Steering problems are among the most dangerous faults a car can have. If you can't control where your car goes, you can't drive safely. Here's what to do if you've bought a car with steering issues.
Common Steering Problems
Power Steering Failure
Modern cars use electric (EPAS) or hydraulic power steering. When it fails, steering becomes extremely heavy.
Symptoms include very heavy steering (especially at low speed), a power steering warning light on the dashboard, whining noise when turning (on hydraulic systems), and intermittent loss of assistance.
Causes range from electric motor failure (EPAS) to pump failure or fluid leaks (hydraulic), steering rack failure, and electrical faults.
Steering Rack Problems
The steering rack converts your wheel movements into wheel direction. Faults here are serious.
Signs include clunking when turning the wheel, excessive play in the steering, fluid leaking under the car (on hydraulic racks), steering that feels loose or vague, and the car wandering on the road.
Steering Column Issues
The column connects the wheel to the rack. Problems affect feel and safety.
Symptoms include clicking when turning, a loose steering wheel, noticeable play before the wheels respond, and knocking sounds from behind the dashboard.
Wheel Alignment Problems
Incorrect alignment causes pulling, uneven wear, and poor handling.
Signs include the car pulling to one side, the steering wheel not being centred when driving straight, uneven tyre wear, and the car feeling unstable at speed.
Track Rod/Tie Rod Wear
Track rods connect the rack to the wheels. Wear creates dangerous play.
Warning signs include knocking over bumps, wandering steering, inner edge tyre wear, and MOT failure for excessive play.
Steering Angle Sensor Fault
Modern cars use sensors to communicate steering position to other systems.
Indicators include stability control and ABS warning lights, lane assist not working, and traction control issues.
Why Steering Faults Are Serious
Safety Critical
Steering is the primary control over where your car goes. Faults can cause loss of control, accidents, inability to avoid hazards, and MOT failure.
Expensive Repairs
Steering components are costly. Power steering pumps run £200-£600, steering racks £300-£1,000+, and EPAS motors £400-£1,200 – with labour often taking 3-6 hours on top.
Interconnected Systems
Modern steering connects to stability control, lane keeping assist, parking sensors, and adaptive cruise control. One steering fault can affect multiple systems simultaneously, which is why even seemingly minor steering issues can cascade into wider software and sensor problems.
Think you might have a claim?
Check if you're entitled to a refund under the Consumer Rights Act. Free, takes 2 minutes.
Is It a Fault?
Definitely a Fault
Power steering not working is a fundamental system failure. A steering rack leak is an active mechanical problem. Excessive play in steering is a safety issue and often an MOT failure. A car that won't track straight isn't fit for purpose. Warning lights show the system is detecting problems. And any MOT failure items related to steering are clear evidence of a defect.
Likely a Fault
Heavy steering intermittently suggests a system that's failing. Unusual noises when turning indicate component wear or damage. Steering vibration points to an underlying problem. And alignment issues from day one suggest the car should have been set correctly before sale.
May Not Be a Fault
A minor pull after hitting a kerb is likely post-sale damage. Normal alignment wear at very high mileage may be expected. And a preference for different steering feel isn't a defect – different cars steer differently.
Your Legal Rights
Consumer Rights Act 2015
A car with steering problems isn't of satisfactory quality because steering must work properly, isn't fit for purpose because it can't be used safely, and isn't as described unless the issues were disclosed before sale.
30-Day Right to Reject
Within 30 days, reject for a full refund. Steering faults make this straightforward.
After 30 Days
Request repair first. If it fails or is refused, you can then reject for a refund.
Safety Changes Everything
If the car is dangerous to drive, stop driving immediately and get it recovered. Document the safety issue thoroughly – this significantly strengthens your rejection case.
Evidence You'll Need
Document the Problem
Take video of heavy steering and any warning lights. Keep a record of when symptoms started. Photograph any visible damage or leaks, and note your mileage since purchase. See our guide on gathering evidence for what else to collect.
Professional Assessment
Get an independent garage inspection covering the power steering system, steering rack condition, track rod and joint condition, alignment, and a fault code scan. Make sure you get a written report with findings – this is often the key piece of evidence.
