2008 Volkswagen Passat: loss of power steering

5 of the 168 complaints about the 2008 Volkswagen Passat describe loss of power steering.

owner complaints: 5
of this car's complaints: 3%
recalls: 0

Is there a fix? 7 service bulletins cover this area of the car. See below

Loss of power steering by model year

2021
1
2018
1
2015
2
2014
4
2013
3
2012
3
2010
2
2009
4
2008
5
2006
4
2005
2
2003
1
2001
1
1999
8
1998
6
1995
1

What owners say

Filed Aug 30, 2022 · Engine · 170,000 miles · TX

The contact owns a 2008 Volkswagen Passat. The contact referenced the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 17V509000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The contact stated that on multiple occasions while driving, the steering became difficult to maneuver. The contact stated that the RPM increased rapidly and the engine revved without the accelerator pedal being depressed. The check engine warning light was illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated that she was able to maneuver the vehicle and turned the vehicle off. The contact stated that she was able to restart the vehicle without a failure. The contact then stated that a week later while driving the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the ECM needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The contact was advised to take the vehicle to the dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 170,000.

Filed Apr 10, 2018 · Electrical · 85,000 miles · UT

This vehicle has a recall for known electrical problems which may cause a loss of steering while driving. I have attempted to contact my local vw dealership to have them look into the issue but they fail to offer a solution. The vehicle also has known faulty electrical components in the steering wheel which cause airbag faults.

Filed Apr 3, 2018 · Electrical · GA

When I've been driving my car it completely shuts off, I lose power steering, acceleration, braking & need to allow the car to come to a stop & then stut if off & turn it back on. I have taken my pasta in and they are unable to find anything wrong with it. I found that there is a recall for my VIN but no available parts for a fuel pump replacement that would cause the car to suddenly shut off. What can I do to get this replaced I'm scared to keep driving it because at some point I will not be so lucky to not hit someone.

Filed Aug 26, 2014 · Electrical, Steering · 65,000 miles · NY

While traveling at approximately 50 miles per hour on state highway car suddenly lost all power. Steering became difficult but was able to pull off to side of road and coast into parking lot. Car would not start for 24 hours to move to repair shop. After difficulty diagnosing due to loss of all power, it was determined that the power supply relay was apparently bad. Could find no recall or extended warranty for this issue. Should not happen on a car with so few miles which has been well maintained. Very dangerous and scary issue! Was very lucky to be able to pull over in time to avoid traffic.

Filed Sep 10, 2009 · Engine, Steering · 56,000 miles · NJ

Exhaust pipe broke at the flex pipe. Hot exhaust gas burned through the wiring of the electronic steering rack. Lost steering and then engine shut off completely and not able to be restarted. Exhaust pipe, steering rack & steering wiring was replaced (wiring needs a heat-shield to protect the wiring).