C1608 on Renault: How to Diagnose & Fix
Electric Power Steering (EPS) Control Unit Internal Fault
1 Renault model · 1 documented issue · 1 critical · $700-$1,800 repair
C1608 on Renault by model: symptoms, diagnosis and fix
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.
Common Symptoms
- Steering warning light appearing intermittently
- Steering goes heavy intermittently, sometimes in one direction
- 'STOP' and steering fault message with total loss of assistance
- Vibration through the wheel when turning
How to Fix
Clean and remake the EPS motor ground connections first; if the column itself has failed, fit a remanufactured or repaired EPS column (around £800 plus VAT and coding for a new unit; remanufactured units are cheaper). Clio V owners should check the DVSA/EU recall status and have the column replaced free by Renault if affected.
Sources for this issue (5)
- Renault Clio MK3 EPS Electric Power Steering Column Repairs (Power Steering Services UK)article
- ClioSport.net — STOP Steering fault (Clio Mk3 200 Cup column failure, multiple warranty cases)forum
- ClioSport.net — Clio 3 dCi 'Steering fault' motor & ECU adviceforum
- car-recalls.eu — Renault Clio recalls (Clio V Feb 2020 steering column motor control, RAPEX A12/00239/20)recall
- CheckThisCar UK — Renault Clio V recalls (code 0D9V, steering column motor control, builds Apr-Oct 2019)recall
C1608 code reference
General diagnostic-code context. The code alone does not confirm a cause for your vehicle; use the applicable issue card and its sources.
Frequently asked questions
What does C1608 mean on a 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 it is documented across 1 model: Clio.
What are the most common causes of C1608?
The most common causes of C1608 are: 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. The specific cause varies by vehicle.
How much does it cost to fix C1608 on a Renault?
Published repair estimates on Renault range from $700 to $1,800 depending on the model and root cause. If an issue mentions a recall or campaign, check your VIN with the manufacturer or NHTSA and confirm eligibility and coverage with a dealer.
Looking for C1608 on a different make?
View C1608 across all makes →Content compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, and owner reports. May contain errors. Always verify with your vehicle's service manual.