Steering: Control arms. The vehicle was purchased used with approx 34K miles. Service has been maintained by owner and/or independent repair. At approximately 50K owner was notified by independent repair service that both upper control arms needed to be replaced. Owner chose not to do the repair at that time. During 2005 owner received a letter from Volkswagen about a recall on the affected part(s). Two local Volkswagen dealerships acknowledged the part was defective but denied to do the work under the recall notification. Both gave justification that because the owner could not document service checks at the recommended factory intervals the Volkswagen company would not pay for parts or service. Owner called the Volkswagen company directly and a customer service representative verified the policy. Owner has since replaced one control art, however the other side also needs repair.

- Scarborough, ME, USA

I am the second owner of a 1998 Volkswagen Passat VIN #[xxx], which has a safety recall for the tie rod ends. The local Volkswagen dealer(s) have acknowledged that the front tie rods do need to be replaced, however, they will not honor the safety recall. The reason is that there is no record of factory recommended service checks. I have had the vehicle serviced on a regular basis by a couple of independent mechanics, however, I cannot produce the paper work for the recommended service checks between 35,000 miles and 60,000. I called Volkswagen headquarters and they acknowledged that although it is a safety recall, they will not honor the repair unless I can provide proof of compliance. The symptoms have presented themselves for 3/4 years on an intermittent basis. I am in the process of having my current independent mechanic replace the ball joints. Information redacted pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

- Scarborough, ME, USA

Tie rod failure (excessive wear), leading to "loose" steering on a 1998 Volkswagen Passat. Some Passat's of this model year have been previously recalled for this type of problem; VW informs me that my car is not subject to the recall.

- Santa Rosa, CA, USA

1998 VW Passat: Heard loud clanking noises especially when turning vehicle. Reported to VW service department local dealership. Advised the the upper control arm joint is worn and need replacement. Further, both left and right tie rods are totally shot and need replacing. Checked and found that the tie rod problem was recalled by NHTSA Sep. 1999 (99V-248) but that my vehicle was not included in recall. Do not know why as the problem described is the same. Additionally, numerous complaints about the control arms have been noted on this site, yet VW of America, who advised me are aware and sensitive to the problem, refused assistance in repairing the vehicle. Also the recalled tie rods replacement was refused to be fixed by them. Please follow up and investigate VW of America for these very important safety issues since I was told that they can cause serious driver accidents. I am also wondering why the brake rotors needed replacement when new brakes were installed. Do not trust VW to be a safe vehicle at this time.

- Walnut Creek, CA, USA

Our 1998 Passat has only 50,000 miles on it, and yet all of the expensive front control arms are starting to go bad. They are getting play in the ball joints, which are only replaceable by replacing the whole control arms. Since there are a total of 8 control arms, the cost of repair is potentially very high. And if they are not replaced, the potential for hazard and injury becomes very great if the joints get so sloppy that they affect the handling of the car and eventually come apart. VW should not be allowed to get away with building such an under-engineered suspension system.

- Madison, WI, USA

The owner received recall notice#99V 248 000/tie rods from the mfr. In September,1999. The work was done in December 1999. Less than 30,000 later the tie rods failed again. The consumer contacted he mfr. Who indicated that they have fulfilled there commitment and there is nothing else they will do.

- Wellesley, MA, USA

The front of my car constantly groans when I move the steering wheel (while driving or not) and if I apply pressure to the front end. I took the car to my mechanic (not VW) who said that there is something going on with the struts, tie rods, or something in that area. He recommended I talk to VW to see if the item is recalled or covered by warranty in any way. I called VW gave my VIN and it is not part of the current recall regarding tie rods. I bought one of the first 1998 VW Passats of the B5 series.

- Gambrills, MD, USA

While driving at any speed, the consumer would hear a squeaking sound coming from the front end. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who found that the right outer and inner tie rods needed to be replaced.

- Kingsport, TN, USA

Mechanic is telling me all four tie rod assemlbies and control arms need replaced. I have been hearin a loud crunching noice everytime I go over a small bump or turn a corner.

- St. Louis, MO, USA

Worn tie rod ends, resulting in vague steering on my 1998 VW Passat (original owner) and required. Two recalls were issued on 1998 Passats, but dealer and vwoa advised me that my VIN was not eligible for the recall.

- Chattanooga, TN, USA

The tie rod ends were dangerously worn and needed to be replaced at 59,000 miles. The VIN for the vehicle was lower than those included in an earlier recall but the problem appears to be the same. There is no reason for the tie rod ends to wear out that early unless they are defective. This is a safety hazard and appears to result from faulty parts.

- Coeur D Alene, ID, USA

A squeaking noise was heard when getting out of the vehicle or when applying pressure to the hood. Vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the tie rods were found to be worn out also, power steering fluid had to be added about every 60 days due to a defect in the rack and pinion.

- Palmetto, GA, USA

Defective tie rod assembly and lower ink arm-N and lower control arm-N caused potentially dangerous steering condition and made loud grinding noises.

- Florence, MA, USA

Design flaw in tie rod ends and protective boot. Excessive wear and failure of joint could result in loss of ability to steer. This may result in an accident and vehicle damage.

- Northford, CT, USA

When turning wheel there was noise at the front of vehicle, dealer determined that the bushings needed to be replaced.. consumer states he replaced the tie rod end.

- Bemus Point, NY, USA

There is a recall for the same problem which is your campaign id#99V248000. When I went to the dealer they described the same problem with my car but VW is saying that when they put the VIN number in it's not coming up on their system with a recall. I think Volkswagen America should consider that maybe the problem goes further back and not dismiss it because it doesn't show up on the computer. The Volkswagen dealer stated that the car needs front tie rod ends which is exactly what is described in the recall.if I got the information correct my car was mfg 11/97 which is earlier than the recall but the problem is described the same. They are saying that if its not on their computer it's not a problem. I think they should consider this is a problem. What car do you know that the tie rods wear at 56,000 miles. They also have stated the the front cv boots are torn. I want VW America to fix the tie rod problme under the recall.

- Cheshire, CT, USA

Consumer took vehicle to dealer because steering column was making some noise. Dealer said control arms and tie rod end needed to be replaced, and wheels needed to be aligned.

- Chicago, IL, USA

Control arm ball joints and tie rods faulty causing noise in the front end of the vehicle. Nlm

- Buffalo, NY, USA

While driving consumer heard a noise coming from the front end. Also, poor steering control. Consumer contacted VW, dealer noted that tie rod end and control arm needed replacing. In addition, recall 99V248000/ tie rods dealt with the same problem. But, this vehicle was not included due to VIN.

- Milford, CT, USA

While driving tie rods are making noise due to a defective tie rod seal not being properly applied. Recall 99V248 deals with this problem. But this vehicle is not included. Also, replaced the struts. Dealer said that consumer would need to replace the tie rod seals.

- Kenmore, NY, USA