Power Steering Problem - 2007 Rabbit (Fixed)

[FoolKiller]

So I start heading in to work this morning when my power steering light comes on (yellow, not red). I pull over and my first instinct is to look under the hood and check my power steering fluid. Doh! It's electromechanical....there is no fluid, or belts, or anything else I can check. So I check my manual and find out that a yellow light means I will lose some power steering, but not all and I need to get it in. If it were red I wouldn't have any power steering.

This should be covered under warranty so no worries on the cost side. I call the dealer close to work first and they can't get me in until next Thursday (6/28). I know I can't wait a week so I try the dealership where I bought the car and he can get me in no sooner than 8:00 Monday morning. I can drop it off over the weekend. I opt for this because it gives me time to arrange alternative transportation to work.



1) At VWVortex.com I have seen two other Rabbit owners that had to get new power steering. I know two doesn't make it a recall, but has anyone heard of any other common Rabbit/Golf V steering issues?

2) Has Volkswagen never heard of emergency service or is this not an emergency issue? I know power steering isn't a necessity and I even owned cars without it at all in the past, but I worry about making things worse if I keep driving it. Also, past cars I have had I would call service centers and they would tell me to drop it off and they will get to it as soon as they can.

3) Is it safe to keep driving it? If possible I will have alternative transportation to work tomorrow. But if I can't pull that off will I be risking doing more damage to the system?

4) Is this just a fluke or did I give VW too much credit in their attempt to increase reliability? I mean having a part go bad at 17,000 miles is kind of crazy. The reason I bought a new car was that I thought a year without unscheduled maintenance would be nice. At least this will be under warranty.

This whole situation makes me uneasy. I would hate to have the car that I love so much turn into a hassle.

 

[YSSMAN]

Personally speaking, this is the first I've heard of the problem. Generally, I've always been a bit uneasy about the electric steering setup, but I had always thought the idea would be that it is safer and less-likely to fail than the conventional pump ran off of the engine. I have no idea if it does further damage to the system to continue driving it, but you may want to call the dealer and see what they say.

...If your dealer is anything like my local one, there is a good chance they will give you a loaner car if they can't fix it right away...

On the whole question of quality/reliability, it more or less comes down to how many problems you've had since you bought the car. If this is the first issue (be it big or small), I wouldn't worry much about it. That being said, if small things continue to pop-up, thats Volkswagen for you...

Everything should be covered under warranty though, so I'd just ride it out. VWs have always been hit and miss with things like this, so its hard to make any solid call.

...Maybe the European members could tell us if they've had similar problems over there...

 

[FoolKiller]

Generally, I've always been a bit uneasy about the electric steering setup, but I had always thought the idea would be that it is safer and less-likely to fail than the conventional pump ran off of the engine.

Well, the whole speed sensitive steering is definitely safer, and it doesn't pull from the engine, saving gas, so it probably looks great on paper. I may be discovering that in practice it is not much different.

I have no idea if it does further damage to the system to continue driving it, but you may want to call the dealer and see what they say.

When I called to get it in the service manager asked how the steering felt and if it was responding. When I told him it just had some more tension and didn't return to center as quick he just said, "OK, I can get you in Monday."

I just found out I have alternative transportation though, so no worries.

...If your dealer is anything like my local one, there is a good chance they will give you a loaner car if they can't fix it right away...

W12 GTI? Seriously, any newish VW would be better than my in-laws' old 97 Corolla.

On the whole question of quality/reliability, it more or less comes down to how many problems you've had since you bought the car. If this is the first issue (be it big or small), I wouldn't worry much about it. That being said, if small things continue to pop-up, thats Volkswagen for you...

Well, I expected more than 17,000 miles before I had an issue. Although, I had become nervous because all my past cars were used from friends/family and I was regularly plagued with issues. I was looking at the odometer just yesterday thinking something had to be coming up. (JINX!)

 

[El Jarretto]

1) At VWVortex.com I have seen two other Rabbit owners that had to get new power steering. I know two doesn't make it a recall, but has anyone heard of any other common Rabbit/Golf V steering issues?

2) Has Volkswagen never heard of emergency service or is this not an emergency issue? I know power steering isn't a necessity and I even owned cars without it at all in the past, but I worry about making things worse if I keep driving it. Also, past cars I have had I would call service centers and they would tell me to drop it off and they will get to it as soon as they can.

3) Is it safe to keep driving it? If possible I will have alternative transportation to work tomorrow. But if I can't pull that off will I be risking doing more damage to the system?

4) Is this just a fluke or did I give VW too much credit in their attempt to increase reliability? I mean having a part go bad at 17,000 miles is kind of crazy. The reason I bought a new car was that I thought a year without unscheduled maintenance would be nice. At least this will be under warranty.

This whole situation makes me uneasy. I would hate to have the car that I love so much turn into a hassle.

