Power steering Opel: problems by model and engine

Documented faults, from most to least important

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

- Critical severityFrequency: CommonOpel Meriva APower steering faults and recall for the steering rack pinion (2007 units)Yes: fiches-auto.fr describes the power steering as 'a known problem of the brand' on the Meriva A, with pump failures and loss of assistance. In addition, the KBA recalled 748 units built in 2007 because the steering rack pinion might not be properly secured, with a risk of losing the ability to steer the car.
- Critical severityFrequency: OccasionalOpel FronteraElectric power steering wiring harness damaged between two bolts on the Frontera (2025)Yes: Opel recalled Frontera built between 11 March and 21 May 2025 because the electric power steering wiring harness runs between two bolts and may be damaged, with a risk of short circuit, loss of power assistance and fire in the cabin.
- High severityFrequency: OccasionalOpel Combo DDefective steering gear housing, with a risk of oil leaks and reduced power assistance (2018 Combo D)In August 2018 a recall of 2018 model year Combo D vehicles, built up to July that year, was published in the European RAPEX alert system (alert 33/2018, sent by Portugal) because the steering gear housing could be defective and cause an oil leak and reduced steering assistance.
- High severityFrequency: OccasionalOpel Movano BThe Movano B's instrument cluster may not warn of a power steering pump failure (2017–2018)According to the British DVSA, on some Movano B vans of model years 2017 and 2018 the instrument cluster did not show a warning if the power steering pump failed, because of an incorrect calibration file. The fix is to load a new calibration file into the cluster.
- High severityFrequency: OccasionalOpel Movano COil leak from the power steering high-pressure lineOpel recalled Movanos built between 20 March and 5 June 2023 (6,628 units) because hydraulic oil can leak from the high-pressure line, with less steering assistance and a fire risk if the oil reaches the exhaust.Repair: €0
- Medium severityFrequency: CommonOpel Astra GFragile power steering rackThe power steering rack on the Astra G appears as a systematic weak point in owner testimonials, with failures and leaks reported at around 115,000-150,000 km.Appears at around 115,000 km
- Critical severityFrequency: RareOpel Mokka BCrack in the electric power steering motor that can lock the steering (built April-May 2024)A recall (code KMZ) covers Mokkas built between 9 April and 18 May 2024: a crack in the electric motor of the steering rack can release plastic parts and lock the steering. It affects 7,292 cars of several models.
- Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalOpel Corsa CLoss or reduction of power steering assistanceOwners and a German used-car guide describe power steering faults on the Opel Corsa C, with loss or reduction of assistance; the reports collected by fiches-auto.fr place it among the model's most repeated electrical faults (19 of 197 reviews).
- Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalOpel Insignia ALeak or disconnection of a hydraulic power steering hoseThe fiches-auto.fr page lists 18 testimonies about the Insignia A's power steering and notes that one of the hoses in the hydraulic circuit tends to drip or come loose; the page itself describes it as annoying but not very serious financially.
- Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalOpel Meriva BPower steering pump or column failureAccording to fiches-auto.fr, steering appears in 16 of the 238 testimonials about the Meriva B: a failed steering pump (one case at 61,342 km), a broken column (one case at 30,000 km), noises when turning and heavy steering. We have found no campaign or specialist press to confirm it.
- Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalOpel Zafira APower steering rack leak and wearThe Zafira A's power steering rack can develop a leak and lose effectiveness around 150,000 km; owners cite a repair of around €850 when it has to be replaced.Repair (garage): €850Appears at around 140,000 km

By Opel 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 Opel cars have?

In 11 models from Opel there are 11 documented faults with the power steering. The most important: power steering faults and recall for the steering rack pinion (2007 units), electric power steering wiring harness damaged between two bolts on the Frontera (2025) and defective steering gear housing, with a risk of oil leaks and reduced power assistance (2018 Combo D). Each fault has its own page with the affected years and versions, the symptoms and the repair cost.

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

Opel Astra G (1 fault), Opel Zafira A (1 fault), Opel Corsa C (1 fault) and Opel Meriva A (1 fault).