1999 Volkswagen Passat
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
Have the VIN?
Vehicles › Volkswagen › Passat › 1999
These records cover every 1999 Volkswagen Passat. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
6 recalls name the 1999 Volkswagen Passat. Newest first.
Dope, inc. IS recalling 42,540 combination corner and bumper lamp assemblies of various part numbers sold for use as aftermarket equipment for various passenger vehicles. these headlamps fail to conform to the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 108, "lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment." these lamps do not contain…
Risk and remedy
Risk
Decreased lighting visibility may result in a vehicle crash.
Remedy
Dope, inc. Will notify owners and offer a full refund for the noncompliant combination lamps. the safety recall began on july 28, 2009. owners may contact dope, inc. At 1-626-272-1798.
Volkswagen IS recalling 412,000 my 1999-2005 passat (5TH generation) vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions and produced after june 14, 1999. these vehicles may have an underbody heat shield that can become damaged. in addition, affected vehicles with automatic or manual transmissions may have a fuel line (1.8T engines only) or fuel tank…
Risk and remedy
Risk
A heat shield that may contact the exhaust system can result in a vehicle fire. in addition, a fuel leak from a fuel line or fuel tank ventilation valve, in the presence of an ignition source, can lead to a vehicle fire.
Remedy
Dealers will install additional underbody heat shields on vehicles with automatic transmissions to cover the possibly damaged areas and flash all 1.8T engines with a precautionary software update. Dealers will also inspect and adjust the fuel line routing on 1.8T vehicles and the fuel tank ventilation valve on 4motion/all wheel drive vehicles, and replace components if necessary free of charge. the recall began on june 13, 2008. owners may contact volkswagen at 1-800-822-8987.
On some passenger vehicles, the fuel tank filler neck can suffer abrasion damage if the rear tire goes flat and the vehicle IS driven until the tire disintegrates.
Risk and remedy
Risk
Fuel leakage can occur increasing the risk of a fire.
Remedy
Dealers will fit passat vehicles with a new wheel house liner that will better protect the car's filler neck. jetta vehicles will be fitted with a different metal shield designed to enhance abrasion protection in the event of tire disintegration. owner notification began june 13, 2003. owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact volkswagen at 1-800-822-8987.
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.
Risk and remedy
Risk
If moisture and/or dust particles enter the swivel bearing mechanism, the swivel bearing could wear over time diminishing the steering control of the vehicle.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the tie rods.
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.
Risk and remedy
Risk
If moisture and/or dust particles enter the swivel bearing mechanism, the swivel bearing could wear over time diminishing the steering control of the vehicle.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the tie rods.
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions. a control valve in the vacuum hose connecting the brake booster to the intake manifold may not open or close fully at temperatures below -4 f under certain driving conditions.
Risk and remedy
Risk
This condition could cause insufficient vacuum to be provided to the brake booster.
Remedy
Dealers will install a vacuum by-pass system into vehicles operated in these states which IS designed to provide sufficient vacuum for full brake assist under all weather conditions.
Owner complaints
664 complaints11 involved a crash13 involved a fire11 injuries2 deaths
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Seat belts
Just as I parked, the explosive seatbelt retractor for the rear passenger seat activated. There was a loud pop from the charge and the plastic seatbelt alignment clip flew off, and smoke came out from around the seatbelt. Had the vehicle been in motion there would have been a very serious safety…
Just as I parked, the explosive seatbelt retractor for the rear passenger seat activated. There was a loud pop from the charge and the plastic seatbelt alignment clip flew off, and smoke came out from around the seatbelt. Had the vehicle been in motion there would have been a very serious safety hazard from the distraction, and if someone was in the back, there was the clip that flew off that could have struck them. No one was in the seat at the time of the incident. The seatbelt is now stuck in the retracted position. The component has not been inspected. There were no warning lamps before or after the failure. The climate control system does have an error and is not cooling. The error is for the A/C pressure sensor, so it does not seem related. I do have an appointment for the climate control system, so I can have the component inspected by the service center. Ambient temperature was approx 85F at the time of the incident. The sunroof was set to vent position while driving, and the climate control system fan was operating so interior temp should have been around 85F as well.
