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Suspension, steering, brakes and wheels

Problems with the power steering: symptoms, cost and affected models

We have documented 114 faults with the power steering in 111 cars. The most important by severity and frequency: corrosion of the steering rack bolt (Volkswagen Golf VII), power steering faults and recall for the steering rack pinion (2007 units) (Opel Meriva A) and electric power steering (EPS) and steering rack failure (BMW Serie 1 F20). At an independent garage, the repair costs from €850 to €850 depending on the engine or car.[1]

Documented faults
114
75 of high or critical severity
Cars analysed
111
with at least one fault on this part
Affected models
111
car generations in our database
Garage repair
€850
Depending on engine and car, including VAT

5 sourcesHow we work

How it works and why it fails

Power steering

Power steering reduces the effort needed to turn the wheel. Hydraulic systems use a pump and fluid; electric ones (EPS), increasingly common, use an electric motor and a control unit, with typical faults in the software, the sensors or the motor itself that leave the steering heavy.

What to do

If the steering suddenly becomes heavy, the steering warning light comes on or it makes noises when turning, take extreme care and get a diagnosis. On electric systems, check for a software update or a campaign; on hydraulic ones, the fluid level and leaks.

General explanation by MotorFiable. The specific faults of each engine and car, with their sources, are on the linked pages.

Common symptoms

The symptoms that come up most often in the documented faults with the power steering. Open each one to see what other faults cause it.

Problems with the power steering by car

Faults documented on specific cars, which occur with any engine. From most to least important.

