What does this cost in your state?
California is the costliest state and Arkansas the cheapest; each square shows that state's midpoint of the estimate.
Lower-cost states ($1,036)MiddleHigher-cost states ($1,320)
What it shows: CA is the highest at $1,320 and AR the lowest at $1,036, across 51 states.
Counts below are complaints filed with NHTSA, not failure rates: a longer bar means more owners reported it.
Is your car affected?
What it shows: The most common band for complaints about this repair is under 50,000 (44%), against 60% for all complaints: the biggest difference between the two.
What it shows: The most common band for complaints about this repair is 3-5 years (36%). The biggest difference from all complaints is under 3 years old: 26% against 40%.
Is it urgent, and what do owners notice first?
2,247 owner complaints name this part.
Owners say the dealer could not fix or repeat the problem. If it comes back after a repair, ask what was tested before you pay again.
What do owners say it led to?
Among the 2,247 owner complaints naming this part, owners most often say lost steering or braking followed.
What owners say happened after the problem. Lost steering or braking: 26 (1%); Loss of power: 5 (0%).
If your car shows the signs above, get it checked before it gets as far as lost steering or braking.
Which other parts do owners name in the same complaint?
Among the 2,247 owner complaints naming this part, power steering is named in 38% of them, more than any other part.
Other parts named in the same complaints. Power steering: 38%; Tie rod: 3%.
Owners name the power steering most often in the same complaint, which is not proof that one caused the other. Ask the shop whether it checked the power steering too, so you are not quoted twice for one visit.
What did owners say they paid?
Half of the 158 owners who wrote a dollar amount gave $3,000 or less; one in ten wrote more than $5,000.
These are bills owners wrote down, often covering more than this one repair. They show how far a job can run; get written quotes for your own car.
How fast were owners driving when it happened?
55 mph or faster leads at 37%.
Owners reported it most often at highway speed. Tell the shop what speed it happens at, because that narrows the diagnosis.
How serious did it get for owners?
Among the 2,247 owner complaints naming this part, being towed is the outcome owners report most often.
Outcomes owners reported in complaints about this part. Towed: 90; Crash reported: 34; Injury reported: 10.
Which model years show up most in the complaints?
Among the 2,247 owner complaints naming this part that state a model year, complaints cluster in a few model years instead of spreading evenly.
What it shows: 2016 is the largest at 463 (21%); the smallest shown is 2025 at 36 (2%).
Do rack and pinion replacement problems track days per year that cross freezing, median station across states?
Across U.S. states, NHTSA owner complaints about rack and pinion replacement run higher where days per year that cross freezing, median station is higher, after adjusting for the makes sold in each state. This is an association across states, not proof that days per year that cross freezing, median station causes this repair.
How to read it: Each dot is a state. Further right means more days per year that cross freezing (low at or below 32f, high above 32f), median station; higher up means more complaints for this repair than expected (1.0 is average). If the dots climb to the right, reports of this repair rise with days per year that cross freezing (low at or below 32f, high above 32f), median station.
What it shows: States with more days per year that cross freezing (low at or below 32f, high above 32f), median station tend to sit higher on the chart across 40 states: a pattern in the data, not proof of cause.
- The 10 states with the most days per year that cross freezing, median station (Colorado, Nevada, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, Maine, Massachusetts, Vermont, Connecticut, West Virginia): reports of this repair run 55% above what the makes sold there would predict, and 8 of 10 are above expected. The 10 with the least (Florida, California, Louisiana, Texas, Arizona, Georgia, Mississippi, Alabama, South Carolina, Arkansas): 7% above, and 5 of 10 are above expected.
- Exceptions: Colorado and Nevada are among the highest in days per year that cross freezing, median station but report below expected; Florida (51% above expected) is among the lowest but above expected.
- Split the states into thirds: the third with the least days per year that cross freezing, median station runs 6% above what the makes sold there would predict, the middle third 2% below, and the third with the most 44% above. Most of the days per year that cross freezing, median station effect sits in the third with the most.
- For days per year that cross freezing, median station, after allowing for the 1562 comparisons we ran, luck alone would produce a pattern this strong about 1 time in 5. The days per year that cross freezing, median station pattern leans on Arizona: without it, it weakens.
