2013 Volkswagen Passat Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 51about this part
- Share
- 7%of 749 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 61,125miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 51 complaints about the steering of the 2013 Volkswagen Passat, 7% of the 749 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 61,125 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“The clockspring was recalled and replaced in 2015. While backing out of a parking spot I heard a couple of pops and lost any steering wheel controls, ie: volume control ect... The airbag light also illuminated. The next day I took it to Volkswagen service center where they assessed the issue and confirmed it was the clockspring and it needed to be replaced.”
NHTSA complaint #11101392, filed 2018-06, 103,500 miles“While driving one day I heard a snap in the steering column and the airbag symbol illuminated. The horn does not work and each time I turn the wheel I can hear a noise coming from the column. After taking to a dealer it was determined that the clock spring has failed in the vehicle and Volkswagen has refuse to replace due to placing a cover over the clock spring in january of 2016.”
NHTSA complaint #11103986, filed 2018-06, 72,000 miles“When I started turning the steering wheel a few days ago I would hear something kinda ticking like something was caught between the steering and column section. Today after I started my car and the steering wheel air bag came and has stayed on. Thus my horn and buttons to control my instrument panel no longer work.”
NHTSA complaint #11013114, filed 2017-08, 124,021 miles“I have the same issue as investigation rq 17-009. My clockspring was part of a recall with previous owner having the recall completed in 2017. Now the clockspring is broken once again. I contacted vw and they informed me the recall is closed and on me to fix or dealer I purchased the car through. This is a vw issue. I heard and felt the clock spring pop while making a hard turn a few days ago. Lost all hand controls, horn and airbag light. This is a serious safety issue with no airbag.”
NHTSA complaint #11097215, filed 2018-05, 26,500 miles“Clock spring recall - Volkswagen not honoring the recall for my VIN #. Steering wheel started to click last night upon turning while driving, and now the airbag light is out. Took it into the dealership today and they said it will be a $700 repair for the clock spring. Even with the airbag light out, one of the service guys told me they have dealt with a lot of these and said it was probably safe to drive. When I asked about the recall 69l2, they said my car was not covered in the recall.”
NHTSA complaint #11128268, filed 2018-09, 73,300 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11036880Aug 3, 2026Clean and install an additional plastic "ring" to prevent ingress of dirt,hair. Foreign bodies into the clock spring.
- 10247537Dec 11, 2023Rear of teering wheel trim modification for noise when maneuvering.
- 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 | 2 | 15% |
| 2021 | 2 | 10% |
| 2020 | 2 | 11% |
| 2019 | 1 | 8% |
| 2018 | 2 | 4% |
| 2017 | 16 | 15% |
| 2016 | 19 | 18% |
| 2015 | 26 | 11% |
| 2014 | 44 | 7% |
| 2013 | 51 | 7% |
| 2012 | 46 | 10% |
| 2011 | 2 | 13% |
| 2010 | 13 | 8% |
| 2009 | 20 | 14% |
| 2008 | 12 | 7% |
| 2007 | 15 | 6% |
| 2006 | 112 | 19% |
| 2005 | 2 | 1% |
| 2004 | 2 | 1% |
| 2003 | 10 | 2% |
| 2002 | 1 | 0% |
| 2001 | 13 | 3% |
| 2000 | 25 | 5% |
| 1999 | 76 | 11% |
| 1998 | 52 | 16% |
| 1995 | 4 | 4% |
| 1994 | 2 | 8% |
Other parts of the 2013 Volkswagen Passat
382 complaintsEngine
105 complaintsElectrical system
93 complaintsFuel system
88 complaintsOther or unknown
77 complaintsExterior lighting
60 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
33 complaintsBody and structure
31 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
23 complaintsVehicle speed control
15 complaintsSuspension
13 complaintsElectronic stability control
10 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2013 Volkswagen Passat
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 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