NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Steering complaints
76 reportsClear category filterMileage unknown · Dec 15, 2006
Air BagsEngine And Engine CoolingPower Train
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 CONTRO…
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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
NHTSA ODI #10177477
82,000 miles · Dec 8, 2006
Steering
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 T…
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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
NHTSA ODI #10175570
68,000 miles · Nov 9, 2006
Steering
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.
NHTSA ODI #10173058
44,532 miles · Sep 20, 2006
Air BagsSteering
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 …
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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
NHTSA ODI #10170133
75,000 miles · Mar 1, 2006
Steering
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 I…
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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.
NHTSA ODI #10151514
94,000 miles · Nov 7, 2005
Engine And Engine CoolingService Brakes, HydraulicSteering
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. …
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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
NHTSA ODI #10141996
60,000 miles · Oct 11, 2005
Steering
TIE ROD FAILURE DIAGNOSED BY VW DEALER. *NM
NHTSA ODI #10139283
74,768 miles · Sep 9, 2005
Steering
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,…
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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
NHTSA ODI #10135993
24,665 miles · Sep 8, 2005
Engine And Engine CoolingSteering
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 T…
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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
NHTSA ODI #10135899
75,000 miles · Aug 30, 2005
Steering
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 RE…
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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
NHTSA ODI #10134688
Official recalls
5Apr 7, 2008
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 VENTILATION VALVE (4MOTION/ALL WHEEL DRIVE ONLY) THAT CAN LEAK DUE TO FRACTURE.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: 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.
Jan 25, 2002
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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: 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.
Dec 6, 2000
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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: 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.
Sep 13, 1999
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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: 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.
May 21, 1999
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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: 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.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
8EA07014 · Passenger Engine Compartment Fires
Opened Sep 28, 2007 · Closed Jul 7, 2008
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Electrical System:ignition; Engine And Engine Cooling:exhaust System
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.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Electrical System:ignition
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.
Engine And Engine Cooling:exhaust System
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.
DP05003 · Alleged Premature Tie Rod Failure
Opened Aug 8, 2005 · Closed Dec 9, 2005
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Steering:linkages:tie Rod Assembly
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.
EA04017 · STUCK-OPEN Throttle
Opened Jun 30, 2004 · Closed Feb 10, 2005
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Fuel System, Gasoline:fuel Injection System
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.
EA03020 · Passenger Air Bag Lid Failure
Opened Oct 7, 2003 · Closed Apr 23, 2004
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Air Bags; Air Bags:frontal
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.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Air Bags:frontal
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.
Air Bags
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.
PE03021 · Passenger Sir Door Mounting Stud Failure
Opened May 23, 2003 · Closed Oct 7, 2003
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Air Bags:frontal
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).
EA00028 · Fuel Tank Puncture
Opened Dec 28, 2000 · Closed Jan 29, 2002
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Vehicle Speed Control:linkages
No summary supplied.
PE00033 · Fuel Tank Puncture
Opened Aug 10, 2000 · Closed Dec 28, 2000
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Vehicle Speed Control:linkages
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.
RQ99008 · Power Brake Booster Vacuum BY-PASS
Opened Jun 1, 1999 · Closed Nov 14, 2000
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Service Brakes, Hydraulic
There is no summary currently available
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