P0553 fault code: Power Steering Pressure Sensor/Switch Circuit High Input

P0553 means “Power Steering Pressure Sensor/Switch Circuit High Input” — a vehicle speed and idle control fault in the powertrain. We do not yet publish verified symptoms, causes or repair steps for this code — treat an engine management light seriously and book a garage if you are unsure.

Can I DIY?

Not from this page. P0553 has no verified safety grade here yet, so we publish no DIY checks, repair steps or tool guidance for it. Treat an engine management light seriously and have the fault confirmed by a qualified garage.

Stop when it is safe to do so and arrange recovery if the engine management light is flashing, the car judders, overheats or loses power, or you can smell fuel or exhaust fumes inside the car.

P05xxVehicle speed and idle control
MOT fail riskif the warning light stays on

What does P0553 mean?

P0553 is a generic (SAE standard) powertrain code reported by your car’s engine control unit. It sits in the P05xx block, which covers vehicle speed and idle control. The stored description is “Power Steering Pressure Sensor/Switch Circuit High Input”. The code itself tells you which circuit or system tripped the fault — not always the exact part that failed.

Will P0553 fail an MOT?

An illuminated engine management light is a Major defect at MOT since 2018 — an automatic fail until the fault is repaired and the light stays off. Clearing the code without fixing the cause is not a repair.

Before booking your test, check what usually fails on your car: see our MOT pass rates by make and model, built from 33.1 million DVSA tests.

Related guides

Car diagnostic test cost: compare the scopeUK booking marketplaces currently publish diagnostic averages of about £52–£65. Engine management light on: steady or flashing?A steady engine management light means the computer has stored a fault. Drive with caution and get the code read. A flashing light is different — stop when it is safe.
P0500Vehicle Speed Sensor 'A' P0501Vehicle Speed Sensor 'A' Range/Performance P0502Vehicle Speed Sensor 'A' Circuit Low Input P0503Vehicle Speed Sensor 'A' Intermittent/Erratic/High P0504Brake Switch 'A'/'B' Correlation P0505Idle Air Control System P0506Idle Air Control System RPM Lower Than Expected P0507Idle Air Control System RPM Higher Than Expected

P0553 — quick answers

Will P0553 fail my MOT?

An illuminated engine management light is a Major defect at MOT since 2018 — an automatic fail until the fault is repaired and the light stays off. Clearing the code without fixing the cause is not a repair.

Fault-code identifiers are standard diagnostic facts. Their explanations and diagnostic guidance on this site are original editorial summaries, not reproduced SAE wording. MOT defect rules reflect the DVSA MOT inspection manual (2026). This page is general guidance for UK drivers, not a substitute for a professional diagnosis.