- Vehicle speed control
I wos driving from work to home I took the parkway I wos going 60 miles then in his own the car starting increasing speed so I move the shoulder I put the car neutral and stop the car.the took me 3 try to the car go back to normal. I dont know if this car got I recall.
- Power train
After starting and beginning motion there's a slowing in motion as though the brakes had been slightly tapped or as though the ABS had told the transmission computer to slow down. Gas consumption was 16mpg. after several years one tech listened to me, adjusted the 'feedback' from ABS to the…
After starting and beginning motion there's a slowing in motion as though the brakes had been slightly tapped or as though the ABS had told the transmission computer to slow down. Gas consumption was 16mpg. after several years one tech listened to me, adjusted the 'feedback' from ABS to the transmission module computer and the sensation of braked slowing was gone! And the gas consumption became 19mpg! Several years later my door locks shorted out and had to be replaced after destroying two batteries. The tech then reported that he had reprogrammed the electrical system to 'factory specs' at that point the 'slowing (braked)' problem recurred and the gas consumption dropped back to 16 mpg. How can I get the car readjusted to get rid of the 'slowing' problem and return to 19mpg gas usage??? [xxx] , [xxx] my dealer IS :carter volkswagen,seattle, wa my e-mail IS [xxx]. information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(B)(6).'*jb
- Visibility/wiper
Drivers side window fell partially into the door while operating window power control during driving operation on highway. Upon reaching the destination and touching the window power control, the window completely fell down into the door. This event IS the second time it's happened on this vehicle.
- Engine
TL* the contact owns a 1999 volkswagen passat. The contact stated that while having a routine service performed at an independent mechanic, the technician diagnosed the water pump was cracked and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 179,000.
- Engine · Fuel/propulsion system · Vehicle speed control
Passat began to accelerate under no pressure to pedal. Passat started to accelerate fairly slowly but steadily at first, then it increased. It wasn't possible to decelerate/no pressure on the brake pedal stopped the acceleration. It began to reach an unsafe speed then I began to downshift and to…
Passat began to accelerate under no pressure to pedal. Passat started to accelerate fairly slowly but steadily at first, then it increased. It wasn't possible to decelerate/no pressure on the brake pedal stopped the acceleration. It began to reach an unsafe speed then I began to downshift and to apply the brake in sequence to slow the passat, then I tried to slow the vehicle to coast it onto the shoulder, but the speed remained too high to halt the car. Having no other way to slow the vehicle, I started to downshift and to apply extreme pressure to the breaks, and was able to slow the vehicle enough after several miles of downshifting and riding the breaks to reach a point at which I could shift the car into neutral, then began coasting it up a long driveway while the engine continued to race and rev. I then dropped the car into neutral and engaged the emergency break, then forced the trans into park and shut the passat off. The front breaks were both glowing, with the driver's side having burst into flames as a result of the friction and heat from having ridden them for several miles. Shop that examined the passat assessed that the throttle body control module had failed and wasn't communicating with the main on-board computer, and that this type of problem had been seen before on other volkswagen models of the same era. Technician indicated that this was the third time that he'd seen this failure. It apparently usually results in the car coming to a stop although there are other cases customers reported that resulted in the uncontrolled acceleration that I experiences. The breaks and other internal components were significantly damaged as a result of the accident/throttle body failure, and the vehicle had to be scrapped. Someone should research this further as this IS a potentially fatal issue. Please contact me if any further information IS required to investigate. *tr
- Fuel/propulsion system
TL* the contact owns a 1999 volkswagen passat. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, fuel fumes emitted in and around the vehicle. The contact mentioned that while inspecting the vehicle, fuel was discovered leaking from the rear passenger side sub frame. Also, the contact indicated…
TL* the contact owns a 1999 volkswagen passat. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, fuel fumes emitted in and around the vehicle. The contact mentioned that while inspecting the vehicle, fuel was discovered leaking from the rear passenger side sub frame. Also, the contact indicated that the air bag light illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The contact was informed that the vehicle was not included in nhtsa campaign number: 18v156000 (fuel system). The contact stated that the vehicle experienced the same failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 119,000.
