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 1997 Ford F-250 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
My wife driving vehicle at approx. 35 MPH, after coming out of a slight curve in road and slowing for a stop sign, she lost all steering control of vehicle hitting a guardrail and going into a ditch. Inspection by an ase certified mechanic revealed that the output from the steering box broke between gear box and pitman arm causing a total loss of steering control. Truck is total. Vehicle is currently at lucas Chevrolet, mt. Holly nj.
Tl contact owns a 1997 Ford f250. The steering column began shaking from left to right and then locked. The contact applied force to the steering wheel to unlock it and the shaft bearing failed. The dealer stated that the trust bearing was on back order and they did not know when the part would be available. The contact stated that this was the second failure he experienced with the steering. The speed was unknown. The current mileage was 147,000 and failure mileage was 146,000.
Dt*: the consumer stated while at a stop sign, the steering wheel turned 360 degrees and the tires did not react. The vehicle was towed to the dealership, were it was determined this is the same problem as indicated in NHTSA recall # 03V196000, regarding the shaft sector. The vehicle identification number was not included in the recall. Updated 2/24/2006 - the consumer contacted the manufacturer about the problem. They explained that the failure was just a coincidence.
Power steering bracket broke. Unable to get part through any dealership or junk yard in the united states. Through numerous attempts to get this part I have found that so many have been sold recently that the supply has been exhausted. Therefore, it is now on back order until June. The part appears to be defective after 10 years, and is dangerous as it is associated with the steering and brakes if the motor is a turbo diesel.
While driving, the seat reclined which left the driver laying completely down. The seat base assembly had broken on the driver's side front seat. The tie rods had to be replaced. The consumer was unable to shift gears, because the shifter bolts had broke loose from the dash mounts, the head gaskets failed and the check engine light never illuminated. The hub/axle seals were replaced.
The vehicle has no adequate hydraulic filter on the release valve within the steering gear box to prevent valve comtamination and failure, causing the steering gear box to explode and total loss of power steering which resulted in an accident. Consumer had it analyzed by douglas b. Chisholm assc. Inc which determined the defect. Please attach the additional information.
This incident occurred 2 different times, with both front tires in July of 99 and 00. Being that this happened twice on 1 vehicle and happened in such a critical area as the steering, I feel that there must have been more than 1 vehicle to which this has occurred. I feel obligated to report this as there has been no recall on these parts even though it happened to us twice on the same vehicle at low mileage. We were very fortunate that it happened at low speed. Your prompt attention would be greatly appreciated because we feel that there are lives at stake.
Pitman arm assembly. I have an f-250 "light duty" 3/4 ton. I have a noise from the pitman arm assembly/gear box. I contacted a local dealership and the service manager indicated no recall on that component. However, he did say there was a recall on the expedition because of pitman arm problems. I understand that a dealership needs to lubricate this mechanism. I am concerned about steering safety and if the expedition was recalled, is this similar. Please respond via email. Thanks
NHTSA recall 03-v-196-000: on certain pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles, if the intermediate shaft yoke separates from the steering gear input shaft, the steering system becomes disconnected. This vehicle has the same problem. However , it is not covered under recall due to the VIN.
While driving 40 MPH, vehicle suddenly began to shake violently. Mechanic found that tie rod had broken off due to premature failure. Consumer is aware of similar vehicles experiencing the same problem. Tie rod ends were replaced and front end alignment was performed.
Related recalls
Steering › Gear box › Shaft sector
On certain pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles, if the intermediate shaft yoke separates from the steering gear input shaft, the steering system becomes disconnected.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the steering intermediate shaft yoke to determine if the yoke is fully seated on the steering gear input shaft. If the yoke is fully seated no service is required.
NHTSA investigations
Steering shaft separation
See attached summary for technical details
Steering complaints in other F-250 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are steering problems on the 1997 Ford F-250?
NHTSA has 23 complaints about the steering of the 1997 Ford F-250, 8% of the model year's 304 complaints. The component named most often is linkages › tie rod assembly (6 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1997 Ford F-250 steering problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 03V-196 (shaft sector, May 27, 2003). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 1997 Ford F-250 steering problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 99,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 4 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.