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🎯 Drive with Caution

Electric Power Steering Warning: EPS Fault Guide

Electric power steering failure makes the steering wheel significantly heavier — the car is still steerable, but it requires more physical effort. Here's what causes EPS faults, whether it's safe to continue, and what the repair will cost.

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Electric Power Steering Warning Light
What it means

What This Warning Light Means

The electric power steering (EPS) warning light (typically a steering wheel symbol with an exclamation mark, or the letters EPS) indicates a fault in the electrically-assisted power steering system. Unlike older hydraulic power steering that used an engine-driven pump, EPS uses an electric motor mounted on the steering column or steering rack to provide assistance. When the EPS warning appears, this assistance may be partially or fully absent — the steering wheel will feel significantly heavier, particularly at low speeds and when parking. The car remains steerable without assistance (as any car was before power steering existed), but the effort required is considerably higher, particularly for urban manoeuvring.

Severity & action

How Serious Is It — and What To Do

🟡 Drive with Caution — Reduced Steering Assistance

With EPS inactive, the steering requires more effort but the vehicle is controllable. Reduce speed and be prepared for heavier steering, especially at low speeds. Avoid motorway driving if steering effort is severe enough to cause fatigue. Have the system diagnosed promptly — some EPS faults can cause sudden complete loss of assistance at speed.

Can drive with caution

You can drive with caution if the only symptom is heavy steering and the warning light is on. Reduce speed, particularly on bends. Avoid high-speed driving where unexpected heavy steering could cause a safety issue. Do not drive at motorway speeds with erratic or unpredictable steering behaviour.

Stop immediately if…

Stop immediately if the steering becomes extremely heavy suddenly (suggesting complete EPS failure), if the steering pulls suddenly to one side, or if the warning light appears alongside the ESP/stability control light (suggesting the stability system has also been affected by the steering fault).
Common causes

Common Causes

EPS motor failure — the electric motor providing steering assistance has failed mechanically or electrically; this is the most expensive cause
EPS ECU (control module) fault — the electronic control unit managing the EPS system has developed a fault or software issue
Torque sensor fault — the steering column torque sensor that detects how much steering force the driver is applying has failed, so the system cannot calculate appropriate assistance levels
Wiring fault — damaged, corroded, or loose wiring to the EPS motor, sensors, or control unit interrupts the system
Low battery voltage — EPS systems require stable 12V power; a low or failing battery causes EPS faults, particularly on cold starts
Overheating protection — during prolonged low-speed manoeuvring (reversing into a tight space repeatedly), some EPS systems temporarily reduce assistance to prevent motor overheating
Steering angle sensor fault — the sensor that tracks steering wheel position has failed; required for stability systems and EPS calibration
Software update required — on some vehicles, a known software issue in the EPS ECU causes spurious warnings resolvable by a dealer update
MOT relevance

Can It Fail an MOT?

🔍 MOT Implications

An illuminated EPS warning light is an automatic MOT failure. The tester will also assess steering accuracy and effort during the road test — a vehicle with significantly abnormal steering characteristics will be failed on steering grounds regardless of the warning light. Additionally, EPS faults that affect the stability control system may generate additional failures.
Repair costs

Typical UK Repair Costs

IssueLikelihoodEst. UK costDIY?
EPS Torque Sensor ReplacementMost Common Specific FaultTorque sensor replacement: £200–£600 (parts + labour). Some vehicles require full column assembly: £350–£900Pro
EPS Motor FailureCommon on high-mileage vehiclesEPS motor replacement: £300–£800. Full rack replacement: £500–£1,500Pro
12V Battery RelatedCommon and Cheapest CauseBattery replacement: £80–£180 fittedPro
EPS ECU Fault or Software UpdateCommon — especially on certain Ford, Vauxhall, VW modelsSoftware update: £0–£120 depending on whether covered under warranty or goodwill gesturePro

Costs are estimates based on UK independent garages. Main dealer prices may be higher.

In detail

Common Fixes in Detail

EPS Torque Sensor ReplacementMost Common Specific Fault

The steering column torque sensor measures driver steering input. It degrades over time and fails, causing the EPS system to lose the ability to calculate appropriate assistance. On many vehicles the torque sensor is integrated with the steering column clockspring assembly.

