This Sunday, the electrical power steering started acting weird as I was driving home, the steering did some unpredictable stops as I was driving 100km/h and had to take a turn on the road. Almost got into an accident because of that steering sudden failure. I can't imagine if there have been a car on the opposite lane I was gonna hit that car... I got so afraid I can't believe the steering can…
2011 Ford Taurus steering problems
moderate 25 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $700 · see steering across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
25
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$700
1crash
When does it fail?
Of the 25 steering complaints filed for the 2011 Ford Taurus, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 75,000-100,000 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 25 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.
The failure pattern owners describe
Buyer takeaway: 2011 Ford Taurus steering systems commonly fail, especially electric power steering loss that makes the wheel hard or impossible to turn—a serious safety hazard that has caused accidents. Many owners fall outside the official recall despite having identical symptoms and diagnostic codes, and Ford denies coverage, leaving owners to pay for steering gear replacement out of pocket.
The 2011 Ford Taurus steering system is unreliable across all variants, with electric power steering failures being the dominant complaint. Owners report the steering wheel becoming stiff or completely locking up without warning at all speeds—from low-speed parking to 70+ mph highway driving. The "Power Steering Fault Assist" warning illuminates, and power steering assist drops to zero, forcing owners to muscle the wheel to safety.
The problem is tied to NHTSA Recall 15S18 / 15V340000, issued 2015–2016, which calls for steering gear replacement. However, multiple owners report their VINs were excluded from the recall despite presenting the exact same diagnostic codes (U3000-49, U3000-72) and symptoms. Ford consistently denies coverage, forcing out-of-pocket repairs. One owner describes the steering locking at 35 mph with fluid leakage; another lost control on a city street and hit three parked cars. A third reports the same failure recurred after the recall repair was supposedly completed.
The 2011 Taurus SHO has additional documented issues. One owner alleges the steering rack sits only three inches from the turbo and catalytic converter, subjecting electrical components to extreme heat that causes premature failure. Ford attempted heat shielding but never issued a recall for the SHO.
Secondary steering complaints include unpredictable wheel drift, front-end mechanical noise, steering stiffness, and one report of the entire electrical system shutting down while driving, disabling both steering and brakes. Some owners with severe cases fear driving the vehicle.
Same Ford Taurus steering reports on nearby years: 2008 · 2010 · 2012 · 2013 · 2014
Failure modes owners describe
Electric power steering system loss
Complete or partial loss of power steering assist, leaving the steering wheel hard or impossible to turn. Owners report the steering wheel becoming stiff, difficult to maneuver, or completely locked.
When: Across all mileage ranges from 42,000 to 199,000 miles; failures occur during normal driving at various speeds (35 mph to 100+ mph) and sometimes during low-speed maneuvers like turning or exiting driveways.
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel becomes hard or very difficult to turn; Steering wheel seizes or locks without warning; Power steering assist warning message or 'Power Steering Fault Assist' indicator illuminates; Loss of power steering assist while driving at highway speeds creates dangerous situations
Codes mentioned: U3000-49, U3000-72
Repairs/costs cited: Steering gear assembly replacement required; some owners cite steering pump and steering gear replacement. Owner in narrative #3 paid out of pocket for the repair.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Safety Recall 15S18 (also referenced as NHTSA Campaign Number 15V340000 for Steering) issued in 2015–2016 for similar issues. Multiple owners report their VINs are not included in the recall despite presenting identical diagnostic codes and symptoms. Owners report Ford denied warranty assistance and coverage. One owner (#7) states the same issue recurred after the recall repair was supposedly closed out three years prior.
Power steering fluid leakage
Power steering fluid leaks from the steering system, typically observed under the vehicle.
When: Narrative #15 reports leakage at approximately 42,000 miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Power steering fluid visible leaking under the vehicle; Steering wheel seized at the time of leak
Repairs/costs cited: Not repaired in the reported case.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: VIN not included in NHTSA Campaign Number 15V340000 (Steering).
Steering gear/pump thermal damage
Owner (#4) alleges poor engineering: the steering rack and electrical components are positioned approximately three inches from the turbo and catalytic converter. Heat from these components (stated as reaching 1200 degrees) is causing electrical and mechanical steering component failure. Owner notes Ford attempted heat shielding as a partial remedy.
