A hitch assist system is provided herein that includes a sensing system configured to detect a trailer proximate a vehicle. A steering system is configured to alter a path of the vehicle. A transmission system has one or more gears therein. A controller is disposed within the hitch assist system and is configured to control the steering system of the vehicle along a path to align a hitch ball with a coupler of the trailer, detect a fault of the steering system or a gear change in the transmission system and pausing the control of the vehicle, and monitor the coupler during repositioning of the vehicle.