NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Steering complaints
16 reportsClear category filter127,642 miles · Dec 29, 2020
SteeringStructureSuspension
I WAS DRIVING WAS ABOUT 20 MPH AND HIT A SMALL POT HOLE. I HEARD A LOUD POP BANG NOISE AND THE LEFT SIDE OF TRUCK DROPPED ABOUT 2 OR 3 INCHES. I THOUGHT THE FRONT END FELL OFF. THE FRAME IS RUSTED SO BAD YOU CAN PUNCH HOLES IS THE FRAME WITH A SCREW DRIVER, THE DRIVER SIDE TORSION BAR HAS COLLAPSED DUE TO RUST ON THE FRAME THAT …
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I WAS DRIVING WAS ABOUT 20 MPH AND HIT A SMALL POT HOLE. I HEARD A LOUD POP BANG NOISE AND THE LEFT SIDE OF TRUCK DROPPED ABOUT 2 OR 3 INCHES. I THOUGHT THE FRONT END FELL OFF. THE FRAME IS RUSTED SO BAD YOU CAN PUNCH HOLES IS THE FRAME WITH A SCREW DRIVER, THE DRIVER SIDE TORSION BAR HAS COLLAPSED DUE TO RUST ON THE FRAME THAT HOLDS IT IN PLACE, THE CROSSMEMBER TO TRANSMISSION IS BARLEY HOLDING TRANSMISSION UP, THE SPARE TIRE AREA IS RUSTED IN HALF, ALL MAIN CROSSMEMBERS ARE RUSTED IN HALF AND THE FRAME IS RUSTED IN HALF BEHIND FUEL TANK. TRUCK HAS 127K MILES AND THE BODY BODY HAS LITTLE TO NO RUST, UPPER AND LOWER CONTROL ARMS ARE UNSAFE FROM RUST. I DO NOT UNDERSTAND HOW THE BODY CAN BE SO GOOD BUT FRAME AND SUSPENSION IS COMPLETELY RUSTED TO NO RETURN.
NHTSA ODI #11385534
189,341 miles · Dec 11, 2012
Engine And Engine CoolingSteeringSuspension
I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AND NOTICED THAT THE STEERING WAS PULLING TO THE LEFT. AFTER A SHORT WHILE I COULD NOT MANAGE THE STEERING. WHEN I PULLED OVER IN THE BRAKEDOWN LANE I NOTICED THAT THE RIGHT FRONT TIRE WAS TOED IN. WHEN THE TOW TRUCK CAME WE NOTICED THAT THE FRAME WAS CRACKED AND ROTTED AT BOTH WHEEL MOUNTS AND THE …
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I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AND NOTICED THAT THE STEERING WAS PULLING TO THE LEFT. AFTER A SHORT WHILE I COULD NOT MANAGE THE STEERING. WHEN I PULLED OVER IN THE BRAKEDOWN LANE I NOTICED THAT THE RIGHT FRONT TIRE WAS TOED IN. WHEN THE TOW TRUCK CAME WE NOTICED THAT THE FRAME WAS CRACKED AND ROTTED AT BOTH WHEEL MOUNTS AND THE THE RIGHT FRONT MOUNT WAS THE WORSE. WE ALSO NOTICED THAT THE MOTOR MOUNTS WERE ALL ROTTED AND THE OVERALL FRONT SECTION OF THE FRAME WAS ROTTED WHICH PREVENTED ANY REPAIR. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10487952
113,319 miles · Apr 27, 2009
SteeringStructure
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 FORD RANGER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRAME OF HER VEHICLE WAS ROTTED. SHE NOTICED A NEWS SOURCE STATING THAT THIS WAS A DANGEROUS ISSUE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A BODY SHOP OTHER THAN THE DEALER FOR REPAIR. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 113,319. UPDATED 05/27/09. *LJ THE CONSUMER ALSO HAD A PROBLE…
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 FORD RANGER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRAME OF HER VEHICLE WAS ROTTED. SHE NOTICED A NEWS SOURCE STATING THAT THIS WAS A DANGEROUS ISSUE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A BODY SHOP OTHER THAN THE DEALER FOR REPAIR. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 113,319. UPDATED 05/27/09. *LJ THE CONSUMER ALSO HAD A PROBLEM WITH THE POWER STEERING. UPDATED 05/28/09. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10266822
47,000 miles · Jun 3, 2005
Air BagsSteering
DT: CONSUMER STATES: PINCH BOLT THAT HOLDS STEERING SHAFT TOGETHER FELL OUT OR BROKE, THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD TURN WITHOUT HAPPENING OR BROKE. TOOK VEHICLE TO FORD, THEY SAID THAT THEY COULDN'T DO ANYTHING. CURRENTLY, SENSOR LIGHT WAS ON FOR AIR BAG, AND THE CLOCK SPRING BROKE. FORD WILL CHARGE CONSUMER FOR REPAIRS. *AK
NHTSA ODI #10124063
75,000 miles · May 7, 2004
Steering
DRIVING AND TURNED THE STEERING WHEEL WHEN THE RACK AND PINION ROD PULLED APART FROM THE TIE ROD END. RACK AND PINION ROD SEEMS TO HAVE EXCESSIVE RUST AND WEAR ON THE THREADED END. THE DAMAGE TO THE ROD END IS TOO SEVERE TO BE USED AGAIN. THE THREADS SEEM TO BE RUSTED OFF.*AK
