VW Up Steering Controls Dead: Control Module Alert

I had a similar sensor issue with my 2020 VW Polo last year. With some experience working on VWs, I can share what happened in my case. The vehicle diagnostics revealed a faulty cable connection in the steering wheel, specifically in the multifunction steering control module. The symptoms were identical, complete failure of all steering wheel controls while basic steering remained functional. The repair process was straightforward. The workshop had to: 1. Remove the airbag unit 2. Access and replace the damaged cable connection 3. Recalibrate the control module 4. Clear the malfunction indicator codes Total repair cost was 95€, which included parts and labor. The job took about 2 hours. Before suggesting specific solutions, could you share: Has the issue appeared gradually or suddenly? Have you noticed any warning lights on the dashboard? Did this start after any recent work on the car? Have you had any water damage or exposure? This information would help determine if your issue matches what I experienced or if it might be something different.

Thanks for sharing those details. My issue appeared suddenly without warning, one morning the controls just stopped working completely. No gradual decline in function. Last serviced at 107000km and no prior work done on the steering system. No water exposure or accident damage either. The only dashboard indicator is the steering control error message. The repair cost you mentioned seems reasonable. Did your workshop mention if this is a common failure point for VW models? Getting it diagnosed next week but wanted to understand if I should expect similar repair steps and costs based on your experience.

Based on our similar issues with VWs, I can confirm that electrical faults in the steering column controls are a known weak point. My workshop actually mentioned seeing this failure pattern every few months across various VW models. For reference, my repair process closely matched what you will likely need, since your symptoms are identical to what I experienced. With no warning signs or water damage in your case, the sudden failure strongly suggests the same cable connection issue in the steering control module. The repair steps and costs should be comparable: Diagnostic scan showing the steering controls error, Removal of airbag to access the faulty components, Cable harness inspection and replacement if needed, Control module recalibration, Error code clearing Labor rates vary but expect around 80-120€ total. The sudden onset without physical damage usually points to an internal electrical fault rather than external damage, which typically means a straightforward fix like in my case. Keep in mind the workshop will need specialized diagnostic equipment for the sensor issue recalibration. Most VW certified shops already have this capability.

Thanks for the detailed explanation. This matches exactly what I was experiencing with my sudden multifunction steering control failure. Very helpful to know about the common failure points in VW models. I will make sure to mention the cable connection symptoms to my workshop when I take it in next week. Given that my steering controls died suddenly without any other issues, it does sound like the same electrical fault you encountered. Good to know the repair process is straightforward and doesnt require major steering system work. The cost range of 80-120€ gives me a solid baseline for what to expect. Will report back after the diagnostic scan to confirm if they find the same connectivity problem with the control module. Appreciate you sharing your experience with the repair steps, helps me know what to anticipate during the workshop visit.