2013 Ford Taurus steering problems

The electric power steering assist system shuts down intermittently or completely, rendering the steering wheel stiff and difficult or impossible to turn. Occurs at startup, while driving, or unpredictably at highway speeds. Owners report the steering wheel locks up or becomes extremely firm, requiring manual force to steer. Warning messages include 'Power Steering Assist Fault,' 'Power Steering Assist Default,' 'Service Power Steering,' and 'Service AdvanceTrac.' The failure is caused by a steering motor sensor fault in the power steering control module (PSCM) or steering gear assembly.

When: Variable; many failures occur between 80,000–140,000 miles, though some happen as early as startup or under 70,000 miles. Failures reported on vehicles manufactured 2011–2013.

Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel locks up or becomes extremely stiff; Power steering assist warning light illuminates; Steering wheel difficult or impossible to turn, especially at low speeds; Steering jerky, grinding, or making scraping sounds; Loss of steering assist on curves or turns; Loss of steering assist at highway speeds (50+ mph); Traction control warning light illuminates; Turn signals may fail to operate when steering assist fails; Symptom resolves briefly after engine restart

Codes mentioned: U3000, U3000-96, U3000-49, CIB00-64, DTC (Diagnostic Trouble Code) related to steering motor sensor fault, PSCM/steering gear failure codes

Repairs/costs cited: Dealers and independent mechanics typically diagnose and repair by replacing the steering gear / rack-and-pinion assembly or the power steering control module (PSCM). Some dealers have attempted reprogramming or software updates to the PSCM. Reported repair costs range from $1,800 to $3,100 for parts and labor. One owner reported a mechanic reprogrammed the steering and temporarily fixed the issue, but the warning light remained. Many owners declined repairs due to cost.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Ford issued Recall 15S18 (NHTSA Campaign 15V340000) in June 2015 for 2011–2013 Ford Taurus, Ford Flex, and Lincoln models with electric power steering. The recall remedy includes checking the PSCM for diagnostic trouble codes (DTC); if codes are found, the steering gear is replaced at no cost; if no codes are found, the PSCM software is updated at no cost. However, many owners report their VINs are not covered by the recall despite having identical symptoms and matching the vehicle make, model, and year in the recall description. Ford's position is that the recall is VIN-specific and will not cover vehicles manufactured outside the specified date range (September 7, 2010–February 28, 2012 for some; others claim the date cutoff excludes 2013 models or specific assembly dates). Ford also converted some recalls into a Customer Satisfaction Program (CSP) with mileage/age limitations (10 years or 150,000 miles), after which Ford will no longer cover the repair. Owners who were second owners and not notified of the original recall or CSP received no coverage. Some owners report Ford has refused diagnosis or repair citing the vehicle is not included in the recall, even when the PSCM codes or failure signatures match those in the recall. One owner reported Ford demanded a $150 diagnostic fee and another $150 for software reprogramming (even if the recall should cover it).

A recall for rear toe links was performed, but the old links were not replaced; instead, the technician left the old, failed parts on the vehicle. The weld holding the rod and bushing together on the original part was breaking. The recall requires replacing with a new one-piece design that eliminates the weld.

When: After recall service attempt; approximately 73,000 miles on the vehicle

Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle pulls to one side; Steering control affected

Repairs/costs cited: The original failed toe links (with rod-and-bushing welds) were not removed; the new one-piece design was not installed. The dealership technician documented (pencil-whipped) the recall as completed when it was not. Service advisor initially denied the customer's request for written confirmation that the old parts were safe. After the customer provided photographic evidence of the old parts still on the vehicle, the dealership acknowledged the error and scheduled a return service to properly complete the recall.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: The recall was issued and the procedure was documented as completed on paperwork, though the work was not actually performed. When the customer brought the discrepancy to the dealership's attention, management acknowledged the error and rescheduled the vehicle for proper completion of the recall.

The steering wheel becomes physically loose and wobbles side-to-side and back-and-forth. The steering wheel appears to have come loose at its attachment point directly behind the horn pad, raising concerns that the wheel may physically detach.

When: Occurs in park, reverse, drive, and while parked

Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel wobbles considerably; Steering wheel can be wiggled back and forth and side to side; Steering wheel appears loose at the attachment point behind the horn pad

Repairs/costs cited: A Ford Quick Lane inspection found all front-end components intact and in working order, but identified the steering wheel attachment as loose behind the horn pad.