IllustrationENGINE LIGHT. *NM
1999 Volkswagen Passat
Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations
More warning signs than most Passat years
Owner complaints for the 1999 Volkswagen Passat are substantially higher than the model-year median of 110.
About this comparison →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all Passat years →Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.
What owners reported most
All reported categories
Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
160–25K
4525–50K
12850–75K
11075–100K
74100–150K
18150K+
391 reports with mileage · 273 unknown
NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.
What to inspect
Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.
- Service Brakes, Hydraulic. Review the 184 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Suspension. Review the 118 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Engine And Engine Cooling. Review the 86 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
11 crash reports13 fire reports8 injury reports
What owners actually said
664 reportsTHIS HAS HAPPENED TO MANY PEOPLE, AND VOLKSWAGEN SHOULD OWN UP TO IT. WATER IS GETTING INTO MY CAR THROUGH SOMETHING UNDER THE HOOD AND SOAKING MY CARPETS. IT HAS FRIED MY ELECTRICAL SYSTEM AS WELL AS MANY OTHERS. THE COMFORT CONTROL MODULE NEEDS REPLACING AS WELL AS THE CORRODED WIRES. THE ESTIMATED COST IS ABOVE $2000. *NM
THE FAILURE OF LOWER CONTROL ARM HAPPENED WITHOUT ANY WARNING, DURING NORMAL DRIVING ON THE CITY ROAD WHEN MAKING A RIGHT TURN (APPROXIMATELY AT 5 MPH SPEED). RIGHT FRONT SUSPENSION LOWER CONTROL ARM SHEARED IN TWO PIECES, LEAVING A FRONT PASSENGER WHEEL COMPLETELY SEPARATED. IF THIS SHOULD HAPPENED ON ANY HIGHER HIGHER SPEED, …
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THE FAILURE OF LOWER CONTROL ARM HAPPENED WITHOUT ANY WARNING, DURING NORMAL DRIVING ON THE CITY ROAD WHEN MAKING A RIGHT TURN (APPROXIMATELY AT 5 MPH SPEED). RIGHT FRONT SUSPENSION LOWER CONTROL ARM SHEARED IN TWO PIECES, LEAVING A FRONT PASSENGER WHEEL COMPLETELY SEPARATED. IF THIS SHOULD HAPPENED ON ANY HIGHER HIGHER SPEED, CONSEQUENCES WOULD BE DEADLY. I RESEARCHED THIS SAFETY HAZARD AND FOUND THAT VW ISSUED A SERVICE ACTION FOR THE LOWER CONTROL ARM ON 1999 PASSAT. HOWEVER, VW SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE INFORMED ME THAT THE SERVICE ACTION DOES NOT COVER MY VEHICLE. VW'S EXPLANATION WAS THAT IT ONLY COVERS PARTS FROM CERTAIN SUPPLIER (ACCORDING TO REPRESENTATIVE, VW USED TWO DIFFERENT SUPPLIERS FOR THE LOWER CONTROL ARM). I BELIEVE THAT LOWER CONTROL ARM WAS A DEFECTIVE PART, AS THIS TYPE OF FAILURE COULD NOT BE A RESULT OF NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR. IT IS A SAFETY HAZARD. I HAVE TO REPLACE LOWER CONTROL ARM, DRIVE SHAFT AND WHEEL LINER (AND, POSSIBLY SOME OTHER PARTS WHICH WERE DAMAGED AS A RESULT OF THE CONTROL ARM FAILURE) AT MY EXPENSE. I BELIEVE, VW SHOULD COVER AT LEAST SOME OF THE EXPENSE, AS IT HAPPENED AS A RESULT OF A FACTORY DEFECT. *NM
WHILE DRIVING MY 1999 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT, THE DRIVER'S SEAT SLID BACKWARDS AND BECAME COMPLETELY DETACHED FROM THE FRAME. FOR A MOMENT I COULD NOT REACH THE PEDALS OR THE STEERING WHEEL. LUCKILY, I WAS ABLE TO RETAIN CONTROL OF THE CAR AND STOP IT SAFELY. IT SEEMS THE ENTIRE SEAT IS SECURED TO THE CAR WITH TWO SCREWS WHICH HAD…
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WHILE DRIVING MY 1999 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT, THE DRIVER'S SEAT SLID BACKWARDS AND BECAME COMPLETELY DETACHED FROM THE FRAME. FOR A MOMENT I COULD NOT REACH THE PEDALS OR THE STEERING WHEEL. LUCKILY, I WAS ABLE TO RETAIN CONTROL OF THE CAR AND STOP IT SAFELY. IT SEEMS THE ENTIRE SEAT IS SECURED TO THE CAR WITH TWO SCREWS WHICH HAD COME LOOSE. AFTER RE-ATTACHING THE SEAT, I TOOK IT TO A LOCAL VOLKSWAGEN DEALERSHIP TO SEE IF THEY COULD DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT. I BELIEVE THEY APPLIED SOME LOCK-TIGHT TO THE SCREWS, BUT THAT WAS IT. *JB
