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 2002 Ford F-150 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Vehicle was traveling at 15 MPH and lost control due to a codder pin snapping in half causing the right front wheel to come entirely off of the vehicle. The disk brake stayed connected to the rim and was also removed entirely from the vehicle causing the brake lines to be severed which caused no pressure. With no pressure in the brake lines I was not able to stop the other wheels but was forced to let the vehicle come to a skidding stop, which happened by hitting a tree. The vehicle was taken to a local Ford dealership where a year prior they had worked on the same wheel to pack the bearings and do other small maintenance. Both the dealership and Ford claimed no responsibility for the accident, which seems strange since a vehicles wheel should remain on when going 15 MPH.
Consumer complained about the pitman arm on the vehicle. Also stated that while driving the vehicle the pitman arm fell off which it caused completely lost of steering and the consumer hit another vehicle on the highway was contacted and has agreed that there was no bolt put into the part that fell off but there still not doing nothing about it. Ts photos attached.
(1) truck's bed spreading apart and ignition/wiring shortage (2) the bed of my truck has spread apart for no reason at all. I cannot even shut my tailgate. My truck's battery continues to run down. When I turn on my truck, the starter doesn't want to stop. A light displays, "door opened!" the windshield wipers stopped working. The music goes on and off. (3) I took my truck to the dealer to get the bed fixed. They set me an appointment. I made another trip over an hour one way to get fixed and then they didn't fix. My warranty has just recently ran out. I am having several problems and don't know what is the matter. I haven't had no luck with talking with a Ford mechanic. The wires in the steering column looks too tight or loose. There is a constant buzzing sound. My clock and mileage readings erases. My windows stop working. This only happens when I place the truck in drive. …
While pulling out of my driveway I was turning the steering wheel when I heard something snap in the steering column and then I had no control of the steering. The steering wheel would turn completely around and there was no control of the front wheels. After taking the truck to the dealership where I purchased the vehicle they replaced the upper steering gear assembly, the steering shaft, and replaced the clock spring under the steering wheel. This cost a total of $810.16. I was on my way out of town that day and was heading for the interstate. I am so thankful that I was not going 70 MPH on the interstate. They could not tell me why this happened. The vehicle is only 3 yrs old and has 63,878 miles on it.
2002 f-150 super cab, makes a pop right when steering wheel is turned in either direction, standing still (vehicle running or not) and moving, also getting a vibration at highway speeds. Personal investigation was to check the lugnuts for tightness, all OK, then removed bearing cover off front wheels, found no locking mechanism on right front wheel bearing nut. Going to dealer tomorrow (4/7/2004) vehicle has 26,500 miles. Owned since new, front wheels have never been removed. Noticed several "popping" complaints on this vehicle - wonder if they have locking mechanisms on their bearing nuts?
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 Ford f-150. The contact stated that while driving 55 MPH, the steering wheel became loose. The steering box then abnormally moved back and forth. The contact noticed that three bolts that held the steering gear to the frame were fractured. The head of the bolts snapped and one side of the bolts appeared to be corroded. The vehicle was not taken to a repair shop for inspection or repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure and current mileage was 127,312. ..updated 10/03/12
While driving down the street, at a slow rate of speed, and making a slight turn to the left, the tie-rod end on the driver's side broke off and jammed into the wheel. The tie-rod gouged the inside of the aluminum and punctured through the wheel. I was able to bring the truck to a stop in the middle of the street. Both the inner and outer tie-rods on the drives side where replaced. The aluminum wheel also needs to be replaced as it is scored and will not hold air.
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 Ford f150. The contact stated that the passenger side tie rod fractured while driving 70 MPH, causing him to lose control of his vehicle. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was taken to a private mechanic who repaired the inner passenger tie rod. The current mileage was 127,000. The approximate failure mileage was 124,000. The VIN was unavailable.
Tl contact owns a 2002 Ford f-150. The contact noticed that the gasoline tank strap was covered with rust. The contact did not inform the dealer or manufacturer of the failure. The vehicle was taken to a private mechanic where they replaced the fuel tank straps. The current mileage was 97,000. The approximate failure mileage was 95,000. Updated 07/08/11 the driver side tie rod was also replaced. Updated 12/28/11
One gas tank strap was found to be rusted and the tank at an angle. It was inspected by a local Ford dealer, who found that the gas tank was also rusted and leaking. The gas tank and straps were replaced. Because the model year was not in the date range of the recent recall, we had to pay $793. A power steering pump was also leaking and replaced. The gas tank was the major item of concern.
Steering complaints in other F-150 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are steering problems on the 2002 Ford F-150?
NHTSA has 25 complaints about the steering of the 2002 Ford F-150, 3% of the model year's 821 complaints. The component named most often is linkages › tie rod assembly (4 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2002 Ford F-150 steering problems?
No. NHTSA lists no steering recall for the 2002 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 2002 Ford F-150 steering problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 82,000 miles, and 18% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 3 crashes, 0 fires and 3 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.