Steering Problems of Ford Ranger - part 1

VIN: [xxx] recall data refreshed on Aug 09,2025 0 unrepaired recalls associated with this VIN please amber alert the following for national broadcast NHTSA 2025 Ranger safety recalls* inspect seat bolt presence and torque - recall is unable to be performed at this time. Please check the fsa landing page for more details. Recall incomplete front upper control arm to knuckle ball joint loose or missing fastener recall incomplete instrument panel cluster configuration recall incomplete information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

Ive had 2 seperate issues with my 2024 for Ranger one is a steering assist fault the other is a electric fault on the speedometer jumping up and down while its in park and causing an issue.

See all problems of the 2024 Ford Ranger 🔎.

Several warning lights, which included: abs failure, parking assist failure, lane avoidance failure, traction control failure, as well as having steering difficulty. ( mileage 24500 ). The problem was found by dealer to be an eletrical connector underneath the vehicle at the mid point, with their belief that it was corrosion, which I believe to be a defective component and design. I contacted Ford but they were not interested in retrevale of the connector, so as to diagnose the failure. ( I am keeping the connector ).

See all problems of the 2021 Ford Ranger 🔎.

I flew down to anchorage alaska this brand new 024 Ford Ranger xl on February 4, 2025 sight unseen and no test drive from kendall Ford dealership. After buying the truck I started it, engaged 4 wheel drive and slippery/ icy setting. On the way back to fairbanks the steering was hard to turn and got progressively harder the faster I drove and the colder it became. About half way home it became exhausting to steer requiring a lot of force to turn the steering wheel that actually resisted with real force being turned. I didn’t know the lane keeping would turn on with the cruise control but it did and resisted me even more. The roads became black ice and it was freezing rain. The phone charge port lost power, the dash blanked out, there was no radio and the rear power port I had switched to lost power and my phone died. I was driving about 30 to 40 mph on the 2 lane undivided snow covered black ice covered highway. In a curve in the road where the highway maintenance snow plows had stopped plowing I believe the truck mistook the snow line for the painted line and unexpectedly and surprisingly actually turned the steering wheel towards the double solid dividing centerline and I turned back into my lane. This slight movement caused the truck to totally slide out of control and cross the double solid dividing centerline and the truck went into opposite highway oncoming lane! luckily there was no traffic coming the other way or it could have been a horrible accident. I hit the brakes and the truck actually stopped good, and then I got back into my lane and pulled over at the first chance. My phone was dead so I had no flashlight because I flew down I carried nothing but my coat. I tried to inspect the steering but it was all dark and below zero so I continued on towards fairbanks another hundred miles to the north. The truck also had a bunch of other problems like refusing to start that can leave a person to freeze to death quickly in the arctic below zero temperatures.

Vehicle displays “steering assist fault-service required”. Failure of power steering while driving could result in loss of control of the vehicle. The earliest available appointment for the dealer to check the problem is 11/20/24.

Presently, my mileage is approximately 42770. It has started to exhibit vibration throughout the cab. It wasn't as prevalent during the cold and would only last about 30 seconds, after warm up, and around 70 mph. Now that it has gotten warmer, it is happening after warm up at all speeds. I haven't take it to the dealership yet, but have read reports of the problem with the same model year.

See all problems of the 2020 Ford Ranger 🔎.

I just purchased a vehicle from autex Mazda of keene. (1/2/24) a 2020 Ford Ranger with 36k miles and extended warranty. When driving on the highway at 60mph my steering wheel started shimming very bad as I was passing a school bus that I felt I might of hit because it startled me and never felt a steering wheel shimmy so bad like that. Called dealer and they balanced the tires and leaving to return home the shimmy was back almost out of the lot. Are there any recalls on this issue and my backup camera is barely visible. I feel I was taking advantage of knowing there was a problem with this vehicle. I'll be calling Ford service next but wanted to know about recalls and to report this before someone gets killed because of the issue.

The steering wheel is loose. I tried to get my truck aligned and was told they weren’t able to do it because of the steering wheel being loose.

See all problems of the 2019 Ford Ranger 🔎.

