A method and system are provided for controlling an electric assist motor in a vehicle steering system during an enablement of an overuse algorithm. Electric power is provided to the electric assist motor of the vehicle steering system via a switching circuit. Temperature of one of at least electric assist motor and power driving circuitry that provides power to the electric assist motor is sensed. A determination is made whether the sensed temperature of the one of at least electric assist motor and power driving circuitry is increasing over a predetermined period of time. The electric power provided to electric assist motor is reduced in response to a lack of increase in said sensed temperature.