YearToAvoid

2015 Volkswagen Passat Steering Problems

NHTSA lists 26 steering-related complaints for the 2015 Volkswagen Passat, 11% of that year's 243 total complaints. The most reported issue is a failing clockspring that disables the horn, steering wheel controls, and airbag warning light, with a median failure mileage of 47,773. No related recalls are listed.

Steering complaints
26
11% of 243
Crashes reported
0
Fires reported
0
Injuries reported
0
Median mileage
47,773 mi
Related recalls
0

Typical steering symptoms owners report

  • Vehicle veers to one side without warning at low speed, later traced to improper alignment that recurs after repair.
  • Steering wheel makes a clicking or cracking sound when turning, often paired with the airbag warning light turning on.
  • Clockspring failure disables the horn and steering wheel-mounted controls while triggering the airbag light.
  • Some owners report the clockspring failed again months after dealer replacement, with the issue recurring around 53,200 miles.
  • Front tires show excessive inside-edge wear tied to alignment/camber limits, especially on sharp turns.

When 2015 Volkswagen Passat steering complaints were filed

First complaint Aug 3, 2015, latest Jul 7, 2025.

2015 Volkswagen Passat steering complaints: complaints filed per month2Aug 2015Aug 2017Jun 2018Dec 2018Oct 2019Sep 2021Jan 2023Sep 2024
26 complaints filed with NHTSA from Aug 2015 to Jul 2025; peak Jun 2018 (2).

Steering recalls for the 2015 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.

  1. 201013 (8%)
  2. 20112 (13%)
  3. 201246 (10%)
  4. 201351 (7%)
  5. 201444 (7%)
  6. 201526 (11%)
  7. 201619 (18%)
  8. 201716 (15%)
  9. 20182 (4%)
  10. 20191 (8%)
  11. 20202 (11%)
  12. 20212 (11%)
  13. 20222 (15%)

Frequently asked questions

How many steering complaints does the 2015 VW Passat have?
NHTSA lists 26 steering-related complaints for the 2015 Passat, making up 11% of the 243 total complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a recall for the 2015 VW Passat steering issue?
No related recalls are listed in NHTSA data for this steering problem area on the 2015 Passat.
At what mileage does the steering problem usually appear?
The median mileage at failure for steering-area complaints on the 2015 Passat is 47,773 miles.
What is the most common steering complaint on the 2015 Passat?
Many owners describe a failing clockspring that cuts out the horn and steering wheel controls while the airbag warning light comes on.
Did any 2015 Passat steering complaints involve crashes or injuries?
NHTSA data shows zero crashes, fires, and injuries among the reported steering complaints for the 2015 Passat.

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.