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10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
2 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
73,017 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2012 Ford F-150 steering problems

steering problem

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2012 Ford F-150 Owner Comments (Page 4 of 10)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #132

May 092019

F-150

  • 69,800 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

While driving the vehicle on highway and turning left the steering wheel would not return to center. The driver had to manually with effort in order to avoid crossing into opposing lane, return steering to right. Took vehicle to local dealer, found fault code C1B00. Steering angle sensor failed. Ford is probably aware of this problem that appears to be do to overheating in engine compartment. Occurrence usually out of warranty. Cost $1800.

- Cogan Station, PA, USA

problem #131

May 092019

F-150

  • 54,170 miles
Electronic power steering locked up while parked

- Natchitoches, LA, USA

problem #130

Oct 012018

F-150

  • 160,000 miles
Power steering failure. It started with just the "service advance trak" light coming on after making a sharp turn. When this light was on the turn signals would not work. Now I have little to no power steering at all times. There seems to be several complaints about this and even a recall for F-150's of this year but it is not on the list.

- Corinth, KY, USA

problem #129

Apr 182019

F-150

  • 50,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

After making a tight turn in a parking lot "service advancetrack" message came up on display. With message displayed turn signal would not stay on. At 50,000 miles dealer says the steering rack needs to be replaced that it is not a serviceable item.

- Haverhill, MA, USA

problem #128

Apr 162019

F-150

  • 26,000 miles
"service advancetrac" warning light illuminates after sharp turns into parking spaces, etc.. turn signal arm has to be held during turns. Sometimes problem clears itself.

- Fletcher, NC, USA

problem #127

Feb 252019

F-150

  • 175,000 miles
When you slow down for a curve try to park you can't steer. Sometimes it's fine and then it comes back as you drive. This seems to be a problem with a lot of Ford of this year make and model. All types of roads while in motion.

- Springville, IN, USA

problem #126

Mar 142019

F-150

  • 148,875 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Hard to turn (left/right), especially at low speeds!

- Hammond, IN, USA

problem #125

Feb 062019

F-150

  • 149,000 miles
A year ago, my 2012 F150 XLT 2wd had a power steering failure. It magically started working until a month ago. Within two weeks, my power steering failed three times. I started my vehicle, put it into gear, and immediately the power steering failure light came on. The first time, restarting my truck worked. The second time, my normal mechanic ran codes and found there was a miscommunication between the steering wheel and power steering, stating it wasn't zeroed out and therefore locked. They reset it and it worked. The third time, I zeroed the wheel out when I got to work... using all my strength to make turns. I then took it to be diagnosed by a Ford dealer service center and they found an "internal failure" of the power steering assembly gear, part #el3Z-3504-be. This part has been recalled on many 2008-2014 F150S, but mine isn't on the recall list. I live in nashville, so my driving is a mix of city streets and interstates. I have the diagnosis/estimate paperwork on hand. Ford customer service has refused to return my calls.

- Nashville, TN, USA

problem #124

Dec 252018

F-150

  • 142,000 miles
My power steering has completely failed, there are not any warning indicators on its just out. It started aroud 12/25/18 it would stick during a turn I would have to use force to straighted the wheel. Somedays it would work just fine. As of 1/21/19 its completely out, no power steering what so ever.

- Greenwood, IN, USA

problem #123

Oct 182018

F-150

  • 94,913 miles
When turning vehicle either left or right as sharp turn as possible at a low rate of speed, the check engine light came on, traction control light came on and the turn signals stopped working. The only way to reset turn signals, traction control light and engine check light was to cut truck off, restart then drive backwards about 10 yards and the light went out and turn signals started working, to correct the problem berglund Ford service dept said I needed a new steering gear. This was a very expensive fix, $2046.40 and in my research this year truck was having this problem wide spread. I feel there was a design problem as the steering gear is not a part that normally fails on a vehicle,

- Bichanan, VA, USA

problem #122

Feb 272019

F-150

  • 149,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

My power steering has failed four times. The first two times, it corrected itself. The third time, my service center found a code that showed a miscommunication between the wheel and steering system, which locked the wheel. It has now happened a third time. It is very dangerous, as it happens while I am driving! it starts when I put it in drive, regardless of where I am. I live and work in nashville, tn.

- Nashville, TN, USA

problem #121

Feb 192019

F-150

  • 72,000 miles
Attempted to back out of driveway and turned vehicle to left and heard loud screeching sound from engine compartment. Immediately received "service advancetrac" alert, then power steering completely failed, and "power steering failure" displayed on vehicle display. No power steering now and slightest turn of wheel results in loud screeching sound from steering rack. Now, when vehicle sits in park with engine running, no power steering is available and the wheels cannot be turned without excessive force.

- Shingle Springs, CA, USA

problem #120

Feb 142019

F-150

  • 102,258 miles
I was driving my truck in a grocery store parking lot when a power steering assist warning can on an I lost steering. The steering wheel feels lock and thankfully I was not driving at highway speed. I googled this and have seen lots of complaints about the same issue resulting in accidents and loss of life. Come on Ford...