NHTSA ODI #10068475
34,000 miles · Apr 27, 2004
Electrical SystemInterior LightingSteering
CONSUMER COMPLAINED ABOUT ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS. THE DOME LIGHT/AJAR LIGHT STAYED ON AFTER GETTING OUT OF THE VEHICLE AND LOCKING THE DOORS. STEERING COLUMN SMOKED, AND WINDSHIELD WIPERS CAME ON INTERMITTENTLY. *AK
NHTSA ODI #10071689
Mileage unknown · Nov 28, 2003
Engine And Engine CoolingSteeringUnknown Or Other
PROBLEMS WITH VEHICLE'S BALL JOINTS AND BELT TENSIONERS. *MR THE CONSUMER EXPRESSED A CONCERN ABOUT THE AIR BAG NEEDING A DEACTIVATION SWITCH, THE CONSUMER WAS TOLD BY THE MARYLAND STATE POLICE THE AIR BAG WAS DANGEROUS ON THE PASSENGER SIDE FOR SMALL CHILDREN AND SHORT PEOPLE. *SCC THE CONSUMER TALKED ABOUT TWO VEHICLES…
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PROBLEMS WITH VEHICLE'S BALL JOINTS AND BELT TENSIONERS. *MR THE CONSUMER EXPRESSED A CONCERN ABOUT THE AIR BAG NEEDING A DEACTIVATION SWITCH, THE CONSUMER WAS TOLD BY THE MARYLAND STATE POLICE THE AIR BAG WAS DANGEROUS ON THE PASSENGER SIDE FOR SMALL CHILDREN AND SHORT PEOPLE. *SCC THE CONSUMER TALKED ABOUT TWO VEHICLES IN THE COMPLAINT A 1992 FORD RANGER AND A 1999 FORD RANGER, THE 1999 RANGER WAS IN NEED OF A AIR BAG DEACTIVATION SWITCH AND THE 1992 RANGER HAD BELT TENSIONER AND IDLER ARM PROBLEMS. THE CONSUMER NO LONGER OWNED THE 1992 FORD RANGER BECAUSE IT WAS LOST IN A FLOOD *JB
NHTSA ODI #10050190
Mileage unknown · Jun 13, 2002
Service Brakes, HydraulicSteeringUnknown Or Other
VEHICLE WAS GOING 55MPH AND THE ENGINE STARTED RACING. RPM'S SHOT UP TO 6 ON THE GAUGE. VEHICLE ACCELERATION STOP, AND THERE WAS NO THROTTLE CONTROL. BRAKES WERE NOT AFFECTED. THE ABS, OVER DRIVE ,AND ENGINE CHECK LIGHT ILLUMINATED. CONSUMER GOT TO A LOCAL GAS STATION AND DIAGNOSTIC READING READ REAR SENSOR WAS MALFUNCTION…
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VEHICLE WAS GOING 55MPH AND THE ENGINE STARTED RACING. RPM'S SHOT UP TO 6 ON THE GAUGE. VEHICLE ACCELERATION STOP, AND THERE WAS NO THROTTLE CONTROL. BRAKES WERE NOT AFFECTED. THE ABS, OVER DRIVE ,AND ENGINE CHECK LIGHT ILLUMINATED. CONSUMER GOT TO A LOCAL GAS STATION AND DIAGNOSTIC READING READ REAR SENSOR WAS MALFUNCTIONING. THE DEALER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. PLEASE PROVIDE MORE INFORMTION.*AK
NHTSA ODI #8011742
Mileage unknown · Dec 31, 2001
Electrical SystemSteeringCrashFire
SPEED 25 MPH TRAVELING DOWN ICY, DIRT ROAD, LOST CONTROL AND STRUCK TREE ON PASSENGER SIDE IN FRONT OF DOOR. APPROX. 10 MIN. LATER CAR BURST INTO FLAMES AND IS NOW TOTAL DAMAGE, ALTHOUGH ORIGINAL DAMAGE WAS ONLY DENT TO FRONT QUARTER PANEL. *AK
NHTSA ODI #756242
Mileage unknown · Jul 15, 2001
Steering
I HAVE HAD MY TRUCK IN THE SHOP 15 TIMES FOR THE SAME THING, ALL THEY TELL ME IS THERE IS NOTHING WRONG, AND I STILL CANT DRIVE IT !!!! I HAVE SPENT OVER $3,000 ON RENTAL CARS, CAN YOU PLEASE HELP ME???????????????3000. NO SAFETY DEFECT STATED. *AK
NHTSA ODI #748503
Official recalls
4Aug 3, 2007
ON CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS, PASSENGER VEHICLES, SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, AND MOTOR HOMES CHASSIS, THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH MAY, UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS, LEAK INTERNALLY AND THEN OVERHEAT, SMOKE, OR BURN.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THIS COULD RESULT IN AN UNDERHOOD FIRE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A FUSED WIRING HARNESS. OWNERS OF THE PASSENGER CARS INCLUDED IN THIS CAMPAIGN WILL BE INSTRUCTED TO RETURN THEIR VEHICLES TO THEIR DEALERS TO HAVE THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH DISCONNECTED AS AN INTERIM REPAIR. AS SOON AS REPAIR PARTS ARE AVAILABLE (EXPECTED OCTOBER 2007), OWNERS WILL BE INSTRUCTED TO RETURN TO THE DEALERS FOR INSTALLATION OF A FUSED WIRING HARNESS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 13, 2007, AND MAILING COMPLETED BY SEPTEMBER 19, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-888-222-2751.
