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Why do Ford steering wheels, columns and gears keep getting recalled?
Almost every Ford steering recall here comes down to one thing: a fastener that was never tightened properly. Steering wheel retaining bolts can loosen on 2014-2018 Fusion and MKZ and on 2022 F-53 and F-59 chassis; intermediate shaft bolts on 2020-2022 F-59; and steering column upper shaft bolts on 2023 and 2020-2021 Super Duty F-250, F-350 and F-450 trucks. Beyond fasteners, 2022 Bronco Raptor and 2023 Bronco Wildtrak steering gears can lock up, 2022-2023 Mustang torque sensors are miscalibrated so the wheel turns itself, and 2021-2022 E-350 and E-450 dual-rear-wheel vans lose power steering fluid at the hydroboost connection — a problem Ford had to recall twice.
Warning signs to watch for
- A loose, wobbly, or excessively free-feeling steering wheel
- Steering that becomes hard to turn, or a wheel that locks up
- The steering wheel moving side to side on its own, against your input
- Sudden loss of power steering assist, with heavier steering and brakes, on E-350 and E-450 vans
- Some give no felt warning at all — the Super Duty clock spring simply disconnects the driver's airbag electrically
Is it safe to keep driving?
One is explicit: Ford advises owners of 2022 Bronco Raptor and 2023 Bronco Wildtrak vehicles not to drive until the steering gear has been replaced. No other notice here orders you to park, so you may keep driving while you arrange the repair. Several still read as near-urgent — the Fusion and MKZ wheel bolt, the F-59 intermediate shaft bolt, and the Super Duty column bolts all describe parts that can separate. If steering ever feels loose, vague, or unusually heavy, stop and have the vehicle towed.
What the free repair involves
Fixes range from a single bolt to a whole assembly: a longer steering wheel retaining bolt, inspecting and tightening or installing column and intermediate shaft bolts, replacing the upper shaft, the steering gear, tie rod assemblies, power steering pressure and hydroboost jumper lines, or the clock spring. Two Mustang recalls are a power steering control module software update. All free of charge.
Severity at a glance
| Severity | Recalls |
|---|---|
| critical | 10 |
| high | 3 |
Models affected most
Every recall in this group
| Date | Recall | Severity |
|---|---|---|
| 2025-09-19 | Ford Super Duty trucks may lose steering control | critical |
| 2025-02-14 | Ford Mustang steering wheel may turn by itself | critical |
| 2024-06-28 | Ford Mustang Steering Wheel May Turn On Its Own | critical |
| 2024-06-28 | Ford F-650 and F-750 Trucks May Lose Steering | critical |
| 2024-02-09 | Ford E-350 and E-450 vans can lose power steering | high |
| 2023-12-15 | Ford Super Duty driver airbag may be disconnected | high |
| 2023-05-12 | Ford Super Duty steering column bolts may be missing | critical |
| 2023-03-08 | Ford Bronco steering can lock up completely while driving | critical |
| 2022-07-22 | Ford F-53 and F-59 chassis steering wheel can detach | critical |
| 2022-03-11 | Ford F-59 steering shaft bolt may be loose | critical |
| 2022-02-16 | Ford E-350 and E-450 vans may lose power steering suddenly | high |
| 2020-12-10 | Ford Super Duty steering stabilizer kit can lock steering | critical |
| 2018-03-12 | Ford Fusion and Lincoln MKZ steering wheels may detach | critical |
Common questions
My 2022 Mustang already had the steering software recall done. Why another letter?
The February 2025 recall specifically covers 2022-2023 Mustangs that were repaired incorrectly under recall 24V-493. The torque sensor calibration fault remains, so the power steering control module software update has to be performed again, free of charge. Letters were mailed March 25, 2025.
My E-350 had recall 22V-089 done. Do I still need the newer one?
Yes. The February 2024 recall covers the same 2021-2022 E-350 and E-450 dual-rear-wheel vans and states owners previously recalled under 22V-089 must have the new remedy completed — replacement of the power steering pressure line and hydroboost jumper line.
Ford says not to drive my Bronco. Which Broncos does that cover?
Only 2023 Bronco Wildtrak and 2022 Bronco Raptor models, where internal steering gear damage can cause increased steering effort or a locked steering wheel. Dealers replace the steering gear free of charge; owner notification letters were mailed March 31, 2023.
A recall applies only to specific vehicles. Check your 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.