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Suspension, steering, brakes and wheels

Problems with the steering rack and column: symptoms, cost and affected models

We have documented 90 faults with the steering rack and column in 86 cars. The most important by severity and frequency: poorly tightened steering track rods with risk of loss of control (2020-2021 production) (Peugeot 208 II), corrosion of the bolt that secures the steering rack (Seat Ateca, Volkswagen Tiguan II, Seat Tarraco and Volkswagen Caddy III and others) and corrosion of the steering rack bolt (Volkswagen Golf VII). At an independent garage, the repair costs from €850 to €850 depending on the engine or car.[1]

Documented faults
90
71 of high or critical severity
Cars analysed
86
with at least one fault on this part
Affected models
86
car generations in our database
Garage repair
€850
Depending on engine and car, including VAT

7 sourcesHow we work

How it works and why it fails

Steering rack and steering column

The rack converts the turning of the steering wheel into movement of the wheels, and the column connects the steering wheel to it. Play, tight spots, noises, or bolts and parts outside specification are the most common documented faults; several have been corrected with recalls.

What to do

Play in the steering wheel, dull clunks when turning at a standstill or imprecise steering deserve an early check: these are safety parts. Use the VIN to check whether your car has an outstanding steering campaign.

General explanation by MotorFiable. The specific faults of each engine and car, with their sources, are on the linked pages.

Common symptoms

The symptoms that come up most often in the documented faults with the steering rack and column. Open each one to see what other faults cause it.

Problems with the steering rack and column by car

Faults documented on specific cars, which occur with any engine. From most to least important.

