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2006 Volkswagen Passat steering problems

112 complaints (19% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 63,500.

owner complaints
112
of this car's complaints
19%
typical mileage
63,500
crashes
0
recalls
1

Which part fails

  • Column
    2

At what mileage

Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.

0k-25k
25k-50k
50k-75k
75k-100k
100k-125k
125k-150k
150k-175k
175k-200k
200k+

Volkswagen Passat steering problems in other years

199420002005201020152022

Specific symptoms reported on the 2006 Volkswagen Passat steering

Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.

Steering lock-up 32

Related recalls

Steering: linkages: tie rod assemblyReported November 30, 2005 · 15 vehicles affected
What is wrong
On certain passenger vehicles, the left and right tie rod securing nut may be insufficiently torqued.
Risk
An insufficiently tightened tie rod nut may loosen, resulting in separation of a tie rod. This can cause a loss of steering control, which could cause a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect and install new left and right tie rod securing nuts at the proper torqued specification. The recall began on december 7, 2005. Owners may contact volkswagen at 1‑800‑893‑5298.

Recall number 05V540000 · Recall details

What 2006 Volkswagen Passat owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed May 10, 2020 · Electrical, Steering · 128,000 miles · TX

Trying to start car and won't turn on with key all my keys don't work says steering wheel lock defective can't get my car to turn my radio on I am parked in my drive way and can't even tow it to dealer now because it won't go into neutral.

Filed Sep 8, 2019 · Steering · 212,000 miles · MN

My vw has been hard to start and getting the steering lock fault warning. I understand there was a voluntary recall, but I was the original owner and do not remember getting the recall notice.

Filed Oct 26, 2018 · Airbags, Steering · 200,000 miles · OH

Tl* the contact owns a 2006 volkswagen passat. The contact stated that the air bag warning indicator illuminated while driving. The contact was concerned that the air bag might deploy while driving. The vehicle was taken to joseph volkswagen of cincinnati (located at 3813 montgomery rd, cincinnati, oh 45212, (513) 914-1785) where it was diagnosed that the curtain air bags needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously repaired per the federal safety agency campaign number: 18v247000 (air bags). In addition, the contact stated that the steering wheel seized when attempting to drive. The vehicle was towed back to the dealer, but was not diagnosed or repaired due to the repair fees. The manufacturer was notified of the failures and provided case numbers: 180151960, 181324957, and 08125390. The approximate failure mileage was 200,000.

Filed Oct 16, 2017 · Engine, Steering · 80,000 miles · NY

Have been getting steering lock malfunctions when trying to start the car for about two weeks. Today, the steering wheel locked while driving. Unable to steer the vehicle at all. Was able to stop and turn the vehicle off. Seems this is/ was a common problem for this model volkswagen and a voluntary recall was available until 2013. Unfortunately, the previous owners of the car never did any recalls or even remembers ever being notified of any recalls. This problem is one of many for this model. I called volkswagen and they were no help. This is a major safety issue. My 17 year old son drives this car. I cant allow him to drive it now after this. How can volkswagen allow this? They basically dont care if we crashed and hurt others because of this issue. A voluntary recall for a steering issue?? Does that sound safe??

Filed Sep 12, 2017 · Steering · 66,100 miles · PR

For a couple of weeks now the car starts and suddenly turn off. I went to start the car on 09/10/2017 and a message appeared on the mfd: "steering column lock" and the key is unable to be removed from the ignition. I have been reading about the steering column lock on various forums and found that vw issued a voluntary recall which expired somewhere around february 28, 2013. Since it was voluntary, and many people did not have the problem myself included, it would seem that this should be a mandatory recall. It is certainly a safety concern because the steering column can lock up and cause a major accident if this should occur while driving. It has been several years later and I have read many of the newer vw models are expiriencing the same issue. I certainly believe that this should merit a recall.

Filed Feb 16, 2017 · Electrical, Engine · OH

Car will not start after flashing sign or it could stop anywhere which could cause crash: steering - inspect for steering concern - comfort control module need to be replaced at no cost to the owner of the car - steering column control module: electronic steering column lock, hardware need to be replaced and program correctly at no cost to the owner of vehicle as it is vw programing is defaulted.

Filed Dec 24, 2016 · Steering · 194,000 miles · ME

Car is immobilized at this time w/ key stuck in ignition, defective steering wheel appears before this happens. Car was stationary in my drive way, cold weather, first start. It's intermediate & has happened multiple times. Steering has been fixed a few years ago for issues of the same sort. Car has approximately 194,000 on it but the issue is there has been multiple problems, cam (replaced 2 x's; once under warranty other time had to pay out of pocket), turbo, sensors, pvc, steering, converter (out of pocket), rear axle (out of pocket), etc. Have all documents but do not have a way to provide them in this forum. Problems started under certified warranty but continued after. Bought car w/ approximately 23,000 miles on it. Been nothing but a big headache. Car is well taken care of but continues to have issues.

Filed Oct 27, 2016 · Electrical, Steering · 130,000 miles · NJ

Takata recall first I would like to say my sunroof opens and closes it self then. Sometimes when I turn car on it shuts off says steering defected then its takes a couple seconds to come on. My wind shield wipers keep sayin I need water but its full then my daytime lights are off this car has many problems I keep getting the same parts fixed over and over. And then I have no recalls what the only way if we crash and die then we will get it fixed im putting so much money into car so can you please help thank you. This happen in different places the car shuts off different times.

Filed Jun 30, 2016 · Steering · 106,000 miles · AL

We have had trouble for the past week with our car not cranking in the afternoon. We figured it was the alternator causing the battery to die. We replaced the alternator. So the car did great for only a few minutes, then when backing out of the driveway, the steering column light came on, the steering wheel locked up, and the car continued to run. If we had been going down the road like I have read hundreds of other complaints for this, we could have been killed. Why has this not been recalled as many complaints have been made? The steering column light comes on going down the road and everything locks up for someone to die. Will volkswagen then decide its time to recall it? Now the key will not come out of the ignition and it will not crank at all.

Filed Jun 1, 2016 · Steering · CA

Tl* the contact owns a 2006 volkswagen passat. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency campaign number: 15v613000 (steering) however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.

Questions about the 2006 Volkswagen Passat steering

Does the 2006 Volkswagen Passat have steering problems?

Owners have filed 112 complaints about the steering of the 2006 Volkswagen Passat, 19% of all its complaints.

At what mileage do 2006 Volkswagen Passat steering problems start?

The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 63,500 miles.

Was there a recall on the 2006 Volkswagen Passat steering?

Yes, 1 recall: 05V540000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.

What year does the Volkswagen Passat have bad steering?

The Volkswagen Passat model years with the most steering complaints are 2006 (112 complaints), 1999 (76 complaints) and 1998 (52 complaints).

Other 2006 Volkswagen Passat problems

Airbags 148Engine 130Electrical 79Fuel system 64Brakes 49Transmission 47Acceleration 32Visibility 21Lights 12Locks 11Body 10Driver assistance 9Suspension 8Seat belts 6Seats 5Tires 4

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