1999 Volkswagen Passat Air bags Problems
- Complaints
- 21about this part
- Share
- 3%of 664 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 49,766miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 21 complaints about the air bags of the 1999 Volkswagen Passat, 3% of the 664 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 49,766 miles. 3 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“While driving the air bag warning light continuously illuminated on the dashboard. As a result, air bags became inoperative, and wouldn't deploy when needed. Dealership inspected vehyicle at least 10 times, and lately dealer charged to the consumer every time vehicle had a problem.”
NHTSA complaint #10094249, filed 2004-09, 500 miles“Fault found with airbag. Clockspring located in steering wheel has connection for airbag. Igniter could corrode and cause airbag to fail in event of head on collision.”
NHTSA complaint #10275498, filed 2009-07, 119,900 miles“1999 Volkswagen Passat tie rods and driver side airbag were bad. 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. …”
NHTSA complaint #10170133, filed 2006-09, 44,532 miles“The contact owns a 1999 Volkswagen Passat. Immediately after the vehicle was serviced by the dealer, it was then serviced by an auto detailer. The air bag indicator illuminated on the instrument panel and remained lit. When the contact took the vehicle to a mechanic for inspection, he was informed that the issue could not be repaired. A Volkswagen dealer stated that the air bag light was illuminated because there was too much resistance in the wiring for the air bags. They further stated that the contact would have to replace the air bags. …”
NHTSA complaint #10267752, filed 2009-05, 98,000 miles“After purchase consumer took vehicle in to the dealership to diagnosis and repair of the air bag malfunction light signal or system, repair completed on the spiral ring assembly, however the malfunction light continued to indicate problems, several other repairs until the final repair of the whole system for remedy due to negligence and repair issues.”
NHTSA complaint #561603, filed 2001-06Related service bulletins
- 10213836Jan 22, 2016Airbag Issues.
Air bags: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 3 | 15% |
| 2020 | 4 | 22% |
| 2018 | 5 | 11% |
| 2017 | 28 | 25% |
| 2016 | 25 | 24% |
| 2015 | 88 | 36% |
| 2014 | 354 | 60% |
| 2013 | 382 | 51% |
| 2012 | 296 | 61% |
| 2011 | 5 | 31% |
| 2010 | 45 | 28% |
| 2009 | 12 | 8% |
| 2008 | 32 | 19% |
| 2007 | 106 | 40% |
| 2006 | 148 | 26% |
| 2005 | 4 | 3% |
| 2004 | 8 | 3% |
| 2003 | 23 | 4% |
| 2002 | 11 | 2% |
| 2001 | 26 | 6% |
| 2000 | 17 | 3% |
| 1999 | 21 | 3% |
| 1998 | 8 | 2% |
| 1997 | 1 | 3% |
Other parts of the 1999 Volkswagen Passat
233 complaintsSuspension
118 complaintsEngine cooling
86 complaintsSteering
76 complaintsElectrical system
58 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
33 complaintsVehicle speed control
32 complaintsFuel system
29 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
29 complaintsExterior lighting
15 complaintsTires
12 complaintsOther or unknown
11 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1999 Volkswagen Passat
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology