2.3

hardly worth mentioning
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
68,500 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 #6

Sep 282011

Passat 4-cyl

  • 149,002 miles
When we bought it the ABS light was on and brake light blinks, when baking up to the left it clicks.

- Modesto, CA, USA

problem #5

Sep 152008

Passat

  • 90,000 miles
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 speeds. Parts will be replaced in the near future and old parts will be retained, if it is feasible.

- Albuquerque, NM, USA

problem #4

Apr 152008

Passat

  • 87,000 miles
On my vehicle, the passenger front lower control arm is failing at the ball joint. There are loud screeches at low speeds when passing over bumps coming from the ball joint evidencing the inappropriate wear. This was addressed and replaced according to service bulletin "vm" with Volkswagen in early 2005, but the part is wearing improperly again. Failure of this part could cause loss of steering and could be fatal at highway speeds.

- Denver, CO, USA

problem #3

Jun 201999

Passat

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Shortly after bought car, had many makeup problems: Trim panel falling off, 3 our 4 windows have been fixed numerous times. Cannot have trim fixed unless do whole car, which is too expensive and I didnt pay all that money for a car to have dish out more money for something that should not happen. I have paid to have all the windows fixed except this last time, I just will not do it. No accidents, nothing for these problems to be occuring. Also, the tie rods have been replaced numerous times. Lastly, steering/suspension has been a problem. All these problems took place four months after purchase and since then has been a problem.

- Saratoga, CA, USA

problem #2

Aug 152003

Passat

  • Automatic transmission
  • 85,000 miles
Electrical problems from the start, melting of plastic, lights in the car working sporadically at best. Oil, drain, oil pump, camshaft, all blamed on lack of verifiable oil changes. Timing belt - let go on highway at 85000 miles (warranty for 1999 Passat, 100,000 miles) blamed on oil changes. 82 days in shop steering goes during this time and I'm told I need an altenator [ 3rd one ] the story goes on and on......

- Westwood, MA, USA

problem #1

Apr 112000

Passat

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Vehicle stalls intermittently at speeds of 25-65 mph. Vehicle taken to dealer 10-15 times, cannot find a cause. The mirror switch is inoperative due to window switch failure. The driver seat warmer was inoperative. Engine has a burning smell due to oil leak. Vehicle made noise in front end on left turns due to a stabilizer bar clamp being loose. Front brakes make noise. Steering makes noise and locked while driving. Steering column sliding cover cracked.

- Salinas, CA, USA