- Electrical system · Structure
Car was having a foul odor. Dealer did not have information for other complaints. After work, car would not start, alarm would not stop. Alarm killed battery. Dealer said leak in sunroof caused module to corrode and leak into interior. $1,440.00 to repair. Problem IS identified in class action but…
Car was having a foul odor. Dealer did not have information for other complaints. After work, car would not start, alarm would not stop. Alarm killed battery. Dealer said leak in sunroof caused module to corrode and leak into interior. $1,440.00 to repair. Problem IS identified in class action but our car IS not included. I am leasing a car for my son to drive but now his daughter has eczema and asthma from the mold. how can I get VW to fix my car too? *tr
- Exterior lighting
TL* the contact owns a 1999 volkswagen passat. The contact stated that while driving approximately 60 mph with the headlights in activation, the headlights suddenly became dim. The contact decelerated to 40 mph due to the distortion of his visibility. The contact inspected the vehicle and noticed…
TL* the contact owns a 1999 volkswagen passat. The contact stated that while driving approximately 60 mph with the headlights in activation, the headlights suddenly became dim. The contact decelerated to 40 mph due to the distortion of his visibility. The contact inspected the vehicle and noticed that both plastic headlight lenses exhibited a brown film and oxidation. The manufacturer was not notified of the problem. The approximate failure mileage was 90,000. The vin was unavailable.
- Electrical system · Service brakes
Purchase vehicle on november 23,2012 after getting the mechanics approval that it IS safe to drive (oil pressure light was on) supposedly the vehicle passed emissions,and drove 17 miles away from dealership apple auto in wallingford,ct when the car just shut down while driving. No power. The vehicle was towed back to dealership at my expense. *Tr
- Engine and engine cooling
Was driving vehicle on the highway , the vehicle's check engine light and brake light came on and the vehicle completely shut down , I pulled over to the side of the highway I seen smoke I opened the hood and it was on fire. I called police and fire. The fire was put out the fans are melted and I'm…
Was driving vehicle on the highway , the vehicle's check engine light and brake light came on and the vehicle completely shut down , I pulled over to the side of the highway I seen smoke I opened the hood and it was on fire. I called police and fire. The fire was put out the fans are melted and I'm not sure what else IS burned , I have no idea what could have started the fire the vehicle IS taken care of and there's no warning lights on , on the dash. *tr
- Electrical system · Service brakes, hydraulic
Cars ABS module has failed, and cant afford the estimated price of 1500$ to get it repaired. *Tr
- Service brakes, hydraulic
I was driving down the road and stepped on my brakes. I noticed my car was not stopping and the brake was very low to the floor. I got so scared. Thank god I was going at a very very slow speed. My brake light came flashing on and beeping like crazy. This car seems to be a lemon lately. I already…
I was driving down the road and stepped on my brakes. I noticed my car was not stopping and the brake was very low to the floor. I got so scared. Thank god I was going at a very very slow speed. My brake light came flashing on and beeping like crazy. This car seems to be a lemon lately. I already have issues when I start my car. At times it just doesn't start so I have to keep the key in the ignition and wait about 35 seconds and finally the car turns over. also I have gray smoke that comes out of my tail pipe upon driving at times. Also my sun roof, the material got caught and its all ripped. And. My oil disappears on me. I can put two new quarts of oil in my car with in two weeks its gone bone dry with no oil leaks. Very very weird. Can someone help me out. Are there any recalls for any of this. I already bought rotors, brake pads for the back brakes and buying calipers this week. Now this happens where I have no brakes. I am so depressed about this. Please help me! I could of gotten into a bad accident because my entire brake system failed on me today. Go volkswagen. Unreal. :( *kb
- Service brakes, hydraulic · Steering
When we bought it the ABS light was on and brake light blinks, when baking up to the left it clicks. *tt
- Power train › Automatic transmission
TL* the contact owns a 1999 volkswagen passat. The contact stated that she was unable to change gears. The contact also stated that the failure occurred once prior, and both occurrences took place during rainy weather. The first time the failure occurred, the vehicle was towed to an authorized…
TL* the contact owns a 1999 volkswagen passat. The contact stated that she was unable to change gears. The contact also stated that the failure occurred once prior, and both occurrences took place during rainy weather. The first time the failure occurred, the vehicle was towed to an authorized dealer, who stated that the transmission control module needed to be replaced due to water damage. Two years later, the transmission control module failed again after a storm. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, but offered no assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 59,859 and the current mileage was 81,000.
