Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2009 Ford F-150 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2009 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while his son was driving at approximately 25 MPH, the steering wheel detached. The driver was able to reattach the steering wheel and safely pull over. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact called the local dealer, who referred him to an independent mechanic for assistance. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who replaced the standard clockspring in the steering wheel, part number CSP200. The manufacturer was contacted, and the contact was informed that the vehicle was too old, and no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 128,000.
I am the proud owner of a 2009 Ford f150 with just over 42K miles. The steering has increasingly become more-and-more difficult over the past several months. My truck has been for the most part- pampered. I do pull a small utility trailer and the truck is not a daily driver. I first noticed the issue last March (2016) after sitting for 6-weeks and the steering difficulty has become more pronounced. The power-steering fluid is at the proper level, there are no leaks and tire pressure is normal. Yet the truck steer's and handles as though I have low/no air in the front tires and/or the power steering pump is failing. I plan on taking the truck into the service department at my local dealership for a complete diagnostic check. My overall concern is to communicate the importance that steering and handling is vital to the "safe-operation" of a motor vehicle especially a truck. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 Ford f-150. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, the power steering failed and the steering wheel seized. As of result of the failure, the contact lost control of the vehicle and crashed into an embankment. The air bags failed to deploy. The contact sustained a bruised sternum. A police report was filed of the incident. The vehicle was destroyed. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 78,000.....updated 06/27/14 pictures received. 06/30/14
On or about March 23, 2015 steering became stiff. Stiffness increased to the point on April 1, 2015 that it started to bind upon making right hand turns. Dealer replaced lower steering shaft on April 3, 2015 and the steering has returned to normal. I have owned 17 different vehicles in my lifetime and I have never had a problem with binding steering. If the steering had bound up completely I could have had a serious accident. Ford motor should initiate a recall for this defect.
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 Ford f-150. While reversing out of the driveway and turning to the left, the steering wheel seized. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was taken to north brothers Ford, inc. (33300 Ford rd, westland, mi 48185, [phone]) where it was diagnosed that the steering wheel seized and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 34,790.
The steering wheel attachment bolt worked its way loose and the wheel fell off while driving down the road when I adjusted the steering wheel l. It popped off its setting and fell on my lap. Making steering impossible until I was able to align the wheel and shovebit back in place until I could get vehicle stopped. The only thing that saved an serious accident was the good alignment of my tires and luckily I got the wheel lined up and on within a second.
While driving at approximately 30 MPH a rear wheel locked up causing the truck to turn to one side. Travelling a little further it happened again. I turned the truck around and headed back to my house. Two or three times again a rear wheel locked up causing a lack of control. If I was at highway speed, the vehicle would have caused an accident as the condition would cause the truck to go sideways.
My truck stalled while entering freeway lanes. I went from 60mph to 10mph and was nearly read ended. The truck finally stalled just as I made it to the shoulder. Two hours later, my truck stalled while doing 40mph on a surface street. I had to pull into a center turn lane to avoid blocking traffic. Fuel was at half a tank. Oil level was good.
Tl* the contac owns a 2009 Ford f-150. While driving at any speed, the steering wheel became difficult to steer. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the rack and pinion malfunctioned. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The approximate failure mileage was 46,000.
During an inspection the power steering hose was found to be leaking. Advised by service agent to take to dealer as a warranty issue. Took it to the dealer, they said new power steering hose is required and sent on my way after being told hose is ordered. More than a week later I find out, after searching online that people have been waiting 10 weeks for the same replacement part from Ford, the only supplier of this particular hose! I contacted Ford because the dealership does not respond to phone calls and was told that the dealer says that it is safe to drive. Well I feel that any leaking power steering hose is a safety issue. The response from Ford was to purchase a large container of power steering fluid and continually top up the fluid. They said this advice was from the dealer. …
Steering complaints in other F-150 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are steering problems on the 2009 Ford F-150?
NHTSA has 29 complaints about the steering of the 2009 Ford F-150, 9% of the model year's 324 complaints.
Is there a recall for 2009 Ford F-150 steering problems?
No. NHTSA lists no steering recall for the 2009 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 2009 Ford F-150 steering problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 60,000 miles, and 11% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 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.