VW Golf Steering Sensor Issues Cause Heavy Handling

I dealt with a nearly identical issue on my 2016 VW Passat TDI last winter. The symptoms were very similar, heavy steering, wheel vibration, and the electronic stability light acting up. After some initial alignment problems, my workshop ran a full diagnostic scan which revealed a faulty steering angle sensor coding. The traction control system was getting incorrect input from the angle sensor, causing these symptoms. The total repair came to 195€, which covered: Full diagnostic scan, Recalibration of the steering angle sensor, System reset and testing The workshop had to perform specific calibration procedures after fixing the sensor coding. The whole process took about 2 hours, but it completely resolved the issues. No more stability light warnings or steering problems since then. Could you share: Current mileage on your Golf? Any recent work done on the suspension or steering? Are there any other warning lights on the dash? Does the problem get worse at higher speeds? This information would help determine if your case is similar and whether you might need additional checks beyond the sensor.

Last service was 2 months ago at 95000km. The mechanic did not mention any issues with the steering column or sensors during the routine inspection. Since then, no other maintenance work has been performed. The stability control warning appears more frequently at highway speeds, and the steering feels particularly heavy when making tight turns. The vibration through the steering wheel is most noticeable between 80-100km/h. No other warning lights are currently active on the dashboard. Based on your experience, it sounds like I should prioritize getting the steering angle sensor tested. Would you recommend having a wheel alignment check done at the same time to rule out any related alignment problems?

Thanks for the additional details. Yes, your symptoms are remarkably similar to what I experienced, especially the increased stability control warnings at highway speeds. In my case, after the steering sensor repair, the workshop did perform a wheel alignment check as part of their diagnostic process. With your mileage being similar to when I had the issue (mine was at 98000km), I would strongly recommend getting both the sensor diagnostics and alignment check done together. The steering angle sensor failure can sometimes mask underlying alignment problems, and fixing one without checking the other might leave you with incomplete results. After my repair, I learned that the steering angle sensor calibration actually requires proper wheel alignment to function correctly. When the workshop handled mine, they found slight alignment problems that developed gradually and contributed to the sensor giving faulty readings. For reference, my total repair costs including the wheel alignment ended up being around 295€: Sensor diagnostics and repair: 195€, Four-wheel alignment: 100€ The complete fix eliminated all symptoms: No more heavy steering, Stability control warnings disappeared, Steering wheel vibration resolved, Straight-line stability improved significantly Getting both checks done simultaneously saved me a second workshop visit and ensured all steering-related issues were properly addressed.

Thank you for sharing that detailed information. Based on the symptoms at highway speeds and the stability control warnings, I will schedule a diagnostic appointment this week. It makes sense to check both the steering angle sensor and wheel alignment together as you suggested, especially since my Golf has similar mileage to when you experienced the issue. The total cost estimate of around 295€ for both the sensor diagnostics and alignment check seems reasonable. Having them done together should help identify if there are any underlying issues beyond just the electronic stability system warnings. Good to know the repair fully resolved all the symptoms in your case. I will make sure to request that the workshop performs a complete diagnostic scan and proper sensor calibration after any adjustments. Will update once I get the results from the steering sensor tests and alignment check.