RoadVitals

2013 Ford Taurus Steering Problems

Owner-reported complaints naming the steering system, filed with NHTSA

Data refreshed

Steering reportsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
293
Latest Jul 6, 2026
Share of all reportsThis category as a share of every owner report on file for this model year. One report can name more than one component, so the categories overlap.
50%
of 581 total
Crash or fire reportedReports in this category whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. The reporter's own answer on the NHTSA form, not a verified finding.
8
Injuries or deaths reportedTotals the submitters entered on their own reports in this category. Not verified by NHTSA and not a casualty statistic.
9

What this page shows

Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage. Every record below is an owner-reported complaint about the 2013 Ford Taurus submitted to NHTSA — not a confirmed defect, not a recall and not a manufacturer bulletin. 293 reports on file name it.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

Owner reports naming steering

The 25 most recent of 293, in the owner's own words

Steering
Filed Jul 6, 2026

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.

NHTSA ID
11748489
Incident
Jun 27, 2026
Mileage
137,000 mi
Steering
Filed Mar 18, 2026

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.

NHTSA ID
11725250
Incident
Mar 11, 2026
Mileage
90,000 mi
Steering
Filed Jan 8, 2026

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.

NHTSA ID
11709725
Incident
Nov 8, 2024
Mileage
100,000 mi
Steering
Filed Jan 8, 2026

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.

NHTSA ID
11709690
Incident
Dec 31, 1969
ElectricalSteering
Filed Sep 19, 2025

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.

NHTSA ID
11688555
Incident
Mar 3, 2025
Steering
Filed Sep 11, 2025

My electric power steering quit in August 2024 my car is not one of the recalls, but my steering went out automatically out and I could not steer the car. I had it replaced at a Ford company. I bought the part for O’Reillys had it put on in 2024 in August and turn around and had to have one put on in March 20 25 and then it has gone out again and I just got my car back last week so I’m just wondering if the very first time it went out was it a recall because I had to pay a lot of money I have it done at Wynn Odom Ford in Lagrange nc

NHTSA ID
11686630
Incident
Jun 10, 2025
Steering
Filed Aug 18, 2025

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Taurus. The contact stated that while driving at 60 MPH, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was driven to the residence. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact was informed that the VIN was not under recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 153,000.

NHTSA ID
11681460
Incident
Aug 18, 2025
Mileage
153,000 mi
SteeringSuspension
Filed Aug 11, 2025

While driving to work in my 2013 Ford Taurus I went to take a left and the power steering was suddenly gone and the steering wheel was hard to turn. I nearly hit another car and had to brake hard to miss it. I parked at work and after work I started the car and it was fine until about a mile before I got home. Then it happened again and I could hear a scraping like sound when I turned. The steering became very jerky and resistant at lower speeds but I never got a warning light or message. I brought the vehicle in to an independent mechanic, where it was discovered that the power steering control module (PSCM) had failed and needed to be replaced as well as the rack and pinion. I looked into recalls for the 2013 steering issue and found one but was told my VIN wasn't included. WHY NOT?? I have seen over 600 complaints in regard to this! When are you going to do something about this? AFTER SOMEONE DIES???? How many complaints need to be made before something gets done????

NHTSA ID
11679739
Incident
Jul 17, 2025
Powertrain (other)Steering
Filed Aug 1, 2025

Just recently, my power steering started to fail when it’s in ‘S’ gear (I just started using it a few weeks ago). The steering wheel gets catchy and can be difficult to control, especially going around corners. It’s intermittent and it didn’t start until I started to use the ‘S’ gear. I had the power steering checked by a mechanic and they said it’s functioning properly. I do believe my car should be included in this recall before the steering goes out and something catastrophic happens. By the way, now that I’ve stopped using the ‘S’ gear, the glitchy steering issue has subsided.

NHTSA ID
11677833
Incident
Jul 10, 2025
Steering
Filed Jul 23, 2025

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Taurus. The contact stated that the steering wheel was significantly difficult to steer and made an abnormal rubbing sound while turning. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the power steering control module (PSCM) 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 notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 117,000.

