? Truck comes to a quick stop like its jumping gears.

Filed Jul 21, 2016 · Steering · 86,000 miles · LA

Tl* the contact owns a 2011 ford f-150. While driving approximately 25 MPH, the steering made an abnormal noise. In addition, the vehicle became difficult to steer and the service traction control warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the power steering system needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 86,000. The VIN was unavailable.

Filed Sep 3, 2015 · Steering · 95,000 miles · WI

Noticed a sticking spot in long sweeping turns at 35+ MPH that was manageable. Turned into concernig clicking sounds while turning wheel in any direction. Scared to drive ended up at dealership and diagnosed as another issue with epas and binding. Replaced rack and pinion assembly. Expecting to see more of this as these systems are now being tested. Hopefully ford owns up to design/reliability flaws on this safety issue.

Filed Jan 7, 2015 · Steering · 700 miles · IL

Popping rattling knocking felt in steering wheel. Started when going over bumps then progressed into driving normal. Constant steering wheel popping and rattling. Feels like steering is coming apart. Dealership verified complaint. They have installed 2 different eaps steering rack and 1 intermediate steering shaft. The problem still persist...

Filed Dec 29, 2014 · Steering · 44,399 miles · CA

Steering started making a funny noise and power steering stopped working. Could not steer vehicle. No prior issues with steering.

Filed Sep 30, 2014 · Electrical, Steering · 121,341 miles · NC

Loud sound and popping when turning wheels sharp. Has been happening for a while and has gotten worse. Service advance trac message displays and then turn signals no longer work. Eventually warning would disappear but would come back on when turning sharp again. Took in for service and problem became so bad that vehicle would not turn. Having to replace rack and pinion.

Filed Sep 23, 2013 · Steering · 33,500 miles · IA

This vehicle has a slight yet consistent knock felt in the steering wheel at various speeds, primarily while going over small bumps or cracks in the road. It feels as though something is loose or worn-out in the steering or suspension. The dealership that sold the vehicle checked out the truck on 9/23/2013 and said everything is fine. This is a grave concern as a failure in the steering system can be extremely dangerous.

Filed Jun 26, 2013 · Steering · 9,000 miles · OH

While driving the truck the steering wheel begins to knock, clunk and vibrate badly, to a point it becomes hard to hold onto the wheel as the sensation is overly disturbing to your hands. It feels like something is loose in the steering system and it continues to get worse. Heat is a major component. The hotter it is outside, the worse the knocking gets, to a point some play can be felt in the steering. On a 90 degree day it is easily reproduced, and is starting to even make a knocking sound. This is a dangerous issue as it causes the wheel to vibrate out of ones hands, or causes a persons hands to get tired or compensating for the play and knocking and need to let go of the wheel. Dealerships want to say we have not adjusted to the new electronic steering but that is absurd. We have several vehicles with electronic power steering, including a newer f150, and it does not do this at all. This 2011 f150 has had more issues than any new vehicle ever should, but this problem needs to be recalled. When google searching the issue, f!50 steering popping knocking, thousands of complaints can be found regarding this exact issue. Ford is getting away with too many issues on their 2011 and newer vehicles, it is time to make them stand by their product.

Filed Jan 26, 2013 · Steering, Suspension · 15,166 miles · KS

I have a 2011 ford f-150 4x4 ecoboost and have had one steering rack replaced already. It was replaced due to popping in the steering as well as bump steer and wandering. The initial replacement was 6-1-12 and as of this post (1-26-13) and roughly 12k more miles, it is starting to have the same concerns that required the initial replacement. In addition, the front suspension in general seems loose and the left side squeaks over bumps and seems weaker in the spring than the passenger side.

Filed Oct 1, 2012 · Steering · 22,000 miles · MI

I own a 2011 f-150, 5.0, crew cab, 4x4. I started noticing a popping or clinking noise coming from the steering column. The noise has been getting worst and is very annoying as well. I notice at lower speeds when driving down our gravel road. I typed this issue in as well on the f-150 forum and there are numerous post with same issue! Many are saying it has to deal with electric power assist steering. I will be taking it into the dealer, to hopefully get this issue resolved. I just hope that ford will step up and fix this issue.