JUST BEFORE THE EXPIRATION OF MY 100,000-MILE, 6-YEAR EXTENDED WARRANTY AT 99,938 MILES (AND 23 DAYS BEFORE THE END OF 6 YEARS) I TOOK MY 1999 1.8L TURBO VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT (B5) TO THE DEALERSHIP. I REQUESTED THAT THEY PERFORM THE 100,000-MILE SERVICE AND TO THOROUGHLY CHECK THE CAR FOR ANY REPAIRS THAT MAY BE REQUIRED SINCE IT …
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JUST BEFORE THE EXPIRATION OF MY 100,000-MILE, 6-YEAR EXTENDED WARRANTY AT 99,938 MILES (AND 23 DAYS BEFORE THE END OF 6 YEARS) I TOOK MY 1999 1.8L TURBO VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT (B5) TO THE DEALERSHIP. I REQUESTED THAT THEY PERFORM THE 100,000-MILE SERVICE AND TO THOROUGHLY CHECK THE CAR FOR ANY REPAIRS THAT MAY BE REQUIRED SINCE IT WOULD SOON BE OUT-OF-WARRANTY. FIVE WEEKS AND 3000 MILES LATER (AND OUT OF WARRANTY) I WAS DRIVING HOME FROM WORK WHEN ON TWO OCCASIONS MY ABS AND BRAKE WARNING LIGHTS TURNED ON AND THREE BEEPS SOUNDED (THE FIRST INSTANCE OCCURRED AT 103,085 MILES). BOTH TIMES THE WARNING LIGHTS WENT OFF WITHIN SECONDS. UPON RESEARCHING THIS PROBLEM ON THE INTERNET, IT APPEARS THAT THIS IS RELATED TO A FAILED ABS CONTROL MODULE, APPARENTLY A KNOWN PROBLEM THAT SHOULD HAVE A RECALL ASSOCIATED WITH IT SINCE IT FAILS PREMATURELY. ACCORDING TO THE DEALERSHIP, IT WILL COST BETWEEN $1800 AND $2400 FOR THEM TO REPAIR THE ABS CONTROL MODULE. THIS IS THE SECOND LARGE ITEM FAILURE WITHIN FIVE WEEKS AND 3000 MILES OF MY WARRANTY EXPIRATION (THE FIRST WAS A FAILED TIMING BELT AND TENSIONER). IT APPEARS TO ME THAT VOLKSWAGEN HAS INSTITUTED PLANNED OBSOLESCENCE INTO THEIR PRODUCTS! I AM ALSO VERY UPSET THAT BOTH OF THESE FAILURES ARE WELL DOCUMENTED AND SHOULD BE KNOWN BY BOTH THE DEALERSHIP AND VOLKSWAGEN AND COULD HAVE BEEN PREVENTED WITH VERY LITTLE EFFORT. *JB
JUST BEFORE THE EXPIRATION OF MY 100,000-MILE, 6-YEAR EXTENDED WARRANTY AT 99,938 MILES (AND 23 DAYS BEFORE THE END OF 6 YEARS) I TOOK MY 1999 1.8L TURBO VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT (B5) TO THE DEALERSHIP. I REQUESTED THAT THEY PERFORM THE 100,000-MILE SERVICE AND TO THOROUGHLY CHECK THE CAR FOR ANY REPAIRS THAT MAY BE REQUIRED SINCE IT …
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JUST BEFORE THE EXPIRATION OF MY 100,000-MILE, 6-YEAR EXTENDED WARRANTY AT 99,938 MILES (AND 23 DAYS BEFORE THE END OF 6 YEARS) I TOOK MY 1999 1.8L TURBO VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT (B5) TO THE DEALERSHIP. I REQUESTED THAT THEY PERFORM THE 100,000-MILE SERVICE AND TO THOROUGHLY CHECK THE CAR FOR ANY REPAIRS THAT MAY BE REQUIRED SINCE IT WOULD SOON BE OUT-OF-WARRANTY. FOUR HOURS LATER WHEN THE SHOP WAS CLOSING, I PICKED UP MY CAR. UPON CHECKOUT, THE SERVICE REP STATED THAT THEY DID NOT FIND ANY PROBLEMS, BUT THAT THE SERVICE TECHNICIAN AND VOLKSWAGEN RECOMMEND CHANGING THE TIMING BELT, TENSIONER, AND WATER PUMP AT 105,000 MILES. I THANKED HIM AND WENT HOME NOT REALIZING THE IMPORTANCE OF HIS COMMENT. THREE WEEKS LATER ON JUNE 2, 2006 AT 102,088 MILES (AND 3 DAYS PAST THE SIX-YEAR POINT), MY TENSIONER BROKE WHICH CAUSED MY TIMING BELT TO SLIP AND STRIP THE TEETH INTERMITTENTLY OFF THE BELT. SINCE I WAS NOT AWARE THAT MY TIMING BELT WAS SLIPPING (EXCEPT FOR AN INCREASE IN NOISE WHEN I ACCELERATED), THE VALVES WERE BENT DURING THE EVENT. I HAD MY CAR TOWED THE FOLLOWING MORNING TO A LOCAL VW SERVICE SHOP, AND THEY NOTIFIED ME THAT MY TIMING BELT WAS BROKEN AND THAT MACHINING OF THE CYLINDER BLOCK WAS NECESSARY SINCE THE VALVES WERE BENT. THE REPAIR TO MY ENGINE, INCLUDING A WATER PUMP AND FAULTY PLASTIC HOSE, COST $2,342. IN ADDITION, I HAD TO RENT A CAR FOR ONE WEEK FOR THE DURATION OF THE REPAIR ($225) AND TOW THE CAR TO THE SERVICE SHOP ($28). UPON RESEARCHING THIS ISSUE, I REALIZED IT IS A VERY COMMON OCCURRENCE FOR THE TIMING BELT TO FAIL PREMATURELY ON B5 PASSATS AND THAT HAD EITHER THE DEALERSHIP OR VW NOTIFIED ME OF THIS PROCLIVITY FOR FAILURE (AND CHANGE THEIR SERVICING RECOMMENDATION) THIS FAILURE AND ASSOCIATED $2600 EXPENSE WOULD NOT HAVE OCCURRED. *JB