- Seats
Was driving my 1999 VW passat. while in motion the driver seat steel bracket that holds the seat in place sheared off. I was then flipped 180 degrees back into the rear seat. lost control of steering wheel and brakes since it flipped me. contacted VW to see if there was a recall on this since…
Was driving my 1999 VW passat. while in motion the driver seat steel bracket that holds the seat in place sheared off. I was then flipped 180 degrees back into the rear seat. lost control of steering wheel and brakes since it flipped me. contacted VW to see if there was a recall on this since the part IS not exposed to weather conditions and the steel should not shear off like that. VW stated no recall and they would not pay for repair due the age of car and no warranty. I had it repaired at VW service center ($860) since needed a car for transportation. I have the defected part and pictures. sent up complaint to VW america and they said they will look into it but not able to keep me posted, leaving me to feel that they might not see the urgency to this terrible incident that happened to me. if my toddler kids were in the car I could have crushed their legs when the driver chair flipped. my husband and I really could have died in a car accident. *tr
- Power train › Automatic transmission · Structure
Water in the passenger compartment of the vehicle, from any source (including the sunroof drains that were recalled but not effectively fixed) or snow from boots that has melted... Drains to the lowest point, which IS where VW put the tcm (an electrical component highly sensitive to moisture) this…
Water in the passenger compartment of the vehicle, from any source (including the sunroof drains that were recalled but not effectively fixed) or snow from boots that has melted... Drains to the lowest point, which IS where VW put the tcm (an electrical component highly sensitive to moisture) this caused the transmission to slam into limp mode at 65 mph with 2 kids in the back seat. Volkswagen IS aware of the problem as are thousands of 1500$ poorer VW owners who had to replace the tcm and hope that this doesn't happen again. *tr
- Vehicle speed control
1999 VW passat glx accelerated on its own and would not stop when brakes were pressed or car was put into neutral. car accelerated on its own and speed kept increasing. extremely dangerous and I was unable to stop the vehicle by pressing the brakes. car accelerated on its own. *Tr
- Unknown or other
VW passats 1.8 turbo I owner two VW passats and just received a sludge notice but on thesettlement states that 10 year warranty started the day the car left the dealer what happens to us that are cars have 135 k and just found out that IS what IS causing my lite to be on and the motor to make loud…
VW passats 1.8 turbo I owner two VW passats and just received a sludge notice but on thesettlement states that 10 year warranty started the day the car left the dealer what happens to us that are cars have 135 k and just found out that IS what IS causing my lite to be on and the motor to make loud noise and I been dealing with this for a long time always changing the oil before the 5000 and stopping the car for hours at a time for the noise of the engine to go and the light to go off same think IS happening to my other 2001 VW passat 1.8 t vin# [xxx] can you help us because I am sure we are not the only ones at the end of the VW stick. information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(B)(6). *Tr
- Engine and engine cooling › Engine
My 1999 volkswagen passat has bad ignition coils. my son was driving the passat. when he got home from school he informed me the car was sluggish and the engine light was blinking. I went out and drove it to see what he was talking about. I never in my wildest dreams would have thought that if…
My 1999 volkswagen passat has bad ignition coils. my son was driving the passat. when he got home from school he informed me the car was sluggish and the engine light was blinking. I went out and drove it to see what he was talking about. I never in my wildest dreams would have thought that if I drove it, it could catch fire. it didn't. I was told that after the discovery of bad coils. that was when a family friend looked at it and told me that it had bad ignition coils. fortunately school IS only a mile away. I was told to have it towed to my nearest dealership for repair (each coil costing over $100 to replace - not including labor) because the engine could catch fire if I drove it. I checked online and I see hundreds of complaints about this. I saw VW IS doing a voluntary recall but on 2001-2007. when I called the dealership to find out how much this was going to cost me they even told me they recommend replacing all 4 (it IS a 4 cyl) because if even one IS bad, the others will follow. this IS not just me. this IS hundreds of people with the same year same model as mine. all should be replaced by the dealership as well as the ignition pack. that has been a problem from people as well. I don't understand how this car manufacture can put parts out there that could have caused potential harm to my son. I don't understand how nothing IS being done about it. and they want me to go in and pay for all of this, when they put those bad parts in the car. *Tr
