1999 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT

6 recalls, 854 complaints - 159 TSBs

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS

Defect Description

DOPE, INC. IS RECALLING 42,540 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES... Read more

Consequence

DECREASED LIGHTING VISIBILITY MAY RESULT IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Remedy

DOPE, INC. WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 28, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DOPE, INC. AT 1-626-272-1798.

42,540 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: DOPE, INC.

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY

Defect Description

VOLKSWAGEN IS RECALLING 412,000 MY 1999-2005 PASSAT (5TH GENERATION) VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS AND PRODUCED AFTER JUNE 14, 1999. THESE VEHICLES MAY HAVE AN UNDERBODY HEAT SHIELD THAT CAN BECOME DAMAGED. IN ADDITION, AFFECTED VEHICLES WITH AUTOMATIC OR MANUAL TRANSMISSIONS MAY ... Read more

Consequence

A HEAT SHIELD THAT MAY CONTACT THE EXHAUST SYSTEM CAN RESULT IN A VEHICLE FIRE. IN ADDITION, A FUEL LEAK FROM A FUEL LINE OR FUEL TANK VENTILATION VALVE, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, CAN LEAD TO A VEHICLE FIRE.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSTALL ADDITIONAL UNDERBODY HEAT SHIELDS ON VEHICLES WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS TO COVER THE POSSIBLY DAMAGED AREAS AND FLASH ALL 1.8T ENGINES WITH A PRECAUTIONARY SOFTWARE UPDATE. DEALERS WILL ALSO INSPECT AND ADJUST THE FUEL LINE ROUTING ON 1.8T VEHICLES AND THE FUEL TANK VENTILATI... Read more

412,000 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA, INC

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:FILLER PIPE AND CAP

Defect Description

ON SOME PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE FUEL TANK FILLER NECK CAN SUFFER ABRASION DAMAGE IF THE REAR TIRE GOES FLAT AND THE VEHICLE IS DRIVEN UNTIL THE TIRE DISINTEGRATES.

Consequence

FUEL LEAKAGE CAN OCCUR INCREASING THE RISK OF A FIRE.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL FIT PASSAT VEHICLES WITH A NEW WHEEL HOUSE LINER THAT WILL BETTER PROTECT THE CAR'S FILLER NECK. JETTA VEHICLES WILL BE FITTED WITH A DIFFERENT METAL SHIELD DESIGNED TO ENHANCE ABRASION PROTECTION IN THE EVENT OF TIRE DISINTEGRATION. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JUNE 13, 2003. OWNERS WH... Read more

487,284 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA,INC

STEERING:LINKAGES:ROD:RELAY:CONNECTING

Defect Description

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE TIE RODS OF THE STEERING ASSEMBLY ARE PROTECTED ON EACH SIDE BY A SEAL TO PREVENT MOISTURE AND DUST PARTICLES FROM ENTERING THE SWIVEL BEARING MECHANISM. IT IS POSSIBLE THAT SOME TIE ROD SEALS MAY NOT SEAL PROPERLY.

Consequence

IF MOISTURE AND/OR DUST PARTICLES ENTER THE SWIVEL BEARING MECHANISM, THE SWIVEL BEARING COULD WEAR OVER TIME DIMINISHING THE STEERING CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE TIE RODS.

83,000 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA,INC

STEERING:LINKAGES:ROD:RELAY:CONNECTING

Defect Description

Consequence

IF MOISTURE AND/OR DUST PARTICLES ENTER THE SWIVEL BEARING MECHANISM, THE SWIVEL BEARING COULD WEAR OVER TIME DIMINISHING THE STEERING CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE TIE RODS.

51,900 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA,INC

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:VACUUM:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS

Defect Description

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS. A CONTROL VALVE IN THE VACUUM HOSE CONNECTING THE BRAKE BOOSTER TO THE INTAKE MANIFOLD MAY NOT OPEN OR CLOSE FULLY AT TEMPERATURES BELOW -4 F UNDER CERTAIN DRIVING CONDITIONS.

Consequence

THIS CONDITION COULD CAUSE INSUFFICIENT VACUUM TO BE PROVIDED TO THE BRAKE BOOSTER.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSTALL A VACUUM BY-PASS SYSTEM INTO VEHICLES OPERATED IN THESE STATES WHICH IS DESIGNED TO PROVIDE SUFFICIENT VACUUM FOR FULL BRAKE ASSIST UNDER ALL WEATHER CONDITIONS.

88,121 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA,INC

Complaint Statistics

854 total complaints 15 crashes 18 fires 13 injuries 3 deaths

Top Reported Components

Component	Complaints
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE	66
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP	51
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM	37
STEERING:LINKAGES:TIE ROD ASSEMBLY	37
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC	32
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER ARM	32
SUSPENSION:FRONT	29
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE	29
SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:ANTILOCK:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE	24
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING	23

Incident date: Jun 28, 2022

Just as I parked, the explosive seatbelt retractor for the rear passenger seat activated. There was a loud pop from the charge and the plastic seatbelt alignment clip flew off, and smoke came out from around the seatbelt. Had the vehicle been in motion there would have been a very serious safety haz... Read more

Incident date: Aug 10, 2019

I WOS DRIVING FROM WORK TO HOME I TOOK THE PARKWAY I WOS GOING 60 MILES THEN IN HIS OWN THE CAR STARTING INCREASING SPEED SO I MOVE THE SHOULDER I PUT THE CAR NEUTRAL AND STOP THE CAR.THE TOOK ME 3 TRY TO THE CAR GO BACK TO NORMAL. I DONT KNOW IF THIS CAR GOT I RECALL.

Incident date: Oct 31, 1999

AFTER STARTING AND BEGINNING MOTION THERE'S A SLOWING IN MOTION AS THOUGH THE BRAKES HAD BEEN SLIGHTLY TAPPED OR AS THOUGH THE ABS HAD TOLD THE TRANSMISSION COMPUTER TO SLOW DOWN. GAS CONSUMPTION WAS 16MPG. AFTER SEVERAL YEARS ONE TECH LISTENED TO ME, ADJUSTED THE 'FEEDBACK' FROM ABS TO THE TRANSM... Read more

Incident date: Aug 5, 2016

DRIVERS SIDE WINDOW FELL PARTIALLY INTO THE DOOR WHILE OPERATING WINDOW POWER CONTROL DURING DRIVING OPERATION ON HIGHWAY. UPON REACHING THE DESTINATION AND TOUCHING THE WINDOW POWER CONTROL, THE WINDOW COMPLETELY FELL DOWN INTO THE DOOR. THIS EVENT IS THE SECOND TIME IT'S HAPPENED ON THIS VEHICLE.