NHTSA ID
11675539
Incident
Jul 21, 2025
Mileage
117,000 mi
Steering
Filed Jul 14, 2025

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Taurus. The contact stated while driving at approximately 55 MPH and turning to the left following the road, the steering wheel was very hard to return to center. The contact stated that the steering wheel was pulling to the right. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the failure reoccurred while turning left onto another road. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a local dealer or independent mechanic. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and transferred the contact the NHTSA Hotline to file a complaint. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V340000 (Steering); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was 101,820.

NHTSA ID
11673379
Incident
Jun 16, 2025
Mileage
101,820 mi
Steering
Filed Jul 11, 2025

Had gone shopping and the car suddenly had no steering. Managed to get it parked without causing a wreak, but without any warning a message appeared on the dash "Power Steering Fault". The car no longer has any steering, power steering fluid was good, no codes where shown. I have researched this before sending this message, seems there are a lot of Ford cars of various models having the same issue. The recall on the Ford Taurus shows that only certain months for the same year of car as mine 2013, are going to be covered in the recall. My car was made after the cut off month but with the SAME issues. Just wondering why only certain months were on the recall instead of the whole year?

NHTSA ID
11672686
Incident
Jul 2, 2025
Steering
Filed Jun 24, 2025

Today the first incident happened when my car was parked. I started it and the light came on that said power steering assist fault and the steering wheel was locked so I was unable to drive my car at all. I cut the car off and cut it back on and it fixed the issue. Later, I drove the car and it locked up on me as I was driving. I was going about 25 miles an hour and almost ran into a guard rail thankfully, I was able to park and have it towed to a mechanic shop I called the Ford dealership. They said that there’s no recall on my car, but I do see that there was a recall for other vehicles for the same issue for the power steering motor, which is electric, it is a harm to me my daughter and others. I could potentially wreck my car, but others have had theirs repaired because it is a recall.

NHTSA ID
11669030
Incident
Jun 24, 2025
ElectricalSteering
Filed Jun 21, 2025

I was driving, with absolutely no warning the steering wheel tightened up and wouldn’t turn. I had to take evasive actions to avoid a crash and park. My vehicle has a recall in the system but was apparently not apart of it. I am unsure exactly what part is causing the issue whether it is the electronic power steering motor or the power steering rack itself. Upon request I can provide the item for inspection. The vehicle and parts have not been assessed by any outside source.

NHTSA ID
11668283
Incident
Jun 20, 2025
Steering
Filed Jun 9, 2025

steering gear locked up and could not turn steering wheel. happened 3 different times over several months. did this on start up of vehicle not while driving fortunately.warning light came on warning of power assist steering failure. took to Ford dealer to fix and said my vin # not on recall list and would not cover repair though thousands of other 2013 Ford Taurus are . still at dealer now and will cost over $3000 to fix

NHTSA ID
11665799
Incident
Jun 5, 2025
SteeringSuspension
Filed Jun 4, 2025

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Taurus. The contact stated while driving at various speeds and turning the steering wheel to the left or the right, the contact heard an abnormal sound. The contact stated there was no warning light illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the electric power steering assist had started to fail and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. Additionally, the contact stated that the front suspension was bouncing every time the contact drove or any deformity in the road surface. The contact had taken the vehicle to another independent mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the driver’s and passenger’s side shock absorbers needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact reported that the failure had reoccurred. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 126,000.

NHTSA ID
11664797
Incident
Nov 13, 2024
Mileage
126,000 mi
Steering
Filed Apr 30, 2025

the electric power assist steering motor has stopped working. there was a recall for other similar models of the same car and same year that a recall was issued, but my car doesnt fall under the recall even though it has the same steering system and it has failed just like all the others.

NHTSA ID
11657942
Incident
Feb 3, 2025
ElectricalSteering
Filed Apr 17, 2025

Started my car up then put it in drive, when my traction control light turned on, and my power steering assist light also turned on my dashboard as I was driving out of my on street parking spot. I lost all power to my steering wheel , and was unable to turn it so I could attempt to safely move back over to far right lane, as I was in downtown traffic. This is so scary and terrifying. It's my second car ever which I worked really hard for. I tried to turn car off, and restart it like Google said, but it was the same loss of steering. The car is sitting at my parents house.