- Service brakes, hydraulic
ABS light, oil light, blinking and the brake light blinking are simultaneously on. I can hear beeping and the air conditioning unit turns off (but the fan still runs) when approaching a complete stop, then the oil light stops blinking then when accelerating, I can hear the ac unit click back on and the oil light starts blinking again. Major recall needed from other similar responses online. *Tr
- Service brakes, electric
ABS module failed on 1999 volkswagen passat. ABS no longer functions. *Tr
- Fuel system, gasoline
I had my car diagnosed at the VW dealer, and they said there are emission problems related to the recall I recently found on my car, when I called the number on the recall, VW customer service insisted I was not included because my vin number hadn't been included in the recall. this car regularly…
I had my car diagnosed at the VW dealer, and they said there are emission problems related to the recall I recently found on my car, when I called the number on the recall, VW customer service insisted I was not included because my vin number hadn't been included in the recall. this car regularly smokes, lets off huge smog clouds when I put gas and IS a fire risk according to their recall. I don't drive it because I'm afraid it IS going to explode into flames. *Tr
- Fuel system, gasoline · Vehicle speed control
Winter 2008-2009 had several times when car would accelerate on it's own. Brakes did not help. Only way to stop IS to apply brakes with both feet and slow down enough to pull over and put in neutral, which makes tac go over 7000 rpm's. Had throttle body cleaned and reset in spring of 2009 but…
Winter 2008-2009 had several times when car would accelerate on it's own. Brakes did not help. Only way to stop IS to apply brakes with both feet and slow down enough to pull over and put in neutral, which makes tac go over 7000 rpm's. Had throttle body cleaned and reset in spring of 2009 but problem recurred again this year. On monday, feb. 8, 2010 temperature was in low teens. Warmed car for approx. 7 min. Drove slowly due to bad road conditions and at approx. 3 miles into drive car started accelerating again on its own and no place to pull off. Had to stop in extremely dangerous position and pray I wasn't hit before I could safely start car again. Finally able to restart engine after approx. 5 min. Without revving problem but approx. 2 miles later car again accelerated on it's own. Took to dealer and they did a general diagnosis which showed nothing. This IS an extremely dangerous situation and makes me extremely nervous to drive my car. VW of america states that my car was not in any recall and they are unaware of any problem with my car and could not divulge if they received any other complaints. *Tr
- Vehicle speed control
2PM in southern california with perfect driving conditions.... driving about 30 mph down city surface street - when all of the sudden the car accelerated to 60mph - very scary - 1999 VW passat glx car IS a bit over 115K miles in excellent condition. car was pulled over after braking and pulling…
2PM in southern california with perfect driving conditions.... driving about 30 mph down city surface street - when all of the sudden the car accelerated to 60mph - very scary - 1999 VW passat glx car IS a bit over 115K miles in excellent condition. car was pulled over after braking and pulling up emergency brake - car continued revving until car was quickly turned off. popped hood - let engine cool for 10 - 15 minutes - tried to restart but car revved again so shut it off and will have repair shop retrieve it & bring to shop to get looked at. too scared to drive again. first time it happened since purchasing car a few months ago. *Tr
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Passenger engine compartment fires
