1996 Ford F-250 Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 17about this part
- Share
- 10%of 176 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 171,640miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 17 complaints about the steering of the 1996 Ford F-250, 10% of the 176 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 171,640 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.
“This is not a complaint but to let everyone know what I have found to be part of the problem on the steering not returning after a turn. The steering column bearing in the top of the column is bad. I have had to replace at least 20 of these for this complaint and fixed the problem. The locking of the steering when breaking is a hydroboost problem not a steering problem. Ford need to research this and correct it before there is a death because of it.”
NHTSA complaint #10668218, filed 2014-12, 300,000 miles“1996 Ford, f250, 7.3 liter diesel: high pressure power steering hose failed at connection to the power steering pump. The failure occurred when backing out of a parking space. The cause of the failure is due to failure of an internal plastic component that connects the tubing to the connecting nut/fitting. Replaced with a fabricated hydraulic hose that did not have any internal plastic components.”
NHTSA complaint #10366654, filed 2010-11, 80,280 miles“Bearing failed on belt tensioner causing me to lose the serpentine belt which controls power steering,cooling,charging,and basically everything.engine did overheat,but I was lucky enough to close to an exit in west virginia.after I talked to some people I found that at least 6 other people have had similar problems.I contacted Ford but they said that they have not heard of these problems.total cost of repairs was 131.00 which port city refunded me.”
NHTSA complaint #701158, filed 1998-12“The contact owns a 1996 Ford f250 diesel. The contact stated the steering column became very loose while driving. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing. The failure mileage was 77,600.”
NHTSA complaint #10399114, filed 2011-05, 77,600 miles“The contact owns a 1996 Ford f250 diesel. The contact was entering a residential parking garage when the steering wheel completely fractured from the vehicle. The contact was able to maintain control of the vehicle and engaged the emergency brake to bring it to a stop. The vehicle was towed to a local repair shop where the mechanic diagnosed the failure as a weak steering column which would require replacing. The manufacturer was contacted and offered no assistance. The vehicle was repaired. The failure and current mileage was 263,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10386991, filed 2011-03, 263,000 milesSteering: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2014 | 74 | 52% |
| 2013 | 37 | 39% |
| 2012 | 112 | 42% |
| 2011 | 102 | 41% |
| 2010 | 30 | 41% |
| 2009 | 32 | 59% |
| 2008 | 80 | 41% |
| 2007 | 23 | 38% |
| 2006 | 78 | 35% |
| 2005 | 39 | 27% |
| 2004 | 10 | 6% |
| 2003 | 11 | 9% |
| 2002 | 10 | 6% |
| 2001 | 22 | 10% |
| 2000 | 48 | 15% |
| 1999 | 49 | 8% |
| 1998 | 3 | 5% |
| 1997 | 23 | 8% |
| 1996 | 17 | 10% |
| 1995 | 8 | 4% |
| 1994 | 3 | 2% |
| 1993 | 10 | 8% |
| 1992 | 2 | 2% |
| 1991 | 3 | 3% |
| 1990 | 3 | 3% |
| 1989 | 7 | 6% |
| 1988 | 2 | 3% |
| 1987 | 3 | 8% |
| 1986 | 1 | 3% |
| 1985 | 2 | 10% |
Other parts of the 1996 Ford F-250
35 complaintsEngine cooling
28 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
19 complaintsVehicle speed control
16 complaintsBrakes
15 complaintsFuel system
15 complaintsSuspension
14 complaintsElectrical system
11 complaintsSeat belts
5 complaintsBody and structure
5 complaintsOther or unknown
4 complaintsSeats
4 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1996 Ford F-250
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 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