My Rabbit has a power steering problem as well, it never came with any. I'd keep driving, I don't think it should be that bad. You'll certainly be getting a workout at low speeds. Just keep moving while turning the wheel if it goes out. I'm a skinny little guy and I have no problem muscling my truck around. And be prepared for VW's customer service, I honestly rarely hear much or anything positive about their customer service. Best idea is to become friends with the people who work there.

 

[///M-Spec]

I've never heard of this problem, but the Mk V is the first year with electric-assist steering, isn't it? I never count on German cars to get any major components right on the first try Sorry to hear about the problem, though.

So is your VW dealer hooking you up with a loaner car? When my wife's Jetta started leaking, the dealer got us into a Passat 👍


M

 

[FoolKiller]

My Rabbit has a power steering problem as well, it never came with any. I'd keep driving, I don't think it should be that bad. You'll certainly be getting a workout at low speeds. Just keep moving while turning the wheel if it goes out. I'm a skinny little guy and I have no problem muscling my truck around. And be prepared for VW's customer service, I honestly rarely hear much or anything positive about their customer service. Best idea is to become friends with the people who work there.

What year Rabbit is this? The reduced power steering makes it feel kind of like turning a DFP, but I don't have to muscle it. The customer service at my dealership is pretty good, but they are also the dealer for Honda and BMW. Even after an oil change VW calls me to ask how my experience was.

So is your VW dealer hooking you up with a loaner car? When my wife's Jetta started leaking, the dealer got us into a Passat 👍

If I weren't doing an after-hours drop off I might get the offer. It probably doesn't help that the dealer I bought my car at is 70 miles from where I work. If they have to keep it overnight though I will definitely ask. It's no big deal to borrow a car for a day, but if it goes longer than that I will suggest they help me out. I may also suggest they loan me one of the M-roadsters that have been sitting on the BMW lot since before I started looking for my car. My dealer said he would let me test drive one while my car was getting service done sometime.

 

[El Jarretto]

What year Rabbit is this? The reduced power steering makes it feel kind of like turning a DFP, but I don't have to muscle it. The customer service at my dealership is pretty good, but they are also the dealer for Honda and BMW. Even after an oil change VW calls me to ask how my experience was.

Mine is an '82 Rabbit Pickup. Yeah it's surprising how good the service is from your point of view. Every time I go on VWvortex somebody is complaining about poor customer service.

 

[Wolfe]

I was wondering why on earth you were so anxious to get it in to the shop until I saw that you were worried you'd do more damage.

Still, though, if they're fixing it under warranty, does it really matter?

 

[FoolKiller]

I was wondering why on earth you were so anxious to get it in to the shop until I saw that you were worried you'd do more damage.

The manual said it could do more damage.

Still, though, if they're fixing it under warranty, does it really matter?

I don't want to give them a reason to say I did something unreasonable/out of normal riving conditions and not cover it.

Most of my aprehension is that I bought the car in October and I hate when new and expensive things go screwy on me.


However, it may not matter now because as I was backing out of my parking spot at work the light went off and the steering started acting like normal.

I'll see what it does and then call them tomorrow to see if I should still bring it in.

 

[Philly]

The only time I've heard of power steering issues on a MKV was when my GTI died (bad gas) and I had to push it out of the street, but the engine was off, so that's normal.

 

[Joey D]

I don't want to give them a reason to say I did something unreasonable/out of normal riving conditions and not cover it.

I would wager VW is like most automakers when it comes to warranties, it's kind of a don't ask don't tell thing. You have no idea why it went out and who are they to question you? When the Blazer was under warranty I took it in several times on things I probably shouldn't have.

 

[YSSMAN]

The service department where I usually go is pretty easy-going when it comes to most things. Although I'd say that they take a bit too long getting an oil change done (record time was 45 minutes, longest was well-over an hour... But it was cold outside!), they're usually pretty good about letting you know whats up with your car, and how soon you're going to need to fix it.

...Although, I usually run that stuff by my "small" VW dealer that sold me the Jetta...

I'd make a big deal out of them not giving you a loaner car if they have to keep yours for an extended period of time. I know I would, and just scream that there are hundreds of other VW dealers that would. Our local dealer loans out Jettas and Passats on most occasions, however I have heard of T'Regs and Beetles going out too.

Thats a shame that the nearest VW dealer is 70 miles away though. We have two in Grand Rapids, both that I know people at, not to mention the handful of "independent" VW dealers across the city. If you've ever got a VW problem here in Grand Rapids, you're likely to find help in any part of town...

 

[Sage]

I would cry if I were loaned a Beetle. I had to drive one for driving school, and not only was it embarrassing, but it had terrible brakes, terrible steering, and terrible blind spots.

 

[YSSMAN]

I don't remember the Beetle being all that bad (my Grandmother had one between '99 and '02 before it was replaced by a Cabrio), but then again, it has been a while since I've driven one.

...Although, I've always fancied a Beetle Turbo S...

 

[FoolKiller]

The service department where I usually go is pretty easy-going when it comes to most things. Although I'd say that they take a bit too long getting an oil change done (record time was 45 minutes, longest was well-over an hour... But it was cold outside!), they're usually pretty good about letting you know whats up with your car, and how soon you're going to need to fix it.

