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9.0

really awful
Typical Repair Cost:
$1,960
Average Mileage:
74,200 miles
Total Complaints:
26 complaints

Most Common Solutions:

  1. not sure (12 reports)
  2. replacement of ford's systemic defective epas system (10 reports)
  3. replace power steering pump (2 reports)
  4. needs new steering gear (1 reports)
  5. replace rack sensor (1 reports)
2013 Ford F-150 steering problems

steering problem

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2013 Ford F-150 Owner Comments (Page 1 of 2)

problem #26

Nov 112022

F-150 LX 5lt V8

  • Automatic transmission
  • 78,101 miles

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

I have owned the vehicle for 3 years with no problems. Vehicle was parked in a parking lot for about 3 hours. I started the vehicle and several warring lights on the dash illuminated. I turned off the vehicle and restarted with the same results. I contacted the Ford dealer in Indianola Iowa and was told a technician would call me back. No one called so I had the truck towed to a local mechanic.

I am very disappointed with the lack of service provided by the dealership. The parts and installation will cost me in the area of $3500. A part on the 2013 explorer with the same function has been recalled (WHY NOT THE F150 )

- Jack B., Indianola, IA, US

problem #25

Aug 012022

F-150 XLT V8

  • Automatic transmission
  • 29,870 miles

We bought our F150 Brand New 8/2013. It truly has 29xxx miles. Do all maintenance as required. Took to dealer because service advance trac and hill descent lights came on. Dealer #1 says it needs new steering module 2800.00 to fix. Called Ford got a case number and said because we went to Lincoln, the dealer must take to another Ford dealer and then call them. We paid 200.00 for that diagnosis. Next dealer says it needs steering gear replaced. 3600.00 plus another 200.00 for diagnosis.

Now one would think power steering shouldn't go out on a truck with only 29K miles on it. Call Ford, they refuse to pay anything for repair. Google problem and see lots of people have this problem. We will never buy another Ford again. This needs to be a recall or maybe a class action law suit. Some one is going to get killed with this problem occurring while people are driving. Very disappointed in Ford.

- lcsk8mom, Saint Peters, US

problem #24

Feb 022020

F-150

  • Automatic transmission
  • 116,000 miles

It looks like there is a lot of trouble with power steering on 2013 F-150's. I am afraid to put my son and daughter in my truck now after reading these other reports. I can't get it into the shop until a week from today. Do we have to risk our lives? What should I do? We do not have a reliable vehicle for our family.

- Ju F., VIROQUA, US

problem #23

Mar 012021

F-150 5.0L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 100,000 miles

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

Power steering went out ...no warning at all... it just went out and if I would have been on any highway, there would have been a horrible accident. This dumb electric BS is dangerous for my family and yours!! Horrible horrible horrible horrible design!!!!!!

- William R., Greenville, MO, US

problem #22

Jun 142021

F-150 XLT 5.0L V8

  • Automatic transmission
  • 109,000 miles

click to see larger images

power steering failed power steering failed

I had just completed a 200 mile round trip and took to mechanic shop for oil change. As mechanic was backing off the oil ramp, steering became very difficult to steer. He tried to drive around shop to determine cause and lost all steering. Had this happened at highway speeds of 70+ mph, I would probably ended up kissing a tree. Then to add insult to injury, the rack is not serviceable, whole unit had to be replaced.

There have been documented problems with the Ford EPAS going back to at least 2008. There is no way this should be allowed to continue without resolutions.

- Mark M., Gainesville, US

problem #21

Jan 102021

F-150 FX4 Ecoboost

  • Automatic transmission
  • 118,000 miles

Pulling into a parking space, the steering wheel locked up hard and kicked back. The wheel remained locked. A dash warning "Power Steering Failure" appeared. Truck was running perfectly otherwise. I ad to have the truck towed to the dealership and I am currently awaiting a diagnosis.

I have had it with Ford. I've been a Ford guy all my life. In the last three years I have put $9500 into major repairs. I'm dumping the F-150 and Ford for good. I no longer can back the lack of quality that Ford overcharges for. Their electronic components are terrible and I'm paying the price. I could have been killed or injured/killed someone else if this had happened moments earlier on the highway. Outraged and done with Ford.