  1. 1Critical severityVery frequentFrequency: Very frequentPeugeot 208 IIPoorly tightened steering track rods with risk of loss of control (2020-2021 production)Peugeot recalled the 208 IIs built between December 2020 and April 2021 in February 2023 because the nuts on the steering track rods might not be properly tightened, with a risk of losing control of the car.
  2. 2Critical severityVery frequentFrequency: Very frequentSeat AtecaCorrosion of the bolt that secures the steering rackYes: in September 2026 Volkswagen, Audi and Seat recalled cars built between 2016 and 2024, including the Ateca, because a bolt that secures the steering rack to the front axle can break through corrosion and leave the car without steering control. The repair is free at the official network.Repair: €0
  3. 3Critical severityVery frequentFrequency: Very frequentVolkswagen Golf VIICorrosion of the steering rack boltYes: in September 2026 Volkswagen recalled Golfs built between 24 September 2013 and 1 July 2024 because a bolt joining the steering rack can corrode from road salt and compromise control of the car. The inspection and part replacement are free.Repair: €0
  4. 4Critical severityVery frequentFrequency: Very frequentVolkswagen Tiguan IICorrosion of the bolt that secures the steering rackYes: in September 2026 Volkswagen, Audi and Seat recalled cars built between 2013 and 2024, including the Tiguan, because a bolt that secures the steering rack to the front axle can break through corrosion and leave the car without steering control. The repair is free through the official network.Repair: €0
  5. 5Critical severityCommonFrequency: CommonOpel Meriva APower steering faults and recall for the steering rack pinion (2007 units)Yes: fiches-auto.fr describes the power steering as 'a known problem of the brand' on the Meriva A, with pump failures and loss of assistance. In addition, the KBA recalled 748 units built in 2007 because the steering rack pinion might not be properly secured, with a risk of losing the ability to steer the car.
  6. 6High severityCommonFrequency: CommonBMW Serie 1 F20Electric power steering (EPS) and steering rack failureIt is a known fault: gebrauchtwagenberater.de says that electric power steering (EPS) problems are 'not rare' on the F20, and fiches-auto.fr collects owner reports of lost assistance (a worn cable) and steering rack replacement at around 110,000 km, plus a 2016 recall for a soldering defect in the control unit.
  7. 7High severityCommonFrequency: CommonBMW Serie 3 E90Steering rack and power steering pump failureIt is one of the faults owners cite most: fiches-auto.fr describes failures of the steering rack (sometimes locked) and of the power steering pump, mainly on the 318i and 320d, with steering columns replaced for €800-1,200 or a reprogramming for around €200-250 in France.
  8. 8High severityCommonFrequency: CommonBMW X3 F25Play and tight spots in the steering rackAccording to reports collected by fiches-auto.fr, the X3 F25's steering rack is the most-cited non-engine problem: knocking, play and a tight spot near the centre of the steering wheel, with racks replaced from around 48,000 km and some owners having several replacements.Appears at around 48,000 km
  9. 9High severityCommonFrequency: CommonFiat Punto IIElectric power steering motor and column failureYes: it is the most frequently cited non-mechanical fault on the fiches-auto.fr page (42 cases out of around 191 testimonials): the electric power steering motor or column fails and leaves the steering unassisted or intermittent.Appears at around 70,000 km
  10. 10High severityCommonFrequency: CommonMINI Cooper R50Power steering rack and pump failureAccording to the reports collected by fiches-auto.fr, the steering on the Mini R50 is one of its most repeated faults: 27 mentions of a fragile rack (mostly before 2004) and another 27 of the power steering pump, with one pump case at 72,000 km.
  11. 11Critical severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalAbarth 595Steering gear with insufficient lubrication due to water ingress: the steering may stiffen or lock (2017 recall)Safety Gate/RAPEX published in July 2017 (alert 29/2017) a recall of the Fiat 500 and Abarth 500 built in March 2017: water ingress can leave the steering gear without sufficient lubrication, and the steering may stiffen or lock. The alert warns that it may not affect every car.
  12. 12Critical severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalAbarth 595Steering gear rod nut insufficiently tightened (2022 recall)Safety Gate/RAPEX published in June 2022 (alert A12/00831/22) a recall of the Fiat 500 and Fiat 500 Abarth built from 21 to 30 March 2022 (Fiat codes 6450 and 6451): the locking nut on the steering gear rod may be insufficiently tightened, with a risk of losing steering. It affects 174 vehicles worldwide.
  13. 13Critical severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalAudi Q3 ICorrosion of the steering rack bolt (2026 campaign)Yes, in part: the 2026 Volkswagen and Audi campaign for steering bolt corrosion covers Audi Q3 models built between 31 October 2017 and May 2024. As the Q3 I stopped being built in June 2018, only its last cars fall within the campaign; most of the affected Q3s are already second-generation.Repair: €0
  14. 14Critical severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalAudi Q3 IICorrosion of the bolt that secures the steering rack (2026 campaign)Yes: since September 2026, Volkswagen, Audi and Seat have been recalling 2.8 million cars over a steering bolt that can corrode and break. It affects around 696,547 Audi Q3s built between the end of October 2017 and May 2024, which means practically the entire Q3 II production up to that date. The replacement is free at official dealers.Repair: €0
