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 2005 Ford F-150 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Frame on passenger and drive side by transmission, fuel tank, and rear leaf springs are rusted and have no integrity left. No structure integrity if in an accident. If fractures completely, will loose control of vehicle as the bed will contact cab, driveshaft will jamb into transmission, lock up brakes from pinched brake lines, loss of brakes from severed brake lines, lose control and go into on coming traffic or into roadside structures including pedestrians. NOTE: Your system will not let me upload pictures.
Tl contact owns a 2005 Ford f150. While driving 55 MPH, on interstate 77 the tie rod broke causing the driver to lose steering control crashing into a barrier. The vehicle was towed. The manufacturer was notified and a representative stated that they were not trained in the field to know what a tie rod was. A senior representative at the manufacturer filed complaint# 0569400748; however, the contact has not received a follow up call. He was also advised that they could not assist him since he did not have the vehicle diagnosed at a Ford dealer. The vehicle is not equipped with anti lock brakes or cruise control. The contact can provide the part that failed and photos. The contact is aware of the safety risk involved. The failure mileage was 38,000 and current mileage was 38,100. Updated 04-08-08 updated 04/08/08
Tl contact owns a 2005 Ford f150. While driving approximately 45-50 MPH, and attempting to drive around a curve the vehicle continued going straight and crashed into tree branches and mailboxes. The crash caused the vehicle's tie rod to brake. The vehicle was towed to a local repair shop. The repair shop replaced the fender, fender emblem, windshield, sun roof glass, bug guard, left hand grill, upper bumper cover. Bumper bracket, fog lamp, two tailgate scrapes. A tire, 1 strut, one sway bar and link, one lisph bracket, one fender mold, 1 mud flap, one lc knuckle, and one lower control arm. A police report was filed. The contact stated no one was injured. The approximate failure mileage 86,000 and the current mileage was 90,061.
Driving vehicle have noticed when engine is idling, power steering is sometimes weak. Fluid is replaced every fall, as the steering pump has been a noisy one since the truck was new. Dealer suggested replacing fluid with synthetic. It worked then, so I replace it every year. Today, with steering at full left lock, the steering was stuck at that point. Moved wheel back and forth and it came loose. Have not been able to duplicate since. As a note at 5 years old and 53,000 miles power steering pressure hose sprung a leak under the clamp at the frame. Replaced with after market part, as dealer couldn't get the part. Back ordered!
I just wanted to add my vehicle to the list of complaints about the differential. Mine makes noise and has made noise for quite some time. I thought it might be the tires or rotors. I found out that it was coming directly from the rear differential. Based on the complaints I have heard, I am pretty sure this is the same thing. The noise sounds like metal running on metal. I believe this should be something Ford should pay to fix. If I have to pay for it, I'm definitely not using Ford. I read that's many people have the same complaints. This failure is security public problems, because accidental or crash May occur.
The lower ujoint on the steering column is freezing up from corrosion. In the past I had noticed it was getting harder to steer so I would spray the joints with penetrating oil and they would improve. Today the joints were so bad it was as if the power steering had given out, to the point I pulled over to check that I didn't blow a power steering hose. I will not let my wife drive this truck until the part is replaced but at a cost of $200 for the part it will have to be parked for a while. I understand normal wear but this is common enough to draw some attention I hope.
!. Vacuum advance control for four wheel drive gets wet, looses pressure and front wheels engage slightly, causing wheel hub damage. 2. Steering becomes hard, especially in cold weather. Hard to inspect steering shaft until it is disconnected from steering rack. Common problem with mid to late 2000's Ford crown vic. Police vehicles. Come on Ford, man up and make these problems a recall.
While driving, my f150 without warning, died 3 times in 1/2 mile. Leaving me with no power steering, power brakes. Very dangerous. Nearly had a accident. Had 1/2 tank of gas. New battery. It did not give a code. I did get it started each time and was able to drive it home. Now I am afraid to drive it.
Experience I guess the they call it the death wobble. Makes my vehicle feel like it not me a ting to run right the steering is weird and can't get Ford to check it out to see what's going on with it they say just get an alignment but that isn't helping
Steering gets very hard to turn. Have to "muscle" the steering back after a turn. Power steering rack failed. Ford motor co. Has a national back order on replacement parts. I think there's a problem.
Steering complaints in other F-150 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are steering problems on the 2005 Ford F-150?
NHTSA has 34 complaints about the steering of the 2005 Ford F-150, 3% of the model year's 1,112 complaints. The component named most often is linkages › tie rod assembly (2 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2005 Ford F-150 steering problems?
No. NHTSA lists no steering recall for the 2005 Ford F-150, though it has 3 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 2005 Ford F-150 steering problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 80,000 miles, and 10% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 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.