- Casimere Y., Cuyahoga Falls, US

problem #20

Jul 132019

F-150 FX4 5.0L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 111,345 miles

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

Was turning left to back my boat into the lake and the power steering went out (also turn signals). All the warning lights came on such as hill decent, service advance power steering track etc. When I went to that turn and I heard some pop noise, I think (it happened so fast) I was going too fast at a ramp that launched 4 boats at one time and I hit another truck backing into the water. I slammed on the brakes but could not turn as was not expecting this to happen. Only hit his front tire and fender but needless to say I thought this would be a recall and it's not I guess there is a lot that go out from what others say on Google forums.

My first Ford and I believe it will be my last and will my going to Chevy next especially if something else goes wrong. ALSO at this same time I will add another complaint it was found BOTH my front wheel bearings are bad the right side worst than the left but was said there going out but was still fine just needed replaced within the next month or so he said he showed my the play in the right side which was worse and I also had to get that fixed at the same time. Very upset with Ford as this is my first and had it for only 4 months.

- Timothy S., Sunbury, US

problem #19

May 012019

F-150 STX 3.7L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 94,384 miles

Was driving a couple of days ago and noticed my steering wheel wouldn't straighten out without manually moving it. Over the next 2 days it went from that to my power steering almost completely not working.

Took the truck to my mechanic and he said I should take it to Ford. Took it to my local dealership and they couldn't get it in for 10 days and suggested I do not continue to drive it during that time, because when Ford's epas fails it can be dangerous. They also told me that it could potentially be around $2000 to fix if it's an issue with the epas. So now I have to pay to rent a car on top of this extremely expensive repair of a part that should never go bad during the life span of a vehicle.

The fact that Ford knows that this problem exists and continues to do nothing leaves a very bad taste in my mouth. The only way I will remain the loyal Ford customer that I've been for years is if they found a way to make this right immediately, but unfortunately until more people are killed or injured as a result of this issue, that isn't likely to happen.

I'll update this post once I get some answers from the dealership. I love my truck, it's my favorite truck I've ever had, but I'm debating just going to trade it in because I don't feel safe driving it anymore. the fact that something like this could just fail without warning while I have my kids with me is unacceptable.

- Mike E., Aliquippa, PA, US

problem #18

May 082018

F-150 XLT 5.0L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 44,500 miles

can not steer with power.There is no steering fluid,it is a electronic issue.I want a recall (wish me luck on that one)

- stottle, Dalton, US

problem #17

Nov 202017

F-150 XLT 5.0L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 109,361 miles

I had the same problem with my power steering on my 2013 Ford XLT super crew here in Canada. The EPAS just died. Truck is in great shape, could not believe it. All the same codes came on the dash that everyone else explains, hill decent etc etc etc. Good thing I was not driving when it happened to me, hopefully nobody gets hurt. I could not believe how stiff it was.

I also do not believe how Ford is not taking responsibility for such a thing. I love my FORD, but I do not love at all how they have not took any responsibility. Its my 2nd Ford truck, and hope that they will do something about this. I had to pay out of pocket to get this fixed and cost me 2200 Canadian dollars. I couldn't believe it. I am 33 now, and have never had an issue with steering in any vehicle I have owned the course of my life.

Can only hope nobody gets hurt. Sorry to hear about the people who have gone through accidents over this.

If anyone decides to do a class action law suit, then count me in as well and email me please.

- vinnieontario, Woodbridge, ON, Canada

problem #16

Sep 142018

F-150 XL 5.0L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 87,060 miles

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

Seems like a very serious issue that you find out when it happens to you. I was lucky. Happened on startup and I was not driving down the highway or entering a curve. Was quoted a fix cost of estimated $1,800.00. If 14's are having the same issue, why are 13's not being included. Have lost faith in the safety of my truck.

