393.209(c) Loose Steering Column: Citations, OOS Rates & FAQs

Yes—there's a strong likelihood. Our inspection records show that 87.0% of loose steering column citations result in an out-of-service order. That's significantly higher than the national average OOS rate of 31.4% across all FMCSR violations. A loose steering column affects your ability to control the vehicle safely, so inspectors treat it as an immediate safety risk. Once cited, expect your truck to be taken out of service unless the defect is corrected on the spot.

It's serious but not the highest-volume violation. Across our 13 million+ inspection records, 393.209(c) ranks #964 out of 3,036 FMCSR codes by citation volume—with 438 all-time citations. However, its 87.0% out-of-service rate makes it far more severe than peer violations like inoperable lamps (393.9: 6.9% OOS) or windshield defects (393.78: 0.3% OOS). The data indicates loose steering columns are treated as critical safety defects, not documentation or minor equipment issues.

First, do not operate the vehicle. The steering column directly controls your ability to steer safely—this isn't something you can postpone. Immediately contact a certified mechanic or your carrier's maintenance team. Have them inspect the steering column assembly and tighten or replace components as needed. Get written documentation of the repair and the date completed. Once fixed, request a re-inspection by the same DOT inspector or visit another inspection location to confirm the repair meets FMCSR standards.

This violation has become extremely rare. Our database shows zero citations in the last 12 months and zero in the last 90 days, despite 438 all-time citations on record. This suggests either that carriers and drivers have largely resolved loose steering column issues through better maintenance programs, or that inspectors are seeing fewer instances in the field. Either way, if you're cited for it now, treat it as an urgent anomaly—it means something is visibly wrong.

Our records show Kenworth trucks account for the highest citation count at 41 citations, followed by Freightliner at 38. International trucks had 15 citations and Mack had 9. These are all heavy-duty commercial vehicles with high mileage and extended service lives, which makes sense—steering column wear accumulates over time. If you operate one of these makes, prioritize steering column inspections as part of your pre-trip routine and regular maintenance schedule.

You can file a DataQs record review request if you believe the citation was issued in error—for example, if the inspector misidentified the defect or documented it incorrectly. However, a loose steering column is a physical equipment finding, not a paperwork issue, so contestation is harder. Your best path is to repair the steering column immediately, gather documentation of the repair date and technician, and dispute the citation on the grounds that the defect was corrected before the inspection report was finalized. Consult with your carrier's safety or legal team before filing.

If placed out of service (which happens 87.0% of the time), you must repair it before the truck can legally operate on public roads. Federal regulations require immediate correction of critical safety defects like loose steering. You typically have 24 hours to remedy OOS defects under most state and FMCSA guidance, though this varies by state. Once repaired, get a certified mechanic to sign off and request re-inspection. Do not attempt to drive an out-of-service vehicle; penalties for violation are steep.

FMCSA citations for vehicle maintenance defects like loose steering columns are typically issued against the carrier (company), not the individual driver. However, the citation appears in the carrier's CSA record and can impact the carrier's safety rating. As a driver, you won't see CSA points added to a personal driving record, but you may face internal consequences from your carrier depending on their safety policies. Always report suspected steering issues to your dispatcher or safety manager immediately—early reporting shows due diligence.