Problems with 1999 Volkswagen Passat STEERING

When we bought it the abs light was on and brake light blinks, when baking up to the left it clicks. *tt

I own a 1999 volkswagen passat in which the control arms, tie rod ends, ball joints, and bushings are failing. based on some internet research, this is a common failure for similar makes, models, and years. the problem occurs every day, and if left unattended, results in safety problems at higher speeds. parts will be replaced in the near future and old parts will be retained, if it is feasible. *tr

On my vehicle, the passenger front lower control arm is failing at the ball joint. there are loud screeches at low speeds when passing over bumps coming from the ball joint evidencing the inappropriate wear. this was addressed and replaced according to service bulletin "vm" with volkswagen in early 2005, but the part is wearing improperly again. failure of this part could cause loss of steering and could be fatal at highway speeds. *tr

Tie rod ends excessive wear. required replacement prior to issuance of nys inspection @60k in 07. tie rods previously replaced by dealer under recall in 2001@ 19k. different recall in 05 @ 50k for inspection/replacement of control arms resulted in inspection only. dealer did not find excessive wear of control arms or tie rod ends. i doubt dealers integrity or that the service tech was aware of previous tie rod replacement. obviously the acceptable wear would be greater had the parts been in service longer. defective control arms lead to excessive wear of the steering linkages and ball joints. the vehicle has very low mileage for its age and has been used less than 6k a year since purchase in 05. cost for the replacement was $150 parts (moog tie rod ends), $90 labor, $75 for the required alignment and nys tax = ~$330. this is safety concern and excessive wear for a part that should have at least a 60k life expectancy. it would be normal for a vehicle to travel 20k between inspections. for the dealer to ok at 50k and an independent inspection facility to condemn at 60k is suspicious. the parts were visibly worn and defective by personal inspection. *tr

Tl*the contact owns a 1999 volkswagen passat. the manufacturer stated that the contact's vin was not included in nhtsa campaign id number 00v414000 (steering: linkages: rod: relay: connecting). she felt that her vin should be included. there had been no failure to date. the current mileage was 56,740.

Refer to nhtsa recall # 99v248000. 1999 volkswagen passat tie rods or steering linkage. i have had to replace them 3 times at $1500.00 to $2000.00 each time since 2005. suncoast volkswagen in sarasota fl repaired it 2 times, most recent in 10/06. now, northtown volkswagen in amherst ny was replacing them again. i referred to this recall and volkswagen customer service said vin did not fall within their recall numbers. your recall information claimed the extent of models affected was unknown. please help me in this issue. the dealer gave me excuses each time. *ak

Tl*the contact owns a 1999 volkswagen passat. the vehicle failed inspection due to the tie rods. the vehicle was taken to the dealer and the tie rods were replaced. the contact stated that the steering was loose. the manufacturer stated that the vin was not included in nhtsa recall # 00v414000 nor # 99v248000 (steering:linkages:rod:relay:connecting). the current mileage is 63,000 and failure mileage was 62,800.

While having new tires installed on my vehicle approximately one year ago (not at my vw dealer), i was informed that my tie rod ends were "loose" and required replacement. three weeks ago, i brought my vehicle in to my dealer to have the cv joints replaced, and to have the tie rod ends inspected. the dealer confirmed the previous diagnosis, adding that the tie rod ends were now "dangerously loose." i proceeded to have them replaced at a cost of approx. $700 including the front-end alignment that necessitated. i had done some research on the internet and learned that the tie rod ends had had two recalls for my model year vehicle. however, my dealership service manager told me unequivocally "there was no recall" on my tie rod ends for this vehicle. subsequent research on the nhtsa web site revealed that my vin number falls slightly outside the vin ranges covered by the two recalls. as a mechanical engineer, and as a matter of common sense, it seems utterly unreasonable for such a critical (steering) component to have failed in such a short period of time. a review of the facts involved in the above recalls, it is obvious that vw's design was defective for the recall class, and certainly seems to have remained defective on vehicles produced after the recall vin range covered under the recalls. unfortunately, i failed to have the dealer provide me with the replaced components. *nm

