2016 Volkswagen Passat steering problems
19 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the steering on the 2016 Volkswagen Passat — 18% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“The clock spring system failed, rendering all of the cars' steering wheel functions non-functional. The airbag light is on and the steering wheels airbag does not operate as well as the cars horn and auto cruise controls. The instrument cluster is malfunctioning as well. The safety risks associated…”
filed May 3, 2026
“Air bag error light is on and steering wheel controls/horn are inoperable. Cause is most likely a clock spring failure as has been reported in numerous VW vehicle models including the 2016 VW Passat but the current recall 69L2 doesn’t appear to cover our vehicle. With recall problems on numerous…”
filed Oct 6, 2024
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Steering problems in other Passat years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 Passat | 2 | 4% |
| 2017 Passat | 16 | 15% |
| 2015 Passat | 26 | 11% |
| 2014 Passat | 44 | 7% |
| 2013 Passat | 51 | 7% |
| 2012 Passat | 46 | 10% |
| 2010 Passat | 13 | 8% |
| 2009 Passat | 20 | 14% |
| 2008 Passat | 12 | 7% |
| 2007 Passat | 15 | 6% |
| 2006 Passat | 112 | 19% |
| 2005 Passat | 2 | 1% |
Other reported problem areas on the 2016 Volkswagen Passat
Counts are unique NHTSA complaints naming this component group. Complaints are unverified owner reports; mileage is computed only from complaints that included a usable odometer reading.