Turning the steering wheel in a multi-ton vehicle requires a lot of torque, and most people would not be able to do it were it not for the power steering system. This system uses hydraulic fluid to make it much easier to turn the wheel, especially at low speeds, and when the power steering pump starts to fail, it is noticeable.

This is an automotive repair that many vehicle owners may encounter as mileage increases, and it can be incredibly expensive. The average power steering pump replacement costs between $690 and $925, with some European models like Mercedes-Benz C300 costing up to $1,400. Knowing why power steering pumps fail and how you can protect yourself and your wallet will help you keep your vehicle steering smoothly.

Why Power Steering Pumps Fail

​Your vehicle’s power steering pump is most likely built to take a lot of use and abuse over the years, but the individual components are going to be fairly susceptible to wear. When you make tight turns, crank the wheel, or turn the vehicle at a stop, the hydraulic system in the pump has to push itself to the limit. This can wear down the gaskets and small parts, which will eventually make their way into the power steering fluid. When that happens, the system will not work properly, and those components will wear at an even higher rate.

​The power steering pump also has a variety of seals and small gaskets that keep the hydraulic pressure regulated. These seals can wear out and cause visible fluid leaks as they harden and crack due to oxidation and age. The same thing can happen to the bearings or the pulley inside the pump, and when they wear out, they will start to make a whining, screeching, or grinding sound. This means that the pump needs to be serviced or replaced before it fails completely, and steering performance may become significantly more difficult if the issue is left unaddressed.

Which Vehicles and Mileage Ranges Are Most Prone?

​Power steering pump failure can happen on any vehicle, but some platforms and models have higher instances of these issues. The 2013 to 2016 Ram 1500s, for example, had a massive recall for power steering failures due to a short circuit in the electrical system. Early 2020s Chevy Silverados also became known for having power steering failures that resulted in reported steering-related concerns. These vehicles, due to their heavier curb weight, ask more of their power steering systems, which can cause problems as they age and get more miles on the odometer.

​For some vehicles, you may begin to experience power steering wear-related issues at the 90,000- to 140,000-mile mark. This is generally when seals and gaskets start to harden and crack, and when small parts like the bearings will show signs of wear. If you have a vehicle within this mileage range, it is a good idea to have the power steering pump looked at and to keep an eye out for any changes in the way the car steers or how it sounds when turning the wheel.

Cost of Replacing a Power Steering Pump in 2026

​Replacing a power steering pump is a fairly expensive process, and it is not just because of the cost of the part. The whole replacement is incredibly labor-intensive, and the placement of it means technicians have to disassemble major parts of the engine bay to get to it.

With the average cost of auto repair labor going up 7.7% year-over-year, you can expect to pay quite a bit for a failing power steering pump replacement, which can create significant unexpected repair costs.

​When getting a new power steering pump, the type of replacement part you get will also have a big effect on the overall total cost. OEM and aftermarket components have very different price points as well as different levels of quality. OEM power steering pumps will be specifically designed for your vehicle, but they may also be more expensive. Aftermarket pumps will be more generic, but may be cheaper.

​You may also encounter issues with the condition of the rest of your steering system. If, for example, your pump failed because you had contaminated fluid running through the system for a long time. If that is the case, other parts of the steering system, such as the rack and pinion, may be damaged as well, and you may end up with more problems down the line if those damaged components aren’t addressed at the same time. These issues could end up making your power steering pump replacement much more expensive than you anticipated.

Early Warning Signs and Malfunctioning

​Bad power steering pumps tend to fail slowly, with the performance degrading gradually until it is almost unusable. This means that there are a few signs you can keep an eye out for that will help you notice when the pump is starting to fail. One of the most common signs is a groaning sound when turning the wheel, especially when driving at low speed, which should prompt a visit to a repair shop. This is usually caused by internal issues and is a sign that you will need to get a replacement sooner rather than later.

​You should also keep an eye out for an increase in the effort it takes to turn your steering wheel. The whole purpose of the power steering system is to make it easy to turn the wheel, especially at low speeds when there is no momentum to push you along. If you are noticing that it is getting harder and harder to turn the wheel, this may indicate that your power steering pump is worn and that failing to replace it will make it more difficult to turn, which may affect steering performance and vehicle handling.

Is This Repair Covered by Extended Warranty Coverage?

​If you want to protect yourself from unexpected and expensive repairs, an extended car warranty, which is more accurately called a vehicle service contract (VSC), may be worth considering. When choosing a provider and a plan, though, it is important to be sure that it will cover the power steering components, especially the pump. Most basic powertrain plans will not include coverage for the steering system, meaning if your pump fails, you will have to pay out of pocket for it.

When looking for a protection plan for your car, you should be looking for the most comprehensive coverage possible. Many plans will only include the power steering components in their bumper-to-bumper or exclusionary-style plans. Endurance, for example, offers steering component coverage through a wide range of plans, including Secure Plus, Superior, and Supreme.

Keep Your Power Steering Covered With Endurance

​Your vehicle’s steering system is incredibly important and dictates performance, reliability, and safety. Endurance offers auto protection plans for all kinds of cars and drivers. Whether you have an older high-mileage vehicle or a top-tier luxury car, there is an Endurance plan that will suit your needs perfectly.

​On top of the available coverage options, Endurance customers also get a range of extra perks like 24/7 roadside assistance, rental car coverage, and trip interruption protection. Plus, you can also access a year’s worth of our Endurance Elite Benefits for free, which includes tire repair or replacement, windshield coverage, and key fob replacement.

​When you want the best coverage for your needs, get in touch with our award-winning customer service team at (800) 253-8203 for your FREE quote. You can also shop online to see your price and plan recommendations right away.

​For more helpful resources like this, be sure to check out the Endurance Warranty blog. There, you will find DIY tips for car repairs, provider comparisons, and much, much more.