Owner, who had bought the truck new approx. 3 1/2 years earlier, had driven about three miles on dry, paved, residential, hilly, roads and was returning to where he was staying when he came upon a waiting line of cars. He turned around to go a different way. Coming to a slight curve the power steering (epas) went out. Struggling to make the curve, the power assist kicked in and jolted him off the right side of the road. Had the curve been to the left, the truck may have been thrust into the path of an oncoming vehicle. Owner then slowly soldiered on, with the truck making an intermittent noise as if trying to activate the power steering, which it sometimes did, causing the truck to swerve side to side. Owner did not mention any warning sign or alarm or message occurring during this episode. At his destination he called for help and the truck was towed to the dealer. The repair order (ro) indicates diagnostics first being done on 6-8-23, which verified the lack of power steering, and showed dtcs c1b00, u0415, and u3003. My research showed the first pertains to a steering angle sensor in the steering column, and the next two having to do with the abs. The tech notes indicate he did pinpoint test bc1 (no), bc2 (yes), and bc3 (yes). Next, the tech reported that the steering gear assembly had a malfunction and needed to be replaced. He added that he retrieved rvc code ra5vumn131gxq. Not having the steering gear assembly kb3z3504a in stock, the replacement was not made until July. The ro said nothing about the battery, but it was learned that it had also been replaced under separate ro, which dealer has yet to provide. The dealer service rep said that even after they charged the old battery, it did not have enough power to activate an essential component; probably the new part, but I can't recall for sure. With the new battery, the dtcs, none of which I believe went to the steering gear, disappeared and the power steering apparently works. Truck is still with dealer.

The contact owns a 2007 Ford Ranger. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle experienced a loss of power steering assist . Additionally, the air bag warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 245,000.

See all problems of the 2007 Ford Ranger 🔎.

The contact owns a 2019 Ford Ranger. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the power steering assist failed with several unknown warning lights illuminated. The contact called the dealer and was informed that the VIN was not under recall. The contact was given an estimate for the repair. The contact called an independent mechanic and was also given an estimate for the repair. Due to the failure, the vehicle was towed to the independent mechanic and the contact was informed that the rack and pinion steering assembly needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 37,000.

The contact owns a 2022 Ford Ranger equipped with bridgestone tires, tire line: dueler ht685, tire size: 255/70/r16, dot number: 1vn0kdh2 3422. The contact stated that the driver’s side front inner tire was excessively worn. The contact noticed that the steel belts were showing through. The contact replaced the tire with a spare. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who informed him that the alignment bolt s could not be adjusted. The local dealer was contacted, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The vehicle and tire failure mileage were approximately 38,000.

See all problems of the 2022 Ford Ranger 🔎.

The contact owns a 2019 Ford Ranger. The contact stated that a message displayed on the vehicle's computer as well on the contact's vehicle notifications app stating an steering electrical failure had to occurred and the vehicle needed servicing. At that moment the steering began to malfunction causing the contact to use an excessive amount of force to steer the vehicle. The vehicle began to self direct and the brakes became difficult to apply causing the contact excessive pressure to come to stop. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer who was unable to diagnose the cause of the failure. The failure persisted. The contact received notification for a lawsuit that related to similar failures. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage 16,000.

The failed component is a small wheel speed sensor on the rear axle. The sensor is designed in a way where it inserts into the axle and sits close enough to the gears that it can be hit by the gears during bumps/potholes/etc. The issue puts myself and others at risk as when the sensor malfunctions or breaks, it disables multiple safety features of the truck including: antilock brakes, traction control, power steering, hill assist, and collision avoidance system. Other systems affected include cruise control. The problem has been reproduced with three separate speed sensors, two oem sensors and one after market. I have had the vehicle inspected by a Ford dealership for the issue. Issues prior to the first replaced sensor was the sensors have issues with cold climate. When snow or ice is on the roadway, the sensors have issues and disable all the above features. Appears the design cannot withstand the cold weather.

Popping, and loose feel in steering wheel on bumps. Popping felt in steering wheel when coming to a stop, and on accelerating from a stop. Intermediate steering shaft defect and/or design flaw. Dealer refuses to replace due to no TSB from Ford.

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.

See all problems of the 1999 Ford Ranger 🔎.

While driving the spare tire rack fell from the truck. Since the evap canister from the gas tank is attached to the spare tire rack it to was damaged with the canister being broken open while the rack scrapped on the road. After further inspection of the frame it was found that the gas tank support brackets had fallen completely off leaving only a thin strap supporting the gas tank. The frame also showed extensive corrosion on the front crossmember which supports the lower control arms. Brake line support tabs on the frame were also found to have completely separated from the frame at the weld. These are very dangerous situations and for highway safety and the trucks should be recalled. Thank you in advance for your attention in this matter.

