Why did my 2013–2014 Honda Accord suddenly lose power steering?

Short answer: On 2013–2014 Accords with electric power steering (EPS), a sudden EPS light and very heavy steering usually means the EPS system has faulted. Honda issued product update 15-055 to reflash the EPS software so the car keeps partial assist if the torque sensor fails, and warranty extension 15-056 that covers replacing the steering gearbox for free for 13 years from the original purchase date (unlimited miles) when codes DTC 53-01 or 53-02 are stored. Owners on DriveAccord describe sudden assist loss at speed and say turning without assist can take far more force than old hydraulic systems.

Symptom: EPS warning light, sudden heavy steering while driving or parking, steering that returns after a restart, or dealer codes such as 53-01, 53-02, or 71-01.

What to check first

1. Check your VIN for Honda product update 15-055 and warranty extension 15-056 at a Honda dealer or on Honda's recall/service site.
2. Have the dealer scan the EPS module, not just a basic OBD-II reader. Torque-sensor codes 53-01 and 53-02 are the ones that trigger the free gearbox under the extension.
3. Test the battery and charging system. Electric steering is sensitive to low voltage; owners also mention heat protection that reduces assist after hard low-speed steering.
4. If assist is already gone, get the car towed or driven carefully at low speed. Owners say without assist it can feel nearly undriveable at parking speeds.
5. Ask whether the software update was already done. The software does not prevent every failure, but it is supposed to leave partial assist in backup mode.

Likely causes

1. EPS torque sensor fault (DTC 53-01 or 53-02). Honda's warranty extension says a supplier manufacturing issue can make the torque sensor signal the EPS unit incorrectly and cut assist. With those codes stored, dealers replace the steering gearbox for free under the 13-year coverage.
2. EPS motor angle / other EPS codes (for example 71-01). On DriveAccord, a 2013 V6 owner lost assist at about 40 mph with code 71-01 (motor angle sensor). The dealer called it intermittent until Honda engineering got involved.
3. Low battery voltage or EPS thermal protection. The owner's manual for later Accords warns that holding the wheel at full lock or turning repeatedly at very low speed can heat the EPS motor and temporarily limit assist.

What it usually costs

Covered cars with DTC 53-01 or 53-02 should get a free steering gearbox under the extension. Out of coverage, owners and dealers talk about roughly a $2,000-class repair for the gearbox (one Crosstour owner on DriveAccord said a similar EPS job would have been about $2,000 before coverage). The software update itself is free when the car is eligible.

Is it safe to keep driving?

You can often still steer, but owners say the effort can be extreme at low speed and scary even at moderate speed. Pull over safely, restart once if the light clears, and get it diagnosed before normal driving. Verify with a mechanic.

DIY or shop?

DIY for battery and terminal checks only. Dealer for EPS software, codes, and gearbox.

Recalls, bulletins and complaints in plain words

• Not a safety recall in the usual sense, but Honda product update 15-055 reflashes EPS software so backup mode keeps partial assist.
• Warranty extension 15-056 (expanded to 13 years / unlimited miles): if DTC 53-01 or 53-02 is stored, the dealer replaces the EPS steering gearbox for free. Confirm eligibility by VIN.
• NHTSA complaints: 821 keyword-matched complaints for Honda Accord 2013–2014 (of 2,406 unique complaints queried, NHTSA complaints API by model year, queried 2026-10-19; keywords: steering, power steering, eps, assist, torque sensor).

What owners report

• In Warranty Extension: Electronic Power Steering Torque Sensor on DriveAccord, owners shared Honda's letter for the EPS torque-sensor coverage and software update. Members stressed that without assist the steering can feel nearly impossible to turn at low speed, and one post quoted a driver who struggled to pull over on a multi-lane road.
• In EPS Torque Sensor extended warranty, owners confirmed Honda later extended coverage to 13 years from the original purchase date with no mileage limit when 53-01 or 53-02 is set, and that the free repair is a full steering gearbox. A Crosstour owner said a roughly $2,000 EPS repair was covered.
• In 2013 accord - sudden power steering failure… Error code 71-01, a V6 owner lost assist at about 40 mph; the dealer found 71-01, called it intermittent, then involved Honda engineering after the owner pushed.

My take

My advice as a former lot tech: on any 2013–2014 Accord with an EPS light, I check VIN coverage before I quote a rack. The software update and the 13-year gearbox coverage are the first questions, not the last.

Vehicle focus: 2013–2014 Honda Accord (including Hybrid / Plug-in Hybrid where listed on the bulletins) with electric power steering.

Safety / mechanic note

Sudden heavy steering is a crash risk, especially at low speed or in a turn. Verify with a mechanic.