Can you steer if electric power steering goes out?
Yes. In most modern vehicles with electric power steering (EPS), you can still steer when the system loses power, but the steering becomes significantly heavier and harder to manage. This article explains what to expect and how to respond safely.
What EPS does and what happens when it fails
Electric power steering uses an electric motor to assist the steering rack based on driver input and vehicle speed. If the EPS system detects a fault, many cars revert to manual steering with little or no assist. The exact behavior varies by model, but you should assume you’ll be steering without assist if the system fails.
- The steering column remains mechanically connected to the steering rack, so you can still steer, but there is little or no power assist from the motor.
- The wheel will feel heavier, particularly at low speeds or when parking, requiring more physical effort and a firmer grip.
- You may see a fault/warning light on the dashboard; some vehicles also limit the system to a reduced or “emergency” mode until serviced.
In practice, an EPS fault is a warning to slow down and schedule service. Drive slowly to a safe location and have the system checked by a qualified technician.
How to respond if EPS goes out while driving
If you notice an EPS fault while behind the wheel, take these steps to maintain safety and control.
- Slow down gradually and pull over to a safe area as soon as practical.
- Turn off the engine, wait a moment, then restart it to see if the EPS warning clears or the system resets. Some cars regain assist after a restart.
- If the warning remains, limit driving to the minimum necessary, avoid high-speed roads, and arrange roadside assistance or a tow to a shop.
- Be extra cautious during parking, lane changes, and tight maneuvers; use smooth, deliberate inputs and two-handed steering.
Electrical faults can have multiple causes, including a faulty sensor, wiring issue, or a failing motor. A professional diagnosis is essential to restore normal steering assist and safety features like lane-keeping and steering torque feedback.
Safety and driving technique considerations
Without EPS, you rely entirely on the physical effort of steering. Keep these practices in mind to improve control if you ever encounter this issue.
Hand positioning and control
Grip the wheel firmly with both hands at the 9 and 3 o’clock positions, avoid crossing wrists, and make smooth, controlled inputs. Avoid aggressive turns or sudden jerks that could destabilize the car or tires.
Speed, distance, and maneuvering
Drive at reduced speeds with extra following distance. Plan lane changes and emergency maneuvers well in advance, and be ready to stop if steering becomes unpredictable due to the lack of assist.
Additional notes on vehicle design and emergency steering
Some vehicles include limited “emergency steering” guidance or design features to aid control if EPS fails, but these capabilities vary. Always refer to the owner's manual for model-specific instructions and check for any service bulletins related to EPS in your car.
Summary
Electric power steering failures do not render a car undrivable, but they do remove assist and increase steering effort. You can still steer with proper technique and slower, safer driving while arranging service to repair the EPS system. If the warning persists, seek professional help promptly to restore full steering performance and safety features.
What happens if your electric power steering goes out?
If your electric power steering (EPS) goes out, the steering will become very heavy and difficult to turn, especially at low speeds, but you will still have manual steering. The vehicle's ability to steer is not lost, but it requires significantly more force from the driver. You should slow down, turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers, and proceed cautiously to a safe place to stop or to a mechanic.
This video demonstrates the symptoms of an electric power steering failure: 43sAuto V Fix YouTube · Apr 4, 2023
Immediate effects on driving
- Increased steering effort: The most immediate and noticeable effect is that the steering wheel becomes very heavy and difficult to turn.
- Reduced maneuverability: Maneuvering at low speeds, such as when parking or making a tight turn, becomes very challenging.
- Steering response delay: In some cases of partial failure, there may be a delay between turning the wheel and the vehicle's response.
- Vehicle may pull to one side: A failure in the torque sensor can cause the vehicle to veer to one side, making it difficult to drive straight.
- Warning lights: A dashboard warning light, often shaped like a steering wheel, may illuminate.
What you should do immediately
- Slow down: Reduce your speed to make it easier to handle the heavier steering.
- Turn on hazard lights: Alert other drivers that you have a problem with your vehicle.
- Pull over safely: Find a safe place to pull over and stop as soon as possible.
- Stop and assess: Once stopped, turn the wheel left and right to see how difficult it is. This will help you determine if you can drive cautiously to a mechanic or need to have the vehicle towed.
This video shows how to handle the situation when your power steering is not working: 35sMike Biker CanadaYouTube · Sep 2, 2025
What to do next
- Drive cautiously: If you can safely drive to a mechanic, do so with extreme caution. Avoid sharp turns or fast maneuvers.
