When power steering cuts out, the car still steers, but the wheel suddenly takes far more effort to turn. At highway speed that is unnerving. In a parking lot or halfway through a turn it can be dangerous. Owners usually describe a warning such as “Service power steering” or “Steering assist fault,” followed by a wheel that feels locked.
Most cars built since about 2012 use electric power steering, with a motor on the steering column or rack instead of a belt-driven pump. It saves fuel and needs no fluid, but when the motor, sensor or control module fails, assist can disappear without warning. Across 69 popular models, about 6,700 owner complaints describe losing steering assist or a wheel that suddenly became hard to turn.
Where steering complaints cluster
| Model | Steering complaints | Worst year | Recall or program |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ford Fusion | 2,125 | 2012 (1,339) | Recall 15V340 after a federal investigation |
| Ford Focus | 1,243 | 2012 (759) | Extended coverage on some cars |
| Chevrolet Colorado | 824 | 2016 (428) | Recalls 16V054 and 21V213 |
| Ford Explorer | About 770 | 2013 | Recall 14V286 for 2011-2013 |
| Chevrolet Silverado 1500 | About 350 | 2014 | Software update 13240 |
| Ram 1500 | About 270 | 2013-2014 | Federal recall query RQ23-003 opened in 2023 |
| Chevrolet Impala | 217 | 2014 (121) | Some cars recalled |
| Chevrolet Traverse | 174 | 2012 |
Ford dominates the list. The 2012 Fusion alone drew more steering complaints than any other model year we track. Its electric steering rack, made by a supplier and shared with other Fords, prompted a federal investigation that ended with recall 15V340. The Focus and Explorer used related systems, and the Explorer’s steering was recalled in 2014 for about 179,000 vehicles.
The pickups are a different story. On the 2015 and 2016 Colorado, a loose connector between the steering motor and its sensor could cut assist, which GM addressed with one recall in 2016 and a wider one in 2021 after regulators found failures outside the first recall. On the Ram 1500, regulators opened a recall query in 2023 after about 380 reports of lost steering assist on 2013-2016 trucks.
What it feels like
- A warning on the dash, such as “Service power steering,” “Steering assist reduced” or a steering wheel symbol.
- A sudden heavy wheel, often at low speed, when turning or after hitting a bump.
- Assist that comes and goes, sometimes returning after the car is restarted.
- A clunk or notchy feel when turning the wheel, which can point to a worn motor or rack.
If it happens while driving, keep both hands on the wheel, slow down and pull over when it is safe. Restarting the car sometimes brings assist back, but the fault usually returns.
What it costs
Check for recalls before paying anything. A steering repair done under recall is free at any dealer, no matter the car’s age or mileage. Out of warranty, a software update costs $100 to $200. A new steering rack or gear with an electric motor typically costs $1,000 to $2,500 depending on the car, and more at a dealer.
When buying a used car
- Run the VIN through the free federal recall lookup and ask for proof that steering recalls were done.
- Turn the wheel lock to lock with the car stopped and again while parking. It should feel smooth, even and light.
- Drive over bumps and through tight turns. Watch the dash for steering warnings.
- Ask a shop to scan for stored codes. A steering module can store a fault even when no light is on.
Our used car check list builds a list for the exact car and year, including its recalls.
Questions
Is losing power steering the same as losing steering? No. The wheel still turns the front wheels, but it takes much more effort. That is why it matters most at low speed and in turns.
Can I report it? Yes. Filing a complaint with the federal safety agency helps regulators spot patterns. Our guide to filing a car safety complaint shows how.