- Weak spot: compare only states with similar very hot days and the pattern keeps about 39% of its strength, so part of it may come from very hot days instead of days per year that cross freezing, median station.
Water seeps into pavement, freezes and thaws to break it into potholes, and every pothole hit bends rims and wears tires, suspension joints and steering parts.
Are the parts for this repair getting more expensive, or only the labor?
The federal producer price index for new steering and suspension parts rose 10.9% from December 2019 to August 2026, while the consumer price index for motor vehicle repair, labor and parts together, rose 55.2% (BLS, national).
Prices of new steering and suspension parts, as shops buy them from makers, since December 2019, against consumer prices for motor vehicle repair. New steering and suspension parts: +10.9%; All motor vehicle parts: +17.4%; Motor vehicle repair, labor and parts together: +55.2%.
Has the replacement part I am buying been recalled?
NHTSA lists 3 equipment recalls that name rack pinion since 2015 (suspension and steering), covering 219 items sold as parts rather than whole vehicles; the largest, by Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing in 2021, covered 151.
| Year | Maker and product | NHTSA component | Defect | Items |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing: Tundra. | rack and pinion | certain JTEKT power steering gear assembly service parts for 2007-2021 Tundra and 2008-2022 Sequoia, part. | 151 |
| 2022 | Chrysler (Fca Us, Llc): Steering Rack & Pinion | rack and pinion | certain Mopar Steering Rack and Pinion Electric Gear Assemblies with part numbers 68498478AA, 68499163AA, and. | 53 |
| 2019 | Chrysler (Fca Us Llc): Elec Power Steering Gear | electric power assist system | certain Mopar Steering Rack and Pinion Electric Gear Assemblies for Ram 1500 trucks (part number 68419897AB). | 15 |
Has this part been recalled abroad on cars that may share it?
Manufacturers filed 4 foreign recall campaigns that name rack pinion with NHTSA since 2015 (matched by the filing text); the latest, from Ford Motor Company in 2023-11.
| Filed | Manufacturer | Foreign recall no. | What the filing says |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023-11 | Ford Motor Company | 227 | Docusign envelope id: c788e685-5b80-46b3-9c38-170874827201 vehicles affected: 27433 market: europe south america international markets group estimated percentage of the affected vehicles 100% reason for this field action pinion shaft assembly disconnected from. |
| 2018-06 | Mazda Motor. | 109 | Sincerely, Joshua Vella Manager, Quality Office Mazda North American Operation Mazda North American Operations 200 Spectrum Center Drive, Suite 100 Irvine, CA 92618-2922 www.MazdaUSA.com Telephone 949.727.1990 Facsimile 949.727.6101 Page 2 Foreign Safety. |
| 2022-06 | Chrysler (FCA US) | 095 | Total Vehicles Affected (Estimated): 2 Z54 June 9, 2022 Page -2- The following foreign countries are included in the safety recall / noncompliance: Canada Recall Part Information: Part Name: Steering Gear Assembly Part Description: Steering Rack & Pinion. |
| 2021-02 | BMW of | 039 | electric power steering assist motor to the steering gear housing (rack and pinion assembly). |
How many lives have energy-absorbing steering assemblies saved?
NHTSA estimates energy-absorbing steering assemblies (FMVSS 203 and 204) saved 1,323 car occupants and 1,084 light-truck occupants in 2012 alone, and 79,989 occupants from 1960 to 2012.
| Technology | Car occupants saved in 2012 | Light truck occupants saved in 2012 | Car occupants saved 1960 to 2012 | Light truck occupants saved 1960 to 2012 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| energy-absorbing steering assemblies (FMVSS 203 and 204) | 1,323 | 1,084 | 57,112 | 22,877 |
How many recalled cars are actually fixed, so should I check mine?
