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 2004 Ford F-150 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
While driving home I made a right turn on to my street and then the wheel spun all tge way to the left. I had no control of steering and the truck hit a guard rail. Steering wheel doesn't turn the tires at all now. The steering was stiff before accident. I believe that the rack and pinion snapped. Truck is a total lose. No recalls from Ford for my VIN.
Regarding 2004 Ford f150 4x4 pickup: several months ago I experienced steering problems. Our local dealer fixed a problem with the front brakes. He stated that they have had a number of 2004 4x4 pickups with the same problem, though there has been no recall. Last week the vehicle crashed, which resulted in serious injuries (multiple head fractures) to my wife, and the vehicle being totaled. I was driving on a straight two-lane country road, up a slight graded. Suddenly the vehicle turned sharply to the left. It made a 180 degree turn, and skidded sideways (over the center crown) across the road and broadsided a power pole. The pole struck the passenger-side door, effectively caving it in and causing the injuries. Days later I inspected the vehicle. I noticed (and photographed) that the left front wheel was resting against the brake caliper housing. …
I bought this vehicle used with 139000 miles on Saturday 05/16/15. Now I was not expecting a new vehicle but not one with so many problems either. First of all it has a very rough idle, I found that there is a serious problem with this engine and removal of the spark plugs. The repair shop will not even give an estimate for changing the spark plugs as there are very well known problems with them breaking off in the engine. Ford knows about this and has put out a notice about this known problem. I had to take it for a lower steering arm replacement on Monday 05/18/15 as the wheel was not returning to the straight position without assistance. Now there is a humming noise from the rear differential that the repair guy said is the pinion barring and that it needs to be fixed. …
My vehicle has developed what I would refer to as a death wobble. At speeds from 40 to 55 mpg the front of the trick shakes as though it's going to rattle apart. This is clearly a Ford issue and is now getting a good share of attention on you tube. There are a lot of us out there who have inheritated this from Ford who is in constant denial of it's refusal to address and take corrective action to repair the buckleing of the front end. How many more accidents need to happen or Ford's diligence on preventitive measures May just save lives and customers. Please help in resolving this manufacturing issue.
Most recently,(not including rear end replaced, reverse band on trans replaced, blown spark plug out of engine block) my truck has started to stall out for no reason that I can fathom,1st time was at 65 MPH on a major highway, now more recently at lower speeds, coming to a stop at stop signs lights ect , turning street corners at lower speeds, or coming to a stop in my driveway. I see many complaints of this same problem in forums with no cause or repair that seems to be a root cause. Please help !
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 Ford f-150. The contact stated that the steering shaft locked up several times. In addition, the OEM part for the shifter cable was black and now it was plastic with a coated metal. The contact was uncertain if the change of the OEM part was structurally sound because the shift cable had to be replaced more than once. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and provided no solution. The VIN was unknown. The approximate failure mileage was 211,240.
Truck was sold with defective parts on the driver side of vehicle. Steering knuckle, ABS sensors, etc. Having to be replaced 2 weeks after buying. Repair shop said vehicle was not maintained, sold in this condition when it could've been noticed and fixed. While driving a week after purchase truck lost steering and braking functionality on the highway and had to be pulled to the side of the road.. Towed to mechanic, oils not be driven
Dt: the consumer lost control of the truck when driving at 20 MPH and hit a lamp post. The steering bolt joint came off and the wheel turned to the right, hitting first the curb then the post . The wheel reached the right one pointing to the right, and the left one pointing to the left. The post was not damaged, but the truck was lightly damage due to the low speed. Updated 12/07/05.
Dt*: the contact stated the shaft from the steering gear box fractured at the connection to the pitman arm while driving at 25 MPH. The contact lost control of the vehicle and crashed into a house. The vehicle was towed to an independent repair shop for inspection and repair. A police report was taken at the scene.
Test drove new f-150 super-crew-cab 4x2, at 60 MPH experienced a terrilbe shimmy in steering wheel and bad vibration from left rear of truck. Returned truck to lot and test drove new f-150 super-crew-cab 4x4, experienced the same problem at 30 MPH and 60 MPH. Bought 4x4, salesman said the truck most likely needed wheel ballancing, or it was out of round. We made an appointment for two days later to address the shimmy/vibration problem.the mechanic had the truck on lift for twenty minutes. Result, dealer has to order a part for a service bulletin that requires a vibration dampening device to be installed. This is interesting, ther is a whole lot of new f-150 trucks at this dealership. I drove two and both had same problem. …
Steering complaints in other F-150 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are steering problems on the 2004 Ford F-150?
NHTSA has 75 complaints about the steering of the 2004 Ford F-150, 4% of the model year's 2,029 complaints. The component named most often is rack and pinion (4 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2004 Ford F-150 steering problems?
No. NHTSA lists no steering recall for the 2004 Ford F-150, though it has 5 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 2004 Ford F-150 steering problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 41,000 miles, and 46% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 5 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.