Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power steering, steering column, rack and pinion).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1996 Ford F-150 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Dt: 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 $1300.00. 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. …
I had trouble turning the ignition switch with the original key,when the power steering stopped working after maybe 2 years something broke in the steering column that caused the steering wheel to flop around and a few years after that the steering wheel broke off of the steering column.
Tl 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
After experiencing increasing sloppiness in steering, mechanic friend checked out the problem. One of the three bolts holding the steering box had backed out approximately 1 inch allowing the gear box to move away from the vehicle frame. Contact with local dealer in virginia (truck originally bought in pa.) stated that the vehicle is beyond the three year/ 36,000 mile warranty. The stripped area on the steering gear box would require replacement of entire mechanism costing approximately $500. I identifed that there is no evidence of this part ever having been removed from the vehicle and that it appears to have been stripped when assembled. (assembly done in Canada.) contact on Monday (2/26) to the local Ford customer inquiry line in chantilly, va did not reveal much - no service bulletin could be identified. …
Majority of problems have been with front and rear suspension in addition to the following: cambers, slugs, toes, rotors, gear box, springs, drag links, tie rods, bushings, trans cross members, stabilizer barrs, bushings, electrical, computer, transmission, oil leaks, ignition cylinder, and replacement of four wheel drive components. Dealership tells me their hands are tied. Ford motor company only "documents" difficulties and I can't get past a customer service representative who can do nothing but put my complaints into a database. Repeated letters and phone calls have gone unresolved and Ford motor company has made no attempt at customer service! I was told today that notice would be sent to the local field office where they would contact the dealer service manager and most likely not me directly although I asked that they do so. …
Dt: 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.
Upon making a left or right hand turn there is a knocking sound coming from the front end, there is also a vibration in the steering column. Steering column port was replaced twice, still having knocking sound. Also replaced front brake calipers/rear brakes/rear axle seal.
Power steering hose rusted and developed a massive leak which caused no power steering ability. Wire harness for air bag sensor not operational. Both rear springs broke under light load resulting in steering and brake failure.
Front knuckle: spindle that holds the tie rod broke, causing the wheel to fall off and no steering ability, consumer went up over curb within 5 feet from a daycare building almost resulting in crash.
"clunk" noise heard/felt through the steering column when maneuvering in parking lots, stop and go traffic, acceleration and braking, or driving over bumps
NHTSA investigations
Tie rod end failures
There is no summary currently available
Steering complaints in other F-150 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are steering problems on the 1996 Ford F-150?
NHTSA has 20 complaints about the steering of the 1996 Ford F-150, 6% of the model year's 324 complaints. The component named most often is steering wheel/handle bar (4 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1996 Ford F-150 steering problems?
No. NHTSA lists no steering recall for the 1996 Ford F-150, though it has 2 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 1996 Ford F-150 steering problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 146,000 miles, and 25% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 0 injuries to steering problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.