7.7

pretty bad
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
6,047 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 1998 Volkswagen Passat:

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

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #8

Mar 022001

Passat

  • miles
Squeaking noise from front end. Out-of town VW dealer said "ball joints" $800 to repair. "dangerous to drive". contacted VW customer service, they said it must be checked by dealer used for regular maintenance. That dealer said "lower control arms need replacing" "safe to drive" $1200 to repair. Took to 3rd mechanic, who said nothing was wrong, "just noisy". it continues to get worse, and I am concerned with safety.

- Enfield, NH, USA

problem #7

Jan 292001

Passat

  • Manual transmission
  • miles
Vehicle has a squeaking noise coming from suspension when steering or going over bumps or braking. Consumer stated the cause of the problem was failure of the bushings in the front lower control arms.

- Minneapolis, MN, USA

problem #6

Mar 152001

Passat

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
There is a creaking sound when turning wheel in both directions. Consumer states that the creaks are also happening when going over bumps.

- St.Paul, MN, USA

problem #5

Apr 102000

Passat

  • miles
Vechicle was at dealer for 30 days on final attempt to repair the suspension noise. Noise was duplicated by shop foreman, service advisor and tech. Comment from them was.......we hear it but we don't know how to fix it. Come back when it gets worse. Only on threat of a buy back did they finally resolve the problem.

- Los Angeles, CA, USA

problem #4

Nov 012000

Passat

  • miles
Heard suspension type noise when exiting vehicle and pushing on front end. Dealer only charged me 50% on parts since it shouldn't have failed so soon.

- Haslett, MI, USA

problem #3

Jun 012000

Passat

  • miles
Suspension now makes loud noises, indicating imminent failure.

- Ardsley, NY, USA

problem #2

Jan 041999

Passat

  • miles
Vwofa does not acknowledge that this is a widespread problem on both Audi A4 and VW Passats even though there is overwhelming evidence that there is a design flaw. This problem should be covered under warranty since it is a defect in design/workmanship. No safety defect.

- Irvine, CA, USA

problem #1

Jun 132000

Passat

  • miles
This issue was a recall for all Audi A-4's (same as VW Passat) as well as for many Passats. My VIN number did not fall into the recall #'s. will soon, I feel constitute a danger on the roadways.

- Dubuque, IA, USA