The electric power steering of the Audi A5 from 2012 onwards is known for problems such as heavy steering, a vague feel in the steering wheel and a characteristic notch when turning. These faults are caused by failures in sensors, the steering module or wiring. This leads to dangerous situations. Your car suddenly becomes extremely heavy to steer. Find out what exactly is happening, how to recognise the warning signs and which solutions are available.
Can you recognise a fault in your power steering?
The Audi A5 from model year 2012 is fitted with electric power steering instead of the older hydraulic system. This modern system works with sensors, an electric motor and a steering module. The steering module communicates digitally with your car. When one of these components fails, you notice the effects immediately while driving.
The most common symptoms are heavy steering without warning, a vague or loose feel in the steering wheel, and the steering not centring itself automatically after a bend. With a vague or loose feel, you cannot clearly sense how the wheels are responding. Owners also regularly report a strange notch or resistance when turning. The steering then seems to hit something. These complaints sometimes occur intermittently, which makes diagnosis difficult.
A warning light often appears on your dashboard with the message “Steering fault” or “EPS” (Electric Power Steering). In many cases the light turns yellow. In serious cases it turns red with the addition “Do not drive”. In the latter case steering becomes extremely heavy and you lose virtually all assistance, which is dangerous in traffic. Fault codes such as B200000, B200049 or C0051 appear during diagnosis with an OBD2 scanner (a device that reads fault codes from the car’s system).
‘ The Power Steering Module (PSM) is a common weak point in the Audi A5. ’
What causes these steering problems?
The causes are often found in the sensitive electronics of the steering system. The torque sensor measures how much force you apply to the steering wheel. This sensor can fail due to wear or corrosion. It then sends incorrect signals to the steering module. As a result, the assistance does not respond properly or cuts out completely.
The Power Steering Module (PSM) is a common weak point in the Audi A5. This small electronic control unit manages the electric power steering. The PSM is mounted low in the car and is vulnerable to moisture. In wet weather or after driving on wet roads, water enters through ageing seals. This leads to corrosion and failures in the module.
In addition, loose or damaged cables and connectors cause intermittent problems. Vibrations while driving or careless work can create poor connections. These connections cause failures at random moments. Software errors or an incorrectly calibrated steering angle sensor also lead to strange steering behaviour. The steering angle sensor measures the position and angle of rotation of the steering wheel.
Mechanical faults such as worn bearings in the steering rack or a faulty rotor are less common. They also cause noises and jerky assistance. The front-wheel drive design of the A5 makes the system extra sensitive to these problems. The load on the front wheels is higher with front-wheel drive.
How do you solve power steering problems?
Always start with a thorough diagnosis. Only then replace parts. Connect an OBD2 scanner. Read the fault codes from the system. Codes starting with B200000 often point to a PSM fault. C0051 or C0052 indicate problems with the steering angle sensor. Advanced scanners look deeper into the steering module and provide more specific information.
As a first step, check the fuses. In the fuse box under the dashboard and in the engine bay, look for blown EPS-related fuses. A battery reset sometimes resolves temporary software glitches. Disconnect the negative terminal of your battery. Wait three minutes. Then start the engine again.
For calibration issues, follow these steps. Turn the steering wheel fully to the left until it hits the stop. Then turn it fully to the right. Restart the engine. This reinitialises the steering angle sensor. Also inspect the wiring around the steering rack. Look for visible damage and corrosion. Also check for loose connectors.
Persistent problems require professional repairs:
- Replacement of the torque sensor or the associated chip in the steering rack
- Repair or replacement of the Power Steering Module, including reprogramming
- Renewal of seals and rubbers (grommets are rubber sealing rings) to prevent moisture ingress
- Replacement of worn bearings or the rotor in the steering system
- Software update at the dealer for known EPS bugs
Many Audi owners choose specialised workshops instead of the dealer. PSM repair is often cheaper than full replacement. However, the repair does require specific knowledge and equipment for programming the module. Expect costs between 500 and 1,500 euros. The exact amount depends on the faulty component. Your choice between refurbishment or new parts also plays a role.
Is this a known weak point on used cars?
Yes, the electric power steering is something to pay attention to when buying a used Audi A5 from the 2012–2017 period. Owners on car forums regularly report sudden failures around 100,000 kilometres. Problems can also occur earlier or later. It is not a widespread defect, but it does occur often enough to stay alert.
Actively test for symptoms during a test drive. Pay attention to heavy steering at low speed. Watch out for a vague feel when driving on the motorway. Check whether the steering returns to centre by itself after bends. Ask the seller whether there have been steering problems in the past. Check the service history for related repairs.
Before purchase, have a diagnosis carried out with an OBD2 scanner. This scanner reads Audi-specific fault codes. There may be no warning light, yet fault codes can still be stored in the memory. These point to earlier problems. Check whether software updates have been carried out. Audi has released updates for certain model years which solve EPS issues.