Incident date: May 24, 2015

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE HAVING A ROUTINE SERVICE PERFORMED AT AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THE WATER PUMP WAS CRACKED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE... Read more

Incident date: Feb 19, 2015

PASSAT BEGAN TO ACCELERATE UNDER NO PRESSURE TO PEDAL. PASSAT STARTED TO ACCELERATE FAIRLY SLOWLY BUT STEADILY AT FIRST, THEN IT INCREASED. IT WASN'T POSSIBLE TO DECELERATE/NO PRESSURE ON THE BRAKE PEDAL STOPPED THE ACCELERATION. IT BEGAN TO REACH AN UNSAFE SPEED THEN I BEGAN TO DOWNSHIFT AND TO APP... Read more

Fire

Incident date: Feb 19, 2015

Fire

Incident date: Feb 19, 2015

Fire

Incident date: Feb 15, 2015

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE, FUEL FUMES EMITTED IN AND AROUND THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT WHILE INSPECTING THE VEHICLE, FUEL WAS DISCOVERED LEAKING FROM THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE SUB FRAME. ALSO, THE CONTACT INDICATED T... Read more

Incident date: May 30, 2013

CAR WAS HAVING A FOUL ODOR. DEALER DID NOT HAVE INFORMATION FOR OTHER COMPLAINTS. AFTER WORK, CAR WOULD NOT START, ALARM WOULD NOT STOP. ALARM KILLED BATTERY. DEALER SAID LEAK IN SUNROOF CAUSED MODULE TO CORRODE AND LEAK INTO INTERIOR. $1,440.00 TO REPAIR. PROBLEM IS IDENTIFIED IN CLASS ACTION BUT O... Read more

Incident date: May 30, 2013

Incident date: May 9, 2012

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH WITH THE HEADLIGHTS IN ACTIVATION, THE HEADLIGHTS SUDDENLY BECAME DIM. THE CONTACT DECELERATED TO 40 MPH DUE TO THE DISTORTION OF HIS VISIBILITY. THE CONTACT INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED TH... Read more

Incident date: Nov 23, 2012

PURCHASE VEHICLE ON NOVEMBER 23,2012 AFTER GETTING THE MECHANICS APPROVAL THAT IT IS SAFE TO DRIVE (OIL PRESSURE LIGHT WAS ON) SUPPOSEDLY THE VEHICLE PASSED EMISSIONS,AND DROVE 17 MILES AWAY FROM DEALERSHIP APPLE AUTO IN WALLINGFORD,CT WHEN THE CAR JUST SHUT DOWN WHILE DRIVING. NO POWER. THE VEHICLE... Read more

Incident date: Nov 23, 2012

Incident date: Sep 8, 2012

WAS DRIVING VEHICLE ON THE HIGHWAY , THE VEHICLE'S CHECK ENGINE LIGHT AND BRAKE LIGHT CAME ON AND THE VEHICLE COMPLETELY SHUT DOWN , I PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE HIGHWAY I SEEN SMOKE I OPENED THE HOOD AND IT WAS ON FIRE. I CALLED POLICE AND FIRE. THE FIRE WAS PUT OUT THE FANS ARE MELTED AND I'M ... Read more

Fire

Incident date: Apr 13, 2011

CARS ABS MODULE HAS FAILED, AND CANT AFFORD THE ESTIMATED PRICE OF 1500$ TO GET IT REPAIRED. *TR

Incident date: Apr 13, 2011

CARS ABS MODULE HAS FAILED, AND CANT AFFORD THE ESTIMATED PRICE OF 1500$ TO GET IT REPAIRED. *TR

Incident date: Oct 10, 2011

I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AND STEPPED ON MY BRAKES. I NOTICED MY CAR WAS NOT STOPPING AND THE BRAKE WAS VERY LOW TO THE FLOOR. I GOT SO SCARED. THANK GOD I WAS GOING AT A VERY VERY SLOW SPEED. MY BRAKE LIGHT CAME FLASHING ON AND BEEPING LIKE CRAZY. THIS CAR SEEMS TO BE A LEMON LATELY. I ALREADY H... Read more

Incident date: Sep 28, 2011

WHEN WE BOUGHT IT THE ABS LIGHT WAS ON AND BRAKE LIGHT BLINKS, WHEN BAKING UP TO THE LEFT IT CLICKS. *TT

Incident date: Sep 28, 2011

WHEN WE BOUGHT IT THE ABS LIGHT WAS ON AND BRAKE LIGHT BLINKS, WHEN BAKING UP TO THE LEFT IT CLICKS. *TT

Incident date: Jul 1, 2011

WAS DRIVING MY 1999 VW PASSAT. WHILE IN MOTION THE DRIVER SEAT STEEL BRACKET THAT HOLDS THE SEAT IN PLACE SHEARED OFF. I WAS THEN FLIPPED 180 DEGREES BACK INTO THE REAR SEAT. LOST CONTROL OF STEERING WHEEL AND BRAKES SINCE IT FLIPPED ME. CONTACTED VW TO SEE IF THERE WAS A RECALL ON THIS SINCE TH... Read more

Incident date: Aug 11, 2008

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE WAS UNABLE TO CHANGE GEARS. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE FAILURE OCCURRED ONCE PRIOR, AND BOTH OCCURRENCES TOOK PLACE DURING RAINY WEATHER. THE FIRST TIME THE FAILURE OCCURRED, THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALE... Read more

Incident date: Mar 13, 2011

WATER IN THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT OF THE VEHICLE, FROM ANY SOURCE (INCLUDING THE SUNROOF DRAINS THAT WERE RECALLED BUT NOT EFFECTIVELY FIXED) OR SNOW FROM BOOTS THAT HAS MELTED... DRAINS TO THE LOWEST POINT, WHICH IS WHERE VW PUT THE TCM (AN ELECTRICAL COMPONENT HIGHLY SENSITIVE TO MOISTURE) THIS C... Read more

