# Ford Expedition power steering warning light: complaints, recalls and what to do

**Verdict:** Drive to a shop this week

- **Owner complaints:** 14
- **Most complaints:** 2017 (6)
- **Related recalls:** 0
- **Verdict:** This week

## Quick answer

NHTSA has 14 owner complaints about the power steering warning light on the Ford Expedition (2015-2026 models), most for the **2017** model year (6). No recall covers the parts behind this light, so a repair is usually at the owner's cost. Drive to a shop this week: If steering still feels normal, you can drive carefully to a shop.

## Ford Expedition power steering warning light complaints by model year

| Model year | Complaints mentioning the power steering light | All complaints that year | Share |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 2016 | 4 | 217 | 2% |
| 2017 | 6 | 358 | 2% |
| 2020 | 3 | 428 | 1% |
| 2024 | 1 | 79 | 1% |

Counts are complaints filed with NHTSA whose description mentions this light. They show where owners have had trouble, not a failure rate: popular years collect more complaints simply because more cars are on the road.

## Is there a recall for the Ford Expedition power steering warning light?

Not for the parts behind this light, as of 2026-11-04. The Ford Expedition has 50 recalls for other parts in 2015-2026; see the [Ford Expedition page](/vehicles/ford-expedition) or check your VIN at [nhtsa.gov/recalls](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls).

## What Ford Expedition owners report

- "The contact stated that later, while starting the vehicle, the message "Loss of Power Steering Assist" was displayed, and the steering wheel was difficult to turn to the left or the right. The vehicle was turned off and restarted, and regained power steering functionality; however, the failure reoccurred. The..." -- owner of a 2024 Ford Expedition, complaint filed 2025
- "I lost all power INCLUDING power steering and had to coast off the road. It restarted after stopping. Losing power and steering while passing at speed is extremely dangerous. 2) Weekend of ~Aug 29-31, 2026: Going up a slight residential driveway, the transmission slipped (engine revved, vehicle didn't move) then..." -- owner of a 2020 Ford Expedition, complaint filed 2026
- "The power steering went out. We were told it was due to a corroded positive battery cable. We bought a warranty but the repairs were not covered by the warranty because it is considered a "maintenance issue." the repairs cost about $1,000." -- owner of a 2017 Ford Expedition, complaint filed 2020

Excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA, lightly cleaned for reading. They are owners' own accounts and have not been verified.

## What the power steering warning light means

The power steering light means the car has detected a fault in the steering assist system, and steering may feel much heavier, especially at low speed and when parking. On most newer cars with electric power steering, a low battery or charging voltage is a common cause. On older cars with hydraulic steering, low fluid or a slipping belt is more likely. You can still steer without assist, but it takes much more effort. The most common causes, on any make:

1. **Low battery or charging voltage** (common)
2. **Electric power steering motor or module fault** (common)
3. **Low power steering fluid (hydraulic systems)** (common)
4. **Steering torque or angle sensor fault** (less common)

Full causes, what to do and how to reset it: [Power steering warning light](/warning-lights/power-steering).

## Frequently asked questions

### Is there a recall for the Ford Expedition power steering light?

Not for the parts behind this light, as of 2026-11-04. A repair is usually at the owner's cost unless the car is under warranty. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls, since new recalls are added often.

### Which Ford Expedition years have the most power steering light complaints?

In NHTSA's database the 2016, 2017 and 2020 Expedition model years have the most complaints mentioning the power steering warning light, with 6 for 2017. Complaint counts reflect how many cars were sold as well as how often problems happen.

### Is it safe to drive a Ford Expedition with the power steering light on?

Drive to a shop this week. If steering still feels normal, you can drive carefully to a shop. If steering becomes heavy, jerky or locks up, or the light is red, pull over and stop driving; have the car towed, because sudden loss of assist at speed or in a tight turn can cause a crash.

### How do I check if my Ford Expedition has an open recall?

Enter the 17-character VIN from your dashboard or registration at nhtsa.gov/recalls, or ask any Ford dealer. Open recalls are fixed free of charge, even if you are not the first owner.

## Sources

- [NHTSA: Vehicle safety complaints and recalls (api.nhtsa.gov)](https://www.nhtsa.gov/nhtsa-datasets-and-apis)
- [NHTSA: Check for recalls by VIN](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls)

## Other Ford Expedition warning lights

- [Airbag (SRS) warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/airbag/ford-expedition): 47 complaints
- [Brake warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/brake/ford-expedition): 85 complaints
- [Check engine light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/ford-expedition): 161 complaints
- [Coolant temperature warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/coolant-temperature/ford-expedition): 50 complaints
- [Oil pressure warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/oil-pressure/ford-expedition): 5 complaints

## Power steering warning light on other models

- [Ram 1500](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/power-steering/ram-1500): 1061 complaints
- [Chevrolet Colorado](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/power-steering/chevrolet-colorado): 810 complaints
- [Ford Explorer](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/power-steering/ford-explorer): 498 complaints
- [Chevrolet Silverado](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/power-steering/chevrolet-silverado): 389 complaints
- [Honda Civic](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/power-steering/honda-civic): 387 complaints
- [Honda CR-V](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/power-steering/honda-cr-v): 362 complaints
- [Chrysler Pacifica](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/power-steering/chrysler-pacifica): 252 complaints
- [Jeep Wrangler](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/power-steering/jeep-wrangler): 248 complaints
- [Jeep Grand Cherokee](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/power-steering/jeep-grand-cherokee): 231 complaints
- [Honda Accord](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/power-steering/honda-accord): 220 complaints

## Ford Expedition

- [Ford Expedition specs and mpg by year](https://diagxcar.com/vehicles/ford-expedition)

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Source page: https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/power-steering/ford-expedition
Updated: 2026-11-04
General information, not a substitute for a qualified mechanic.