The manufacturer notified nhtsa on 04-apr-08 that a safety recall action would be initiated to remedy the issue.in june 2008, the manufacturer issued a technical service bulletin (code 26e5/r5) regarding the specific procedures to be employed in this campaign.vehicle owner notification letters were sent beginning…
The manufacturer notified nhtsa on 04-apr-08 that a safety recall action would be initiated to remedy the issue.in june 2008, the manufacturer issued a technical service bulletin (code 26e5/r5) regarding the specific procedures to be employed in this campaign.vehicle owner notification letters were sent beginning approximately june 13, 2008.the campaign was assigned nhtsa no. 08V-156.this recall affects all my 1999-2005, 5TH generation gasoline-powered passat sedans and station wagons.approximately 412,000 vehicles are affected.corrective action will consist of installing additional exhaust system heat shielding to mitigate the potential thermal effects of engine ignition problems.based on this action, the subject ea has been closed.
- Alleged premature tie rod failure
On august 2, 2005, odi received a petition submitted by ms. Miriam schneider of olney, md, requesting an investigation of allegedly defective tie rods in certain model year (my) 1999 volkswagen passat vehicles not included in two previous safety recall campaigns (identified henceforth as the subject vehicles).in a…
On august 2, 2005, odi received a petition submitted by ms. Miriam schneider of olney, md, requesting an investigation of allegedly defective tie rods in certain model year (my) 1999 volkswagen passat vehicles not included in two previous safety recall campaigns (identified henceforth as the subject vehicles).in a september 1999 letter, volkswagen of america, inc. (VW) notified the agency that an undetermined percentage of my 1998-1999 volkswagen passat and audi A4, A6, and A8 vehicles contained a safety-related defect affecting aluminum tie rod ends in the steering system.vw indicated that it was possible that some tie rods would not seal properly which could allow moisture and dust particles to enter the swivel bearing mechanism, resulting in premature wear.the approximately 22,200 volkswagen and 29,700 audi vehicles affected by this recall (identified by nhtsa recall no. 99V-248) were built from january 1998 through july 1998 and fell within a specific vehicle identification number (vin) range.in november 2000, VW chose to expand the scope of the recall (identified by nhtsa recall no. 00V-414) after it determined that some potentially defective aluminum tie rod ends may have been installed in an additional 44,000 volkswagen and 39,000 audi vehicles built from august 1998 through april 1999.these subject recall actions were not influenced by odi.instead, VW made an independent determination to conduct a recall after german vehicle inspection authorities notified it of ?worn? Tie rods and factory inspection of some ?worn? Tie rods revealed improper sealing.according to a december 2004 report, the petitioner brought her my 1999 passat to an authorized volkswagen dealer for an unrelated recall repair where she was notified by service personnel that, after 59,000 miles traveled, the tie rods ?have too much play,? And the recommended repairs would not be covered free of charge because her vin (wvwna63b1xe499116) was outside the recall range.in june 2005, after 65,400 miles traveled, the petitioner paid $588.59 to replace worn inner and outer tie rod ends on both sides of the vehicle.the petition letter specifically requests that the scope of vw?s recall be expanded to include the petitioner?s vehicle and that she be reimbursed for the cost of the repairs.there are a total of 191 non-duplicative complaints to odi and VW that allege premature wear of either one or both outer tie rod ends in the subject vehicles.as of november 18, 2005, odi IS not aware of any allegations of tie rod separations resulting in a loss of vehicle control, crash or injury in the subject vehicles.the petitioner?s vehicle was manufactured on june 8, 1999 using revised steel tie rod ends and therefore was already equipped with the tie rod ends used to remedy defective vehicles in the subject recalls.analysis indicates that there does not appear to be a safety-related defect trend with respect to the steel tie rod ends used in the subject vehicles.in view of the foregoing, it IS unlikely that nhtsa would issue an order for the notification and remedy of the alleged defect as defined by the petitioner at the conclusion of the investigation requested in the petition.therefore, in view of the need to allocate and prioritize nhtsa?s limited resources to best accomplish the agency?s safety mission, the petition IS denied.
