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10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
3 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
64,727 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

1997 Ford F-150 steering problems

steering problem

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1997 Ford F-150 Owner Comments

problem #11

Feb 082011

F-150 4WD 8-cyl

  • 200,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The contact owns a 1997 Ford F-150. While driving approximately 4 mph, the contact lost control of the steering. The contact inspected the vehicle and noticed that the steering shaft was separated from the steering box. The contact replaced the bolt that held the steering shaft in place. The contact referenced NHTSA campaign id number: 03V196000 (steering:gear box:shaft sector) but was advised by the manufacturer that the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 200,000. Updated 02/22/12 updated 03/01/12

- Barto, PA, USA

problem #10

Aug 042011

F-150 4WD 8-cyl

  • 106,000 miles
The contact owns a 1997 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving approximately 10 mph, the steering wheel detached from the vehicle. The contact was able to stop the vehicle safely. While inspecting the vehicle, the contact noticed that the intermediate steering shaft was not properly secured on the steering box. The manufacturer was notified and the contact was informed that the vehicle was not included in the recall associated with NHTSA campaign id number 03V196000 (steering:gear box:shaft sector). The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileages were approximately 106,000. Updated 09/27/11 the vehicle was repaired at the owner's expense.

- Brinnon, WA, USA

problem #9

Aug 102004

F-150

  • Manual transmission
  • 166,000 miles
While driving at 30 mph vehicle started shifting to the left. Steering wheel kept turning into circles. There was no way to steer the vehicle. Mechanic determined that steering shaft was defective.

- Freehold, NJ, USA

problem #8

Nov 282003

(reported on)

F-150

  • 95,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Upon reversing out of an alley at 5 miles intermediate steering shaft separated from the steering gear. This resulted in loss of steering. As a result, consumer lost control of the vehicle and went onto the sidewalk.

- Cochranton, PA, USA

problem #7

Jun 262003

(reported on)

F-150

  • miles
Problems with steering on 1997 Ford F150. The consumer's vehicle wasn't included in recall # 03V196000. The problem was intermittent in the consumer's vehicle and continued. The consumer was concerned for her families safety and the possible side affect which may occur.

- Selkirk, NY, USA

problem #6

Jun 052003

(reported on)

F-150

  • miles
The vehicle was taken to the dealer for recall # 03V196000, however after the mechanic started to work on the vehicle, he informed the consumer that all the parts were not available, and to take the car and they would call consumer when the parts arrived, the consumer felt unsafe driving the vehicle, and therefore the vehicle was at the shop for 4 days.

- Kingsland, TX, USA

problem #5

May 112003

F-150 8-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 145,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The vehicle loss steering and total control of the vehicle while making a slight turn. The dealer stated the steering shaft separated. The consumer found a recall but was told that her vehicle was not included. Recall# 03V196000

- Discovery Bay, CA, USA

problem #4

Aug 212002

F-150 4WD

  • miles
Steering column failed at steering shaft gear input.... could spin the wheel like a frisby after going off the road. No sound, no noise, no warning..and, thank god, no body around.

- Hazelhurst, WI, USA

problem #3

Jun 292001

F-150 4WD

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Consumer was on road traveling and steering felt like it was loose. Steering wheel normally felt tight and sturdy, and it was starting to have too much play. Dealer ordered a lower column shaft possibly because of wear and tear. Vehicle was also re-aligned and went back to normal.

- Wetmore, MI, USA

problem #2

Dec 011999

F-150 4WD

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Pitman arm broke between the steering shaft and gear, causing drive to lose control of the vehicle, resulting in a crash. Dealer was not willing to inspect the defective part. Also, left ball joint were bad, causing tires to wear out.

- Harrisburg, PA, USA

problem #1

Aug 191996

(reported on)

F-150

  • miles
Light rattling in steering sector.

- Ridgeley, WV, USA

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