  1. 1Critical severityFrequency: Very frequentVolkswagen Golf VIICorrosion of the steering rack boltYes: in September 2026 Volkswagen recalled Golfs built between 24 September 2013 and 1 July 2024 because a bolt joining the steering rack can corrode from road salt and compromise control of the car. The inspection and part replacement are free.Repair: €0
  2. 2Critical 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.
  3. 3High severityFrequency: CommonBMW Serie 1 F20Electric power steering (EPS) and steering rack failureIt is a known fault: gebrauchtwagenberater.de says that electric power steering (EPS) problems are 'not rare' on the F20, and fiches-auto.fr collects owner reports of lost assistance (a worn cable) and steering rack replacement at around 110,000 km, plus a 2016 recall for a soldering defect in the control unit.
  4. 4High severityFrequency: CommonBMW Serie 3 E90Steering rack and power steering pump failureIt is one of the faults owners cite most: fiches-auto.fr describes failures of the steering rack (sometimes locked) and of the power steering pump, mainly on the 318i and 320d, with steering columns replaced for €800-1,200 or a reprogramming for around €200-250 in France.
  5. 5High 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
  6. 6High severityFrequency: CommonMINI Cooper R50Power steering rack and pump failureAccording to the reports collected by fiches-auto.fr, the steering on the Mini R50 is one of its most repeated faults: 27 mentions of a fragile rack (mostly before 2004) and another 27 of the power steering pump, with one pump case at 72,000 km.
  7. 7Critical severityFrequency: OccasionalAudi Q3 ICorrosion of the steering rack bolt (2026 campaign)Yes, in part: the 2026 Volkswagen and Audi campaign for steering bolt corrosion covers Audi Q3 models built between 31 October 2017 and May 2024. As the Q3 I stopped being built in June 2018, only its last cars fall within the campaign; most of the affected Q3s are already second-generation.Repair: €0
  8. 8Critical severityFrequency: OccasionalBMW Serie 1 E87Electric power steering (EPS) control unit failure with loss of assistanceBMW recalled 1 Series E87 units with electric power steering (EPS): a fault in the control electronics can cause a sudden loss of steering assistance, according to a campaign by the German KBA reported by gebrauchtwagenberater.de.
  9. 9Critical severityFrequency: OccasionalCitroën Jumper IIOil leak in the high-pressure line of the hydraulic power steering (2023 vehicles)Yes: Citroën recalled Citroën Jumpers built between 20 March and early September 2023 because the high-pressure line of the hydraulic power steering can leak oil. This reduces the assistance, and the oil can drip onto the exhaust, with a risk of fire.
  10. 10Critical 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.
  11. 11Critical 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.
  12. 12Critical severityFrequency: OccasionalHonda Civic VIIIRecall for electric power steering control unit faultYes: Honda recalled a series of Civics built between August 2005 and January 2006 because the electric power steering control unit could fail and cause a sudden loss of steering assistance.
  13. 13Critical severityFrequency: OccasionalHonda Civic XIElectric power steering (EPS) gearbox short of grease: noises and stiff steeringYes: in 2025 Honda recalled (campaign 6JP) Civics built between August 2021 and August 2024, along with the ZR-V and CR-V, because the electric power steering gearbox can run short of enough grease and produce noise and uneven steering torque. It is repaired by replacing an internal spring and refilling the grease, or by replacing the whole gearbox if needed.
  14. 14Critical severityFrequency: OccasionalHonda CR-V VElectric power steering (EPS) failure from grease loss in the gear reducerYes, in the CR-V hybrids (e:HEV) and plug-in hybrids (e:PHEV) built in 2023 and 2024: with use, the grease in the electric power steering reducer diminishes, the steering torque becomes irregular, and noise or a dangerous seizing when turning may occur. Honda corrects it with a new spring and grease.
  15. 15Critical severityFrequency: OccasionalMercedes-Benz Clase V W447Corrosion of the aluminium bolts on the power steering housing with loss of assistanceYes: a 2019 campaign covers V-Class and Vito models from 2013 to 2016 (166,573 vehicles worldwide, 74,634 in Germany) because aluminium bolts in the power steering can corrode and cause a loss of assistance. The workshop replaces them with steel bolts and treats the steering housing with wax.
  16. 16Critical severityFrequency: OccasionalMercedes-Benz EQA H243Electric power steering software: defective backup function and possible loss of assistanceIn 2024 Mercedes recalled the EQA (17,718 units in the UK, built up to January 2024) because the backup function of the electric power steering software might not meet specifications: assistance could be reduced and the loss of the ability to steer the car could not be ruled out.
  17. 17Critical severityFrequency: OccasionalMercedes-Benz EQC N293Electric power steering wiring harness damaged during assembly: risk of losing assistanceYes: two Mercedes recalls flagged in the Safety Gate (6/2021 and 48/2021) affect EQCs built between 2019 and 2020, because the electric steering wiring may have been damaged at the factory. If water reaches the control unit, the assistance can disappear suddenly, even while driving. The check is carried out at the official service centre.
  18. 18Critical severityFrequency: OccasionalMercedes-Benz Sprinter 907Hydraulic power steering assistance failureAlert A12/00755/21 (RAPEX 22/2021) warns that the hydraulic steering assistance may be faulty and could fail, increasing the risk of an accident. It covers Sprinters built between January 2017 and March 2021.