Front upper control arms and outer tie rods had to be replaced for the second time. first time at 55,552 miles and second time at 75,959 miles. that's only 20,407 miles difference for the $1200.00 repair to be done again. absurd. called the vw customer care and they refuse to reimburse in any way stating the 2 year warranty expired. this defect would never fall within the warranty period so they have no excuse. i already absorbed the cost for the 1st repair so in all fairness they should cover the 2nd time. this is a very common problem with vw's. i'm not going to pay $1200 every 20,000 to have my car repaired. i will go legal and forward this complaint to consumer reports, the bbb, and the attorney general. *jb

Dt*: the contact stated while driving 55 mph on the interstate, the right tire blew out without warning. the contact maneuvered the vehicle to the side of the road. there were no obvious road hazards seen. the tire was replaced with a spare. the vehicle was inspected by an independent repair shop, who determined both front tie rod ends were worn, lacked lubrication, were rubbing into the front tires, and needed to be replaced. there was a nhtsa recall, # 00v414000, regarding the steering:linkages:rod:relay:connecting. the vehicle was not included in the recall due to the vin. the manufacturer was alerted. updated 1/31/2007 - *nm

Dt*: the contact stated while getting an oil change the dealer noticed the tie rods needed to be replaced. there was a nhtsa recall, # 00v414000, regarding the steering; linkages; rod; relay; connecting. the vehicle was not included in the recall due to the vin.

1999 volkswagen passat tie rods and driver side airbag were bad. *kb the vehicle was taken to the dealer for it's 40000 miles checkup when the problems were found. the air bag light was on when the vehicle was taken to the dealer. the consumer contacted the manufacturer but since the vehicle was no longer under warranty they refused to pay for any of the repairs. the vehicle was taken to an independent repair facility. the independent tech could not repair the air bag therefore the air bag light was still illuminated. the consumer looked on the internet and found out that 1999 passats were recall for tie rod issues in 1999 and notification were sent out in october 1999, one month before the consumer purchased her vehicle. the consumer also found several complaints in reference to the air bag light illuminating. *nm

Dt*: the contact stated while the vehicle was being inspected for regular maintenance at the local independent repair shop, the mechanic found the right front tie rod and control arm needed replaced. there is a nhtsa recall, # 99v248000, concerning the steering rods and relays. the vehicle has the same problems as indicated in the recall due to the vin, although the vehicle is being repaired.

Dt: 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. *ak the technician discovered the steering rack assembly was loose to the point it could have fallen of from the frame. updated 11/29/05. *jb

Tl*the contact owns a 1999 volkswagen passat. while driving at any speed, the contact heard a thumping sound coming from the rear of the vehicle. she did not notice any differences in the vehicle prior to hearing the sound. the vehicle was diagnosed by the dealer and the tie rods were replaced. nhtsa campaign id number 00v414000 (steering:linkages:rod:relay:connecting) was referenced. the current mileage was 65,829 and failure mileage was 39,466.

Tie rod failure diagnosed by vw dealer. *nm

On 9/7/05 in the am, i brought my car into the herzog-meier dealership in beaverton, oregon to be serviced for a radiator issue. around 2 pm in the afternoon, i received a voice message from the service rep at the dealership indicating that in addition to the issue i brought my car in for, the mechanic had indicated the front tie-rods were completely destroyed. i left a message with the service rep back to get more information. in the interim, i researched and found my vehicle had a recall for tie-rods, indicated as you campaign id numbers of 99v248000 and 00v414000. i contacted vw customer care regarding this issue. vw customer care would only tell me there was "no outstanding recalls". when i was able to talk with the service rep, he told me these recalls had been performed back on 3/13/01. i contacted vw customer care to ask them to re-repair these tie-rods because the parts installed from the recall had failed. vw has said they would only repair the tie-rods the 1 time and felt no obligation to repair again. the reason for my complaint is the parts installed after the recall have failed. now i am being asked to pay $500 out of my own pocket to fix. additionally, vw has no recommended replacement or maintenance for tie-rods listed on their website or in my owners manual for my vehicle. *nm

Dt: the contact received a recall 99v248000 concerning tie rods a couple of years ago. the dealership claimed there was 21,604 miles on the car then. she took vehicle in to the dealership. the contact's service slip did not show any repairs. she was really not sure what was done concerning the recall. about 3-4 weeks ago, she heard a rubbing, screeching noise when turning the steering wheel in any direction. had the front tie rods replaced on 8-30-05. the manufacturer told the contact that they had made a decision not to reimburse her for the cost of this repair because of the mileage on vehicle, which ha 74,000 miles on it. the contact stated the car has been very well maintained. *ak