See all problems of the 2006 Ford Ranger 🔎.

We are original owners of a 2002 Ford Ranger XLT now with 57,000 highway miles, always garaged/washed/maintained, little driving in winter (mostly in summer), always Ford maintained/serviced at same dealership, body/engine/transmission in great shape, will likely fail inspection this sping because frame and frame components are severely rusted out. - severe rust on the entire frame including both cross members (engine and transmission), arm bolt points and control arms. - frame also has severe rust down both sides to rear bumper, rear axle and differental, leaf springs and all mounts. - the passenger side stearing knuckle is delaminating. - all brake lines have failed while driving: first the rear brakes including all axle couplings and drum couplings; second the front brake lines failed at the disk brakes and rubber couplings. All brake tubes had to be replaced from the master cylinder to the wheels. - service manager is worried about front cross member failing under the engine, middle cross member failing under the transmission and the gas tank brackets/straps. - the frame and members and mounts must be replaced; the rest of the vehicle is mechanically sound. Service manager said no repair was possible to frame rust is so bad pictures can be provided and/or vehical inspected by NHTSA if desired. All brake lines and couplings performed around August 29, 2019.

See all problems of the 2002 Ford Ranger 🔎.

The contact owns a 2001 Ford Ranger. While the vehicle was parked in a parking lot, the contact noticed that parts of both the right and left side of the steering wheel were melted. The failure occurred without warning. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted at 800-424-9393 and asked the contact to call NHTSA. A case number was not provided. The approximate failure mileage was 67,000.

See all problems of the 2001 Ford Ranger 🔎.

I was recently an accident during which 3 things occurred that contributed to my injuries. The first thing that happened was steering wheel lockup preventing me from turning out of the way. The 2nd & 3rd things occurred when the truck was in free fall. First of all the seatbelt failed to restrained my body during the accident sending me straight into the steering wheel during which time the air bag failed to deploy. So there was nothing to brake my impact to said steering wheel. All of the this took place on a freeway at high speeds I was lucky that my injuries were not worse then they are and in time they will heal. I was lucky, but the next person may not be so, you need to look into this matter thoroughly because the next person may die as a result of these safety failures, and that is something none us want.

See all problems of the 2003 Ford Ranger 🔎.

Due to extensive rust damage despite proper preventative maintenance, the integrity of the frame/chassis of the vehicle was compromised. Subsequently, the left side of the frame at the midway point of the length of the vehicle snapped completely separating into two pieces. The rust damage also caused the spare tire apparatus to break and also caused the bumper to fall off.

See all problems of the 2005 Ford Ranger 🔎.

Rear leaf-spring shackles and hangers on my 2006 Ford Ranger are rusted out, one of the shackles broke free from the frame while I was driving, made it harder to steer because the truck felt nowhere near as stable as it was before it broke, it caused me to swerve into the lane beside me which very well could have caused a serious accident if someone were to be there. The rest of my frame seems to have excessive rust which is not to be expected from a 10 year old truck, especially by the shackles and hangers for the leaf springs, and also all around the spare tire mount which I could see to become a very serious safety concern while driving. I mean who wants a spare tire in their windshield while following someone down the road? my vehicle was in motion on the highway when all of this happened im very certain that cheap frame metal was the cause of it breaking, because im generally pretty easy on my truck.

I have noticed the whole spindle (the part that the brakes are bolted to and the wheel is connected to) has excessive rust so bad if is coming off in large pieces. The truck was never in water or exposed to excessive salt on the roads, always keep in a garage or carport. From where the top ball joint bolts on, to where the bottom ball joint bolts on, its nothing but rust. So much rust has come off that it is actually getting smaller, especially up where the top ball joint bolts on because it is smaller in size. I have sprayed rust killer on it because I was concerned about it breaking from getting weak because of so much of the metal turning to rust and falling off! if it should break the whole wheel would come off! this is the only metal part on the truck that is doing this and it is very dangerous. I think Ford bought some bad parts from somewhere that was made of cheap metal. I think you are going to see many more complaints about this as people notice it. I hope they notice it before it starts breaking or failing, because of sure loss of steering. Its hard to see unless you have the wheel off and look behind. Also the wheel bearings are wearing out prematurely at less than 60,000 miles. I am still driving the truck but keep checking the rusting spimdle condition, and wheel bearings.

