2013 Ford Taurus Steering Problems
NHTSA lists 295 steering complaints for the 2013 Ford Taurus, 51% of all 584 complaints filed for the year, with 7 crashes and 9 injuries reported. A related recall (15V340000) covers the power steering control module, though it targets 2011-2012 model years primarily. Median mileage at failure was 95,000.
- Steering complaints
- 295
- 51% of 584
- Crashes reported
- 7
- Fires reported
- 1
- Injuries reported
- 9
- Median mileage
- 95,000 mi
- Related recalls
- 1
Typical steering symptoms owners report
- Steering wheel suddenly loses power assist while driving, sometimes at highway speed, forcing manual steering and in some cases leading to a crash.
- Steering wheel locks up or becomes very difficult to turn at low speeds, often paired with a warning light or a 'service power steering' or 'steering assist default' message on the dash.
- Some owners report the failure is intermittent, with normal steering returning after shutting off and restarting the vehicle.
- A few owners describe the steering wheel shaking at startup along with stalling and a burning odor, suggesting a broader electrical fault tied to the steering system.
- Dealers in some cases diagnosed the issue as a failed steering gear or a power steering control module problem requiring replacement.
When 2013 Ford Taurus steering complaints were filed
First complaint Oct 29, 2012, latest Aug 20, 2026.
Steering recalls for the 2013 Ford Taurus
- NHTSA 15V340000Jun 2, 2015Steering393,623 vehicles
Steering:electric power assist system
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 Ford Fusion vehicles without a 3.5L engine and Lincoln MKZ hybrid electric vehicles, 2011 Mercury Milan vehicles, 2011-2012 Ford Taurus, Ford Flex, Lincoln MKS, and Lincoln MKT vehicles equipped with a 3.5L GTDI engine and 2013 Ford Taurus, Ford Flex, Lincoln MKS, and Lincoln MKT vehicles equipped with any available engine. The affected vehicles have electric power steering assist systems that may shut down as a result of a steering motor sensor fault.
Risk: If the vehicle experiences a loss of power steering assist, extra steering effort will be required at lower speeds, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will check the Power Steering Control Module (PSCM) for Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTC). If dealers find any loss of steering assist DTCs, the steering gear will be replaced, free of charge. If, no codes are found during the PSCM inspection, the PSCM software will be updated, free of charge. The recall began on July 21, 2015. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 15S18.
Steering complaints by Taurus model year
Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.
Frequently asked questions
- Are steering problems common on the 2013 Ford Taurus?
- Yes. NHTSA lists 295 steering complaints for the 2013 model year, which is 51% of all 584 complaints filed for that year, the highest share among all model years of the Taurus in this data.
- Is there a recall for the 2013 Ford Taurus steering?
- NHTSA lists recall 15V340000 covering the Power Steering Control Module, though it was primarily issued for 2011-2012 Ford Taurus and related vehicles, with 2013 mentioned in the related recall grouping.
- At what mileage do steering problems usually show up?
- NHTSA data shows a median mileage at failure of 95,000 miles for steering complaints on the 2013 Ford Taurus.
- Have steering failures led to crashes or injuries?
- NHTSA records 7 crashes, 1 fire, and 9 injuries linked to steering complaints on the 2013 Ford Taurus.
- How does 2013 compare to other Taurus model years for steering complaints?
- The 2013 model year has the highest steering complaint share at 51%, well above 2012 at 22%, 2014 at 28%, and 2015 at 18%.