1997 Ford E-150 Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 6about this part
- Share
- 6%of 102 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 162,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 6 complaints about the steering of the 1997 Ford E-150, 6% of the 102 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 162,000 miles.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“While backing out of tight parking spot 9/1/17, with multiple turns of the wheel, turned wheel one last time to pull forward into parking spot drive area but at that point, heard a clunk and all steering control was gone. Called for a tow. Tow truck drive assisted in the diagnosis noting that the steering box had disconnected from van frame rendering steering wheel connection lines useless. Had van towed home. After online read, looked at frame through left front tire access and saw the 3 bolts we read about. Grabbed the top bolt and it came right out. Same with second bolt. …”
NHTSA complaint #11022067, filed 2017-09, 150,000 miles“Driving on bestbuy parking lot, went over a speed bumper heard a loud clunk coming from driver side front tire. Drove home, stopped van, got help, while turning the steering to left, loud metal clunk from that driver side, helper on floor noticed that bottom bolt holding power steering box is going in and out, rusted on front and back of frame, this box should be mounted on reinforced brackets front and back of frame then welded to frame to protect occupants from possible separation of box and frame with consequent loss of control and possible accident (could be fatal when driving the…”
NHTSA complaint #10933940, filed 2016-12, 167,380 miles“The contact owns a 1997 Ford E-150. The contact stated that the steering box detached from the frame of the vehicle while the contact was driving. The dealer and manufacturer were notified, but denied any assistance with repairs to the defect. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileage was 162,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10432781, filed 2011-10, 162,000 miles“Dt: contact states because of his disability the vehicle is hard to put into gear, also it is hard to start the engine. The vehicle has not been to a service dealer.”
NHTSA complaint #10126801, filed 2005-07“Consumer stated the after market steering column extension device that is installed on the vehicle that assists the driver in turning the steering wheel is not safe, when the steering wheel is taken off of the splined shaft and the new part is put on, it does not have a splined center to fit tight on the shaft and the only thing that is holding it together is 2 sets of screws, if one of the sets of screws were to become loose, or if the steering wheel were turned too hard, the steering wheel would turn but the wheels would not or vice versa, consumer was informed that the aluminum part is no…”
NHTSA complaint #564924, filed 2002-04Steering: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 2 | 25% |
| 2014 | 1 | 17% |
| 2013 | 1 | 5% |
| 2012 | 1 | 8% |
| 2011 | 5 | 22% |
| 2010 | 2 | 20% |
| 2005 | 1 | 6% |
| 2003 | 2 | 10% |
| 2002 | 3 | 11% |
| 2001 | 3 | 8% |
| 2000 | 2 | 4% |
| 1999 | 17 | 20% |
| 1998 | 4 | 7% |
| 1997 | 6 | 6% |
| 1996 | 4 | 7% |
| 1995 | 5 | 7% |
| 1994 | 20 | 17% |
| 1993 | 10 | 14% |
| 1992 | 3 | 5% |
| 1990 | 1 | 6% |
| 1989 | 1 | 3% |
| 1988 | 1 | 7% |
| 1987 | 1 | 6% |
| 1986 | 1 | 11% |
Other parts of the 1997 Ford E-150
22 complaintsEngine cooling
20 complaintsBrakes
18 complaintsElectrical system
8 complaintsTires
8 complaintsSuspension
6 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
5 complaintsVehicle speed control
5 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
4 complaintsAir bags
3 complaintsEquipment
3 complaintsBody and structure
3 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1997 Ford E-150
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology