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 2001 Ford F-350 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The bracket on the passenger side that is welded to the bottom of the front axle is rusted completely through to the point that the u-bolts that secure the leaf springs to the axle have pulled through the bracket. It appears to be a significant safety issue due to the fact the front axle is no longer secured to the vehicle.
Was driving down the rd came to stop light and I had nothing for breaks. I quickly pumped brake and got it to slowdown and made the turn. Went to pull into hospital and had no breaks even tried pumping it again and still had no breaks.
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 Ford f-350. While driving approximately 35 MPH and making a left turn, the steering wheel seized without warning and caused the contact to crash into another vehicle. The contact and the driver of the vehicle sustained injuries that required medical attention. A police report was filed. The vehicle was driven to the dealer, but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 37,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 Ford f-350. While the vehicle was stopped on any incline, the steering wheel lost power, locked up, and did not turn left or right. There was no warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer who replaced the power steering pump, power steering gear box, and checked all components in the brake system. The failure recurred. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and stated that there was no recall. The failure was not remedied. The failure mileage was 63,400.
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 Ford f-350. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the steering wheel shook violently and independently moved from side to side. The vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic, who replaced the stabilizing bar however the failure was not corrected. The failure mileage was 78,000 and the current mileage was 79,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 Ford f-350. The contact stated that while parked with the ignition on, he turned the steering wheel and the wheels did not turn. The vehicle was inspected by an independent mechanic and the mechanic stated that the front tie rod would have to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 190,000.
While traveling down road, driver entered into curve and had no steering, therefore leaving the road and hitting a tree. After inspection was completed it was determined that there was a complete break in steering shaft, thus causing the accident.
Steering gear sector shaft snapped while making a left turn, loss of steering caused the accident. Ford claimed the shaft break was due to the accident. I heard the shaft snap and had no steering before the collision with parked vehicle.
Danger!!! When pressing on the brake pedal there is a loss of power steering and as a result the driver is unable to turn the steering wheel. This is especially dangerous in an emergency situation where a driver maybe required to step on the brakes and turn to avoid an oncoming car. From reading the Ford-diesel website this is a problem that has been identified both to Ford and NHTSA but there has been no action taken by either parties. Ford tells their customers that this is normal. Please don't wait for someone to get hurt and take immediate corrective action. This is a serious design flaw which is a sitting time bomb and as dangerous as having bad tires. Because every Ford truck has this problem it does not give Ford the right to say it is normal and their is nothing wrong. I will await a response from you before going to the Ford dealer. Thankyou.
After multiple attempts to repair a drift in the steering, Ford has told me they are aware of the problem and that currently there is no fix. This problem could likely result in an accident as the truck will drift the moment the steering wheel is released. I had originally been told by the service manager at my dealership that this was the way the truck was designed to respond. Now finally they admit there is a problem. Keeping constant pressure on the steering wheel causes me to suffer from pain in my arm after a long driving trip. It also causes great fatigue and I am afraid to let anyone else drive the vehicle.
Steering complaints in other F-350 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are steering problems on the 2001 Ford F-350?
NHTSA has 28 complaints about the steering of the 2001 Ford F-350, 18% of the model year's 160 complaints. The component named most often is hydraulic power assist system (12 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2001 Ford F-350 steering problems?
No. NHTSA lists no steering recall for the 2001 Ford F-350, though it has 5 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 2001 Ford F-350 steering problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 63,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 5 crashes, 0 fires and 3 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.