Published March 15, 2026
Power Steering Recalls: Hydraulic and Electric System Failures
Power steering has evolved from hydraulic systems to electric-assist systems, and both technologies have generated significant recall activity. Power steering failures can make a vehicle extremely difficult to steer, especially at low speeds where steering effort is highest. Here is a look at the history and trends in power steering recalls.
Hydraulic Power Steering Recalls
Traditional hydraulic power steering systems use a belt-driven pump, fluid reservoir, and hydraulic lines to provide steering assist. Common recall defects in hydraulic systems include fluid leaks from degraded hoses or seals, pump failures that cause sudden loss of assist, belt failures that disable the pump, and fluid contamination that causes internal valve damage. These defects often develop gradually, giving the driver some warning through increased steering effort or whining noises.
Electric Power Steering Recalls
Electric power steering (EPS) systems, now standard on most new vehicles, use an electric motor to provide steering assist. EPS eliminates many hydraulic failure modes but introduces new ones: motor failures that cause sudden loss of assist, torque sensor defects that provide incorrect assist levels, software calibration errors that cause the steering to feel unstable, and control module failures that disable the system entirely.
The Transition Period
During the transition from hydraulic to electric power steering, recall rates for steering systems actually increased. First-generation EPS systems from several manufacturers experienced higher failure rates as the technology matured. As manufacturers gained experience with EPS design and manufacturing, reliability has generally improved, though recalls continue.
Steering Column Lock Recalls
A related but distinct category is steering column lock recalls. Some vehicles have experienced defects where the steering column lock activates while the vehicle is moving, suddenly locking the steering wheel. This is different from a power steering failure (which makes steering difficult but still possible) — a column lock failure makes steering physically impossible and is extremely dangerous.
Steering Recalls and Vehicle Safety
Steering system recalls should always be treated with the highest urgency. Unlike some recall categories where the defect creates a potential rather than immediate hazard, a steering failure while driving creates an immediate loss-of-control situation. If your vehicle has a steering recall, do not delay the repair.
Checking for Steering Recalls
Check your vehicle for steering recalls at NHTSA.gov/recalls. If you experience any symptoms of steering problems — unusual noises when turning, vibration in the steering wheel, intermittent loss of power assist, or a power steering warning light — have the vehicle inspected immediately. Visit our complaint rankings for vehicle-specific steering complaint data.
Frequently Asked Questions
Overall, electric power steering has fewer components that can wear or leak, making it generally more reliable for routine operation. However, when EPS does fail, the failure tends to be more sudden (no gradual loss of fluid pressure), which can be more dangerous. Both systems have distinct recall profiles.
If power steering fails, you can still steer the vehicle, but it will require significantly more physical effort. The vehicle is still controllable but difficult to maneuver, especially at low speeds or when turning. Safely pull over and do not drive the vehicle until the problem is diagnosed.
Most power steering recalls involve loss of power assist, not loss of steering itself. You can still steer manually, though it requires much more effort. However, steering column lock defects can physically prevent the wheel from turning, which is a different and more dangerous category.