Does Extended Warranty Cover Power Steering Repairs?
Power steering failure goes from uncomfortable to dangerous quickly. Whether your vehicle uses a traditional hydraulic pump or the newer electric power steering system, a breakdown can make the car difficult — or impossible — to control at low speeds. Understanding whether your extended warranty covers it, and which components are included, could save you $1,000 to $2,500 when it happens.
Quick Answer
Power steering repairs are covered on Enhanced Powertrain, Deluxe, and New Car Coverage plans. Covered components include the power steering pump (hydraulic), rack and pinion, steering gear box, and electric power steering (EPS) motor and control module (on Deluxe and exclusionary plans). Power steering fluid and steering fluid flushes are maintenance items excluded on all plans. Pre-authorization before any steering repair is required.
Key Takeaways
- 1Power steering pump replacement is covered on Enhanced Powertrain and higher plans — costs $400–$800 including labor.
- 2Rack and pinion replacement costs $1,000–$2,500 and is covered on Deluxe and exclusionary plans.
- 3Electric power steering (EPS) motor is covered on Deluxe and New Car Coverage plans — replacement runs $600–$1,500.
- 4Power steering fluid and steering fluid flushes are maintenance items excluded on all plans.
- 5EPS failures on modern vehicles can cause sudden complete loss of steering assist — treat any EPS warning light as urgent.
- 6Tie rod ends (which connect the rack to the wheel) are covered on Deluxe and exclusionary plans, excluded on powertrain plans.
Hydraulic vs. Electric Power Steering: How Coverage Differs
The type of power steering your vehicle uses affects which components may fail — and how they are covered:
Hydraulic Power Steering (Common on vehicles built before 2012)
Hydraulic systems use a belt-driven pump to pressurize steering fluid, which assists the rack and pinion. Common failure points:
- Power steering pump: Wears out or develops internal leaks. Replacement: $400–$800. Covered on Enhanced Powertrain and above.
- Rack and pinion: The steering gear itself. Internal seals can leak. Replacement: $1,000–$2,500. Covered on Deluxe and above.
- Power steering hoses: High-pressure and return hoses develop cracks or leaks. Replacement: $200–$500. Covered on Deluxe and above.
- Power steering fluid: Maintenance item. Excluded on all plans.
Electric Power Steering — EPS (Common on vehicles built after 2012)
EPS systems eliminate the belt-driven pump entirely. An electric motor — mounted on the steering column or rack — provides assist on demand. No fluid is required. Common failure points:
- EPS motor: Electric motor that provides steering assist. Failure causes loss of power assist — steering becomes very heavy. Replacement: $600–$1,500. Covered on Deluxe and New Car Coverage.
- EPS control module (EPAS module): Electronic brain of the system. Replacement: $400–$900. Covered on Deluxe and New Car Coverage.
- Torque sensor: Measures steering input force. Replacement: $300–$700. Covered on exclusionary plans.
- EPS rack with integrated motor: Some vehicles use a motor mounted directly on the rack. Complete rack + motor replacement: $900–$2,000. Covered on Deluxe and above.
Rack and pinion replacement is one of the most expensive single steering system repairs at $1,000–$2,500 — and electric power steering failures are increasingly common in vehicles built after 2012, with EPS motor replacements averaging $600–$1,500 according to RepairPal's cost database. — RepairPal, power steering and EPS repair cost data; AAA 2023 vehicle repair benchmarks
Warning Signs of Power Steering Failure
Recognizing power steering failure early can prevent more expensive consequential damage — and in the case of EPS failures, prevent a dangerous loss of control while driving. Watch for:
Athena Auto Protection
Cap Your Repair Risk at $100
- $100 flat deductible — every repair, every time
- Claims paid directly to the shop within 48 hours
- Coverage available in 48 states
- Heavy or stiff steering wheel: Especially at low speeds. Classic sign of hydraulic pump failure or EPS motor failure.
- Whining or groaning noise when turning: Indicates a hydraulic pump struggling — usually low fluid or internal pump wear.
- Power steering warning light: EPS systems illuminate a warning light (often a steering wheel icon) when the system detects a fault.
- Steering fluid leak: Puddle of reddish-brown or clear fluid under the vehicle near the front steering area. Indicates a hose, pump, or rack seal leak.
- Loose or wandering steering: Excessive play in the wheel or the vehicle pulling to one side — may indicate rack and pinion wear or tie rod failure.
Rack and Pinion: The Most Expensive Covered Steering Repair
The rack and pinion converts rotational steering wheel input into the lateral movement that turns the wheels. It is a complex hydraulic or mechanical component expected to last 100,000–200,000 miles in normal conditions. When internal seals fail or the rack develops mechanical wear, symptoms include:
- Power steering fluid pooling under the center of the vehicle
- Excessive steering wheel play
- Clunking or knocking sounds during turning
- Vehicle drifting off-center
Rack and pinion replacement is labor-intensive — typically 3–6 hours — and requires a wheel alignment afterward. Labor and alignment together typically add $200–$400 to the bill. Alignment after steering repairs is excluded from warranty coverage as a post-repair service item.
Consumer Reports reliability data shows power steering failures rank among the most commonly reported mechanical complaints on vehicles between 75,000 and 125,000 miles, with hydraulic rack failures disproportionately affecting domestic vehicles and EPS failures increasingly common across all brands using electric assist systems. — Consumer Reports, vehicle reliability steering system data; J.D. Power 2023 Vehicle Service Contract Satisfaction Study
How Alignment Fits Into a Steering Repair Claim
Almost every steering or suspension repair requires a wheel alignment afterward to ensure proper handling and prevent uneven tire wear. Alignments are a service item — excluded from extended warranty coverage on all plans. When you pick up your vehicle after a covered steering repair, the warranty will have paid for the covered component and labor, but the alignment ($100–$200 at most shops) is your responsibility.
Factor this into your expectations so there are no surprises at pickup. A good shop will always recommend alignment after steering work — this is appropriate and not an attempt to add unnecessary charges.
Sources & Methodology
Last Updated: April 2026
RepairPal — Power steering repair cost estimates: RepairPal, power steering repair cost database
AAA — 2023 Your Driving Costs study: AAA, 2023 Your Driving Costs study
Consumer Reports — Steering system reliability data: Consumer Reports, vehicle reliability steering system data
J.D. Power — 2023 Vehicle Service Contract Satisfaction Study: J.D. Power, 2023 Vehicle Service Contract Satisfaction Study
NHTSA — Power steering safety data and recalls: NHTSA, power steering safety data and consumer protection resources
Federal Trade Commission — Warranty guidance for consumers: Federal Trade Commission, warranty consumer guidance
Need Help Choosing Coverage?
Our licensed agents are available 24/7 to answer your questions and help you find the perfect warranty plan for your vehicle.
Get Your Free Quote Today
No obligation. No pressure. Results in minutes.
- $100 flat deductible — every repair, every time
- Claims paid directly to the shop within 48 hours
- Coverage available in 48 states
About the Article Author
Danielle Gougion
Director of Operations
Danielle leads Athena's customer experience and fulfillment operations, translating policy language into real outcomes for drivers. With a background in consumer advocacy and contract compliance, she ensures every customer fully understands their coverage before they ever need to use it.