ATLANTA — We've discovered complaints are mounting about the power steering in some of the most popular trucks on the road.
Consumer investigator Jim Strickland says the steering issue recently surfaced on Interstate 285 as a local salesman was driving from Smyrna to Stockbridge
Chuck Maddox told Strickland it was the third time in three months that his power steering went powerless in his 2011 Ford F-150.
“I drive a lot of miles a day, sometimes up to 250, 275,” he said.
Maddox said he was surrounded by trucks on the perimeter when the steering on his truck went stiff again.
“I got between two trucks, and it started acting up again. I lost all power steering. It was like manual steering,” he said.
Maddox soon found that the powertrain warranty on the truck doesn't cover steering. He showed Strickland what it cost to fix it.
“My company had to pay $1,800 or close to it to get my truck back so I could continue to do my job,” he said.
On the government's safercar.gov website, Strickland found 666 complaints on the 2011 F-150 with roughly one in six concerning steering issues.
A Chatsworth, Georgia driver also footed an $1,800 repair bill. One driver from Evans, Georgia, said he hit a curb after losing the power assist and was surprised a recall has not been issued.
“I'm concerned about this problem hurting someone in the future. Whether it be a mom with kids or an old burly guy like me,” Maddox said.
Ford is seeking more information on Maddox's incident before commenting.
Strickland did not hear back from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, but he says usually the agency will continue to monitor complaints to decide whether an investigation is warranted.