VW Passat Hybrid Steering Column Failure Fix Needed

Had the same mechanical fault with a 2020 VW Arteon Hybrid. The steering column adjustment stopped working completely, showing an error code pointing to the electric adjustment system. The issue turned out to be a faulty connection in the steering column wiring harness. The steering failure happened because corrosion had developed in one of the main connectors, interrupting the power supply to the adjustment motor. This is actually a known adjustment issue in several VW models from that generation. The repair involved replacing the entire wiring harness assembly in the steering column since individual wires cannot be replaced separately. The job requires specialized diagnostic equipment to reset the system after repair. Its not a DIY job as accessing the steering column requires removal of multiple interior trim pieces and proper realignment afterward. While not a critical safety concern, since the steering itself still works fine, its best to get it checked soon. The problem typically worsens over time and can lead to complete failure of other electric adjustment functions. A certified VW workshop with experience in hybrid systems would be the safest choice for this repair. They can properly diagnose if its just the wiring or if the adjustment motor itself has failed.

Thanks for sharing your experience with the steering column adjustment problem. That information about the wiring harness is really helpful. Was the repair cost reasonable? Mine just started showing the same symptoms and error codes as you described in your Arteon. Just wondering if any other car steering issues popped up since you had it fixed. The electric adjustment system in my Passat is completely dead now and I want to budget properly for the repair.

Got my steering issue sorted last week actually. The electronic steering adjustment is working perfectly now. The repair was much simpler and cheaper than expected, just 95€ to fix a loose connection in the wiring. The electric adjustment problem turned out to be just a damaged plug connecting to the steering column motor. No need for a complete harness replacement like I originally thought. The mechanic found the fault quickly using diagnostic equipment and sorted the connection issue in about an hour. No other steering failures or problems since the fix. The adjustment system works smoothly now, both up/down and in/out movements are back to normal. The error code has cleared and hasnt returned. Based on my experience, if your symptoms are similar, you might be looking at the same straightforward repair. The electronic steering systems in these cars are generally reliable once properly fixed. Worth getting it checked soon though, as leaving electrical issues can sometimes lead to more expensive repairs later. Just make sure they check all the connections first before replacing any major components. Could save you quite a bit of money if its just a wiring issue like mine was.

Took my Passat to the mechanic yesterday following your advice. Really glad I did, turns out you were right about checking the connections first. The electric steering adjustment issue was exactly what you described: a damaged connector in the column adjustment system. Total repair cost came to 120€, mostly labor since they had to remove some trim pieces to access the electronic steering components. Mechanic showed me the corroded connector they found, explaining why the column adjustment stopped working. The whole repair took about 2 hours. They ran full diagnostics on the electric adjustment system afterward to make sure everything was properly reset. Really relieved it wasnt the complete wiring harness replacement I was worried about. Car steering is working perfectly now, all electric adjustments are smooth and the error code is gone. Thanks for helping me avoid a potentially expensive repair. Definitely worth getting these electronic issues checked early before they cause bigger problems.