2011 Ford F-250: loss of power steering

Filed May 25, 2020 · Steering, Suspension · MS

Vehicle in motion at 60 to 65 MPH on smooth public city highway when the vehicle began shaking uncontrollably particularly in the front end. Steering became difficult to control and although I immediately began to brake and attempt to keep it from the median or ditch the vehicle didn't cease the uncontrollable shaking until I came to a near stop off the edge of the highway. It continues to feel as if it were about to occur any moment again the remaining 20 miles to my home. I intend on taking it to the ford dealership first thing in the morning as if was a dangerous situation to myself and wife as well as other drivers on the highway. Purchased vehicle less than 5 months ago.

Filed Aug 29, 2016 · Electrical, Engine · 115,342 miles · AL

The truck went to limp mode for 3 sec then shut off. My son was driving and it shut of on a busy 4 lane road with nowhere to go ,no power steering ,brakes ,no motor nothing. Let it be known and I am coping this letter. This could be very hazardous even deadly. I hope something is done before it kills someone or multiple people. The vehicle was in motion when it happend.

Filed Mar 19, 2015 · Engine · 60,000 miles · AZ

Driving the car at 50 miles per hour on a highway, the message "pull over safely now" came on, within 10 seconds the engine and subsequently steering shut itself down. There was no place to pull over except for a turn out lane. I bought this car to pull my 2 horse trailer and drive on interstate for long road trips. I drive at night since that is easier on my horses. If the engine and steering can shut itself down going at 75 miles per hour on interstate, 10 seconds is not a safe enough time to pull over when carrying a live animal load. I was told the sensor was bad and needed to be replaced. The vehicle is completely unsafe for what it was designed to do. No piece of mind driving and towing with a vehicle that can shut itself down without adequate warning due to bad sensors within 10 seconds. Extremely dangerous! Apparently the sensors on these vehicles go out on a regular basis, it's just a matter of time until someone gets killed due to a $50 failed sensor and the engine shutting itself down and lost steering control. Dealers I have talked to are very familiar with this issue but say they can't do anything until engine shuts itself down. Dealers say it's random and unpredictable when egt sensor will fail. Some of the sensors are covered under warranty, but engine needs to shut down before dealer will fix it! Insane. I have a friend whose wife died on the freeway in an accident caused by a similar issue on her vehicle before it was declared a recall. I believe that the sensor issue on the ford 250 will lead to similar situations. It's time this is looked into before lives are lost.

Filed Jun 10, 2014 · Steering, Suspension · 35,000 miles · TX

My truck starts shaking violently at 40-60 MPH. Steering control is lost and can only be regained by coming to a complete stop. Truck will not switch lanes and pulling over to the shoulder is impossible due to loss of steering. Shaking is violent to the point of loosening bolts. Taken to dealer to be checked under warranty. They claimed it was air pressure or the need for new tires. The vehicles tires are in good condition and air pressure is set at factory recommended levels. Ford says this behavior is normal. A serious accident extremely possible. An independent suspension shop claims issue is due to defective ball joints, lack of steering damper, and defective control arms.

Filed Jun 4, 2013 · Fuel system · 21,125 miles · FL

While traveling at highway speeds on the interstate the engine began to rapidly loose power. The warning light showed "reducing power". The truck quickly lost power but I was able to move it from the travel lanes as the engine completely shut down and I lost power steering and power brake functions. The truck was towed to a authorized ford dealer where it was determined that due to "contamination" in the fuel supply the fuel regulator stuck open and the engine shut down to prevent further damage. Upon visual inspection by me at the dealership I examined the metal portion of the fuel regulator which had rust like corrosion on it due to moisture in the fuel. Ford's position is that the moisture in the diesel fuel is "contamination" and therefore caused the problem. The system has two in line filters one of which is specifically designed to separate water from the fuel because diesel fuel has a certain moisture content in it. Ford will not warranty the repair and is recommending a complete replacement of the fuel system or the remaining warranty will be voided. The repair is estimated to be in the $10,000 to $12,000 range. My understanding is that ford(as well as other automakers that use the bosch fuel systems) has many complaints related to fragility of this diesel fuel system and that it was recommended to me to file a complaint with the federal safety agency. I am able to provide more specific details as required. Please contact me with any questions.