Incident date: Mar 13, 2011

Incident date: Jan 24, 2011

1999 VW PASSAT GLX ACCELERATED ON ITS OWN AND WOULD NOT STOP WHEN BRAKES WERE PRESSED OR CAR WAS PUT INTO NEUTRAL. CAR ACCELERATED ON ITS OWN AND SPEED KEPT INCREASING. EXTREMELY DANGEROUS AND I WAS UNABLE TO STOP THE VEHICLE BY PRESSING THE BRAKES. CAR ACCELERATED ON ITS OWN. *TR

Incident date: Jan 10, 2011

VW PASSATS 1.8 TURBO I OWNER TWO VW PASSATS AND JUST RECEIVED A SLUDGE NOTICE BUT ON THESETTLEMENT STATES THAT 10 YEAR WARRANTY STARTED THE DAY THE CAR LEFT THE DEALER WHAT HAPPENS TO US THAT ARE CARS HAVE 135 K AND JUST FOUND OUT THAT IS WHAT IS CAUSING MY LITE TO BE ON AND THE MOTOR TO MAKE LOUD ... Read more

Incident date: Sep 13, 2010

MY 1999 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT HAS BAD IGNITION COILS. MY SON WAS DRIVING THE PASSAT. WHEN HE GOT HOME FROM SCHOOL HE INFORMED ME THE CAR WAS SLUGGISH AND THE ENGINE LIGHT WAS BLINKING. I WENT OUT AND DROVE IT TO SEE WHAT HE WAS TALKING ABOUT. I NEVER IN MY WILDEST DREAMS WOULD HAVE THOUGHT THAT IF ... Read more

Incident date: Jun 5, 2008

ABS LIGHT, OIL LIGHT, BLINKING AND THE BRAKE LIGHT BLINKING ARE SIMULTANEOUSLY ON. I CAN HEAR BEEPING AND THE AIR CONDITIONING UNIT TURNS OFF (BUT THE FAN STILL RUNS) WHEN APPROACHING A COMPLETE STOP, THEN THE OIL LIGHT STOPS BLINKING THEN WHEN ACCELERATING, I CAN HEAR THE AC UNIT CLICK BACK ON AN... Read more

Incident date: Mar 27, 2010

ABS MODULE FAILED ON 1999 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. ABS NO LONGER FUNCTIONS. *TR

Incident date: Mar 1, 2009

I HAD MY CAR DIAGNOSED AT THE VW DEALER, AND THEY SAID THERE ARE EMISSION PROBLEMS RELATED TO THE RECALL I RECENTLY FOUND ON MY CAR, WHEN I CALLED THE NUMBER ON THE RECALL, VW CUSTOMER SERVICE INSISTED I WAS NOT INCLUDED BECAUSE MY VIN NUMBER HADN'T BEEN INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THIS CAR REGULARLY S... Read more

Incident date: Feb 8, 2010

WINTER 2008-2009 HAD SEVERAL TIMES WHEN CAR WOULD ACCELERATE ON IT'S OWN. BRAKES DID NOT HELP. ONLY WAY TO STOP IS TO APPLY BRAKES WITH BOTH FEET AND SLOW DOWN ENOUGH TO PULL OVER AND PUT IN NEUTRAL, WHICH MAKES TAC GO OVER 7000 RPM'S. HAD THROTTLE BODY CLEANED AND RESET IN SPRING OF 2009 BUT PROBLE... Read more

Incident date: Feb 8, 2010

Incident date: Jan 2, 2010

2PM IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA WITH PERFECT DRIVING CONDITIONS.... DRIVING ABOUT 30 MPH DOWN CITY SURFACE STREET - WHEN ALL OF THE SUDDEN THE CAR ACCELERATED TO 60MPH - VERY SCARY - 1999 VW PASSAT GLX CAR IS A BIT OVER 115K MILES IN EXCELLENT CONDITION. CAR WAS PULLED OVER AFTER BRAKING AND PULLING UP... Read more

Incident date: Nov 30, 2009

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. WHILE DRIVING HE ATTEMPTED TO OPEN HE DRIVERS SIDE WINDOW AND THE ENTIRE WINDOW FELL OFF TRACK INSIDE THE DOOR. THE CONTACT MADE SEVERAL ATTEMPTS TO CLOSE THE WINDOW WITH THE AUTOMATIC SWITCH AND WAS UNSUCCESSFUL. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED BY TH... Read more

Incident date: Sep 7, 2009

IN AN EFFORT TO MAKE THIS AS SHORT AS POSSIBLE, I BOUGHT 4 NEW CONTINENTAL CONTIPROCO TIRES IN JUNE 2009 FOR A 99 VW PASSAT. AFTER DRIVING LESS THAN 7K MILES, WHILE TRAVELING IN THE MIDDLE LANE OF A MAJOR HIGHWAY ABOUT 65 MPH THE RIGHT REAR TIRE SEPARATED INTO 3 PIECES. I DID NOT HIT ANYTHING THAT... Read more

Incident date: Mar 23, 2009

I HAVE A 1999 VW PASSAT. I HAD MY BRAKE PAD REPLACED IN MARCH 2009, SINCE THAT TIME MY ABS BRAKE LIGHT CAME ON AND NEED TO BE REPLACED. IN CHECKING REPORT FOR RECALL NOTICE. I SEE WERE NHTSA.DOT.GOV.HAS A REPORT DATE AUGUST 2009, CONCERNING A PROBLEM WITH LONG-TERM EFFECT OF ABS IN PASSENGER CARS AN... Read more

Incident date: Dec 17, 2008

THE ENGINE IN MY 1999 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT 1.8T APPEARS TO BE DEAD. OIL PRESSURE LIGHT COMES ON AND WON'T GO OFF. VOLKSWAGEN IS AWARE THAT THEY PROVIDED BAD INFORMATION ON OIL CHNAGE INTERVALS FOR THIS CARS, BUT STILL INSISTS OWNERS HAVE DOCEMENTS FOR EVERY OIL CHANGE EVER ON THE CAR. AS THE SECOND OWN... Read more

Incident date: Jun 15, 2009

ABS MODULE FAILURE, RANDOM DRIVING STYLE/CONDITIONS. *TR

Incident date: Feb 16, 2009

FAULT FOUND WITH AIRBAG. CLOCKSPRING LOCATED IN STEERING WHEEL HAS CONNECTION FOR AIRBAG. IGNITER COULD CORRODE AND CAUSE AIRBAG TO FAIL IN EVENT OF HEAD ON COLLISION. *TR

