The proportion of active chassis systems and x-by-wire applications is increasing in the current vehicle development. They represent a larger function range as well as an increased safety in the control loop "driver-vehicle- environment". At this point, especially steering systems are quite important, because the driver is adapted to the car by the steering wheel. Therefore different steering systems have been developed, starting with mechanical systems which meanwhile have been replaced by steering systems, which influence the steering torque (e.g. Servotronic, EPHS or EPS). Nowadays, active steering systems, which are also able to set an additional steering angle, conquer the vehicle industry. Dimensioning active steering systems, a realization of technical and functional requirements and a suitable safety strategy is necessary. This results in an increased comfort and active safety. On the other side, safety functions must guarantee that in case of disturbances or breakdowns of mechatronic systems, the car stays controllable. Also these malfunctions must not lead to critical driving situations in any case. This paper shows how the development process of active steering systems can be designed consequently regarding normal driver orientation. This process starts with the conception, followed by the design process and realization of the technical functions up to suitable safety concepts. Here, the maximal actuator malfunction, determined in tests with a normal driver population, are investigated and identified for safety functions.