3.8
definitely annoying- Crashes / Fires:
- 0 / 0
- Injuries / Deaths:
- 0 / 0
- Average Mileage:
- 32,807 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.
I am having the known issue with the upper and lower control arms on my VW Passat. Volkswagen so far will only cover the lower control arms if they fail or appear damaged. Many other people are having problems with the upper control arms that are not covered. The steering tie rod ends also need to be replaced. These tie rod ends appear to be failing at a very high rate in VW Passats. I am having this replaced at a very high cost. Volkswagens must be too expensive to maintain. It was my mistake was taking this issue to a VW dealership. I assumed VW would be able to work with me.
- Shelby Twp, MI, USA
The event that led up to the issue, was traveling on the interstate when the car began to shake violently and the car began to completely sway to one side. The car almost seemed as if it lost its alignment immediately. I brought it to a repair shop and they immediately informed me that the control arm on the upper right side was shot. I had to then take a used car that was purchased less than six months old to the dealer to replace the part at a price of 1100 dollars.
- Rochester, NY, USA
While driving at any speed steering wheel vibrated and shook.
- Woodstock, VT, USA
Purchased my 1999 VW Passat 1.8T wagon in August, 2002. It had apprx. 53,000 miles on it. By September, 2003, there was a significant squeaking, creaking, groaning noise coming from the front end. At that time, car had approximately. 75K miles. Diagnosis was front end suspension parts including control arms, ball joints, bushings were dangerously worn and in need of replacement. VW dealership provided me with a copy of technical service bulletin issued by Volkswagen of America dated May 31, 2001. It calls for installation of parts in repair kit no 3bo498 798A. Because of existence of the tech service bulletin for this problem, my extended warranty company (wynn's warranties) refuses to pay for repairs. Repairs still needed to tune of $1100. Front end is now so loose for safety reasons I will have to make repairs immediately at my own expense.
- Lake Placid, NY, USA
Electrical problems from the start, melting of plastic, lights in the car working sporadically at best. Oil, drain, oil pump, camshaft, all blamed on lack of verifiable oil changes. Timing belt - let go on highway at 85000 miles (warranty for 1999 Passat, 100,000 miles) blamed on oil changes. 82 days in shop steering goes during this time and I'm told I need an altenator [ 3rd one ] the story goes on and on......
- Westwood, MA, USA
While driving at 65mph suddenly vehicle start shaking/ lost power, never went over 40mph.
- Wesley Chapel, FL, USA
Suspension system causes knocks in steering column. This affects consumers ability to properly control vehicle. Consumer had tire rods changed, and problem still exists.
- St. Petersburg, FL, USA
While driving a grinding sound would come from front wheels whenever vehicle ran over a slight bumps or potholes. Dealer and manufacturer were not notified at this time. Feel free to provide any further information concerning this matter.
- Willougbey, OH, USA
- Olney, MD, USA