U2011: Manufacturer code: on Ford, U2011 is stored in the power steering control module and points to an internal electronic fault in the steering assist motor

Power steering motor internal electronic failure (Ford)

Severity: Inspect soon

Ford owners report U2011 with a Power Assist Fault or Steering Assist Fault message and steering that suddenly becomes very heavy. Steering is safety-critical, so have it repaired before relying on the vehicle.

It gets more serious if:

Stop: If steering assist is lost or a steering assist fault message appears while driving, slow down, pull over where safe and have the vehicle towed. Explorer and Fusion owners report the wheel becoming very hard to turn at speed.

Safety-critical system: explanation only, no DIY steps. Source: how we rate severity

U2011 in short

On Ford, U2011 is stored by the power steering control module and points to an internal electronic fault in the steering assist motor, often with U3000. It usually means the electric power steering gear needs repair. Steering can suddenly turn very heavy, so have it fixed before relying on the vehicle.

U2011 is a manufacturer code. On Ford vehicles with electric power steering it is stored in the power steering control module, and dealers read it with the sub-code 49 as a motor internal electronic failure. It often appears with U3000, an internal control module failure.

Ford owners of the Explorer, Fusion and F-150 report a Power Assist Fault or Steering Assist Fault message and a sudden loss of assist with U2011, usually repaired by replacing the steering gear or its motor. On some 2019 Transit Connects, Ford traced a lack of assist with U2011 to a low battery or transportation mode.

Other makes such as Mazda also use U2011 in their steering modules, but this page covers Ford only.

Pick your make

U2011 is a manufacturer-specific code: its meaning depends on who built the car.

Other makes: meaning not verified. Check with a scan tool that reads manufacturer definitions.

U2011 on Ford

Most likely causes

Cause 1: Internal fault in the steering gear assist motor or its control module
Supported by vehicle data
Why it ranks here
Ford dealers replaced the steering gear or repaired its motor for U2011 on Explorer, Fusion and F-150, and readouts describe U2011:49 as motor internal electronic failure.
What would change this
Rises if U2011:49 and U3000 are stored together and the fault returns after a battery check. Falls if a bulletin explains it.
How to test the power steering control module
Cause 2: Low battery or transportation mode (2019 Transit Connect)
Supported by vehicle data
Why it ranks here
Ford SSM 47792 says some 2019 Transit Connects with U3003, U2011 and U3000 need the battery charged and transportation mode removed.
What would change this
Rises on a 2019 Transit Connect, especially a new or recently delivered one, or if U3003 is stored.
Cause 3: Explorer steering gear connection covered by a recall
Possible — needs testing
Why it ranks here
Recall 14V286000 covers a loss of assist on 2011-2013 Explorers from an intermittent motor position sensor connection, but it does not name U2011. A 2012 Explorer that had the recall repair later set U2011-49.
What would change this
Rises on a 2011-2013 Explorer whose VIN shows the recall open.

What to test first

Start at step 1. Each result tells you what it means and where to go next.

Step 1: Have the power steering control module scanned and note U2011 sub-codes and any U3000 or U3003.
Low riskTool: scan tool with Ford coverage
- IfU3003 or low voltage with U2011
  It meansCharge and test the battery first.
  Go to step 2
- IfU2011:49 with U3000
  It meansPoints to the steering gear motor or module.
  Go to step 3
Step 2: Have the battery charged and tested, and on a new Transit Connect make sure transportation mode is off.
Low risk
- IfAssist returns after charging
  It meansLow voltage or transport mode was the cause.
  Points to: Low battery or transportation mode (2019 Transit Connect)
- IfFault remains
  It meansCheck recalls.
  Go to step 3
Step 3: Ask a Ford dealer to check your VIN for open recalls and bulletins on the power steering.
Low risk
- IfOpen steering recall
  It meansHave the recall repair done.
  Points to: Explorer steering gear connection covered by a recall
- IfNo recall
  It meansThe steering gear needs diagnosis.
  Points to: Internal fault in the steering gear assist motor or its control module

Symptoms

Power Assist Fault or Steering Assist Fault message
Steering suddenly very heavy Gets more serious: stop and have it checked.
Service AdvanceTrac message
Wrench or warning light

How to fix

This is a safety-critical system, so we explain the code but don't give repair steps. Have it inspected by a qualified technician.

Parts and cost context

electric power steering gear:On many Fords the assist motor and control module are part of the steering gear, so the repair is often a gear replacement that needs module programming. Check recalls first. Labour varies; get a quote.

Labor varies by vehicle and shop; get a quote before you approve a repair.

Compare used part prices on PartPriceGuide

On your vehicle

Ford

2012–2015 · Explorer
Supported by vehicle data
Owners and dealers report sudden loss of steering assist with U2011:49 and U3000, repaired by replacing the steering gear. 2011-2013 models are also covered by recall 14V286000, which does not name the code.
2010–2012 · Fusion
Supported by vehicle data
Owners report no power steering with U2011 and U3000 and Power Assist Fault messages.
2012 · F-150
Supported by vehicle data
Dealer found U2011 and U3000 and repaired the motor in the steering gear.
2019 · Transit Connect
Supported by vehicle data
Ford SSM 47792: lack of steering assist with U2011 from low battery or transportation mode. Whether it is still current is not verified.

SSM 47792Status unverified
Lack of steering assist with U3003, U2011, U3000
2019transit-connect · issued February 6, 2019 · NHTSA 10155564
Charge the battery and take the vehicle out of transportation mode.
We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.

All Power steering and steering sensors codes

Sources and review

NHTSA complaint ODI 11766275: 2014 Ford Explorer — NHTSA (owner complaint)
NHTSA complaint ODI 11677030: 2014 Ford Explorer — NHTSA (owner complaint)
NHTSA complaint ODI 11018991: 2012 Ford Fusion — NHTSA (owner complaint)
NHTSA complaint ODI 11337368: 2015 Ford Explorer — NHTSA (owner complaint)
NHTSA complaint ODI 11245862: 2011 Ford Fusion — NHTSA (owner complaint)
NHTSA complaint ODI 11152896: 2012 Ford F-150 — NHTSA (owner complaint)
NHTSA complaint ODI 11153313: 2012 Ford Explorer — NHTSA (owner complaint)
Ford SSM 47792: lack of steering assist, U3003/U2011/U3000 (2019 Transit Connect) — Ford / NHTSA , February 6, 2019
Recall 14V286000: Ford Explorer electric power steering loss of assist — NHTSA (read via vehiclesafetyrecalls.com)

Last reviewed: October 15, 2026
Written by: Saurabh K.
Editorial review: Pending
Technician review: Technician review pending

This page explains what a code usually means; it is not a substitute for a professional inspection. How we source and review · Report an error

Severity: Inspect soon

Pick your make

Most likely causes

Cause 1: Internal fault in the steering gear assist motor or its control module

Cause 2: Low battery or transportation mode (2019 Transit Connect)

Cause 3: Explorer steering gear connection covered by a recall

What to test first

Step 1: Have the power steering control module scanned and note U2011 sub-codes and any U3000 or U3003.

Step 2: Have the battery charged and tested, and on a new Transit Connect make sure transportation mode is off.

Step 3: Ask a Ford dealer to check your VIN for open recalls and bulletins on the power steering.