While backing out of tight parking spot 9/1/17, with multiple turns of the wheel, turned wheel one last time to pull forward into parking spot drive area but at that point, heard a clunk and all steering control was gone. Called for a tow. Tow truck drive assisted in the diagnosis noting that the steering box had disconnected from van frame rendering steering wheel connection lines useless. Had van towed home. After online read, looked at frame through left front tire access and saw the 3 bolts we read about. Grabbed the top bolt and it came right out. Same with second bolt. Last (third) bolt was a bit jammed due to the steering box drop, but all 3 bolts had sheared and all steering was lost. Had we not stopped at a store for labor day holiday supplies on our way to campsite, would have lost steering somewhere else, like on the freeway, possibly during a similar turn situation. We could have killed others or ourselves. Found that this Ford E150 steering bolt issue has already been documented. Why when we had the van serviced and said the steering had felt "loose", why didn't any mechanic find this potential?? un-excusable situation. Our parents, children and grandchildren are currently dependent on us. Had we died due to loss of steering, what a nightmare that would have been. Granted, the 20-yr-old van is rusty, but we didn't know to look under the left front tire area and apparently, multiple (non-Ford dealerships) mechanics didn't either !!

- Minneapolis, MN, USA

Driving on bestbuy parking lot, went over a speed bumper heard a loud clunk coming from driver side front tire. Drove home, stopped van, got help, while turning the steering to left, loud metal clunk from that driver side, helper on floor noticed that bottom bolt holding power steering box is going in and out, rusted on front and back of frame, this box should be mounted on reinforced brackets front and back of frame then welded to frame to protect occupants from possible separation of box and frame with consequent loss of control and possible accident (could be fatal when driving the vehicle). So, with the engine on, in park, if the steering is turn to the left, driver will feel and hear the clunk.

- Atlantic Highlands, NJ, USA

Gearbox bolts broke away from frame causing loss of steering.

- Toledo, OH, USA

The contact owns a 1997 Ford E-150. The contact stated that the steering box detached from the frame of the vehicle while the contact was driving. The dealer and manufacturer were notified, but denied any assistance with repairs to the defect. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileage was 162,000.

- Centreville, VA, USA

Contact states because of his disability the vehicle is hard to put into gear, also it is hard to start the engine. The vehicle has not been to a service dealer.

- Clarksville, TN, USA