1.8

hardly worth mentioning
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
92,000 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

The NHTSA is the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints can be spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem. See the Back button — blue bar at the very top of the page — to explore more.

Get notified about new defects, investigations, recalls & lawsuits for the 1999 Volkswagen Passat:

Unsubscribe any time. We don't sell/share your email.

problem #1

Jun 112004

Passat 4-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 92,000 miles
On 6/10/2004, I had my VW Passat repaired at mitchell Volkswagen, canton, ct, for rough idle and check engine light. Dealer found scan codes for cylinder #2 misfires and random/multiple misfires. Dealer replaced icm ignition control module and cleared fault. Then dealer attempted to set basic settings and a new problem was generated, throttle body would not adapt. I now have a continuous check engine light. Dealer did not explain why they tried to set the basic settings for the replacement of the icm. It is my understanding that if the basic settings are not performed correctly a malfunction to the throttle valve control can occur. The dealer told me the this problem may be self correcting. If it does correct itself, I need to replace the throttle body for approx. $500. I have spent more than $539 to have my icm replaced and now have a new problem. Now I am told "may require replacement of the throttle body to correct, will not cause vehicle to run rough, may cause surging at idle or slight hestitation on acceleration, part needs to be ordered. It may correct itself in 200 miles. The dealer said it's ok to drive the vehicle under these conditions (check engine light and hestitation and surging). I contacted VW customer service and they agree with the dealer. I think this is a manufucture's defect in design and you should not have to drive a vehicle with a check engine light with hestitation and possible surging, these are safety issues. The VW customer service would not give me someone else at VW to express my safety concerns.

- Burlington, CT, USA