  19. 19Critical severityFrequency: OccasionalMercedes-Benz Vito W447Corrosion of the aluminium power steering bolts with loss of assistanceYes: a campaign covering 166,573 Vito and V-Class vehicles from 2013 to 2016 (74,634 in Germany) corrects aluminium power steering bolts that can corrode and cause a loss of assistance. They are replaced with steel bolts and the steering box is treated with wax.
  20. 20Critical 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.
  21. 21Critical severityFrequency: OccasionalPeugeot 207Electric power steering failureOn some cars the electric steering assistance can cut out and the steering suddenly becomes very heavy; in 2012 Peugeot recalled cars built between late January and February of that year because of a risk of steering failure.
  22. 22Critical severityFrequency: OccasionalPeugeot Boxer IIIOil leak in the high-pressure line of the hydraulic power steering (2023 vehicles)Yes: Peugeot recalled Peugeot Boxers built between 20 March and early September 2023 because the high-pressure line of the hydraulic power steering can leak oil. This reduces the assistance, and the oil can drip onto the exhaust, with a risk of fire.
  23. 23Critical severityFrequency: OccasionalToyota Prius IIWear of the spline on the steering column extension shaft (electric power steering)Yes: a 2012 campaign (Safety Gate alert 48/2012) covers Prius cars with electric power steering built between 2003 and 2009. The spline on the column extension shaft did not receive the correct hardening and can wear until the driver loses the ability to steer the car.
  24. 24Critical severityFrequency: OccasionalVolkswagen Amarok IPower steering return hose damaged by a clip, with fluid leakYes: in 2017 and 2018 Volkswagen recalled Amaroks built from late 2015 because a clip or rubbing against the wheel arch could damage the power steering return hose and cause a fluid leak or loss of assistance. The DVSA says it is put right by fitting a serrated ring.
  25. 25High severityFrequency: OccasionalAlfa Romeo MiToMiTo electric power steering fault: loss of assistance and heavy spotsThis is a recurring owner complaint: the electric power steering stops assisting, either randomly or completely, or has heavy spots with the warning light on. The fiches-auto.fr entry records 23 mentions out of 297 owner reports; we have not found an official campaign.
  26. 26High severityFrequency: OccasionalBMW Serie 3 F30Electrical fault affecting the power steeringYes: in October 2016 BMW recalled 3 Series F30 cars over an electrical fault that could affect the steering assistance. The British press also describes separate rack motor failures across the whole generation.
  27. 27High severityFrequency: OccasionalBMW X5 F15X5 F15 power steering control unit: recall for fire risk and loss of assistanceAccording to the owner reports collected by fiches-auto.fr (56 for the 2013-2018 X5), a December 2016 recall of the power steering electronic control unit is cited, with a risk of electrical fire and loss of assistance. The campaign is recorded only by the listing; we have not been able to cross-check it.
  28. 28High severityFrequency: OccasionalCitroën C3 Aircross IIGW9 recall: electric power steering wiring harnessAccording to the fiches-auto.fr listing, campaign GW9 corrects the position of an electric power steering wiring harness trapped between two bolts, with a risk of short circuit and fire. We have not been able to confirm it in an official source.
  29. 29High severityFrequency: OccasionalCitroën C3 IVGW9 recall: electric power steering wiring harnessAccording to the fiches-auto.fr file, the GW9 campaign corrects the position of an electric power steering wiring harness trapped between two screws, with a risk of short circuit and fire. We have not been able to confirm it from an official source.
  30. 30High severityFrequency: OccasionalCitroën C3 PicassoPower steering failureThe page records 20 cases of power steering failure between 50,000 and 130,000 km.
  31. 31High severityFrequency: OccasionalHyundai i20 IThe electric power steering stiffens when parking and the rack or column can failThe i20's electric power steering can go into overheat protection during repeated parking manoeuvres, stiffening for several minutes until it cools; fiches-auto.fr also documents cases of the steering rack and the whole column being replaced, with noises and play as earlier symptoms.
  32. 32High severityFrequency: OccasionalJaguar XF ICorrosion of the power steering pipes: fluid leaks and loss of assistanceYes, in a specific series: Jaguar recalled XFs built between September 2009 and March 2010 because the anti-corrosion protection on certain power steering pipes did not meet specification and pores could form, causing fluid leaks. If the fluid dripped onto hot parts, there was a risk of fire.
  33. 33High severityFrequency: OccasionalNissan Micra IIIElectric power steering failureElectric power steering is one of the most frequently cited weak points of the Micra III: the assist motor, the torque sensor or the control unit can fail, leaving the steering heavier or causing intermittent loss of assistance.
  34. 34High 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.
  35. 35High 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.
  36. 36High 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
  37. 37High severityFrequency: OccasionalPeugeot 2008 IIVibrations, play or failure of the power steering columnSome Peugeot 2008 II models show vibrations, play in the steering wheel or abnormal noises from the power steering column, with documented cases of a failed column between about 11,500 and 23,500 km; in one of them, Peugeot covered only part of the cost outside warranty.Appears at around 11,500 km