  15. 15Critical severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalCitroën C3 Aircross IManufacturing defect in the steering column (built June-July 2019)Citroën recalled C3 Aircross I cars built in June and July 2019 because a manufacturing defect in the steering column can cause abnormal operation and, in the worst case, a loss of control of the vehicle.
  16. 16Critical severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalFiat Doblò IMissing weld on the steering column shaft: possible loss of steeringIn 2006 a recall was issued in the United Kingdom (DVSA R/2006/138) for Doblòs, MPV and van, built in March and April 2006: the weld on the steering shaft at the lower universal joint could be missing, with possible loss of steering. It appears in the British register and we have not been able to confirm its scope in Spain.
  17. 17Critical severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalFord RangerSteering column that can separate from the intermediate shaft because of a loose boltCampaign 22S64 covers 1,215 Rangers built between 12 January and 17 September 2021: a loose bolt can allow the steering column to separate from the intermediate shaft, with loss of steering and a risk of accident.
  18. 18Critical severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalKia Soul IILoose joint between the steering column and the steering box: three recallsSafety Gate recorded three notices about the steering of the Soul built between July 2013 and September 2015 (in 2014, 2016 and 2018). They describe a loose joint between the column or the rod and the steering box, and a steering box fault that could leave the driver unable to steer the car.
  19. 19Critical severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalLancia Ypsilon IIISteering rack rod locknut not tightened enough (March 2022 cars)Yes, there was a recall: 174 Ypsilon cars built between 21 and 30 March 2022 may have left the factory with the steering rack rod locknut not tightened properly, with a risk of losing control of the car. It is a very limited campaign: confirm your chassis number at an authorised dealer.
  20. 20Critical severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalMercedes-Benz Clase A W176Incorrectly drilled hole in the steering jointMercedes-Benz recalled a batch of A-Class W176 cars built between November 2016 and July 2017 because a drilled hole in the steering shaft joint had incorrect dimensions, with a risk of the joint separating.
  21. 21Critical severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalMercedes-Benz Clase B W246Incorrect drilled hole in the steering jointMercedes-Benz recalled a batch of B-Class cars built between 30 November 2016 and 14 July 2017 because a drilled hole in the steering universal joint had incorrect specifications, with a risk that steering function may be affected.
  22. 22Critical severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalMercedes-Benz Clase C W204Corrosion of the aluminium steering box boltsIn 2024 Mercedes-Benz recalled C-Class cars built between late 2010 and 2016 because the three aluminium bolts that secure the steering box can loosen or break through the ingress of water and sand, weakening the steering.
  23. 23Critical severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalMercedes-Benz Clase C W206Steering coupling failure with a risk of loss of controlYes: Mercedes-Benz registered a campaign for the C-Class W206 because the steering column coupling can fail, which can lead to loss of control of the vehicle.
  24. 24Critical severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalMercedes-Benz Clase E W212Corrosion of the aluminium steering gear boltsIn 2024 Mercedes-Benz recalled E-Class cars built between late 2010 and late 2016 - practically the whole production life of the W212 - because the three aluminium bolts on the steering gear can loosen or break through the ingress of water and sand, weakening the steering.
  25. 25Critical severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalMercedes-Benz GL X164Breakage or corrosion of the aluminium steering box boltsMercedes has recalled the GL twice over the aluminium steering box bolts: in 2023 for possible breakage and in 2024 for corrosion caused by water and salt. If a bolt gives way, steering assistance can be lost.
  26. 26Critical severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalMercedes-Benz GL / GLS X166Breakage or corrosion of the aluminium steering gear boltsMercedes has recalled the GL and GLS X166 twice over the aluminium bolts of the steering gear: in 2023 for possible breakage and in 2024 for corrosion caused by water and salt. If a bolt gives way, steering assistance may be lost.
  27. 27Critical severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalMercedes-Benz GLC X253Steering rack mounting working loose (models up to 2017)On GLC X253 models built up to 2017, the steering rack mounting can work loose, with a risk of losing power assistance; an additional testimony confirms a faulty rack on a GLC 250d.
  28. 28Critical severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalMercedes-Benz GLC X254Steering coupling fault with risk of losing steeringYes: Safety Gate alert SR/03352/25 (Mercedes code 4691007) covers 17,606 vehicles worldwide (C-Class, EQE and GLC built from 2 March 2022 to 23 July 2025) for a manufacturing defect in the coupling between the steering wheel and the steering box, which can work loose and cause a loss of steering.