Jul 28, 1999
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: ELECTRIC VEHICLES. THE TRANSAXLE MAY HAVE BEEN MANUFACTURED WITH THE PARK DETENT SPRING MISALIGNED. IF THE SPRING IS MISALIGNED, THE PARK MECHANISM MAY NOT ENGAGE WHEN THE SHIFT LEVER IS PLACED IN THE PARK POSITION.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: IF THE PARK MECHANISM DOES NOT ENGAGE AND THE VEHICLE OPERATOR HAS NOT APPLIED THE PARKING BRAKE, THE VEHICLE COULD ROLL FREE AS IF IN NEUTRAL.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE TRANSAXLE AND ANY WITH MISALIGNED PARK DETENT SPRINGS WILL BE REPLACED.
Mar 30, 1999
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: CERTAIN 1997-1999 RHD EXPLORER EQUIPPED WITH 4.0L OHV/SOHC ENGINES AND CRUISE CONTROL BUILT FROM MAY 29, 1996 THROUGH MARCH 4, 1999; 1998-1999 EXPLORER/MOUNTAINEERS EQUIPPED WITH 4.0L OHV/SOHC OR 5.0L ENGINES OR 1998-1999 RANGERS EQUIPPED WITH 2.5L, 3.0L FFV/EFI OR 4.0L ENGINES AND CRUISE CONTROL BUILT FROM JANUARY 5, 1998 THROUGH MARCH 4, 1999; 1998-1999 MUSTANGS EQUIPPED WITH 3.8L, 4.6L 2-VALVE OR 4-VALVE ENGINES AND CRUISE CONTROL BUILT FROM MARCH 2, 1998 THROUGH MARCH 4, 1999; 1999 F250/F350/F450/F550 (OVER 8,500 LBS.) TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH 5.4L OR 6.8L ENGINES AND CRUISE CONTROL BUILT FROM MARCH 2, 1998 THROUGH MARCH 4, 1999; AND 1999 F-53 STRIPPED CHASSIS EQUIPPED WITH 5.4L OR 6.8L ENGINES AND CRUISE CONTROL BUILT FROM MARCH 2, 1998 THROUGH MARCH 4, 1999. A CRUISE CONTROL CABLE CAN INTERFERE WITH THE SPEED CONTROL SERVO PULLEY AND NOT ALLOW THE THROTTLE TO RETURN TO IDLE WHEN DISENGAGING THE CRUISE CONTROL.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: IF THE CRUISE CONTROL IS USED AND THIS CONDITION IS PRESENT, A STUCK THROTTLE COULD RESULT, WHICH COULD POTENTIALLY RESULT IN A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE CRUISE CONTROL CABLES. AT THE PRESENT TIME, THE REPLACEMENT CABLES ARE NOT AVAILABLE. CUSTOMERS ARE BEING ADVISED NOT TO USE THE CRUISE CONTROL SYSTEM UNTIL A REPLACEMENT CAN BE MADE.
Sep 1, 1998
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: LIGHT DUTY PICKUP TRUCKS WITH 3.0L ENGINE. AN 'O'-RING SEAL IN THE FUEL INJECTION PULSE DAMPER TO FUEL RAIL JOINT COULD BE DAMAGED ALLOWING FUEL LEAKAGE.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, A FIRE CAN RESULT FROM FUEL LEAKAGE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE PULSE DAMPER.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
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