help: 03 passat lost control

You've answered your question yourself? All those factors would have made you lose control. If one tyre goes off the tarmac onto a slippy surface your going to lose control or even spin no matter what saftey features you have.

My guess, too, is that you were startled and abruptly pulled the steering wheel to the left - which is not a good idea either at high speed nor when partially on the shoulder. Now, ESP does what you tell it to do, only better. So it thinks you want to go left as quickly as possible (to avoid a parked car? etc.) although you have to traction on the front right, were you would have the *most* dynamic traction under normal conditions. So the ESP probably braked the left front wheel to make the car turn around quickly, which is what you "wanted" and what you felt. Then you "decided" you wanted to go straight after all, at which point (assuming again a quick panic pull on your side) ESP helped you out faster than you thought possible. In the end everything worked out well.

I have been in ESP cars and once ESP has saved a (rented) car for me and saved my family vacation, functioning marvelously. Some don't like any interference with their driving - in that case, I suggest: switch it off. But I can only tell you it does everything you want to do, only better.

Just, please don't make any abrupt steering motions at 70mph unless you know what you are doing- ESP or no ESP!

- D.

J> My car is 03 passat with ESP (Electronic stability control).

First question: Why did you drift off the road?

Second question: When you tried to steer back, how abrupt was your maneuver?

If you ever find yourself in that situation, *slow down*, then gradually ease back onto the road. Abrupt maneuvers in these situations are bad things. If it turns out that you drifted due to being tired, it's possible that you could have fallen asleep for a moment or two and you're lucky to be alive.

ESP doesn't measure road traction, it measures wheel speed, steering angle and possibly yaw sensors. It would have prevented you from spinning and helped you in your recovery, not caused the spin.