The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has issued a recall of 130 Volkswagen Passat, Passat Wagon and CC models over a possible faulty steering system. The Volkswagen’s system, which is fully electromechanical, may have a steering gear control unit that can malfunction due to a damaged capacitor.
"If this malfunction occurs, the driver’s steering input is not properly processed by the system, and the vehicle may not respond as the driver intends," the NHTSA said. "This defect can only occur immediately after vehicle start-up when the steering wheel is moved for the first time and at speeds less than 5 mph. A malfunctioning steering system could lead to a crash without warning."
The NHTSA also noted that driver attempts to "overcome the system during malfunction" can cause vibrations in the steering wheel and the steering system motor to turn off. The red steering system malfunction indicator light may also illuminate and audible warnings will start chiming.
The recall is slated to begin December 5, and Volkswagen dealers will replace the steering gear in the affected vehicles for free. If you own one of these VW models, then go to your local Volkswagen dealer and have this checked out.
Source: Inside Line and the NHTSA
