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 1997 Ford F-150 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Steering wheel frame is cracked and allows for large movement before the vehicle May respond. Aluminum appears to have several hairline cracks and warping around the collar holding the steering column and you May loose control while turning or when the road surface is uneven at mid to high speeds. Lost control while traveling on an s shaped curve due to lack of steering and then over-steering. This happened on a highway in night conditions, no rain. Video footage is available via a dashcam.
Tl* the contact owns a 1997 Ford f-150. The contact stated that while at a stop sign and attempted to make a right turn, the steering wheel became hard and a pop sound emerged from the steering column. The vehicle was driven for approximately a half a block then the steering wheel seized. The vehicle was towed to the contacts residence and then the contact called the dealer that advised him that the VIN was not part of the recall. The vehicle was repaired but the parts replaced were unknown. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 207,000.
While driving 65 MPH the consumer lost steering power. The consumer was not able to maintain control of the vehicle, and crashed into a guardrail. Upon impact, both frontal air bags deployed. The vehicle was towed to the dealer for inspection, and the mechanic determined that the steering shaft broke, and needed to be replaced.
I just started having issues with my steering. I was turning right and my steering wheel locked up and I had to tug hard to unbind and regain control of my truck. I have not had an accident, but this just started happening and has happened several times while driving and turning.
The vehicle loss steering and total control of the vehicle while making a slight turn. The dealer stated the steering shaft separated. The consumer found a recall but was told that her vehicle was not included. Recall# 03V196000
I was driving home from town when all the ball bearings fell out of the steering column and the steering wheel became loose and the truck began to sway from right to left, it was controllable at the low speed I was going but thank god I wasn't on an interstate or highway at a higher speed I could have run off the road or worse had a head on collision ! The truck has not left my property since but I still have to keep full coverage insurance and tagged for insurance purposes and a lien from my bank on it,I have also replaced the starter on it eight (8) times the parts are very cheap but it has an airbag and my local Ford dealer gave me an estimate of 200.00 two hundred dollars to replace two six and seven dollar bearings. …
Front suspension is a "sealed ball/socket system" supposedly needing no grease. The tie rod driver's side/inner just popped off at low speed. It was determined that the socket was dry causing excessive wear/corrosion on the joint. Was also told that the pittman arm is also dry and in need of grease - actually, replacement, now. I am continually assured by Ford service dept., that the truck does not need to have grease added as it has a "sealed ball and socket joint system" these parts should be mandated to have grease fittings for preventative maintenance capabilities. ****hubs**** design flaw with the diameter of the hubs in relation to the wheel/rotors, etc., on the 1997 trucks, the diameter of the hubs did not allow for even a minor amount of normal corrosion. This results in the mechanic's inability to remove the hub for service without damaging the hub assy. …
Gem module failure at high speed. Caused 4x4 to engage at high speed causing loss of control of vehicle. Also, during turns, causes loss of control of steering. Did some research of several Ford f150 web sites and found several complaints for similar or the same problems. Took the vehicle to the Ford dealer for repair and was told the gem module was the culprit and that there was significant corrosion in the adjacent fuse junction panel. The service department confessed that they have had several complaints for these kinds of conditions and have had to replace many of these gem modules and fuse panels because of leaks in the windshield or hood cowling. They further told me that unless I replaced these components and any other electrical component, at my expense, they would not warranty any repairs. …
I am sending in a full letter to explain the "failures". It centers around TSB 99b29 and lack of owner notification of a bad front cover design that can lead to engine failure, which occurred in this case. Additionally, I had a tie rod failure that was not addressed under warranty, but later broke while driving. Also, my crank shaft pulley / dampener assembly fell off while highway driving (70 MPH). There are other issues including door lock / key sticking. Campaign id number : 03V196000 component: steering:gear box:shaft sector. The engine cover gasket failed. The serpentine failed, the transmission had an akward shift, the wipers operated periodically by themselves on high speed, there was little heat coming from the vents through the floor.
Steering failure: my 1997 Ford f150 had a steering failure. VIN:[redacted]. The steering shaft separated from the power steering box. The steering shaft connection is aluminum and the gear on the power steering box is steel. The aluminum wore and the steel, naturally did not. Basic engineering failure. Described exactly in recall no. 03s02 a very thorough search showed no recalls or maintenance notices. Please, please, please, if you have a 1997, Ford f150 have the connection of the steering shaft to the power steering box check immediately. I cannot imagine a worst failure in a vehicle. No steering.
Related recalls
Steering › Gear box › Shaft sector
On certain pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles, if the intermediate shaft yoke separates from the steering gear input shaft, the steering system becomes disconnected.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the steering intermediate shaft yoke to determine if the yoke is fully seated on the steering gear input shaft. If the yoke is fully seated no service is required.
NHTSA investigations
Tie rod end failures
There is no summary currently available
Steering column
Steering shaft separation
See attached summary for technical details
Steering complaints in other F-150 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are steering problems on the 1997 Ford F-150?
NHTSA has 202 complaints about the steering of the 1997 Ford F-150, 7% of the model year's 2,758 complaints. The component named most often is linkages › tie rod assembly (47 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1997 Ford F-150 steering problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 03V-196 (shaft sector, May 27, 2003). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 1997 Ford F-150 steering problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 112,000 miles, and 5% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 13 crashes, 0 fires and 5 injuries and 2 deaths 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.