Can you still drive if electric power steering goes out?

Yes—most modern cars remain steerable if electric power steering (EPS) fails because a mechanical link still connects the steering wheel to the wheels. However, the steering becomes dramatically heavier at low speeds, making the vehicle harder to control and increasing crash risk. The prudent move is to slow down, pull over safely, and arrange service rather than continue driving normally.

What actually happens when EPS fails

Electric power steering uses an electric motor to assist the effort you apply at the wheel. If the system detects a fault, overheats, or loses electrical power, it shuts off assistance and you’re left with manual steering only. The wheel won’t lock, but it will feel very heavy—especially below 20 mph, during parking, and in tight turns. Advanced driver-assistance features that rely on EPS—such as lane-keep assist and automated parking—will also switch off, and you’ll typically see a warning like “Power Steering Assist Fault” or an amber steering-wheel icon on the dash.

Typical signs and warnings

The following points outline common symptoms drivers notice when EPS assistance drops out.

• A power-steering warning light or message on the instrument cluster.
• Sudden increase in steering effort, most noticeable at low speeds or when parking.
• Intermittent assist that returns after a restart or after the car cools down.
• Loss of lane-keeping or park-assist features accompanied by related warnings.
• Concurrent battery/charging or stability-control warnings if the root cause is electrical.

Taken together, these indicators point to a fault in the assist system rather than a total mechanical failure of the steering linkage, which is rare in modern vehicles.

Is it safe—or legal—to keep driving?

It’s physically possible to keep driving, and at highway speeds steering effort may feel manageable. But evasive maneuvers, sharp turns, and parking can become dangerously difficult, especially for smaller or fatigued drivers. Laws vary, but operating a vehicle with a known defect that impairs control can expose you to citations or liability if a crash occurs. The safest course: get off the road and address the issue.

When you might creep to a safe spot vs. when to stop immediately

Use the considerations below to decide whether to move a short distance to safety or stop right away.

• Reasonable to proceed slowly: You’re on a straight roadway with light traffic and can reach a wide shoulder, parking lot, or service area within a short distance without tight turns.
• Do not continue: The steering binds or feels notchy, you see charging/battery warnings, traffic is heavy, the route requires tight/complex maneuvers, road conditions are poor (rain, snow, gravel), or you don’t feel confident controlling the vehicle.

If in doubt, treat it as a roadside emergency: pull over as soon as it’s safe and seek assistance.

What to do immediately if your EPS assist drops out

These steps help you maintain control and get the vehicle to a safe stop without creating new hazards.

1. Grip the wheel firmly with both hands; avoid sudden inputs.
2. Switch on hazard lights to alert other drivers.
3. Ease off the accelerator and gently brake; don’t slam the brakes.
4. Signal and steer smoothly to the shoulder or the nearest safe area.
5. Keep the engine running while moving—do not switch off the ignition, which can disable airbags and brake assist and may risk steering lock in some systems.
6. Once parked safely, try turning the car off and back on to see if assist returns; some faults are intermittent or heat-related.
7. Check for dash messages, scan for fault codes if you have a reader, and inspect the battery warning light.
8. If assist does not return or you see electrical warnings, arrange a tow; avoid tight maneuvers that demand high steering effort.

Following these steps prioritizes control and visibility, while avoiding actions that could worsen the situation or disable safety systems.

Common causes and quick checks

EPS systems are sensitive to power quality and temperature. The items below cover frequent culprits and simple owner-level checks.

• Low system voltage: A weak battery or failing alternator can disable EPS; look for a battery/charging light and consider a battery/charging test.
• Blown fuse or faulty relay: Consult the fuse diagram; a simple replacement can restore assist if the underlying issue is resolved.
• Overheated EPS motor: Prolonged low-speed, high-steering loads (tight parking) can overheat the motor; assist may return after cooling.
• Steering angle or torque sensor fault: Can trigger warnings and loss of assist; sometimes fixed with recalibration after alignment or software updates.
• Wiring or ground issues: Corrosion, water intrusion, or loose connectors in the column or rack area can interrupt power or signals.
• Software glitches or TSBs/recalls: Some models have updates addressing intermittent assist loss; check for technical service bulletins or open recalls by VIN.

Because multiple systems can interplay, a professional scan with manufacturer-level diagnostics often pinpoints the true root cause quickly.

How steering feels without assist at different speeds

At parking-lot speeds, expect very heavy effort—often requiring two hands and deliberate movement, which can make precise maneuvers tough. As speed rises, tire self-aligning forces reduce the required effort, so it can feel almost normal on a straight highway. The danger comes when you need to make a sudden lane change, navigate tight ramps, or park; the necessary muscle may exceed what some drivers can comfortably provide.

Repair paths and typical costs

Depending on diagnosis, fixes range from quick and inexpensive to major component replacement. Here are common repair scenarios and ballpark costs (parts + labor vary by model and region).

• Battery or alternator replacement: approximately $200–$1,000+ depending on vehicle and parts quality.
• Fuse/relay replacement or wiring repair: typically under $200, more if harness work is extensive.
• Sensor recalibration or replacement (steering angle/torque): roughly $150–$500.
• EPS motor or control module repair: around $400–$1,200.
• Electric steering column or rack replacement: about $1,200–$2,500+; alignment usually required afterward.

A precise estimate requires a technician’s diagnostic report, but checking charging health and fuses first can rule out simple causes.