- Leonardtown, MD, USA

problem #119

Jan 072019

F-150

  • 58,000 miles
The contact owns a 2012 Ford F-150. While driving approximately 35 mph, the electronic power steering assist became inoperable. The contact performed a diagnostic test using an obd diagnostic tool; however, no fault codes were located. Imperial Ford (located at 8 uxbridge rd, mendon, MA 01756, (888) 814-8373) was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 58,000.

- Millis, MA, USA

problem #118

May 152018

F-150

  • 127,526 miles
The contact owns a 2012 Ford F-150. While driving and making a right turn, the steering wheel seized without warning. The contact was able to turn the steering with difficulty to continue driving. The contact stated that the failure occurred intermittently. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or an independent mechanic for a diagnostic testing of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 127,526.

- Blacklick, OH, USA

problem #117

Oct 152015

F-150

  • 24,000 miles
Since October 2015 my steering on my 2012 Ford F150 supercrew 4X4 with 44,000 miles randomly freezes up without warning. This issue occurs mostly after making a left turn. After turning, the steering wheel fails to return to center. Occasionally this issue happens while driving straight, which makes driving very scary as I have to continually work to keep the wheel centered. I did take it to the Ford dealer once when this problem was happening for a few days straight, but by the time they tested it the issue dissappeared.in reviewing the multitude of complaints for this issue, I am shocked that there is no recall issued for dangerous problem.

- Omaha, NE, USA

problem #116

Aug 012018

F-150

  • 161,456 miles
August 2018- while driving the vehicle the power steering assist light alert appeared and was unable to steer the vehicle. I pulled over and stopped, shut vehicle off and turned it back on and was able to steer. During the next few weeks, this occurred again at various speeds. At times, the power steering would work and the light would disappear. However, I did not have power steering when I took the vehicle in for repair. I took the truck to the Ford dealership - diagnosis code U2011 and U3000. Dealership repaired motor inside steering gear. Total cost for parts and labor was $2333.29. October 2018 - while driving the vehicle on the highway going 65 mph and exiting I lost power steering - assist alert light appeared. Was able to hard break at stop sign, turn off vehicle and turn back on - power steering was working again, November 2018 - the power steering alert light appeared on 3 different times. All going different rates of speed. The most dangerous was highway speeds, exiting highway to turn right at a stop light and lost all power steering. I was able to control vehicle and pull into a parking lot. Contacted dealership - they had the truck for 10 days; could not duplicate issue. Advised to replace tire. Purchased 4 new tires cost over $1000. Today, 11/20/2018 less than 24 hours later while driving the vehicle the power steering light appeared again.

- Trophy Club, TX, USA

problem #115

Oct 102018

F-150

  • 103,000 miles
Theory - vehicle manufacturers can simulate or induce failure of various parts/systems through the computer programming systems that run vehicles causing vehicle owners to make unneeded repairs which creates demand for parts and labor throughout the dealership network. My vehicle has had the following issues arise after the warranty expired. 1) dashboard display of gear vehicle is operating in stopped illuminating 2) windshield wiper stays on lowest intermittent setting after wiper is turned off 3) vehicle makes noise for 5-10 seconds following ignition during which brake pedal is soft. 4) sound of grinding/scraping from the front end 5) power steering is stiff during low speed turns my response to these situations were/are as follows: 1) checked the fuses - everything was good there. Several months later the display illuminated and has stayed illuminated ever since. 2) the local dealership recommended replacing a $100 part - I continued to switch the wipers on and off until wipers stayed off. Situation still requires on/off switching sometimes but has improved over time 3) the local dealership recommended replacement of a $400 brake vacuum pump. I continued to wait for brake pedal to firm before operating the vehicle and the situation resolved to normal presently. That is to say there is no problem with the brakes. 4) took the vehicle in for service and incurred a $700+ charge for iwes system. Dealership said the check valves had stuck open and dirt and dust had entered the system requiring replacement of parts 5) this is the latest issue with the vehicle. It only happens when turning after a stop and doesn't happen every day. I suspect it will resolve itself overtime if my theory as stated at the top is correct.

- Lancaster, NH, USA

problem #114

Oct 012018

F-150

  • 88,000 miles
While driving at highway speeds, electric power steering failed. Service advance-trac message displayed, low battery displayed, turn signals won't work, and traction/stability control is disabled. All related to the power steering rack.

- Colorado Springs, CO, USA

problem #113

Sep 022018

F-150

  • 61,000 miles
61K miles on truck and when turning at low speeds steering is very difficult. The steering does not return to center unless you assist. The first time it happened it completely startled me as my truck continued to turn. I did a search on my truck and found that this is a common problem with the electronic steering assembly. I contacted my dealer and Ford with no help. I was told no recall. I informed the Ford customer service rep that there have been several accidents because of this issue to no avail. Very disappointed in Ford.

- Jefferson Township, PA, USA

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