Short answer
The power steering warning light means the steering assist has a fault, so the wheel may become heavy, especially at low speed. The car can still be steered, but it takes much more effort. Slow down, avoid highways and drive carefully to a nearby shop. Stop if the steering becomes hard to control.
- Also shown as:
- EPS light · Steering wheel with exclamation mark · “Steering assist reduced” message
- What it looks like:
- A steering wheel with an exclamation mark beside it, red or amber.
Is it safe to keep driving?
Carefully, and only to a nearby shop. The car still steers, but it takes much more effort — parking and slow corners are hardest. If the wheel becomes hard to turn at all, stop.
Stop driving now if:
- The wheel becomes so heavy, jerky or notchy that you cannot steer smoothly through a turn.
- The steering pump whines or grinds loudly and there is fluid under the car.
- You smell burning or see smoke from the engine bay.
What causes the power steering warning light?
Most common first. Symbols and meanings vary by manufacturer; your owner's manual has the definitive meaning for your model.
- Electric power steering fault. Most new cars use an electric motor on the column or rack instead of a pump. A sensor, motor or control-module fault switches the assist off and sets the light.
- Low battery voltage or a charging problem. Electric steering draws a lot of current. A weak battery or failing alternator can cut the assist — check whether the battery light is on too.
- Low fluid or a leak (hydraulic systems). On cars with a hydraulic pump, low fluid makes the pump whine when you turn and the assist fade. Look for wet hoses and drips near the front wheels.
- Pump or belt failure (hydraulic systems). A worn pump or a slipping or broken drive belt removes the assist. A broken belt can also stop the alternator and water pump on many engines.
- Sensor calibration. After a wheel alignment, steering repair or battery disconnection, some cars need their steering angle or torque sensor recalibrated before the light goes out.
What should you do right now?
- Hold the wheel firmly and slow down. Expect parking and tight turns to need much more effort.
- When it is safe, stop and restart the car. On an electric system, a passing fault sometimes clears; if the light returns, it is real.
- On a hydraulic system, check the fluid reservoir with the engine off and top up only with the fluid type named in the manual.
- Check whether the battery light is on as well — that points at the charging system, not the steering.
- Have it inspected before any highway driving, and check your VIN: loss of steering assist has been the subject of recalls on several models.
What does the fix usually involve?
On hydraulic systems, a shop finds the leak and replaces the hose, pump or rack seals, then refills and bleeds the system.
On electric systems, the diagnosis starts with the steering module's codes. Fixes range from a sensor recalibration or a software update to a new column motor or steering rack.
If low voltage was the trigger, the battery or alternator is fixed first; the steering often works normally again once the voltage is right.
How much does it cost to fix?
$20 – $1,800
Fluid at the low end; an electric steering rack at the high end.
A typical range, not a quote. Actual cost depends on the car, the shop and the fault.
Common questions
Is it safe to drive without power steering?
A car without assist can still be steered, but it is heavy, especially at low speed, and a sudden loss mid-turn can surprise you. Drive slowly to a nearby shop and stop if you cannot steer smoothly.
Does my car have electric or hydraulic power steering?
Most cars built in the last decade or so use electric steering. If there is no power steering fluid reservoir under the hood, it is almost certainly electric. The owner's manual says for sure.
Why does the power steering light come on and off?
On electric systems it is often a voltage dip or a loose connector; on hydraulic systems, fluid low enough to suck air in turns. An intermittent light usually gets worse — have it checked.
Check your car
Free VIN check: open NHTSA recalls, owner complaints and the safety rating for your exact car.