7.8
pretty bad- Typical Repair Cost:
- $1,580
- Average Mileage:
- 55,750 miles
- Total Complaints:
- 8 complaints
Most common solutions:
- replace rack and pinion (3 reports)
- replace steering, update software (3 reports)
- not sure (2 reports)
This problem may be covered under warranty. Ask your Ford dealer.
The car gave "service power steering soon" warning while driving. The next day when started, the message was "service power steering now" and there was no power steering. Had to have the car towed to the repair shop. Only 64K miles and a nearly $1700 repair bill is ridiculous! Especially when I read this is a known problem, there have been attempted class action suits on it, and Ford will not stand behind its product. I have been a loyal Ford owner for years - I've also owned a 2012 Focus and currently own a 2014 F150 but this makes me questions my loyalty.
- Heather E., Verndale, MN, US
power steering assist fault failed. as one engineer said on youtube, this failure happens on several ford models. And that he thinks it's caused by excessive heat in the engine compartment because of close proximity to exhaust and turbo which generate excessive heat which basically fries the electronics in the electric motor. But ford hasn't admitted that this could be the problem.
- rep99usa, Oklahoma City, US
click to see larger images
I had my car loaded up with luggage and ready to go on Memorial Day vacation trip when the error occurred and I couldn't turn the steering wheel at all. The car was running and I could go forward and backward but could not turn. Called my dad to come look at it, he got there about 20 minutes later and it worked fine for him. Very annoying and delayed our trip. We didn't end up getting to meet my Aunt's for lunch because of this delay. :(
- fielder, Yukon, US
The Ford EPAS power steering has a lot of negative publicity on the web already. It is difficult to find truly accurate information on the percentage of vehicles with failure, or how often it occurs when driving vs when the engine is off. Digging deep for information, I found that it is designed to shut itself off after a problem is detected, the next time the car is turned off. This is to prevent it from failing when driving, and it is what I experienced. I got a "service power steering" warning while driving, and when I stopped for gas I had no power steering when I restarted. Ford service was very good at the next major town I stopped in, they replaced the whole EPAS rack in just 2 days, but at a cost of $1823 which is a LOT more than I paid to replace the power steering pump in another car last year.
- Brian F., Los Alamos, NM, US
Traveling down the highway at 65 mph received an alert about power assisted steering issue, seek service. Clicked OK to clear message and continued to destination. Shut the car off for an hour. Came back to travel and had a message Power assist steering malfunction, stop car safely. Had no power steering, steering wheel extremely hard to turn, harder than when you had a hydraulic power steering failure. Had it towed 16 miles to a Ford dealer just before closing on a Saturday afternoon. Called Ford dealer after noon on Monday, was told the complete steering gear was replaced, but the needed software would not be released by Ford until Wednesday. Called back at 4 pm Wednesday and was told they weren't able to get the software yet, there was a problem on the Ford end.
It is Thursday morning, the dealer says the software was put in and the car is ready. Will pick it up later and hopefully won't have a steering failure trying to negotiate a sharp turn.
- Ron R., Brookfield, CT, US
click to see larger images
Drove my car yesterday without any issues and parked it in the underground parking. Went down to start it up and head to work today and the message "Power Steering Assist Fault" popped up and I could only move the steering wheel about an inch either way. Totally unable to get to work as my husband was at work and rest of my family was out of town. Called the dealership and was told that I could have it towed for free but that they charge $110 just to look at it and that they will tell me after looking at it if it is still under warranty. I am recently married and money is tight and I really hope that this is covered!
- scigirl721, Eagan, MN, US
I went Shopping one day, came out of the mall and my steering wheel was extremely difficult to move. Brought it to the Ford dealer in Auburn MA and the charged me to get it towed and then wanted to charge me 3000.00 to fix it becuase my warranty ended at 36,000 miles. I filed a complaint with Ford and they fixed it no charge. the vehicle was a lease, I have had several problems with this car.
- Sally A., Southbridge, MA, US
The problem has been happening for a while now since mid November. It was also the time when I bought winter tires on the car. Also the ABS Light was on so I had no ABS. It wasnt really bad at first but I can tell steering was getting worst. Lucky I didn't get into an accident. At that time I can still steer the car. Fast foward to 3/21/19. Since it was getting warmer I decided to fixed my ABS. Once I got it fixed and drove it for a while and it all seem fine. Then I went to the store to buy something for myself. Start the car then the steering finally gave out when I was trying to pull out. After I just got my ABS fixed. Got my car towed to the shop and the next day (3/22/19) they said my rack and pinion was not working.
I also have to mention that I went to Ford back in December if there is any recall for my car and they said no. Here is what they told me "There is no recall for that VIN so we cant do anything." I also told them that my steering is acting up and getting hard to turn. They told me if I want to diagnose my car and it would cost $100. I told them no because I know they would not fix the problem only clear the code.
Ford need to know that if there is a recall for the cars of that year it need to fix all of the cars of that year. Not just some. Once I get the car fix I'm going to get it trade-in for an Import car.
- Tsheej L., Schofield, WI, US