One or more embodiments are described herein of a controller system in a steering system. The controller system includes a first electric control unit (ECU) that operates as a primary ECU of the controller system, the primary ECU sending a motor command to a motor to generate torque. The controller system further includes a second ECU that operates as a backup for the first ECU. The operation as the backup includes monitoring the first ECU for a failure. In response to detecting the failure at the first ECU, the second ECU operates as the primary ECU of the controller system, and initiates a domain controller to operate as the backup ECU.