  38. 38High severityFrequency: OccasionalPorsche Panamera IISporadic power steering fault caused by softwareSafety Gate records a May 2019 campaign for a possible sporadic power steering fault, caused by software, on 2016-2018 Panameras. It is a preventive software update.Repair: €0
  39. 39High severityFrequency: OccasionalRenault Laguna IIILoss of power steering assistance from leaks in the circuitSeveral Laguna III owners describe a total or partial loss of power steering assistance from a fluid leak, sometimes in the steering rack itself, documented between 77,000 and 118,000 km.Appears at around 77,000 km
  40. 40High severityFrequency: OccasionalRenault Master IIINo warning on the dashboard if the electric power steering pump fails (2017)A campaign notified in the EU in October 2018 affects Master IIIs built between March and November 2017: the instrument cluster parameters do not match and, if the electric power steering pump unit fails, no warning lights up, which could cause an accident.
  41. 41High severityFrequency: OccasionalRenault ModusNoise, play or loss of assistance in the steeringThe rack and column of the Modus's electric power steering can produce noise or play, and in some cases lose assistance; Renault also recalled a batch of cars in 2005 over a problem in the steering column assembly.
  42. 42High severityFrequency: OccasionalSuzuki S-Cross IIElectric power steering cut-out due to a software faultOn cars built in 2024, a control unit software fault can detect a fault that does not exist and switch off the electric steering assistance. The German KBA and Suzuki recalled 15,890 vehicles (S-Cross and Vitara) to update the software.
  43. 43High severityFrequency: OccasionalSuzuki VitaraElectric power steering cutting out due to a software faultOn 2024 production units, a software fault in the control unit can detect a fault that does not exist and switch off the electric power steering assistance. The German KBA and Suzuki recalled 15,890 vehicles (Vitara and SX4 S-Cross) to update the software.
  44. 44High severityFrequency: OccasionalTesla Model SCorrosion of the power steering motor bolts on the Model SIn March 2018 Tesla recalled around 123,000 Model S cars built before April 2016 because the power steering motor bolts could corrode, especially in areas with road salt, and increase the effort needed to turn the steering wheel.
  45. 45High severityFrequency: OccasionalToyota Aygo IElectric power steering failure on the Toyota Aygo IThe fiches-auto.fr page lists 9 cases of power steering cutting out during low-speed manoeuvres, with a quote of more than 2,300 euros on a 2006 car with 58,600 km.
  46. 46High severityFrequency: OccasionalToyota Verso-SElectric power steering control module failure caused by a short circuitIn 2013 Toyota recalled some Verso-S built between August 2010 and August 2011 (together with the previous-generation Yaris) because water ingress could cause a short circuit in the electric power steering and suddenly make the steering wheel much heavier. The fix is to replace the control module.
  47. 47High severityFrequency: OccasionalVolvo S80 IIWater ingress into the Volvo S80's electro-hydraulic power steering pumpIn 2011 Volvo recalled (R/2011/053 in the UK) a batch of V70 and S80 cars because water could get into the electro-hydraulic power steering pump and affect its operation: warnings may appear and, in extreme cases, the engine could stall or the assistance fail. The remedy is to replace the pump.
  48. 48High severityFrequency: OccasionalVolvo S80 IIVolvo S80 upper power steering return hose: it can come loose and leak fluidIn 2011 Volvo recalled (R/2011/094 in the UK) a batch of S80, V70, V60 and S60 cars because the upper power steering return hose could come loose and leak fluid onto the road and into the engine bay, with heavier steering. The remedy is to replace the hose.
  49. 49High severityFrequency: OccasionalVolvo V70 IIIWater ingress into the Volvo V70's electro-hydraulic power steering pumpIn 2011 Volvo recalled (R/2011/053 in the UK) a batch of V70 and S80 cars because water could get into the electro-hydraulic power steering pump and affect its operation: warnings may appear and, in extreme cases, the engine could stall or the assistance fail. The remedy is to replace the pump.
  50. 50High severityFrequency: OccasionalVolvo V70 IIIVolvo V70 upper power steering return hose: it can come loose and leak fluidIn 2011 Volvo recalled (R/2011/094 in the UK) a batch of S80, V70, V60 and S60 cars because the upper power steering return hose could come loose and leak fluid onto the road and into the engine bay, with heavier steering. The remedy is to replace the hose.
  51. 51High severityFrequency: OccasionalVolvo XC90 IPower steering hose badly secured or touching the fan: oil leak and loss of assistanceThe XC90 I had several recalls over the power steering hose. A 2015 European alert (A12/0885/15) covers cars built between September 2008 and October 2009, because of rubbing against the fan. A German guide adds the five-cylinder diesels from 2009-2010 and those from 2010-2011.
  52. 52Medium severityFrequency: CommonAlfa Romeo 159Premature wear of the power steering rackAccording to fiches-auto.fr, the power steering rack of the Alfa Romeo 159 is one of the faults owners cite most, with documented replacements from 60,000 to 148,000 km.Appears at around 60,000 km
  53. 53Medium severityFrequency: CommonDacia Sandero IIPlay in the steering and a faulty power steering pumpYes. Some Sandero IIs have vague steering that pulls to one side in a straight line, with play in the mechanism and, at times, a power steering pump that leaks oil or becomes heavy.
  54. 54Medium 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
  55. 55Medium severityFrequency: CommonPeugeot RifterElectric power steering cut-outs and intermittent noisesThis is the most frequently cited non-engine fault in a reliability survey on the Rifter (15 of 71 reports): the electric power steering can suffer occasional cut-outs or make noises when manoeuvring, with cases involving the track rod, the ball joint or the steering rack itself.
