YearToAvoid

2009 Volkswagen Passat Steering Problems

NHTSA has 20 owner complaints about steering problems in the 2009 Volkswagen Passat, 14% of all 146 complaints for this model year. That is #6 highest steering complaint count among 18 Passat model years. These complaints report 1 crash. Median mileage at failure: 59,000 miles.

Steering complaints
20
14% of 146
Crashes reported
1
Fires reported
0
Injuries reported
0
Median mileage
59,000 mi
Related recalls
1

When 2009 Volkswagen Passat steering complaints were filed

First complaint Feb 2, 2011, latest Nov 27, 2022.

2009 Volkswagen Passat steering complaints: complaints filed per month1Feb 2011Apr 2014Aug 2015Aug 2016Jun 2018Feb 2019Jul 2021
20 complaints filed with NHTSA from Feb 2011 to Nov 2022; peak Feb 2011 (1).

Steering recalls for the 2009 Volkswagen Passat

  1. NHTSA 08V577000Nov 3, 2008Steering130 vehicles

    Steering:gear box (other than rack and pinion)

    Vw is recalling 130 my 2009 passat, passat wagon, and passat cc vehicles. Some vehicles may have an electromechanical steering gear control unit that can malfunction due to a damaged capacitor. If this malfunction occurs, the driver's steering input is not properly processed by the system and the vehicle may not respond as the driver intends. This defect can only occur immediately after vehicle start-up when the steering wheel is moved for the first time and at speeds less than 5 mph.

    Risk: Driver attempts to overcome the system during malfunction will cause (1) vibrations in the steering wheel; (2) the steering system motor to turn off; (3) the red steering system malfunction indicator light to illuminate; and (4) audible warnings to chime. A malfunctioning steering system could lead to a crash without warning.

    Remedy: Dealers will replace the steering gear in the affected vehicles. The recall began on december 5, 2008. Owners may contact vw at 1-800-822-8987.

Steering complaints by Passat model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

  1. 20052 (1%)
  2. 2006112 (19%)
  3. 200715 (6%)
  4. 200812 (7%)
  5. 200920 (14%)
  6. 201013 (8%)
  7. 20112 (13%)
  8. 201246 (10%)
  9. 201351 (7%)
  10. 201444 (7%)
  11. 201526 (11%)
  12. 201619 (18%)
  13. 201716 (15%)
  14. 20182 (4%)
  15. 20191 (8%)
  16. 20202 (11%)
  17. 20212 (11%)
  18. 20222 (15%)

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2009 Volkswagen Passat have steering problems?
NHTSA has 20 owner complaints about the steering in the 2009 Volkswagen Passat, 14% of all complaints for this model year, including 1 that report a crash. Median mileage at failure is 59,000 miles.
Which Volkswagen Passat year has the most steering complaints?
The 2006 Volkswagen Passat has the most steering complaints (112), compared with 20 for the 2009.
Is there a steering recall for the 2009 Volkswagen Passat?
Yes — 1 NHTSA recall campaign for the 2009 Volkswagen Passat concerns the steering: 08V577000.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.