Steering Wheel lock and ignition switch problem

Hi all - have a 2006 Passat 2.0T with 70k miles on it, and have been getting a "steering wheel defective" error every time I start the car up. Many times, the car will try to start and not turn over, and I have to wait a few minutes before trying again with any success. Yellow or red steering wheel symbol flashing on the instrument panel, yet no steering issues whatsoever. The issue has been happening for several months, and I just took it to the shop, where they said it's a problem that's been occurring on many Passat's and Jetta's, and that there's no recall (yet). Estimate to replace both the steering column and ignition (they say both need to be done) is $1400 (and because of mileage, warranty doesn't apply).

Anyone else have this problem, or heard of it? I'm wondering a few things:

* since this is a problem that's been happening fairly regularly, has anyone heard of an upcoming recall I should wait for?
* assuming I waited and didn't have the repair done, what's the likelihood of doing damage to either the ignition or steering column?
* can the parts be ordered elsewhere, and put in by a master tech (NOT the local VW shop)?

Any questions I should be asking of the shop, or looking into? I appreciate any helpful assistance you can provide!

I know you posted a few months back, but I have been having the same problem for about 8 months. I Have taken my Passat to two different mechanics and finally just took it to the dealership. They are stating I have a faulty steering column, but I am reluctant to pay for the repairs (just out of warranty) myself in case it is not the correct diagnosis.

That's exactly where I am - out of warranty, and stuck (frequently) in a parking lot waiting for my car to start. I don't trust the dealer I took it to, either (only one in my area), and so I'm struggling with what to do. Do I take it to another dealer? Closest one is two hours away.

Who knows, glad to hear I'm not the only one. I've read of others having this issue, but haven't found anyone who's gotten it resolved so I don't know in fact if it IS the steering column.

My 2006 2.0T started having this problem at about 60000, so no warranty. Can't believe that this is something that repeatedly occurs and the company does not recall or do anything about. I guess the economy is bad and why not suck money out of people for a crappy product they already sold. So far this year I have been to the dealership 5 - 6 times this year. A/C system has crapped out twice this year, paid 1900 first time. 2nd was on them as it happened 4 weeks after it was repaired. I will try to trade car in this weekend, wish me luck. Let everyone you know about your experience with VW and their dealerships.

_________________
Can't wait to get rid of my piece of crap VW.

Troublant -

Thanks for the reply, sorry to hear about your troubles but I have to say it's reassuring to know I'm not the only one dealing with this. I don't know that I'm at the point where I'm ready to get rid of it, but talk to me on a day when it takes 30 minutes to start and I might feel differently.

You said your AC went out, as well - I'm wondering if there's some kind of connection between the defective steering column and the compressor. Can't think of one off-hand, but it's identical to my problem.

I leased a 2006 Passat and have had it in the shop 5 times for various warranty issues in just over 3 years. The steering wheel lock was the final straw because it had been happening for several months and all VW said was that this was something in the design and I just needed to jiggle the steering wheel. Well, sometimes this worked and often times it did not and I would end up just sitting there in the parking lot frustrated with my embarrassed son. On my last visit to the shop I just left the car there and walked away from the lease. I was 6,000 miles under with 9 months to go on the lease. I called VW to try to work something out with my remaining payments (I was willing to meet them half way) or at least something because I've always paid my bills. No one wanted to talk to me which I couldn't believe with the economy the way it is and me willing to pay something. I have no incentive to pay any of the $4,100 bill I recently rec'd from VW.

Frustrated in Ohio.

Hi guys, it has been a while that you posted your comments, did you get a solution ? Did you ever ask your dealer to read the diagnostics codes out of the electronics memories ? I mean we have similar trouble over here in Europe and everywhere dealers do not seem to know what happens with the car. Normally, these VWs are excellent cars so that's really strange having people complaining and not even listening to them ? What are experiencing those who had this trouble during warranty period ? No solutions ?

I just joined as I have had steering wheel problem for past couple of months: Car has 61,000 miles 06 passat 2.0T. Dealership fixed problem: 1027.00 us dollars. I had a 75,000 mile extended warranty so it only cost me 100.00. They scanned the codesl and replaced the steering column and comfort module: They need both keys so they can adapt the keys to the new codes: The breakdown on cost is as follows: 380.00 for steer col. and 195.00 for the control unit. 339 to replace units and 113.00 to diagnose system. I got a 2 day rental with the deal which was 77.00. I spoke with the service manager and there is a technical bulliten out on this problem: that does not mean a recall.