- Gene B., Chanute, US

problem #15

Sep 012018

F-150 XLT 3.5L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 68,000 miles

Bought a used 2013 F150 XLT 3.5 Ecoboost. Not even 1 month down the road and the low battery light came on, followed by service advance trac and hill descent control. My power steering got very hard to control to the point where I couldn't turn. Then all my lights go out and my truck just shut off with a burning rubber smell. First off, I went to buy a brand new battery. Then not even 2 minutes down the road it all happens AGAIN!!!!! Weird how my truck would tell me my battery is bad then 10 mins later shut off all my steering. I think that is something Ford has to do something about after reading all these people with the same thing happening. Truck was towed back to the shop today. Will update as soon as I get a word.

- Elias F., Council Bluffs, US

problem #14

Jun 072018

F-150 FX2 3.2L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 56,385 miles

For a few days, a "Service Advance Trac" message was coming on intermittently, followed by failure of my turn signal to lock on a blinking mode (i.e. had to hold the turn signal arm manually to effect a blink). But, as I was backing my trailer with SeaDoos into it's spot in the drive, my power steering failed with a "Power Steering Help Failed" message. This could've been tragic if it had happened 10 minutes earlier when I was pulling on the freeway in rush hour traffic.

Towed to dealer next morning and was told parts alone would be $2,000. I know there are those who say never buy extended warranties because they're a rip-off, but my premium extended warranty covered this parts and labor fix... also covered a rental car for duration of shop time. Ford Motor Co., fix this problem!!! Recall any and all years with this failure popping up repeatedly with owners.

- John K., Los Alamitos, US

problem #13

Mar 302018

F-150 XLS V8

  • Automatic transmission
  • 76,000 miles

Stay away from the Ford F150. Driving from an oil change, the power steering went out. Luckily I was close to the dealership and limped over. They got it right in and found the advance trac light was on and diagnosed it as needing a new EPAS. $1900!!! In addition, they said I may need new ball joints once they start taking things apart.

This is ridiculous. I've NEVER had a problem with power steering failure in all the cars and trucks I've owned over the years. If Ford had a recall of 2014 trucks with the same problem, why not this year? If anyone with a 2013 is interested in filing a class action suit against Ford, let me know. I'd be more than happy to be a part of it!

No more Fords for me.

- Robert S., Durham, ME, US

problem #12

Feb 102018

F-150

  • Automatic transmission
  • 70,000 miles

click to see larger images

power steering failed power steering failed power steering failed

We purchased this 2013 Ford F-150 pickup on 10/23/17 for our 18 year old son for college. He was driving 2008 Scion TC sedan. We wanted him to be in something safer. On February 10th or 11th of 2018 my 18 year old and 15 year old were going down a very busy highway and the steering locked up pulling them to the left and causing them to go into the center median. A county deputy was driving by and saw this and thought they were driving wreckless. He pulled behind them in the median and asked them what the problem was, that driving that way was considered wreckless driving. My boys proceeded to tell him that the steering locked up and the 18 year old could not control the truck. He let them go, and the boys turned engine off and back on and the problem was gone. After reading all the complaints and near accidents, I believe this issue NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED!! Ford needs to fix this!!

Update from Feb 23, 2018: On February 19, 2018 my 18 year old son was driving on a curve county road at 30 miles per hour upon approaching the curve he turned wheel to the left and the steering locked up again. Unfortunately this time it caused him to lose control and he slid into a chain link fence with metal pipe and crashed.

The truck has major damage, the pipe from the fence merely scraped my sons head after coming through the windshield and going out the passenger window. He suffered major bruising, concussion, and of course traumatized him. The truck is pretty close to totalled. And the steering is STILL LOCKED TO THE LEFT.

My husband called Ford Motor Company on Tuesday February 20,2018 and given a case number. They assured him that he would hear back from him and asked him to hold off on contacting our Insurance Company, as they would be here at our home on Friday February 23, 2018. Said they would call or email him on time that they would be here to review the truck. Still NO WORD!!