Incident date: Sep 15, 2008

I OWN A 1999 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT IN WHICH THE CONTROL ARMS, TIE ROD ENDS, BALL JOINTS, AND BUSHINGS ARE FAILING. BASED ON SOME INTERNET RESEARCH, THIS IS A COMMON FAILURE FOR SIMILAR MAKES, MODELS, AND YEARS. THE PROBLEM OCCURS EVERY DAY, AND IF LEFT UNATTENDED, RESULTS IN SAFETY PROBLEMS AT HIGHER ... Read more

Incident date: Sep 15, 2008

Incident date: Jan 18, 2009

ABS, BRAKE LIGHT AND OIL LIGHT INDICATORS ON - APPARENTLY A COMMON PROBLEM WITH PASSATS. FAULTY ABS MODULE ACCORDING TO DEALERSHIP, $900 PART. VEHICLE HAS 67,000 MILES AND DEALERSHIP SERVICED. THIS SHOULD NOT BE HAPPENING AND A RECALL SHOULD BE MADE. *TR

Incident date: Jan 18, 2009

Incident date: Jun 15, 2008

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED BY THE DEALER, IT WAS THEN SERVICED BY AN AUTO DETAILER. THE AIR BAG INDICATOR ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL AND REMAINED LIT. WHEN THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A MECHANIC FOR INSPECTION, HE WAS INFO... Read more

Incident date: Apr 15, 2009

OUT OF THE BLUE, MY CAR STARTS "DINGING" AND I LOOK DOWN TO SEE THE ABS LIGHT ON, ALONG WITH A FLASHING BRAKE LIGHT. I DID A SEARCH AND THE FIRST THING I SEE IS THAT YOU SHOULD CHECK THE SENSORS AT EACH TIRE. THIS MAKES ME THINK ABOUT THE FACT THAT JUST BEFORE MY PROBLEM OCCURRED, I HAD JUST HAD MY ... Read more

Incident date: Mar 10, 2009

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE FLOOR ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE IN THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE CONTAINED APPROXIMATELY AN INCH TO 1.5 INCHES OF WATER. SHE NOTICED THE ISSUE APPROXIMATELY FOUR TIMES WITHIN ONE MONTH, ESPECIALLY IN RAINY CONDITIONS. THE DEALER STAT... Read more

Incident date: Mar 10, 2009

Incident date: Mar 11, 2009

ABS BRAKE MODULE DEFECT. *TR

Incident date: Feb 2, 2009

ABS CONTROL MODULE: THIS COMPLAINT PERTAINS TO MY 1999 VW PASSAT TURBO. I HAVE BEEN EXPERIENCING THE SAME ISSUE THOUSANDS OF OTHERS HAVE. THE ABS AND BRAKE LIGHTS COME ON EVERY TIME I DRIVE THE CAR. IT IS MY UNDERSTANDING THAT THIS IS A DEFECT IN THE CAR AND A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE AS THE ABS SYSTEM ... Read more

Showing 50 of 854 complaints.

EPA Fuel Economy, 1999 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT

Trim / Engine	City MPG	Highway MPG	Combined MPG	Fuel Type	Annual Fuel Cost
1.8L 4-cyl, Automatic 5-spd (Front-Wheel Drive)	18.0	28.0	22.0	Premium	$3,450
1.8L 4-cyl, Manual 5-spd (Front-Wheel Drive)	20.0	29.0	24.0	Premium	$3,150
2.8L 6-cyl, Automatic 5-spd (Front-Wheel Drive)	16.0	26.0	19.0	Premium	$4,000
2.8L 6-cyl, Manual 5-spd (Front-Wheel Drive)	18.0	26.0	21.0	Premium	$3,600
2.8L 6-cyl, Automatic 5-spd (Front-Wheel Drive)	16.0	26.0	19.0	Premium	$4,000
2.8L 6-cyl, Manual 5-spd (Front-Wheel Drive)	18.0	26.0	21.0	Premium	$3,600

CO2 Emissions: -1.0 g/mile (Midsize Cars)

Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Actual fuel economy may vary based on driving conditions.

Technical Service Bulletins, 1999 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT

159 manufacturer communications from 106 unique bulletins. TSBs describe known problems and recommended fixes from the manufacturer.

Most Affected Components

Component	Bulletins
355200 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL	24
110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM	14
350000 EQUIPMENT	12
120000 EXTERIOR LIGHTING	8
061000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE	8
060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING	6
060000 ENGINE (PWS)	6
353000 EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL	5

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

Update to Volkswagen engine oil standards

061500 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:OIL/LUBRICATION

Volkswagen Engine oil quality standards, update to attachments.

061500 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:OIL/LUBRICATION

Engine oil quality standards, update to attachments.

355200 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

Update model year applicability to include 2023.

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Battery testing and charging using special tools VAS6161 & GRX3000VAS Charger. Updated to include additional model year applicability.

357100 EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER

Tool number added to table. Removal of Behr Flush Kit. VAS 6337/1A

353000 EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL

Updated to include additional models and model year applicability.

350000 EQUIPMENT

The part number listed in the document is to be returned if it meets the criteria provided.

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Alternative method for radio code retrieval.

350000 EQUIPMENT

Alternative method for radio code retrieval.

060000 ENGINE (PWS)

Engine Oils Which Meet Volkswagen Oil Quality Standards

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Battery Testing and Charging instruction. Updated to include model year 2019 applicability.

120000 EXTERIOR LIGHTING

Condensation and or water droplets visible on inside of exterior light lenses. TB updated to include model year 2019 applicability.

060000 ENGINE (PWS)

Engine replacement tip

118000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE

Tip for Scan tool concerns that may occur duing a test plan

353000 EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL

Update to model year applicability.

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Update to model year applicability.

355200 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

Updated to include model year 2014 thru 2018 applicability.

111000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY

Updated to include model year 2014 thru 2018 applicability.

355200 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

Update to existing tip for fuel quality checking.

