Turn for the worse
We purchased a new Meriva Design in 2004 and have covered only 30,000 miles. As the steering failed, the main Vauxhall agent has stated we need a new steering column at the cost of £620. Vauxhall will not contribute to this repair even though the mileage is so low. We would like to know what could have caused this? Has there been a steering fault on this model? Can take this matter further? This could have caused a very serious accident had this fault have occurred on a busy road. Your comments on this matter will be appreciated.
Asked on 14 August 2010 by CS, Nottingham
Answered by
Honest John
Vauxhall says it's because owners force the steering against its stops and this has the effect of burning out the electric power steering motor. Mileage is less relevant than the amount of times you turn the steering lock-to-lock, and that will be far more frequently during short runs to the shops then it will be travelling the length of the country.
Looking for a garage you can trust? Honest John's Good Garage Guide has thousands of reader recommended garages, plus how-to guides and tips on servicing.
The Good Garage GuideSimilar questions
With all the bad publicity that Toyota has received of late I cannot understand why Vauxhall have not been brought to task over the problem with the Meriva's power steering. My wife has experienced at...
In May this year we bought a Vauxhall Meriva, first registered in January 2008. We have had a small number of minor faults that were dealt with to our satisfaction, by the dealer who sold it to us, however...
My Meriva developed the Electric Power Steering fault before the warranty ran out but the Vauxhall garage said they could not find the fault. Now two years on it is getting worse. I have complained to...
Related models
.jpg?width=115&height=75&rmode=crop)
Roomy, easy-to-drive, five-seat mini MPV. Sliding rear seats fold into the floor. VXR is nearly as quick as a hot hatch.
.jpg)
