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2012 Ford F-150 steering complaints

Page 2 of 8: complaints 11 to 40 of 204, newest first, as owners wrote them.

See the summary of 2012 Ford F-150 steering problems: which part fails, at what mileage and related recalls.

Filed Jun 7, 2024 · Steering · 89,073 miles · NV

The contact owns a 2012 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while reversing, the “Service Power Steering Now” message was displayed. Additionally, the contact stated that the steering wheel became stiff and would not turn as intended. The vehicle was taken to the residence, and the battery was replaced but the failure persisted. The vehicle was then taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the electronic power steering rack needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 89,073.

Filed Apr 10, 2024 · Steering · 139,000 miles · MO

The contact owns a 2012 Ford F-150. The contact stated while driving at approximately 55 MPH, the message "Service Power Steering Now" activated, and the power steering malfunctioned, causing the steering wheel to become difficult to turn in either direction. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The local dealer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 139,000.

Filed Oct 24, 2023 · Steering · 17,362 miles · UT

The contact owns a 2012 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle experienced a loss of power steering assist. The contact was able to drive to the residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 17,362.

Filed Sep 8, 2023 · Steering · 228,000 miles · TX

The contact owns a 2012 Ford F-150. The contact while driving at an undisclosed speed and making a left turn, the steering wheel became firm. The "Power Steering Assist Failure" message was displayed. The contact pulled over and turned off and restarted the vehicle several times while driving to the residence. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and the contact was informed that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 14V316000 (Steering). The contact was referred to the dealer for assistance. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted that stated there was no recall on the VIN related to the failure. The contact was referred to the federal safety agency Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 228,000.

Filed Aug 21, 2023 · Steering · ID

Electric assisted steering locks up traveling or parked. While traveling really have to strain muscles keeping in lane of travel, when steering turns it turns to far and I am trying to correct steering over corrects back in opposite direction. Cannot keep pickup in lane of travel.

Filed Aug 16, 2023 · Steering · SC

Whilst driving, suddenly power steering assist fault light flashed on and steering became very difficult to turn. Was able to safely pull off the road. After several attempts, the fault cleared and steering was fully functional again. Had I been on interstate it most likely would have caused accident.

Filed Jul 18, 2023 · Brakes, Electrical · OK

Service Advance Trac warning light comes on when backing while steering wheel turned. Multiple instances. Clears after a few minutes, but researching issue seems to be widespread across the Ford community, and has resulted in steering locking up while vehicle is in motion. Scheduled for maintenance visit to local dealership to diagnose. Codes read were C1963 & U0428

Filed Jun 30, 2023 · Steering · 209,000 miles · SC

The contact owns a 2012 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle experienced a loss of power steering assist. The restraint warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who informed the contact that the steering gear assembly needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 209,000.

Filed May 25, 2023 · Steering · 141,000 miles · TN

The contact owns a 2012 Ford F-150. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the vehicle lost power steering functionality with the traction control warning light illuminated. Due to the failure, the vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was discovered that the power steering angle sensors were defective, and the rack and pinion needed to be replaced. An unknown dealer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that there were no recalls on the VIN. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired and remained in the possession of the dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 141,000.

Filed Apr 23, 2023 · Steering · CO

As your driving advance track failure light comes on and you lose power steering. Steering gets real tight and hard to turn. Almost got in a car accident but was able to turn the steering as hard as i could just to make the turn. Drive for a little while then all of a sudden power steering kicked back on. It happen every time i drive my truck.

Filed Apr 10, 2023 · Steering · TX

Without warning, power steering went out. This truck has less than 17,000 miles on it and is kept spotless and well maintained, garage kept. Power steering came back but now we're worried it'll go out again without warning and under possibly much worse/dangerous conditions. Bringing it in for a diagnostic, but cost of a new rack is over 2000.00. And what assurance do we have that it will not happen again with the new rack? These electric racks are being recalled under other Ford vehicles, yet not the F150.

Filed Nov 17, 2022 · Steering · FL

After arriving at work, when I went out to my truck to drive to lunch I started the truck and it was fine, for about 3 seconds. As I started to drive it the power assist steering failed and the error code displayed on the dash. The steering as you might expect become very heavy and hard. Luckily I was not at speed, and there was not a vehicle near me to hit. Turned off the truck and inspected under the hood. No apparent damage and nothing appeared broken. Closed hood and restarted truck. Same sequence occurred. Could steer initially just enough to start moving, then complete steering assist failure with the error code popping up on the dashboard display. Turned off again. Restarted and left running and popped hood to see if anything looked bad. Nothing bad. After idling for about 5 minutes while I poked around, tried again and for some reason the power assist had restarted itself and was working. After carefully testing in the parking lot, decided to drive to a local auto repair shop I use. They are assessing the error codes and trying to figure out what happened. If this had happened at speed and without warning, I guarantee I could have hit something or someone before I could wrestle the truck to a safe place.