Across 6 NHTSA recalls that name rack pinion filed 2015 to 2024, 86.6% of the 272,858 recalled vehicles had been repaired after 8 quarters, against 66.2% for all recalls, which leaves about 36,629 vehicles still carrying the defect.
| Year | Vehicles | Recalled vehicles | Repaired | Component |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Honda Civic | 264,567 | 86.5% | rack and pinion |
| 2018 | Mercedes-Benz C 350 E, E 300 | 6,373 | 89.8% | rack and pinion rack |
| 2022 | Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe; Dodge Durango | 931 | 77.0% | rack and pinion |
| 2023 | Honda Pilot | 519 | 93.3% | rack and pinion rack |
| 2024 | Honda Ridgeline, Passport | 245 | 96.3% | rack and pinion |
| 2021 | Ford F-150 | 223 | 97.8% | rack and pinion |
How bad are the streets in the biggest city, and does it show in suspension repairs?
New York City DOT's pavement inspections since 2021 rate 11.3% of inspected street length poor (1 to 3.99 on a 10-point scale), highest in Bronx (16.6%) and lowest in Brooklyn (8.6%); this is one city, not a national figure.
What it shows: Bronx is the largest at 16.6%, followed by Staten Island at 13.8%; the smallest shown is Brooklyn at 8.6%.
Which counties have the roughest roads?
FHWA's road-condition records show poor ride quality (above 170 inches per mile of roughness) on 89.1% of measured road miles in District of Columbia, DC, 74.1% in Baltimore city, MD and 65.4% in Marion County, WV, against 13.8% in the median county.
What it shows: District of Columbia, DC is the largest at 89.1%, followed by Baltimore city, MD at 74.1%; the smallest shown is New Castle County, DE at 51.9%.
Are the bridges and roads where I drive in poor condition?
FHWA's 2024 National Bridge Inventory rates 6.9% of an average state's highway bridges poor; the share is highest in IA (19.2%), WV and SD, against a median state of 6.0%.
What it shows: IA is the largest at 19.2%, followed by WV at 18.6%; the smallest shown is NY at 9.4%.
Which New York counties have the most bridges flagged poor?
New York State DOT flags 10.0% of the bridges in its inventory poor, and the share is highest in Ulster County (21.1%), Columbia (19.8%) and Rensselaer (19.6%); this is one state, not a national figure.
What it shows: Ulster is the largest at 21.1%, followed by Columbia at 19.8%; the smallest shown is Dutchess at 16.1%.
If this part was recalled, is the repair free?
Federal law (49 U.S.C. 30120) requires a maker to fix a recalled defect without charge for cars first bought within 15 calendar years (tires within 5), and NHTSA lists 16 recall campaigns for parts matched to a rack and pinion replacement since model year 2015, covering about 580,173 vehicles.
| Rule or count | What it says |
|---|---|
| Age limits | The free-remedy duty does not apply to a car first bought more than 15 calendar years, or a tire first bought more than 5 calendar years, before the recall notice. |
| Failure to fix | A repair not done adequately within 60 days of presentation is prima facie evidence of failure to repair within a reasonable time; the maker must then replace the vehicle or refund the purchase price less depreciation. |
| Free remedy | A maker must fix a recall defect without charge. |
| NHTSA recalls matched to a rack and pinion replacement since model year 2015 | 16 recall campaigns covering about 580,173 vehicles |
Is it recalled or covered?
| Recall number | Vehicles | Cars recalled | What the recall says |
|---|---|---|---|
| 23V-704 | Honda Civic 2022–2024 | 264,567 | A damaged tire can fail and increase the risk of a crash or injury. |
| 26V-590 | Volkswagen Tiguan 2018; Volkswagen Atlas 2018–2019; Audi Q3 2019–2021 | 208,724 | A broken steering rack housing can result in a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash. |
| 18V-204 | Tesla Model S 2015–2016 | 70,421 | Loss of power steering assist would require a higher steering effort, especially at lower speeds, which may increase the risk of a crash. |
| 21V-920 | Toyota Tundra 2015–2021; Toyota Sequoia 2015–2022 | 22,462 | An oil leak may cause a sudden loss of power steering assist, increasing the risk of a crash. |
| 18V-850 | Mercedes-Benz C 350 E 2018–2019; Mercedes-Benz E 300 2018; Mercedes-Benz C 300 2017–2019 and 6 more | 6,373 | A car that cannot be properly steered has an increased risk of a crash. |
| 19V-637 | Jeep Cherokee 2019–2020 | 5,294 | A loss of steering control increases the risk of a crash. |
| 22V-154 | Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe 2022; Dodge Durango 2021–2022 | 931 | Difficulty steering, or a loss of steering control, can increase the risk of a crash. |
| 23V-735 | Honda Pilot 2023–2024 | 519 | A loss of steering control or steering lock-up can increase the risk of a crash. |
8 more recalls name this part, on smaller fleets. The car finder at the top checks yours.
