1999 Volkswagen Passat Fuel system Problems
- Complaints
- 29about this part
- Share
- 4%of 664 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 92,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 29 complaints about the fuel system of the 1999 Volkswagen Passat, 4% of the 664 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 92,000 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved and 1 a fire, according to the filers. 2 recall campaigns on record are filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I was driving approximately 25 miles a hour by my house while I was driving a big click noise sounded on my front right wheel the car swerved and fell in a ditch the police came and the car was towed to a mechanic and he told me it was your tie rod and axle broken I had to change them. …”
NHTSA complaint #10242133, filed 2008-09, 180,000 miles“I had my car diagnosed at the vw dealer, and they said there are emission problems related to the recall I recently found on my car, when I called the number on the recall, vw customer service insisted I was not included because my VIN number hadn't been included in the recall. This car regularly smokes, lets off huge smog clouds when I put gas and is a fire risk according to their recall. I don't drive it because I'm afraid it is going to explode into flames.”
NHTSA complaint #10318490, filed 2010-03, 190,000 miles“1. Unknown 2. Visible gas leak, intermittent. Recurred approx. 1 year after initial visible leak to an extent I was able to trace. 3. Replace cracked rubber hose connected to fuel filter. (part is not available but I have photos).”
NHTSA complaint #10231628, filed 2008-06, 95,000 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“On 6/10/2004, I had my vw Passat repaired at mitchell Volkswagen, canton, ct, for rough idle and check engine light. Dealer found scan codes for cylinder #2 misfires and random/multiple misfires. Dealer replaced icm ignition control module and cleared fault. Then dealer attempted to set basic settings and a new problem was generated, throttle body would not adapt. I now have a continuous check engine light. Dealer did not explain why they tried to set the basic settings for the replacement of the icm. …”
NHTSA complaint #10075354, filed 2004-06, 92,000 milesRelated recalls
- 08V156000Apr 7, 2008Volkswagen is recalling 412,000 my 1999-2005 passat (5th generation) vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions and produced after june 14, 1999. These…Covers: Volkswagen Passat 1999–2005
- 02V026000Jan 25, 2002On 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…Covers: Volkswagen Passat 1998–2003, Jetta 1997–1999, Cabrio 1998
Related service bulletins
- 10238568Sep 12, 2014For long crank/ difficulty starting with the engine hot: Before replacing any components for this complaint, drain the fuel from the vehicle and replace with known good diesel…
- 10238572May 9, 2014Fault code P1297 may be set and fuel mixtures may go lean if the vehicle is driven under load or revved up and then returned to idle.
- 10241265Jan 27, 2014Fuel Additive to Help Prevent Sporadic Misfire Faults
- 10157623Oct 5, 2012Tech Tips (Fuel Gauge Inoperative after Instrument Cluster Replacement with Fault 00771 ?Fuel level sensor -G-?): An inoperative fuel gauge after instrument cluster replacement…
- 10156050Oct 5, 2012Tech Tips (Fuel Gauge Inoperative after Instrument Cluster Replacement with Fault 00771 ?Fuel level sensor -G-?): An inoperative fuel gauge after instrument cluster replacement…
- 10073867Oct 5, 2012Summary to be provided on a future date.
Fuel system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 1 | 8% |
| 2020 | 2 | 11% |
| 2019 | 2 | 17% |
| 2018 | 6 | 13% |
| 2017 | 7 | 6% |
| 2016 | 18 | 17% |
| 2015 | 23 | 9% |
| 2014 | 50 | 8% |
| 2013 | 88 | 12% |
| 2012 | 46 | 10% |
| 2011 | 3 | 19% |
| 2010 | 33 | 20% |
| 2009 | 53 | 36% |
| 2008 | 63 | 38% |
| 2007 | 42 | 16% |
| 2006 | 64 | 11% |
| 2005 | 23 | 16% |
| 2004 | 57 | 20% |
| 2003 | 169 | 27% |
| 2002 | 73 | 11% |
| 2001 | 44 | 10% |
| 2000 | 46 | 9% |
| 1999 | 29 | 4% |
| 1998 | 17 | 5% |
| 1997 | 1 | 3% |
| 1995 | 3 | 3% |
| 1994 | 2 | 8% |
| 1993 | 7 | 10% |
| 1992 | 8 | 21% |
| 1991 | 5 | 21% |
| 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 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 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