  56. 56Critical severityFrequency: RareAudi A3 IIIIsolated failure of the electromechanical power steering moduleThe owner of a 2018 A3 Select 1.4 TSI documents a complete lock-up of the power steering at only 800 km, which the dealer acknowledged as a factory defect and repaired under warranty; there is no evidence that it is a widespread pattern, only one documented isolated case.Repair: €0
  57. 57Critical severityFrequency: RareBMW X1 E84Loss of electric power steering assistance on the BMW X1 E84According to the KBA, as cited by Gebrauchtwagenberater.de, a fault in the electronics of the electric power steering can leave the car without assistance; it affects X1s built up to and including 2012.
  58. 58Critical severityFrequency: RareBMW X3 F25Power steering control unit: fire risk and loss of assistance (2011-2016 production)Yes: BMW recalled cars built between 2011 and 2016, including the X3, because the electric power steering control unit could be faulty, with a risk of fire even when parked and of losing assistance while driving.
  59. 59Critical severityFrequency: RareBMW X5 E70Power steering control unit: loss of assistance and fire risk (X5 E70 from 2011-2013)Yes: Gebrauchtwagenberater.de reports a power steering assistance fault on X5 E70s built in April-May 2012, and a European alert also covers BMW's electric power steering control unit from 2011 to 2016, with a fire risk.
  60. 60Critical 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.
  61. 61Critical severityFrequency: RareJeep AvengerRisk of the electric power steering pinion breaking (April-May 2024 production)Yes: a 2024 campaign covers units built between 5 April and 6 May 2024 in which the pinion inside the electric power steering housing could break, causing very heavy or locked steering.
  62. 62Critical severityFrequency: RareJeep Cherokee KLPower steering pinion breakage on the 2019 CherokeeA Safety Gate alert from January 2020 covers Cherokee KL built between June and September 2019: a power steering pinion can break and lock the steering wheel, with a risk of accident.
  63. 63Critical 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.
  64. 64Critical severityFrequency: RarePeugeot 308 IISteering campaigns: reduced power steering assistance and steering ball joint (production 2015)Safety Gate records two steering alerts for the 2015 308 II: electric power assistance that could reduce while driving or manoeuvring (cars from April and May 2015) and a steering rod that could break while driving (cars built 14 to 20 October 2015).
  65. 65Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalAudi A4 B7Power steering pump failure and rack wearfiches-auto.fr records power steering pump failures (with vibration in the steering wheel at idle) and the 2008 TÜV report cited by gebrauchtwagenberater.de occasionally found defective steering racks on the A4 B7.
  66. 66Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalCitroën Berlingo ILeaks and noise from the power steering pump and circuitAccording to the pages, the hydraulic power steering can lose fluid from the pump, hoses or rack, become noisy and get heavy at low speed; play in ball joints and links is also cited.
  67. 67Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalCitroën C3 IIntermittent loss or heaviness of the electric power steering assistance (up to late 2007)On first-generation Citroën C3s built mainly up to late 2007, the electric power steering can suddenly become heavy, cut out intermittently or make noises; fiches-auto.fr points to the torque sensor, the assist motor, the column and the electrical supply as the places to check.
  68. 68Medium 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.
  69. 69Medium 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.
  70. 70Medium 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
  71. 71Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalFord C-Max IPower steering pump failure, with a recall on 2008 modelsThe C-Max I's power steering can fail because of the pump, the rack, the track rod ends or the hoses; the manufacturer also recalled certain 2008 models over a power steering problem.
  72. 72Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalFord Focus IICorrosion of the hydraulic power steering hoseThe section of the hydraulic power steering hose behind the radiator and at the pump connection can corrode and end up dripping, which stiffens the steering as the circuit loses pressure.
  73. 73Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalFord Mondeo IIIWorn power steering pumpThe power steering pump on the Mondeo III does not age especially well: over the years it loses efficiency and can start to make noise when you turn the wheel with the car stationary, according to fiches-auto.fr.
  74. 74Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalFord Mondeo IVPower steering faults (pump, rack and hoses)The Mondeo IV's power steering can fail because of the pump, the rack, the hoses or the reservoir: according to fiches-auto.fr, a pump working with metal filings from a worn rack ends up making noise and losing effectiveness; the German TÜV inspection report also lists the steering among the problem areas.
  75. 75Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalKia Rio IIINoises, a tight spot or play in the power steering columnFiches-auto.fr records accounts of clicking, a tight spot or play in the electric power steering column of the Kia Rio III, and gebrauchtwagenberater.de places the steering joints among the items that fail most often in German TÜV inspections (the equivalent of the Spanish ITV).
