Problems · by component

2013 Ford Taurus steering problems

296 owner complaints to NHTSA about the 2013 Ford Taurus cite steering, 50% of all 591 complaints for this model year. NHTSA also lists 1 recall on this component.

Complaints
296
50% of all complaints
Crashes
7
Reported by owners
Fires
1
Reported by owners
Injuries
9
Reported by owners
01 —Owner reports

What owners say about the steering

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
“The power steering system is continually giving Power Steering Assist Failure and Service Advance Trac. The code U3000 was identified by Ford technician. This code is found in a Ford recall 15S18, my VIN is not included in this recall. The power steering quits working while the car is driving. The problem was confirmed through codes U3000 and Coo51 by Ed Morse Ford in Lebanon, MO. There was no accident to involve police or insurance representatives. Warning messages are mentioned above.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 20, 2026SteeringODI 11758184
“The contact owns a 2013 Ford Taurus. The contact stated that while driving at 60 MPH, the electric power steering suddenly failed without prior warning. The steering pulled sharply to the right, but the driver managed to maintain control and steered the vehicle safely into a soft dirt field on the side of the road. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V340000 (Steering); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was towed back to the residence. The dealer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 137,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jul 6, 2026SteeringODI 11748489
“The contact owns a 2013 Ford Taurus. The contact stated that while driving under normal conditions, the vehicle became extremely difficult to steer, and significant physical strength was needed to turn the steering wheel. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V340000 (STEERING); and associated the failure with the recall; however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, and the failure was associated with the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 90,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Mar 18, 2026SteeringODI 11725250
“loss of steering likely to wreck because of no power steering. My safety and my family was put at risk during this process. The problem has been reproduced at the car repair shop. Warning light activated and message on dash. 15S18 is the recall number for make and model. I was told Ford will not fix by a customer representative.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jan 8, 2026SteeringODI 11709690
“The contact owns a 2013 Ford Taurus. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The contact used force to steer to the right or left. The message "Steering Assist Fault" was displayed. The contact stated that while driving at high speeds, there were no issues with the operation of the power steering functionality. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with power steering failure. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer in Orem, where it was confirmed that the power steering had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V340000 (Steering). However, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 100,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jan 8, 2026SteeringODI 11709725
“In March of 2025 my vehicles driver assist lights started blinking coming out of my apt complex and within 15 seconds I couldn't even turn the wheels at all. Ive had several mechanics run their computer to diagnose the issue and was told that this make model and year has a recall for loss of steering which is an electrical issue. I called Ford themselves and they refused to even look at my car. I cannot find a mechanic who will even repair this electrical issue. Car is in perfect condition. Just replaced all 4 tires in January 2025 and oil change.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 19, 2025Steering, Electrical system, Unknown or otherODI 11688555

Showing 6 of 296 reports. Read every report on NHTSA.gov.

Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 8, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
02 —Related recalls

1 recall on this component

Steering: electric power assist system

Free remedy

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 Ford Fusion vehicles without a 3.5L engine and Lincoln MKZ hybrid electric vehicles, 2011 Mercury Milan vehicles, 2011-2012 Ford Taurus, Ford Flex, Lincoln MKS, and Lincoln MKT vehicles equipped with a 3.5L GTDI engine and 2013 Ford Taurus, Ford Flex, Lincoln MKS, and Lincoln MKT vehicles equipped with any available engine. The affected vehicles have electric power steering assist systems that may shut down as a result of a steering motor sensor fault.

SteeringReported Jun 2, 2015NHTSA 15V340000
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 8, 2026

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.