ABS control module failure on Volkswagen Passat 1999 1.8T gls.

- Ashburn, VA, USA

ABS controller on my VW Passat 1999 failed.

- Port Chester, NY, USA

The vehicle is a 1999 Volkswagen Passat. ABS and brake warning lights come on periodically with increasing frequency and no apparent cause. This is a common problem with Passats and Audi A4S. I found around 40 similar complaints on the NHTSA web site and the frequency of the problem is well documented elsewhere on the internet. The problem is reported to result in lack of ABS and inactivation of the normal braking distribution mechanism. The lack of ABS, while serious, only reduces braking to that of many other vehicles. The alleged effect on distribution of braking power is a potentially more serious problem, as it could result in poor performance of even the conventional braking system.

- Burlingame, CA, USA

1999 Volkswagen Passat 1.8T ABS module failure. Appears many other consumers have same problem with this expense safety device failure. VW is ignoring the issue stating there is no history of failures or service bulletin 0517. Dealer wants to charge me $1750 to repair.

- Rogers, MN, USA

I own a 1999 VW Passat 1.8T gls. At 69,000 miles, "ABS" and "brake" dash lights go on and off, indicating failure of ABS control module, and loss of ABS function.

- Pittsford, NY, USA

1. normal driving conditions; city as well as highway driving. 2. random, intermittent warning lights appear on dashboard. Lights are: ABS - solid yellow. Brake - flashing red. 3. nothing has be done to correct the failure as the dealer wants between $1,500 -$2,000 to fix the ABS module. Additional information: Visited various volkswagon message forums. Many volkswagon owners are experiencing this problem since early 2004. Here is a link to one such site: tech.bentleypublishers.com/thread.jspa?threadid=6316&start=0&tstart=0.

- Horsham, PW, USA

I own a '99 VW Passat gls and have also had the problem with the ABS control module. I get a solid dashboard ABS warning light and blinking dashboard brake warning light when I start the car. Both lights stay on and the blinking light caused my car to fail inspection. I've done research on the internet and found hundreds of such complains about this problem, particularly because this is a $1500 - $4000 repair, according to the various dealer estimates I've read. This is a serious safety issue and well-documented manufacturer's defect. My VW service center acknowledged they know this is a problem and how much to charge for it (~$2400), but because of the expense I have not repaired it yet. Please take action! both the ABS system and ignition system use Bosch parts, which have documented failures. This should be a NHTSA recall item!!! more info can be found not just at bentley, but also this site: www.mycarstats.com/console.asp.

- Springfield, VA, USA

Failure of Bosch ABS 5.3 controller leading to warning tones and lights and loss of traction control and ABS functions, a definite safety hazard. This is a widely reported problem as VW and Audi cars get older due to a failure in the Bosch hybrid module. Since the cars are out of warranty, VW and Audi are not covering repairs which cost $1400 or more.

- Lexington, MA, USA

99 VW Passat. ABS brake lights flash intermittently. It seems the ABS module needs replacement at 1500+ after some research it appears there are many people experiencing the same problem.

- St Paul Park, MN, USA

While I was driving, I hear three beeps, the ABS light turns on and the emergency brake light blinks. Now it happens everytime after about five minutes of driving. I researched this problem and it appears to be a common problem where the ABS control module fails. I have already fixed this problem and it is recurring.

- Portland, OR, USA

There are no specific events leading to the failure besides regular use of the vehicle Passat 1999. The ABS warning light periodically has come on and lengthened in duration until it stayed on permanently. The braking is still normal, but the ABS control unit is recommended to be replaced by the dealer. I have not replaced the ABS control. Also, the timing belt tensioner went out on my Passat 1999. I was driving on a freeway when the car just cut out. I coasted it over to the side of the road where it would not turn over. This part was redesigned on later models because of its tendency to fail. I had to redo all of my rods. I still have the old part in my possession.

- Fresno, CA, USA

I am one a large and growing number of persons with Volkswagen's and Audi's who have ABS (automatic braking systems) that have stopped working after the car has been driven only 40,000 - 50,000 miles. The extent of the problems can be discerned by a web discussion group devoted to people with this sole problem (bentley publishers at tech.bentleypublishers.com/thread.jspa?forumname=Volkswagen.B.B5&threadid=6316 ). with this many people having found the website, one can only imagine the large quantity of other people who have this snafu. Our experience has been that VW/Audi appears to refuse to acknowledge the problem. Lately, several persons have said that the problem is generally being caused by the electrical unit in the ABS module. Yet at this point, VW and Audi are having users replace the entire unit. This cost is prohibitive for many of us ($2600 in my case). In the meantime, many of us are having to drive with faulty ABS systems, with resultant safety problems: For me, the ABS problem causes the brakes to go on at inappropriate times. The brakes on my car grab and activate unexpectedly during the first several minutes of driving after my car has sat overnight. Others have experienced this too. I fear that this may cause an accident. This problem on my car seems to be growing worse. The more obvious safety hazard is that all of these cars lack the ABS during crucial times of driving on icy or wet pavement. Again, this problem is aggravated when the ABS goes on and off intermittently, without the driver's knowledge (since in many cases, the dash warning lights remain on throughout). At this point, I'm fearful whenever I drive my car.

- Adelphi, MD, USA

Complete failure of ABS control module on a 99 VW Passat wagon with 99,000 miles. Car reverted back to regular braking system...no ABS.

- Salt Lake City, UT, USA

The ABS, brake and oil light all come on (oil will flash) with sporadic irregularities in the tachometer. The tachometer will sometimes drop to zero. All this happens with 3 distinct beeps whenever I use the brakes. Colder temperatures can lessen the occurrence of the problems. Dealership service says that the ABS module needs to be replaced at a cost of $3600. I have not yet approved the repair on the car.

- Aliso Viejo, CA, USA

The ABS and asr (electronic stability control) computer had to be replaced in my car. The car only had 71,000 miles. It almost cost me when my life when the ABS did not kick in and started sliding on a rainy day. It cost $1,400 at the dealer to fix this problem; the service technician said it was common. They only replaced the computer.

- Fishersville, VA, USA

The consumer the ABS light has been coming on. The dealership said that the control module went bad. It was replaced, however the problem recurred. The anti-lock brake system does not work when the ABS light comes on. Service invoices are available if needed.

- Elmira, NY, USA

While driving on the highway ABS warning light came on, and red brake warning light began flashing, indicating ABS module failure.

- West Hartford, CT, USA

I own a 1999 Passat 1.8T gls. The ABS and brake light started coming on together intermittently at around 58,000 miles. Dealer service diagnosed problem as faulty ABS unit, cost $1400 total installed. I have not had the unit replaced yet. There are literally thousands of these defective units on the road today, why hasn't NHTSA pressured VW to issue a safety recall? this is clearly a safety issue and crashes are imminent.

- Cresskill, NJ, USA

Failure of anti-lock brake module on 1999 VW Passat 1.8T. No crash/damage/injury (yet). Started 1/05, continues. Common defect, certainly safety related. VW uninterested in correcting problem.

- Frederick, MD, USA

I am one of many people that have had the ABS control module fail in my 1998 Volkswagen Passat. The dealer says that he can fix the 'problem' for around $2,000. I have seen numerous other people post internet messages about their ABS control modules failing on their VW Passats. I can't believe that VW would allow such a thing without issuing a recall.

- Columbia, SC, USA