  76. 76Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalMazda CX-3The electric power steering can become heavy or uneven, especially on the motorwaySome owners describe uneven power steering, with abnormally high resistance above a certain motorway speed; the manufacturer acknowledges the problem and covers it under warranty when it is detected.Appears at around 6,000 km
  77. 77Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalMINI Cooper R56Power steering faults: pump, play and electrical supplySeveral owners describe steering that becomes heavy or vague through wear of the power steering pump, play in the rack or occasional faults in its electrical supply.
  78. 78Medium 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).
  79. 79Medium 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.
  80. 80Medium 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.
  81. 81Medium 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
  82. 82Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalPeugeot 5008 IIWear of the electric power steering and the steering rackSeveral Peugeot 5008 II owners describe wear of the electric power steering that forces replacement of the whole assembly from 29,000 km, and of the steering rack at around 92,000 km, according to a reliability survey with 157 reports.
  83. 83Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalPeugeot Partner ILeaks and noise from the power steering pump and circuitAccording to the pages, the hydraulic power steering can lose fluid from the pump, hoses or rack, become noisy and get heavy at low speed; play in ball joints and links is also cited.
  84. 84Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalRenault Clio IILeaks and play in the power steeringThe Clio II's power steering can lose pressure through a leak in the pump, the hose or the steering rack, which makes manoeuvring heavier, along with play in the axial joints and track rod ends.
  85. 85Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalRenault Kangoo IPower steering pump and hose failureSeveral owners cite power steering faults: a burst pipe on a 1.9 D diesel and pump failures between 60,000 and 100,000 km on a 1.5 dCi. One owner mentions €500 to €600 (in Spain) for the pump.
  86. 86Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalRenault Kangoo IISteering column and power steering control unit faults on the first vehiclesThe first Kangoo II vehicles, built up to 2008-2009, had documented faults in the steering column and in the power steering control unit, the latter resolved with a reprogramming; one additional report describes a loss of assistance caused by an electrical earth problem at 77,000 km.
  87. 87Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalRenault Laguna IILeaks in the hydraulic power steering circuitSeveral accounts collected by fiches-auto.fr describe the Laguna II's hydraulic power steering losing fluid from the pump supply circuit, which makes the steering heavy or gives it play.
  88. 88Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalRenault Mégane IIPower steering faults: stiffness, play or a warning lightOn the Megane II the power steering can become stiff, develop play or light up a warning light because of a fault in the steering rack, the torque sensors or the electric or electro-hydraulic assistance itself.
  89. 89Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalRenault Scénic IPower steering pump and rack leaksAccording to the testimonies collected by fiches-auto.fr, the power steering pump or rack leaks fluid, and the steering becomes heavy or imprecise. No official recall is recorded.
  90. 90Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalRenault Twingo IIILoss of power steering assistance in intense coldA French reliability guide describes a lack of electric power steering assistance when the outside temperature drops below 0°C in Twingo III cars built up to January 2018, along with creaking when turning the steering wheel in the older units.
  91. 91Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalŠkoda Fabia IPower steering pump failureThe power steering accounts for 7 of the 140 Fabia I owner responses in the fiches-auto.fr survey; gebrauchtwagenberater.de adds that, in most cases, the fault is due to a defective power steering pump.
  92. 92Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalToyota Auris IThe power steering can develop play or lose assistanceSeveral owners of the first-generation Auris describe play, knocking or progressive loss of steering assistance; fiches-auto.fr documents a case of total loss of assistance replaced at 180,000 km, as well as wear of the steering column joints from 59,000 km.
  93. 93Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalVolkswagen Touareg IPower steering pump leaks and noiseAccording to the fiches-auto.fr page, 7 reports on the Touareg I cite leaks, a noisy pump or a worn steering rack; if the fluid level drops, the steering gets heavier and the pump can be damaged.
  94. 94High severityFrequency: RareAlfa Romeo TonalePower steering: faulty rack or column at low mileage (Tonale)Few owners cite it, but there are cases: fiches-auto reports a steering rack ruined at 14,000 km, a column re-tightening at around 25,000 km and noises with a pull to one side. CarVerif ranks it as the second weak point of the 1.3 hybrid, with heavy steering and creaking that left one car immobilised.
  95. 95High severityFrequency: RareAudi Q5 IAudi Q5 power steering and steering rack faultsSeven testimonies out of 322 on fiches-auto.fr talk about heavy or noisy steering, a replaced steering rack and loss of assistance. It is an uncommon problem, based only on testimonies.Appears at around 100 km
  96. 96High severityFrequency: RareBMW X6 E71Wear of the steering rack and power steering pump on the X6 E71According to fiches-auto.fr, the X6 E71's power steering appears in 2 mentions: heavy steering and play in the steering rack. One testimony cites €3,700 for replacing the rack at 110,000 km, and fatigue of the electric pump is mentioned.Appears at around 110,000 km