See all problems of the 2008 Ford Ranger 🔎.

Noticed a clunking noise if the right front of the vehicle during turning, stopping and going over small bumps. Figured it would be something simple and took it to my mechanic. He said it was a rusted frame mount and to take it to a body shop. So I did and the second opinion was that the frame was rusted completely in two just if front of the right shock mount. I climbed under the vehicle and it truly is rusted completely into two pieces. I don't know what is keep the front right wheel where it belongs. Unsafe to drive. Parked for now. Where do I turn now? no pun intended.

1998 Ford Ranger. Consumer writes in regards to vehicle steering wheel issues. The consumer stated the steering wheel melted. Also, the head lamp switch and connector was replaced.

See all problems of the 1998 Ford Ranger 🔎.

Without warning, the front right wheel bearing disintegrated while traveling on a highway at 55 mph. I heard a load noise in the front, the truck sagged to the right, and the truck and steering suddenly pulled to the right side, sending the vehicle momentarily out of control. Fortunately, there was no other vehicles to the right of me because I would have been in a serious accident. After swerving and fishtailing, I was able to get the truck under control and coasted off the road. I brought the car to a front end specialist and he said that the bearing went and destroyed the spindle, the sensor and the brakes. He indicated this failure was unheard of for a vehicle this new and he indicated it had to be a factory defect in the bearing which caused this failure. I also filed a complaint with the Ford company.

See all problems of the 2011 Ford Ranger 🔎.

The contact owns a 2002 Ford Ranger. The contact stated that the driver was traveling 30 mph when the vehicle began to steer uncontrollably and veer to the right. The driver was unable to control the vehicle and crashed into a tree. The driver was killed from the impact and sustained severe injuries. The air bag did deploy however, the contact was not sure if the fatal injuries to the driver were caused by the impact from the crash or from the air bag. The vehicle was destroyed and a police report was filed of the incident. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 150,000.

The contact owned a 2003 Ford Ranger. While driving approximately 50 mph, the steering wheel became extremely loose and failed to operate. The contact crashed the vehicle into a barricade. The air bags deployed. A police report was filed. The contact sustained a broken jaw, three broken ribs, and his spine was injured, which required medical attention. The vehicle was destroyed. The manufacturer was not notified. The approximate failure mileage was 100,000.

I took my 2002 Ford Ranger truck in for inspection and I was told my truck was uninspectable because my frame,crossmember, front aarms are rusted thin. It only has 80 some k on it I only have it for 2years I don't drive very far I bought it with 74k.

Traveling home from a trip out of town, we experienced a slight pull to the right, which only happened once at the beginning of our trip. We were thinking it may be time for an alignment. As we were traveling home, we stopped for gas and upon returning to the expressway and gaining speed, something in the front right of the truck snapped. There was a loud noise and then the truck veered severely to the right. As we attempted to regain control of the truck it slammed into the concrete wall dividing the highways. My husband and I both have multiple bruises, along with quite a bit of pain at the moment. We were very fortunate to have walked away from this accident. The truck is a total loss and quite scary to look at. I do have pictures available if requested.

See all problems of the 2009 Ford Ranger 🔎.

The contact owns a 1993 Ford Ranger. The contact stated that while the vehicle was being serviced, the mechanic noticed that the steering coupler was fractured in multiple places and needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 176,000.

Jm auto sales at 12248 n. 600 e. Demotte, in 46310, sold me an unsafe vehicle, he assured me that he services all his vehicles before he sells them because he wants his customers happy, when I took the truck to my mechanic he told me that it needs a new transmission, center links, wheel alignment, and exhaust flange manifold, its unfair for this business to sell a vehicle that is unsafe for the road, this should fall under the unsafe and deceptive acts and practices act. If he services the vehicle he would know what's wrong with them and not put them for sale.

The two buttons on either side of the horn, on the steering wheel, that control the cruise control melt in the heat and expose the circuit boards. This has been going on for a few years and I finally need to report this.

See all problems of the 1996 Ford Ranger 🔎.

Hit a parked van.

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.