1999 Volkswagen Passat Recalls
NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns for the 1999 Volkswagen Passat. A recall applies only to vehicles built within the affected range, so check your own VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for recalls are free at a franchised dealer.
- Fuel system, gasoline › DeliveryCovers: Volkswagen Passat 1999–2005
Reported issue: Volkswagen is recalling 412,000 my 1999-2005 passat (5th generation) vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions and produced after june 14, 1999. These vehicles may have an underbody heat shield that can become damaged. In addition, affected vehicles with automatic or manual transmissions may have a fuel line (1.8t engines only) or fuel tank ventilation valve (4motion/all wheel drive only) that can leak due to…
Possible consequence: A heat shield that may contact the exhaust system can result in a vehicle fire. In addition, a fuel leak from a fuel line or fuel tank ventilation valve, in the presence of an ignition source, can lead to a vehicle fire.
Remedy: Dealers will install additional underbody heat shields on vehicles with automatic transmissions to cover the possibly damaged areas and flash all 1.8t engines with a precautionary software update. Dealers will also inspect and adjust the fuel line routing on 1.8t vehicles and the fuel tank ventilation valve on…
- Fuel system, gasoline › Storage › Tank assembly › Filler pipe and capCovers: Volkswagen Passat 1998–2003, Jetta 1997–1999, Cabrio 1998
Reported issue: On 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 disintegrates.
Possible consequence: Fuel leakage can occur increasing the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Dealers will fit passat vehicles with a new wheel house liner that will better protect the car's filler neck. Jetta vehicles will be fitted with a different metal shield designed to enhance abrasion protection in the event of tire disintegration. Owner notification began june 13, 2003. Owners who take their vehicles…
- Steering › Linkages › Rod › Relay › ConnectingCovers: Volkswagen Passat 1999, Audi A4 1999, A6 1999 +1 more
Reported issue: Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The tie rods of the steering assembly are protected on each side by a seal to prevent moisture and dust particles from entering the swivel bearing mechanism. It is possible that some tie rod seals may not seal properly.
Possible consequence: If moisture and/or dust particles enter the swivel bearing mechanism, the swivel bearing could wear over time diminishing the steering control of the vehicle.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the tie rods.
- Steering › Linkages › Rod › Relay › ConnectingCovers: Volkswagen Passat 1998–1999, Audi A4 1998–1999, A6 1998–1999 +1 more
Reported issue: Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The tie rods of the steering assembly are protected on each side by a seal to prevent moisture and dust particles from entering the swivel bearing mechanism. It is possible that some tie rod seals may not seal properly.
Possible consequence: If moisture and/or dust particles enter the swivel bearing mechanism, the swivel bearing could wear over time diminishing the steering control of the vehicle.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the tie rods.
- Service brakes, hydraulic › Power assist › Vacuum › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittingsCovers: Volkswagen Passat 1998–1999, Audi A4 1997–1999, A6 1998–1999
Reported issue: Vehicle description: passenger vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions. A control valve in the vacuum hose connecting the brake booster to the intake manifold may not open or close fully at temperatures below -4 f under certain driving conditions.
Possible consequence: This condition could cause insufficient vacuum to be provided to the brake booster.
Remedy: Dealers will install a vacuum by-pass system into vehicles operated in these states which is designed to provide sufficient vacuum for full brake assist under all weather conditions.
NHTSA investigations
- EA07014Passenger engine compartment firesClosed · Sep 28, 2007
- DP05003Alleged premature tie rod failureClosed · Aug 8, 2005
- EA03020Passenger air bag lid failureClosed · Oct 7, 2003
- PE03021Passenger sir door mounting stud failureClosed · May 23, 2003
← 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.