2012 Volkswagen Golf Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 2about this part
- Share
- 4%of 48 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 44,500miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 2 complaints about the steering of the 2012 Volkswagen Golf, 4% of the 48 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 44,500 miles.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“My local Volkswagen dealership stated there is a recall on certain vw models for the clock-spring located inside the steering column. My vehicle has been making a terrible noise when I turn the wheel in either direction, which vw attributes to the clock-spring. They told me the 2012 GOLF tdi model is not covered under the recall but apparently this clock-spring problem impacts other models. They warned the problem will get worse and eventually impact the steering, airbag, turn signals, horn, and other electrical components inside the steering wheel. …”
NHTSA complaint #11011753, filed 2017-07, 44,000 miles“Reading some online forums, many people are experiencing a creaking sound coming from components related to the steering system. It occurs when turning the steering wheel in either direction. The exact diagnosis is not posted on any of the forums but it does make vw owners nervous. It happens when the vehicle is stationary or in motion, regardless of the speed.”
NHTSA complaint #10983886, filed 2017-05, 45,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10235284Apr 27, 2023This Document was revised. The model year chat was removed for VWP-18-11 for the Steering Wheel Clock Spring Limited Warranty Extension
Steering: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 3 | 4% |
| 2021 | 1 | 14% |
| 2019 | 2 | 3% |
| 2018 | 2 | 7% |
| 2017 | 4 | 3% |
| 2016 | 2 | 2% |
| 2015 | 7 | 5% |
| 2013 | 5 | 12% |
| 2012 | 2 | 4% |
| 2011 | 3 | 3% |
| 2002 | 3 | 4% |
| 2001 | 1 | 1% |
| 2000 | 2 | 2% |
| 1999 | 1 | 2% |
| 1995 | 3 | 7% |
| 1994 | 2 | 5% |
| 1988 | 2 | 22% |
Other parts of the 2012 Volkswagen Golf
14 complaintsEngine
11 complaintsAir bags
10 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
9 complaintsElectrical system
6 complaintsBody and structure
4 complaintsExterior lighting
3 complaintsVehicle speed control
3 complaintsBrakes
1 complaintsOther or unknown
1 complaintsSeats
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2012 Volkswagen Golf
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology