Steering gear replacement
Defect 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.
Safety 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.
Corrective Action
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.
Similar Recalls
Other recalls from Volkswagen Group Of America, Inc. or involving Steering.
FAQ: Recall 08V577000
Your rights, the repair process, and what each field on this page means.
What is recall 08V577000?
NHTSA recall 08V577000 was issued by Volkswagen Group Of America, Inc. on November 3, 2008. It addresses: Steering gear replacement. The recall affects approximately 130 vehicles, with the defect involving the Steering component.
How do I get this recall repaired?
Contact any authorized Volkswagen Group Of America, Inc. dealer and reference NHTSA recall ID 08V577000 or the manufacturer campaign number 48J1/P3. Under federal law, the repair is completely free regardless of vehicle age or owner history.
Is my vehicle included in this recall?
The only way to confirm is to look up your 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. NHTSA's tool will tell you if VIN-by-VIN this exact recall applies.
How long do I have to get a recall repair done?
There is no expiration on most federal safety recalls. Even if your vehicle is years old and you bought it used, the manufacturer is required to perform the repair at no cost.
Where does the data on this page come from?
All information on this page is sourced directly from the U.S. Department of Transportation public dataset for NHTSA recalls. Last refreshed: 2026-05-22. For the most current official notice, visit nhtsa.gov/recalls.