1996 Ford F-150 Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 20about this part
- Share
- 6%of 324 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 122,848miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 20 complaints about the steering of the 1996 Ford F-150, 6% of the 324 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 122,848 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I had trouble turning the ignition switch with the original key,when the power steering stopped working after maybe 2 years something broke in the steering column that caused the steering wheel to flop around and a few years after that the steering wheel broke off of the steering column.”
NHTSA complaint #11103898, filed 2018-06, 15 miles“Dt: 1996 Ford f150 xlt pick up truck. The wheel assembly and the shaft on the driver side in the back slid out. The truck was being driven on a side road about 35 -40 MPH when this happened. The mechanic told the consumer that these vehicles were designed to fail. It was repaired at the cost of $1300.00. Also, while trying to back out of the driveway the shifter was flopping around and a bolt fell out at the consumer's feet. The vehicle would not go into any gear. The bolt fell out of the steering column where the two halves meet. Of the two bolts one fell out, and the other was very loose. …”
NHTSA complaint #10132051, filed 2005-08, 145,695 miles“Majority of problems have been with front and rear suspension in addition to the following: cambers, slugs, toes, rotors, gear box, springs, drag links, tie rods, bushings, trans cross members, stabilizer barrs, bushings, electrical, computer, transmission, oil leaks, ignition cylinder, and replacement of four wheel drive components. Dealership tells me their hands are tied. Ford motor company only documents difficulties and I can't get past a customer service representative who can do nothing but put my complaints into a database. …”
NHTSA complaint #709253, filed 1999-07“The contact owns a 1996 Ford f150. While driving 2 MPH, the steering wheel locked and would not turn. The contact had to use excessive force in order for the steering wheel to turn. The dealer stated that the steering column failed and they rebuilt the steering column. Approximately three years later, the failure recurred. As of november 30, 2007, the dealer had not inspected the vehicle. The current and failure mileages were 179,000. Updated 12/18/07”
NHTSA complaint #10210398, filed 2007-11, 179,000 miles“Power steering hose rusted and developed a massive leak which caused no power steering ability. Wire harness for air bag sensor not operational. Both rear springs broke under light load resulting in steering and brake failure.”
NHTSA complaint #880340, filed 2001-02Steering: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | 8% |
| 2025 | 3 | 3% |
| 2024 | 4 | 2% |
| 2023 | 17 | 4% |
| 2022 | 10 | 2% |
| 2021 | 43 | 4% |
| 2020 | 10 | 1% |
| 2019 | 22 | 2% |
| 2018 | 83 | 4% |
| 2017 | 59 | 4% |
| 2016 | 64 | 3% |
| 2015 | 84 | 5% |
| 2014 | 160 | 10% |
| 2013 | 216 | 7% |
| 2012 | 204 | 11% |
| 2011 | 419 | 19% |
| 2010 | 48 | 6% |
| 2009 | 29 | 9% |
| 2008 | 53 | 14% |
| 2007 | 29 | 6% |
| 2006 | 55 | 9% |
| 2005 | 34 | 3% |
| 2004 | 75 | 4% |
| 2003 | 15 | 4% |
| 2002 | 25 | 3% |
| 2001 | 33 | 3% |
| 2000 | 68 | 6% |
| 1999 | 50 | 5% |
| 1998 | 96 | 7% |
| 1997 | 202 | 7% |
| 1996 | 20 | 6% |
| 1995 | 25 | 4% |
| 1994 | 20 | 3% |
| 1993 | 9 | 2% |
| 1992 | 5 | 1% |
| 1991 | 7 | 2% |
| 1990 | 7 | 3% |
| 1989 | 8 | 4% |
| 1988 | 3 | 2% |
| 1987 | 2 | 2% |
| 1986 | 3 | 5% |
| 1985 | 1 | 4% |
Other parts of the 1996 Ford F-150
56 complaintsFuel system
53 complaintsVehicle speed control
36 complaintsBrakes
34 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
26 complaintsAir bags
23 complaintsEngine cooling
23 complaintsSuspension
21 complaintsTires
21 complaintsSeats
9 complaintsOther or unknown
7 complaintsBody and structure
7 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1996 Ford F-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