Steering complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | 17% | — |
| 2025 | 1 | 3% | — |
| 2024 | 2 | 4% | — |
| 2023 | 1 | 2% | — |
| 2022 | 7 | 16% | 75,000 miles |
| 2021 | 3 | 4% | — |
| 2020 | 4 | 7% | 1,000 miles |
| 2019 | 12 | 2% | 20,000 miles |
| 2017 | 14 | 9% | 23,000 miles |
| 2016 | 11 | 7% | 46,000 miles |
| 2015 | 15 | 8% | 54,000 miles |
| 2014 | 17 | 4% | 59,000 miles |
| 2013 | 37 | 7% | 56,000 miles |
| 2012 | 42 | 8% | 53,000 miles |
| 2011 | 23 | 4% | 50,000 miles |
| 2010 | 13 | 2% | 90,000 miles |
| 2009 | 24 | 3% | 90,000 miles |
| 2008 | 3 | 2% | 170,000 miles |
| 2007 | 4 | 2% | 155,000 miles |
| 2006 | 10 | 2% | 66,000 miles |
| 2005 | 2 | 1% | 201,000 miles |
| 2004 | 4 | 2% | 118,000 miles |
| 2003 | 2 | 0% | 150,000 miles |
| 2002 | 8 | 1% | 92,000 miles |
| 2001 | 5 | 1% | 118,000 miles |
| 2000 | 8 | 2% | 38,000 miles |
| 1999 | 8 | 2% | 61,000 miles |
| 1998 | 12 | 6% | 105,000 miles |
| 1997 | 2 | 4% | 180,000 miles |
| 1996 | 3 | 10% | 102,000 miles |
| 1995 | 14 | 6% | 139,000 miles |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power steering, steering column, rack and pinion).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
The contact owned a 2022 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the contact heard a dinging noise twice coming from the instrument panel. The driver assist not avaiable warning light was illuminated. An Independent mechanic was contacted. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the steering wheel needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact mention the failure has occurred on several different occasions. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and offered no assistance. The failure mileage was 75,000.
The issue with the 2022 Volkswagen Jetta is the steering wheel which appears to be a known issue. A warning light and audible warning tone activate repeatedly while the car is in motion with the alert of "Travel Assist Currently Not Available". The frequency of the alert by tone and alert light is excessive and distracting while driving the car. The issue appears to be from an internal failure in the wheel's capacitive touch hands-detection sensor mat. In my 2022 Jetta, the original wheel at purchase had the exact same issue and was replaced under warranty. The wheel that Volkswagen replaced it with had the same defect, and the problem began occurring again in 2 or less years. Currently the alert begins and continues any moment that I touch any part of the bottom of the steering wheel. …
The contact owns a 2021 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed with adaptive cruise control on, the vehicle inadvertently applied the brakes completely bringing the vehicle to a complete stop in the middle of the roadway, after which the vehicle then shifted into the parked position. The contact also stated, that later while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle suddenly steered itself to the left towards oncoming traffic before the contact was able to regain control of the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who was unable to duplicate the failure. The contact was informed that the manufacturer was aware of possible issues with AI driving. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was not available.
When driving the vehicle, the steering wheel while jiggle violently while an electrical noise is heard. This happened while driving on the interstate at 70 mph and I had to hit my breaks as I was fearful I didn't have control of the vehicle. It then continued to do it even at lower speeds. The vehicle has been to a service department where they state the steering rack and pinion has failed. There are no warning lights, lamps or messages. The vehicle is at 72k miles.
On September 25th 2026, while driving my 2020 Volkswagen Jetta south on Route 12, the driver-front wheel completely separated from the vehicle while in motion. The vehicle suffered an immediate loss of structural control, and the undercarriage dropped directly onto the roadway, causing extensive mechanical, structural and body damage. A subsequent post-incident inspection by a certified Volkswagen dealership (NYE Volkswagen of Rome) revealed that the bolt holes on the wheel hub assembly were severely oblong, indicating that the lug bolts had loosened and backed out during operation. The vehicle had recently received 4 new tires on August 21st 2026 and the subsequent retorque on August 24th and a valve stem replacement on the driver-front wheel at the same automotive facility on September 3rd 2026. …
As I was driving home late last night from work on a city street , my car suddenly would not accelerate in speed while in motion but you can hear the car accelerate when I was pushing on the gas. It felt as if the car has turned off because then my steering wheel got hard was hard to move while in motion. Cause of problems is unknown but May not be safe to drive if it continues
The contact owns a 2019 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V604000 (Electrical System) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. Additionally, the contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled, and she became aware that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact was able to restart the vehicle and continued driving to the residence. The contact stated that the failure recurred the following day. The contact drove the vehicle to a local dealer who diagnosed that the "front assist systems" needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. …
On Jun 4, while driving on southwards on HW17 the steering became unresponsive. Eventually, the car, with four passengers, hit the curb. The vehicle is yet to be inspected by dealership, VW representative or repair shop person. I plan to take the car to repair shop, when they open on Monday, Jun 6. The car Engine Malfunction Light had turned on.
Frequently asked questions
Which Volkswagen Jetta years have steering problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2012 (42), 2013 (37), 2009 (24), 2011 (23) and 2014 (17) model years. Steering complaints make up 8% of all complaints for the 2012.
Is there a recall for Volkswagen Jetta steering problems?
No. NHTSA lists no steering recall for any Volkswagen Jetta model year. A widespread problem may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin, so ask a dealer.
At what mileage do Volkswagen Jetta steering problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 70,000 miles; 41% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the column locking › anti-theft device (10 mentions), followed by the hydraulic power assist system (9).
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.