When: Failures reported on 2011 Taurus SHO; owner has experienced power steering failure on multiple occasions leading to total steering loss.
Symptoms owners cite: Multiple power steering failures over the life of the vehicle; Complete loss of steering; Steering gear and electrical components fail due to excessive heat exposure
Repairs/costs cited: Owner describes the design as inherently flawed and considers the vehicle unsafe.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall on the Taurus SHO model. Ford blamed electrical failure rather than addressing the design issue.
Unpredictable steering behavior and wheel control loss
Steering wheel drifts involuntarily or wheels turn without driver input, or wheels cannot be straightened after turning. Owner loses control of steering direction.
When: Narrative #2 at approximately 90,000 miles; Narrative #6 during normal city driving.
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel drifts left and right without driver input while driving at highway speed; Wheels cut sharply in one direction and cannot be straightened; driver cannot regain control; Electric power steering assist warning light illuminates; Cruise control and Forward Collision Avoidance systems become inoperable simultaneously
Repairs/costs cited: Narrative #2: independent mechanic diagnosed steering gear assembly replacement needed but repair not completed. Narrative #6: resulted in collision with three parked vehicles; police officer confirmed vehicle malfunction as cause.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Narrative #2: manufacturer stated VIN not included in recall; owner was transferred to recall center but ended up at NHTSA Hotline instead.
Front-end mechanical noise and steering component wear
Loud humming, clunking, and dragging noises from the front end; owner reports repeated failures of steering hub, suspension, tie rods, ball joints, control arms, and sway bar requiring multiple replacements.
When: Narrative #9 describes ongoing issues requiring repeated repairs since the owner has owned the vehicle.
Symptoms owners cite: Loud humming noise from the front of the vehicle; Loud clunking and dragging noises; Vehicle slows down as noises increase; Hazard lights required while driving slowly home
Repairs/costs cited: Entire steering and suspension area has required multiple repairs and replacements; vehicle requires towing as it is unsafe to drive.
Steering wheel stiffness while driving and turning
Steering becomes stiff and difficult to turn, particularly when attempting to make turns. Power steering either does not function or operates inconsistently.
When: Narratives #17, #19, #22, #23, #24 describe the issue occurring during normal driving and turning maneuvers.
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel becomes very stiff or hard to turn; Difficulty steering during turns; No power steering assist while sitting or driving; Clicking or whining noise when making left turns; Brake pedal also becomes stiff during steering stiffness (narrative #24)
Repairs/costs cited: Narrative #19 mentions mechanic indicated this is a recall issue. Narrative #20 reports multiple wheel alignments and front-end suspension work (extension work and new components) did not resolve the problem; vehicle continues to drift into different lanes.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Narrative #18 states Ford acknowledged EPAS motor is bad but claims it is not a recall, despite owner stating it was.
Complete electrical system shutdown while driving
Entire vehicle electrical system shuts down during operation, cutting power to steering, brakes, and engine ignition.
When: Narrative #12: on Interstate at 65 mph; Narrative #13: at various speeds and times of year.
Symptoms owners cite: Electrical system shuts down completely; Key turns to off position without driver action; Steering column becomes unresponsive; Brakes do not function; Engine dies while driving
Repairs/costs cited: Narrative #13: dealership unable to find problem on initial visits; loaner provided for further investigation. Vehicle restarts without issue once key is turned back on.
Synthesized from 25 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 3 most recent
The contact owns a 2011 Ford Taurus. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the power steering failed to operate as the power steering assist fault warning message appeared on the instrument panel. The contact was initially able to restart the vehicle and resume normal driving after the failure; however, the failure returned the next day. The contact had to use excessive force when…
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 Ford taurus. While exiting the driveway at a low speed, it became difficult to steer the vehicle. The contact stated that the power steering assist fault indicator was illuminated. The motor company (located at w 1680 us-41, marinette, wi 54143, (715) 735-7474) was contacted and an appointment was scheduled to diagnose the vehicle. The vehicle was not included in NHTSA…
Had steering trouble with your 2011 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 2011 Ford Taurus?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 25 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $700 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the steering typically fail?
Across the 20 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most steering failures cluster between 70,000 and 158,000 miles, with the median around 101,400. A quarter of owners report trouble before 70,000; a quarter make it past 158,000. 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/2011/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.