Regarding a campaign number 00v414000 for the steering linkages on the 99 vw passat. i requested the dealer to check my vehicle for the recall due to the fact it has damaged tie rods. the manufacture claims my vehicle was not part of the campaign but the dealer has instructed me to have them replaced. i believe they should be replaced under the recall but the manufacture refuses to assist. what can i do ? *nm

Petition (2cys) for extension of the volkswagen (vw) recall on passat vehicles for the replacement of left and right side tie rods to cover her vehicle a 1999 volkswagen passat wagon.*mr (99v248000) *jb

1999 volkswagen passat had both inner and outer tie rods replaced because they were loosening.*mr the consumer experienced the problem as stated in the recall, however the vehicle identification number was not included. the consumer requested that the recall should be expanded. *jb

Consumer requested inclusion in the recall campaign 99v248000 for the 1999 volkswagen passat.***no answer required*** *mr the tie rods on both the driver and passeneger sides of the vehicle were a problem. *sc

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. *nm

vehicle goes to the right and there is a noise coming from the right side. dealer states the tie rod is defective.*ak

Consumer stated tie rod wore out prematurely. a recall was issued, however this vehicle was not included in the recall due to vin. *ak the vehicle was later taken to an independent dealer who indicated that there was nothing wrong with the vehicle. *nm

1999 passat upper control arm recall have too much play. *bf the consumer took the vehicle to the dealer in response to a recall, the were no problems found with the lower control arms, but the tie rods had too much play, the consumer was told her vehicle identificatin number was not included in the recall. *jb

Recall campaign 00414000 dealer notice too much play in upper control arms and tie rods. *bf recall campaign# 99v248000. the consumer was told that the vin was outside of the vin range. the second issue was with the output stage control module which was replaced due to the vehicle losing power and shuddering. *sc

As a result of a persistent rattling in the front right end of my 4 cyl. 1999 vw passat, i took my car in for investigation. i have been advised by two independent repair shops that both upper control arms on both sides of the car as well as the tie rod ends must be replaced to the tune of $1200. if they are not replaced, i have been advised that one could break and i would have no steering. obviously at a high rate of speed this could be dangerous or deadly. i have spoken with vw and even though they acknowledge issuing a tsb on this defect, they refuse to cover its repair. this is a safety issue that must be addressed sooner rather than later. thank you for any help you can provide in this area.

Vehicle has same problem with the tie rod as those included in the recall, however, the consumer's vehicle identification number was not included in the recall. *ak *sc *jb

My car began to shake and the check engine light started flashing. i drove directly to the vw dealer service dept. i found that my power output stage has failed and tie rod ends are blown out on 1999 vw passat at 39,990 miles. not to mention that my pollen filter housing is leaking. *ak

This vehicle experienced the same failure as described in tie rod recall 00v414000. however, this vehicle was not included in the recall due to vin. *ak

I am concern with the front suspension of my car. i took in the car for an 80,000 mile volkswagen recommended check up. i explained to service technician that there is a noise in the frot suspension. that noise had been there since i got the car at around 65,000 miles. i explained to the technician that i had called volkswagen of america because through carfax i found out that there was an issue with the fron suspension of the 1999 volkswagen passan 1.8 turbo gls. volkswagen of america told me that they had not issued a recall yet. so i told the technician to check for me again to see if there was a recall issued to the fron suspension. he said no and he mentioned that to fix the suspension problem i will have to replace the suspension steering linkages and other components. he gave me an estimate for the fix at around $1200.00 dollars. 2 weekends ago i wento to a volkswagen swap meet and found out that a few other passat drivers were having the same issue with their suspensions. i have been a volkswagen driver for 17 years. i have never had any suspension problems of this kind with any of the volkswagen cars i owned. i truely belive vw has released cars with malfunctioning components and they want the consumer to pay for an expensive repair. i appreciate you guys taking the time to read my eamil and looking in to this matter for the safety of vw drivers and pedestrians a like.*ak

While driving at any speed the vehicle vibrated . the vehicle was taken to the dealer for inspection. the mechanic informed the driver that the tie rods needed to be replaced. please provide further details. *jb the consumer wants the dealer to fix the problems with the vehicle *tc

The control arms, tie rod, and one cv boot failed. the consumer received recall notice for 1999 vw passat after repairs were done. *bf the consumer requested reimbursement. *sc the consumer claim for reimbursement was denied. the manufacturer stated the consumer did not have the necessary maintenance performed when required. *jb