Pay extra attention with cars that have mainly been driven in city traffic. Frequent manoeuvring at low speed puts more load on the power steering. Used cars that have often been driven in wet conditions have a higher risk. Moisture-related PSM faults occur more frequently in these cars.
‘ Early signs of developing faults sometimes go unnoticed. ’
Prevent problems with regular maintenance
Electric power steering is considered maintenance-free. You can extend its lifespan with a few preventive measures. Once a year, check the seals around the steering rack and the PSM for signs of moisture ingress. Pay particular attention after winter. Salt and moisture then cause extra corrosion.
Have fault codes read at each service. Have this done even if no warning light is on. Early signs of developing faults sometimes go unnoticed but are still stored in the system. Ask the dealer whether software updates are available for your specific model year. These fix known bugs.
Avoid aggressive steering to full lock. This puts unnecessary strain on the motor and sensors. Above all, do not do this while stationary. Do you drive in extreme weather conditions or have you driven off-road? Then be extra alert to abnormal steering behaviour. If in doubt, have a diagnosis carried out.
How much does new power steering for the Audi A5 cost?
Each defective component brings different repair costs. A new Power Steering Module costs between 800 and 1,200 euros at the dealer. This price excludes fitting and programming. Refurbishment by a specialised workshop is cheaper. Expect to pay around 400 to 600 euros.
Replacing the torque sensor or just the chip costs roughly 200 to 400 euros in parts. Add to this the labour costs for removing and refitting the steering rack. A complete new steering column with electric assistance is the most expensive option. This costs 2,000 euros or more and is rarely necessary.
Hourly labour rates are between 80 and 120 euros. Diagnosing and replacing the PSM takes two to four hours of work. More complex repairs to the steering rack itself take more time. Programming new modules also takes extra time, as these must be linked to your specific car.
Some garages offer exchange modules. You hand in your old PSM and receive a refurbished module in return. This significantly reduces the cost. Always ask for a warranty on the repair, especially with refurbished parts. A reliable workshop will give at least six months to a year’s warranty on this type of work.
On the Carnews website you will find more information about common problems with various Audi models. You will also find maintenance tips and useful buying advice for used cars. Discover which other technical points of attention are important for your car and learn how to avoid costly repairs.
Frequently asked questions
The most common symptoms are a warning light for the EPS or messages such as “Steering fault! Do not drive!” on the dashboard. In addition, steering becomes noticeably heavier or stiff, sometimes with squeaking or grinding noises. The power assistance can also drop out intermittently or feel inconsistent, for example light at one moment and heavy the next. In severe cases the warning first turns yellow and then red, and the car can enter a kind of limp mode in which hardly any power assistance is available.
Faults in the electric power steering of an Audi A5 are often caused by defective sensors (such as the torque or steering angle sensor), damaged or corroded wiring and connectors. In addition, failure of the Power Steering Module (PSM) is common, for example due to moisture ingress via poor seals. Software or calibration problems can also lead to fault messages and loss of assistance. Finally, mechanical faults in the steering rack motor or bearings caused by wear or corrosion can make the power steering fail.
You can carry out basic checks yourself, such as checking fuses, doing an OBD2 scan, briefly disconnecting the battery and easily recalibrating the steering angle sensor (turn the steering wheel fully left/right and restart). This can sometimes “reset” a temporary software fault. However, if fault messages persist, if a red steering warning light appears or if the steering is heavy or the car feels unsteerable, it is not safe to continue driving and a specialist must professionally diagnose and repair the EPS system (PSM, sensors, wiring).
The costs for repair or replacement of the electric power steering on an Audi A5 generally range roughly between €800 and €2,000, depending on the exact fault and the workshop chosen (dealer or specialist). A targeted repair or refurbishment of the steering module/PSM or sensors is usually at the lower end of this range, while full replacement of the steering rack and programming is towards the upper end. Additional costs can arise from labour (removal/refitting) and the required software calibration. An exact price can only be given after diagnosis with diagnostic equipment.
Most reports of problems with the electric power steering on the Audi A5 concern models roughly from the 2008–2017 model years, where the EPS module is vulnerable to moisture ingress. Cars with around 100,000 km on the clock more often show PSM/steering module failures and warnings such as “Steering fault! Do not drive!”. Later generations generally have improved seals and software, so these specific problems are reported less often. However, it always depends on the model and its maintenance, so checking for moisture and inspecting the wiring remains important for every A5 with EPS.
Yes, it can be dangerous to continue driving with a fault in the electric power steering of an Audi A5, especially if the warning light is red or “Steering fault! Do not drive!” is displayed. In that case, the steering can suddenly become extremely heavy, greatly reducing your control over the car. With a yellow warning and still normal steering behaviour, you can usually drive carefully to a safe location or a garage, but it is not advisable to continue driving unnecessarily. Have the system read and repaired as soon as possible.