Urgency: High

Electronic Power Steering (EPS) Light on a Subaru BRZ

Have this checked promptly. It is not an immediate stop, but do not ignore it for long.

What the Electronic Power Steering (EPS) Light Means on a Subaru BRZ

The EPS (electronic power steering) light on a Subaru BRZ indicates a fault in the electric steering assist. Steering can become noticeably heavier, and the system may need a diagnostic reset or repair.

How Urgent Is the Electronic Power Steering (EPS) Light?

In terms of priority, treat this as a high concern on your Subaru BRZ. The single most useful thing you can observe is whether the Electronic Power Steering (EPS) Light is steady or blinking: a steady light generally allows a careful drive to a safe location or a workshop, whereas a flashing light signals an active fault that can cause damage if you continue. Pay attention to changes in how the Subaru BRZ drives, sounds, or smells, since those symptoms sharpen the diagnosis considerably.

Common Symptoms Alongside the Electronic Power Steering (EPS) Light

The Electronic Power Steering (EPS) Light on your Subaru BRZ is one data point, and the symptoms around it are the rest of the story. Perhaps the engine feels different, a gauge reads unusually, or the car behaves normally but the symbol simply will not clear. Note everything you observe, because the pattern of symptoms on the Subaru BRZ is exactly what turns a vague warning into a specific, fixable diagnosis.

  • EPS symbol or steering-wheel-with-! icon lit
  • Heavier steering
  • Warning after a low-voltage start
  • Intermittent assist

What Causes the Electronic Power Steering (EPS) Light to Come On?

The Electronic Power Steering (EPS) Light on the Subaru BRZ can be triggered by several conditions, and experienced technicians work through them from most to least likely. Some causes are trivial and cost almost nothing to correct, while others require replacing a sensor or component. The list below reflects what actually turns this light on in the real world, so you can gauge whether you are likely facing a quick fix or a workshop visit.

  • Low battery or charging voltage
  • EPS motor or torque sensor fault
  • Loose steering column connector
  • Software/calibration needed
  • Steering angle sensor fault

How to Fix the Electronic Power Steering (EPS) Light on a Subaru BRZ

The right way to clear the Electronic Power Steering (EPS) Light on a Subaru BRZ is to fix the underlying cause, not just reset the symbol. Work through the steps below in order — they move from the simplest checks any driver can do to the diagnostic work best left to a scan tool. Following this sequence prevents the classic mistake of replacing expensive parts before ruling out the cheap, common problems first.

  1. Restart the engine to clear a temporary fault
  2. Test battery and charging voltage first
  3. Scan for EPS-specific codes
  4. Check and reseat the steering column connector
  5. Repair or recalibrate the EPS system as indicated

Is It Safe to Drive With the Electronic Power Steering (EPS) Light On?

Drivers ask this constantly, and the answer for the Subaru BRZ is nuanced. A steady amber Electronic Power Steering (EPS) Light with no change in how the car drives usually means you can continue carefully and get it looked at soon. A red or flashing Electronic Power Steering (EPS) Light, unusual noises, warning messages, or a drop in performance are your cue to stop the Subaru BRZ safely and avoid further driving until the cause is known.

Diagnostic Trouble Codes Linked to the Electronic Power Steering (EPS) Light

If you scan a Subaru BRZ showing this light, these are the OBD-II trouble codes most commonly associated with it. The code you actually retrieve is what pinpoints the repair.

CodeMeaning
U0100 Lost Communication With ECM/PCM
A control module has lost communication on the CAN bus, which can trigger multiple warning lights.

Professional Mechanic Tips

Field notes from Marcus Vale, ASE-Certified Master Technician
Sometimes a simple engine restart resets a one-off EPS glitch on a Subaru BRZ; if it keeps returning, get it scanned.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is the Electronic Power Steering (EPS) Light on in my Subaru BRZ?

The Electronic Power Steering (EPS) Light illuminates on a Subaru BRZ when the vehicle detects a condition in the related system that is outside its normal range. The exact reason can vary from something as minor as a loose connection to a component that needs replacing, which is why reading the stored trouble codes is the reliable way to know for certain.

Can I keep driving with the Electronic Power Steering (EPS) Light on?

For a Subaru BRZ, a steady amber Electronic Power Steering (EPS) Light with normal driving generally allows a careful trip to a garage. A red or flashing light, or any change in performance, means you should stop and avoid further driving until the fault is identified.

How much does it cost to fix the Electronic Power Steering (EPS) Light on a Subaru BRZ?

Cost varies widely because the Electronic Power Steering (EPS) Light can stem from several causes on a Subaru BRZ. Some fixes are almost free — tightening a cap or a connector — while others involve a sensor or component and its labour. Getting the specific trouble code first is what lets a shop quote accurately instead of estimating blind.

Will the Electronic Power Steering (EPS) Light reset itself on a Subaru BRZ?

If the trigger was temporary, a Subaru BRZ may turn the Electronic Power Steering (EPS) Light off automatically after a few drive cycles. If it remains lit, the vehicle is telling you the fault is still present, and the symbol will only go out for good once the cause is fixed.