1999 Volkswagen Passat Equipment Problems
- Complaints
- 8about this part
- Share
- 1%of 664 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 85,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 8 complaints about the equipment of the 1999 Volkswagen Passat, 1% of the 664 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 85,000 miles.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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“There are no specific events leading to the failure besides regular use of the vehicle Passat 1999. The ABS warning light periodically has come on and lengthened in duration until it stayed on permanently. The braking is still normal, but the ABS control unit is recommended to be replaced by the dealer. I have not replaced the ABS control. Also, the timing belt tensioner went out on my Passat 1999. I was driving on a freeway when the car just cut out. I coasted it over to the side of the road where it would not turn over. …”
NHTSA complaint #10132134, filed 2005-08, 175,000 miles“The 1999 Passat has had a number of problems from excessive oil consumption, electrical problems,water pump defects, front end assembly and transmission problems. (nar)”
NHTSA complaint #10065249, filed 2004-03, 30 miles“Numerous problems with 1999 Volkswagen Passat. When taken to the service dealer, the consumer claimed the car had problems with oil and coolant leaks. The problem was suppose to be fixed, however the dealer never gave the consumer a invoice because the work was never completed. While traveling, the oil light came on again. The consumer was unable to use the vehicle. Also the loss of fair market value. Consumer spent over a $1000.00 in repairs. . …”
NHTSA complaint #10034070, filed 2003-08“Airbag fault indicator stays illuminated. Dealer indicates that the passenger side, side-airbag sensor is bad. Vehicle has never been in an accident. Normal wear and tear. Only routine maintenance performed, with the execption of passenger side door trim replaced after adhesion failed. The radio has poor fm reception and no am reception. I only include this information because another consumer complaint (odi id: 840263) has indicated similar symptoms.”
NHTSA complaint #759390, filed 2002-03Related service bulletins
- 10228180Dec 12, 2022Update model year applicability to include 2023.
- 10175799May 12, 2020Tool number added to table. Removal of Behr Flush Kit. VAS 6337/1A
- 10174476Apr 21, 2020Updated to include additional models and model year applicability.
- 10159010Mar 27, 2019The part number listed in the document is to be returned if it meets the criteria provided.
- 10159014Mar 22, 2019Alternative method for radio code retrieval.
- 10157306Sep 19, 2017Update to model year applicability.
- 10157302Sep 14, 2017Updated to include model year 2014 thru 2018 applicability.
- 10125661Aug 18, 2017Update to existing tip for fuel quality checking.
- 10155644Jun 28, 2017This special notice is to inform dealers to return all part numbers listed in the document and order the superseded part numbers going forward.
- 10157383Jun 22, 2017VAS 6154 Replacement Part Setup Guide
Equipment: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 1 | 5% |
| 2017 | 1 | 1% |
| 2014 | 4 | 1% |
| 2013 | 5 | 1% |
| 2009 | 1 | 1% |
| 2008 | 1 | 1% |
| 2007 | 3 | 1% |
| 2006 | 9 | 2% |
| 2005 | 1 | 1% |
| 2004 | 5 | 2% |
| 2003 | 12 | 2% |
| 2002 | 17 | 3% |
| 2001 | 7 | 2% |
| 2000 | 6 | 1% |
| 1999 | 8 | 1% |
| 1998 | 8 | 2% |
| 1997 | 3 | 8% |
| 1995 | 4 | 4% |
| 1993 | 4 | 6% |
| 1991 | 1 | 4% |
| 1990 | 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 complaintsAir bags
21 complaintsExterior lighting
15 complaintsTires
12 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1999 Volkswagen Passat
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Nov 1, 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