_________________
Life is short and the craft so long to learn: Gustav Stickley

Guys,

Looked this item up a couple weeks back, as it has started getting way too every-day for me. I've lost a lot of confidence in VW if this is as wide-spread as various forums suggest... I'm being negative, but it's hard not to be when you have a car paid off, and then start incurring expenses on defects rather than upkeep and high-mileage turbo work.

Anyhow, here is some info that may help some cope:
1) You can replace the batteries in the Passat remote by paying a visit to a hardware shop
1.a) this seemed to lower my occurrences with one key - but I have not absolute proof
2) After the column is locked/security problem, To release your key and try again (in an automatic), do the following
- hold the break pedal down
- press the Shift key in three times in a row
Your key will then be released. It works every time for me... it seems as though this happens once a day for lately, but one and done. A definite defect from VW, which is a definite problem for me.

I love how VW's perform, from MPG, comfort, and performance, but I'm highly concerned from the past six months w/ my 06 Passat.

Seems not me alone have this problem...
I have bought a car which was 3 years old, and already had that problem with steering wheel(not starting).

at least for me it worked like that:
-put in a key, and pres only half way down-until the ignition is on
-wait for 5-10 seconds (until most of warning lights are off in dashboard)
- press cluch, and pushh the key to start the car.

it works for me, but not always, sometimes have to repeat it several times before car starts.

Ill try to contact a dealers here in Norway and ask for price for fixing, if its too much - I will sell the car

I purchased my 2007 VW Passat 2.0T and have had nothing but problems from the start.
I gave it the benefit of the doubt when it sat for 2 days in my garage and the battery went dead. VW replaced the battery.
A couple weeks later my windows would get stuck halfway down. Then, I couldn't have the radio on if the rear defrost was on. They replaced the rear window. I can't even remember how many trips that was to the dealership. Then it got to the point where they would bring me a loaner car to work for me. I live & work an hour away from the dealership. They were working with me, so I kept dealing with the problems. Then the labels started peeling off of the lock switches. Then the battery went dead for the second time within less than six months of replacement. Finally they figured out there was an electrical problem in the door, which was repaired while it was still under warranty. This was lucky for me since I drive about 110 miles a day.

Now, here I am about a year and half later and my car won't start half the time. I have to push the key fob in about 10 times for it to start. Today is the first day I had an error message. It said "Defective Steering Column Lock." Now I have about 75,000 miles on my car & I did purchase the extended warranty, so we'll see if it's covered. The price I was quoted if it's not covered under the warranty was $1,695.
I can't wait to get rid of this piece of crap car. I should have made the company buy it back under the lemon law, but not sure where my judgement was a year and a half ago!!
Mad

Hi angiev, Plenty of post in little old UK about this duff steering lock and it increasingly seems that it’s NOT IF YOUR 2006 WILL SUFFER THIS PROBLEM BUT WHEN and I do hope Volkswagen get all the bad publicity they deserve for not sorting this as all it should really need is a new steering column lock NOT a complete column plus some fancy software upgrades.

See links below. Best regards Melvyn.

http://forums.vwvortex.com/zerothread?id=4562567

http://forums.vwvortex.com/zerothread?id=4722671

Hello Volleyhart!

Just got my car out of the shop for this very problem and not at all happy! Car has only 38,000. It is the 2006 Passat 2.0T and the warranty just expired but I had an extended warranty which had a section covering steering but they claim not the steering column which I am fighting. (May go to small claims when I get my ducks in a row). My research shows there are alot of claims on this and it should be a class action recall in my opinion. I have heard if ignored, the car can freeze up and eventually have to be towed. It cost me $1,400 to get it fixed. You can't get the prob fixed by another mech because they would have to tow it to a VW dealer to get the keys and system reprogrammed. Good luck with it and I am going to push further for recall!!! Wish me luck!!!

Going to take my Passat in for very same problem. Dealer claims I not only need steering lock but convenience ecu as well whatever that is. Going to cost just under a grand to get it fixed. Have always had Volkswagen cars - never again. Is there nothing that could be done legally as this problem is on such a large scale?

this link may be news to some of you guys:

http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/motors/2009/1104/1224258021839.html

I got my problem fixed today for $250
(My wife complained to the Better Business Bureau and a week later VW agreed to cover most of the costs.)