Power Steering Warning Light: Common Causes and How Urgent It Is

When the power steering warning light comes on, your steering system is telling you something is wrong. Depending on your vehicle, that light may look like a steering wheel icon, sometimes with an exclamation point, or simply say “PS” or “EPS.”

This light matters because it affects your ability to steer and avoid hazards. Below you’ll learn what the power steering light means, the most common causes, how urgent it is in different situations, and what you should do next.

What the Power Steering Warning Light Means

The power steering light indicates a fault in the system that assists your steering. That assistance can come from:

• Hydraulic power steering (HPS) – uses a pump driven by the engine and fluid pressure.
• Electric power steering (EPS or EPAS) – uses an electric motor and sensors, controlled by a module.

When something goes wrong, the vehicle’s control module stores a fault code and turns the light on. You may:

• Lose power assist entirely (steering suddenly feels very heavy), or
• Have partial assist or intermittent assist, or
• In some cases, still have normal steering feel with a stored fault.

Even if the car still feels okay, you should never ignore a power steering warning. A minor issue can quickly turn into a loss of assist at the worst possible time.

How Urgent Is the Power Steering Warning Light?

Urgency depends on how the steering feels and the color of the warning light:

• Red power steering light + heavy steering: Very urgent. Pull over safely as soon as you can and avoid driving further if possible.
• Yellow/amber power steering light + normal steering: Urgent but not an immediate emergency. Drive gently and get the car checked soon.
• Light flickers on and off: Needs quick diagnosis. The system may fail without warning.

Many manufacturers treat the power steering light as a critical warning, similar in seriousness to other red dashboard lights that mean stop soon. You can usually still steer the vehicle mechanically, but it will take much more effort, especially at low speeds and when parking.

Common Causes of a Power Steering Warning Light

1. Low or Leaking Power Steering Fluid (Hydraulic Systems)

On older or hydraulic systems, low fluid is one of the most common causes of a power steering warning light.

This can be caused by:

• Leaking hoses or lines
• A worn steering rack or gear
• A leaking power steering pump
• A cracked or loose reservoir

When fluid is low, the pump can’t create enough pressure, so assist drops and the warning light may come on. Ignoring low fluid can damage the pump and rack, turning a minor leak into a major repair.

2. Failing Electric Power Steering Motor (EPS)

Most newer vehicles use electric power steering. A warning light can be triggered when the electric motor that assists your steering begins to fail or overheats.

Common clues include:

• Intermittent heavy steering, especially at low speeds
• Steering suddenly becoming normal again after a restart or cool-down
• Warning light turning on under heavy steering load (tight parking maneuvers)

A failing EPS motor is a serious safety concern and should be checked by a professional as soon as possible.

3. Faulty Power Steering Pressure or Torque Sensors

Modern systems use various sensors to measure steering input and demand, such as:

• Steering angle sensor
• Torque sensor (measures how hard you’re turning the wheel)
• Pressure sensor (on hydraulic systems)

If one of these sensors sends incorrect data or fails, the control module may shut down or limit power assist for safety, triggering the warning light.

Because many of these sensors also feed into stability control and traction systems, you may see other warning icons like the ESC or traction control light come on at the same time.

4. Electrical or Wiring Issues

Electric power steering systems depend on solid electrical power and clean connections. Common problems include:

• Corroded connectors at the steering motor or control module
• Damaged wiring harness from road debris, previous repairs, or rodent damage
• Loose grounds or poor battery connections

These faults can cause intermittent or total loss of assist. In many cases, the power steering light may come on along with other electrical warnings such as the battery/charging system light.

5. Weak Battery or Charging System Problems

Electric power steering draws a lot of current. If your battery is weak or your alternator isn’t charging properly, the EPS module may reduce or cut assist to protect itself, and the warning light will turn on.

Signs this may be the issue:

• Dim headlights, slow cranking, or other electrical issues
• Multiple warning lights on at once
• Issues are worse when idling and improve when revving slightly

Addressing the underlying electrical problem usually restores normal steering assist.

6. Steering Rack or Gearbox Faults

The steering rack (or steering gear) is the main mechanical part that turns your wheels. On some designs, especially EPS racks, internal faults can trigger the power steering light.

Common symptoms:

• Clunking, binding, or notchy feel when turning the wheel
• Uneven assist left vs. right
• Visible fluid leaks (on hydraulic racks)

Rack or gearbox issues are typically more serious and may require replacement by a qualified technician.

7. Control Module or Software Problems

In some vehicles, the power steering control module (the small computer that runs the system) can fail or need a software update. This can cause:

• Warning lights without any obvious mechanical issue
• Randomly changing steering feel
• Fault codes stored even when the system seems to work

Dealers and well-equipped independent shops can scan the system, check for technical service bulletins, and update software or replace the module if needed.

Can You Keep Driving with the Power Steering Light On?

The honest answer: only if you absolutely have to, and only if the car remains controllable.

When It’s Usually Safe to Drive Short Distance

It may be reasonable to continue driving carefully for a short distance (for example, to a nearby shop) if:

• The light is yellow/amber, not red.
• Steering still feels normal or only slightly heavier.
• You’re driving on familiar, low-speed roads with light traffic.
• You’re prepared for steering to suddenly become heavier.

Even then, avoid high speeds, sharp maneuvers, and long trips until the system is inspected.