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

17 17 01 July 5, 2017 2012855 Supersedes Technical Bulletin 17-16-02 (V171602) dated April 29, 2016 due to updated oil standards lists to current specifications. Engine Oils Which Meet Volkswagen Oil Quality Standards

350000 EQUIPMENT

This special notice is to inform dealers to return all part numbers listed in the document and order the superseded part numbers going forward.

350000 EQUIPMENT

VAS 6154 Replacement Part Setup Guide

355200 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

This communication is to update our ProFi dealers of the current status of the latest inbound and outbound ProFi requests.

355200 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

Update model year applicability to include 2017.

357100 EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER

Update to model year applicability.

355200 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

Data Link connector pin assignment chart that is applicable to all models. Update model year applicability.

160000 STRUCTURE

Contacting the parts helpline

350000 EQUIPMENT

Contacting the parts helpline

162000 STRUCTURE:BODY

TO UPDATE MODEL TABLE TO CLARIFY JETTA WAGON APPLICABILITY TO TB CONTENT.

355200 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

To update claim process statement.

162800 STRUCTURE:BODY:HOOD

Corrosion may be found on the folded edge of the hood. Supersedes TB V551603

355200 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

To update claim processing statement.

356000 EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY

Document discusses Corrosion that may be found on the folded edge of the hood. The corrosion may be found on this edge anywhere around the hood. It discusses how to service it, and document that service. It discusses where to find what appl

162800 STRUCTURE:BODY:HOOD

Corrosion on hood edge.

180000 VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

Corrosion on hood edge.

162200 STRUCTURE:BODY:BUMPERS

The document refers to Corrosion being found where the rear bumper cover meets the quarter panel. It discusses how it can happen, and where to find warranty coverage to service the parts

160000 STRUCTURE

Rear quarter panel corrosion.

140000 AIR BAGS

Airbag Issues.

130000 VISIBILITY

Technical Bulletin (Windshield Wipers Streak or Smear): Windshield or rear window is streaked, has a snakeskin appearance, or the surface feels rough. To avoid unnecessary replacement of wiper blades, the condition and cleanliness of the w

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

Technical Bulletin (Air Conditioning, Cleaning of the Refrigerant Circuit (U.S.Only)): In cases where an air conditioning system component (such as a compressor or other system component) has failed and debris from the compressor or compon

357100 EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER

355200 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

This document contains the VW Elsa Newsletter that contains a general overview of wiring diagrams updates, technical bulletins, pending service solutions, tech tips, campaigns, updates, and suggestions.

350000 EQUIPMENT

This document contains the VW Elsa Newsletter that contains a general overview of wiring diagrams updates, ElsaPro infomedia icons grayed out, workshop equipment tool storage application, technical bulletins, pending service solutions, tech

355200 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Tech Tips (Heated Rear Window, One or More Lines Inoperative): To detect which line(s) is inoperative, utilize a volt meter to check for 0 V, which will be present after the open in the grid line. The check must be performed with the engin

132000 VISIBILITY:GLASS, SIDE/REAR

133000 VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS

132000 VISIBILITY:GLASS, SIDE/REAR

Technical Bulletin (Rear Door Glass Inoperative): The rear glass cannot be opened / closed, the rear glass may slide down into the door, or the rear glass motor operates but the glass does not move. This document contains the fault codes,

120000 EXTERIOR LIGHTING

Technical Bulletin: Condensation and or water droplets becomming visible on inside of exterior light lenses issue is discussed in this document

355200 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

Technical Bulletin: Condensation and or water droplets becomming visible on inside of exterior light lenses issue is discussed in this document

162300 STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR

Technical Bulletin (Rear Door Glass Inoperative issue diagnosis): The rear glass cannot be opened / closed, the rear glass may slide down into the door, or the rear glass motor operates but the glass does not move

111000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY

Technical Bulletin: Battery, Testing and Charging Using Midtronics VAS6161, MCR340V, InCharge 940, or GRX3000VAS Charger

353000 EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL

On-car analysis list of Customer Complaints: Mil?on with fault code P046C, untouched vehicles

355200 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

On-car analysis list of Customer Complaints: Mil?on with fault code P046C, untouched vehicles

353000 EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL

On-car analysis list of Customer Complaint: Mil?on with fault code P046C, untouched vehicles

355200 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

On-car analysis list of Customer Complaint: Mil?on with fault code P046C, untouched vehicles

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

VW Elsa Newsletter

120000 EXTERIOR LIGHTING

VW Elsa Newsletter

133000 VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS

VW Elsa Newsletter

160000 STRUCTURE

VW Elsa Newsletter

355200 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

VW Elsa Newsletter

162000 STRUCTURE:BODY

SUMMARY TO BE PROVIDED ON A FUTURE DATE.

160000 STRUCTURE

Corrosion where handle contacts rear lid (Figure 1).

346000 COMMUNICATION:MANUFACTURER TELEMATICS

Quick Reference Update Guide

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

VW Elsa Newsletter

103100 POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)

VW Elsa Newsletter

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

VW Elsa Newsletter

133000 VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS

VW Elsa Newsletter

160000 STRUCTURE

VW Elsa Newsletter

353000 EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL

Battery, Testing and Charging Using Midtronics VAS6161, MCR340V, InCharge 940, or GRX3000 Charger

355200 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

On-car analysis list of Customer Complaints: Mil?on with fault code P046C, untouched vehicles

355200 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

Please contact VW Helpline before attempting repair

355200 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

On-car analysis list of Customer Complaints: Mil?on with fault code P046C, untouched vehicles

355200 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

Please contact VW Helpline before attempting repair

357100 EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER

Technical Bulletin (Air Conditioning, Cleaning of the Refrigerant Circuit): In cases where an air conditioning system component (such as a compressor or other system component) has failed and debris from the compressor or component is circ

138000 VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM

Air Conditioning, Cleaning of the Refrigerant Circuit (U.S.Only)

030000 SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

For long crank/ difficulty starting with the engine hot: Before replacing any components for this complaint, drain the fuel from the vehicle and replace with known good diesel fuel from a reputable source. If the complaint still exists, che

070000 FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

080000 FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL

060000 ENGINE (PWS)

Technical Bulletin (Engine Oils Which Meet Volkswagen Oil Quality Standard): This document informs of a sample list of products generally available in the North American market that meet the Volkswagen Oil Quality Standard

060000 ENGINE (PWS)

Engine Oils Which Meet Volkswagen Oil Quality Standard VW 502 00/505 00/505 01 and VW 504 00/507 00

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Assembly Instructions: Installation of original remote start feature accessory, Volkswagen Passat.

