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2013 Volkswagen Passat steering problems

51 complaints (7% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 65,000. 1 crash reported.

owner complaints
51
of this car's complaints
7%
typical mileage
65,000
crashes
1
recalls
0

Which part fails

  • Steering wheel/handle bar
    1

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 2013 Volkswagen Passat steering

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

Steering noise 18

Related recalls

No recalls on record for this model year.

What 2013 Volkswagen Passat owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Mar 28, 2025 · Airbags, Electrical · MA

Failed clock spring. Airbag light was present and a rattling noise, when turning, was noticed. Less than 72 hours later, the buttons on the steering wheel, including horn, stopped working, and a louder crack/pop was heard.

Filed May 8, 2024 · Steering · AZ

On 5/4/24 I was reverse parking & heard a clunk as I was turning my steering wheel then immediately noticed the airbag light come on. Attempted to check any error messages using the only menu control for the vehicle on the steering wheel that did not work. That led me to attempt to test all other controls on the steering wheel which also did not work. During these attempts, I identified that my horn was also not working. Due to the large safety concern this caused, I quickly searched on Google what the cause may be then immediately made an appointment at an auto shop (Greulich's Automotive Repair) with the first available I could find. I did not know this issue was previously recalled as I was too concerned with my safety on the road, specifically not trusting other drivers, not having enough time to research, & the auto shop did not mention the recall either. Spent $1,000 on labor, diagnostic, & the clock steering part. When researching the history of my vehicle, I do not find that this recall was performed. I will be calling VW customer service for reimbursement. After the part has been replaced, the next day, I come to find out that the menu setting control on the steering wheel continues to not work which I have brought attention to the auto shop. Waiting for a call back about why all other controls on the steering wheel works now except the vehicle menu which might be the most important control on the wheel. In addition, the cruise control option does not work either because of this replacement which I come to find out it’s a separate part that needs to be replaced, hence, additional out of pocket costs. Not okay.

Filed Dec 5, 2023 · Airbags, Electrical · SC

I was turning into my driveway when I heard a strange clicking noise coming form the steering wheel column. As soon as I heard the clicking sound the airbag indicator light started flashing on my dashboard and the buttons on my steering wheel stopped working. Did some research on the airbag sensor which lead to learning about the clockspring malfunction. Not only I’m I at risk of my airbag not deploying, my HORN does not work. The horn malfunction came to knowledge when a car pulled out in front of me causing me to run off the road. I spoke with Volkswagen manufacturer about the malfunction recall. I was told since my car is over 120k miles it could not be replaced under the 10 year recall extended warranty. I purchased my 2013 VW CC in October of 2022. I have only owned the car for one year. Yes, the car is available to be inspected upon request.

Filed Jul 18, 2023 · Airbags, Electrical · AR

My instrument cluster stopped working yday. I could hear something inside or behind the steering wheel when I turned it. Obviously my clock spring has failed. I am pretty sure my car had a recall on this in the past. I haven’t had another ride to Little Rock to take my car for repairs. I can not afford to fix this. The part alone is over 400$. I understand it is very dangerous to drive. I have no other way to get anywhere. I need this part replaced if possible at all by volkswagon. There were 6 recalls on my car last time I checked. This being one of them. It is very dangerous to drive for me and everyone on the roadways. Please help. Thank you.

Filed Jun 13, 2023 · Airbags, Steering · NV

The clock spring broke again only four years from being repaired with the last recall.

Filed Mar 30, 2023 · Airbags, Electrical · CA

While driving Airbag error flashed on dash and the Airbag light-lamp came on . Also my steering wheel horn and buttons do not work . I had no past indication . I am driving with no horn and most likely no Airbag deployment in case of accident. No inspection yet. Actually at risk if driven to the dealership

Filed Dec 28, 2022 · Airbags, Steering · RI

Unsure how this problem arose, but suddenly the airbag error light appeared and non of the controls on the steering wheel work. This also includes the horn, and airbag. From googling it appears there was a recall for the 2013 VW Passat for a faulty clock spring in the steering wheel which can cause the airbag light to appear and be faulty.

Filed Nov 25, 2022 · Airbags, Electrical · TX

Records indicate clock spring recall service was performed at some time in the past. Same exact problem recurred last week. Clearly the recall service did not remedy the problem.

Filed Aug 28, 2022 · Airbags, Electrical · FL

Recall still from 2015!!! Clock spring defect NEED TO HAVE FIXED ASAP!!! Dealer says have to replace ourselves REALLY???? It’s a manufacturer RECALL

Filed Apr 25, 2022 · Engine, Fuel system · CA

VW BCM unit causes vehicle to idle then shut off while driving making it impossible to steer or increase speed.

Questions about the 2013 Volkswagen Passat steering

Does the 2013 Volkswagen Passat have steering problems?

Owners have filed 51 complaints about the steering of the 2013 Volkswagen Passat, 7% of all its complaints.

At what mileage do 2013 Volkswagen Passat steering problems start?

The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 65,000 miles.

Was there a recall on the 2013 Volkswagen Passat steering?

There is no recall for this problem on this model year.

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 2013 Volkswagen Passat problems

Airbags 382Engine 110Electrical 93Fuel system 88Lights 60Transmission 33Body 31Visibility 23Acceleration 15Driver assistance 15Suspension 13Brakes 8Wheels 8Tires 5Seat belts 4Seats 3Locks 2

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