MotR
🔧 Drive with Caution

Power Steering Warning Light

Your steering may suddenly become much heavier to turn. Here's what the warning means on both electric and hydraulic systems, and whether it's safe to keep driving.

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Power Steering Warning Light
What it means

What This Warning Light Means

The power steering warning light indicates a fault with your vehicle's power assisted steering system. On hydraulic systems, this usually means a loss of fluid pressure. On Electric Power Assisted Steering (EPAS) — fitted to most post-2010 vehicles — it indicates an electronic or motor fault. In either case, you may experience significantly heavier steering, particularly at low speeds. The car can still be steered, but it requires much more physical effort and may feel unsafe.

Severity & action

How Serious Is It — and What To Do

🟡 Drive with Caution — Steering Will Be Heavy

You can steer the car without power assistance, but it requires significantly more effort, particularly at parking speeds. At motorway speeds, steering weight is less noticeable. The primary risk is being caught out by unexpectedly heavy steering during a manoeuvre. Park sensibly and arrange repair.

Can drive with caution

Drive slowly and carefully, allowing for much heavier steering inputs. Avoid tight manoeuvres. On hydraulic systems, check the power steering fluid level immediately. If the fluid reservoir is empty, fluid has been lost and driving further risks damaging the pump. Arrange prompt repair.

Stop immediately if…

If the steering suddenly becomes extremely heavy or locks while driving at speed, stop immediately. Total steering failure — though rare — requires immediate recovery. If you hear a loud grinding or whining noise from the steering (hydraulic systems), stop and have the fluid level checked before driving further.
Common causes

Common Causes

EPAS motor failure — the electric motor assisting steering has failed or overheated
EPAS control module fault — the electronic control unit managing the steering assistance has faulted
Hydraulic fluid leak — power steering fluid has leaked from the pump, pipes, or rack
Power steering pump failure — the hydraulic pump has seized or failed
Hydraulic pipe damage — a cracked or corroded power steering pipe is losing pressure
Steering rack leak — the power steering rack seals have failed, causing internal fluid loss
Voltage supply fault to EPAS — a wiring or fuse fault has cut power to the electric steering motor
Torque sensor fault — the sensor measuring steering wheel input has failed
MOT relevance

Can It Fail an MOT?

🔍 MOT Implications

An illuminated power steering warning light is an automatic MOT failure. Additionally, MOT testers check steering play, effort, and condition. A hydraulic leak may result in a separate failure for "fluid leak." A steering rack or column with excessive play is also a failure point. Resolve the power steering fault completely before test.
Repair costs

Typical UK Repair Costs

IssueLikelihoodEst. UK costDIY?
Low Power Steering Fluid (Hydraulic Systems)Very Common on pre-2010 hydraulic systemsFluid top-up: £10–£20. Leak investigation and repair: varies by locationYes
Power Steering Pump FailureCommon on high-mileage hydraulic systemsPump replacement: £250–£600 parts and labourPro
EPAS Motor or Module FaultIncreasingly Common as EPAS vehicles ageRepair specialist: £200–£500. Column replacement: £500–£1,500Pro
Power Steering Rack LeakCommon on higher-mileage hydraulic vehiclesSteering rack replacement: £400–£900 parts and labourPro
Torque Sensor Fault (EPAS)Occasional£150–£400 for sensor; more if steering column removal requiredPro

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

In detail

Common Fixes in Detail

Low Power Steering Fluid (Hydraulic Systems)Very Common on pre-2010 hydraulic systems

The power steering fluid reservoir is a translucent reservoir, usually near the front of the engine bay, marked with min/max levels. If the fluid is low, top up with the manufacturer-specified fluid type (check the cap or handbook — PS fluid types are not universal). Investigate why the level has dropped — a leak must be found and fixed.

Fluid top-up: £10–£20. Leak investigation and repair: varies by location

DIY possible

Power Steering Pump FailureCommon on high-mileage hydraulic systems

The hydraulic pump that pressurises the steering system can fail. Warning signs include a whining noise that increases with steering input, progressive loss of assistance, and fluid loss. Pump replacement is a significant job, particularly on engines with limited bay access.

