How many steering complaints does NHTSA have for the 2017 Volkswagen Passat?

NHTSA lists 16 steering-related complaints for the 2017 Passat, which is 15% of all 110 complaints filed for that model year.

Is there a recall for the 2017 Passat steering or clock spring issue?

No related recall is listed in the data for this issue, even though several owners describe it as a common clock spring failure.

At what mileage do 2017 Passat steering problems usually appear?

The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA for steering-related issues is 33,750 miles.

Are steering complaints worse for the 2017 Passat than other years?

The 2017 Passat's steering complaints make up 15% of its total complaints, which is on the higher end compared to years like 2018 (4%) and 2019 (8%), but similar to 2016 (18%).

Do 2017 Passat steering problems involve crashes or injuries?

NHTSA data shows 0 crashes, 0 fires, and 0 injuries linked to the steering complaints reported for the 2017 Passat.

2017 Volkswagen Passat Steering Problems

NHTSA lists 16 steering-related complaints for the 2017 Volkswagen Passat, 15% of all complaints for the year, with a median failure mileage of 33,750 miles. No related recall is currently listed for this issue.

Steering complaints: 16; 15% of 110
Crashes reported: 0
Fires reported: 0
Injuries reported: 0
Median mileage: 33,750 mi
Related recalls: 0

Typical steering symptoms owners report

Owners describe a failed steering wheel clock spring that triggers clicking or popping sounds along with airbag warning lights and a service vehicle message.
Several report the horn and steering wheel multifunction controls stopping working at the same time the airbag light comes on.
Some describe a crunching or crinkling noise when turning the wheel, followed by loss of power to steering wheel controls.
One owner reported the steering wheel jerking abruptly left or right while lane assist was active, even on well-marked roads.
A few owners note that dealership VIN searches showed no recall despite what they describe as a common clock spring problem across Volkswagen vehicles.
One complaint described brake-related vibration felt through the steering wheel when braking or cruising above 55 mph, later traced to tire cupping.

When 2017 Volkswagen Passat steering complaints were filed

First complaint Jan 15, 2018, latest Apr 18, 2025.

16 complaints filed with NHTSA from Jan 2018 to Apr 2025; peak Jan 2018 (1).

Steering recalls for the 2017 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 steering complaints does NHTSA have for the 2017 Volkswagen Passat?: NHTSA lists 16 steering-related complaints for the 2017 Passat, which is 15% of all 110 complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a recall for the 2017 Passat steering or clock spring issue?: No related recall is listed in the data for this issue, even though several owners describe it as a common clock spring failure.
At what mileage do 2017 Passat steering problems usually appear?: The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA for steering-related issues is 33,750 miles.
Are steering complaints worse for the 2017 Passat than other years?: The 2017 Passat's steering complaints make up 15% of its total complaints, which is on the higher end compared to years like 2018 (4%) and 2019 (8%), but similar to 2016 (18%).
Do 2017 Passat steering problems involve crashes or injuries?: NHTSA data shows 0 crashes, 0 fires, and 0 injuries linked to the steering complaints reported for the 2017 Passat.