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…
Hi there, can you tell me what was the problem in the end and the cost.
I have exactly the same model car and same fault as yours described.
Many thanks
In my case, they replaced the car’s steering rack. However, it only reduced the problem. I still feel the noise and impact in the steering wheel, although to a lesser degree… so I can’t really give you a solution. However, I’ve read somewhere that some people said it was the steering tie rod… whatever that means…
Thanks for the reply, had it in for the mot expecting it to fail, but it passed with the knocking coming through the steering wheel, he thinks it’s the steering column that’s at fault and would be about £1300- £1500 ish to replace.
Just wondering if anyone here can say if it’s dangerous to keep driving it like this as he said as annoying as it is , there was no play in it and still passed the mot?
Driving is safe. It’s probably minor damage to the steering rack from hitting the curb with the wheel. This is very common with electric steering racks.
Just an update in case it helps someone in the future.
The steering rack was replaced first, but unfortunately it did not solve the issue.
In the end, the actual fix was replacing both front tie rod ends / steering ball joints. After replacing the two front joints, the knocking disappeared completely.
Part Reference 1637280680
So if someone still has the problem after replacing the steering rack, it may be worth checking the front steering joints/track rod ends before going further.
What they told me at the DS service center is that the steering tie rods aren’t particularly great for this type of car and for the weight the DS7 has… take that for what it’s worth…
