Does a 2013 Ford Taurus have electric power steering?

Yes. The 2013 Ford Taurus uses electric power steering (EPS), part of Ford’s Electric Power Assisted Steering (EPAS) family. This technology replaces traditional hydraulic steering in most models and is designed to improve efficiency and steering feel. This article explains what EPS is, how it affects a 2013 Taurus, and how to check or diagnose the system.

What EPS is and how it works

Electric power steering uses an electric motor to provide steering assist, controlled by a computer rather than a belt-driven hydraulic pump. In a Taurus equipped with EPAS, the motor normally sits near the steering rack and adjusts assist based on vehicle speed and steering input.

How it affects driving

EPS typically delivers more assist at low speeds (making parking and maneuvering easier) and reduces assist at higher speeds for stability. It also integrates with the car’s stability control systems, and it can adjust assist in response to driving conditions.

EPS in the 2013 Ford Taurus: model specifics

Ford rolled EPS into many of its mid‑2010s models, including the Taurus, as a standard or widely available feature. In the 2013 Taurus lineup, electronic power steering was the norm rather than a hydraulic system, which helps improve fuel efficiency and reduce parasitic engine loads.

What to expect in your Taurus

Owners may notice a smoother, more consistent steering feel with less position-heavy effort at parking speeds, along with reliable assist at highway speeds. If the EPS system or its sensors begin to fail, warning messages or diagnostic trouble codes can appear, prompting inspection or service.

How to verify or diagnose EPS in a 2013 Taurus

Use these practical steps to confirm whether your Taurus has EPS and to spot common problems early.

• Check for the absence of a hydraulic power steering pump and fluid reservoir. If there’s no PS fluid reservoir and no belt-driven PS pump, it’s a strong sign the car uses EPS.


• Look for labeling or documentation that references EPAS or EPS in the owner’s manual or under-hood stickers.


• Watch for dashboard warnings. Messages such as “Service Power Steering” or “Power Steering” can indicate a fault in the EPS system.


• Use an OBD-II scanner to pull fault codes related to steering angle sensors or EPS modules. Codes can point to sensor or motor issues.


• Assess steering feel across speeds. EPS should feel responsive at low speeds and stable at highway speeds; unexpected heaviness or intermittent loss of assist warrants a diagnostic check.

If you suspect an EPS issue, have the system evaluated by a qualified technician. EPS components— including the motor, position/torque sensor, and control module—can degrade, especially with electrical faults or weak batteries. Prompt diagnosis can prevent loss of steering assist.

Maintenance tips and common issues

Regular maintenance and awareness of signs can help keep EPS functioning smoothly in a 2013 Taurus.

• Maintain the battery and electrical connections. EPS relies on a healthy electrical system; a weak battery can cause intermittent steering assist.


• Address warning lights promptly. If an EPS warning appears, have the system scanned and tested to prevent further wear or sudden loss of assist.


• Be mindful of rough steering feedback or noises. Unusual sounds or resistance could indicate a sensor or motor issue.


• Check for software updates. In some cases, Ford released updates for EPS control modules to improve reliability and performance.

In most cases, EPS problems are fixable with module recalibration, sensor replacement, or electrical repairs. A professional diagnostic can determine the exact cause and recommended remedy.

Summary

The 2013 Ford Taurus generally uses electric power steering (EPS) as part of Ford’s EPAS system, delivering improved efficiency and variable steering assist. Understanding how EPS differs from hydraulic steering helps explain driving feel, potential warning messages, and when to seek service. Regular electrical system maintenance and timely diagnostics are key to preserving reliable steering in this model year.

What is the power steering assist fault on a 2013 Ford Taurus?

A "power steering assist fault" on a 2013 Ford Taurus is a common issue with the electronic power steering (EPS) system, often caused by low battery voltage, a faulty EPS motor or control module, or a bad torque sensor. To troubleshoot, start with the simplest checks like inspecting the battery and its connections, then check fuses, and consider a system reset. If the problem persists, a diagnostic scan is necessary to pinpoint specific sensor or module failures. 
Common causes

• Low battery voltage: Insufficient voltage can cause the EPS system to malfunction. This can be due to a weak battery, a failing alternator, or other electrical drains. 
• EPS motor or control module: The motor that provides the assist or the control module that regulates it can fail, causing the fault light to appear. 
• Torque sensor: A faulty torque sensor, which measures steering wheel input, can cause the system to disable the power assist. 
• Wiring and fuses: Damaged or corroded wiring, or a blown fuse for the EPS system, can interrupt power to the system. 
• Steering angle sensor: This sensor can cause issues, especially after service, and may need recalibration or replacement. 
• Water ingress: In some cases, water can enter the steering rack, causing internal damage that results in high friction faults (code C12D00). 

This video explains how to fix power steering assist fault: 48sMike Biker CanadaYouTube · Sep 2, 2025
Troubleshooting steps

1. Check the battery: Test the battery's health and ensure the terminals are clean and tight. A failing alternator can also cause this issue, so have it tested. 
2. Inspect fuses: Locate the fuse box and check the fuse specifically for the electric power steering system. 
3. Check for recalls: Ford recalled certain 2011-2013 vehicles including the Taurus for power steering failure due to an intermittent electrical connection. Check if your vehicle is part of this recall and if the repair has been performed. 
4. Reset the system: A temporary fix can sometimes be a system reset by disconnecting the negative battery terminal for about 10 minutes, then reconnecting it. If the problem returns, it indicates an underlying issue. 
5. Scan for codes: A diagnostic tool can read trouble codes (like P0420, C1B00, or C12D00) that will provide a more specific diagnosis. 

You can watch this video to learn about the causes and how to fix power steering assist fault: 45sMystery Mechanic YouTube · Oct 17, 2025
When to seek professional help

• If the issue persists after trying the simple checks, it's best to have a qualified technician diagnose the problem. 
• They can use a professional scanner to read the specific trouble codes and identify if a component like the EPS motor, control module, or steering rack needs replacement. 

Does the Ford Taurus have electric power steering?

The Ford Taurus is available at Frontier Ford with an intelligent electronic steering system. Officially called Electric Power-Assisted Steering, or EPAS, this system is capable of giving you better control no matter how fast you're going.

What is the recall on the 2013 Ford Taurus electric power steering?

An intermittent electrical connection caused by quality issues pertaining to conformal coat contamination and ribbon cable pin misalignment within the steering gear Motor may lead to a loss of the Motor position sensor signal that may result in loss of power steering assist.

Does the 2013 Ford Taurus have power steering fluid?

The power steering fluid in your Ford Taurus is a hydraulic fluid that allows the power steering pump to create the pressure needed by the steering system. Pressurized power steering fluid is sent your Taurus' steering gear and makes it easier to turn the steering wheel.