--- title: "VW Is Bringing Back Steering Wheel Buttons, Dropping Awful Touch Controls" description: "A Volkswagen board member confirmed that physical steering wheel buttons will be coming back following a rash of customer complaints." date: "2022-10-24" modified: "2022-10-24" authors: - name: "Nico DeMattia" job_title: "Contributing Writer" link: "https://www.thedrive.com/authors/nico-demattia" url: "https://www.thedrive.com/news/vw-brings-back-steering-wheel-buttons-after-many-customers-complain" categories: - "Culture" - "News" - "News by Brand" - "Volkswagen News" tags: - "Volkswagen" --- # VW Is Bringing Back Steering Wheel Buttons, Dropping Awful Touch Controls ![]() Volkswagen has been listening. All of the complaints, from both customers and media members, about its move to touch-sensitive steering wheel and interior buttons have been heard and VW is getting rid of them. Thomas Schäfer, Volkswagen AG board member, recently confirmed on *[LinkedIn]()* that physical steering wheel buttons are making a comeback. "We are sharpening our portfolio and our design, plus creating a new simplicity in operating our vehicles. For example, we are bringing back the push-button steering wheel! That’s what customers want from VW." Schäfer said. The complaints first came rolling in when Volkswagen replaced the beloved [Mk7 Golf and GTI]() with the [Mk8](), the latter of which had a new interior design that seemed to replace almost all physical controls with touch-sensitive ones. Everything from the infotainment system to the climate controls and steering-wheel controls were changed. Not only is the new interior design annoying to use but it also replaced the Mk7's refreshingly simple and easy-to-use cabin, filled with ergonomically laid-out physical buttons. ![]() *Mk7 GTI steering wheel—Bring back the buttons!* Every Volkswagen that followed the Mk8 GTI continued the trend and even exacerbated it in some cases (see: [ID.4 rear window switches]()). However, credit where credit's due: Volkswagen heard its customers' complaints and decided to make a change. Schäfer only mentions steering wheel buttons specifically but, based on his statement, it seems as if there might be further changes made. Hopefully, some of those changes include swapping out the horrendous touch-sensitive air vent sliders, climate controls, and volume knob. If Volkswagen can rectify all of its complaints, customers will likely show their gratitude with their wallets. *Got a tip? Send it in to tips@thedrive.com* ## Author Nico is a writer and reviewer from New Jersey who probably thinks he’s a lot funnier than he actually is. His love of cars began when he was just a kid playing Gran Turismo 3, grinding out enough race wins with a Mazda Miata to save up for an in-game RUF 911. That passion for small, lightweight sports cars drove his desire to learn more about the industry, get his hands on as many cars as he could, and bring those experiences to life on the page. He cut his teeth writing about BMWs, Volkswagens, and Audis, mostly, and has owned far too many of each. He’s on his fourth 3 Series sedan, but all of his old, cheap German cars have forced him to learn more about car maintenance than his mechanical capability can handle. Too many late nights have been spent scrambling to get a car running by morning so he could get to work. For some reason, he never seems to learn that old Bimmers probably aren’t the best daily drivers. But he loves more than just old German cars. He’ll gladly drive and discuss anything with four (or even three) wheels. Cars aren’t his only passions, though. Nico is also a big nerd and loves movies, video games, comic books, and cares far too much about the New York Giants. So don’t be surprised if you see football references or dumb, obscure movie quotes in any of his car reviews. ### Author social links [Instagram]() [LinkedIn]()