NHTSA defect investigations naming this part (1)
| Case number | Vehicles | Opened | Status | What NHTSA looked at |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RQ26002 | Mazda CX-90 2024–2025; Mazda CX-90 Plug-IN Hybrid 2024 | Jan 26, 2026 | Open | Momentary increase in steering effort after recall. |
A bulletin is a repair procedure a maker sends its dealers, not a safety defect: if your maker is listed, ask the dealer whether one covers your car and quote its number.
| Maker | Vehicles | Bulletin number | Date | What it says |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jeep | Wagoneer S 2025; Cherokee 2025 | 113824 | Aug 3, 2026 | The bulletin file gives no description beyond its title (gear). |
| Chevrolet | Equinox 2026; Equinox EV 2025 | N252531220 | Dec 16, 2025 | Certain vehicles may have a condition in which the Power Steering Control Module, located within Electric Dual Pinion Rack and Pinion Steering Gear, is unable to be programmed. |
| Dodge | Charger EV 2024–2025 | 9100612 | Jun 12, 2025 | "Gear Assy - Steering Rack Dealers are replacing EPS gear for C2217 overlooking the TSB: 08-098-25. |
| Jeep | Wagoneer 2024–2025; Grand Wagoneer 2024–2025 | 9100596 | Jun 2, 2025 | "Gear Assy - Steering Rack 1) If below DTCs are observed, please refer to 08-095-25 REV. |
| RAM | 1500 2025 | 9100575 | May 20, 2025 | Gear rack and pinion: Custodian would encounter steer feel being heavier and may feel some pulling. |
| Audi | RS 3 2017–2020; A3 Sportback E-Tron 2016–2018 and 8 more | TSB-2077014_1 | Feb 24, 2025 | This bulletin provides information when there are cracking noises from the steering rack when steering. |
57 more bulletins name this part; the car finder at the top checks yours, and the NHTSA bulletin file linked below lists them all.
What do owners say?
4 complaints quoted word for word, each with its NHTSA number.
Took it to dealer they said steering rack went bad and had to pay $2000 for new steering rack.
The dealer diagnosed the problem, reporting that the steering rack is causing the noise and needs to be replaced at a cost of $3,700.00.
Have taken it to multiple dealerships to be told a "recall" was done on it already and nothing can be done but to pay out of pocket to replace entire rack and pinion a $2,000 job.
I took my truck to lynn smith chevrolet in burleson tx and was told the power steering control module was bad and the entire steering rack needed to be replaced which is $3,000 out of my pocket.
Check your car
Rack and pinion replacement cost lands at $875–$1,510 in our calculator's default: a hydraulic rack, done at a dealer, alignment included. A car with an electric (EPS) rack, which is most 2012 and newer, runs $1,208–$2,225 at a dealer. An independent mechanic on a hydraulic rack comes in at $710–$1,290. That's our estimate, not a quote, but it gives you something to hold a quote against.
Safety comes before price with steering. Owners have told NHTSA about 2,436 rack and pinion problems, and 86 of those complaints describe lost steering or braking. If your wheel locks, goes suddenly heavy, or the car won't hold its lane, stop driving and get it towed. A leak or a whine with normal steering is a this-week job.
Below: what the estimate covers, why the electric rack costs more, what owners say they paid, when racks fail, and how to check for a recall before you hand over a card. Put your own year, make and model into the calculator on this page for a range that fits your car.
How Much Does Rack and Pinion Replacement Cost?