Grinding sound while turning steering wheel. was told that boots on tie rod ends were perforated allowing water and dirt to damage tie rod ends. altho volkswagen has issued a recall they refuse to make the free repair. recall # recallul. sep 99. tie rod end replacement. nhtsa recall # 0014/vwoa.recall # ul/kw. did not recieve any recall notice on this item! found on internet.*ak

Tie rod ends wore out prematurely due to faulty lubricant boots resulting in erratic control of the vehicle. models similar to mine were recalled by vw, but not mine. my mechanic says the parts are identical. *nm

During a scheduled maintenance check, an independent mechanic determined that the tie rods were loose and must be replaced. *nm a recall was issued for some 1999 and 2000 models, however the consumer was informed that his vehicle was not included. *nm

Vehicle inspection by independent mechanic indicated that both front tie rods need to be replaced. there is a recall campagin but vw dealership indicated that my vehicle was not covered under

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......

The consumer received a recall regarding the tie rod ends (recall #99v248000) the vehicle was looked at a 53,000, however the dealer informed the consumer there was no problem. at 60,000 miles the mechanic stated the tie rods were so worn that he considered the vehicle unsafe to drive, even though there was a recall, the manufacturer refused to honor the recall. *jb *nlm

Numerous problems with 1999 volkswagen passat. when taken to the service dealer, the consumer claimed the car had problems with oil and coolant leaks. the problem was suppose to be fixed, however the dealer never gave the consumer a invoice because the work was never completed. while traveling, the oil light came on again. the consumer was unable to use the vehicle. also the loss of fair market value. consumer spent over a $1000.00 in repairs. *mr *cb. the air condition did cool the vehicle properly, and there was also a valve cover leak, and a power steering fluid leak, the dealer stated the power steering hose was bad, the glove box failed to open, the driver side vanity mirror was broke and the head light bulb was replaced. *jb

Consumer had the same problem as described in the recall below , however this vehicle was not recalled due to the vin. nhtsa: recall 00-v-414-000: vehicle description: passenger vehicles. the tie rods of the steering assembly are protected on each side by a seal to prevent moisture and dust particles from entering the swivel bearing mechanism. it is possible that some tie rod seals may not seal properly. *ak *nlm

Outer and inner tie rod failure (left and right). *ak

The consumer received a recall notice (recall # 00v-414000) which advised him to seek repair for a faulty tie rod seals. the vehicle was dropped off at the dealer and they called the consumer when the repairs were complete. when the consumer returned to the dealer he was notified that his vehicle did not require the specific recall repair. about a year later the vehicle began experiencing front end problems. the consumer believed these problem were related tot he recall issued the previous year. *mr *cb *nlm

Rack and pinion steering system problems. *ak

1999 passat engine seized due to a oil pump failure. *ts the consumer had the oil leak repaired on 5 different occasions. the consumer had other problems with the vehicle such as a faulty drive shaft, right cv joint, the glove compartment latch, the control knob for the side view mirrors, the heater control unit, engine control unit, water pump seal rings, a power steering leak which was had to be fixed twice, the coolant pump, o-rings and the oil pump and pump rod bearings. there is a noise coming from the rear right wheel, oil is leaking from the valve covers. *jb

Approximately two years ago, our 1999 volkswagen passat developed a distinct creak. the creak has become very pronounced. our dealer has advised us that it is a defect in the car's control arm, and that the defect is prevalent in 1999 passats. the dealer stated that the defect can lead to a loss of steering capacity. this will cost us approximately $1,000 to fix. *nlm

Car has had tie rods replaced under a recall ,both c.v.joints replaced plus a wheel bearing fixed which i had to pay for.don 't understand why these problems have came up so early in car service life.

Driving in downpour, from stopped position at stoplight, turned onto street free of any obstacles, steering jerked hard, right tire ripped, wheel rim bent, dealer says not covered by recall (?) 3 weeks, dealer can not fix car.

Consumer has multiple problems with vehicle. received recall 00v414000 for tie rods. vehicle would shake and make noises at times. also, supension was squeaking enough to take vehicle to dealer. lower and upper control arms and tie rods had to be replaced. consumer had a foreign automobile shop to verify problem. it was unbelievable that a 2 year old vehicle would have this problem. consumer was responsible for $1400.00 to repair it. dealer has no explanation why it was like this.*ak