120000 EXTERIOR LIGHTING

Technical Bulletin (Exterior Lights, Moisture Accumulation): This document informs of the Condensation and or water droplets visible on inside of exterior light lenses. The document also informs how to service the issue.

350000 EQUIPMENT

120000 EXTERIOR LIGHTING

Exterior Lights, Moisture Accumulation

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

VW Elsa Newsletter

121000 EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS

VW Elsa Newsletter

136000 VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER

VW Elsa Newsletter

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

VW Elsa Newsletter

120000 EXTERIOR LIGHTING

VW Elsa Newsletter

136000 VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER

VW Elsa Newsletter

350000 EQUIPMENT

VW Elsa Newsletter

060000 ENGINE (PWS)

Tech Tips (Models with 1.8T Engine - Pressure Loss issues): Fault code P1297 may be set and fuel mixtures may go lean if the vehicle is driven under load or revved up and then returned to idle. This document informs of what to do should th

070000 FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

Fault code P1297 may be set and fuel mixtures may go lean if the vehicle is driven under load or revved up and then returned to idle.

355200 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

Fault code P1297 may be set and fuel mixtures may go lean if the vehicle is driven under load or revved up and then returned to idle.

355200 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

Quick Reference Update Guide

350000 EQUIPMENT

Technical Bulletin (Squeaks, Rattles, Noise, Repair Materials): This doucment contains a list of components and applications developed to repair concerns of squeaks, rattles, noise and trim fit conditions.

355200 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

Squeaks, Rattles, Noise, Repair Materials

350000 EQUIPMENT

Volkswagen Warranty Policies and Procedures ? April 2014

Showing 100 of 159 bulletins.

NHTSA Safety Investigations, VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT

Investigations opened by NHTSA into potential safety defects. These are separate from recalls and may or may not result in a recall.

EA, Closed , Model Year: 2001

Engine Compartment Fire

In July 2010, the Agency opened PE10-027 to investigate allegations of coil on plug (COP) ignition coil fires in MY2002-2003 VW Passat vehicles.The investigation was upgraded in January 2011 to include all MY2001-2007 4-cylinder VW Passat, gasoline, turbo-charged vehicles.Based on the analysis of VW... Read more

PE, Closed , Model Year: 2002

Engine Compartment Fire

ODI has received 11 complaints alleging that a fire started in the engine compartment of the vehicle that may be related to ignition coil failure, and 9 complaints of ignition coil failure that did not result in a fire.Reports state that the vehicle hesitated or lost power, and the check engine or d... Read more

PE, Closed , Model Year: 2009

TRANSMISSION FLUID HOSE CHAFE

ON MAY 4, 2009, THE OFFICE OF DEFECTS INVESTIGATIONS (ODI) OPENED PRELIMINARY EVALUATION PE09-022 TO INVESTIGATE AN OWNER COMPLAINT (ODI NO. 10260517) ALLEGING CONTACT BETWEEN THE ATF COOLING LINE AND THE RADIATOR FAN BLADES.THE COMPLAINT INDICATED THAT THE CONTACT RESULTED IN RAPID ATF FLUID LOSS W... Read more

EA, Closed , Model Year: 1999

PASSENGER ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES

THE MANUFACTURER NOTIFIED NHTSA ON 04-APR-08 THAT A SAFETY RECALL ACTION WOULD BE INITIATED TO REMEDY THE ISSUE.IN JUNE 2008, THE MANUFACTURER ISSUED A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN (CODE 26E5/R5) REGARDING THE SPECIFIC PROCEDURES TO BE EMPLOYED IN THIS CAMPAIGN.VEHICLE OWNER NOTIFICATION LETTERS WERE ... Read more

PE, Closed , Model Year: 2000

PASSENGER/ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES

MANY OF THE FIRE REPORTS ALLEGE THAT THE VEHICLE FIRE WAS ATTRIBUTED TO IGNITION COIL FAILURE.VW PROVIDED ADDITIONAL DATA REGARDING ITS ANALYSIS OF VEHICLE FIRES AND A DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE THREE DIFFERENT ENGINES AND IGNITION SYSTEMS FOR THE SUBJECT VEHICLES.ODIFINDS THE NEED TO FURTHER INVES... Read more

