How many 2013 Volkswagen Passat owners reported steering problems?

NHTSA lists 51 steering-related complaints for the 2013 Passat, which is 7% of the 748 total complaints filed for that model year.

Is there a steering recall for the 2013 Volkswagen Passat?

Sample complaints reference NHTSA campaign 15v613000, a steering column clock spring recall, though no related recalls are listed in the formal recall data provided for this year.

What is the main steering complaint on the 2013 Passat?

The most common pattern is a fractured or torn steering column clock spring, which disables the horn and steering wheel controls and triggers the airbag warning light.

At what mileage do 2013 Passat steering problems usually show up?

The median mileage at failure for steering-related complaints is 61,125 miles.

Did steering problems in the 2013 Passat cause crashes?

NHTSA data shows 1 crash and 0 fires or injuries tied to steering complaints for the 2013 Passat.

2013 Volkswagen Passat Steering Problems

NHTSA lists 51 steering-related complaints for the 2013 Volkswagen Passat, about 7% of its 748 total complaints for the year. The dominant issue is a fractured steering column clock spring, which also disables the horn and triggers the airbag light. One crash and no fires or injuries are recorded, with a median failure mileage of 61,125.

Steering complaints: 51; 7% of 748
Crashes reported: 1
Fires reported: 0
Injuries reported: 0
Median mileage: 61,125 mi
Related recalls: 0

Typical steering symptoms owners report

Steering wheel controls and horn stop working after a cracking sound is heard, tied to a fractured clock spring.
Airbag warning light illuminates at the same time the clock spring fails, even though the airbag itself did not deploy.
Some owners who had the clock spring recall repair (NHTSA campaign 15v613000) reported the part torn again within about a year.
One owner described touchy, overly sensitive steering that led to overcorrection and a crash.
A separate owner reported the vehicle pulling to the right that a dealer was unable to permanently fix.
Owners reported difficulty getting the clock spring recall repair completed because replacement parts were unavailable.

When 2013 Volkswagen Passat steering complaints were filed

First complaint Jul 9, 2013, latest Mar 28, 2025.

51 complaints filed with NHTSA from Jul 2013 to Mar 2025; peak Sep 2018 (3).

Steering recalls for the 2013 Volkswagen Passat

No safety recalls on record for this model year.

Steering complaints by Passat model year

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

201013 (8%)
20112 (13%)
201246 (10%)
201351 (7%)
201444 (7%)
201526 (11%)
201619 (18%)
201716 (15%)
20182 (4%)
20191 (8%)
20202 (11%)
20212 (11%)
20222 (15%)

Frequently asked questions

How many 2013 Volkswagen Passat owners reported steering problems?: NHTSA lists 51 steering-related complaints for the 2013 Passat, which is 7% of the 748 total complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a steering recall for the 2013 Volkswagen Passat?: Sample complaints reference NHTSA campaign 15v613000, a steering column clock spring recall, though no related recalls are listed in the formal recall data provided for this year.
What is the main steering complaint on the 2013 Passat?: The most common pattern is a fractured or torn steering column clock spring, which disables the horn and steering wheel controls and triggers the airbag warning light.
At what mileage do 2013 Passat steering problems usually show up?: The median mileage at failure for steering-related complaints is 61,125 miles.
Did steering problems in the 2013 Passat cause crashes?: NHTSA data shows 1 crash and 0 fires or injuries tied to steering complaints for the 2013 Passat.