  97. 97High severityFrequency: RareChrysler Voyager RGPower steering recall (early 2000s Voyager)The same source states that early-2000s Voyagers may have been subject to a recall for a serious power steering fault with a risk of fire.
  98. 98High severityFrequency: RareKia Picanto IIPower steering electric motor failureAccording to the fiches-auto.fr reports, 2 of the 41 Picanto owners (2011-2017) report a defect in the electric power steering motor, in one case at 28,000 km. It is an isolated pattern with no official recall.
  99. 99High severityFrequency: RareMercedes-Benz Clase C W205Software fault that can disable the electric power steeringA German used-car test includes, among the most serious documented faults of the C-Class W205, a software fault capable of disabling the electric power steering. The source does not state the date or exact scope of the campaign.
  100. 100High severityFrequency: RareMercedes-Benz Clase E W213Power steering sensor that may switch off the assistanceA specialist reliability listing records a 2018 Mercedes-Benz recall for the E-Class W213 over a power steering sensor that could switch off the electric assistance.
  101. 101High severityFrequency: RareMitsubishi Colt VICorrosion of the torque sensor connector on the power steeringMitsubishi recalled the 2011-2012 Colt because a pin on the connector of the electric power steering torque sensor can corrode due to poor tightening.
  102. 102High severityFrequency: RarePorsche Panamera IIPower steering wiring that can get trapped under the undertray (2019 recall)In June 2019 there was a recall of Panameras built between November 2017 and March 2019 because the electric power steering wiring could become trapped and damaged between the cross member and the undertray. The DVSA counts 270 cars in the UK; the remedy is to inspect the wiring and replace it if necessary.
  103. 103High severityFrequency: RareSeat ExeoPower steering pump failure and steering rack leaksAccording to the fiches-auto.fr reports, there are owners with a failed power steering pump at 120,000 km (the manufacturer paid 50%) and a steering rack leak at 48,900 km. These are isolated cases on 2.0 TDI cars.
  104. 104High severityFrequency: RareSeat Ibiza IVThe electric power steering can fail at low mileageA small number of owners report complete replacement of the electric power steering at very low mileage (34,000 km in one case) and creaking in the steering column from 70,000 km. It is not a manufacturer campaign, just an isolated pattern in owner testimonies.
  105. 105High severityFrequency: RareSuzuki Grand Vitara IISteering defects and recall for possible loss of power assistanceAUTO BILD reports that the KBA has a recall on record for the Grand Vitara JT for possible loss of power steering assistance, and that the steering fails somewhat more than average on older cars.
  106. 106High severityFrequency: RareToyota VersoMoisture in the electric power steering control unit of the 2010-2011 VersoGebrauchtwagenberater reports a campaign under which, on Versos built between August 2010 and July 2011, moisture could get into the electric power steering control unit and put it out of service.
  107. 107High severityFrequency: RareToyota Yaris IIIThe electric power steering can lose assistance because of moisture in a relayA 2013 campaign recalled Yaris models built between 2010 and 2012 because, in the electric power steering control unit, water droplets could condense between the terminals of the relay that feeds the steering motor and cause a short circuit.
  108. 108High severityFrequency: RareToyota Yaris IVDefective auxiliary battery terminal that can cut power steering assistance on 2021-2022 YarissesA March 2023 alert records that the auxiliary battery terminal on some Yarisses and GR Yarisses built between October 2021 and October 2022 may fail: it cuts power steering assistance and can overheat at low speed.
  109. 109Medium severityFrequency: RareAudi A4 B8Power steering warning after driving through heavy rain or flooded areasSeveral A4 B8 owners report a power steering error warning, with reduced assistance, after driving through heavy rain or waterlogged areas; they point to water getting into an electrical component, although there is no independent source to confirm it.
  110. 110Medium severityFrequency: RareDacia Duster IPower steering pump failureFiches-auto.fr records cases of the Duster I's power steering pump failing at around 40,000 km, generally covered by the warranty, and a more serious case where the battery, alternator and pump had to be replaced at the same time.
  111. 111Medium severityFrequency: RareFord S-Max ITired power steering pump on the S-MaxThe S-Max I has 9 steering testimonials: the assist pump, hoses or rack deteriorate and the assistance drops, especially at idle.
  112. 112Medium severityFrequency: RareHonda CR-V IIIPower steering rack and hydraulic hose failureAccording to the testimonials on fiches-auto.fr, 5 of 123 CR-V III owners cite power steering problems: a replaced rack and a steering hose at 210,000 km (€300 for the part, according to the testimonial).Appears at around 210,000 km
  113. 113Medium severityFrequency: RareNissan X-Trail IIElectric power steering ECU failure (2011-2012 campaign)A 2011-2012 campaign covers 2,693 X-Trails in the UK built between August 2010 and August 2011: the heat sink of the electric power steering ECU could fail and suddenly cut the assistance.
  114. 114Medium severityFrequency: RareRenault Clio IIINoises and play in the electric power steeringThe Clio III's electric power steering column or rack can develop noises and abnormal play; Caradisiac describes it as a rare but abnormal fault that is worth claiming under warranty if it appears.

