Problems with 1999 Volkswagen Passat SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

While attempting to dis-engage cruise control while approaching toll booth, by tapping brake, vehicle suffered total brake failure. pulled emergency brake, which worked as advertised, causing vehicle to enter 360 degree spin and cross 6 lanes of toll booth traffic ending up on right shoulder of highway. no contact with any other vehicle or object. shut down engine and re-started and brake pressure returned to normal. mehcanic at independent shop cannot duplicate failure and system tests ok.*ak

Failure of abs module on 1999 volkswagen passat. my abs light started blinking at around 60,000 miles. the dealer diagnosed the problem as a failed abs module. the cost to fix the problem was estimated to be $1,500. for the part alone!!! the dealer said that they fail all the time and that many people do not fix them. i did not want to make a further investment in the car so i let it go. the car was subsequently inspected by the dealer in state inspection and passed. now, a couple of years later, i am told that they will not pass cars with abs lights. i am aware of websites (myvwlemon; bentley; and passatworld forum) that chronicle many issues with the abs module on passats. it seems to be common knowledge that the abs module manufactured by bosch is defective and a cottage industry has arisen of manufacturers of these parts. some even rebuild them as the defect is known. *nm

Consumer had to replace brakes every 6000 miles, and she thought this was a problem because for the same reason volkswagen issued recall 99v131001. but was told that this vehicle was not included in the recall due to vin. *ak

The consumer experienced total brake loss due to master cylinder failure. also the right front caliper was damaged causing a fire and the right front wheel to seize. *yh

Brakes were sqeaking. dealer found rotors needed to be replaced. *ak

I have been experiencing decreased brake performance (substantial) whenever the streets are salty and wet. i researched this on the internet and found my experience not uncommon among vw passat owners, and apparently the subject of an audi investigation which uses the same brake components. it does not affect performance when dry or simply wet, but does when 'salty' and wet. it takes several braking to restore any measurable function in the brakes when it occurs. it is scheduled to be seen by a vw dealer on 2/13 for evaluation of this problem.*ak

Rotors are prematurly warped and the front end vibrates while braking at speed over 45 miles an hour. the manufacturer refuses to replace them under warrenty and the dealer failed to test drive and inspect the rotors when they had the car in for the 12,000 mile check up in june 2000. also, i understand that the swedish distributor recalled the brakes for premature failure due to rust and road salt.

Vehicle stalls intermittently at speeds of 25-65 mph. vehicle taken to dealer 10-15 times, cannot find a cause. *ak the mirror switch is inoperative due to window switch failure. the driver seat warmer was inoperative. engine has a burning smell due to oil leak. vehicle made noise in front end on left turns due to a stabilizer bar clamp being loose. front brakes make noise. steering makes noise and locked while driving. steering column sliding cover cracked. *yh

The brakes squeak. nlm

Ongoing problem with brakes squealing when applying brakes. vehicle been in dealer shop on four occasions. repairs were made on the disc brake system, and problem stilloccurring. please feel free to provide any further details. *ak

Gas gauge sending unit has been replaced once. malfunctioning again. shows full tank when more than half empty. brakes have never worked adequately. dealer has inspected and says they are "normal". after inspection, worked better for a brief period. *ak

Recall 99v-131000 vw/ brake booster: received this manufacturer's recall. notified dealer and manufacturer, and was informed to disregard notice because it did not exist. asking nhtsa to look into this and explain if this mfr. recall exists on my vehicle, or provide additional information. *ak

Consumer denied recall repair (99v-131) due to lack of parts. *mjs

Recall repair can not be completed due to lack of parts. (99v-131) *mjs

Recall repairs denied due to lack of parts (99v-131 and 99v-248). *mjs

Oil line broke while driving. also, abs/master cylinder malfunctioned, causing the entire abs system to be replaced.vehicle was not braking properly when brakes were applied. in addition, had pads replaced twice/needed a new booster installed, and sun roof was replaced because it leaked and made a squealing noise.*ak

Front brakes started squealing but now are rubbing,grinding,groaning and braking rough. i am being told that these are normal brake sounds and that they cannot find anything wrong. although on the last visit to the dealer i was told they did "something different" to the rotors this time. after at least 6 visits, i have the same problem and am being told to seek a scond opinion. *ak

Brakes sticking to drums and no brake light warning of pending stop. problem never addressed by vw, the dealership or corporate. the problem caused an accident and prematurely caused wear on all brake components. i have had to replace the brakes twice in 40,000 miles. the most recent at 12,000 miles usage. vw says there is nothing wrong and it is not covered by warranty. *ak

Shortly after bought car, had many makeup problems: trim panel falling off, 3 our 4 windows have been fixed numerous times. cannot have trim fixed unless do whole car, which is too expensive and i didnt pay all that money for a car to have dish out more money for something that should not happen. i have paid to have all the windows fixed except this last time, i just will not do it. no accidents, nothing for these problems to be occuring. also, the tie rods have been replaced numerous times. lastly, steering/suspension has been a problem. all these problems took place four months after purchase and since then has been a problem. *ak

51 hours after purchasing my new vw passat gls v6, the brake booster failed, causing violent shaking of the car, stiffening of the brake pedal impairing my braking ability and thick heavy smoke from under the hood. i was informed the next day by the deale

The drivers side seat has excessive movement in the fore-aft direction and in the vertical. it is most noticeable when braking. it feels very unsecure. i have taken it to the dealer. they claim this level of play is normal.

At around 60,000 abs light comes on vehicle, which makes abs useless when light is on, it works otherwise. when light is on brakes lock-up. abs module costs $1010 + labor 405 = $1415 to fix this. spoke with dealer, they said they have seen many of abs control modules gone bad passats. this could be a big safety problem since it affects braking.*ak

While driving 10-20 mph and applying the brakes the pedal is hard and there aren't any brakes. *ak