  29. 29Critical severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalNissan Micra IIIPoorly tightened steering wheel retaining boltTwo separate campaigns (2003 and 2013) cover Micra III cars in which the bolt that secures the steering wheel to the steering shaft may not be properly tightened, with a risk of the steering wheel becoming loose or coming off.
  30. 30Critical severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalOpel Astra HIncorrect assembly of the front axle steering joint (2005-2006)Yes: according to the KBA (Germany's motor transport authority), on Astra Hs built in 2005 and 2006 the guide joint of the right steering arm may not have been properly assembled with the wheel knuckle, which can make the car unstable while driving. It is a factory assembly defect corrected by a campaign, not a wear-related fault.
  31. 31Critical severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalOpel Corsa DRisk of the steering intermediate shaft breakingYes: in 2014 Opel recalled around 8,000 Corsa D and Adam cars built from May 2014 because the steering intermediate shaft could break and cause a total loss of control of the steering wheel; the brand itself asked owners not to drive the car until it had been checked.
  32. 32Critical severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalOpel Vivaro AFaulty connection between the steering wheel and the steering columnYes: Safety Gate alert A12/0960/16 (August 2016) covers Vivaro vans built between 2012 and 2014 because a faulty connection between the steering wheel and the steering column can cause loss of steering. It is a preventive recall: confirm with your chassis number at an official Opel dealer.
  33. 33Critical severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalPeugeot 2008 ILoss or impairment of steering control (2013-2014 production)Yes: Peugeot registered three separate campaigns between 2013 and 2014 (refs. r2014081, r2014046 and r2014051) for the risk of loss or impairment of steering control on vehicles from specific production ranges in those years. The sources consulted do not detail a common technical mechanism across the three.
  34. 34Critical severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalPeugeot 207Electric power steering failureOn some cars the electric steering assistance can cut out and the steering suddenly becomes very heavy; in 2012 Peugeot recalled cars built between late January and February of that year because of a risk of steering failure.
  35. 35Critical severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalRenault Master IIISteering column cover not tightened properly: risk of losing steering (2016-2017)A campaign notified in the EU in April 2018 affects Masters built between 12 May 2016 and 26 June 2017: the steering column cover may not be properly tightened and, in the worst case, could cause the vehicle to lose steering.
  36. 36Critical severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalSeat TarracoCorrosion of the bolt that secures the steering rackYes: in September 2026 Volkswagen, Audi and Seat recalled cars built between 2016 and 2024, including the Tarraco, because a bolt that secures the steering rack to the front axle can break through corrosion and leave the car without steering control. The repair is free at official dealers.Repair: €0
  37. 37Critical severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalSuzuki SX4Steering column incorrectly connected to the steering gear on 2011-2012 vehiclesIn March 2012 Suzuki announced a recall of 2011-2012 SX4, Swift and Splash models because the steering column may not have been properly joined to the steering gear during assembly; in the worst case the car could be left without steering, although the manufacturer knew of no real case. In Germany it affected 826 cars.
  38. 38Critical severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalToyota ProAce IIDamaged steering rack mounting (2016-2018)In 2019 Toyota recalled Proace vehicles built between October 2016 and October 2018 because the steering rack mounting could become damaged and compromise its safety; the remedy was to replace the rack and its mounting.
  39. 39Critical severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalToyota Urban CruiserSteering column mounting bracket with insufficient strengthThe DVSA records a 2014 campaign because the bracket holding the steering column might not be strong enough if the steering wheel is turned hard to full lock repeatedly, and over time the column could come loose. The bracket is replaced on Urban Cruisers built between December 2008 and December 2009.
  40. 40Critical severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalVolkswagen Caddy IIICorrosion of the bolt that secures the steering rackYes: since September 2026 Volkswagen, Audi and Seat have been recalling cars built between 2013 and 2024, the Caddy among them, because a bolt that secures the steering rack to the front axle subframe can corrode and break, with a risk of losing control of the steering. The replacement is free at official dealers.Repair: €0
  41. 41Critical severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalVolkswagen Caddy VCorrosion of the Caddy's steering box fixing boltVolkswagen is recalling the Caddy built between September 2013 and July 2024 because a steering fixing bolt can corrode through moisture and road salt and break; it is replaced free of charge with a more resistant one.
  42. 42Critical severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalVolkswagen T-RocInsufficient tightening of the steering tie rodYes, on the most recent cars: in March 2026 Volkswagen recalled more than 4,000 T-Rocs built between September 2025 and February 2026 because the steering tie rod bolts may have been tightened to an insufficient torque at the factory, with a risk of the rod coming loose and the car losing the ability to steer.Repair: €0
