Electric power steering column: loss of assist
usually 60,000–220,000 km · High risk
Signs: Steering suddenly goes heavy, EPS warning light, sometimes jerky or vibrating steering; can come and go, often worse in the cold.
Fix: Read EPS codes (e.g. C0545 torque sensor, C0460 position sensor), check supply and earth, then fit a rebuilt or new column with motor and module.
€300–900
Broken coil springs and tired shock absorbers from about 5 years
usually 60,000–200,000 km · Medium risk
Signs: Clunk or rattle from one corner over bumps, car sits lower on one side, floaty ride; flagged at inspection.
Fix: Replace broken springs in axle pairs, and the shock absorbers if worn; check strut top mounts at the same time.
€150–450
Worn wheel bearings
usually 80,000–200,000 km · Medium risk
Signs: Humming or growling that rises with speed and changes in bends; play in the wheel.
Fix: Confirm which corner is noisy and replace that bearing or hub unit.
€100–300
Rear drum brakes and handbrake seize after standing
usually 40,000–250,000 km · Medium risk
Signs: Rear wheel stays braked after the car stood with the handbrake on, weak handbrake at inspection, rubbing noise.
Fix: Strip, clean and adjust the rear drums, replace corroded shoes or cables; avoid leaving the handbrake on for long stands.
€100–300
Recall: handbrake cables can shift and weaken the handbrake (MY 2010)
at any mileage · High risk
model years 2010–2010 only
Signs: Handbrake holds poorly or in extreme cases not at all; often no other sign.
Fix: Check the VIN for the 2010 recall (green dot on the brake fluid reservoir cap means done); the dealer fits spacers or new cables free of charge.
free / recall
Recall: brake pedal bearing may fail under heavy braking (2006-2011)
at any mileage · High risk
model years 2006–2011 only
Signs: Usually no warning; play or noise at the brake pedal pivot in some cases.
Fix: Check the VIN for the open brake pedal bearing recall; the dealer replaces the bearing free of charge.
free / recall
Recall: steering intermediate shaft out of spec (2014 cars and 2014 repairs)
at any mileage · High risk
Signs: No warning; the shaft can break and steering can be lost.
Fix: For cars first registered from February 2014, or whose steering was repaired from then on: have the dealer check the code on the lower joint (20E4 or 20K3) and replace the shaft free of charge.
free / recall
Electronic climate control: blend flap actuator (2007-2008 service action)
usually 0–200,000 km · Wear part
model years 2007–2008 only
Signs: Temperature cannot be set correctly, heater stays hot or cold, clicking from the dash.
Fix: Check whether the 2009 service action was done (green dot on the brake pedal arm); otherwise replace the toothed segment and base plate of the actuator.
€0–300