Diagsheet

2021 Ford F-150 · symptom sheet

Power steering cuts out or goes heavy

  • 26owner reports
  • 47,000median miles
  • 0involved a crash

Newest report Aug 10, 2026 · checked Sep 9, 2026

41 of the 1,000 complaints on this car are about the steering system. 26 of those describe power steering loss.

Tick what matches of 26 reports

3
15
5
5
14

What got replaced

Owners who name the part that was replaced mention the EPS motor or module (5 reports) and the steering rack (4 reports).

Recalls and investigations

One recall on the steering system covers the 2021 model year. A recall on the same system isn't always the same failure, so read the defect text.

21V-407May 29, 2021
Do not drive Steering:Gear Box (Other Than 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 and remedy
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.

NHTSA investigations into the steering system on the F-150

AQ17-001opened Jan 4, 2017
Steering · model years 2015

Champion ford edinboro / steering shaft. Closed jun 15, 2018.

NHTSA summary
NHTSA opened AQ17-001 to determine whether Champion Ford Edinboro, Inc. (Champion Ford), of Edinboro, Pennsylvania, complied with the requirements of the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act, 49 U.S.C. Chapter 301 (Safety Act) and its implementing regulations. The Safety Act requires, among other things, that a manufacturer notify its dealers of defects related to motor vehicle safety and non-compliances with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards and, in turn, that a dealer not sell a new vehicle subject to a recall unless the recall remedy has been performed (49 U.S.C. ?30120(i)).NHTSA issued an information request (IR) letter to Champion Ford on January 4, 2017.Champion Ford responded to this request on January 19, 2017.Also on January 4, 2017, an IR letter was issued to Ford Motor Company (Ford) and a response was received from Ford on January 25, 2017.Finally, another IR was issued to Champion Ford on May 31, 2017, and Champion Ford's response letter was submitted to NHTSA on June 14, 2017.NHTSA's investigation indicated that Champion Ford did sell and deliver recalled vehicles that did not have the recall remedy completed at the time the vehicles were delivered to the customers.NHTSA therefore concluded that Champion Ford was liable for civil penalties for violations of the Safety Act, pursuant to 49 U.S.C. ?30165.Under a Settlement Agreement dated April 16, 2018, Champion Ford agreed to pay compromised civil penalties in the amount of $20,000.Champion Ford als
EA02-001opened Feb 6, 2002
Steering · model years 1997

Steering shaft separation. Closed may 29, 2003, led to recall 03V-196.

NHTSA summary
SEE ATTACHED SUMMARY FOR TECHNICAL DETAILS
PE01-033opened Sep 17, 2001
Steering · model years 1997 to 1998

Steering column. Closed feb 6, 2002.

NHTSA summary
PE98-024opened Apr 21, 1998
Steering · model years 1996 to 1998

Tie rod end failures. Closed jul 21, 1998.

NHTSA summary
There is no summary currently available

None of these investigations covers the 2021 model year.

When it happens

The middle half of failures fell between 19,888 and 79,000 miles, from the 13 reports that gave a mileage.

121
423
324
1325
526

What owners wrote

“Electronic power steering rack failed. Vehicle matches the build date and Dearborn plant of Recall 21S28 but VIN is excluded.”

Filed Aug 10, 2026

“Was driving and all the sudden the steering went out. Was really hard to steer and almost crashed. Very dangerous. Came up "Steering Assist Fault"”

Filed Mar 7, 2026

“The steering had a failure while driving on the highway. Driving straight, not making any turns, and a steering error came across the dash for the failure. Complete loss of steering functions. THis happened at 58000 miles. The problem is now occuring daily and is thought to be the power steering module. All steering control is lost.”

Filed Sep 25, 2025 · 58,000 miles

“Getting multiple messages like service advancetrac, pre collision assistance not available, and steering assist fault. Vehicle makes noice randomly when turning but not every time”

Filed Aug 10, 2025

Should you keep driving it?

This page can't tell you that. 0 of 26 reports involved a crash. Owners who file are the ones who had a bad experience, and nobody checks their reports. If the problem affects steering, braking, power or a fire risk, treat it as a safety fault and have it inspected before a long or high-speed drive.

File your own report with NHTSA. Complaint counts are how a problem gets an investigation.

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