Pump replacement: £250–£600 parts and labour

Professional repair required

EPAS Motor or Module FaultIncreasingly Common as EPAS vehicles age

Electric power steering motors and their control units are beginning to fail on vehicles from the 2010–2015 era. Symptoms are often intermittent initially — steering goes heavy, comes back after restarting. Eventually the failure becomes permanent. Some EPAS systems can be repaired by specialist companies at significantly less than replacement cost.

Repair specialist: £200–£500. Column replacement: £500–£1,500

Professional repair required

Power Steering Rack LeakCommon on higher-mileage hydraulic vehicles

The steering rack seals degrade over time, allowing internal fluid loss. A leaking rack leaves oily residue on the gaiter and surrounding area. Replacement is a major job requiring the front subframe work and wheel alignment afterwards.

Steering rack replacement: £400–£900 parts and labour

Professional repair required

Torque Sensor Fault (EPAS)Occasional

The torque sensor in the steering column measures the driver's steering input force. A failed sensor causes the assistance system to provide incorrect or no assistance. This is typically a column-mounted component and may require column replacement on integrated designs.

£150–£400 for sensor; more if steering column removal required

Professional repair required

Ownership & maintenance

Ownership & Maintenance

Long-Term Impact

The transition from hydraulic to electric power steering that occurred throughout the 2000s and 2010s has generally been positive for reliability — EPAS has fewer wearing components and doesn't require fluid changes. However, EPAS systems are beginning to reach the end of their designed lifespan on vehicles from that era. Repair specialists for EPAS units are available across the UK and offer significant cost savings over main dealer column replacements.

Good Habits

On hydraulic systems, check power steering fluid level at every service and top up as needed. Any progressive drop in fluid level indicates a developing leak — catch it early before the pump runs dry and destroys itself. On EPAS systems, there is no fluid to check, but battery health is important — a weak battery causes voltage fluctuations that can stress the EPAS motor.

Recurring Issues

Intermittent EPAS faults — assistance that cuts in and out — often indicate an overheating motor (particularly in city driving with lots of lock-to-lock turning) or a partially failing torque sensor. If the fault is reproducible (e.g., always happens after 20 minutes of driving), share this pattern with the garage for more efficient diagnosis.

Vehicle Health

Power steering failure at motorway speeds is actually manageable — the steering is heavy but controllable. It's at low speed — car parks, tight turns, emergency evasion manoeuvres — where unexpected power steering failure is most dangerous. Do not defer this repair.
Questions & answers

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drive with the power steering warning light on?
Yes, but with significantly increased steering effort. At speed this is less noticeable, but at low speed your steering will feel very heavy. For a short journey to a garage, this is acceptable. Do not plan long trips or motorway driving with the fault unresolved.
What does power steering fluid look like?
Power steering fluid is typically clear to pale yellow when new, darkening to amber or brown with age. It should be smooth and free of contamination. Foamy, milky, or very dark fluid indicates degradation or contamination. The fluid should have a slightly oily feel between the fingers.
My power steering works fine but the warning light is on — is that possible?
Yes. Particularly with EPAS systems, a fault code can be stored and the warning light triggered even though steering function appears normal. This may be an intermittent fault or a minor calibration issue. Have it scanned — the fault code will direct diagnosis.
How long does power steering fluid last?
Power steering fluid doesn't have a defined change interval on most vehicles, but should be inspected during services. Heavily contaminated fluid should be replaced. Some manufacturers recommend fluid replacement every 3–5 years. A complete flush and refill costs £40–£100 at a garage.
What's the difference between EPAS and hydraulic power steering?
Hydraulic power steering uses a belt-driven pump to pressurise hydraulic fluid, which assists steering through a hydraulic cylinder in the rack. EPAS uses an electric motor — either on the steering column or the rack — to provide assistance based on vehicle speed and driver input. EPAS is more fuel-efficient and eliminates the hydraulic system entirely.
Will the power steering light fail my MOT?
Yes, an illuminated warning light results in automatic MOT failure. A power steering system that doesn't function correctly may also fail on steering effort or play grounds if a tester identifies compromised steering performance.
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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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