  43. 43Critical severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalVolkswagen Touran IICorrosion of the bolt that secures the steering rackYes: in September 2026 Volkswagen, Audi and Seat recalled cars built between 2013 and 2024, including the Touran, because a bolt that secures the steering rack to the front axle can break through corrosion and leave the car without steering control. The repair is free at official dealers.Repair: €0
  44. 44High severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalAlfa Romeo MiToMiTo electric power steering fault: loss of assistance and heavy spotsThis is a recurring owner complaint: the electric power steering stops assisting, either randomly or completely, or has heavy spots with the warning light on. The fiches-auto.fr entry records 23 mentions out of 297 owner reports; we have not found an official campaign.
  45. 45High severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalCitroën C3 PicassoPower steering failureThe page records 20 cases of power steering failure between 50,000 and 130,000 km.
  46. 46High severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalHyundai i20 IThe electric power steering stiffens when parking and the rack or column can failThe i20's electric power steering can go into overheat protection during repeated parking manoeuvres, stiffening for several minutes until it cools; fiches-auto.fr also documents cases of the steering rack and the whole column being replaced, with noises and play as earlier symptoms.
  47. 47High severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalMercedes-Benz Vito W447Defective steering wheel height adjustment mounting that may give way in a frontal crash (November 2023 to March 2024)Yes: Vito, V-Class, EQV and eVito vehicles built between 10 November 2023 and 13 March 2024 may have a badly secured steering wheel height adjustment, which in a frontal crash might not withstand the impact and worsen the driver's injuries (Safety Gate, alert 7/2025).
  48. 48High severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalNissan Micra IIIElectric power steering failureElectric power steering is one of the most frequently cited weak points of the Micra III: the assist motor, the torque sensor or the control unit can fail, leaving the steering heavier or causing intermittent loss of assistance.
  49. 49High severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalOpel Combo EDamaged steering linkage (track rods), with loss of stabilityIn 2019-2020 units, the steering linkage (track rods) can become damaged, with loss of driving stability and a greater risk of an accident; the Peugeot Rifter and the Citroën Berlingo III had an official campaign for a defect in the same component over a similar period.
  50. 50High severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalPeugeot 2008 IIVibrations, play or failure of the power steering columnSome Peugeot 2008 II models show vibrations, play in the steering wheel or abnormal noises from the power steering column, with documented cases of a failed column between about 11,500 and 23,500 km; in one of them, Peugeot covered only part of the cost outside warranty.Appears at around 11,500 km
  51. 51High severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalToyota Aygo IElectric power steering failure on the Toyota Aygo IThe fiches-auto.fr page lists 9 cases of power steering cutting out during low-speed manoeuvres, with a quote of more than 2,300 euros on a 2006 car with 58,600 km.
  52. 52High severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalVolvo S60 IIFluid leak and noise in the Volvo S60's steering rackAccording to fiches-auto.fr, there are power steering faults with fluid leaks and steering rack noise, including a rack replaced at 28,800 km because of a leak.
  53. 53Medium severityCommonFrequency: CommonAlfa Romeo 159Premature wear of the power steering rackAccording to fiches-auto.fr, the power steering rack of the Alfa Romeo 159 is one of the faults owners cite most, with documented replacements from 60,000 to 148,000 km.Appears at around 60,000 km
  54. 54Medium severityCommonFrequency: CommonKia Ceed IIWear of the steering ball joints and linkagesGerman periodic inspection reports point to the steering joints and suspension ball joints as systematic weak points of this generation, a pattern that matches owner reports of power steering faults and clicking noises when turning.
  55. 55Medium severityCommonFrequency: CommonMercedes-Benz Clase C W205Tie rod wear and play in the steeringTwo German used-car analyses point out that the steering tie rod components of the C-Class W205 fail fairly often at the technical inspection (TÜV), with creaking when turning the steering wheel as the first warning.
  56. 56Medium severityCommonFrequency: CommonOpel Astra GFragile power steering rackThe power steering rack on the Astra G appears as a systematic weak point in owner testimonials, with failures and leaks reported at around 115,000-150,000 km.Appears at around 115,000 km
  57. 57Critical severityRareFrequency: RareCitroën C3 IIIIncorrectly fitted steering column clamp (July 2018 production)Yes: a January 2019 campaign (ref. r2019009) covers vehicles built between 4 and 12 July 2018 because of an incorrectly fitted clamp on the universal joint of the steering column, with a risk to steering control. Peugeot registered an equivalent campaign (r2019010) for the 208 with the same build dates.
