YearToAvoid

2021 Ford F-150 Steering Problems

NHTSA lists 41 steering complaints for the 2021 Ford F-150, 4% of its 1,012 total complaints, with a median failure mileage of 64,500 miles. A related do-not-drive recall (21V407000) covers steering gear damage that can cause difficulty steering or an inability to turn the wheel.

Steering complaints
41
4% of 1,012
Crashes reported
1
Fires reported
0
Injuries reported
0
Median mileage
64,500 mi
Related recalls
1

Typical steering symptoms owners report

  • Owners report the power steering assist suddenly cutting out, often at low speed or while parked, accompanied by a steering assist fault warning message.
  • Some describe intermittent loss of power steering tied to multiple dashboard error messages appearing at once, including pre-collision and electrical faults.
  • Several report the steering wheel becoming very hard to turn or seizing entirely, in one case after sitting overnight in cold temperatures.
  • One owner reports the steering wheel catching when turning left of center and not returning to center on its own at speeds over 50 mph.
  • A dealer diagnosis in one case found the steering gear needed replacement after a clicking sound and a steering assist fault light appeared while turning.

When 2021 Ford F-150 steering complaints were filed

First complaint Sep 28, 2021, latest Sep 4, 2026.

2021 Ford F-150 steering complaints: complaints filed per month4Sep 2021Sep 2023Sep 2024Jan 2025May 2025Sep 2025Mar 2026Aug 2026
41 complaints filed with NHTSA from Sep 2021 to Sep 2026; peak Jan 2025 (4).

Steering recalls for the 2021 Ford F-150

  1. NHTSA 21V407000May 29, 2021Steering223 vehiclesDo Not Drive

    Steering:rack and pinion

    Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021 F-150 vehicles. The steering gear may have internal damage, which could result in difficulty steering, or the inability to rotate the steering wheel while driving.

    Risk: Loss of steering control can increase the risk of a crash.

    Remedy: Owners are advised to not drive their vehicles until the repair is complete. Vehicles will be towed in for service, and dealers will remove and replace the steering gear, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on June 4, 2021. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21S28.

Steering complaints by F-150 model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

  1. 201048 (6%)
  2. 2011419 (19%)
  3. 2012204 (11%)
  4. 2013216 (7%)
  5. 2014159 (10%)
  6. 201583 (5%)
  7. 201664 (3%)
  8. 201759 (4%)
  9. 201883 (4%)
  10. 201921 (2%)
  11. 20208 (1%)
  12. 202141 (4%)
  13. 20229 (2%)
  14. 202316 (4%)
  15. 20244 (2%)
  16. 20253 (3%)

Frequently asked questions

How many steering complaints does the 2021 Ford F-150 have?
NHTSA lists 41 steering complaints for the 2021 F-150, which is 4% of the 1,012 total complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a steering recall for the 2021 Ford F-150?
Yes. Recall campaign 21V407000 covers steering gear that may have internal damage, causing difficulty steering or inability to rotate the steering wheel while driving. It is a do-not-drive recall.
At what mileage do steering problems usually show up on the 2021 F-150?
The median mileage at failure for steering complaints on the 2021 F-150 is 64,500 miles, based on NHTSA complaint data.
Did the steering issue cause any crashes on the 2021 F-150?
NHTSA records show 1 crash and no fires or injuries linked to steering complaints on the 2021 F-150.
How does the 2021 F-150's steering complaint rate compare to other years?
The 2021 F-150's steering complaints are 4% of that year's total, similar to 2017, 2018, and 2023 at 4%, but lower than 2011 at 19% and 2012 at 11%.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.