Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2009 Volkswagen Passat owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
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.
The power steering system failed. At first I thought the steering wheel was locked. I started the car and could not turn the wheel. The power steering light illuminated in red and there was a loud beeping sound when the car is turned on. It was not until the car was towed that I realized that the wheel was not locked. The tow truck driver was able to turn the wheel to steer the vehicle on to the truck bed. I had someone plug in a diagnostic machine. I do not recall the exact code but he said the power steering system was not getting a signal. He replaced the steering angle sensor but that did not fix the issue. I had passenger at the time and was concerned for my safety. Luckily, the system failed while the car was parked, but we were left stranded. …
Tl* 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, [phone]). 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.
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 volkswagens 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. …
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? …
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.
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).
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.
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 $1200.00. I was told to take it to a vehicle repair service to have it checked out.
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.
Related recalls
Steering › Gear box (other than rack and pinion)
Vw is recalling 130 my 2009 passat, passat wagon, and passat cc vehicles. Some vehicles May have an electromechanical steering gear control unit that can malfunction due to a damaged capacitor.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the steering gear in the affected vehicles. The recall began on December 5, 2008. Owners May contact vw at 1-800-822-8987.
Steering complaints in other Passat years
Frequently asked questions
How common are steering problems on the 2009 Volkswagen Passat?
NHTSA has 20 complaints about the steering of the 2009 Volkswagen Passat, 13% of the model year's 152 complaints.
Is there a recall for 2009 Volkswagen Passat steering problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 08V-577 (gear box (other than rack and pinion), Nov 3, 2008). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2009 Volkswagen Passat steering problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 59,000 miles, and 13% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 0 injuries to steering problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
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.