2008 Volkswagen Passat Steering Problems

“While merging onto an on-ramp on a toll road, at approximately 50 MPH, the steering tried to pull the car in the opposite direction of the one I was turning. This was a cloverleaf on-ramp, with a tight turning angle. I immediately slowed down to about 30 or 35 MPH, as I was beginning to come out of the turn and it happened again. I was turning the right and steering would turn the steering wheel to the left for a second or two. I was forced to try to maintain the correct direction and avoid crashing. I brought the car to the dealership, but they were unable to duplicate the issue. …”

“Vehicle has approx one year of difficult starts requiring multiple attempts. On 7/20/14 while driving in parking lot vehicle stalled and refused to restart despite numerous attempts. Towed home. Dtc showed control module for electronic steering column lock leaking. Vehicle refusing to start despite all other electrical components checking out. Check engine light not on.”

“The car was parked and would not start even after a check of the battery. The car had no power whatsoever and could not be placed into neutral to tow-the electronic emergency brake was also locked.the vehicle sat two nights in a shopping center parking lot before a towing company could figure something out. The tow was $106.00 to the vw dealership.the dealer wanted $107 labor charge for each problem. …”

“Steering column lock malfunction, the vehicle will turn over but not fire. Every now and then it will fire and then immediately die. Luckily it went out while my vehicle was parked, if it were to malfunction while driving it could be very dangerous”

“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).”