Filed Oct 13, 2022 · Brakes, Steering · LA

Turning right the vehicle's steering and brakes locked up. The traction control system warning indicator illuminated. Rac and pinion unit replaced by Ford Dealer. Same problem occurred within 50 miles. Returned to Dealer. Dealer is unable to reproduce problem.

Filed Oct 9, 2022 · Steering · NC

Electronic power steering module went out in the rack and pinion had to replace whole rack and pinion to fix problem. Power steering went out while driving

Filed Aug 25, 2022 · Steering · 107,000 miles · GA

The contact owns a 2012 Ford F-150. The contact stated while turning on the vehicle, the power assist failure warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to drive to his residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. A dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 107,000.

Filed Jul 25, 2022 · Steering · 114,000 miles · NV

The contact owns a 2012 Ford F-150. The contact stated while driving approximately 25 MPH, the steering was seized and could not be turned to the left or the right. The contact stopped the vehicle, shifted into neutral(N), restarted the vehicle, and the vehicle regained steering functionality. The contact stated that the failure recurred twice. The contact stated that the steering assist fault warning light was illuminated with an audible chime. The contact drove the vehicle to the dealer and was informed that the rack and pinon system needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 114,000.

Filed Jul 8, 2022 · Lights, Steering · MO

My power steering assist light and my advance track light came on then my steering locked up and I had no control of my vehicle. Luckily I was pulling Into my drive so no one was hurt. I had my 7 year old gson with me too. It could of been fatal. I did some research there's a recall on this on vehicles before 2012 and after 2012 but not on my vehicle which is a 2012 my rack and pinion went out I don't have any backup lights this could have been a serious accident and if anything would have happened to my grandson oh boy Ford but I want to know why my truck doesn't have a recall hurt

Filed Jun 4, 2022 · Electrical, Steering · VA

Vehicle lost its power in the power steering system, and you lose all control over the vehicle and you can't move left or right Making it very dangerous for me while it occurred, since I was unable to move the car towards any direction.

Filed Jan 25, 2022 · Steering · UT

My wife had the steering lock up on her tonight and made her pull into oncoming traffic, head on. She was able to stop the truck in the oncoming traffic lane, narrowly missing being hit head on. The steering gave her no warning, and just locked on her when she wad attempting to veer into a turn lane. The truck immediately jumped a curb divider,landing her into on coming traffic on one of the busiest streets in town. Quick thinking of switching on the hazards and praying, is all that kept her safe. The steering on this 2012 Ford F150 ecoboost has become increasingly worse over the last 3 weeks. Started with the advance track light going off every time we turned left, and has now escalated to this...almost killing my wife. I know now, after doing extensive research that this is actually fairly common in these trucks. 2011-2014 seem to be the problem trucks. A Bulletin was finally made for the 2011 models. I think it's safe to say that the 2012, 2013 and 2014s should also be put on that list. There are countless people having a steering rack issue with these trucks. And when this issue comes to a head, it's usually when you are driving, and lose all control, because of the electronic steering mechanism.

Filed Nov 16, 2021 · Steering · LA

Electronic Power Assist System failure while driving down the road. It became very difficult to operate the vehicle. If anyone but myself were operating the truck it would have resulted in an accident.

Filed Sep 29, 2021 · Steering · FL

Steering becomes hard, almost impossible when a “Power Steering Assist Fault” displays on in-dash information screen. It happens simultaneously with a very audible chime and instantaneous loss of power steering. It has happened randomly all at low speeds and doesn’t happen every time the vehicle is driven. Dealership was contacted and will be dropping vehicle off for them to diagnose and repair. The danger is sudden loss of vehicle control due to “fault.” Steering become almost impossible. When “fault” occurs, I have been able to regain steering with turning the vehicle off, then on. Steering then returns.

Filed Sep 26, 2021 · Steering · CA

The electrical steering failed causing the vehicle to be unable to steer. A clear safer issue. Almost caused a collision.

