Skoda Octavia steering issue

Sounds like a classic case of steering sensor failure. Given the symptoms, especially the vibrating steering wheel and the increased steering effort, it's highly likely the angle sensor is sending incorrect data. Has the car had any recent work done on the steering column or front suspension? Even a minor bump or pothole can sometimes throw the sensor out of whack. I would suggest checking the sensor physically and its wiring for damage. Faulty coding could also be the culprit, but that's usually something that happens after a repair or battery change. Does the car pull to one side? If so, a wheel alignment might also be necessary in conjunction with fixing the sensor. Have you tried scanning for error codes using an OBD2 scanner? That might give you a more definitive answer.

Thanks for the quick response. I don't think anything has happened to the steering column recently, and I've not had any work done on the front suspension either. When you say 'checking the sensor physically', what exactly am I looking for? And how do I check the wiring? I'm not the most mechanically minded, but I'm willing to give it a shot before taking it to a garage. Also, I don't have an OBD2 scanner unfortunately.

Okay, if you're not familiar with car electrics, physically checking the sensor and wiring might be tricky. Basically, you'd be looking for any obvious damage to the sensor itself (cracks, breaks) which is usually located near the steering column. The wiring should be checked for cuts, frayed insulation, or loose connections. However, without an OBD2 scanner to confirm the fault code, you might just be guessing. Given the symptoms and the age of the car, a faulty steering angle sensor is a very plausible cause, and incorrect coding is also a strong possibility. Honestly, I'd recommend taking it to a workshop with diagnostic equipment. They can pinpoint the exact problem and recode the sensor if needed. It'll save you time and potential frustration.

Hey, just wanted to say you were right. Took my Octavia to a local garage. They ran diagnostics and it turns out the steering angle sensor needed recoding. They sorted it out, and with a wheel alignment check, the whole thing cost me 195€. Steering's perfect now. Thanks a million for your help!