1999 Volkswagen Passat Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 86about this part
- Share
- 13%of 664 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 76,623miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 86 complaints about the engine cooling of the 1999 Volkswagen Passat, 13% of the 664 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 76,623 miles. 2 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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.”
NHTSA complaint #10474393, filed 2012-09, 175,000 miles“The ABS, brake and oil light all come on (oil will flash) with sporadic irregularities in the tachometer. The tachometer will sometimes drop to zero. All this happens with 3 distinct beeps whenever I use the brakes. Colder temperatures can lessen the occurrence of the problems. Dealership service says that the ABS module needs to be replaced at a cost of $3600. I have not yet approved the repair on the car.”
NHTSA complaint #10130607, filed 2005-07, 90,000 miles“Check engine light repeatedly on. Error code 17544 bank 1 system too lean (p1136) long term fuel trim. I had my mechanic fix all vacuum leaks, low fuel pressure, exhaust leaks, injectors and secondary air system. Had the maf sensor replaced and still have the check engine light on.”
NHTSA complaint #10139688, filed 2005-10, 65,000 miles“Electrical problems from the start, melting of plastic, lights in the car working sporadically at best. Oil, drain, oil pump, camshaft,all blamed on lack of verifiable oil changes. Timing belt - let go on highway at 85000 miles (warranty for 1999 Passat, 100,000 miles) blamed on oil changes. 82 days in shop steering goes during this time and I'm told I need an altenator [ 3rd one ] the story goes on and on......”
NHTSA complaint #10070721, filed 2004-01, 85,000 miles“Chronic oil pressure problems (due to oil sludge buildup) starting at 73000 miles leading to replacement of oil pump at 100000. Although this should have been covered by manufacturer extended warranty, I paid ($1250). I have old parts.”
NHTSA complaint #10174393, filed 2006-11, 73,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10241177Aug 21, 2023Update to Volkswagen engine oil standards
- 10237427May 30, 2023Volkswagen Engine oil quality standards, update to attachments.
- 10235138Apr 24, 2023Engine oil quality standards, update to attachments.
- 10133344Jul 5, 201717 17 01 July 5, 2017 2012855 Supersedes Technical Bulletin 17-16-02 (V171602) dated April 29, 2016 due to updated oil standards lists to current specifications. Engine Oils…
- 10123015Jul 7, 2015Technical Bulletin (Air Conditioning, Cleaning of the Refrigerant Circuit (U.S.Only)): In cases where an air conditioning system component (such as a compressor or other system…
- 10242996Dec 8, 2014VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10241265Jan 27, 2014Fuel Additive to Help Prevent Sporadic Misfire Faults
- 10030369May 18, 2009Volkswagen: engine oil pressure too low, light is on, engine flush. The low engine oil pressure condition may be caused by a restriction of the oil pump suction line strainer.
- 10026848Aug 28, 2008Volkswagen: exhaust heat shield, replacement guidelines. Heat shields are to be inspected after completion o any type of repair to the underbody (exhaust system transmission…
- 10026322Jul 1, 2008Volkswagen service campaign: see document search button for owner letter. Internal engine damage resulting from a broken timing belt.
Engine cooling: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 1 | 5% |
| 2020 | 1 | 6% |
| 2016 | 2 | 2% |
| 2015 | 2 | 1% |
| 2014 | 4 | 1% |
| 2013 | 5 | 1% |
| 2012 | 4 | 1% |
| 2009 | 4 | 3% |
| 2008 | 9 | 5% |
| 2007 | 32 | 12% |
| 2006 | 66 | 11% |
| 2005 | 50 | 34% |
| 2004 | 59 | 21% |
| 2003 | 131 | 21% |
| 2002 | 135 | 21% |
| 2001 | 92 | 21% |
| 2000 | 94 | 19% |
| 1999 | 86 | 13% |
| 1998 | 39 | 12% |
| 1997 | 7 | 19% |
| 1996 | 5 | 13% |
| 1995 | 19 | 20% |
| 1994 | 9 | 36% |
| 1993 | 18 | 26% |
| 1992 | 17 | 44% |
| 1991 | 6 | 25% |
| 1990 | 12 | 35% |
Other parts of the 1999 Volkswagen Passat
233 complaintsSuspension
118 complaintsSteering
76 complaintsElectrical system
58 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
33 complaintsVehicle speed control
32 complaintsFuel system
29 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
29 complaintsAir bags
21 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 30, 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