Electric Power Steering
WARNING   WARNING:  If the system detects an error, you may not feel a difference in the steering, however a serious condition may exist. Have your vehicle checked as soon as possible, failure to do so may result in loss of steering control.
WARNING   WARNING:  The electric power steering system has diagnostic checks that continuously monitor the system. If a fault is detected, a message displays in the information display. Stop your vehicle as soon as it is safe to do so. Switch the ignition off. After at least 10 seconds, switch the ignition on and watch the information display for a steering system warning message. If a steering system warning message returns, have the system checked as soon as possible.

Your vehicle has an electric power steering system. There is no fluid reservoir. No maintenance is required.
If your vehicle loses electrical power while you are driving, electric power steering assistance is lost. The steering system still operates and you can steer your vehicle manually. Manually steering your vehicle requires more effort.
Extreme continuous steering may increase the effort required for you to steer your vehicle. This increased effort prevents overheating and permanent damage to the steering system. You do not lose the ability to steer your vehicle manually. Typical steering and driving maneuvers allow the system to cool and return to normal operation.
Steering Tips
Steering wander or pull could be caused by any of the following:
  • Incorrect tire pressures.
  • Uneven tire wear.
  • Crowned road surface.
  • High crosswind.
If the problem persists, have your vehicle checked as soon as possible.
Adaptive Learning
The electronic power steering system adaptive learning helps correct road irregularities and improves overall handling and steering feel. It communicates with the brake system to help operate advanced stability control and accident avoidance systems. Additionally, whenever the battery is disconnected or a new battery installed, you must drive your vehicle a short distance before the system relearns the strategy and reactivates all systems.
Adaptive Steering (If Equipped)
Note:   The adaptive steering system has diagnostic checks that continuously monitor the system. If a fault is detected a message displays in the information display. If a red warning message displays, stop your vehicle as soon as it is safe to do so. The message may clear if the fault is no longer present. If an adaptive steering system warning message appears each time you start your vehicle, have the system checked as soon as possible.
The adaptive steering system continually changes the steering ratio with changes to vehicle speed, optimizing the steering response in all conditions.
The adaptive steering system is designed with a locking device. While the lock is engaged, your vehicle returns to a fixed steering ratio. You may also notice a sound when you start or turn off your vehicle as the lock is disengaged or engaged. If your vehicle loses electrical power or detects a fault while you are driving, the lock engages and you are able to continue steering. During this time it is possible that the steering wheel may not be straight when the vehicle is driving straight ahead. During this time you may notice that the steering wheel angle required to steer the vehicle may be different. Extreme operating conditions may also cause the lock to engage. This strategy prevents overheating and permanent damage to the adaptive steering system. Typical steering and driving maneuvers allow the system to cool and return to normal operation.