  58. 58Critical severityRareFrequency: RareFiat 500Steering mount made of unsuitable material that can make the car harder to control (June 2021 campaign)In June 2021 Fiat opened a campaign because the steering mount on some 500 units was made of unsuitable material that could make the vehicle harder to control. The source consulted does not detail the production period or the number of cars affected.
  59. 59Critical severityRareFrequency: RareJeep AvengerRisk of the electric power steering pinion breaking (April-May 2024 production)Yes: a 2024 campaign covers units built between 5 April and 6 May 2024 in which the pinion inside the electric power steering housing could break, causing very heavy or locked steering.
  60. 60Critical severityRareFrequency: RareOpel Corsa DManufacturing deviation in the steering rack teethIn 2015 Opel recalled Corsa D and Adam cars from the 2015-2016 production years because a manufacturing deviation in the steering rack teeth could cause it to break, with a risk of a road accident.
  61. 61Critical severityRareFrequency: RareOpel Corsa EBadly manufactured steering rack (2017 campaign)According to Auto Express, in February 2017 Opel opened a third campaign on the Corsa over badly manufactured steering racks, separate from the 2015 suspension one; we have not found an official Spanish notification detailing it.
  62. 62Critical severityRareFrequency: RarePeugeot 208 IIncorrectly assembled steering column (July 2018 production)Yes, through a 2019 safety campaign: in a very specific production window (6-12 July 2018), the steering column could be incorrectly assembled on its shaft and come apart, with total loss of steering. Official dealers inspected the affected vehicles free of charge.
  63. 63Critical severityRareFrequency: RarePeugeot 308 IRisk of steering failure (2011 and 2012 production)Yes: two independent recalls cover 308 I units for a steering risk: one from 2012 (ref. r2012119) for possible detachment of the steering on cars built between June and July 2011, and another from 2013 (ref. r2013025) for possible loss of steering control on one unit built in December 2012.
  64. 64Critical severityRareFrequency: RareToyota Aygo IIThe steering column may fail and cause a loss of controlA campaign inspected Aygo cars, and their mechanical siblings the Citroën C1 and Peugeot 108, built in the last part of 2014 because of a possible failure of a part in the steering column assembly that could lead to loss of control of the vehicle.
  65. 65Critical severityRareFrequency: RareToyota Yaris IIThe steering column bracket can crack and loosen the steeringA 2014 recall covered second-generation Yaris built between 2005 and 2009 because the steering column mounting bracket lacked sufficient strength: it could crack after the steering wheel was repeatedly turned to full lock and leave the column loose.
  66. 66Medium severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalAudi A4 B7Power steering pump failure and rack wearfiches-auto.fr records power steering pump failures (with vibration in the steering wheel at idle) and the 2008 TÜV report cited by gebrauchtwagenberater.de occasionally found defective steering racks on the A4 B7.
  67. 67Medium severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalFiat BravoFiat Bravo steering rack failureAccording to the reports gathered by fiches-auto.fr, a fragile steering rack appears frequently and has to be replaced between 85,000 and 95,000 km, with quoted costs of around €450 to €650. There is no official campaign.
  68. 68Medium severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalFord Fiesta VIIPremature wear of the steering rack and track rod endsAuto Express points out that on the Fiesta VII the steering rack "doesn't last long" and that the track rod ends are not very durable either, although the repair is not usually expensive. It is a common point to check when buying a used one.
  69. 69Medium severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalFord Mondeo IVPower steering faults (pump, rack and hoses)The Mondeo IV's power steering can fail because of the pump, the rack, the hoses or the reservoir: according to fiches-auto.fr, a pump working with metal filings from a worn rack ends up making noise and losing effectiveness; the German TÜV inspection report also lists the steering among the problem areas.
  70. 70Medium severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalKia Rio IIINoises, a tight spot or play in the power steering columnFiches-auto.fr records accounts of clicking, a tight spot or play in the electric power steering column of the Kia Rio III, and gebrauchtwagenberater.de places the steering joints among the items that fail most often in German TÜV inspections (the equivalent of the Spanish ITV).
  71. 71Medium severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalOpel Meriva BPower steering pump or column failureAccording to fiches-auto.fr, steering appears in 16 of the 238 testimonials about the Meriva B: a failed steering pump (one case at 61,342 km), a broken column (one case at 30,000 km), noises when turning and heavy steering. We have found no campaign or specialist press to confirm it.
  72. 72Medium severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalOpel Zafira APower steering rack leak and wearThe Zafira A's power steering rack can develop a leak and lose effectiveness around 150,000 km; owners cite a repair of around €850 when it has to be replaced.Repair (garage): €850Appears at around 140,000 km
  73. 73Medium severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalPeugeot 5008 IIWear of the electric power steering and the steering rackSeveral Peugeot 5008 II owners describe wear of the electric power steering that forces replacement of the whole assembly from 29,000 km, and of the steering rack at around 92,000 km, according to a reliability survey with 157 reports.
