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2015 Volkswagen Passat Steering Problems

26 owner-reported steering complaints from NHTSA data

26
Complaints
Jan 2023Dec 2016
Date Range

Data sourced from NHTSA public database. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified mechanic.

Owner Complaints (26)

criticalSTEERING
Filed: Sep 2024

This is the second car like this that I have had. Both had the same issues. when at highway speeds of 65 or greater the steering wheel will shake left and right.

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NHTSA #: 11616771
criticalSTEERING,SUSPENSION,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Filed: Jul 2021

For about 2 years my vehicle has been vibrating at the steering wheel. I have replaced the tires twice, have done multiple tire balances, rotations, road force tests, alignments, and have requested multiple inspections of all components associated with the steering assembly. All possible solutions have apparently been insufficient or they have been found inconclusive.

NHTSA #: 11426183
criticalSTEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS
Filed: Mar 2019

Clock spring failure!!! Clock spring failure!!! Clock spring failure!!!

NHTSA #: 11187159
criticalSTEERING,AIR BAGS
Filed: Sep 2018

Clock spring failed. If accident were to happen, airbags wouldn't deploy due to failed clock spring. Very frustrating to spend $700 to repair the clock spring, considering vw has known about this issue for several years.

NHTSA #: 11130641
criticalSTEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS
Filed: Aug 2017

I was in my drive way and started my car when the air bag malfunction light came on in my car. At that point the horn, cruise control, phone, and radio functions all stopped working on my steering wheel. I looked in my owner manual and it said to call the dealership immediately.

NHTSA #: 11015858
highSTEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
Filed: Jul 2025

2015 Passat TDI sudden complete power loss while driving, including highway incidents. Vehicle stalls with no warning, creating immediate safety hazard. Symptoms match documented crankshaft position sensor failures in identical vehicles that VW has repaired under warranty for other owners.

NHTSA #: 11671727
highSTEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS
Filed: Jul 2023

Failed part: Clock spring. Yes, the work was appropriately installed. This is my fourth replacement within less than 100k miles.

NHTSA #: 11535105
mediumSTEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Filed: Sep 2023

I take my car to the dealership for maintenance when it is scheduled. The ignition would not allow me to put the key inside. I did a little internet research and it seems to be a common problem with this car.

NHTSA #: 11544526
mediumSTEERING
Filed: Jan 2023

The Clock Spring issue that was recalled on 2012-2014 Passat's occurred on my vehicle which was manufactured July 2014 as a 2015. The car only has 60k miles on it. Clicking while turning the wheel, no steering wheel controls work and air bag light is on meaning it will not deploy and my vehicle will not pass inspection.

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NHTSA #: 11502249
mediumSTEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS
Filed: Sep 2022

The clock spring has broken again. The clock spring had been replaced on this vehicle in spring 2020, it is currently summer 2022. The vehicle currently has approximately 162,000 miles.

NHTSA #: 11483905
mediumSTEERING,AIR BAGS
Filed: Apr 2022

While at the dealership for other emission related warranty items, the vehicle clock spring broke which disabled the driver side air bag, the horn and other steering wheel related controls. This occurred in late December 2021. The replacement part was on back order with no definitive delivery date provided.

NHTSA #: 11459653
mediumSTEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS
Filed: Jun 2019

Update june 2019 - now my car has 53,000 miles. My replaced clock spring has failed again. No horn, or steering wheel controls and the airbag light is on.

NHTSA #: 11220986
mediumSTEERING,AIR BAGS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Filed: Jun 2018

Air bag sensor has gone on 3 times while under warranty. Each time the dealership fixed it. It has gone off again now that I am @37,000 miles and out of warranty.

NHTSA #: 11102827
mediumSTEERING
Filed: Apr 2018

Airbag light came on while turning; vw dealership diagnosed as failed clockspring

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NHTSA #: 11088752
mediumSTEERING,SUSPENSION,SERVICE BRAKES
Filed: Nov 2016

I bought a 2015 passat wolfsburg edition in february of 2015. Within the first 200 miles vehicle was shimmying when brakes were applied. Dealer refused to replace the brakes under the warranty saying its wear and tear.

NHTSA #: 10928692
mediumSTEERING,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
Filed: Aug 2015

Tl* the contact owns a 2015 volkswagen passat. The contact stated that the vehicle veered to the right without warning at 25 MPH. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where they diagnosed that the vehicle alignment was not proper.

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NHTSA #: 10745924
lowSTEERING,AIR BAGS
Filed: Sep 2024

I was driving the car as usual. I needed to make a u turn at a light where it was safe and legal to do so. I heard a clicking sound and I don’t know what happened.

NHTSA #: 11613507
lowSTEERING
Filed: Sep 2021

My airbag clockspring has went out and now my horn and cruise control does not work . Nothing on my steering wheel work

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NHTSA #: 11433782
lowSTEERING,AIR BAGS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Filed: Mar 2021

I took my vw in at 90000 and it was in need of a steering clock spring, here I am 30k mi later and guess what. I am told this is normal but I think he same breath the manger tells the other customer not to worry about it that it was only 2015s . 400 bucks later !!!

NHTSA #: 11405672
lowSTEERING,AIR BAGS,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
Filed: Oct 2019

Horn, steering wheel buttons, power steering and driver side airbag are not working as a result of a faulty clock spring.

NHTSA #: 11270971
lowSTEERING,AIR BAGS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Filed: Dec 2018

Steering wheel started making a clicking sound and controls and horn on the steering wheel no longer function. The air bag light came on immediately. Car started havint this issue when first started and backing out of a parking space.

NHTSA #: 11157173
lowSTEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS
Filed: Nov 2018

I was parked on flat ground while starting my car this morning and noticed the air bag light on the dash board stayed light. Then I noticed the stereo control on the steering wheel was not light and did not work. At work I did some research and found that it could be the clock spring.

NHTSA #: 11152368
lowSTEERING,AIR BAGS,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
Filed: Sep 2018

All lights came on at same time, no notable reason given for issue. Just told costs associated aren't under warranty or recalls.

NHTSA #: 11127873
lowSTEERING,SUSPENSION
Filed: Jun 2018

Excessive inside front tire wear can lead to tire failure. Font end can not be properly aligned because there is no camber adjustment. Tires showed excessive wear at 10,000 miles.

NHTSA #: 11104679
lowSTEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS
Filed: Oct 2017

Air bag error message and light illuminates. The steering wheel makes a cracking sound while turning in either direction. Also the buttons on the steering wheel do not work to include the horn.

NHTSA #: 11030696
lowSTEERING,SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE
Filed: Dec 2016

It was twice when I heard a loud noice when I turn the engine on and and placing the car on reverce the noice last for more than 10 sec it happen once and then the second time was 2 days after I took it to inspection and they told me everyting look fine.

NHTSA #: 10936017

Other 2015 Volkswagen Passat Issues