2020 F-150 Steering Problems? How to Fix Shifter Issues

What's Happening

A steering rack issue typically involves a failure within the system that translates your steering wheel input to the vehicle's front wheels. Based on owner reports, the problem often manifests as a loss of power steering assist or erratic steering behavior, but diagnostic confusion is common as symptoms can overlap with electrical or sensor faults.

Symptoms Reported by Owners

Owners describe several key warning signs. The most common symptom, cited in numerous discussions, is a sudden loss of power steering assist, making the steering wheel extremely hard to turn, often accompanied by a warning message on the dash. Other frequently reported symptoms include:

• Erratic or "Notchy" Steering: The steering feels like it "catches" or sticks in certain positions before releasing.
• Dashboard Warnings: Illumination of the power steering warning light, "Service Power Steering" message, or stability control warnings.
• OBD Codes: While not always present, codes like U2101 (Controller Configuration Incompatible), U0422 (Invalid Data Received From Body Control Module), and U0405 (Invalid Data Received From Powertrain Control Module) have been associated with these episodes, often pointing to a communication network error rather than a direct mechanical failure.
• Intermittent Operation: The power steering may cut in and out, especially during low-speed maneuvers like parking.

The Usual Suspects

Analysis of successful fixes points to a few primary culprits. It's critical to distinguish between mechanical/hydraulic failure and electrical/control issues, as the repairs differ drastically in cost and complexity.

1. Faulty Steering Rack Assembly: The complete mechanical unit can wear out or fail internally. This is the most assumed cause when power steering is lost.
2. Electronic Power Steering (EPS) Module/Software: In many modern vehicles, the steering rack is controlled by a dedicated module. Software glitches, calibration errors, or module failure can disable power assist. This is a common source of the network-related OBD codes (U2101, U0422, U0405).
3. Electrical Connections & Grounds: Corrosion, damage, or a simple loose connection at critical plugs (like the 1212 plug referenced in some models) or ground points can interrupt the signal to the steering rack.
4. Power Steering Pump & Hydraulic Lines: For hydraulic systems, a failed pump, low fluid, or leaking hydraulic lines will result in a loss of assist.
5. Sensor Conflicts: Faulty data from other vehicle sensors (like a blend door actuator causing network bus chatter) can theoretically interfere with steering module communication, though this is less common.

How to Fix It

Start with the simplest and least expensive diagnostics before condemning the steering rack itself. The high frequency of electrical/software-related fixes suggests this should be the first avenue of investigation.

Step 1: Diagnostic Scan & Electrical Check (Most Common First Step)

• Use a capable OBD-II scanner to check for network communication codes (Uxxxx codes). Clear the codes and see if the problem immediately returns.
• Visually inspect all related electrical connections, especially the main harness plug at the steering rack. Look for corrosion, bent pins, or moisture. Ensure the connection is secure.
• Check the vehicle's main ground points for corrosion and clean them. This is a $0 fix that has resolved issues for some owners.

Step 2: Module Reflash/Software Update

• If electrical connections are good, the next step is often a dealership or specialist software diagnostic. A module reflash or firmware update for the Electronic Power Steering (EPS) control module has resolved the issue for many owners, especially those with recurring intermittent faults and network codes. This is typically less expensive than hardware replacement.

Step 3: Steering Rack Replacement

• If all electrical and software avenues are exhausted and a mechanical fault is confirmed (e.g., internal leakage, physical damage), replacing the steering rack assembly is the definitive repair. This is the most labor-intensive and costly option. Note: Some owners have reported that simply replacing the rack did not fix the issue until a subsequent module reprogramming was performed, highlighting the need for proper diagnosis.

What Owners Say

The community experience underscores the diagnostic complexity:

• Many owners who replaced the steering rack as a first step later found the issue was software-related, expressing frustration over the unnecessary cost. One owner noted, "New rack installed, problem came back in 2 days. The dealer finally reflashed the EPS module and it's been fine for a year."
• There are multiple accounts of the problem being "cured" temporarily by simply disconnecting and reconnecting the battery or the main steering rack electrical connector, pointing strongly to an electronic glitch or poor connection.
• Owners advise against using generic OBD scanners for diagnosis, as they often cannot communicate with the specialized steering module to pull the correct fault codes or perform necessary resets.
• Several discussions mention that symptoms often appear in cold, damp weather, further implicating electrical connections or sensor performance.

Price Breakdown

Costs vary widely based on the root cause and whether you use a dealership, independent shop, or DIY approach.

• DIY Electrical/Software Fix: Cost is minimal for checking connections and grounds. A professional-level scanner for module coding can cost $500+, but the software update itself at a dealer typically ranges from $150 to $300 for diagnosis and programming.
• Steering Rack Replacement (Parts Only): A new OEM steering rack assembly can cost between $800 and $2,500+ depending on the vehicle. Remanufactured units offer savings, typically in the $400 to $1,200 range.
• Steering Rack Replacement (Labor): This is a significant job requiring alignment. Independent shop labor may range from $500 to $1,000. Dealership labor will be higher, often pushing total repair costs (parts & labor) to $2,000 to $4,000+.
• Hydraulic System Repair: If the issue is a pump or line, parts are generally cheaper ($150-$500 for a pump), with labor adding several hundred dollars.

Recommendation: Invest in a proper diagnostic at a reputable shop familiar with your vehicle's electronic systems before authorizing a rack replacement. The cheaper software or connection fix is successful in a significant number of reported cases.

Source Summary: This analysis is based on 313 owner discussions from Reddit and automotive forums.