VW Up Steering Failure Points to Sensor Issue

I had a similar issue with my 2021 VW Polo last summer. As someone with some hands-on experience working on cars, I initially thought it might be alignment problems, but it turned out to be more complex. The symptoms matched yours exactly, heavy steering, vibrations, and the traction control warning light kept appearing intermittently. After diagnosing, the workshop confirmed a sensor failure in the steering angle sensor, which was affecting multiple systems including the electronic stability control. The fix involved recoding the steering angle sensor and recalibrating the steering column. Total cost was 195€ for the complete service. Since the repair, the steering has been perfect and all warning lights have stayed off. Before suggesting specific solutions, could you share: Has the check engine light appeared? Did the issue start suddenly or develop gradually? Have you recently hit any curbs or potholes? Does the steering feel different at various speeds? This information would help determine if your issue is identical to what I experienced, as these symptoms can sometimes indicate other steering-related problems.

Had my latest service at 40000km and they found no issues. When they tested the car, the steering angle sensor was working fine according to their diagnostic report. However, the issues started shortly after. I noticed the steering started getting heavier gradually over a couple of days. No check engine light has appeared. The traction control warning comes on mainly during slow turns. The steering feels normal at highway speeds but becomes noticeably heavier in parking situations. No recent impacts with curbs or major potholes. The vibration through the steering column is most noticeable when turning at low speeds. Worth noting the stability control seems to activate out of nowhere during normal driving conditions. Would be helpful to know if a sensor replacement truly fixes these exact symptoms or if I should look into other potential steering system issues.

Thanks for those extra details. Based on what you describe, it does sound very similar to what I experienced with my VW Up, especially the gradual onset and the behavior at different speeds. After my sensor replacement, I discovered there was actually a mechanical issue with the power steering rack that the failed sensor was masking. The automotive sensors were working as designed by triggering warnings, but they were responding to a mechanical fault. In my case, the complete fix required: Power steering rack replacement (890€), New steering sensor calibration (195€), Full wheel alignment (120€) The gradual nature of your issue combined with the stability control activating out of nowhere points toward potential power steering pump problems. My mechanic explained that failing pumps often trigger sensor warnings as the system tries to compensate. The vibration at low speeds is particularly telling. When my steering sensor replacement alone didnt fully resolve the symptoms, the workshop found metal particles in the power steering fluid, a clear sign of internal wear. Would strongly suggest getting the power steering fluid checked and the pump pressure tested before committing to just a sensor replacement. In many cases, automotive sensors trigger warnings due to underlying mechanical issues rather than being faulty themselves.

Thanks for the detailed feedback. This is really helpful information, especially about checking the power steering fluid and pump pressure first. Makes sense that the automotive sensors could be responding to a mechanical issue rather than being faulty themselves. I will get the workshop to inspect the power steering system comprehensively rather than just assuming its a sensor failure. The symptoms match exactly what you described, particularly the traction control acting up during low speed turns and the vibration through the steering column. Good to know the potential cost range too. I will make sure they check for metal particles in the fluid and test the pump pressure before replacing any parts. The fact that your stability control was also activating out of nowhere really matches my situation. Hopefully catching this early will prevent any further steering system damage. Just booked the car in for next week. Will get them to start with a full diagnostic of the power steering rack and fluid before looking at sensor replacements or wheel alignment issues. Thanks again for sharing your experience, saved me from potentially replacing parts unnecessarily.