Rack and pinion steering system problems.

- Bufflo, NY, USA

The vehile experienced steering problems consumer took the vehicle to the dealer for repair, they tightened a loose clamp, the problem resurfaced 6 months later and now the warranty had expired, the consumers took the vehicle back to the dealer where they found a power steering fluid leak, the dealer replaced the entire rack and pinion. Nlm

- Overlook Park, KS, USA

Steering rack seal failed at 15K mi, causing loss of fluid and damage to rack. Dealer replaced under warranty. Driver side, passenger window (left rear) disconnected from electric motor (would not go up and down) at 45K mi. Hardly use window (no kids or passengers). Dealer replaced "pin" and charged 1hr labor for pulling door panel - not covered under extended warranty. Steering began to "creak" when wheel turned slowly at stop or near stop at 52K mi. Dealer investigated and could not find problem. Stated no safety problems. Driver side, passenger window (left, rear) disconnected from power motor again at about 75K mi. Did not contact dealer again as expected to pay $60 again so waited for a scheduled service. Driver window power motor failed at 83K mi - sounded like metal grinding. Had to manually push window closed. Took auto to different dealer (midwestern auto group, dublin oh, 614-889-2571) to examine driver window, driver side passenger window and steering "creak". new dealer stated driver window under extended warranty plan, driver-side passenger window not covered and missing "pin" totally, and steering "creak" is in any or all of the control arm/linkage bushings. Quoted $2000 to replace steering front end - suggested I just live with noise. No mention of tie-rod recall on 1999 Passats. I have no information on if my car qualifies for the recall, but my investigatiion online suggests I do. Have not received any notices, but have moved since original purchase and could have "lost mail" problem. Suggest power window design is bad - as I drive on hwys a lot for business in oh where summer requires ac, winter requires heat, I have no kids or passengers in back seats, etc.

- Columbus, OH, USA

Steering wheel is making noise when turning. It also acts as if steering wheel will lock or give way. Dealer claims power steering pump is leaking, and rack and pinion. Parts are on back order.

- Nashville, TN, USA

The rack and pinion cap fell out/was missing, leaving no fluid in power steering assembly. There was a small pop and smoke from under the car. My wife had a hard time steering the car and maneuvering it off the road. Had there been traffic she may well have been involved in an accident as she slowed and tried to muscle the car off the road. Steering was very tight, so tight she could barely turn the wheel. Car had just been picked up from the dealer and had only 250 miles on it. Car is currently at fiore Volkswagen in hollidaysburg, pa being repaired.

- Pasadena, MD, USA

I have reported this once before but I do not see it on your database? I believe this car is not safe to drive and I have no confidence in the way this matter is being handled. Every time me and my family get into this veichle I expect somthing to happen. All the previous cars I owned I did not have this feeling. Volkswagen will not buy the car back at this time. I feel the car should returned and then replaced with a new one. I am also considering selling the car as is and buying another make Nissan. Please help justice should be top proirty this is a money issue and no longer a commitment to saftey.

- Manchester, CT, USA