Our calculator's default for rack and pinion replacement cost is $875–$1,510 (hydraulic rack, dealer, alignment included). Change one input and the number moves. Here are the three settings that matter most:
| Setup | Estimate |
|---|---|
| Hydraulic rack, dealer (incl. alignment) | $875–$1,510 |
| Electric (EPS) rack, dealer (incl. alignment) | $1,208–$2,225 |
| Hydraulic rack, independent mechanic (incl. alignment) | $710–$1,290 |
The part is the same kind of part. You're mostly paying a different hourly rate.
Other sites publish wildly different numbers, and they don't say where the figures come from.
That spread is the reason to ask what a quote covers. Some ranges bundle the alignment, fluid and tie rods, and some leave them out. Before you compare two numbers, ask each shop three things: which rack (hydraulic or electric), which part grade (new, remanufactured or OEM), and whether the alignment is on the ticket.
One more thing. Use it to sanity-check, then get a second quote for your VIN.
Is It Safe to Drive With a Bad Steering Rack?
Not always. Of the 2,436 complaints that name this part, 86 describe lost steering or braking, and owners reported 44 crashes and 13 injuries on the NHTSA form. None reported a fire. Where speed was given, 37% of the 1,223 complaints were at 55 mph or faster, and the midpoint speed was 45 mph.
One caveat, once: these are owners' own reports, not lab results, so a complaint doesn't prove what failed. It does show what people run into.
Here's how we'd sort it:
- Stop driving and tow it: the wheel locks or seizes, steering suddenly gets very heavy, the car won't hold a lane, or the wheel is loose enough that the car wanders. 4% of the 2,436 complaints say the vehicle was towed.
- Get it checked this week: a steering warning light (18% of complaints), a whine or clunk when you turn (noise is 17%), or fluid on the ground under the front of the car.
- You have time to shop around: you got a quote for a rack that a shop says is weeping slightly, steering feels normal, and no light is on. Get a second opinion, and don't put it off for months.
Ask the shop to show you the leak or the failed reading before you agree. A good shop is glad to.
Why Does an Electric Rack Cost More to Replace?
An electric rack costs more because the motor and sensors are built into it. Our calculator shows $1,208–$2,225 for an EPS rack at a dealer, against $875–$1,510 for a hydraulic one. Detroit Axle makes the same point about the integrated motor.
Electric racks also fail in a different way. A steering warning light shows up in 18% of the 2,436 complaints, and some owners say the shop replaced the whole unit. One 2015 Ford Explorer owner told NHTSA: "took to dealer and they had to replace the entire epas rack and pinion system for $1916.79" (complaint #11023570).
That figure sits inside our EPS dealer range. It's also a 2015 vehicle, so treat it as a sense of scale, not today's price.
The 2015, 2016 and 2017 Explorers lead that model's count: 308 complaints in total, with 97 from the 2015 model year and 194 from 2016. If you drive one, ask whether a bulletin applies before approving a full rack.
What Else Can Raise Your Rack and Pinion Replacement Cost?
The power steering system shows up in 39% (946) of the 2,436 complaints, and the tie rod in 2.8% (68). Both point to add-ons that can land on your ticket.
Our estimate already includes an alignment. If a quote doesn't, ask why, because the wheels need to be aimed after the rack is out. Read up on power steering repair costs and tie rod replacement costs so you can tell a needed add-on from padding.
Watch for repeat visits too. 13% of complaints say the repair didn't fix the problem or had to be repeated. Ask what warranty comes with the new rack.
How Do You Get a Fair Rack and Pinion Replacement Quote?
You get a fair quote by asking the same six questions at two shops. Print them or save them on your phone:
- Is my rack hydraulic or electric, and is the quote for that type?
- Is the rack new, remanufactured or OEM?
- Is a four-wheel wheel alignment included?
- Do the tie rods, hoses and fluid appear as separate lines?
- Can you show me the leak or the fault code that points to the rack?
- What's the warranty on parts and labor, and can I have the old rack back?
Then compare against $875–$1,510 (hydraulic, dealer), $1,208–$2,225 (electric, dealer) or $710–$1,290 (hydraulic, independent). A quote above your range isn't automatically wrong. It's a reason to ask what's on the ticket.