1999 VW PASSAT OIL CONSUMPTION - 1 QT. EVERY 750 MILES. DEALER HAS REPLACED SEALS, TESTS AND IS NOW PLANNING FURTHER SEAL REPLACEMENT. I KNOW THIS WON'T GET FIXED; THIS SEEMS TO BE A DESIGN FLAW WHERE MANY OTHER CONSUMERS ARE ALSO "SUFFERING". WILL THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT DEMAND A RECALL???????*JB
AFTER HEAVY RAINS THIS PAST WEEK, MY 99 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT HAS FLOODED TWICE ON THE PASSENGER SIDE, FRONT AND BACK. AFTER RESEARCHING, I FOUND THAT THE PROBLEM CAME FROM CLOGGED SUN ROOF DRAINS. I WET VACUUMED OUT 3 GALLONS OF WATER FROM THE CAR. THIS PROBLEM IS ALSO CAUSED BY CLOGGED POLLEN FILTERS. THERE IS NO MENTION OF EI…
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AFTER HEAVY RAINS THIS PAST WEEK, MY 99 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT HAS FLOODED TWICE ON THE PASSENGER SIDE, FRONT AND BACK. AFTER RESEARCHING, I FOUND THAT THE PROBLEM CAME FROM CLOGGED SUN ROOF DRAINS. I WET VACUUMED OUT 3 GALLONS OF WATER FROM THE CAR. THIS PROBLEM IS ALSO CAUSED BY CLOGGED POLLEN FILTERS. THERE IS NO MENTION OF EITHER OF THE PROBLEMS IN THE MANUAL. VW SHOULD BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE FOR THIS PROBLEM/DEFECT IN THEIR CARS. I HAVE FOUND HUNDREDS OF COMPLAINTS FROM CONSUMERS ON THE SAME ISSUE (WWW.HTTP://WWW.THEAUTOBAHN.COM/FORUM AND WWW.PASSATWORLD.COM). THIS FLOODING PROBLEM IS CAUSING TRANSMISSION CONTROL PROBLEMS LEADING TO THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS IN REPAIRS. VOLKSWAGEN SHOULD BE MADE TO PAY! *NM
ABS LIGHT, ABS INTERMITANT FAILURE, OIL LIGHT FAILURE, TACHOMETER FAILURE. *NM
THE FOLLOWING IS EXACT COMMENTS FROM VW TECH WRITTEN IN DEALERSHIP INVOICE. "ABS CONTROL UNIT IS FAULTY ABS LIGHT IS ON AND THE WORD BRAKE IS FLASHING WHEN THE CONTROL UNIT IS PLUGGED IN. NO TACHOMETER READING AND THE OIL PRESSURE LIGHT FLASHES. 5052 WILL NOT COMMUNICATE WITH THE UNIT AT ALL. DEALER TECH UNPLUGGED ABS CONTROL UN…
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THE FOLLOWING IS EXACT COMMENTS FROM VW TECH WRITTEN IN DEALERSHIP INVOICE. "ABS CONTROL UNIT IS FAULTY ABS LIGHT IS ON AND THE WORD BRAKE IS FLASHING WHEN THE CONTROL UNIT IS PLUGGED IN. NO TACHOMETER READING AND THE OIL PRESSURE LIGHT FLASHES. 5052 WILL NOT COMMUNICATE WITH THE UNIT AT ALL. DEALER TECH UNPLUGGED ABS CONTROL UNIT AND THE TACHOMETER SIGNAL CAME BACK AND THE OIL PRESSURE LIGHT STOPPED FLASHING." **5052 WILL NOT COMMUNICATE** DIAGNOSTIC TOOL WILL NOT DETECT FAULT WITH ABS MODULE!!! *NM
Official recalls
508V156000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery
Apr 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.
02V026000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:storage:tank Assembly:filler Pipe And Cap
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.
00V414000 · Steering:linkages:rod:relay:connecting
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.
99V248000 · Steering:linkages:rod:relay:connecting
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.
99V131001 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:power Assist:vacuum:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings
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