Problems with the power steering by make

Problems with the power steering in your car

3 cars have several documented faults with the power steering. Choose yours to see only the ones that affect them, by engine and by year.

Porsche 1
Volvo 2

How much it costs to repair a fault with the power steering

Sorted from the most expensive repair to the cheapest. Prices in Spain including VAT (parts and labour); what each figure includes is on its page.

How we calculate costs · The most expensive repairs across all engines

Frequently asked questions

Which cars have problems with the power steering?

Among those we have analysed: Volkswagen Golf VII (corrosion of the steering rack bolt), Opel Meriva A (power steering faults and recall for the steering rack pinion (2007 units)), BMW Serie 1 F20 (electric power steering (EPS) and steering rack failure), BMW Serie 3 E90 (steering rack and power steering pump failure), Fiat Punto II (electric power steering motor and column failure), MINI Cooper R50 (power steering rack and pump failure), Audi Q3 I (corrosion of the steering rack bolt (2026 campaign)) and BMW Serie 1 E87 (electric power steering (EPS) control unit failure with loss of assistance). In total, 111 cars with documented faults with the power steering.

How much does it cost to repair a fault with the power steering?

It depends a lot on the engine or car. At an independent garage, from €850 to €850; at a dealer, from €0 to €0, including VAT, based on the 6 faults with a documented cost. The most expensive is power steering rack leak and wear (Opel Zafira A).

What symptoms does a fault with the power steering cause?

The most frequently cited in the documented faults: heavy steering or power steering warning, abnormal play in the steering or noises from the front axle, creaking or clicking when turning the steering wheel, power steering warning light on, intermittent electronic warnings or sensor faults and steering wheel vibrates or shakes when driving.

Sources

Every fact on this page links to its source. If you find an error, let us know.

  1. Fiabilité Opel Zafira (1999-2005) - pannes et problèmes recensésFiches-auto.fr · Owners' forum · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  2. Volkswagen y Audi llaman a revisión a casi tres millones de vehículos por un posible fallo en la dirección: estos son los modelos afectadosInfobae · General press · published 25 September 2026 · consulted 26 September 2026 · in Spanish
  3. Opel Movano (2023): fallo de la dirección asistidaCar-Recalls.eu (Safety Gate) · Official body · consulted 29 October 2026
  4. Porsche Panamera Recalls in EU (page 2)Car-Recalls.eu (Safety Gate) · Official body · consulted 29 October 2026
  5. Dirección Audi A3: fallas y solucionesOpinautos · Owners' forum · consulted 27 September 2026 · in Spanish