My first oil change/rotation took over two hours while I sat in the waiting room. The second time my wife followed me in and it was finished before my McDonald's breakfast.

Thats a shame that the nearest VW dealer is 70 miles away though..

Let me clarify. My dealer is 70 miles from work, but I also live 40 miles from work, making it only 30 miles from home. Frankfort doesn't have a VW dealer and unless you want a Toyota there aren't any decent dealers of any kind. So my choices are Lexington (30 miles from home) or Louisville (40 miles from homw - where I work). Now, there is a VW dealer so close to work that I could probably see it from the office if it weren't for trees. That service shop wasn't going to be able to get me in for a week. Then there is another on the other side of town, but it is in an area where I would demand they lock my car in the garage overnight.

I would cry if I were loaned a Beetle. I had to drive one for driving school, and not only was it embarrassing, but it had terrible brakes, terrible steering, and terrible blind spots.

I would cry too, but just because I'd perfer a junker over being seen in a Beetle. Maybe they'll loan me a flower for the vase and put a rainbow sticker or peace sign over the rear VW badge too! The Beetle is the only VW I don't like.



Update: the light came on and it was acting up again this morning, then about half way in it went back to normal again. I am guessing I have a short or a sensor issue, which is much less aggrevating to me than the idea that the power steering itself has gone out.

 

[El Jarretto]

Don't call it a Beetle, it's a New Beetle. The Beetle was an awesome car and always has and always will be my favorite car but I despise the New Beetle with a passion...

 

[FoolKiller]

Don't call it a Beetle, it's a New Beetle. The Beetle was an awesome car and always has and always will be my favorite car but I despise the New Beetle with a passion...

My bad.

Yes, the original Beetle was an awesome car. It is the first car I have in memory because my mom had one.

 

[Wolfe]

Don't call it a Beetle, it's a New Beetle....

I was about to say the same thing.

 

[FoolKiller]

Just talked to the mechanic. It was a bad steering angle sensor. Teh sensor would quit working so it suddenly just couldn't see my steering wheel and that made the light come on and the assist shut off. He sounded just as baffled by it as I was.

They fixed it under warranty and all is right in my world.


I think I humanize my car too much. I mean, I named him Jack (see I said him and not it) and when I dropped him off last night with the after-hours key drop I felt really bad that he had to sit there by himself all night with no one to watch over him. I also talk to him.....a lot. There was a car commercial where they showed people getting into their cars angry and beating the steering wheel and dashboard and then stopping and apologizing to it. That's me.

 

[///M-Spec]

Just talked to the mechanic. It was a bad steering angle sensor. Teh sensor would quit working so it suddenly just couldn't see my steering wheel and that made the light come on and the assist shut off. He sounded just as baffled by it as I was.

They fixed it under warranty and all is right in my world.

Ah yes. The part in question is still working fine, but the sensor whose job is to make sure the part is still working fine has failed.

Welcome to the wonderful hypochondriac world of modern German cars.

OMG! My liver! My liver stopped working!!!

Glad to hear they've fixed you up, though 👍

I think I humanize my car too much. I mean, I named him Jack (see I said him and not it) and when I dropped him off last night with the after-hours key drop I felt really bad that he had to sit there by himself all night with no one to watch over him. I also talk to him.....a lot. There was a car commercial where they showed people getting into their cars angry and beating the steering wheel and dashboard and then stopping and apologizing to it. That's me.

Year ago I had a party at my house and got completely blitzed. According to eyewitnesses, I stumbled out to the driveway where my 1995 M3 was parked, put my arms out and exclaimed, "you're the only one here who understands me.... really understands me..." and passed out on the hood.


M

 

[FoolKiller]

Year ago I had a party at my house and got completely blitzed. According to eyewitnesses, I stumbled out to the driveway where my 1995 M3 was parked, put my arms out and exclaimed, "you're the only one here to understands me.... really understands me..." and passed out on the hood.

I know I've walked out and hugged the hood before, but I was sober. I imagine anything I would say while intoxicated would be embarrassing and slightly uncomfortable for those around me to listen to.

 

[opelgt1969]

Ah yes. The part in question is still working fine, but the sensor whose job is to make sure the part is still working fine has failed.

Welcome to the wonderful hypochondriac world of modern German cars.

OMG! My liver! My liver stopped working!!!

Glad to hear they've fixed you up, though 👍




Year ago I had a party at my house and got completely blitzed. According to eyewitnesses, I stumbled out to the driveway where my 1995 M3 was parked, put my arms out and exclaimed, "you're the only one here to understands me.... really understands me..." and passed out on the hood.


M

Did your car still respect you the next morning.

 

[///M-Spec]

Did your car still respect you the next morning.

No. But I dumped her for a newer model the following year.

Despite that, sometimes we still get together on a lonely mountain road for a booty call. Don't tell Giselle, my Z4 M; she doesn't suspect a thing. Apparently her new owner doesn't know how to drive so she calls me for a little backroad action.


M