2020 Ford F-350 SD Steering Problems

Which parts fail

• Column
  1

Components named in complaints (power steering, steering column, rack and pinion).

Mileage when the problem started

• Under 25k
  436%
• 25k–50k
  19%
• 50k–75k
  19%
• 75k–100k
  19%
• 100k–150k
  327%
• 150k+
  19%

Owner reports

Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2020 Ford F-350 SD owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).

The contact owns a 2020 Ford F-350. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 24V957000 (FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL), 25V626000 (STEERING), and 25V686000 (BACK OVER PREVENTION). The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel was wobbly. The steering wheel detached from the housing four inches and independently moved up and down. The contact had not lost control of the vehicle. The contact was unsure if any warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was driven to the dealer at slow speeds. The dealer determined that the steering column upper shaft had separated. The dealer informed the contact that the recall repair stated that the upper shaft would be repaired or replaced. The contact was informed that replacing the steering column was not part of the recall repair and the contact would be responsible for additional repairs. …

The contact owns a 2020 Ford F-350. The contact stated that while driving 30 MPH and driving around a curve, the steering wheel was turned; however, the vehicle failed to respond and crashed into a guardrail. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V626000 (Steering). There was extreme damage to the underbody of the vehicle, and several parts were separated from the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to an impound lot and was deemed a total loss by the Insurance Company. The contact sustained a concussion and neck injury and was taken to the hospital for medical assistance. The dealer was not contacted. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

The contact owns a 2020 Ford F-350. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the steering wheel was loose and had no resistance. The contact stated that the steering wheel failed to operate as needed. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the steering shaft had fallen out of the lower steering column. The mechanic was able to order the part and repaired the vehicle. The dealer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the manufacturer for further assistance. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not under recall for the failure. The vehicle was repaired. The failure mileage was 75,000.

The contact owns a 2020 Ford F-350. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, there was a loss of power steering, and the vehicle lost motive power. The vehicle failed to restart. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact used an OBD scanner to retrieve failure codes for the powertrain control module (PCM) and the engine control module (ECM module). The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the fuse box and wiring harness needed to be replaced. The vehicle remained with the independent mechanic awaiting the repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The approximate failure mileage was 164,000.

The contact owns a 2020 Ford F-350. The contact stated while driving 5 MPH, the steering wheel became inoperable. The contact stated that the steering wheel was turning in a circular motion. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact was able to stop the vehicle. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the steering drive line drive shaft U-joint needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 125,924.

The contact owns a 2020 Ford F-350. The contact stated that while driving approximately 45-55 MPH and driving over a bump in the roadway, the contact experienced the death wobble. The contact was unable to hold onto the steering wheel. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact called the dealer and was informed that the repair was not covered under recall or warranty. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 45,000.

I was driving when the steering column upper sharft sperated from the steering wheel. i was driving without any control of the steering. They still have not inspected this. I had it towed to Capital Ford of Sept 3rd. This is directly related to recall 25V626. This can happen while driving and is terrifying especally because there is zero warrning and you do not expect this to happen.

The contact owns a 2020 Ford F-350. The contact stated while driving 5 MPH and while going up a hill, the vehicle started to jerk, and the contact felt the vehicle would lose steering. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and they stated that the steering columns needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure milage was 146,000.

Steering shaft came apart causing the vehicle to go out of control. Yes inspection is available. Vehicle went into opposing traffic and hit barrier on opposite side of road. Vehicle was inspected by No warning lamp

Ford sent this recall letter in October, 2025. It's unbelievable, and unacceptable that Ford would describe a "potential loss of steering control resulting in a crash or injury (or death). However we don't instruct you to stop driving your vehicle. Parts to fix your defective steering column which could come apart in your hands while driving down the interstate with loved ones, or towing (full ton trucks are meant for heavy towing) won't be available until 1st quarter 2026". Are you serious? It's now halfway through 1st quarter 2026, & still no follow up from Ford. How many people have to die, before the actuaries at NHTSA decide it's time to put pressure on Ford to expedite this fix? I had no choice but to risk driving my truck 1,200 miles to Florida last week. Thankfully, we made it. However, I refuse to drive it any further as it's parked in my driveway. …

Related recalls

Steering complaints in other F-350 SD years