C1608 on Renault
Electric Power Steering (EPS) Control Unit Internal Fault
C1608 on Renault vehicles indicates electric power steering (eps) control unit internal fault. Au7o has documented this code across 1 Renault model — most commonly on Clio. C1608 is a manufacturer-specific chassis code used most prominently by Nissan/Infiniti and Renault, where it means the electric power steering (EPS) control unit has detected an internal malfunction in its own electronics. The EPS computer reads the steering torque sensor and vehicle speed, then drives an electric motor (integrated into the steering column on most affected models, such as the Renault Clio, Modus, Mégane and Twingo, where the code is also logged as DF002) to provide assist; when the unit's self-check fails, the system reduces or shuts off that assist. Drivers typically notice suddenly heavy or stiff steering — often intermittent at first — with the EPS warning light on, and Renault models commonly display a "Steering Fault" message instructing the driver to stop. The car remains mechanically steerable but takes much more effort, which is hazardous during parking maneuvers and emergency avoidance, and on Renaults the fault usually progresses to complete, permanent loss of assist requiring steering column or control unit replacement. Note that usage differs on some manufacturers: Mitsubishi defines C1608 as "Implausible diagnosis data" (unreliable stored failure memory in the ASC/brake control system), so confirm the definition for your specific make. Typical repair costs on Renault range from $700 to $1,800, depending on the specific model and root cause.
Common Causes of C1608
- •Internal electronic failure of the EPS control unit itself (failed components or solder joints) — the defining cause; on Renault models the unit is built into the electric steering column assembly
- •Failing EPS motor or motor-driver circuit inside the column-mounted power-pack, detected by the control unit's self-diagnosis
- •Loose, corroded, or damaged EPS control unit connectors or harness wiring causing intermittent internal-fault detection
- •Low system voltage or poor power/ground supply to the EPS module (weak battery, bad alternator) triggering a false internal fault
- •Water intrusion or heat damage to the column-mounted control module
- •Stored historic fault from a momentary glitch — Nissan's procedure is to clear the code and re-run self-diagnosis; the control unit is only replaced if the code resets
C1608 on Renault by Model
Renault Clio(1 issue)
- Electric Power Steering (EPS) Column Failure2005-2020
The electrically assisted steering column on the Clio III (2005-2012) is a notorious failure point: UK steering specialists describe complete column failure as 'a very common fault', caused by poor ground connections to the EPS motor or internal failure of the column's motor and control unit (fault code C1608). Assistance becomes intermittently heavy — sometimes in one direction only — before failing completely, leaving the car drivable but very heavy to steer. The problem resurfaced on the Clio V: a February 2020 EU/DVSA recall covered 2019-built cars for internal failure of the steering column motor control causing loss of assistance while driving.
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View C1608 across all makes →Frequently Asked Questions
What does C1608 mean on Renault?▼
C1608 stands for "Electric Power Steering (EPS) Control Unit Internal Fault." C1608 is a manufacturer-specific chassis code used most prominently by Nissan/Infiniti and Renault, where it means the electric power steering (EPS) control unit has detected an internal malfunction in its own electronics. The EPS computer reads the steering torque sensor and vehicle speed, then drives an electric motor (integrated into the steering column on most affected models, such as the Renault Clio, Modus, Mégane and Twingo, where the code is also logged as DF002) to provide assist; when the unit's self-check fails, the system reduces or shuts off that assist. Drivers typically notice suddenly heavy or stiff steering — often intermittent at first — with the EPS warning light on, and Renault models commonly display a "Steering Fault" message instructing the driver to stop. The car remains mechanically steerable but takes much more effort, which is hazardous during parking maneuvers and emergency avoidance, and on Renaults the fault usually progresses to complete, permanent loss of assist requiring steering column or control unit replacement. Note that usage differs on some manufacturers: Mitsubishi defines C1608 as "Implausible diagnosis data" (unreliable stored failure memory in the ASC/brake control system), so confirm the definition for your specific make. On Renault specifically, this code is documented across 1 model.
What causes C1608 on Renault vehicles?▼
Common causes on Renault: Internal electronic failure of the EPS control unit itself (failed components or solder joints) — the defining cause; on Renault models the unit is built into the electric steering column assembly, Failing EPS motor or motor-driver circuit inside the column-mounted power-pack, detected by the control unit's self-diagnosis, Loose, corroded, or damaged EPS control unit connectors or harness wiring causing intermittent internal-fault detection, Low system voltage or poor power/ground supply to the EPS module (weak battery, bad alternator) triggering a false internal fault, Water intrusion or heat damage to the column-mounted control module. Specific causes vary by model and year — see the per-model sections below.
How much does it cost to fix C1608 on a Renault?▼
Repair costs on Renault range from $700 to $1,800, depending on the specific model and root cause.
Which Renault models have C1608 documented?▼
Au7o has documented C1608 on 1 Renault model: Clio.