Audi A1 Steering Sensor Issues Causing Heavy Handling

I encountered nearly identical issues with my 2018 Audi A3, with some experience working on Audi vehicles. The symptoms you describe match exactly what I dealt with, heavy steering and inconsistent power steering assistance. After running diagnostics, my workshop confirmed a faulty steering angle sensor coding. The traction control system was also affected, which is common since these systems work together. The repair involved recalibrating the steering angle sensor and performing a wheel alignment to ensure everything was properly synchronized. The total cost came to 195 Euro, which included the diagnostic work, sensor recoding, and alignment. The whole process took about 3 hours at the workshop. Before proceeding with specific advice, could you share: Any warning lights on your dashboard? Does the problem occur more at certain speeds? Have you had any recent work done on the suspension or steering? Are there any unusual noises when turning? These details would help determine if your issue is identical to what I experienced with the sensor failure in my steering column.

Thanks for the input. Latest service was done at 62000km about 2 months ago. Since then I have noticed the warning light for the electronic stability control flashing occasionally on the dashboard. The issue seems worse at higher speeds, especially above 80km/h. The steering gets noticeably heavier when turning at intersections. The vibration through the steering column is most noticeable during highway driving. No unusual noises when turning, but the inconsistent power steering assistance makes parking more challenging. The traction control light comes on out of nowhere, which seems connected to the steering sensor failure you mentioned. I have not had any recent suspension work done, though the alignment problems you described sound similar to what I am experiencing. Will likely book a diagnostic session to confirm if sensor replacement is needed.

Based on those additional details, I am even more convinced you are dealing with the same steering angle sensor issue I had. The unusual traction control light and electronic stability control warnings are classic indicators of sensor failure in the steering column, exactly what happened with my A3. The symptoms getting worse at highway speeds matches my experience too. In my case, the sensor was sending incorrect data to the stability control system, causing those unusual warning lights and affecting the power steering assistance. After the sensor replacement and recalibration on my car, both the heavy steering and vibration issues were completely resolved. The unusual warning lights also stopped appearing. The workshop explained that when the steering angle sensor fails, it affects multiple systems since the car relies on accurate steering position data. Given the similar behavior at higher speeds and during parking maneuvers, plus the matching warning light patterns, this really points to a sensor issue rather than a mechanical steering problem. When the technician checked my car, the diagnostic scan confirmed the steering angle sensor was sending erratic signals. Would strongly recommend getting it checked soon, as driving with compromised stability control systems can affect vehicle handling, especially in challenging road conditions. The repair cost was reasonable considering the improvement in driving comfort and safety.

Thanks everyone for the detailed replies. I have scheduled a diagnostic appointment for next week to check the steering angle sensor. The workshop confirmed they can do both sensor replacement and wheel alignment if needed. The information about the stability control warnings being linked to sensor failure in the steering column was particularly helpful. Your repair costs and timeline give me a good reference point for what to expect. The symptoms match exactly, from the unusual warning lights to the heavy steering at higher speeds. Knowing that the fix resolved both the steering issues and stability control warnings in your case is reassuring. My car currently shows the same behavior you described, inconsistent power steering assistance and stability control warnings. Will update once I get the alignment problems sorted and confirm if it was indeed the angle sensor causing all these issues.