2008 Ford F-150 Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 53about this part
- Share
- 14%of 369 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 63,184miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 53 complaints about the steering of the 2008 Ford F-150, 14% of the 369 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 63,184 miles.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Three months ago I heard a pop noise under the hood then shortly after the steering began to feel stiff even on the return after turning I needed to help.upon inspection I found the lower intermediate steering shaft joints are extremely corroded and needs to be replaced upon checking this seems t be a large problem on this vehicle. I have had much older vehicles that have never had this issue.”
NHTSA complaint #11307807, filed 2020-02, 119,000 miles“My brother in law has a 2008 Ford F-150 and said his steering seized up and after checking fluid, belts, etc. It appeared the steering shaft u-joints were binding. Last week my 2008 f150 experienced the same problem. Why hasn't Ford been liable for this safety issue. After checking various Ford sites, this is a major problem with f150's.”
NHTSA complaint #10873314, filed 2016-06, 107,000 miles“Steering became stiff. Vehicle was hard to maintain even on straight road. After my inspection, I found that the steering shaft was horribly corroded at the universal joint. I will not drive this vehicle until I repair it. It is at the point where it could break and loose all control of steering. Very dangerous. I have been a mechanic for over 30 years I have never seen this in any vehicle, no matter what age.”
NHTSA complaint #11163267, filed 2018-12, 120,543 miles“I have a 2008 F-150. As I was taking an exit off the highway, the steering wheel looked up & I couldn't turn the wheel & ended up on the grassy area of the exit.. The problem is the lower steering shaft u-joint binds up & locks. There is a design flaw in the u-joint, there is no way to grease or lube the u-joint. I have notified Ford many times with no answers or response. …”
NHTSA complaint #10522338, filed 2013-06, 59,000 miles“My truck has 81k miles on it and the torque converter has gone bad. I have never in the past heard of a bad torque converter from normal wear and tear. The top of my steering wheel is showing major wear. My wife's 2000 mini van has no wear on it. Why would the top of my steering wheel be falling apart?”
NHTSA complaint #10609831, filed 2014-07, 81,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10023854Oct 1, 2007High pressure power steering line seepage-cold climates only (excluding heritage f-150).
Steering: 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 2008 Ford F-150
53 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
50 complaintsVehicle speed control
41 complaintsBrakes
39 complaintsAir bags
29 complaintsElectrical system
29 complaintsFuel system
27 complaintsBody and structure
23 complaintsEngine cooling
22 complaintsOther or unknown
17 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
12 complaintsSeat belts
11 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2008 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