PE, Closed , Model Year: 2002

WATER/ICE IN BRAKE BOOSTER

DURING THIS INVESTIGATION, VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA (VW) IDENTIFIED A PROBLEM WITH WATER ACCUMULATION IN THE FRESH AIR PLENUM THAT COULD, IN CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES, RESULT IN REDUCED BRAKE POWER ASSIST IN MODEL YEAR (MY) 2002 PASSAT VEHICLES.VW INDICATED THAT PROBLEM IS CAUSED BY LEAVES AND OTHER DEBRIS... CLOGGING THE PLENUM DRAINS, WHICH MAY RESULT IN WATER FILLING THE PLENUM TO THE LEVEL OF THE BRAKE BOOSTER AIR INTAKE.THE BOOSTER AIR INTAKE IS LOCATED IN THE FRESH AIR PLENUM IN THE MY 2002 PASSAT VEHICLES, BUT NOT IN THE MY 2001 OR 2003 VEHICLES WHICH DRAW BOOSTER AIR FROM THE CABIN.VW TESTING SHOWED THAT BRAKE ASSIST COULD BE REDUCED IF WATER ENTERS THE BOOSTER AND FREEZES.VW IS ADDRESSING THE PROBLEM WITH A SERVICE CAMPAIGN, WHICH BEGAN IN AUGUST 2007.THE FRESH AIR PLENUM IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES IS AN ENCLOSED SPACE AT THE BASE OF THE WINDSHIELD FROM WHICH THE VEHICLE VENTILATION SYSTEM DRAWS THE FRESH AIR SUPPLY VIA A POLLEN FILTER.RAIN WATER THAT FLOWS OFF THE WINDSHIELD INTO THE PLENUM IS DRAINED THROUGH TWO VALVES LOCATED BELOW THE BATTERY AND BRAKE BOOSTER.STRAINERS AT THE BASE OF THE WINDSHIELD AND IN THE PANEL COVERING THE TOP OF THE PLENUM BLOCK LEAVES, PINE NEEDLES AND OTHER DEBRIS.OVER TIME, DEBRIS MAY ENTER THE PLENUM THROUGH OPENINGS IN THE PLENUM PANEL OR AROUND THE HOOD HINGES.IF CLOGGED DRAINS ALLOW APPROXIMATELY 3-4 GALLONS OF WATER TO ACCUMULATE IN THE PLENUM, THE WATER MAY ENTER THE BOOSTER THROUGH THE AIR INTAKE.WATER ACCUMULATION IN THE PLENUM MAY ALSO RESULT IN COMPLAINTS OF WET CARPETS IN THE VEHICLE INTERIOR IF THE WATER REACHES THE LEVEL OF THE FRESH AIR INTAKE/POLLEN FILTER. VW STATED THAT ITS TESTING SHOWED THAT BRAKE PERFORMANCE AND ACTUATING FORCE (I.E., PEDAL EFFORT) ARE NOT AFFECTED WHEN THE BOOSTER IS FILLED WITH THE MAXIMUM AMOUNT OF WATER POSSIBLE (UP TO THE HEIGHT OF THE BOOSTER ENGINE VACUUM CONNECTION, THROUGH WHICH WATER DRAWN INTO THE BOOSTER IS EVACUATED).VW'S TESTING SHOWED THAT BRAKE PERFORMANCE AND ACTUATING FORCE COULD BE AFFECTED BY WATER FREEZING IN THE BOOSTER.HOWEVER, WHEN TESTED WITH RELATIVELY LOW VOLUMES OF FROZEN WATER IN THE BOOSTER, VW SHOWED THAT THE EFFECTS WERE SIGNIFICANTLY LESS SEVERE THAN FOR CONDITIONS THAT RESULT IN A COMPLETE LOSS OF VACUUM ASSIST.WHILE VW INDICATED THAT THE EFFECTS WOULD BE MORE SEVERE WITH GREATER VOLUMES OF FROZEN WATER, IT MAINTAINED THAT THE CHANCES OF THIS OCCURRING WERE REMOTE AND WOULD BE READILY DISCERNABLE TO THE DRIVER UPON THE INITIAL BRAKE APPLICATION AFTER VEHICLE START-UP.ODI'S ANALYSIS OF COMPLAINTS AND WARRANTY DATA SHOWED DISPROPORTIONATE CONCENTRATIONS IN WINTER MONTHS AND IN NORTHERN STATES WITH COLDER WINTER CLIMATES. ODI IDENTIFIED THREE MINOR CRASHES RELATED TO THE ALLEGED DEFECT IN MY 2002 PASSAT VEHICLES.TWO OF THE CRASHES OCCURRED INGARAGES/DRIVEWAYS AND THE THIRD OCCURRED IN A DEALER SERVICE GARAGE.THERE WERE NO INJURIES ALLEGED IN THE CRASHES BUT A FOOT INJURY WAS ALLEGED IN A FOURTH INCIDENT WHERE EXCESSIVE BRAKE EFFORT REQUIRED DURING A HARD STOP. VOLKSWAGEN IS CONDUCTING A SERVICE CAMPAIGN TO REMEDY THIS CONDITION IN MY 2002 PASSAT AND AUDI A4 AND A6 VEHICLES.THE REMEDY PROCEDURE REQUIRES VW DEALERS TO INSPECT, CLEAN AND MODIFY THE AIR PLENUM DRAIN, AS WELL AS MODIFY THE SUNROOF DRAIN (IF EQUIPPED) AND INSTALL AN IMPROVED SEAL FOR THE POLLEN FILTER.IN ADDITION, VW HAS AGREED TO PROVIDE THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION TO ODI1. QUARTERLY COMPLETION REPORTS FOR ONE YEAR; AND 2. PROMPTLY REPORTING ALL CRASHES ATTRIBUTED TO THE ALLEGED DEFECT. THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED BASED UPON THE ACTIONS TAKEN BY VW.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CRead more