- Stuck-open throttle
Vwoa has recalled approximately 28,300 my 1998-99 A6 vehicles in cold weather states that experienced the highest rate of throttle icing incidents in the subject vehicles (04v-495).the failure rate in the A4 and passat vehicles IS much lower than in the recalled vehicles.odi will continue to monitor the experience in…
Vwoa has recalled approximately 28,300 my 1998-99 A6 vehicles in cold weather states that experienced the highest rate of throttle icing incidents in the subject vehicles (04v-495).the failure rate in the A4 and passat vehicles IS much lower than in the recalled vehicles.odi will continue to monitor the experience in the A4 and passat vehicles.the closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by nhtsa that no safety-related defect exists for the audi A4 or VW passat vehicles.the agency reserves the right to take further action if warranted by a change in circumstances. For further details see the attached closing report.
- Passenger air bag lid failure
This investigation involves the volkswagen (VW) passenger supplemental inflatable restraint (psir) lid utilized in my 1998-2002 VW passat.the psir lid may detach from the instrument panel during air bag deployment.the office of defects investigation (odi) of the national highway traffic safety administration (nhtsa)…
This investigation involves the volkswagen (VW) passenger supplemental inflatable restraint (psir) lid utilized in my 1998-2002 VW passat.the psir lid may detach from the instrument panel during air bag deployment.the office of defects investigation (odi) of the national highway traffic safety administration (nhtsa) opened the preliminary evaluation on may 23, 2003 to determine whether alleged psir lid detachment presents an unreasonable safety risk to passengers in the vehicle.odi?s investigation reveals that detachment of the psir lid during air bag deployment may occur for two reasons: 1) the shape of the psir lid, and the length of the attaching tether, may snag the air bag during deployment applying additional pressure on bolts that fasten the lid to the instrument panel (ip); and/or 2) the original psir lid design (subject vehicles) utilized six grade 4.8 mm carbon steel tack weld bolts which may not be as strong as the new design psir lid consisting of six grade 8.8 mm carbon steel press bolts that are heat treated.odi concludes that detachment of the psir lid IS a defect because the lid should remain attached to the ip after deployment of the airbag.however, after analyzing vw?s responses, and test data collected by VW and faurecia, the psir lid supplier, odi believes that further investigation would not likely identify a safety-related defect trend because a detached psir lid and parts do not project towards a passenger during deployment of the airbag.the test data shows that the airbag pushes a detached psir lid upwards into the windshield during deployment, and away from the passenger compartment.it IS highly unlikely that a passenger would contact the psir lid or associated parts during air bag deployment.therefore this engineering analysis (ea 03-020) IS closed.the closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by nhtsa that a safety-related defect does not exist. For a detailed discussion of the psir lid and testing, see the attached report.
- Passenger sir door mounting stud failure
Odi opened a preliminary evaluation (pe03-021) based on two reports of failed bolt studs that attach the passenger supplemental inflatable restraint (psir) door cover to the instrument panel (ip) on the volkswagen (VW) passat (model years 2000, 2002).vw has indicated to odi that it has no additional reports.vw…
Odi opened a preliminary evaluation (pe03-021) based on two reports of failed bolt studs that attach the passenger supplemental inflatable restraint (psir) door cover to the instrument panel (ip) on the volkswagen (VW) passat (model years 2000, 2002).vw has indicated to odi that it has no additional reports.vw implemented a process change on march 1, 2002.this process change consisted of changing the bolt application that fastens the psir door to the ip from a weld on application to a press on application.vw also changed the material of the bolt.vw stated that the changes were made to ease production by eliminating a welding process.odi has upgraded its investigation to engineering analysis (ea03-020).
