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

- Fort Smith, AR, USA

1996 Ford F 150 auto trans w/ overdrive cruise & tilt, the problem is steering column failure first time was about three years ago and again now 11/30/2007. The 1st time at about 78,000 mi. And the mileage now is 179,000 mi the description of the failure starts as popping sounds along with the sounds of a rusty screen door spring then it gets worse to the point that the steering wheel hangs and it takes both hands to free it. (trust me this will scare the heck out of you turning in a busy intersection) eventually it will lock up completely.

- Fort Smith, AR, USA

1996 Ford F150. The consumer stated the bearings in the steering wheel broke/snapped, and wore out. The tilt wheel moved up and down. This started about 3 years ago. This problem still has not been fixed. The consumer tried to obtain a steering column at a junk yard, but as soon as the vehicles came in the steering columns were gone. The steering column brand new cost more than the vehicle was worth. The vehicle had to be started with a screwdriver. Nothing on the steering column worked. Ford stated there was no recall, and there was nothing they could do.

- Alexandria, VA, USA

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. 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. The consumer was able to fix them with a retaining device with lock washers on both bolts. The third problem, was similar to the first problem. While driving someone ran a red light and the truck was hit on the passenger's side. The wheel and shaft disengaged from the rear axle. A police report was filed, and there were no injuries. The vehicle was totaled. Updated 08/02/06.

- Tucson, AZ, USA