2016 Ford F-150: steering wheel locks up

Filed Apr 7, 2026 · Steering · 81,000 miles · AR

The contact owns a 2016 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel seized, and the vehicle lost the power steering assist feature. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who replaced the electric power-assisted steering (EPAS) system. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 81,000.

Filed Feb 19, 2021 · Steering · 76,640 miles · OH

Steering locked up. It freed then driving down interstate everything came on steering assist

Filed Sep 16, 2019 · Electrical, Steering · 36,100 miles · FL

Have had this vehicle to dealer multiple times with complaint of hearing rattling under vehicle and in steering column along with noise from right front brake area. Also with complaints of vehicles wandering left and right on highway regardless of road crown. Have asked specifically to check the electric steering to ensure not faulty. All these complaints while still under original warranty. Today, two weeks after last visit, steering locks up while driving and I cannot turn the vehicle. Fortunately, I was on my property going slow and was able to stop safely. I was driving home and drove 30 miles on the interstate doing 70mph. Glad the steering did not freeze then. Shut the vehicle off and then restarted it and got the 'steering assist fault service required' on the cluster along with a bunch of other symbols. The sync screen came up and froze and could not be cleared nor was it responsive to any other selections on screen. I think this is an electrical issue with either the electric steering, a sensor or possible low or interrupted voltage. This vehicle has no voltage gauge for battery nor was there any indicator that warned of a low voltage issue when the steering wheel would not turn. Is the federal safety agency waiting for someone to be killed with this problem before it is investigated? I am waiting until monday when dealer opens to have them come get this vehicle. I am afraid to even attempt to do anything to it to drive it to dealer for service. I am uploading the latest service invoice for this issue. Dealer has consistently stated there was nothing wrong.

Filed Jun 27, 2019 · Steering · 54,000 miles · CA · crash

When backing the truck down the driveway at a low speed. The steering wheel locked at the moment you have to cut left to avoid a neighborhood watch sign that sits adjacent the driveway. The left mirror broke off, impacting the left front quarter panel resulting in approximately $1,500 damage to the vehicle. I also damaged the community sign requiring repair. As noted in other the federal safety agency reports, diagnostic tests were void of steering codes. Battery failure was noted however even though a battery indicator light on the instrument panel never appeared. The dealership document noted 'load tested battery failed ' recommend battery ' can cause electrical issues.' in other words, epas failed or locked due to a battery issue that was not displayed on the console.

Filed May 9, 2019 · Steering · 47,000 miles · CA

Driving out my drive way my steering froze up on me.

Filed Oct 18, 2018 · Steering · 40,000 miles · CA

I have a 2016 ford f-150 with roughly 40,000 miles on it. My truck has been out of service since september 16th, with a steering issue. The electronic power assist steering (epas) went out on the truck driving home from costco that evening with my 3 year old son and girlfriend in the car, I attempted to take a right turn and the steering locked up on me, nearly causing us to crash. The next day I took it to bill brandt ford in brentwood ca, but they wanted $170.00 just to diagnose it, so I declined the service because I have a friend that is a mechanic for tri delta transit and he was able to diagnose it for free. He found out it was the epas, and that I had to replace the whole rack and pinion, which is about a $1,300.00 part. This issue should not be happening on such a new vehicle, but since I am 4,000 miles over the bumper to bumper warranty I have no choice but to pay for the new part for my truck. The issue with ford is, since the truck is so new there are no other companies carrying that part besides ford at the moment. I called their parts service around september 20th to order the part but they stated it was on back order until october 9th and were not taking any orders. I patiently waited until october 9th and called back to order it and they said it has been pushed back to late october and to call back at the end of the month. This is a real big inconvience for me especially being employed and having a young child, I have been without a vehicle for almost a full month now. I've reached out to ford and talked to their regional manager trying to explain the issue and if there was anything they could do for me, like a rental car or get the part asap for me, but she stated there was nothing they can do. After doing extensive research I have found out that this steering defect is a pretty common issue ford f-150 owners are experiencing.