- Fuel tank puncture
- Fuel tank puncture
The office of defects investigation opened this investigation on august 10, 2000 based on 9 reports regarding punctured fuel tanks involving the jetta, passat, and cabrio models.the reports indicate additional reports in its response to the preliminary evaluation.this investigation has been upgraded for further study.
- Power brake booster vacuum by-pass
There is no summary currently available
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 10243011VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10242998VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10242996VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10242349VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10242336VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10241340Engine Oils Which Meet Volkswagen Oil Quality Standard VW 502 00/505 00/505 01 and VW 504 00/507 00
- 10241266Squeaks, Rattles, Noise, Repair Materials
- 10241265Fuel Additive to Help Prevent Sporadic Misfire Faults
- 10241177Update to Volkswagen engine oil standards
- 10240876Please contact VW Helpline before attempting repair
- 10240873Please contact VW Helpline before attempting repair
- 10240872Please contact VW Helpline before attempting repair
- 10239831Battery, Testing and Charging Using Midtronics VAS6161, MCR340V, InCharge 940, or GRX3000 Charger
- 10239789To detect which line(s) is inoperative, utilize a volt meter to check for 0 V, which will be present after the open in the grid line. The check must be performed with the engine running and heated rear window switched on. Switch OFF the ignition and visually locate the damage. Proceed with checking any other lines as necessary. Once the damaged line is identified, repair utilizing the Repair kit by Permatex ITEM 09117.
- 10239592Exterior Lights, Moisture Accumulation
- 10239591Exterior Lights, Moisture Accumulation
- 10239590Exterior Lights, Moisture Accumulation
- 10239541Air Conditioning, Cleaning of the Refrigerant Circuit (U.S.Only)
- 10239270Volkswagen Warranty Policies and Procedures ? April 2014
- 10239262In SAGA, the time units for the Volkswagen DoubleCheck labor operation were reduced in error from 50 time units to 30 time units during the system update posted on July 4th.
- 10239210Quick Reference Update Guide
- 10239209Quick Reference Update Guide
- 10238620To code a Bosch 5.3 ABS control module, use Vehicle Self-diagnosis to enter the correct coding value from the tables below. Note that the first table is only applicable to 2.8L V6 equipped vehicles WITHOUT a CAN-Bus. All 1.8L Turbo vehicles and those 2.8L V6 vehicles that are equipped with a CAN-Bus should use the second table.
- 10238572Fault code P1297 may be set and fuel mixtures may go lean if the vehicle is driven under load or revved up and then returned to idle.
- 10238568For long crank/ difficulty starting with the engine hot: Before replacing any components for this complaint, drain the fuel from the vehicle and replace with known good diesel fuel from a reputable source. If the complaint still exists, check fuel pressure and injector timing.
- 10238056Corrosion where handle contacts rear lid (Figure 1).
- 10237427Volkswagen Engine oil quality standards, update to attachments.
- 10236450Corrosion on hood edge.
- 10236448Rear quarter panel corrosion.
- 10236426Contacting the parts helpline
- 10235138Engine oil quality standards, update to attachments.
- 10228180Update model year applicability to include 2023.
- 10228178Battery testing and charging using special tools VAS6161 & GRX3000VAS Charger. Updated to include additional model year applicability.
- 10213836Airbag Issues.
- 10175799Tool number added to table. Removal of Behr Flush Kit. VAS 6337/1A
- 10174476Updated to include additional models and model year applicability.
- 10159016Engine Oils Which Meet Volkswagen Oil Quality Standards
- 10159014Alternative method for radio code retrieval.
- 10159010The part number listed in the document is to be returned if it meets the criteria provided.
- 10158533Condensation and or water droplets visible on inside of exterior light lenses. TB updated to include model year 2019 applicability.
Every Volkswagen Passat model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.