EPS Steering Failure at 60,500 miles (Private Hire) - Advice needed on £2.5k quote

[Sword1]

Hi everyone,
I’m looking for advice on a steering issue with my MG4. I’ve just hit 60,500 (61900 current) miles.
The Symptom:
The steering feels heavy, specifically losing all power assistance at the 1 o’clock position (left/right same spot). Once past that point, it feels normal. Oddly, if I turn on "Steering Wheel Assist," the issue seems to disappear, but it's very noticeable on slow, winding roads with the assist off.
The Background:
Last week, a diagnostic scan showed "red errors" across the topology. We cleared them; the car was fine for 30 minutes, then the heavy spot at 1 o'clock returned.
The Dealer Situation:
The dealer wants £2,300 to replace the entire column and rack. Because the car is used for Private Hire, they say I am 1k miles over the 60k warranty limit and refuse to cover it.
Questions for the group:

1. Has anyone experienced this "dead spot" at 1 o’clock? Does it sound like a sensor calibration or a mechanical rack failure?
2. Could a failing 12V battery cause specific EPS dead zones? ( 12V battery seems ok around 13.9v but when the problem occured was 13.8v)
3. Since I’m only 500 miles over the taxi warranty, has anyone had success with a goodwill claim from MG UK?
4. Are there any known software updates for the EPS that address "notchy" steering?

Any advice before I pay for a full replacement would be massively appreciated!

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[Rolfe]

Can you tell us exactly which model it is, and the year? This isn't something I've ever heard of.

 

[siteguru]

Is this similar to the issues the early ZS models had, which warranted a recall (I think) and replacement of the entire steering column? (And maybe also the rack).

 

[Sword1]

Can you tell us exactly which model it is, and the year? This isn't something I've ever heard of.

MG4 EV 2023

 

[Sword1]

Is this similar to the issues the early ZS models had, which warranted a recall (I think) and replacement of the entire steering column? (And maybe also the rack).

dealer said "full steering column replacement but also we cant be 100% that this would fix the issue" but you still have to pay us £2300 .

I belive there is known part that often fails ...but they want me to replace everthing. According to the dealer "before me there was another car with same symptoms" so they will do exactly the same repairs on the other car. my firend with OBD scanner is laughing saying they trying to rip me off

 

[Everest]

What did the diagnostic codes report? Seems odd to me that clearing the faults (presumably via OBD) actually resolved the issue of lost assistance for 30 mins.

 

[siteguru]

MG4 EV 2023

SE SR?
SE LR?
Trophy LR?

 

[securespark]

I cannot believe that they would change the column and charge you for it, even if it didn't solve the issue.

That would be like me trying to charge for curing an electrical fault and the RCD is still tripping...

 

[ClaretFozzy]

Possibly just a seized UJ.

 

[Sword1]

SE SR?
SE LR?
Trophy LR?

SE LR

 

[Sword1]

What did the diagnostic codes report? Seems odd to me that clearing the faults (presumably via OBD) actually resolved the issue of lost assistance for 30 mins.

apprently if you delete the error codes problem is gone yeah but let's say because there is a problem and let's say one of the modues use extra electricity the errors quickly build up and the car goes back into "limp mode"

 

[Sword1]

the errors that were pending after the error cleared and were showing as pending (not current):

B19AC Drive Assist Sytem Perception and decision model calculation fault
U0416 Invalid data recived from stabilty control system SCS integrated systems
U0417 invalid data received from electric parking brake module integrated brake system
U130A invalid data received from front view camera module
B1066 Brake pedal switch stuck

my friend said he was only concerned about brake pedal switch stuck.

now as we deleted all the errors at the start the main error could never show up again (untill the part completely melts) ...

 

[Sword1]

I cannot believe that they would change the column and charge you for it, even if it didn't solve the issue.

That would be like me trying to charge for curing an electrical fault and the RCD is still tripping...

ikr this why went back to collect my car but now I need to find a solution to my problem feel everwhere I go people trying to rob me

 

[Sword1]

Possibly just a seized UJ.

could be dirt, dust, rust

car still works but only when it wants, it's like on and off

 

[Rolfe]

ikr this why went back to collect my car but now I need to find a solution to my problem feel everwhere I go people trying to rob me

I know how you feel. I had a dealer like that.

 

[ReintjeWA]

If the issue is the rack or column, then it would persist even after clearing the software codes wouldn’t it? I wonder if they reinstall some software components when they replace the rack/column and this is what actually fixes the issue?

 

[jamakr4]

apprently if you delete the error codes problem is gone yeah but let's say because there is a problem and let's say one of the modues use extra electricity the errors quickly build up and the car goes back into "limp mode"

I drive a 2023 as well - I think there actually was an update recently for EPS. So maybe try that?