10.0
really awful- Crashes / Fires:
- 1 / 0
- Injuries / Deaths:
- 0 / 0
- Average Mileage:
- 49,706 miles
About These NHTSA Complaints:
The NHTSA is the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints can be spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem. See the Back button — blue bar at the very top of the page — to explore more.
The power steering system fails when the engine/engine compartment gets hot. The problem has appeared after the car has been shut down (such as when refueling or a quick run into a store) and then restarted. When the key is pushed in to start the car, there is a loud grinding noise, a visible shimmy of the steering wheel, followed by the red steering wheel icon indicating there is a problem and 3 chimes. The steering wheel is locked in position with very limited turning ability and ability to control the direction of the car.
- Kennesaw, GA, USA
My steering will lock up and fail, but then after I restart the car a couple times it works again. Then it fails without warning. I get the auditory alert as well as a solid red steering wheel on the dash. There is a recall on 130 of this exact car, but when I do a VIN search it is not included. The current recall number is 08V577000, and I want to know about getting my VIN included since its the same failure. It has already been to the shop 3 times to be corrected, but only in the steering wheel, not in the steering box as indicated on the recall. My wife was driving it when it failed, but was in her patients neighborhood when it lost power steering (likely within the 5 mph speed for it to fail).
- Portsmouth, VA, USA
When parked or while driving the steering column locks up causing the car to lose the ability to steer or will automatically shut the car off while in traffic!! there have been several on line complaints about this same issue and Volkswagen refuses to acknowledge this faulty part which not only endangers the driver and passengers but everyone out on the road in the car's path. I have uploaded the other complaints about this very dangerous issue.
- Frankfort, IL, USA
Since I bought my car with 75000 mi on it 3 years ago, when I put the key in the ignition and start it the car shuts down and tells me steering control lock malfunction. Someone had told me to change the battery, I did so and the problem still persists. It is due to a faulty immobilizer key. Sometimes the car won't even start, and sometimes it directs me to take it to the workshop. I have spoken to Volkswagen a number of times about this issue, because it was a recall for the 2008 model of my car, but they insist that 2009 didn't have the problem. I know from speaking with others that have the same year make and model that I am not experiencing an isolated incident. Just as a number of other problems VW needs to own up to it's mistakes and offer a resolution to this problem. Even if it is changing the ignition system to a regular turn style key.
- Philadelphia, PA, USA
The steering wheel lock was defective on my 2009 Volkswagen Passat. The vehicle had less than 35000 miles on it. This is a safety issue. The steering wheel locked up on several different occasions while I was trying to take the vehicle out of the garage. The steering wheel lock also caused the vehicle to stall. In addition, it could cause the vehicle to shake while it is being driven. Volkswagen usa admitted that this part is an issue. They issued several technical service bulletins about the steering wheel column lock. Several other makes and models of Volkswagen were recalled as a result of this issue. I am seeking judgement from Volkswagen in the amount of $588.91, which is the cost of repair. Volkswagen refuses to pay for the safety issue because the car only had a 3 yr warranty. I will never purchase another Volkswagen ever. They are not willing to work with the consumer. The vehicle has been repaired by a Volkswagen dealer on 12/28/2018.
- North Catasauqua, PA, USA
My car has less than 35000 miles. The steering wheel column lock is defective has been appearing on my instrument panel. This defective part will not allow the car to start at time. Further investigation revealed that it could cause the car to stall while it is being driven. A search of the internet revealed that this is a frequent problem with this make and model of the car. It is a safety issue which is not caused by normal wear and tear. Volkswagen refuses to repair the vehicle at no charge for a known safety issue. I want Volkswagen held responsible. If the vehicle stalls while in motion, I will file a lawsuit. I want to give your company the opportunity to resolve it first.
- Catasauqua, PA, USA
Takata recall wanting to know if my car is one that has been recalled for 18V148000 and 08V57700 for suspension
- Crete, IL, USA
The contact owns a 2009 Volkswagen Passat. While driving 30 mph, the power steering failed and the vehicle stalled without warning. As a result, the vehicle was involved in a crash. There were no injuries and a police report was filed. There were no warning indicators illuminated prior to the failure. The vehicle was towed to garvey Volkswagen (483 quaker rd, queensbury, NY 12804, (518) 793-3488). The contact called the manufacturer twice after the crash and was informed that parts were not available, and further testing was needed on the fuel pump. The contact then took the vehicle to an independent mechanic where a new fuel pump was installed. One month later, the vehicle stalled again without warning. The failure mileage was 62,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
- Glen Leaf, NY, USA
The contact owns a 2009 Volkswagen Passat. The contact stated that the eps warning indicator randomly illuminated. The vehicle was excluded from NHTSA campaign number: 08V577000 (steering). The vehicle was not inspected by a dealer. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for inspection. The manufacturer was notified and stated that the vehicle was excluded from a manufacturer steering recall. The VIN and failure mileage were not available.