Your Next Move
Rack and pinion replacement cost is $710–$2,225 in our estimates, and owners report a middle amount of $3,000, so the quote you hold matters less than what's on it. Here's the short version:
- Today: if steering locks or goes heavy, stop driving and tow it.
- This week: check your VIN for recalls, get a second quote and ask the six questions above.
- This month: if the steering feels different or a light comes on, get a diagnosis before it gets worse.
Enter your year, make and model in the calculator on this page to see a range for your car. It's free, with no account and no email needed. Then take that number to the shop and ask them to walk you through the ticket.
If the answers are good, you'll know. If they aren't, you'll know that too.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a rack and pinion replacement cost?
Our estimate is $875–$1,510 for a hydraulic rack at a dealer, $1,208–$2,225 for an electric rack at a dealer, and $710–$1,290 for a hydraulic rack at an independent shop, all with alignment.
How long does rack and pinion replacement take?
Detroit Axle puts most replacements at 3–6 hours of shop labor. Vehicles with tight engine bays or a subframe to lower take longer, and the car also needs an alignment afterward.
Can I keep driving with a leaking steering rack?
A slow leak with normal steering is a this-week repair, not a next-year one. If steering gets heavy, locks or feels loose, stop driving and tow it. When in doubt about the wheel, don't drive.
Does a recall or warranty cover a bad steering rack?
Sometimes. 16 recalls cover this part. Whether one covers you depends on your VIN, so check it on NHTSA's recall lookup before paying. Don't assume a free fix, and don't assume there isn't one.
Do I need an alignment after a rack and pinion replacement?
Yes, plan on one. Our estimates include it. Some shops quote it separately, so ask whether the alignment is on the ticket before you compare prices.
Sources
Data shown on this page
- NHTSA owner complaint file (2015-2019 · 2020-2024 · 2025-2026) file downloaded 2026-10-05
- NHTSA recall file file downloaded 2026-10-05
- NHTSA defect investigation file file downloaded 2026-10-05
- NHTSA service bulletin file (2015-2019 · 2020-2024 · 2025-2026) file downloaded 2026-10-05
- CalcScrape calculator model scaled by BEA Regional Price Parities data from 2024
- NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991-2020 (annual), joined to NHTSA owner complaints file downloaded 2026-10-06
- BLS Producer Price Index, commodity data for motor vehicle parts (series WPU14120502); BLS Consumer Price Index item SETD for the repair row file downloaded August 2026
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, Foreign Campaigns (filings under 49 CFR 579.11, public API) file downloaded 2026-10-05
- NHTSA, Lives Saved by Vehicle Safety Technologies and Associated Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards, 1960 to 2012 (DOT HS 812 069) data from 2015
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, recall quarterly reports (basis of the Annual List of Recall Completion Rates) file downloaded 2026-10-05
- NYC DOT, Street Pavement Ratings (NYC Open Data 6yyb-pb25), SystemRating bands from the NYC DOT pavement rating metadata data from 2025
- FHWA Highway Performance Monitoring System (HPMS) national section data, roughness (IRI) by county; poor-ride cut from the FHWA Conditions and Performance Report data from 2026
- FHWA National Bridge Inventory, 2024 delimited state files (highway bridges, BRIDGE_CONDITION code P) data from 2024
- New York State DOT, Bridge Conditions (NYS Open Data wpyb-cjy8), poor_status flag data from 2025
- 49 U.S.C. 30120 (Remedies for defects and noncompliance), text via Cornell Legal Information Institute; NHTSA recall campaigns data from 2026
Terms: US government data, public domain.
Observed: records as filed; owner reports are unverified and are not failure rates. Modeled: our estimate, not a quote. Derived: computed from the records; an association, not a cause. Rule: a published legal rule, not a measurement; whether it covers a given repair depends on the car and the facts.
Owner complaints quoted
What is our own estimate
The price range comes from our calculator's formula. Its parts prices, labor hours per job and shop-rate tiers are CalcScrape estimates, not a published price dataset. Checked against RepairPal's range ($2,307–$2,572) on 2026-10-06: our default's midpoint is 0% above the middle of that range. Methodology