VW Taos Heavy Steering Points to Sensor Malfunction

Having some experience with VW repairs, I encountered a similar issue with my 2021 VW T-Cross. The symptoms you describe match what I experienced, heavy steering and vibration through the wheel. The traction control warning light also came on occasionally. The workshop diagnosed it as a faulty steering angle sensor coding issue. They had to recalibrate the sensor and reset the steering column settings. The whole repair, including diagnostic time, cost me 195€. After the fix, both the steering feel and stability control systems returned to normal operation. The sensor failure can sometimes be related to wheel alignment problems, but in my case, it was purely an electronic calibration issue. The steering angle sensor plays a crucial role in both the power steering and various safety systems. To better assist with your specific case, could you share: Have you noticed any warning lights on the dashboard? Did the issue start suddenly or develop gradually? Has the car had any recent alignment work or tire changes? Are there any unusual noises when turning the steering wheel? This information would help determine if your Taos is experiencing the same sensor-related problems I encountered or if there might be other factors involved.

My Taos has 35413km and was last serviced 2 months ago. No warning lights appeared on the dash initially, but the traction control light started flashing intermittently last week. The issue developed gradually over about 2 weeks. The steering feels particularly heavy when making tight turns in parking areas. Have not had any recent alignment work done, but did have new tires fitted about 3 months ago. When turning the wheel fully left or right, there is a slight grinding noise. One odd thing I noticed is that the problem seems worse after the car sits overnight. Once warmed up, the steering lightens up somewhat but the vibration remains. Based on your experience with sensor calibration, wondering if I should get the alignment checked first or go straight to having the automotive sensors tested?

Thanks for the additional details about your Taos. Your symptoms definitely sound familiar, but there are some key differences from my T-Cross case that suggest multiple factors might be at work here. The grinding noise when turning fully indicates this could be more than just a sensor calibration issue. While the traction control warning matches my experience with sensor failure, the grinding combined with the cold-start symptoms points to potential power steering pump problems. In my case, the electronic stability and steering angle sensor issues showed up suddenly and consistently. Your gradual onset and warm-up improvement pattern suggests checking the power steering system first. Here is my suggested diagnostic sequence based on both experiences: 1. Power steering fluid level and condition check, costs around 50€ 2. Full alignment inspection since new tires were fitted, typically 80€ 3. Sensor diagnostic scan if issues persist, about 100€ Considering the recent tire installation, I would actually start with the alignment check. On my T-Cross, misaligned wheels created extra strain on the steering components, though the main issue was the sensor calibration. The total repair might run 300-500€ depending on whether its the power steering system, automotive sensors, or a combination of both. Much better to address it early before more steering components get damaged.

The grinding noise definitely has me concerned, especially since it happens during full steering lock. Thanks for breaking down your experience and suggesting that diagnostic sequence, it makes sense to check things systematically rather than jumping straight to sensor replacement. Given that my issue started after the new tires, getting the alignment checked first sounds like the smart move. The link between alignment problems and sensor strain you mentioned with your T-Cross is particularly relevant. If misalignment is causing extra wear on the steering components, I want to catch that early. I will schedule the alignment inspection this week and have them check the power steering fluid while the car is in. If those checks come back clear, then we can move on to testing the steering angle sensor and other automotive sensors. The intermittent traction control light suggests electronic issues, but best to eliminate the mechanical causes first. Will update once I get the initial diagnosis. Really helpful to hear from someone who went through similar steering column troubles, even if my case might have some additional complications. The potential cost range gives me a good benchmark for what to expect.