- Call for assistance: If you are unsure about your ability to drive the car safely, or if you are on a busy road, call for a tow truck.
- Get it repaired: Driving with failed power steering can put extra strain on other components and is unsafe. Have the system inspected and repaired by a qualified mechanic as soon as possible.
How expensive is it to fix electric power steering?
Electric power steering repair costs vary significantly depending on the specific issue, with minor fixes potentially costing $100–$300, while replacing major components like the EPS motor or full steering column can range from $300 to $1,550 or more. Factors like vehicle make and model, the specific part that needs replacement, and labor rates all influence the final price.
This video explains the cost of electric power steering repair and the factors that influence it: 1mTalkingTechTrendsYouTube · Jun 7, 2025
Cost breakdown by repair type
- Minor fixes: Simple issues like a sensor or small leak can sometimes be fixed for $100–$300.
- EPS Motor: If the electronic motor fails, replacement costs typically range from $300 to $800.
- Full Steering Column: Replacing the entire steering column is one of the more expensive repairs, with costs often falling between $530 and $1,550.
- Steering Rack: Replacing the steering rack can cost between $710 and $2,420 for most vehicles.
- Diagnostic Fees: Some shops charge a diagnostic fee, which can be around $200, to determine the exact problem.
Factors that affect the cost
- Vehicle Make and Model: The cost of parts varies significantly based on the vehicle. For example, dealer parts can be more expensive than aftermarket ones.
- Labor Costs: Labor can account for a significant portion of the total cost, especially for complex repairs like a steering column or rack replacement.
- Shop Location: Labor rates vary by geographic location, so getting quotes from different shops can be beneficial.
- Part vs. Labor: In many cases, labor costs can be higher than the price of the part itself.
- DIY vs. Professional: If you have the mechanical skill, doing the work yourself can save significant money on labor. However, professional help is recommended for more complex issues, and some repairs require specialized equipment or programming.
Can you still steer without electric power steering?
Yes, you can still steer a vehicle without electric power steering, but it will be significantly more difficult, especially at low speeds or when parking. The steering wheel will feel much heavier as you must use your own physical strength to turn it, as the power assist is no longer functioning. A mechanical connection between the steering wheel and the wheels remains, so the car is still steerable.
You can watch this video to see what it's like to drive a car with manual steering: 57sSeanbeingseanYouTube · Aug 28, 2017
What to expect
- Increased effort: You will need to use more force to turn the steering wheel, so using both hands firmly is recommended.
- Difficulty at low speeds: It will be especially challenging to turn the wheel when the vehicle is stopped or moving slowly.
- Easier at higher speeds: Once the vehicle is moving, the wheels will have more momentum, making steering slightly easier.
- Potential for dangerous situations: While steerable, the steering may be so heavy that it becomes dangerous for some drivers, potentially making it difficult to react quickly enough in an emergency.
What to do
- Drive with caution: Avoid sudden, sharp turns and drive more cautiously than usual.
- Get it repaired: It is highly advisable to have the vehicle inspected and repaired as soon as possible.
- Be prepared for increased effort: Use both hands on the steering wheel and be ready to apply more force to make turns.
Is it possible to steer the car if the power steering is not functioning?
Yes, you can drive if power steering goes out, but it is not recommended because steering will be significantly heavier, especially at low speeds or when parking. It's best to have the vehicle towed to a mechanic to avoid further damage and potential safety risks due to the increased steering effort.
This video explains the symptoms of power steering pump failure and how it affects steering: 54s8020 AutomotiveYouTube · Dec 1, 2024
Why driving is difficult and dangerous
- Steering is heavy: Without the power assist, you will have to use a much greater physical effort to turn the steering wheel.
- Low-speed maneuvering is hard: Turning the wheel while stopped or moving slowly can be extremely difficult and may feel impossible for some drivers.
- Risk of accidents: The extra effort required to steer, especially in emergency situations, increases the risk of losing control.
- Potential for more damage: If the failure is due to a fluid leak, driving could cause further damage to the power steering system.
- Inconsistent steering: Hydraulic systems can sometimes be inconsistent, with the effort needed to steer varying, which can lead to loss of control.
What to do if power steering fails
- Pull over safely: If you are driving, find a safe place to pull over as soon as possible.
- Turn off the engine: Once stopped, put your car in park and turn off the engine.
- Call for a tow: Contact a towing company to have your vehicle taken to a mechanic for repair.
