2021 Ford F-150: loss of power steering

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 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 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 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 Mar 7, 2026 · Brakes, Electrical · CT

1. Electrical System Failure: While traveling on highway, alternator failed suddenly within 2 minutes of “service soon” and “check electrical system” warnings. Caused complete loss of motive power, electronic parking brake locked up while driving, loss of power steering, all gauges failed, transmission shifted into park while in motion. Battery was damaged (“fried”). Engine continued running for several minutes after stop without ability to shut off ignition. Incident documented by Ohio State Highway Patrol. 2. Seat Belt Issue: Driver-side seat belt interlock sticks in unlocked position, creating risk of failure to lock during a crash. 3. Electronic Parking Brake: Intermittently engages while vehicle is moving downhill to a stop (mostly at or below 5 mph). Parking brake light flashes three times then turns solid while in motion. Ford TSB indicates vehicle not eligible for related recall. 4. Infotainment System: Intermittently freezes, requiring forced reboot. Preceded by audio glitches, laggy dash computerized systems. 5. Transmission: Severe clunk and physical jolt when decelerating from ~30 mph to 8 mph. Also occurs during acceleration, particularly upshifts from 2nd to 3rd and 3rd to 4th gears, more pronounced when turning. 6. 4WD System: Intermittently fails to disengage from 4WD HI to 2WD HI. “Failure to shift” message appears several minutes after command to return to 2WD HI. 7. Front Differential/Axle: Previously, faulty front differential housing fractured due to system malfunction, causing intermittent loss of front driveline engagement in 4WD LO (250-500ms delay then re-engagement under throttle). Ford replaced front differential and axle under warranty after vehicle out of service for 2.5 months. Abbreviations: 4WD HI = 4-Wheel Drive High Range; 2WD HI = 2-Wheel Drive High Range; TSB = Technical Service Bulletin.

Filed Sep 25, 2025 · Steering · OK

The steering had a failure while driving on the highway. Driving straight, not making any turns, and a steering error came across the dash for the failure. Complete loss of steering functions. THis happened at 58000 miles. The problem is now occuring daily and is thought to be the power steering module. All steering control is lost.

Filed Aug 19, 2025 · Engine, Steering · WI

Power steering rack failure, while driving though a puddle less than 6 inches deep. Cost over $1900 to replace. My wife's 2014 volkswagen passat is able to drive though deeper water.. on 8/13 I was unable to move over on a road that had some puddles due to oncoming traffic. After driving though the small puddle my power steering went out. Took to the mechanic and he said its a known issue due to how Ford did not seal their wiring well under the trucks and it hangs lower allowing the water to seep into the cables and cause the powering steering rack to fail.. this is unacceptable its a truck a puddle should not cause a truck to loose power steering.

Filed Jul 23, 2025 · Steering · FL

When driving across railroad tracks, or at lower speeds primarily when turning sharp or into parking spaces, a power steering assist fault light flashes and steering becomes difficult unless truck is moving. The only remedy that I know is to put the truck in park, turn off, and restart. This corrects the issue until the criteria mentioned above is met and then it happens again, and again...... The vehicle has been taken to a repair shop where they recommended a new rack and pinion. They mentioned this is a very common issue with ford vehicles. This vehicle has 34k miles and has been well maintained. I'm very disappointed that it consistently has this issue and worry about the loss of steering at a higher rate of speed.

Filed Jul 9, 2025 · Steering · GA

When starting the vehicle a message displayed stating "Power Steering Fault Service Required". I was able to shut off the vehicle and restart with no issue. Currently, restarting the vehicle no longer has any affect and the power steering is out completely. An appointment has been scheduled with Ford in two weeks. Unfortunately, this is my only means of transportation. I was at work when the power steering went out completely and had to drive home. On my drive home, the traction control tripped jerking the wheel and it felt like the whole vehicle jumped.

Filed Apr 10, 2025 · Steering · NJ

power steering assist randomly stops working. has been going on for a while. The fault clears by stopping, shutting off the truck and restarting it. last time it occurred 05APR2025, it would not clear. Had to drive to dealer without power assist.