1999 VW Passat 1.8T suffered sudden timing belt failure at only 54,000 miles. Incident occurred at night on a major interstate (I-70) in the Colorado mountains, leaving me barely able to control my vehicle to coast uphill to a narrow snowy shoulder, where we were forced to call 911 and wait for almost 45 minutes in a cold vehicle, in constant danger of being struck from behind by semi/tractor trailers. I am disappointed that this occurred at such low mileage and endangered my family, and if it were an isolated incident I would not be pursuing this issue as I did miss the 40,000 mile service when a belt inspection was scheduled to be performed. I am concerned that this appears to be a common problem with this vehicle based upon my discussions with independent VW/Audi service technicians and the internet, and led to a class action lawsuit of Audi and now (ongoing) VW. In the meantime, VW appears to be denying that this is an issue, and refuses to honor its extended powertrain warranty unless it has been very strictly followed. Due to the systematic failure with this critical engine part, usually occurring well before VW's own recommended belt change interval of 105,000 miles, I believe that VW should be repairing/recalling these vehicles for replacement of the defective belts and tensioners. Sudden and total loss of engine power can lead to loss of vehicle control; in my case the real danger was the location and circumstances of the failure. It appears VW is following the same aggressive stance/denials of warranty claims with another issue with these engines, the oil "sludging" problem which is also well-documented on the internet.

- Denver, CO, 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

Timing belt failure caused a catastrophic engine failure. No warning is described in owners manual or maintenance schedule. Engine failed at 91000 miles during highway driving, required some immediate action to avoid an accident.

- Spring Lake, MI, USA

Timing chain tensioner seals leaking and VW will not honor their replacements under the powertrain warranty.

- Holmdel, NJ, USA

Timing belt tensioner on my 1999 VW Passat 1.8T (VIN # [xxx]) failed at 76,623 miles causing timing belt to slip off, thus causing major engine valve damage. I was close to home and was able to return home and call a tow truck, but had I been further away from home I'm not sure what would have happened. VW advises owners to have timing belts checked at 40,000 and 80,000 miles and to have them replaced at 106,000. Because the timing belt tensioner fails early I believe this part should be recalled or at the very least that VW should advise owners to replace the timing belt tensioner at 60,000--70,000 miles in order to avoid severe engine damage. Information redacted pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

- Waltham, MA, USA

I purchased a 1999 volkswagan Passat in April of 2002 with 49,000 miles on it the timing belt broke on it at 58,000 miles in September of that same year. As per volkswagon, the belt is not due to be changed until 105,000 miles. It ruined the top end of my engine, cost to repair is 3,000-4,000 dollars. Volkswagan will not pay for any of the cost, I find this to be unfair that I should get only 6 months use out of a car that I still owe 17,000 dollars on.

- North Ridgeville, OH, USA