Does Rusty Steering Column on Volkswagen CC Indicate a Flood-Damaged Vehicle?

[MacJuliet]

Steering column rust could be caused by a flood-damaged vehicle or inherent material issues. Causes of rust: Without anti-rust treatment or heat treatment, friction inevitably occurs during steering column movement, damaging the protective layer and leading to rust. High humidity in southern regions makes inventory vehicles more prone to rust. Whether domestic, joint-venture, or imported brands, steering column rust is common due to multi-supplier production chains. Poor-quality or untreated steering columns rust more easily. Methods to identify flood-damaged vehicles: Damaged wiring (visible in dashboard with sediment in connectors). Rust on seat mounting brackets. Muddy sound insulation under carpets (becomes loose when waterlogged). Moldy seatbelt bases with rusty mechanisms and stiff operation. Check cigarette lighter for mud/rust. Accelerated underbody corrosion compared to normal vehicles. Moisture inside headlights.