Power steering Fiat: problems by model and engine

Documented faults, from most to least important

Severity × frequency. Below each one, the Fiat models it appears in.

- High severityFrequency: CommonFiat Punto IIElectric power steering motor and column failureYes: it is the most frequently cited non-mechanical fault on the fiches-auto.fr page (42 cases out of around 191 testimonials): the electric power steering motor or column fails and leaves the steering unassisted or intermittent.Appears at around 70,000 km
- Critical severityFrequency: OccasionalFiat Ducato IIIOil leak from the high-pressure hydraulic power steering pipe (2023 units)Yes: Fiat recalled Ducatos built between 20 March and 12 October 2023 (17,818 units worldwide) because the high-pressure power steering pipe can leak oil. That reduces the assistance and the oil can drip onto the exhaust, with a risk of fire.
- Critical severityFrequency: OccasionalFiat Grande PandaElectric power steering wiring harness pinched between two bolts (2026 recall F60B)Yes: recall F60B (Safety Gate alert SR/00906/26, March 2026) covers Grande Pandas built between 14 August 2024 and 14 April 2025. The electric power steering harness runs between two bolts and vibration can damage it, with a risk of short circuit, loss of assistance and/or a fire in the passenger compartment.
- Critical severityFrequency: RareFiat 600Power steering motor with a crack that can lock the steering (built April-May 2024)A European campaign covers the Fiat 600 and 600e built in April-May 2024, in which a crack in the electric motor of the steering rack can release plastic pieces from the worm wheel and lock the steering.
- Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalFiat Panda IIElectric power steering assistance faultsAccording to fiches-auto.fr, this is the most characteristic defect of the Fiat Panda II: the assistance motor, the torque sensor or the electronics of the electric steering can fail, especially with a weak battery or damp in the connectors.
- Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalFiat Punto IIIStiffening and untimely cut-outs of the electric power steeringFiches-auto.fr describes the power steering as one of the most pronounced faults of the Fiat Punto (Grande Punto/Punto Evo/Punto): the steering wheel becomes heavy and, in some cases, the assistance cuts out unexpectedly.
- Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalFiat StiloLoss of power steering assistanceThe Stilo's power steering can switch to a lower-assistance mode and become noticeably heavier, with cases reported at around 75,000 km.Appears at around 70,000 km

By Fiat model

Open yours to see only the faults that affect it, by engine and by year.

Frequently asked questions

What faults with the power steering do Fiat cars have?

In 7 models from Fiat there are 7 documented faults with the power steering. The most important: electric power steering motor and column failure, oil leak from the high-pressure hydraulic power steering pipe (2023 units) and electric power steering wiring harness pinched between two bolts (2026 recall F60B). Each fault has its own page with the affected years and versions, the symptoms and the repair cost.

Which Fiat models have the most problems with the power steering?

Fiat Punto II (1 fault), Fiat Stilo (1 fault), Fiat Panda II (1 fault) and Fiat Punto III (1 fault).