DP, Closed , Model Year: 1999

ALLEGED PREMATURE TIE ROD FAILURE

ON AUGUST 2, 2005, ODI RECEIVED A PETITION SUBMITTED BY MS. MIRIAM SCHNEIDER OF OLNEY, MD, REQUESTING AN INVESTIGATION OF ALLEGEDLY DEFECTIVE TIE RODS IN CERTAIN MODEL YEAR (MY) 1999 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT VEHICLES NOT INCLUDED IN TWO PREVIOUS SAFETY RECALL CAMPAIGNS (IDENTIFIED HENCEFORTH AS THE SUBJECT... VEHICLES).IN A SEPTEMBER 1999 LETTER, VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA, INC. (VW) NOTIFIED THE AGENCY THAT AN UNDETERMINED PERCENTAGE OF MY 1998-1999 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT AND AUDI A4, A6, AND A8 VEHICLES CONTAINED A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT AFFECTING ALUMINUM TIE ROD ENDS IN THE STEERING SYSTEM.VW INDICATED THAT IT WAS POSSIBLE THAT SOME TIE RODS WOULD NOT SEAL PROPERLY WHICH COULD ALLOW MOISTURE AND DUST PARTICLES TO ENTER THE SWIVEL BEARING MECHANISM, RESULTING IN PREMATURE WEAR.THE APPROXIMATELY 22,200 VOLKSWAGEN AND 29,700 AUDI VEHICLES AFFECTED BY THIS RECALL (IDENTIFIED BY NHTSA RECALL NO. 99V-248) WERE BUILT FROM JANUARY 1998 THROUGH JULY 1998 AND FELL WITHIN A SPECIFIC VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER (VIN) RANGE.IN NOVEMBER 2000, VW CHOSE TO EXPAND THE SCOPE OF THE RECALL (IDENTIFIED BY NHTSA RECALL NO. 00V-414) AFTER IT DETERMINED THAT SOME POTENTIALLY DEFECTIVE ALUMINUM TIE ROD ENDS MAY HAVE BEEN INSTALLED IN AN ADDITIONAL 44,000 VOLKSWAGEN AND 39,000 AUDI VEHICLES BUILT FROM AUGUST 1998 THROUGH APRIL 1999.THESE SUBJECT RECALL ACTIONS WERE NOT INFLUENCED BY ODI.INSTEAD, VW MADE AN INDEPENDENT DETERMINATION TO CONDUCT A RECALL AFTER GERMAN VEHICLE INSPECTION AUTHORITIES NOTIFIED IT OF ?WORN? TIE RODS AND FACTORY INSPECTION OF SOME ?WORN? TIE RODS REVEALED IMPROPER SEALING.ACCORDING TO A DECEMBER 2004 REPORT, THE PETITIONER BROUGHT HER MY 1999 PASSAT TO AN AUTHORIZED VOLKSWAGEN DEALER FOR AN UNRELATED RECALL REPAIR WHERE SHE WAS NOTIFIED BY SERVICE PERSONNEL THAT, AFTER 59,000 MILES TRAVELED, THE TIE RODS ?HAVE TOO MUCH PLAY,? AND THE RECOMMENDED REPAIRS WOULD NOT BE COVERED FREE OF CHARGE BECAUSE HER VIN (WVWNA63B1XE499116) WAS OUTSIDE THE RECALL RANGE.IN JUNE 2005, AFTER 65,400 MILES TRAVELED, THE PETITIONER PAID $588.59 TO REPLACE WORN INNER AND OUTER TIE ROD ENDS ON BOTH SIDES OF THE VEHICLE.THE PETITION LETTER SPECIFICALLY REQUESTS THAT THE SCOPE OF VW?S RECALL BE EXPANDED TO INCLUDE THE PETITIONER?S VEHICLE AND THAT SHE BE REIMBURSED FOR THE COST OF THE REPAIRS.THERE ARE A TOTAL OF 191 NON-DUPLICATIVE COMPLAINTS TO ODI AND VW THAT ALLEGE PREMATURE WEAR OF EITHER ONE OR BOTH OUTER TIE ROD ENDS IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES.AS OF NOVEMBER 18, 2005, ODI IS NOT AWARE OF ANY ALLEGATIONS OF TIE ROD SEPARATIONS RESULTING IN A LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL, CRASH OR INJURY IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES.THE PETITIONER?S VEHICLE WAS MANUFACTURED ON JUNE 8, 1999 USING REVISED STEEL TIE ROD ENDS AND THEREFORE WAS ALREADY EQUIPPED WITH THE TIE ROD ENDS USED TO REMEDY DEFECTIVE VEHICLES IN THE SUBJECT RECALLS.ANALYSIS INDICATES THAT THERE DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT TREND WITH RESPECT TO THE STEEL TIE ROD ENDS USED IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES.IN VIEW OF THE FOREGOING, IT IS UNLIKELY THAT NHTSA WOULD ISSUE AN ORDER FOR THE NOTIFICATION AND REMEDY OF THE ALLEGED DEFECT AS DEFINED BY THE PETITIONER AT THE CONCLUSION OF THE INVESTIGATION REQUESTED IN THE PETITION.THEREFORE, IN VIEW OF THE NEED TO ALLOCATE AND PRIORITIZE NHTSA?S LIMITED RESOURCES TO BEST ACCOMPLISH THE AGENCY?S SAFETY MISSION, THE PETITION IS DENIED.Read more

EA, Closed , Model Year: 1998

PASSENGER AIR BAG LID FAILURE

THIS INVESTIGATION INVOLVES THE VOLKSWAGEN (VW) PASSENGER SUPPLEMENTAL INFLATABLE RESTRAINT (PSIR) LID UTILIZED IN MY 1998-2002 VW PASSAT.THE PSIR LID MAY DETACH FROM THE INSTRUMENT PANEL DURING AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT.THE OFFICE OF DEFECTS INVESTIGATION (ODI) OF THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMIN... Read more

PE, Closed , Model Year: 1998

PASSENGER SIR DOOR MOUNTING STUD FAILURE

ODI OPENED A PRELIMINARY EVALUATION (PE03-021) BASED ON TWO REPORTS OF FAILED BOLT STUDS THAT ATTACH THE PASSENGER SUPPLEMENTAL INFLATABLE RESTRAINT (PSIR) DOOR COVER TO THE INSTRUMENT PANEL (IP) ON THE VOLKSWAGEN (VW) PASSAT (MODEL YEARS 2000, 2002).VW HAS INDICATED TO ODI THAT IT HAS NO ADDITIONAL... Read more

PE, Closed , Model Year: 1993

FOG LAMP FIRE

ALLEGED THAT THE FOG LAMP HOUSING CATCHES FIRE DURING USE

VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT - All Years Overview

Complete safety history for the VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT across all model years (1988, 2021).

136 Total Recalls

10,530 Total Complaints

10 Investigations

338 Reported Crashes

368 Reported Fires

15 Reported Deaths

VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT - Year by Year

Compare recalls and complaints across model years. Click any year to see full details.

Year	Recalls	Complaints
2022	0	19	View
2021	1	28	View
2020	3	24	View
2019	1	18	View
2018	4	65	View
2017	7	175	View
2016	5	179	View
2015	7	389	View
2014	10	791	View
2013	9	1,027	View
2012	11	662	View
2011	0	27	View
2010	4	226	View
2009	4	211	View
2008	4	240	View
2007	7	341	View
2006	7	779	View
2005	4	172	View
2004	4	348	View
2003	7	823	View
2002	4	772	View
2001	4	558	View
2000	5	625	View
1999 (current)	6	854
1998	5	476	View
1997	1	105	View
1996	1	185	View
1995	1	142	View
1994	1	36	View
1993	3	90	View
1992	1	60	View
1991	1	30	View
1990	2	50	View
1989	1	0	View
1988	1	0	View

Other VOLKSWAGEN Models

Model	Recalls	Complaints
JETTA	249	14,075	View
GOLF	190	2,084	View
BEETLE	157	3,629	View
GTI	116	1,926	View
ID.4	115	1,606	View
ATLAS	101	2,700	View
TIGUAN	78	3,173	View
ATLAS CROSS SPORT	73	701	View

Vehicle Safety

Consumer Safety

Infrastructure

Public Health

1999 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT

Complaint Statistics

Top Reported Components

EPA Fuel Economy, 1999 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT

Technical Service Bulletins, 1999 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT

Most Affected Components

NHTSA Safety Investigations, VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT

VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT - All Years Overview

VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT - Year by Year

Other VOLKSWAGEN Models