Filed Sep 23, 2021 · Steering · 70,000 miles · MI

The contact owns a 2012 Ford F-150. The contact stated he noticed when entering or exiting out of the driveway and turning the steering wheel to the left, there was a loud squeaking sound with the advance trac warning light illuminated. While the contact was driving at an undisclosed speed and making a turn, the steering wheel was very stiff. Additionally, the steering wheel would not return to the center after making a turn. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer to be inspected. The contact was informed of the EPS failure pertaining to the rack and pinion assembly. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.

Filed Sep 15, 2021 · Steering · KS

Sept 1 I was driving to the highway going to work when I felt a small jolt in my steering wheel. I thought it was a bump in the street and thought nothing of it. When I got off of work, and was leaving the parking lot I felt the same small jolt (almost like a pulling sensation in the steering wheel). When I was driving home doing around 70mph I get a message message on my dash (power steering needs maintenance immediately or something of the sorts) and a seconds after my steering column seizes up while i'm driving. My truck is well maintained and I do not do any off roading. The problem was sudden and could of been fatal. Fortunately I was able to pull of the road before I got hurt. After doing some reading this is a very common problem that ford has with there f150s, but ford has not announced a recall yet.

Filed Mar 31, 2021 · Steering · TN

Tl* the contact owns a 2012 ford f-150. The contact stated while at a standstill, the steering wheel became difficult to turn. The vehicle was restarted and the functionality resumed. The contact stated that the power steering warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to blue ridge north georgia ford (7525 appalachian hwy, mineral bluff, ga 30559, (706) 632-8900) to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the rack n pinon needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not under recall. The failure mileage was unavailable.

Filed Jan 20, 2021 · Steering · 150,000 miles · TN

Tl* the contact owns a 2012 ford f-150. The contact stated that while driving, he noticed the steering wheel was a little loose, the contact stop the vehicle, put the vehicle in parked. The contact stated that the steering wheel become difficult to steer. The power steering warning light illuminated. The contact stated that when he check, the power steering light was off. Then an indicator light illuminated was to press the ok button, the contact pressed the ok button. The contact mentioned that he guest the ok button was to reset. Once the button was pressed, the contact stated that he got his power steering back. The contact had mention that the power steering needed to be reset. The contact called blue ridge north georgia ford, 7525 appalachian hwy, mineral bluff, ga 30559, and informed them of the failure, the dealer informed the contact that there was no recall on the vehicle. The contact schedule and appointment. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and also informed the vehicle was not under a recall and will had to pay a fee for the repair and referred the contact to the federal safety agency. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.

Filed Dec 20, 2020 · Steering · 135,961 miles · WA

We went to my brothers for dinner. When we backed into his driveway the truck made a horrible noise. When we got home, we could barely back into our driveway, in fact we were half the flowerbed and half on the driveway. The next morning we tried to move the truck over so we could get our other car out of the garage, and the truck was barely drivable. We had to have it towed to a ford dealership where we bought it the next day. They diagnosed it and the same code came up as the recall that my father found when researching, but our VIN number wasn't one of them. They gave us an estimate of approx. $3000. We had it towed to another ford dealership where they fixed it for $1,981. We thank our lucky stars the steering gear did not go out on us on our way home, we probably wouldn't be here to tell about it, as we were on a dark curvy road and then on the freeway.

Filed Oct 4, 2020 · Steering · 72,865 miles · TX

With less than 500 miles on a new set of tires, I had a power steering assist warning. I was attending a high school football game and when I started the truck to return home a notice came on the dash. I quickly realized that I had no power steering. I shut the truck down, opened the door then restarted. The warning was gone and I had power steering. While turning the wheel left was very easy, turning the wheel to the right was just slightly harder.

Filed Aug 24, 2020 · Steering · 73,000 miles · NC

Tl* the contact owns a 2012 ford f-150. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the power steering assist warning message illuminated on the instrument panel as the power steering would fail to operate as needed. The contact stated that when the failure occurred, she would shutoff the vehicle and wait a few minutes before restarting the vehicle. Once the vehicle was restarted, the vehicle would resume normal operation. The contact had yet to take the vehicle to a dealer to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 73,000.

Filed Jul 29, 2020 · Steering · 149,640 miles · AR

My power steering went out without any warning. I did receive the day before a warning stating to have my advancedtrac system serviced. I took my vehicle to the closest tire and brake service center that I was already schedule to do an alignment. I was told that my truck was in alignment but they suspected I could have a steering problem. I took it to the dealer and they told me it was the steering gear and the cost would be 1900.00 dollars. I researched the problem and it is well documented that ford has had multiple recalls on this type of power steering systems. It is very unsafe. I called the ford motor company and was told that my truck was not included in the recall.

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