VW Arteon Cruise Control System Complete Failure Fix

As someone with moderate experience working on VWs, I had a similar issue with my VW Passat 2019. The cruise control system failed completely, showing error messages on the dashboard display. My throttle body sensors were functioning correctly, but the problem was traced to a faulty wiring connection near the steering wheel controls. The cable harness had some wear, causing intermittent connection issues with the cruise control module. The repair involved replacing the damaged section of the wiring harness and checking all related connections. Total cost was 95€ for parts and labor. Since then, the car electronics and cruise control have worked flawlessly. Could you share: Exact error codes from the scan, Whether steering wheel buttons still click normally, If other steering wheel functions still work, Whether this started suddenly or gradually This information would help determine if your issue matches what I experienced. These symptoms can sometimes indicate different underlying problems in the Arteon's electronic systems. The malfunction might seem minor, but its worth getting it properly diagnosed, as cruise control issues can sometimes be related to other important vehicle systems.

Thanks for the detailed reply. My mileage is 65040km and last service was 2 months ago. The error codes from diagnostics were P0573 and U0401. All steering wheel buttons click normally and other functions work fine, including volume control and menu navigation. The cruise control malfunction happened suddenly during normal highway driving. The fuse box has been checked and all fuses related to cruise control are intact. One detail I forgot to mention is that the steering wheel cruise control indicator light stays permanently on, even with ignition off. This might point to an electrical issue rather than mechanical. Will report back once the workshop completes their investigation.

Thanks for those additional details. The permanently illuminated cruise control light on your steering wheel actually matches exactly what I experienced with my Passat before the repair. This specific symptom, combined with the error codes you mentioned, strongly suggests an electrical issue in the steering wheel control module or its wiring. In my case, after more thorough diagnostics, the malfunction was traced to corroded pins in the clockspring connector behind the steering wheel. While the other steering wheel functions continued working, the cruise control circuits are more sensitive to resistance changes in the connections. Given the error codes: P0573 typically indicates a cruise control signal problem, U0401 points to a communication issue between control modules The workshop might need to check: The clockspring connections, The steering wheel control module, The wiring between the cruise control switches and the main control unit, The fuse box for any signs of voltage irregularities My repair ultimately cost 180€ including the new clockspring assembly. The permanent light issue disappeared immediately after the fix, and the cruise control system has worked perfectly since then.

The error codes and symptoms you provided are really helpful. I have scheduled a follow-up appointment at the workshop next week. The permanently lit cruise control indicator does sound like it could be related to the clockspring connection issue you mentioned. Makes perfect sense that other steering wheel functions still work while cruise control is affected, since different circuits have varying sensitivity. Based on your experience, I will specifically ask them to inspect the clockspring assembly and check all related wiring connections. The cost estimate of around 180€ seems reasonable if that turns out to be the root cause. The malfunction happening suddenly during highway driving also matches the pattern of an electrical connection issue rather than gradual mechanical wear. Will update the thread once I get the car back from the workshop with their findings and hopefully a working cruise control system. Thanks for helping narrow down the likely cause of the problem.