I drive a 2021 DS7 Crossback E-Tense 225 Performance Line and I’ve started noticing a light knocking or dull tapping sensation through the steering wheel after driving for about 25–30 minutes in hybrid mode.
It happens at low speeds (below ~40 km/h) and can be felt even when driving straight — not necessarily while turning. It’s accompanied by a soft, muted “thud” sound. Once I stop the car, turn it off and start it again after some time, the issue disappears completely until the next longer drive in hybrid mode.
It almost feels like something mechanical gently tapping or a slight shock being transmitted to the steering column.
I’m wondering if anyone with the same model has experienced this.
No warning lights, no steering resistance issues — just those light knocks here and there.
I’ll have to test this exclusively in electric mode and Im combustion mode… Which I didn’t.
Might sound obvious but have you checked to see if the wheel nuts are tight ?
I’ve noticed on my E Tense a definite difference in gear changes in hybrid compared to electric mode.
In hybrid the gear change can be felt as slight jolt if that makes sense.
But in electric mode its far less obvious.
Its a bit odd though as I thought in electric mode there wouldnt be a gear changes felt.
Maybe it’s not the actual gears I can feel changing ?
Many PSA models currently experience clicking noise. It’s usually a problem with the steering column. It might also be the case here, but how does the temperature change after the interior warms up? Therefore, it only happens after some time.
That’s where I would start.
I was able to reproduce the knocking/tapping sensation even with the car stationary. By slowly turning the steering wheel while the vehicle was stopped on a smooth surface, I could feel the same short, dry “tap” through the wheel at certain points in its rotation.
This makes me think it might not be directly related to road vibrations or suspension movement, since it can happen without the car moving.
The sound still feels like it’s coming from somewhere around the dashboard or engine bay area, and it tends to become more noticeable after driving for a few minutes.
I also confirmed that the same behavior occurs in all drive modes, 100% electric, hybrid, and combustion only, so it doesn’t seem to be linked to the hybrid system specifically.
Just to give you some feedback, after visiting the mechanic it was concluded that there’s a fault in the steering box. We’re waiting for the new one to arrive so it can be replaced…