Audi A1 Steering Controls Dead, Control Module Alert

I dealt with a very similar steering control issue on my 2015 Audi A3 diesel. Being somewhat experienced with electrical fault diagnosis, I initially thought it was just a loose connection. The symptoms were identical, complete failure of the steering wheel controls and a steering column error code. After checking fuses and basic connectivity problems myself, I had to take it to a workshop since the steering control module requires specialized diagnostic equipment. The workshop found a damaged cable connection in the steering column that was causing intermittent sensor issues. The repair involved accessing the steering column and replacing a section of the wiring harness. Total cost was 95 Euro including diagnostics and labor. To better assist with your specific case, could you share: Has the issue developed gradually or did it occur suddenly? Are there any other electrical issues present? Does the error code appear consistently or intermittently? Have you noticed any clicking sounds when turning the wheel? These details would help determine if your A1 has the same root cause as my A3 had or if its potentially a different control module problem.

Thanks for the detailed response. In my case with the A1 (current mileage 92465 KM), the vehicle diagnostics showed it was actually more serious than a wiring issue. The steering controls failed suddenly during normal driving, right after my last service two weeks ago. The malfunction indicator comes on consistently every time I start the car, with no intermittent behavior. No clicking sounds or other electrical problems noticed. Had it checked and unfortunately the connectivity problem seems to be inside the steering control module itself, not just the wiring harness. Getting a quote for the repairs next week, but hoping to avoid full module replacement if possible. Has anyone tried repairing just the module internals instead of complete replacement?

Based on my experience with the A3, I understand your concern about the full module replacement. After dealing with my wiring harness issue, I actually had a second steering control failure about 8 months later that turned out to be module-related. The vehicle diagnostics on my A3 showed similar symptoms, consistent malfunction indicator and complete loss of steering control functionality. While internal module repair is technically possible, I tried that route first and ended up spending 180 Euro on a repair attempt that failed after just two weeks. I ultimately had to go with a complete module replacement anyway, which was much more reliable but cost 455 Euro including programming. The electrical fault was too extensive for a simple fix, and the service center explained that internal repairs often dont last due to the complex connectivity problems within these modules. Your timing about the failure right after service is interesting, might be worth checking if any work was done near the steering column during maintenance. Sometimes disturbing the area can trigger an existing weak point in the module. The consistent error code typically points to a genuine module fault rather than an intermittent connection issue like I had the first time. Would strongly recommend going straight for the module replacement to avoid spending twice like I did.

Thanks everyone for the helpful information. After considering all the feedback, I decided to go ahead with the full steering control module replacement. Just got the final quote, 495 Euro for parts and labor, including programming. Not happy about the cost, but it makes sense to do it right the first time rather than risk repeated repairs. The timing with my recent service is definitely suspicious. Going to mention this to the service manager when I bring it in, since it seems too coincidental that the steering controls failed right after maintenance. Maybe they can at least offer some goodwill contribution toward the repair costs. My malfunction indicator symptoms match exactly what was described with the consistent error codes, so I feel more confident now that replacing the whole module is the right call. Will update once the repair is done in case anyone else runs into similar steering column problems in the future. For now, I need to schedule the repair and figure out transportation while the car is in the shop. Really appreciate everyone sharing their experiences, helped me avoid wasting money on partial fixes that might not have lasted.