Overnight power steering failure

C3 Picasso 2012 Diesel VTR+

Parked the car at night, all working fine. Started the next morning, not fine! Complete power steering failure overnight. I returned the car to the garage where I bought on HP 11 months earlier it for them to check 8 May. Two barriers immediately put up to any repair being carried out. Firstly, they stopped being an authorised Citroen repair centre the week before so parts would have to be paid for if required. Secondly, I did not take out a relatively expensive warranty on the car when purchasing. I was however provided a tiny courtesy car to keep us mobile, which was nice. A full week later I phoned, having not heard from them, to find out what was happening. I was informed that it was checked that day, and flagged up in a meeting that I had no warranty. The repair needed to fix the problem was to replace the power steering motor the ECU and a wiring loom. The cost £450 + VAT, not sure if this includes labour! When questioning about a dealer good-will warranty I was told no and that they had contacted Citroen to see if they could reduce the cost of the parts. They did not appear hopeful as they had cut their ties with Citroen.

Please advise if this is acceptable to; happen in such catastrophic style on a 2012 vehicle; have the dealer not have any responsibility for any repair; and, if Citroen have any responsibility.

Thank you

Welcome to the forum Happy-NOT

Happy-NOT wrote: Complete power steering failure overnight.

The power steering either works or it doesn't. There is no partially working power steering to the EPS system.

Happy-NOT wrote: A full week later I phoned, having not heard from them, to find out what was happening.

EPS can be disable for a number of reasons by the car, most often the ABS or gearbox causing the fault.

Happy-NOT wrote:e repair needed to fix the problem was to replace the power steering motor the ECU and a wiring loom.

Citroen say that if either the EPS ECU or the steering rack motor are suspected to be faulty, then both parts should be changed (because they are so closely linked). A damaged rack can damage the ECU and a bad ECU could damage the rack.

Happy-NOT wrote:When questioning about a dealer good-will warranty I was told no and that they had contacted Citroen to see if they could reduce the cost of the parts. They did not appear hopeful as they had cut their ties with Citroen.

You could contact Citroen yourself if you wanted to see if they will reduce the cost of the parts or take on the job and reduce the labour.

Happy-NOT wrote:Please advise if this is acceptable to; happen in such catastrophic style on a 2012 vehicle;

Not acceptable, but also not unheard of. Most of Citroens EPS systems out last the car. A second opinion from a citroen approved garage could be helpful and one from a Citroen dealer may help your case with Citroen UK.

Happy-NOT wrote:and, if Citroen have any responsibility.

I don't know, but a polite but persistent request would be a good first step with Citroen.