1999 Volkswagen Passat Suspension Problems
- Complaints
- 118about this part
- Share
- 18%of 664 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 62,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 118 complaints about the suspension of the 1999 Volkswagen Passat, 18% of the 664 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 62,000 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I've had a clunking sound in the front suspension whenever I hit a bump. It has gotten progressively worse for the last several months. The dealer tells me it is the front upper control arms and ball joints and that there is a TSB on such. This is a common well known problem with this model and poses a safety issue.”
NHTSA complaint #10079199, filed 2004-07, 74,000 miles“Upper control arm problem---when turning steering wheel left or right around a curve would hear a rattling noise. My mechanic said both upper control arms needed to be replaced. Car has 53000 miles on it. Repair cost me $1000.00. I have the bill specifying the parts that were replaced along with part numbers.”
NHTSA complaint #10102084, filed 2004-12, 52,000 miles“Front suspension creaks constantly while driving car. This appears to be common complaint by other owners, but Volkswagen (vw) unwilling to admit that parts are wearing too soon. Creaking started at about 45,000 miles. From other postings it appears that this will cost me at least $1,000 to repair. I am afraid to take car the vw for repairs, because of high cost. I hope this problem is not dangerous.”
NHTSA complaint #10100056, filed 2004-11, 45,000 miles“The front end is creaky. There is considerable noise, usually when turning. I suspect that the bushings in the multi-link front suspension are worn. I received an estimate from the dealer on 7/18/2003 of $1020 to fix it. I chose not to fix it at that time. Over the past year I have heard numerous stories of Passat and audi a4s that have this same problem so I want to add another complaint to the file.”
NHTSA complaint #10088114, filed 2004-08, 73,257 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 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10011593Dec 1, 2004Check/replace front suspension lower control arms. *tc this supercedes the vm service action dated november 2004.
Suspension: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 2 | 4% |
| 2017 | 3 | 3% |
| 2016 | 1 | 1% |
| 2015 | 16 | 7% |
| 2014 | 6 | 1% |
| 2013 | 13 | 2% |
| 2012 | 1 | 0% |
| 2011 | 1 | 6% |
| 2010 | 2 | 1% |
| 2009 | 4 | 3% |
| 2007 | 2 | 1% |
| 2006 | 8 | 1% |
| 2005 | 1 | 1% |
| 2004 | 2 | 1% |
| 2003 | 10 | 2% |
| 2002 | 16 | 3% |
| 2001 | 25 | 6% |
| 2000 | 36 | 7% |
| 1999 | 118 | 18% |
| 1998 | 90 | 27% |
| 1995 | 5 | 5% |
| 1994 | 1 | 4% |
| 1993 | 1 | 1% |
| 1992 | 2 | 5% |
| 1990 | 2 | 6% |
Other parts of the 1999 Volkswagen Passat
233 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 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