  74. 74Medium severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalRenault Kangoo IISteering column and power steering control unit faults on the first vehiclesThe first Kangoo II vehicles, built up to 2008-2009, had documented faults in the steering column and in the power steering control unit, the latter resolved with a reprogramming; one additional report describes a loss of assistance caused by an electrical earth problem at 77,000 km.
  75. 75Medium severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalRenault Scénic IPower steering pump and rack leaksAccording to the testimonies collected by fiches-auto.fr, the power steering pump or rack leaks fluid, and the steering becomes heavy or imprecise. No official recall is recorded.
  76. 76Medium severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalToyota Prius IIINoise and play in the steering rack and columnAccording to the fiches-auto.fr page, several Prius III reports mention loud noise and a slight pull to the right from the steering rack, and noise and play in the column; the page cites 5 or more mentions.
  77. 77High severityRareFrequency: RareAudi Q5 IAudi Q5 power steering and steering rack faultsSeven testimonies out of 322 on fiches-auto.fr talk about heavy or noisy steering, a replaced steering rack and loss of assistance. It is an uncommon problem, based only on testimonies.Appears at around 100 km
  78. 78High severityRareFrequency: RareBMW Serie 2 F22Play and noise in the steering rackAccording to the testimonials collected by fiches-auto.fr, one owner reports play and noise in the steering rack, and another with a 235i mentions it as a recurring problem. No official campaign is on record.
  79. 79High severityRareFrequency: RareBMW Serie 5 G30Wear or failure of the electric steering rackThere are documented cases of electric steering rack failure on the 5 Series G30: gebrauchtwagenberater.de reports its replacement in a long-distance endurance test by BILD magazine, and fiches-auto.fr records a similar case on a 2017 540i.
  80. 80High severityRareFrequency: RareBMW X6 E71Wear of the steering rack and power steering pump on the X6 E71According to fiches-auto.fr, the X6 E71's power steering appears in 2 mentions: heavy steering and play in the steering rack. One testimony cites €3,700 for replacing the rack at 110,000 km, and fatigue of the electric pump is mentioned.Appears at around 110,000 km
  81. 81High severityRareFrequency: RareCitroën Berlingo IIIInner steering linkage out of specificationA 2020 recall (ref. R2020209) covers Berlingo IIIs built between 2 December 2019 and 18 January 2020 whose inner steering linkage (track rods) did not meet its specification.
  82. 82High severityRareFrequency: RareFiat 500LSteering rack failure on the Fiat 500LAccording to the owner reports collected by fiches-auto.fr, one owner had to replace the steering rack at 75,000 km because of play, and another describes a stiff steering column caused by a weak battery. These are isolated cases with no official recall.
  83. 83High severityRareFrequency: RareFord Fiesta VIII2020 recall for steering columns below standardIn January 2020 Ford recalled certain Fiesta VIII units over steering columns "below standard". Auto Express does not detail the exact failure mode or the number of vehicles affected.
  84. 84High severityRareFrequency: RareOpel Mokka ASteering column recall over a fragile torque sensorAccording to the fiches-auto.fr entry, in June 2015 309 Mokkas were recalled over a fragile steering column torque sensor. We have not been able to cross-check it with the manufacturer or the press.
  85. 85High severityRareFrequency: RarePeugeot RifterInner steering linkage out of specificationA 2020 recall (ref. r2020208) covers Rifters built between 2 December 2019 and 18 January 2020 whose inner steering linkage (track rods) did not meet its specification.
  86. 86High severityRareFrequency: RareSeat ExeoPower steering pump failure and steering rack leaksAccording to the fiches-auto.fr reports, there are owners with a failed power steering pump at 120,000 km (the manufacturer paid 50%) and a steering rack leak at 48,900 km. These are isolated cases on 2.0 TDI cars.
  87. 87Low severityCommonFrequency: CommonToyota RAV4 IIIThe steering column makes noise and feels loose at the wheelIt is the most repeated non-engine complaint about this RAV4: more than 50 testimonies on fiches-auto.fr describe a loose steering column, with creaks or clicks from around 30,000 km; gebrauchtwagenberater.de confirms it as a creak in the steering rack that is fixed by replacing the universal joints, and describes it as a comfort problem, not a safety one.
  88. 88Medium severityRareFrequency: RareCitroën C3 IIISteering column bearing out of specification (January 2018 production)A July 2018 campaign (ref. r2018197) covers vehicles built between 11 and 22 January 2018 because of a steering column bearing that did not meet the factory specification.
  89. 89Medium severityRareFrequency: RareHonda CR-V IIIPower steering rack and hydraulic hose failureAccording to the testimonials on fiches-auto.fr, 5 of 123 CR-V III owners cite power steering problems: a replaced rack and a steering hose at 210,000 km (€300 for the part, according to the testimonial).Appears at around 210,000 km
  90. 90Low severityRareFrequency: RareHyundai i40Steering column clicking noise caused by the rubber damperAccording to Gebrauchtwagenberater.de, some i40 owners notice a clicking noise in the steering, attributed to a rubber damper in the steering column. The source gives no years, mileage or cost.

