2021 Ford F-150 steering problems

Filed Nov 8, 2026 · Steering · IA

Ever since Ford Safety Recall 21S56 (the federal safety agency Campaign 21V986) for the sagging underbody insulation and driveshaft was performed on my vehicle, the truck has suffered severe, transient losses of power steering assistance. This dangerous failure occurs specifically when driving over or splashing through standing surface water, such as during normal rain or wet roadway conditions. Upon water contact with the vehicle's underbody, the Electronic Power Assist Steering (EPAS) system instantly experiences an electrical or network communication fault, resulting in a sudden, total loss of steering assist and making the heavy truck incredibly difficult and hazardous to control. The physical reassembly and modification of the underbody heat shields during the recall execution directly disturbed, damaged, or altered the routing of the main high-current steering rack wiring harness, connectors, or structural frame grounding strap located in that immediate service corridor. Moisture intrusion across these compromised electrical pathways triggers an absolute safety system shutdown of the power steering assistance. The local dealership is refusing to inspect their workmanship or remedy this severe safety hazard, falsely claiming that their obligation expired under a standard 12-month commercial warranty, leaving a known federal safety defect incomplete and dangerous to operate on public roads.

Filed Oct 19, 2026 · Driver assistance, Steering · NJ

All warnings, lane keeping assist, steering assist. Dealer confirms steering rack is failing. Truck has 50,000 miles. Completely lost steering while driving my children to school. Codes U3000 and U3000-96 internal failure.

Filed Oct 9, 2026 · Steering · MI

I am getting a Steering Assist Fault message on my dash as well as code C1B00:49-2F. I took my vehicle to the Ford dealership and the deemed I have a faulty steering rack. I noticed there was also a recall out for other 2021 F-150's experiencing similar issues. My VIN was not included.

Filed Sep 4, 2026 · Steering · VA

Subject: Steering Rack Failure Reimbursement Request, VIN [XXX] To Whom It May Concern, I am requesting review and reimbursement for an electronic steering rack replacement on my 2021 Ford truck, VIN [XXX]. The electronic steering fault first appeared at start-up and when turning the wheel to full lock. Initially, I could pull over, shut the truck off, restart it, and the warning would clear. After a battery replacement, battery monitoring system reset, and multiple steering relearns, the steering failed completely. When the failure occurred, steering became extremely difficult. After hitting a bump, the steering wheel jerked suddenly and caused pain to my hand and thumb. This also created a serious safety risk for me and others on the road due to the reduced ability to steer. The dealership replaced the electronic steering rack at a cost of over $2,000. The truck had only about 40,000 miles at the time. I later found Ford Recall 21S28, which appears to cover certain trucks built between XXX. Based on my VIN and build date, my truck appears to fall within that range, but the dealership advised my VIN was not included. Given the low mileage, safety risk, and apparent build-date match with Recall 21S28, I request that Ford and the federal safety agency review my vehicle’s eligibility under this recall or any related program and reimburse me for the repair. Thank you, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Aug 24, 2026 · Driver assistance, Steering · MN

My 2021 F-150 has been diagnosed with a failed electric steering gear Code PSCM C1B00 49 2F. I understand there was a recall on some 2021 trucks with similar steering issues, although my VIN is not included. The part is on national backorder and my dealer says there are approximately 150 vehicles ahead of mine. This is a safety-related steering component, part number "ML3Z3504G"

Filed Aug 22, 2026 · Steering · NH

My vehicle was left rendered unable to steer during use. It was taken to a local shop All Japanse Auto, who found the damage was consistent with Ford Saftey Recall 21S28. Upon speaking to AutoFair Ford of Haverhill service they informed me Ford did not include my truck in the recall despite it matching year and model and they would not be addressing the issue for me. Loss of steering mid use is amazingly careless and should be cause for taking more aggressive action

Filed Aug 10, 2026 · Steering · UT

Electronic power steering rack failed. Vehicle matches the build date and Dearborn plant of Recall 21S28 but VIN is excluded.

Filed Aug 3, 2026 · Steering · 79,000 miles · AR

The contact owns a 2021 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while parking the vehicle, the vehicle unexpectedly lost power steering functionality. The contact opened and closed the driver's side door to reset the vehicle, and the power steering function was restored; however, the failure recurred while driving. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with a PSCM internal failure and steering mechanism ball retainer failure. The mechanic determined that the failure was associated with the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 21V407000 (Steering) and referred the contact to the dealer for assistance. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, and the issue was confirmed after a diagnostic test, but the contact was informed that parts were not yet available. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 79,000.

Filed Jun 11, 2026 · Driver assistance, Steering · IA

The EPAS (Electric Power Assisted Steering) module experienced an internal sensor failure, causing a sudden and complete loss of power steering assist. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request and the EPAS module has been retained. The loss of power steering occurred without warning while the vehicle was in motion, requiring significantly greater physical force to maintain control of the steering wheel. This creates a serious risk of losing vehicle control, particularly at higher speeds, during lane changes, or in emergency maneuver situations. Because the failure occurs randomly and without any prior indication, there is no opportunity to safely prepare or pull over before it happens, putting both the driver and other motorists at risk. Yes. The issue has been acknowledged by multiple Ford dealerships and independent mechanics, all of whom confirmed this is a known and recurring problem with this vehicle’s EPAS system. Numerous online automotive forums also document other owners experiencing the identical failure, suggesting this is a widespread issue rather than an isolated incident. The vehicle was inspected by an authorized Ford dealership, which confirmed the EPAS module failure and acknowledged familiarity with the issue. No warning lights, dashboard messages, unusual sounds, or handling changes occurred before the failure. The power steering loss happened suddenly and without any prior symptoms, leaving no opportunity to anticipate or react to the malfunction before it occurred.

Filed Jun 5, 2026 · Body, Electrical · GA

After a day of heavy rain, the vehicle stalled at a stop light and would not restart. The steering wheel and transmission locked, preventing the vehicle from being placed in neutral, creating a safety hazard as the vehicle was immobile in traffic. No warning lamps appeared prior to the failure. The vehicle required a tow. The dealer confirmed water had intruded through the passenger side cowl/firewall seam due to inadequate factory sealing, tracking down and pooling directly onto the Body Control Module (BCM) mounted on the passenger side firewall. The BCM failed due to water damage, causing PATS desynchronization and the no-start condition. The BCM failure subsequently shorted out the starter motor. Dealer replaced the BCM, repaired the leak, and replaced the starter. Total repair cost approximately $3,200. Failed components are available for inspection at the dealership. This identical failure; passenger side cowl water intrusion leading directly to BCM damage — is documented across numerous 2021+ F-150 owner forums, indicating a widespread factory sealing defect at the cowl/firewall/inner fender seam junction.