MOT History
Check online at gov.uk for previous steering advisories, track rod or steering failures, alignment issues, and any pattern of problems. Previous advisories strongly suggest the fault was developing before you bought the car.
Repair Costs
| Component | Parts | Labour | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Power steering pump | £150-£400 | £100-£200 | £250-£600 |
| Steering rack (hydraulic) | £200-£600 | £200-£400 | £400-£1,000 |
| Steering rack (electric) | £400-£1,000 | £200-£400 | £600-£1,400 |
| EPAS motor | £300-£800 | £100-£250 | £400-£1,050 |
| Track rod end (each) | £30-£80 | £40-£80 | £70-£160 |
| Track rod (inner, each) | £40-£100 | £60-£100 | £100-£200 |
| Steering column | £200-£500 | £150-£300 | £350-£800 |
| Wheel alignment | N/A | £40-£80 | £40-£80 |
Major steering repairs can easily exceed £1,000.
Common Dealer Excuses
"The alignment just needs adjusting"
Your response:
"Alignment doesn't explain [power steering failure/steering rack leak/excessive play]. There's a mechanical fault that needs proper repair."
Or if it IS alignment:
"The car should have been sold with correct alignment. I'm entitled to have this fixed at your expense."
"You must have hit something"
Your response:
"I've driven [X] miles since purchase and haven't hit anything. This fault existed at sale. Prove otherwise."
"Power steering systems do fail"
Your response:
"Not within [X] weeks of purchase. This failure was imminent when you sold the car. The fault existed at sale."
"It's an expensive repair, we'll contribute"
Your response:
"Under the Consumer Rights Act, you're liable for the full repair, not a contribution. The car wasn't satisfactory quality."
"That warning light might just be a sensor"
Your response:
"Then diagnose it properly. A warning light indicates a fault – either the sensor or the system. Either way, it needs fixing."
Steps to Take
Step 1: Assess Safety
If steering is seriously compromised, stop driving immediately – don't risk losing control. Get the car recovered and document everything.
Step 2: Get Professional Diagnosis
Get an independent garage inspection to identify the fault, produce a written report, assess safety, and provide a repair quote.
Step 3: Check MOT History
Look for previous steering advisories, a track record of issues, or a recent pass that might suggest sudden failure rather than gradual wear.
Step 4: Write to the Dealer
Send a formal letter setting out the specific steering faults, your safety concerns, your evidence, whether you're rejecting or requesting repair, and a deadline of 14 days.
Step 5: Don't Accept Half Measures
If the dealer offers to "check it," get a written commitment to repair. If they suggest "adjusting alignment," make sure the actual underlying fault is addressed. If they offer to "contribute" to the cost, demand the full remedy – under the Consumer Rights Act, they're liable for the complete repair. And if they propose a partial fix, ensure all issues are addressed properly.
Step 6: Escalate If Needed
If the dealer refuses, contact the finance company (if applicable), report to Trading Standards, or take the matter to Small Claims Court.
Recommended reading
Special Cases
Electric Power Steering (EPAS)
Most modern cars use electric power steering. Faults often require expensive motor replacement, ECU programming, and specialist diagnosis. These are complex repairs – don't accept cheap fixes.
Lane Keeping / Driver Assist Systems
If the car has steering-related safety features (lane keeping, self-parking) that don't work, these are faults too. You paid for these features.
Four-Wheel Steering
Some performance and luxury cars have rear-wheel steering. Faults in this system are complex and expensive – definitely grounds for rejection.
Steering Recall
Check if there's an outstanding recall for steering issues on your car. An unfixed recall is a clear fault.
The Bottom Line
Steering is fundamental to controlling your car. Any fault that affects your ability to steer safely is a clear defect under consumer law.
Don't drive a car with dangerous steering, don't accept "wear and tear" excuses for steering faults, don't pay for repairs that should be the dealer's responsibility, and don't accept partial fixes to serious problems. Instead, stop driving if the steering is dangerous, get a professional diagnosis, assert your consumer rights, and reject or demand proper repair. Steering faults are safety issues – dealers can't sell you an unsafe car and expect you to pay to make it safe. If you bought on finance, write to the finance company at the same time as the dealer.
Steering problems on your recently purchased car? Check if you qualify for a rejection or free repair.