NHTSA ID
11655221
Incident
Apr 14, 2025
Steering
Filed Apr 13, 2025

MY POWER STEERING COMPLETELY WENT OUT WITH ALMOST NO STEERING CAPABILITIES, AND IS AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION IF NEEDED. WE WERE TRAVELING UPP A HILL AROUND 20-25 MPH AT A SLIGHT CURVE, WHILE IN THE MID CURVE OUT OF NO WHERE MY STEERING WHEEL HARDENED AND JOLTED THE VEHICLE TO THE RIGHT ON ITS OWN WITH NO CONTROL WHATSOEVER. OUR SAFTEY WAS PUT AT RISK BECAUSE WE WERE AT A CLIFFS EDGE AND WERE ONLY FEET CLOSE FROM GOING OVER. MECHANIC CONFIRMED POWER STEERING GEAR OR MODUE ISSUE THERE WERE NO WARNING SIGNS PRIOR

NHTSA ID
11654324
Incident
Apr 11, 2025
Steering
Filed Apr 10, 2025

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Taurus. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel failed to turn in the intended direction. The contact stated that the steering wheel was difficult to turn. Additionally, the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was unofficially diagnosed with power steering failure. The vehicle was not repaired; however, the contact was advised to contact the dealer for assistance. The dealer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 178,000.

NHTSA ID
11653846
Incident
Nov 10, 2024
Mileage
178,000 mi
Steering
Filed Jan 7, 2025

The contact’s daughter owns a 2013 Ford Taurus. The contact stated that on several occasions while making left or right turns, the steering wheel became stiff. The contact stated that the vehicle was equipped with an electric power steering assist. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.

NHTSA ID
11634671
Incident
Jan 1, 2025
Mileage
120,000 mi
Steering
Filed Dec 16, 2024

The contact's grandfather owns a 2013 Ford Taurus. The contact stated that the power steering assist had failed to operate with the "Power Steering Assist Fault" message displayed. The contact stated that excessive force was needed to steer the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, and the contact was provided with the cost for the diagnostic test. The contact declined to pay for a diagnostic test. Upon investigation, the contact discovered and linked the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V340000 (Steering). The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was not included in the recall. The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 154,000.

NHTSA ID
11630955
Incident
Nov 16, 2024
Mileage
154,000 mi
EngineSteering
Filed Nov 18, 2024

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Taurus. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, there was white-colored smoke coming from the engine compartment. The contact replenished the coolant fluid soon after noticing the smoke. The following day, the contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the steering wheel became firm, and excessive force was needed to turn the steering wheel. The “Power Steering Assist” message was displayed on the instrument panel. Two unknown dealers were notified of the failure and the contact was informed that there were no recalls on the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. Upon investigation, the contact discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V340000 (Steering); and linked the failure to the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 139,000.

NHTSA ID
11625873
Incident
Aug 1, 2024
Mileage
139,000 mi
Steering
Filed Nov 12, 2024

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Taurus. The contact stated while driving at various speeds and making a turn, the steering wheel pulled in the opposite direction. The “Service Stabili-trak” message was displayed. The contact stated that the failure had been recurring while driving. Two unknown dealers were notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V340000 (Steering); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 115,000.

NHTSA ID
11624674
Incident
Sep 12, 2024
Mileage
115,000 mi
Steering
Filed Oct 30, 2024

The contact owns a 2013 Ford Taurus. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the power steering assist failed to operate as needed, and the steering wheel became firm and difficult to maneuver. Upon restart of the vehicle, the “Power Steering Assist Fault” message was displayed on the instrument panel and excessive force was needed to steer the vehicle. Upon investigation, the contact discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V340000 (Steering); which was linked to the failure; however, the VIN was not included. The local dealer was contacted and the contact was informed that the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 95,000.

NHTSA ID
11622717
Incident
Oct 28, 2024
Mileage
95,000 mi

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.

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