1999 Volkswagen Passat Body and structure Problems
- Complaints
- 11about this part
- Share
- 2%of 664 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 119,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 11 complaints about the body and structure of the 1999 Volkswagen Passat, 2% of the 664 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 119,000 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
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.
“Car was having a foul odor. Dealer did not have information for other complaints. After work, car would not start, alarm would not stop. Alarm killed battery. Dealer said leak in sunroof caused module to corrode and leak into interior. $1,440.00 to repair. Problem is identified in class action but our car is not included. I am leasing a car for my son to drive but now his daughter has eczema and asthma from the mold. How can I get vw to fix my car too?”
NHTSA complaint #10520532, filed 2013-06, 154,000 miles“I was driving approximately 25 miles a hour by my house while I was driving a big click noise sounded on my front right wheel the car swerved and fell in a ditch the police came and the car was towed to a mechanic and he told me it was your tie rod and axle broken I had to change them. …”
NHTSA complaint #10242133, filed 2008-09, 180,000 miles“Water in the passenger compartment of the vehicle, from any source (including the sunroof drains that were recalled but not effectively fixed) or snow from boots that has melted... Drains to the lowest point, which is where vw put the TCM (an electrical component highly sensitive to moisture) this caused the transmission to slam into limp mode at 65 MPH with 2 kids in the back seat. Volkswagen is aware of the problem as are thousands of 1500$ poorer vw owners who had to replace the TCM and hope that this doesn't happen again.”
NHTSA complaint #10390006, filed 2011-03, 239,000 miles“1- not known. 2- the vehicle's front plastic undercarriage engine cover broke without apparent warning. This LED to exposure of part of the underside of the car while a large part of the cover dragged on the pavement while driving. 3- scheduled for repair.”
NHTSA complaint #10072733, filed 2004-05, 36,500 miles“Abs module failure at ~67000 miles. Abs light on with flashing brake light and 3 short peeps. Water intrusion from under battery drains due to design flaws.”
NHTSA complaint #10242216, filed 2008-09, 67,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10236426Sep 23, 2016Contacting the parts helpline
- 10107841Jul 13, 2016To update model table to clarify jetta wagon applicability to tb content.
- 10128386Jun 9, 2016Corrosion may be found on the folded edge of the hood. Supersedes TB V551603
- 10236450Feb 17, 2016Corrosion on hood edge.
- 10236448Feb 1, 2016Rear quarter panel corrosion.
- 10121111Feb 1, 2016The document refers to Corrosion being found where the rear bumper cover meets the quarter panel. It discusses how it can happen, and where to find warranty coverage to service…
- 10121263Mar 2, 2015Technical Bulletin (Rear Door Glass Inoperative issue diagnosis): The rear glass cannot be opened / closed, the rear glass may slide down into the door, or the rear glass motor…
- 10242998Dec 22, 2014VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10238056Dec 16, 2014Corrosion where handle contacts rear lid (Figure 1).
- 10070381Dec 16, 2014Summary to be provided on a future date.
Body and structure: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 1 | 5% |
| 2018 | 1 | 2% |
| 2017 | 3 | 3% |
| 2016 | 4 | 4% |
| 2015 | 5 | 2% |
| 2014 | 12 | 2% |
| 2013 | 31 | 4% |
| 2012 | 17 | 4% |
| 2010 | 3 | 2% |
| 2009 | 1 | 1% |
| 2008 | 2 | 1% |
| 2007 | 5 | 2% |
| 2006 | 10 | 2% |
| 2005 | 6 | 4% |
| 2004 | 16 | 6% |
| 2003 | 29 | 5% |
| 2002 | 30 | 5% |
| 2001 | 23 | 5% |
| 2000 | 10 | 2% |
| 1999 | 11 | 2% |
| 1998 | 8 | 2% |
| 1997 | 3 | 8% |
| 1996 | 1 | 3% |
| 1995 | 6 | 6% |
| 1994 | 1 | 4% |
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 Oct 31, 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