Ford Mustang steering lock-up problems

Filed Oct 28, 2026 · Electrical, Steering · TX

Mechanic confirmed internal steering rack failure. Mechanic also confirmed every front suspension component is loose/makes noise. Mechanic informed me that this specific vehicle model and year is known for this steering rack problem. I did further research after getting an over $10,000 bill and realized that this problem has been recalled but our vehicle is not included because it was only for 2022-2023 (we own a 2020). I also found MANY other people complaining online about the same problem and some of which has exact scenarios as us (all of different model years). One person had a distorted backup camera and the failing steering rack which is what is going on with us. The backup camera was recalled. I have reason to believe there is an electrical problem with the car because most issues we have are electrical. The steering rack is not hydraulic it’s electrical. We have also had the cars internal tire pressure meter reading low/high when it is not. I am concerned about driving the vehicle because the steering could lock up. It is currently making an very loud noise when turning the wheel. I am also concerned about this potentially ruining the suspension. The car does NOT have a message pop up on the screen to notify there’s a problem like the recall for the 2022-2023 mustangs. We have been driving around unaware of such a significant problem because we ONLY have the noise while turning. Based on other people who have talked on forums, some people have commented almost getting in accidents due to the steering locking up at turns and driving into oncoming traffic. One person also noted the same suspension problem along with the steering like us. The vehicle has not been inspected by the manufacturer, police, or insurance. I spoke with Ford customer service and all they can do is have me take it and pay for an inspection and they can offer to assist with the cost. The representatives were STRICTLY prohibited from referring me to report to the federal safety agency.

Filed Sep 26, 2026 · Steering, Suspension · IL

While making a slow turn I heard a popping noise then the steering locked up completely. I shit the car off and started it again to regain steering and get the car home. I used FORSCAn to retrieve codes U0401 and U0415 for the PSCM, both codes have same time frame. This indicates the PSCM lost communication with multiple modules at the same time during a low-speed turn, resulting in loss of power steering assist / steering lock. This is a safety issue as described in Ford Recall 19S26, but my VIN does not show this recall as applicable. Vehicle has not been repaired. Codes have not been cleared and are available for inspection.

Filed Dec 23, 2024 · Suspension · 58,000 miles · TX · crash · 1 injury

The contact owned a 2016 Ford Mustang. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, a rattling sound was present and several unknown warning lights illuminated. In addition, the power steering did not function as intended and the steering seized. The contact stated that the vehicle was very difficult to steer. In addition, the contact stated that due to the failure, the vehicle veered off the road, went through the woods, and damaged 60 feet of ranch fencing. The vehicle was towed to a local tow yard. The contact sustained bumps and bruises. In addition, the contact stated that he now suffers from anxiety because of his fear of driving. A police report was filed, however the information was unavailable. The contact stated that when he visited the dealer to pick up the spare key, the dealer provided him with new suspension parts. The contact was informed by the dealer that, due to the busy shop schedule, the parts were not replaced before the vehicle was purchased. The contact stated that he was informed to either replace them himself or bring the vehicle on a later date to have the repair performed. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 58,000.

Filed Sep 5, 2024 · Steering · 6,220 miles · CA

The contact owns a 2022 Ford Mustang. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 24V493000 (Steering); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel seized. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the steering wheel became difficult to turn. The vehicle was able to restart; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and referred the contact to the NHSTA Hotline for assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 6,220. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Filed Aug 13, 2024 · Steering, Transmission · FL

I was driving at 70mph and the steering wheel locked without any error showing on the dashboard. Ford could not find a fault when it was connected to a computer. Later after a test drive they confirmed it was the Electronic power assisted gear assembly fault.

Filed Mar 25, 2024 · Electrical · AR

Attempted to start the vehicle and heard some sort of noise and nothing happened. Vehicle engine would not turned over or attempt to start. Received a message on the display stating Steering Lock Malfunction. Service now. I found a response from the federal safety agency stating how to correct the issue. This only applied to the 2020 model. However, this corrected my issue.

Filed Feb 27, 2024 · Steering · CA

I have a 2006 Ford Mustang GT; 100,000 miles, excellent condition. While driving and when turning, at any speed, the steering wheel locks making it impossible to steer. I took it to two different mechanics who would not work on the problem as they believed it to be a defect, and they did not want the responsibility of the repair required. I then went to the Ford dealership, and the service manager said he had never heard of such a problem. It is very dangerous, and impossible to determine when it will happen again. Therefore it sits in the driveway. I want to keep the car, and don't want to sell it to an unsuspecting person. Please help if you can. Thank you. The owners manual advised and encouraged me to contact the federal safety agency.

Filed Jan 17, 2023 · Electrical · GA

When trying to start got steering lock malfunction service now. Car would not start stranded for 10 hrs.

Filed Jul 20, 2022 · Steering · 65,000 miles · KS

The contact owns a 2015 Ford Mustang. The contact stated while driving approximately 55 MPH, the steering wheel seized. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact depressed the brake pedal and stopped the vehicle. The contact was unable to veer to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was then towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the electronic steering gear assembly needed to be replaced. The dealer and the manufacturer were notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in a recall associated with the failure. The dealer advised the contact to bring the vehicle in to be repaired at her expense. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 65,000.

Filed Sep 10, 2020 · Driver assistance, Steering · 49,500 miles · GU

I was driving normally on the road, when suddenly my steering wheel locked. My steering assist was off, so I forcefully pulled over to the side of the road. Hill assist, service asdvancetrac and steering assist codes went off. Lights for advancetrac and hill assist are still illuminated on the dash until today. It's been a week.