Power assist steering fault appears on the dashboard. As I was driving down the street at 7:00 pm my steering wheel locked up and my dash read power steering assist fault. I then ran over a median and almost pulled a muscle trying to bring the car back on to the road. I called the Ford company and the rep stated that my VIN was not one of the affected vehicles. I then took my car to a Ford…
2010 Ford Taurus steering problems
severe 40 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $700 · see steering across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
40
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$700
4crashes
1injury
When does it fail?
Of the 40 steering complaints filed for the 2010 Ford Taurus, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 100,000-125,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Owners have filed 40 steering complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
Steering accounts for 20% of all owner complaints filed against this vehicle, across 11 categories tracked.
The failure pattern owners describe
Buyer takeaway: 2010 Taurus owners report sudden, complete loss of power steering with no warning—the wheel locks up and becomes impossible to turn. This same defect triggered a recall for 2011-and-newer models, but 2010s were excluded despite using identical parts; repair costs $1,800–$2,200 out of pocket and the failure can happen at highway speeds.
Owners of 2010 Ford Taurus models—particularly the SHO variant—consistently report sudden loss of electric power-assist steering (EPAS) function. The failures come with a "Power Steering Assist Fault" or "Service Power Steering" message on the dashboard. When the system fails, the steering wheel locks up or becomes extremely difficult to turn, requiring forceful manual effort that many describe as nearly impossible at parking-lot speeds and genuinely hazardous at highway speeds.
Failures occur both while stationary and while driving, sometimes preceded by steering noise or a small notch/detent in wheel feel. Some owners report the fault clears temporarily after engine restart, only to return. Mileage at failure ranges from 17,000 to 150,000 miles. Owners note that 2011-and-later Taurus models received a factory recall for identical symptoms, but their 2010 models—which use the same EPAS hardware—were excluded.
Diagnostic shops identify the electric power steering rack and pinion assembly or its control module as the culprit. Owners cite replacement costs of $1,100–$2,200 parts plus $700–$1,000 labor, with no recall coverage for 2010 models. Some owners mention the control module's proximity to heat sources (turbo, catalytic converter) in the engine bay as a potential cause of premature failure.
Same Ford Taurus steering reports on nearby years: 2008 · 2011 · 2012 · 2013
Failure modes owners describe
Electric Power-Assist Steering (EPAS) System Failure
The electric power steering system loses assist function without warning, causing the steering wheel to lock up or become extremely stiff. The steering reverts to full manual operation, making the vehicle extremely difficult or impossible to steer safely. Failure can occur while parked or while driving at any speed.
When: 17,000 to 150,000 miles; failures reported across the vehicle's lifespan
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel locks or becomes extremely stiff; Cannot turn steering wheel even with forceful effort; Dashboard message: 'Power Steering Assist Fault' or 'Service Power Steering'; Audible chime or warning alert; Intermittent operation—may recover after engine restart, then fail again; Steering noise or rubbing sensation before sudden failure; Small detent or resistance in wheel feel preceding full loss
Codes mentioned: Power Steering Assist Fault (dashboard message), Service Power Steering (dashboard message)
Repairs/costs cited: Replacement of electric power steering rack and pinion assembly; control module replacement; estimated parts cost $1,100–$2,200; labor $700–$1,000. Parts cannot be repaired, only replaced as a complete unit. Some owners report temporary code reset at dealer, but fault returns within minutes to hours of driving.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: 2011-and-later Taurus models subject to NHTSA recall Campaign 15V340000 for identical failure mode. 2010 models explicitly excluded from recall despite using same EPAS hardware. Ford service representatives inform owners that VIN is not covered and parts failure is warranty-excluded cost.
Steering Column Motor/Sensor Malfunction (Secondary)
In one case, a dealer diagnosis suggests the steering column motor might require replacement, though the root cause remains unclear. This may represent a distinct or related failure path within the EPAS system.
When: 98,000 miles (one reported case)
Symptoms owners cite: Traction control light illuminates; Low tire pressure warning light; Check steering warning light; Power steering stops working; Vehicle loss of control
Repairs/costs cited: Steering column motor replacement suggested by dealer; vehicle not repaired
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer made aware; no recall or service bulletin documented in narratives
Synthesized from 40 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 2 most recent
While driving on a residential street at a slow speed, the power steering quit working. There was a fault indication on the dash board. Fortunately I was on a residential street driving at less then 10 miles per hour. The car was almost impossible to steer with the the power steering fault. Fortunately I was able to come to a safe stop. I turned off the car and restarted it. The fault…
Had steering trouble with your 2010 Ford Taurus?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the steering problem on the 2010 Ford Taurus?
It's a meaningful issue. 40 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $700.
At what mileage does the steering typically fail?
Across the 36 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most steering failures cluster between 76,500 and 110,000 miles, with the median around 103,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 76,500; a quarter make it past 110,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $700 for steering repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to steering?
No active recalls currently cover steering issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2010/Ford/Taurus.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.