Problems with the steering rack and column by make

Problems with the steering rack and column in your car

4 cars have several documented faults with the steering rack and column. Choose yours to see only the ones that affect them, by engine and by year.

Abarth 1
Citroën 1
Nissan 1
Opel 1

How much it costs to repair a fault with the steering rack and column

Sorted from the most expensive repair to the cheapest. Prices in Spain including VAT (parts and labour); what each figure includes is on its page.

How we calculate costs · The most expensive repairs across all engines

Frequently asked questions

Which cars have problems with the steering rack and column?

Among those we have analysed: Peugeot 208 II (poorly tightened steering track rods with risk of loss of control (2020-2021 production)), Seat Ateca (corrosion of the bolt that secures the steering rack), Volkswagen Golf VII (corrosion of the steering rack bolt), Volkswagen Tiguan II (corrosion of the bolt that secures the steering rack), Opel Meriva A (power steering faults and recall for the steering rack pinion (2007 units)), BMW Serie 1 F20 (electric power steering (EPS) and steering rack failure), BMW Serie 3 E90 (steering rack and power steering pump failure) and BMW X3 F25 (play and tight spots in the steering rack). In total, 86 cars with documented faults with the steering rack and column.

How much does it cost to repair a fault with the steering rack and column?

It depends a lot on the engine or car. At an independent garage, from €850 to €850; at a dealer, from €0 to €0, including VAT, based on the 10 faults with a documented cost. The most expensive is power steering rack leak and wear (Opel Zafira A).

What symptoms does a fault with the steering rack and column cause?

The most frequently cited in the documented faults: heavy steering or power steering warning, abnormal play in the steering or noises from the front axle, creaking or clicking when turning the steering wheel, power steering warning light on, steering wheel vibrates or shakes when driving and car pulls to one side or steering wheel is not straight.

Sources

Every fact on this page links to its source. If you find an error, let us know.

  1. 1.Fiabilité Opel Zafira (1999-2005) - pannes et problèmes recensésFiches-auto.fr · Owners' forum · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  2. 2.Rückruf bei VW, Audi & Seat: Lenkung bei 3 Mio. Pkw kann ausfallenWinFuture · General press · published 25 September 2026 · consulted 26 September 2026 · in German
  3. 3.Volkswagen y Audi llaman a revisión a casi tres millones de vehículos por un posible fallo en la dirección: estos son los modelos afectadosInfobae · General press · published 25 September 2026 · consulted 26 September 2026 · in Spanish
  4. 4.Rückruf bei VW und Audi: Lenkungsausfall droht – was tun?WirtschaftsWoche · General press · published 26 September 2026 · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
  5. 5.La llamada a revisión de Volkswagen por corrosión en la dirección afecta a 2,8 millones de cochesMotor16 · Motoring press · published 26 September 2026 · consulted 27 September 2026 · in Spanish
  6. 6.Lenkung beim T-Roc kann ausfallen: VW ruft mehr als 4000 Fahrzeuge zurückNordbayern.de (Nürnberger Nachrichten) · General press · published 11 March 2026 · consulted 26 September 2026 · in German
  7. 7.Volkswagen, Audi y Seat llaman a revisión 2,8 millones de coches por un posible fallo de direcciónMerca2 · General press · published 26 September 2026 · consulted 27 September 2026 · in Spanish