OBD-II code · Chassis

C0079 Variable Effort Steering

Generic fault on variable effort steering (VES) system.

Is it safe to drive with C0079?

The car may go into limp mode (reduced power). Get it diagnosed before a long trip.

Common causes

  • Most likelyVES system fault

Symptoms

  • ABS warning light on
  • ESC/stability control deactivated
  • Possible reduced brake assist
  • Speedometer may behave erratically

Repair at a glance

Difficulty
Hard
DIY friendly
Best left to a mechanic
Typical labour
2–6 h
Emissions test
Usually unaffected
After the fix
A drive cycle is needed before the light stays off
Parts involved
Ves System

Code data: OBDex open dataset (CC0). Labour times are typical ranges, not a quote.