Tl* the contact owns a 2015 Ford taurus. While attempting to drive, the power steering seized and the power steering warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle was towed to gorno Ford (22025 allen rd, woodhaven, mi 48183) where it was diagnosed that the electrical system needed to be updated. The contact was provided a repair estimate of $2,400. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure…
2015 Ford Taurus steering problems
severe 51 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $700 · see steering across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
51
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$700
3crashes
2injuries
When does it fail?
Of the 51 steering complaints filed for the 2015 Ford Taurus, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 50,000-75,000 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 51 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.
Among the 12 model years of Ford Taurus in our records for steering problems, this one ranks #3 by owner-complaint volume.
The failure pattern owners describe
Buyer takeaway: The 2015 Ford Taurus has widespread reports of electronic power steering failures, with owners losing assist at highway speeds and steering locking up mid-turn—some as early as 26,000 miles. Repairs run $1,500–$2,800, and Ford has not issued a recall for this model year despite recalls on 2013–2014 Taurus models for the same defect.
The 2015 Taurus steering system is failing to deliver power assist at critical moments. Owners describe the electric power steering cutting out entirely while driving—no warning, no gradual loss, just a sudden stiffening of the wheel at highway speeds or mid-turn. The warning messages appear either just before or after the failure: "Steering Fault Service Now," "Power Steering System Failure," "Steering Loss Stop Safely." The wheel becomes nearly immovable; owners report needing excessive force to steer and pulling off the road. Restarting the vehicle restores function—until it fails again. Failures span 26,000 to 147,000 miles, with the majority occurring between 45,000 and 110,000.
One critical failure involved the front axle, bracket, and suspension assembly separating completely while the vehicle was driven on a smooth road three months after purchase, causing a three-lane flip.
Dealers acknowledge this is common in Ford electric power steering systems and quote $1,500–$2,800 to replace the steering gear, rack and pinion, and control module. Ford issued recall 15V340000 for steering in 2013–2014 Taurus models—explicitly for the same axle and power steering defects—but excluded many 2015 VINs. Owners are left paying out of pocket, with no recall protection.
Same Ford Taurus steering reports on nearby years: 2012 · 2013 · 2014
Failure modes owners describe
Electronic Power Steering System Failure — Loss of Assist
The electric power steering assist cuts out without warning at highway and city speeds. Owners report the steering wheel becomes extremely stiff and difficult to turn. A dashboard warning ('Steering Fault Service Now' or 'Steering Loss Stop Safely') often appears, but the failure can occur without any prior indication. Power returns when the vehicle is restarted after a brief shutdown.
When: Occurs from 45,000 to 147,000 miles; failures range across early ownership to high-mileage units.
Symptoms owners cite: Complete loss of power steering assist at speed; Steering wheel becomes hard to turn; excessive force required; Warning lights: 'Steering Fault Service Now', 'Power Steering System Failure', 'Steering Loss Stop Safely', 'Service AdvanceTrac'; Power steering intermittently cuts out and returns after restart; Failure with no prior warning in some cases
Codes mentioned: U0420, C200D
Repairs/costs cited: Owners cite dealer estimates of $1,500–$2,757 for replacement of steering gear, rack and pinion, and/or power steering control module (PSCM). Dealers report angle sensor and electrical system updates needed. One repair was completed under warranty; most owners report out-of-warranty denial or pending repairs.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Ford dealerships acknowledge this as 'a common issue with Ford electronic power steering systems.' Recall 15V340000 was issued for steering on certain model years; however, many 2015 Taurus VINs are explicitly excluded. Dealers noted Ford issued recalls for 2013–2014 Taurus models for the same axle/bracket and power steering defects but did not extend coverage to 2015 models.
Front Axle and Suspension Separation
The front axle, bracket, and wheel assembly separated from the vehicle while driving on a smooth, straight road with no impact. The entire front suspension assembly—axle, bracket, suspension components—detached, causing the vehicle to flip across three lanes. The metal frame fractured as a result.
When: Early in vehicle ownership (approximately 3 miles after purchase in July 2015; incident March 2016, approximately 13 months into ownership).
