Vehicle recall 08V577000 · November 3, 2008
2009 Volkswagen Passat
Some vehicles may have an electromechanical steering gear control unit that can malfunction due to a damaged capacitor.
Source: NHTSA data as of September 22, 2026. Last refreshed Sep 23, 2026, 2:43 AM UTC.
- Summary
- VW is recalling 130 my 2009 passat, passat wagon, and passat cc vehicles. Some vehicles may have an electromechanical 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. 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.
- Consequence
- Driver attempts to overcome the system during malfunction will cause (1) vibrations in the steering wheel; (2) the steering system motor to turn off; (3) the red steering system malfunction indicator light to illuminate; and (4) audible warnings to chime. A malfunctioning steering system could lead to a crash without warning.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the steering gear in the affected vehicles. The recall began on December 5, 2008. Owners may contact VW at 1-800-822-8987.
- Notes
- VW recall no. 48J1/P3.CUSTOMERS may contact the national highway traffic safety administration's vehicle safety hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-424-9153); or go to http://www.safercar.gov.
Recall details
- NHTSA campaign
- 08V577000
- Reported to NHTSA
- November 3, 2008
- Filed by
- VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA, INC
- Manufacturer campaign
- 48J1/P3
- Owner notification
- December 5, 2008
- Vehicles potentially affected
- 130
- Initiated by
- the manufacturer
- Components
- Steering › Gear box (other than rack and pinion)
Vehicles covered
As listed by NHTSA. A recall usually covers only some vehicles of each model and year, often a production date range.
- Volkswagen Passat (2009): 2009
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