Power steering warning light
The warning light for the electric power steering (EPS) system.
How to read it
Toyota says the EPS warning light indicates a malfunction in the EPS system. Nissan's LEAF manual says that when it is lit, the power assist for the steering stops: the driver still has control of the vehicle, but the steering is harder to operate.
Also searched as: EPS light, steering light.
Dashboard symbols vary by manufacturer. The vehicle's owner's manual or a qualified mechanic can say what a light means for a particular vehicle.
Names on different makes
Toyota calls it the EPS (electric power steering) warning light, Hyundai’s 2023 Ioniq 5 manual the Motor Driven Power Steering (MDPS) warning light, and Nissan’s 2020 LEAF manual the power steering warning light. Ford’s 2020 F-150 shows text messages instead, such as Steering Assist Fault Service Required and Steering Loss Stop Safely.
When it comes on
In the LEAF and the Ioniq 5 the light comes on briefly at start-up. Nissan’s manual says it comes on when the power switch is turned to ON and goes out at READY to drive, showing that the system is working; Hyundai’s Ioniq 5 manual says it stays on for about 3 seconds. Toyota’s 2024 RAV4 Prime manual says it may also come on, with a warning buzzer, when the 12-volt battery charge is too low or its voltage drops for a moment, and Hyundai’s that it may light along with the ABS warning light.
Yellow or red
Toyota’s RAV4 Prime manual gives the light two colours: yellow means the power steering assist is restricted, red that it is lost and the steering wheel becomes extremely heavy to turn.
What the manuals say to do
Toyota’s RAV4 Prime manual says to have the vehicle inspected by a Toyota dealer immediately. Hyundai’s says to have it inspected by an authorized Hyundai dealer, and Nissan’s to have the system checked, recommending a Nissan certified LEAF dealer. Ford’s F-150 manual warns that the driver may not feel any difference in the steering even though a serious condition may exist.
Heavier steering with no fault
Nissan’s LEAF manual says power assist is reduced on purpose when the wheel is turned again and again while parking or at very low speed, to keep the system from overheating, and returns to normal as it cools. Ford notes that an electric system like the F-150’s has no fluid reservoir.
Read next
- Next in Dashboard warning lightsStability control indicatorThe indicator for electronic stability and traction control: it flashes while the system is working, and can also show a fault.
- The same shape in Packaging symbolsTidyman (litter bin symbol)A reminder not to drop litter. It is a trademark of the charity Keep Britain Tidy and says nothing about whether the packaging can be recycled.
More dashboard warning lights
The same shape elsewhere
Browse symbols drawn with circles.
Sources
- Toyota Dashboard Symbols & Warning Lights Meaning, Toyota Motor North America (MyToyota)
- 2020 Nissan LEAF Owner's Manual, Nissan North America, Instruments and controls, warning and indicator lights; p. 2-20; Starting and driving: Power steering system, p. 5-156; p. 2-20; Starting and driving: Power steering system, p. 5-156; p. 2-20; Starting and driving: Power steering system, p. 5-156; p. 2-20; Starting and driving: Power steering system, p. 5-156
- 2024 Toyota RAV4 Prime Owner’s Manual, OM42F73U, Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., When a warning light turns on or a warning buzzer sounds: Electric power steering system warning light
- 2023 Hyundai Ioniq 5 Owner’s Manual, Hyundai Motor America (MyHyundai), Warning and indicator lights: Motor Driven Power Steering (MDPS) warning light
- 2020 F-150 Owner's Manual, Ford Motor Company, Steering: Electric Power Steering; Information Displays: Power Steering messages
Researched, edited and approved by Rory Hansen before publishing. Last reviewed October 3, 2026. How we research
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