1999 Volkswagen Passat Steering Problems

“Approximately two years ago, our 1999 Volkswagen Passat developed a distinct creak. The creak has become very pronounced. Our dealer has advised us that it is a defect in the car's control arm, and that the defect is prevalent in 1999 passats. The dealer stated that the defect can lead to a loss of steering capacity. This will cost us approximately $1,000 to fix.”

“Regarding a campaign number 00v414000 for the steering linkages on the 99 vw Passat. I requested the dealer to check my vehicle for the recall due to the fact it has damaged tie rods. The manufacture claims my vehicle was not part of the campaign but the dealer has instructed me to have them replaced. I believe they should be replaced under the recall but the manufacture refuses to assist. What can I do ?”

“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......”

“My car began to shake and the check engine light started flashing. I drove directly to the vw dealer service dept. I found that my power output stage has failed and tie rod ends are blown out on 1999 vw Passat at 39,990 miles. Not to mention that my pollen filter housing is leaking.”

“Control arm's of '1998-'2000 passats are failure prone much earlier then the norm for passaneger automobiles. (a fact they recognized by a redesign of the control arms on '2001 and up Passat's. I purchased my car in 7/99. I drive 70 miles a day, mostly freeway, which as all know is actually very easy on an automobile. Yet with-in 2 years (40k) my front suspension was showing signs of premature wear. I get many creaks and clunks that are easy to hear at low speeds. …”