Intermittent power steering loss can turn an ordinary drive into a stressful, even dangerous experience. If your steering suddenly becomes heavy or unresponsive and then returns to normal, you’re not imagining things—and you’re not alone. This article explains what intermittent power steering loss looks like in everyday terms and outlines how California’s Lemon Law may apply to repeated, unresolved steering problems. It’s designed to help you understand your options and what to document, without offering legal advice.
What Intermittent Power Steering Loss Means
Intermittent power steering loss is when your vehicle’s steering assist cuts out and then comes back, sometimes within seconds. You might feel the wheel suddenly get very heavy during a turn, notice a steering warning light, or hear a chime. It often happens at low speeds (like parking) but can also occur at highway speeds, making the car harder to control and raising the risk of a near miss or collision.
Common triggers include cold starts, sharp turns, bumpy roads, rain or car washes, or after battery work. On modern cars with electric power steering (EPS), causes can include a faulty torque or steering angle sensor, loose ground or damaged wiring, overheating or failing EPS motor, or software issues. On vehicles with hydraulic systems, a slipping belt, failing pump, leaking or contaminated fluid, or a worn rack can cause intermittent assist.
If you experience this issue, safety comes first. Avoid driving if the steering feels unpredictable. When it’s safe, note the exact conditions: speed, temperature, road type, steering angle (parking lot vs. freeway ramp), dashboard warnings, and whether restarting the car helps. Take photos or short videos of warning lights, and keep every repair order from the dealer. These details can help a technician pinpoint the defect and, if the problem continues, may be important for a potential California Lemon Law claim.
California Lemon Law Rights for Steering Issues
California’s Lemon Law (the Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act) may protect you when a vehicle has a defect covered by the manufacturer’s warranty that the dealer cannot fix after a reasonable number of attempts. Intermittent power steering loss often qualifies as a “safety-related” issue because it affects vehicle control. While every case depends on its facts, safety defects may require fewer repair attempts to be considered “reasonable” compared to non-safety problems.
The law’s “presumption” guideline (within the first 18 months or 18,000 miles) is a useful reference point: generally, two or more repair attempts for a defect that could cause serious injury or death, four or more for a non-safety defect, or a total of 30+ days out of service. Even if you’re outside those mileage or time limits, you may still have rights under the Lemon Law. Potential remedies can include a repurchase (buyback) or a replacement vehicle, and in some situations reimbursement of incidental expenses like towing or rental—though outcomes vary and depend on the specifics.
To protect your potential claim, keep your warranty booklet and read what’s covered, always take the car to an authorized dealer, and describe the steering symptoms the same way each visit. Ask the service advisor to note “customer states intermittent power steering loss” and any warning lights on the repair order. Request copies of all repair orders and diagnostic codes, track how many days your car is in the shop, and check for recalls or technical service bulletins (TSBs). If the problem continues, consider speaking with a California lemon law attorney to understand your options.
This article is for informational purposes only, is not legal advice, and does not create an attorney-client relationship. Attorney advertising. Results depend on your specific facts and warranty coverage. If you’re experiencing intermittent power steering loss and believe your vehicle may qualify as a lemon, contact ZapLemon for a consultation at [phone number] or visit [website]. A short conversation can help you understand the next steps and what documents to gather.