My 1999 Volkswagen Passat (V6, glx model) has a faulty ABS control module. At around 103,000 miles, the anti-lock brake system stopped working on my car and began flashing a brake warning light in the instrument panel. I have spoken with numerous other VW Passat owners who tell me this same incident has happened to them. It seems to be a trend among 1998-2001 Passats, and since the ABS system no longer works, is an obvious safety hazard.

- Greeneville, TN, USA

The contact owns a 1999 Volkswagen Passat. When the vehicle was purchased, there was plastic covering the reflector board. After a few months, the contact noticed that the ABS lights illuminated on the instrument panel. Through online research, the contact discovered several complaints on the same year, make, and model vehicle. An independent mechanic performed a diagnostic on the vehicle, but could not locate the specific cause of the failure. He was informed that if he depressed the brake pedal too hard, it could lock his wheel and result in a crash or he could lose control of the vehicle. The failure mileage was 47,000. Updated 09/16/08. Updated 09/18/08.

- Runnemede, NJ, USA

Driving at 60 mph the driver applied the brakes upon entering a reduced speed zone. The pedal went to the floor without resistance and the brakes failed to engage. No warning lights or other indications to suggest a problem. Driver pulled the emergency brake to prevent hitting traffic ahead and spun 180 degrees across traffic slamming into a curb. Witness to the accident tried to apply the brakes several times at the crash site and the pedal offered no resistance for him. Powering the car on and off; brake pressure returned to normal. The VW dealer where the car was hauled to cannot duplicate the failure and the brakes checkout normal. Dealer has given little sense of security to make driver want to get in the car again. Said they could replace the master cylinder, but it checks out fine. One mechanic said he heard of a case with tires confusing the ABS with different wear. Front tires are >95% and the rears are 75%. nobody would document this theory however and repair will now leave car with 3 basically new tires with one rear at 75%. updated 12/12/07

- Great Falls, MT, USA

ABS/brake light flashing; beeps initially when ignition is turned on. After having service center replace oil pressure sending unit, diagnosis determined to be failure of ABS control module. Not aware of this occurring in any other makes, and learn from complaints within and from forums and other internet sites that this is a common problem in 1999 VW Passat. Oil light, now, also comes on when brake pedal is applied, but goes off when pedal is released. Oil pressure & pump okay, as is oil level, but source of oil light/brake pedal issue cannot be determined.

- Richmond, VA, USA

ABS module failure. ABS light comes on with brake light flashing and 3 beeps intermittently. After turning the car off for awhile it may not come on for several miles the next time. Braking heavily causes the rear wheels to lock up and skid. Also what I think is particularly dangerous is when braking heavily with the ABS light off causes the car to skid and at the same time the check engine light comes on as well as the ABS light and brake light and stalls. If on a highway at high speed this could be deadly. The repair will be the replacement of the electronic module. Add me to the list of many who have this problem and want to get a recall instituted on this module.

- Middle Village, NY, USA

Beep sound ABS and brake lights came on intermittently for a few seconds, and then went off.

- Fernandina Beach, FL, USA

1999 VW Passat. ABS light was always on. Brake light always flashing in dash, 3 beeps every few minutes. No definitive answer from 2 dealers. I will not accept trial by error diagnosis at my expense. I strongly urge VW to attend to this overwhelmingly common problem. My love of driving this car is gone.

- Vancouver, WA, USA

I am one of an already large and constantly growing number of persons with Volkswagen's and Audi's who have ABS (automatic braking systems) that have stopped working after only a mere 60-70,000 miles. I have taken my car in to the dealer several times to resolve this issue and each time they (deal) say it's something else. With many people complaining now and more to join in as the days go by, 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 ($2000 upward 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.

- Goldsboro, NC, USA

ABS warning light plus oil and brake lights flash, tachometer goes to zero.

- Torrington, CT, USA

ABS light started to light intermittently for about two days and is now on constantly. Braking characteristics have noticeably changed and randomly pulse at times. This is a well documented failure in VW Passats at around 75K miles.

- Atlanta, GA, USA

Multiple warning lights on and/or blinking including ABS, brake light, and oil light.

- Wading River, NY, USA

I had a flashing ABS light in my gauge cluster that wouldn't stop. Went to dealer to check fault code for light. Told that my ABS control unit is bad and needs replacing....shouldn't drive car without replacing unit. Cost for unit and R & R $10.

- Pittsburgh, PA, USA

ABS failure.

- Wyndmoor, PA, USA

The contact took vehicle to dealer for recall repairs. Upon inspection the technician noticed the steering assembly came loose. The vehicle was being repaired at the dealership. They replaced both lower control arms and both tie rods. Also, the dealership also found there was an oil leak and the ABS was defective. The technician discovered the steering rack assembly was loose to the point it could have fallen of from the frame. Updated 11/29/05.

- Streator, IL, USA

I own a 99 VW Passat which has a failed ABS system. Upon researching this ABS and brake light indicator problem, I have learned that this is a common malfunction with VW and Audi owners. Apparently, VW offered a recall for this problem but did not include pre-2001 vehicles. A definite indicator of their unwillingness to maintain the safety of their vehicles. When this system fails, the indicator lights up, however, this does not happen during 100% of my drive time. It happens intermittently and will likely cause a dangerous accident, since when lit I have no ABS. Please be aware that I am not alone in my complaint and hold VW liable for their faulty craftsmanship with this ABS system. The costs of repair are exorbitant and should not be required by the consumer. This is a universal problem with their vehicles!

- Bolingbrook, IL, USA

1999 Volkswagen Passat - in re: The anti lock brake system. A warning light had come on along with a beeping sound. The consumer had taken the vehicle to the dealer and they suggested that this was a common problem with the Passat. The consumer researched this matter and realized that there were other similar complaints, then called the manufacturer. Thee manufacturer stated that there was no recall on this problem and had not fixed it as of yet. The consumer had not experienced any other problems except with the warning light and the beeping sound. (12/08/05) the antilock brake system failed daily.

- Vancouver, WA, USA

The ABS brake control unit of my 1999 Passat has failed. Dealer quotes cost in excess of $1000. To replace a part that costs less than $100 to manufacture. I found a car forum where many, many people talk of this bosh part as failing in their Passats and Audi.

- Cumberland, RI, USA

I have owned my Volkswagen Passat for the last 5 years. About 6 months ago ABS warning lights came on. I checked to see if the ABS still were working, and it was not. The warning lights went on and off for the next month or so, but is now on whenever I turn the car on. I contacted the dealer, and they immediatly knew what I was calling about. It seemd as though this was a common problem. The price to get it fixed through the dealer was $1600 or more. Volkswagen knows of the problem, but says that nothing will be done. Currently I can't afford to pay $1600 to have the ABS fixed on my car that had 60,000 miles on it when this started.

- Orem, UT, USA

I own a 1999 Volkswagen Passat with 55000 miles on it. The ABS light came on while driving and the brake light is flashing. On going to the dealer, I am told that I need to replace the ABS unit and the instrument panel which will cost $1900. This appears to be a common problem. According to the dealer, he has had several people complain about the same issue. VW should issue a recall for this part and not have customers pay for its defective parts.

- Bellevue, WA, USA

ABS module failure. Was sudden/no warning. Electronic portion needs replacement. Re: san antonio tx dealer. Failure occured w/less than 55K miles on vehicle. Was told this is a common problem w/this vehicle.

- San Angelo, TX, USA