Parts for your 2017 Ford Kuga-Power steering fluid

2017 Ford Kuga Power-Steering-Fluid: Not Required

Power-steering fluid isn’t relevant to the 2017 Ford Kuga. This model uses an electric power-assisted steering (EPAS) system rather than a traditional hydraulic setup, so there’s no power-steering pump, no hoses, and no fluid reservoir to check or top up. That’s straight from Ford’s technical literature for this generation Kuga.

EPAS uses an electric motor and control module mounted to the steering rack to provide assist. Because there’s no hydraulic circuit, the usual fluid-related maintenance—like checking fluid level, replacing old fluid, or chasing leaks—doesn’t apply. Owners sometimes mistake the brake fluid reservoir or the coolant overflow for a power-steering reservoir under the bonnet, the Kuga doesn’t have one.

• Why there’s no fluid on a 2017 Kuga:
  • Electric motor provides assist—no hydraulic pump or lines fitted.
  • Improved efficiency and lower CO₂ compared with belt-driven hydraulic systems.
  • Less routine maintenance, nothing to flush or replace for steering fluid.
  • Smarter control of steering feel and integration with driver-assist features.

What should owners look after instead? Keep the 12‑volt battery healthy, as EPAS relies on stable voltage. If the steering ever feels heavy after start-up or a “Steering assist fault – Service required” message appears, a weak battery or charging issue is a common culprit. Good tyre pressures and correct wheel alignment also help the system feel right at the wheel. During regular servicing, it’s worth asking the workshop to inspect the steering rack boots and joints, check for any stored EPAS fault codes, and ensure the vehicle software is current.

Technical sources that state EPAS for this vehicle:

• Ford Kuga 2017 Owner’s Manual (AU/NZ), section “Steering – Electric power‑assisted steering (EPAS)”.
• Ford Workshop Manual (Global/ETIS), 2013–2019 Kuga/Escape, Section 211‑02 Power Steering – EPAS system overview.
• Ford Scheduled Maintenance Guide – 2017 Kuga: no power‑steering fluid listed among serviceable fluids.

Bottom line: all 2017 Kuga variants (petrol or diesel, FWD or AWD) are EPAS‑equipped, so there’s no power‑steering fluid to service or replace.

Popular questions about 2017 Ford Kuga power-steering fluid

What fluid goes in the power steering for a 2017 Ford Kuga?

None. The 2017 Kuga uses electric power‑assisted steering and doesn’t have hydraulic fluid. If someone suggests topping up power‑steering fluid, they’re likely confusing it with brake fluid, coolant, or washer fluid.

Are there any steering maintenance items on a 2017 Kuga if there’s no fluid?

Yes—just different ones. Keep the 12‑volt battery in good nick, maintain correct tyre pressures, and get wheel alignments as needed. At service time, ask for inspections of the steering rack boots and joints, and have the vehicle scanned for any EPAS fault codes or software updates.

What are signs of EPAS issues on a 2017 Kuga?

Heavy steering, intermittent assist after start-up, a steering wheel warning light, or a “Steering assist fault” message. First checks are battery health and charging voltage, after that, a diagnostic scan will point to sensor or control faults that a technician can sort.