1998 Volkswagen Jetta Steering Problems

“It was raining. My windshield wipers were on. White smoke came up from my steering column for a couple seconds. What makes this particularly frustrating, this happened on a 94 Jetta I once owned. This happened on a 96 Jetta my sister owned. Eventually, something in the steering column burned out and had to be replaced. We both paid for those to be replaced. Now, years later, I am faced with another burning steering column. I hope to find that vw is owning up to poor design, and when this one finally breaks, that they foot the bill for their failure. …”

“1) when the steering failed it could hav e caused a fatal accident 2) when the brakes failed again it could have caused a fatal accident. 3) when the oil light indicated that there was no oil the motor could have locked up, causing a fatal accident. I find the above problems very serious. I bought the vw Jetta new 09/12/98 with 15 miles on the odometer. Thank you bill hamann.”

“The contact owns a 1998 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated that the control arm bushing needed to be replaced because it made a noise and caused the vehicle to lunge forward when stopping. A mechanic stated that the replacement would cost nearly $500. In addition, the steering rack would make a noise when the steering wheel was turned. The mechanic added steering fluid and informed the contact that there was a substantial leak, which was worsening. The estimate to repair the leak was $1,084.84. The vehicle has not been taken to the dealer. …”

“Volkswagenh of america has not been supportive or helpful in resolving these complaints nor have the Volkswagen technicians been able to diagnosis the true problem; they just fix the problem symptoms . No safety defect listed.”

“Battery failed to have an acid release hose. Acid had dripped onto power steering reservoir & ate through it. This caused a loss of steering fluid, power steering, and control of vehicle.”