The contact owns a 2018 Ford F-250. The contact stated while driving 75 MPH, the steering wheel seized with several unknown warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the steering wheel became difficult to turn. The vehicle was restarted; however, the failure recurred. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 148,000.
Ford F-250 SD steering lock-up problems
17 of the 6,553 owner complaints about the Ford F-250 SD describe steering wheel locks up, most of them for the 2008 model year.
- owner complaints
- 17
- worst model year
- 2008
- typical mileage
- 70,000
Is there a fix? There are 2 recalls for this area of the car. See below
By model year
- 20191
- 20181
- 20151
- 20101
- 20091
- 20087
- 20061
- 20041
- 20021
- 20012
Often reported together
Engine failure 5Ball joint 2Stalling 1Loss of power 1Check engine light 1
What owners say
At highway speeds, came over a rough patch, and the front end began to shake violently as though I had a flat tire. Steering locked up, and I pulled over to see what the issue was. Found nothing wrong. This was the second time this has occurred, the previous instance, the shaking stopped once I reduced speed, this time it continued until I came to a stop.
Driving 55 MPH on hwy 161 in ar (in motion) when I hit a rough spot about 2' bump that completely crossed the lane I was driving in, the front wheels shook so violently I was about to lose control when the steering locked up. I had to bring the vehicle to a complete stop before I could regain control of the steering. I took the truck to a front end shop and all they could find wrong was the ball joints were a little worn, I had them replaced and the truck did better for about 3,000 miles and now it's worse than ever. A truck with 66,000 miles on it should not be having this problem. Has there been any other complaints like this with ford.?
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 ford f-250 sd. While driving approximately 40 MPH, the vehicle lost power and the steering wheel seized. In addition, the check engine indicator illuminated. The dealer (tomball ford, 22702 tomball pkwy, tomball, tx 77375, (281) 378-3160) was contacted, but did not receive authorization from the contact to diagnose the vehicle. An independent mechanic diagnosed that the high volume oil pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified. The VIN was not available. The approximate failure mileage was 157,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 ford f-250 sd. While driving 60 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed and the steering seized. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic (summers automotive) to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the power steering needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was not included in the federal safety agency campaign number: 15e014000 (steering). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 170,000. The VIN was not available.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 ford f-250 sd. The contact stated that the steering wheel locked several times and the brakes had to be applied each time while making a turn. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who was unable to replicate and diagnose the failure. The dealer replaced the power steering fluid and brake fluid, but were also unable to diagnose the failure. The manufacturer was notified. The approximate failure mileage was 120,000.
Power steering locked up while towing a expensive classic car. I am reading that it is the steering gear box. Ford won't do anything about it.
The steering locks up after making a right hand turn. This has happened several times over the last few months,called the dealership they said they haven't had any other complaints other than mine.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 ford f-250 super duty. The contact stated that while driving 50 MPH, the steering wheel seized and the vehicle careened into a ditch. The vehicle was taken to a dealer for diagnosis and the contact was informed the lower steering shaft would need to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure and current mileage was 52,000.
I was driving to a cross street intersection when my steering wheel locked up and couldn't turn on to the cross street and I had to stop the truck and back up, then after I stopped, the wheel let go and I was able to turn the truck. This has happened several time since I have owned the truck.
Related recalls
Steering: column
- What is wrong
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2021 F-250, F-350, and F-450 vehicles. The steering column upper shaft may detach from the steering column and result in a loss of steering control.
- Risk
- A loss of steering control increases the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will inspect the steering column, and repair or replace the upper shaft as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 20, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1‑866‑436‑7332. Ford's number for this recall is 25S94. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on beginning September 23, 2025.
Recall number 25V626000 · Recall details
Steering: column
- What is wrong
- Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2023 Super Duty F-250, F-350, and F-450 vehicles. The steering column upper shaft bolts may be missing or improperly tightened, resulting in possible separation of the steering column from the adjoining components.
- Risk
- A disconnected steering column can result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will inspect and tighten the steering column upper shaft coupler bolts, or install any missing bolts, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 1, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1‑866‑436‑7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23S22.
Recall number 23V344000 · Recall details
Questions about the Ford F-250 SD steering lock-up
Which Ford F-250 SD years have steering wheel locks up problems?
The model years with the most reports are 2008 (7 complaints), 2001 (2 complaints) and 2002 (1 complaints).
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