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 2008 Ford F-150 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The truck has a body frame that was cracked in several spots and welded back together in more then 5 different spots and the welding job is very poor. The truck has a power steering line leak, cvs axle leaks and a exhaust manifold leak. The dealership fixed upper ball joints when we agreed on lower and upper in the front. They added a exhaust but did not do the job correctly with completing the job and the welding of it. Ive made a complaint with the loan company and i as well have talked to the owner of the dealership and he fights that none of those things are wrong with the truck and im lying but i have had a inspection done on the truck. When i got the truck i looked it over and so did my brother i pointed the issues of what needed fixed that i could see and that was not done. I then started having issues with the truck and took it to a mechaninc and had an inspection done
Steering is heavy and binds, especially during cornering and braking. Feels like power steering is failing and truck is difficult to steer, control and maneuver at all speeds and directions. Steering shafts and joints are completely rusted and seizing and will not release with lubricant. Power steering fluid and lines are fine and dealer states that steering shafts and joints must be replaced. I was trailering a boat at 50 MPH and steering was seizing, very heavy, and seemed to be binding while going around bends in the road and then the steering would suddenly release - or unstick - and become responsive again. I crossed the center line as the steering suddenly got very heavy, sluggish and unresponsive, and then released and became responsive again. I almost drove directly into oncoming traffic. …
My truck has 80,000 miles. I noticed that gradually the steering was becoming stiffer and harder to turn feeling as if it was binding at times. It got to a point that when making a turn the wheel would not recover and actually had to be pulled back making it dangerous to drive. I took it to my service shop and they replaced the power steering pump which did nothing to correct the problem. I then did some research on-line and found various forums where owners and repair techs described the two "u" joints on the f-150 steering shaft becoming badly corroded making it difficult to turn the steering wheel and pointing out the joints have no grease fitting. I checked the joints on my truck and they ere corroded. I applied lubricant externally and it completely eliminated my problem, however, I have to reapply lubricant every couple of months. …
I have a 2008 Ford f150 I was making a right turn off of a main road into a driveway while applying slight braking pressure when the steering wheel completely locked up and braking was stiff at the pedal causing a near collision into a tree line. The engine remained running never died. I had to shut off the engine and restart to regain control of the steering. No warning lights are on. No dash indicators of any errors. I have called the dealership and they say they have never heard of this issue. All maintenance has been meticulously up to date. I will be taking my truck in for diagnostic in the morning.
Steering became very heavy, almost like power steering was gone. Very hard to turn and control the truck while moving. Suddenly loosens up and works as normal. Dealer says it is the steering shaft and now refuses to fix it. I see a lot of the same complaints here, why isn't Ford being held responsible? This is very dangerous and life-threatening. I'm glad it happened to me and not to my wife; I don;t think she would have had the strength to control the truck and could have killed or severely injured herself or others. This needs to be addressed!
OK when I turn my steering wheel to turn it sticks and have almost hit other cars have to turn wheel back like the power steering goes out but mostly at low speeds.. This is very dangerous .. I have done some checking at it appears to be the steering shaft u joints freeze up due to lack of able to grease them and bad design my truck only has 49,000 miles on it and should not have this problem I see many have had same issue I think it should be recalled and repaired by Ford for safety because steering sticks when turning .
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Ford f-150. While driving, the steering malfunctioned while the contact was trying to turn the vehicle. The steering wheel became very difficult to turn. The vehicle was towed from the contact's home to riverside auto sales, inc. (2511 ludington st, escanaba, mi 49829, [phone]) where it was diagnosed that the lower steering shaft needed to be replaced. The dealer stated that the vehicle was not included in a recall. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 68,419.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Ford f-150. While driving 35 MPH, the power steering failed. There were no warning indicators illuminated prior to the failure. The vehicle was able to be driven back to the contact's residence. The contact called Mercedes-Benz of caldwell (230 bloomfield ave, fairfield, nj 07004, [phone]) and was advised to call back on March 19, 2018 to inquire about having the vehicle towed back to the dealer for repair. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was 30,000.
As my wife was turning a corner the power steering failed on her. She crossed the center line and nearly hit vehicle that was waiting at a stop sign. She had to jerk on the steering wheel very hard to get the truck back in the proper lane. Mechanic indicated this is fairly common and Ford dealers are keeping the lower steering shafts-u-joints in stock due to older ones locking up. No recalls have been issued to this point however, I had it replaced at a cost of $490.00.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Ford f-150. While driving at low speeds, the vehicle became difficult to steer. The contact stated that the power steering fluid level was topped off; however, the failure remained. Autonation Ford north canton (5900 whipple ave nw, north canton, oh 44720, [phone]) was contacted, but the vehicle was not taken to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 49,000.
Steering complaints in other F-150 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are steering problems on the 2008 Ford F-150?
NHTSA has 53 complaints about the steering of the 2008 Ford F-150, 14% of the model year's 369 complaints. The component named most often is column (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2008 Ford F-150 steering problems?
No. NHTSA lists no steering recall for the 2008 Ford F-150, though it has 1 recall 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 2008 Ford F-150 steering problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 64,000 miles, and 10% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 0 fires and 1 injury 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.