When it is determined that the torque output from the electric motor abnormally fluctuates or the torque output from the electric motor varies between clockwise and counterclockwise turning operations of the driver's steering wheel, the steering assist control is continued if the vehicle speed v is equal to or lower than the reference speed v0. In this case, the width of the dead band of the steering torque in the assist map used to calculate the target assist torque is increased. Thus, only in a case where the vehicle is moving at a low speed and the driver's steering wheel is operated with a great force, the steering assist torque is produced to alleviate the burden on the driver. In the other cases, the electric motor is stopped to minimize a sense of discomfort in the steering operation.
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