Electric power steering makes modern driving feel light and responsive, but when an EPS “Fault” alert pops up on your dashboard, it can be confusing—and sometimes scary. If your vehicle repeatedly shows EPS warnings or loses steering assist despite multiple repairs, you may be wondering whether California’s Lemon Law applies. This article explains what the “Fault” alert typically means, common symptoms and causes, and how a California lemon law firm like ZapLemon can help you understand your rights and next steps.
Electric Power Steering "Fault" Alerts Explained
An electric power steering (EPS) “Fault” alert usually means the vehicle’s steering assist system has detected a problem. Instead of hydraulic fluid, EPS uses an electric motor, sensors, and control modules to help turn the wheel. When something in that system misbehaves—like a sensor reading outside range, a failed steering torque sensor, a power supply issue, or a software glitch—the car may trigger a warning, reduce assist, or switch off assist entirely.
Drivers often describe symptoms such as a suddenly heavy steering wheel, intermittent loss of assist, the wheel pulling to one side, jerky or notchy steering at low speeds, or a steering wheel that won’t center properly. Sometimes the warning appears after hitting a bump or during a cold start; in other cases, it shows up randomly and then disappears before the service appointment. The intermittent nature can make the issue hard to replicate at the dealership.
Causes run from simple to complex. Low battery voltage, weak alternators, loose grounds, or corroded connectors can trigger EPS alerts. More involved causes include faulty steering angle or torque sensors, damaged clocksprings, failing EPS motors, overheating, or software that needs to be updated. Automakers occasionally issue Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) or, in some cases, recalls to address known EPS concerns. If you’re seeing repeated warnings, it’s wise to check for open recalls, ask the dealer to scan for stored codes, and request that all findings be documented on your repair order.
How California Lemon Law Firms Help with EPS "Fault" Alerts
California’s Lemon Law (part of the Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act) generally protects consumers when a vehicle has a substantial defect covered by warranty that the manufacturer or its authorized repair facility cannot fix after a reasonable number of attempts. Repeated EPS “Fault” alerts can affect steering safety, confidence, and daily use—issues that may be relevant under the law. The specifics depend on your facts, including warranty status, number of repairs, days out of service, and whether the issue substantially impairs use, value, or safety.
A California lemon law firm like ZapLemon can review your situation, look at service records, and help you understand the process for asserting your rights. This often includes assessing how many documented repair attempts were made for the same EPS problem, whether the dealer verified the concern, and whether there were extended periods when your vehicle was unavailable due to repairs. Firms may also look for patterns such as recurring diagnostic trouble codes, repeat parts replacements, or TSBs applied without lasting results.
While every case is different, a firm can communicate with the manufacturer, help organize your documentation, and discuss potential remedies permitted by law, such as repurchase, replacement, or a cash-and-keep settlement, where appropriate. In many successful California lemon law cases, the manufacturer may be responsible for the consumer’s reasonable attorney’s fees, which can make it easier to pursue a claim. None of this is a promise of outcome—only a general explanation of how these matters are typically approached.
Practical steps can make a big difference. Keep copies of all repair orders and invoices, ensure the dealer writes down your exact EPS symptoms and any warning lights, ask for printouts of diagnostic codes, and note dates and mileage for every visit. Review your warranty booklet, check for recalls and TSBs, and consider filing a complaint with NHTSA if you believe there’s a safety concern. If you think your vehicle may qualify under California’s Lemon Law, contact ZapLemon for an evaluation. This article is for informational purposes only, is not legal advice, and reading it does not create an attorney-client relationship. Attorney advertising. For a consultation, contact ZapLemon at (310) 489-3017 or visit https://zaplemon.com.