- Algonquin, IL, USA
I tried to hit my breaks and they failed to work and I hit the car in front of
- Washington, DC, USA
While the car was in motion, the power steering light came on and the steering was disabled. Pulled the car over, turned off and restarted. Problem went away for a day or two. Same thing happened again and resolved same way by me. Happened again - took it to the dealer and was informed I needed to replace the power steering rack. I asked the dealer if this was a common issue and the response was "extremely rare". I took to authorized VW repair centers (non-dealer). Could not quote an exact price for the "repair" as none of them have ever seen a repair like this needed on a VW. Did some research and found VW recall no. 48J1/P3 which was issued for the 2009 Passat but apparently not for my VIN" the hazards as experienced in this publication are what we are experiencing. Can you help me understand how that is possible" VW is refusing to contribute or cover any cost of the repair and it is a high safety concern for my family.
- Woodbury, MN, USA
Went to work on a sub zero temps day. Car was warming up. Went to pull away she the steering warning light came on with a 3 chim tone warning and locked up the steering columm. Had car towed to an otherized dealship where they scanned vehicle and found four codes for steering rack but was unable to detect any warning lights on dash board.
- Rochester, NY, USA
When backing up, or going forward slow, to park with front wheels turning there is a snapping sound which a an arizone VW dealer blames on salt/sand from ne. Car was on lift in Maine and I painted undercarraige and there was no sign of rust except on parts of clamps/screws. Vehicle was washed a minimum of once a week during winter. Moved to AZ and the snapping is more evident. VW replaced much of the front end and had car for three weeks. I have an extended warranty on the car and still had to pay over $1200. I was told to take it to a vehicle repair service to have it checked out.
- Glendale, AZ, USA
My power steering lock up on me 2X red light came on the second time and bing 3X. Steering wheel would not unlock right away. Took the Passat down to a authorized dealer and they said it needed rack and pinion and it cost $ $1,772.33. My Passat is 6 years old and had only 37,270 miles. This steering problem should have never happen with low mileage. I called the VW care center to ask if it was recall they said no. And was not under warranty. Because it was over 3 years old. I will never buy other VW again scents they will not stand by their product.
- Ruskin, FL, USA
The contact owns a 2009 Volkswagen Passat. The contact stated that the power steering warning light illuminated and the steering wheel became hard to turn. The vehicle was taken to a private mechanic who stated that the steering gear control unit needed to be replaced. The manufacturer stated that the vehicle was not included in NHTSA campaign number 08V577000 (steering). The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileage was 59,000.
- Beaufort, SC, USA
Stopped to get gas came come back outside to start the car car would not start indicator on dashboard said the power steering system has locked up.
- Belleville, MI, USA
The description of the recall on the 130 earlier Passat vehicles was exactly what we had. The steering wheel made a grinding noise when started and the warning light came on. The car was somewhat drivable but w/O any power assist whatsoever. I am a man and could wrestle with it to get the car out of the parking space and over to the local dealer. But my wife would have been stranded. And I fear what may happen if this failure occurred when the vehicle was in motion. There would likely be an accident through no fault of the driver. This had happened to my wife several times but if she shut the engine off and restarted the car, the problem went away. The dealer said they could not duplicate the problem and even sold us a new battery as their machine was showing low voltage codes. The tech even said that may affect the steering, since it has electronics. Not sure why in the world we need steering systems that have electrical components. I think that VW has underestimated the number of vehicles that likely were manufactured with this defective part. The repair was an entire new steering rack for the car.
- Atlanta, GA, USA
The contact owns a 2009 Volkswagen Passat cc. The contact stated that while driving 2 mph, the steering wheel seized and would not turn in any direction. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer and the dealer stated that the steering rack needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified and the vehicle was repaired. The failure mileage was 112,199 and the current mileage was 112,400.
- Williamstown, KY, USA
Loss of power steering. Steering gauge light turns on, along with ABS light, traction light. Steering wheel hardens and it is unable to steer vehicle. Second time that has occurred. Crash averted due to low speeds. Had the incident occurred minutes before during highway drive, certain accident would've been unavoidable. Incident happened at approx. 7000 miles first and now again at approx. 24K miles. Vehicle being reviewed.
- Oakdale, CT, USA
- Norfolk, VA, USA