I WANT THIS ISSUE ADDRESSED AND MY SON COMPENSATED... I WANT A RECALL DONE ON THESE STEERING PROBLEMS... TOO MANY HAVE BEEN REPORTED... WHAT IS IT GOING TO TAKE?? A FAMILY KILLED OR OTHERS?? My youngest son was with my 18 year old son just 5 minutes before the accident. HAD HE BEEN IN THAT TRUCK IT WOULD HAVE KILLED HIM OR INJURED HIM SERIOUSLY !!!!! WHAT IS IT GOING TO TAKE TO GET THIS RECALLED???

- Jacque B., Odessa, Tx, US

problem #11

Jul 012017

F-150 XLT 5.0L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 42,000 miles

2013 F150 at 43,000 miles. Electric power steering (the steering rack) failed possibly due to pump. The steering went from fine to very hard to turn within 2 weeks. Cost $1,700 dollars.

- drinkwater, Kennesaw, US

problem #10

Jul 092017

F-150 XL 3.7L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 50,100 miles

I just purchased a 2013 Ford F-150 XL extended cab with the 3.7 liter V6 / 6 speed automatic / 4X2. The steering felt odd to me when test driving it, but it wasn't obvious to me that there was a problem. This is the first full sized truck I've owned. I drove the truck about 25 miles home from the dealership, and the steering became more and more heavy....and at one point....quite hard to turn. I'm a 43 year old guy and I'm in pretty decent shape, and I was really surprised how much harder it became. Once I got home, I went to check the power steering fluid, and I found out that the truck has electric power steering. I went online to research the issue, and there are forum after forum and websites (like this one) listing that Ford basically is not taking responsibility for the poor quality / design of this power steering system. Since I just bought the truck a couple days ago, I'm sure that the dealer will fix it under New York State law. I also tow a travel trailer, so it's imperative that the steering works exactly as it should. Come on Ford!....get your act together and do the right thing! Recall these best selling trucks and make American products what they used to be. I sincerely hope one of your loved one's isn't driving when this failure occurs during worst case scenario circumstances.

- Randy S., Palmyra, US

problem #9

Apr 132017

F-150 XLT 5.0L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 60,100 miles

Dash Warning said HILL DESCENT CONTROL FAULT , SERVICE ADVANCE TRACK, POWER STEERING ASSIST FAULT. turn signal failure occurred at the same time, not sure if related but likely in my opinion.

expensive fix and has occurred twice in the past 8 months. Quickly unconverting a Ford Family

- Randy A., Mansfield, US

problem #8

Jan 302017

F-150 Lariat 5.0L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 103,250 miles

Very costly repair of vehicle that is highly maintained. Discouraging to read up on this since the occurrence, only to find it has been a widespread problem known for a long time. Ford continues to sit on their hands, fingers crossed, and not address it. There were no warning indicators or tell tale signs of impending failure. God forbid someone of lighter frame had this happen to them.

- Jeffrey W., Derry, NH, US

problem #7

Dec 252016

F-150 LS 3,5 Eco Boost

  • Automatic transmission
  • 84,360 miles

On 12-15-1016 took my maid and gardner home as I do every sunday. Steep hill coming down from their home. Power steering quits. I thought that the motor had died as I was going so slow. Realized that motor still running. Noticed that Dash Warning said HILL DESCENT CONTROL FAULT , SERVICE ADVANCE TRACK, POWER STEERING ASSIST FAULT. 1/2 block later turned on turn signal but turn signal would not stay on

Purchased truck new in Minnesota being sure to let dealer that I drive 2850 miles each year to my home in Huatulco Mexico. Called dealer service department they informed me that there was a service update on the Trucks computer and to bring it in. I explained that I was 2850 miles away and in Mexico. Did not think I could drive that far without power steering plus the steering did not feel right (truck felt like steering floating)

Had local Ford dealer look at they told me the truck needs a new Power Steering Column E- Pass. If I understand their Spanish. Truck is used for light duty but has pulled 5th wheel for 1100 miles ( shows up on dash when plug in trailer) Very disappointed as I just put in $600.00 on other repairs this last summer

HELP

- overby, Watertown, SD, US

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