Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2014 Volkswagen Passat owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns 2014 Volkswagen Passat. The contact stated that puddles of oil could be found on the ground after parking the vehicle. The contact also stated that while making a turn in either direction the vehicle would wobble causing him to lose control of the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated that the tread in the driver's and passenger's side front tires were wearing excessively. The contact stated that the front tires had been replaced multiple times; however, the failure persisted. The contact had taken the vehicle to the dealer on multiple occasions; however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 32,103.
On Saturday October 30, 2021 my car was parked on the driveway. I tried to put the key in the ignition and the key would not go in. There is a white plastic piece in the ignition that will not allow the key to go in. My steering wheel and front tires locked. I called AAA and had a tow truck come so that I could have the car towed to the dealership. The driver was able to wiggle the key and start the car. I dropped off the car at the dealership on Saturday Oct 30th. I was told by the dealership that the key cylinder and steering wheel lock housing plus keys need to be replaced. I contacted VW of America and was told that they will not replace the part because the car is out of warranty. This is obviously a defect as there have been many recalls with this part in different model VW's. The dealership is trying to charge me $934.03 for this repair which I believe is a defect. …
1. Air bag clock spring (twice) 2. No horn, no airbag driver side safety issues. 3. Yes, twice confirmed by VW Dealer 4. No other inspections, just VW Dealer 5. No warnings of the issue until none of the controls were working - now an air bag light January 29, 2020 - 82227 miles, no air bag, no horn, no steering wheel controls. brought to dealer - says there is a known issue with the clock spring and replaced it no charge. August 11, 2021, 123221 miles, no air bag, no horn, no steering wheel controls. brought to dealer - says not covered. the first clock spring lasted 80,000, the second one even more faulty - lasted barely 40000.
Airbag clock spring has broken but part is unavailable and has been on back order for over a year. I now do not have an airbag, horn or any steering wheel buttons. Couldn't care less on the buttons but my concern is safety with the airbag and horn. Also it will no longer pass my states inspection. Volkswagen needs to fix this and now! Part on back order for over a year and no expected time in near future is unacceptable for those in this position!! :(. They should realize some people will die instead of survive certain crashes without airbags working!!
1) Transmission vehicle is not able to be driven Driving on the highway taking kids to school as my vehicle would not accelerate put me the kids and all that were on the road that morning at risk because all i could do is coast to get off on the side of the highway. I had it towed to independent center No warning signs, lights or messages nor any other symptoms. 2)also faulty steering wheel clock spring all of the controls stopped working airbag light is on and when turning the wheel it clicks and rubs.
The wheel clock spring in the steering column is making loud noises and the horn has stopped working. The airbag light has come on now and the only solution is replacement of the wheel clock spring to make the vehicle safe for the driver. Should be covered under the recall of 2014 VW Passats
Called the dealership at commonwealth motors and all other dealership to take care of the recall as that is the only reason why I am a unable to pass inspection . Dealer ships all around said the part for the takata airbag recall is not in stock and will not be available till December 2025
I was driving and the airbag light randomly came on out of the blue. While trying to parallel park I noticed my steering wheel clicking. We ran codes on the car and we are confident that the clock spring failed. My horn and cruise control also no longer work.
Clockspring Recall. Horn not working, buttons on steering column not working, when turning steering wheel it makes a clicking noise, sounds like spring being pulled, driver side air bag light is illuminated on dash.
The component that failed is in the official dealer report. I am not an expert however definitely an issue with electrical, engine, steering and acceleration meter. The car shakes/jolts aggressively. Once the shaking of the vehicle begins it accelerates with the breaks being pressed in under a red light and also under parked mode. In the red light case the vehicle then turns off the steering wheel freezes and all power comes off. The shaking/jolting takes place as I am driving as well. Which I then have to pull to the right to ensure my safety and others. This is major safety concern as it accelerates /jolts forward which can cause harm to pedestrians crossing the street, having me enter crossing traffic causing a major accident to myself and others. I have the brakes pressed in having no control of the vehicle. …
Steering complaints in other Passat years
Frequently asked questions
How common are steering problems on the 2014 Volkswagen Passat?
NHTSA has 44 complaints about the steering of the 2014 Volkswagen Passat, 7% of the model year's 594 complaints.
Is there a recall for 2014 Volkswagen Passat steering problems?
No. NHTSA lists no steering recall for the 2014 Volkswagen Passat, though it has 10 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2014 Volkswagen Passat steering problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 40,000 miles, and 24% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 1 injury 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.