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 2000 Ford F-350 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The death wobble. Hitting a bump - no matter the size and without warning - may cause your entire vehicle to wobble/shake uncontrollably and loose ability to steer. You're only recourse is to let off of the accelerator and TRY to hold the truck in the lane and pray you don't have to brake or make a turn. It has happened multiple times but the worse was while traveling I-10 in San Antonio, Texas while pulling a horse and trailer.
Lost steering and brakes towing a trailer on an off ramp. High way 80 in wamsutter wy. Sudden loss of steering and brakes at the same time seems to be unsafe to me. To happen on a high way off ramp towing a trailer makes it even worse.
There is a serious issue with the steering that my mechanic says is called the death wobble'. I was driving down the road and the steering began to wobble uncontrollably. My front tires are new, steering component all tight and inflation is accurate. I pulled to the aide of the road and almost crashed. The 'wobble' occurs sporadically and is not predicable. It has occurred 6-7 times in the two years I have owned the truck. I am extremely concered as it is my only transportation. My mechanic is saying it is a manufacturer defect and Ford needs to address.
Dt*: the contact stated since purchase the vehicle has a shimmy in the front end passenger side. This occurs at 35-45 MPH, when the tires have at least 10,000 miles worth of wear. The tire brand has been changed multiple times and the type of tire does not affect the problem. The vehicle has not been to a dealership or mechanic, but the contact replaced the tie rod end twice, center link, and spindle on the passenger side. These efforts have not corrected the problem.
While driving on highway and slowing down to make a turn, vehicle started making loud noises. Also, steering got hard to turn, and had no brakes. Pulled over and shut vehicle off. Started it back up and everything was fine. Another time wife had the vehicle, went to stop at a red light, and vehicle went straight through the intersection into the ditch. Had no power brakes or steering. Contacted dealer.
Driver going 55 MPH and lost control of vehicle. Tried to over correct it & went off the road & hit a tree head-on. Vehicle end overended before rolling 3 times. Upon impact, neither air bag deployed. Vehcle was totaled. Passenger in hospital with leg injuries/ broken collar bone & bruises over body. Driver had bruises & emergency room treatment.
Power steering gets stiff and/or goes out (does not work) when brake is applied while I am driving and/or at a stand still.at times the steering locks up when brake is applied and then comes back gradualy. The turn signal will not stay on while I am driving and will not allow me to turn on if my steering wheel is slightly turned
While driving 5-70 MPH consumer lost power steering/braking. Consumer managed to pull over, and had the vehicle towed. Deaalership repaired the power steering and brake components, but the consumer was still having the same problems.
When the truck is placed under hard braking conditions, it loses power steering and becomes very hard to steer and control. This is very evident when hauling cargo or pulling a trailer. The problem has been confirmed by two Ford dealers, but Ford will not authorize any repairs because they say this is a normal condition. I don't know if my truck is bad or if all f-350 have this problem. The loss of steering will cause an accident very soon. The only reason a person would by a truck of this size is to haul cargo or pull trailers. Like I said, Ford has been notified by two dealers about this problem, but they will not do anything to fix it. Thanks.
Steering has no power assist when stopped and brakes are applied. Vehicle is difficlut to park when on an incline due to inability to turn wheel when brakes are applied. I also have concern about how the the vehicle will respond in an emergency stop situation if the wheel cannot be turned when brakes are applied hard. With this system I May be able to stomp and stay but not sure if I will be able to steer. Ihave taken truck to dealer for this condition but was referred to Ford special service message #12995 and told the condition was normal.
Steering complaints in other F-350 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are steering problems on the 2000 Ford F-350?
NHTSA has 44 complaints about the steering of the 2000 Ford F-350, 14% of the model year's 304 complaints. The component named most often is hydraulic power assist system (18 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2000 Ford F-350 steering problems?
No. NHTSA lists no steering recall for the 2000 Ford F-350, though it has 4 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 2000 Ford F-350 steering problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 63,000 miles, and 33% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 5 crashes, 0 fires and 4 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.