Torque sensor replacement: £200–£600 (parts + labour). Some vehicles require full column assembly: £350–£900

Professional repair required

EPS Motor FailureCommon on high-mileage vehicles

The EPS motor is mounted on the steering column or rack. Motor failure causes complete or intermittent loss of assistance. Replacement may require removing the steering column or, on rack-mounted systems, the entire steering rack. Remanufactured units are available for common vehicle platforms.

EPS motor replacement: £300–£800. Full rack replacement: £500–£1,500

Professional repair required

12V Battery RelatedCommon and Cheapest Cause

Low battery voltage is a common trigger for EPS faults, particularly on cold mornings or after the battery has been run down. If the EPS warning appears intermittently and the battery is over 4 years old, replacing the battery is a sensible first step that may resolve the fault without further investigation.

Battery replacement: £80–£180 fitted

Professional repair required

EPS ECU Fault or Software UpdateCommon — especially on certain Ford, Vauxhall, VW models

Certain vehicles have known EPS ECU software faults that generate spurious warnings and disable the system. For example, Ford has had several EPS-related technical service bulletins covering Focus, Fiesta, and Mondeo. A dealer software update (often free or low cost if within the service period) resolves these without parts replacement.

Software update: £0–£120 depending on whether covered under warranty or goodwill gesture

Professional repair required

Ownership & maintenance

Ownership & Maintenance

Long-Term Impact

EPS systems are generally highly reliable and require no fluid changes or external maintenance unlike hydraulic power steering. The main long-term risk is electronic component degradation in older vehicles. The most failure-prone component is typically the torque sensor in vehicles over 7–10 years old. EPS motor failures on rack-mounted systems can be expensive and are occasionally a write-off trigger on older high-mileage vehicles.

Good Habits

Avoid holding the steering on full lock for extended periods — this can cause EPS motor overheating and trigger the temporary assistance-reduction protection mode. Check battery health annually as a strong battery is essential for stable EPS operation, particularly in cold weather.

Recurring Issues

Intermittent EPS faults that resolve after restarting are often voltage-related — battery or alternator — rather than mechanical EPS faults. If the fault clears on restart but returns regularly, focus diagnosis on the electrical supply before assuming EPS motor or ECU replacement is needed.

Vehicle Health

When buying a used car with EPS, ask specifically about any steering warnings or heavy steering events. Check MOT history for any steering-related advisories or failures. A vehicle with previous EPS failures may have had a poor repair or unresolved underlying cause that will recur.
Questions & answers

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it safe to drive with the EPS warning light on?
You can drive with caution — the car is steerable without power assistance, but requires more effort. Reduce speed, avoid motorway driving if effort is severe, and have it diagnosed promptly. If steering becomes erratic or suddenly very heavy, stop safely.
Will EPS warning fail my MOT?
Yes. An illuminated warning light automatically fails the MOT. Additionally, abnormal steering effort or accuracy during the road test can cause a separate steering failure regardless of the light.
How much does EPS repair cost in the UK?
Torque sensor: £200–£600. EPS motor: £300–£800. Full rack replacement: £500–£1,500. Software update: free to £120. Battery (often the cheapest fix): £80–£180.
Which cars have the most EPS problems?
Ford Focus and Fiesta (2011–2018) had well-documented EPS issues covered by extended warranties and service campaigns. Vauxhall Astra and Corsa, certain VW Group models, and early Honda Jazz hybrids have also experienced EPS faults. Check the MOT history on any used car with these profiles.
Can I drive without power steering?
Yes. Before power steering was invented, all cars required manual steering effort. A modern car without power assistance is drivable but requires considerably more effort, particularly at low speeds and when parking. This is manageable for short distances but tiring for longer journeys.
Does the EPS warning always mean expensive repair?
Not always. The battery is the cheapest and most commonly overlooked cause — a £100–£180 battery replacement occasionally resolves what looked like a major EPS fault. Always rule out battery and wiring issues before assuming EPS motor or ECU replacement.
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Warning-light guidance is general UK advice and does not confirm manufacturer-specific behaviour — always check your vehicle handbook. Any illuminated warning light at the time of the MOT test is an automatic failure under the 2018 DVSA rules. MotR is not affiliated with DVLA, DVSA or any vehicle manufacturer. Last reviewed June 2026.

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