Symptoms owners cite: Loose feeling in front passenger-side wheel detected during maintenance visits; Dealership reported wheel 'sounded loose' but was cleared at service; Steering wheel shake followed by loud thump; Vehicle flipped across three lanes and landed upside down; Front axle, bracket, suspension, and wheel broke off completely
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle deemed a total loss. The axle, bracket, and suspension components are normally covered under powertrain warranty, but the claim was denied and owner directed to file through insurance.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Ford dealership salesman stated 'that was a defect' and recommended the owner obtain legal counsel. Ford did not inspect the vehicle. The owner notes Ford issued recalls for 2013–2014 Taurus models for identical axle and bracket defects but not for the 2015 model.
Steering Wheel Stiffness and Tightness
Owners report the steering wheel becomes progressively stiff or 'numb' and tight, periodically during turns at any speed. The steering does not fully lose power but becomes noticeably harder to turn. Some owners suspect electronic assist degradation; others experience brief episodes that resolve after shutdown and restart.
When: Reported at 70,000–111,000 miles and in early ownership (noted after first service on brand-new vehicle). One case at 26,000 miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel feels stiff and tight, especially entering turns; Increased effort required to turn at all speeds; Sensation of steering locking up or becoming sluggish; May occur periodically throughout a trip; Some cases clear after restart; others persist
Repairs/costs cited: One owner was quoted for electric power steering assist booster replacement. No repairs completed by most owners reporting this symptom.
Steering Lockup While in Motion
The steering wheel locks or becomes immobile while driving, rendering the vehicle undriveable or extremely difficult to maneuver. The engine continues running but steering input has no effect or requires enormous force.
When: Reported at mileage ranging from 26,000 to 110,717 miles. One case occurred while reversing out of a garage.
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel locks completely or becomes immobile; Engine continues running but steering unresponsive; Steering wheel extremely difficult or impossible to turn; Often accompanied by 'Power Steering Assist Fault' warning light; Vehicle requires emergency stop; some were towed
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers recommended or performed replacement of steering gear, rack and pinion, or electrical system updates. Costs estimated at $2,400 or more. Most repairs pending or not completed.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Service writer stated this 'is not an uncommon condition among Ford vehicles (cars and trucks) with electric power steering.'
Total Power Loss During Driving (Lights, Steering, Brakes)
The vehicle loses electrical power while driving, shutting down lights, power steering, and power brakes simultaneously. A transmission warning ('transmission not in park') often appears just before shutdown. Engine restarts immediately after the event.
When: Reported occurring three times within a month and a half; one incident on January 4, 2019. Mileage not explicitly stated but described on vehicle in active use.
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle completely dies while driving (no lights, no steering, no brakes); Transmission warning message appears before shutdown; Engine immediately restarts with no issues; Occurs during turns and lane changes; Owner describes coasting off busy street into driveway to avoid collision
Repairs/costs cited: First visit: no codes found, dealership found nothing wrong. Second visit: throttle body and gasket replaced. Subsequent occurrences after repair suggest root cause unresolved.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership stated no recall applies. Owner requests one be issued.
Steering Wheel Jerking and Loss of Control
The steering wheel jerks or veers unexpectedly to one side while driving, causing loss of directional control. Vehicle may jerk right while turning left, or steering wheel twitch violently while accelerating through turns.
When: Reported at 35 mph to 70 mph; mileage not consistently noted.
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel jerks or twitches suddenly; Vehicle veers or sways unexpectedly; Loss of control during turns; Steering becomes extremely hard to turn after jerk; Traction control light may illuminate
Repairs/costs cited: One case resulted in vehicle striking a curb (lower control arm and ball joint separated); dealer falsely blamed the curb strike. Other cases resulted in towing but repairs pending.
Lower Control Arm and Ball Joint Separation
The lower control arm and ball joint completely separated from the vehicle while turning. Owner reports the failure occurred during a left turn at a traffic light, not from a curb strike as the dealer claimed.
When: Occurred while turning at a stopped light during a city street maneuver.
Symptoms owners cite: Loss of steering function during left turn; Vehicle veered right uncontrollably; Right wheel struck curb as a result of loss of control; Lower control arm and ball joint fully separated
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer claimed failure was caused by curb strike, contradicting owner account.
Synthesized from 51 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 2 most recent
Power steering fault 81000 miles. 2015 Ford taurus limited
Had steering trouble with your 2015 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 2015 Ford Taurus?
It's a meaningful issue. 51 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 39 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most steering failures cluster between 42,500 and 94,000 miles, with the median around 59,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 42,500; a quarter make it past 94,000. 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/2015/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.