Prevention and good habits

Routine care can reduce the odds of EPS trouble and improve resilience when it does occur.

• Maintain a healthy battery and charging system; replace aging batteries proactively in extreme climates.
• Avoid holding the wheel at full lock for long periods, which stresses and heats EPS components.
• Keep connectors and grounds dry and clean; avoid deep water and pressure-washing near the rack or column.
• Get alignments after suspension work; ensure steering-angle sensor calibration is performed when specified.
• Check for software updates, TSBs, or recalls by VIN—especially if you’ve experienced intermittent assist loss.

These practices won’t eliminate all failures, but they significantly lower the risk of sudden assist loss and help ensure predictable steering behavior.

Bottom line

You can still steer most vehicles if electric power steering fails, but control becomes significantly harder at low speeds and during emergency maneuvers. Treat it as a safety issue: slow down, pull over, and arrange diagnosis or a tow. If you must move the car, do so carefully, over a short distance, and only when conditions are safe.

Summary

Most cars remain mechanically steerable when EPS goes out, but the wheel becomes much heavier—especially at low speeds—and driver-assist features shut down. It’s technically possible to continue, yet not advisable. Safest actions: maintain a firm grip, signal and pull over, avoid shutting off the engine while moving, check for electrical warnings, and seek professional diagnosis. Common causes include low voltage, blown fuses, overheated motors, sensor faults, wiring issues, or software problems; repairs range from simple electrical fixes to steering rack replacement.

Can you still drive without electric power steering?

Yes, people can drive a car without power steering, but it can be more challenging, especially at low speeds. Power steering systems use hydraulic or electric assistance to make steering easier, particularly when turning or maneuvering.

Can I drive with an electric power steering light on?

If you’re driving along and you notice your power steering light come on – which looks like a steering wheel with an exclamation mark next to it – you should park your car in a safe place as soon as you can, taking extra care as you’ll be struggling a little with much heavier steering.

How much to fix electric power steering?

Fixing electric power steering can cost $500 to $3,000 or more, depending on the specific part that needs replacement and the vehicle’s make and model. Key components like the electronic control unit (ECU) can cost $500 to $2,000 to replace or reprogram, while replacing an entire power steering system, such as a steering rack, can be significantly more expensive. The best way to get an accurate estimate is to have a professional mechanic diagnose the issue for your specific car.
 
This video explains the factors that affect the cost of fixing electric power steering: 58sLearnToDIY360YouTube · Jan 22, 2025
Factors influencing the cost

• Vehicle Make and Model: Luxury or specialized vehicles often have higher part and labor costs. 
• Specific Component: The price varies widely based on whether the issue is a faulty sensor, a failed electronic control unit, or a more extensive system failure. 
• Part Quality: New, rebuilt, or aftermarket parts will have different price points, with new parts generally being the most expensive but offering greater reliability. 
• Labor Costs: Mechanic labor rates differ by location and may increase for more complex repairs, according to Reddit users and PartsHawk. 
• Reprogramming: Electric power steering systems often require a diagnostic and reprogramming service after a component is replaced, which adds to the total cost. 

You can watch this video to learn more about the components of electric power steering: 1mLearnToDIY360YouTube · Jan 24, 2025
What could be the problem?

• Electronic Control Unit (ECU) Failure: The “brain” of the system, its failure can be due to software, hardware, or electrical issues. 
• Sensor Malfunction: Problems with sensors can disrupt the entire system’s operation. 
• Steering Rack Failure: The rack-and-pinion assembly is a major part of the system and can be costly to replace. 

How to get an estimate
The most reliable way to get an accurate cost is to take your vehicle to a trusted mechanic for a proper diagnosis and a detailed estimate.

What happens if electric power steering fails?

If electric power steering (EPS) fails, you will experience a sudden loss of steering assistance, making the steering wheel feel very heavy and difficult to turn, especially at low speeds or during parking. While you can still steer the vehicle, you will need to use more physical force, making maneuvering and emergency avoidance dangerous. You should not panic, but rather pull over to a safe location and get the vehicle inspected and repaired as soon as possible, as it is not safe to drive long-term without functioning power steering. 
What to Expect

• Heavy Steering: Opens in new tabThe most noticeable effect is the steering wheel becoming significantly harder to turn, similar to driving a car from decades ago. 
• Parking and Low-Speed Difficulty: Opens in new tabManeuvering in tight spaces like parking lots will be extremely challenging. 
• Warning Lights: Opens in new tabYou may see warning lights or messages on your dashboard, such as “power steering assist fault”. 
• Vehicle Behavior: Opens in new tabIn some cases, a partial failure could cause a delay in steering response, a vehicle pulling to one side, or a wobbling at high speeds. 

What to Do

1. Pull Over Safely: Find a safe location to pull the vehicle off the road. 
2. Do Not Panic: Stay calm. The vehicle is still controllable. 
3. Turn on Hazard Lights: Activate your hazard lights to alert other drivers. 
4. Assess Steering Difficulty: Check how much force is needed to turn the wheel to decide if you can safely drive it to a nearby technician or if it needs to be towed. 
5. Seek Professional Help: Have your vehicle inspected and repaired by a qualified mechanic as soon as possible. 

Why It’s Dangerous

• Reduced Control: The increased effort required to turn can make it difficult to react quickly in emergency situations, increasing the risk of an accident. 
• Unpredictable Behavior: Some failures can cause a delay in steering response or a tendency for the vehicle to wander, further reducing driver control.