When You Should Stop Driving

You should pull over and avoid driving further if:

• The steering wheel suddenly becomes very heavy or difficult to turn.
• The power steering light is red or flashing and steering feels abnormal.
• You hear loud whining, grinding, or clunking noises when turning the wheel.
• You’re on steep roads, in heavy traffic, or at highway speeds and don’t feel in full control.

In those situations, continuing to drive can be unsafe for you and others, and it may cause additional damage to steering components.

What to Do When the Power Steering Light Comes On

1. Check How the Steering Feels

Safely test steering response:

• Does it feel normal, slightly stiff, or very heavy?
• Is the problem constant or intermittent?
• Does the wheel jerk or pull by itself?

If the steering is very heavy or unpredictable, pull over as soon as it’s safe.

2. Look at Other Warning Lights

Scan your cluster for other warnings. A combination of lights can point toward a shared cause. For example:

• Power steering + battery light – possible charging system problem.
• Power steering + ABS light or ESC/traction light – possible shared sensor or module issue.
• Multiple red warnings – treat as very urgent; see our overview of common dashboard warning lights.

3. Safely Pull Over and Restart (If Needed)

If steering assist suddenly drops while driving:

1. Turn on your hazard lights and gradually slow down.
2. Pull off the road to a safe shoulder or parking lot.
3. Turn the engine off for 30–60 seconds.
4. Restart and see if assist returns and if the light remains on.

A restart may temporarily reset some electronic issues, but do not treat this as a fix. You still need a proper diagnosis.

4. On Hydraulic Systems: Check Fluid Level (If Accessible)

If your vehicle still uses hydraulic power steering and has an accessible reservoir:

• Park on level ground, apply the parking brake, and let the engine cool.
• Locate the power steering reservoir (consult the owner’s manual).
• Check the fluid level against the “HOT” or “COLD” marks as specified.

If the fluid is very low, you may have a leak. Do not overfill, and avoid driving far even if you top it up. Running low repeatedly can destroy the pump.

If you’re not sure which fluid to use or how to check it properly, it’s safer to have a professional do it.

5. Schedule a Professional Inspection

Because the steering system is critical for safety, the best next step is to have the car scanned and inspected by a qualified technician. They can:

• Read diagnostic trouble codes from the EPS or steering module
• Check for leaks, worn components, or damaged wiring
• Verify if software updates or recalls apply to your vehicle

Addressing issues early can prevent more serious failures and higher repair costs down the road.

How the Power Steering Light Relates to Driving Safety

Steering isn’t just about comfort; it’s a core part of your ability to avoid obstacles and stay in your lane. When the power steering system has problems:

• Emergency maneuvers become harder or slower.
• Parking and low-speed turns require much more force.
• Long drives can cause fatigue from the extra effort.

On vehicles with advanced safety features, the power steering system often ties into lane-keeping assist and stability control. A steering fault can reduce the effectiveness of those systems, even if they don’t show separate warning lights.

That’s why any steering warning light should be taken as seriously as your brake warning light or other critical alerts in the dashboard warning lights family.

Preventing Power Steering Problems

You can’t prevent every issue, but you can reduce your chances of seeing the power steering light by:

• Keeping up with maintenance: Follow fluid change intervals if your car uses power steering fluid, and keep up with recommended inspections.
• Protecting electrical connections: Fix battery and charging system issues promptly to avoid starving EPS of power.
• Avoiding hard curb hits and potholes: Impacts can damage steering racks, tie rods, and sensors.
• Addressing leaks early: Any fluid spot under the car should be identified and fixed, not ignored.

During routine service, ask your shop to look for early signs of steering wear or leaks. Catching issues early often makes repairs less invasive.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it safe to drive with the power steering warning light on?

It depends on how the car behaves. If the light is on but the steering still feels normal and the light is amber, you can usually drive a short distance carefully to a repair shop, avoiding high speeds and sharp maneuvers. If the steering suddenly becomes very heavy, the light is red, or the car feels hard to control, you should pull over safely and avoid driving further, as it may not be safe.

Why is my power steering light on but the steering feels normal?

Sometimes the system detects a fault before it affects steering feel. This can happen with failing sensors, minor electrical issues, or intermittent faults that store a trouble code. Even if everything feels fine, the light means the system has seen something out of range and you should have it diagnosed soon, before it turns into a loss of assist.

Can low battery or alternator issues cause the power steering light?

Yes. On vehicles with electric power steering, a weak battery or failing alternator can trigger the power steering light. If the system doesn’t get enough consistent power, it may reduce or shut off assist to protect itself. This often appears along with a battery or charging warning and sometimes dim lights or other electrical problems.

Will topping up power steering fluid turn the light off?

If low fluid is the only issue on a hydraulic system, topping it up to the proper level might temporarily turn the light off and restore assist. However, fluid doesn’t disappear on its own; a low level usually means there’s a leak somewhere. The leak and any damage from running low still need to be fixed, or the warning will likely return and the system could be harmed over time.

Do I need to tow the car if the power steering fails?

If the steering is extremely heavy, unpredictable, or you don’t feel confident controlling the vehicle, having it towed is usually the safest option. Technically, you can still steer most cars without power assist, but it can require a lot of strength, especially at low speeds or in tight turns. When in doubt about your ability to steer safely, a tow is the better choice.