1999 Volkswagen Passat Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 29about this part
- Share
- 4%of 664 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 59,859miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 29 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 1999 Volkswagen Passat, 4% of the 664 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 59,859 miles.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I was heading home and barely on the turnpike, when I heard a big bang and I could not shift gears anymore. I had some trouble to get my car through the traffic from the high-speed left lane to a safe spot and called the towing service. I was about 140 miles away from home and the cost, after the roadside insurance paid its part, was $400. As it turns out, the pressure plate of the clutch broke into 3 pieces. …”
NHTSA complaint #10010097, filed 2003-03, 39,000 miles“For: 99 volkswagon Passat wagon while my wife and I were parking in front of a bank, in a sudden the car shoke violently; we stopped without turning the engine off... The car was shaking very hard still. We then had this car diagnozed at a firestone service center nearby. After a day, the mechanic mentioned that there's misfiring in cylinder 2, and it's common thing in Passat (I did not know this until then), but vw never issued a recall. So they asked me to leave the car for an extra day so they could solve the problem. …”
NHTSA complaint #10127804, filed 2005-07, 75,089 miles“I own a 1999 Volkswagen Passat in which the control arms, tie rod ends, ball joints, and bushings are failing. Based on some internet research, this is a common failure for similar makes, models, and years. The problem occurs every day, and if left unattended, results in safety problems at higher speeds. Parts will be replaced in the near future and old parts will be retained, if it is feasible.”
NHTSA complaint #10269345, filed 2009-05, 90,000 miles“Water in the passenger compartment of the vehicle, from any source (including the sunroof drains that were recalled but not effectively fixed) or snow from boots that has melted... Drains to the lowest point, which is where vw put the TCM (an electrical component highly sensitive to moisture) this caused the transmission to slam into limp mode at 65 MPH with 2 kids in the back seat. Volkswagen is aware of the problem as are thousands of 1500$ 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“While turning a corner, the front drivers side wheel separated from the vehicle. Also while driving 20 MPH the vehicle stalled without warning. The dealer claims that a bolt sheared off into the transmission. The dealer refused to repair any of the problems associated with this vehicle.”
NHTSA complaint #10059344, filed 2004-02, 9,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10242996Dec 8, 2014VW Elsa Newsletter
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 2 | 15% |
| 2019 | 2 | 17% |
| 2018 | 3 | 7% |
| 2017 | 5 | 5% |
| 2016 | 5 | 5% |
| 2015 | 12 | 5% |
| 2014 | 37 | 6% |
| 2013 | 33 | 4% |
| 2012 | 15 | 3% |
| 2011 | 1 | 6% |
| 2010 | 34 | 21% |
| 2009 | 10 | 7% |
| 2008 | 12 | 7% |
| 2007 | 13 | 5% |
| 2006 | 47 | 8% |
| 2005 | 13 | 9% |
| 2004 | 38 | 14% |
| 2003 | 35 | 6% |
| 2002 | 25 | 4% |
| 2001 | 34 | 8% |
| 2000 | 19 | 4% |
| 1999 | 29 | 4% |
| 1998 | 16 | 5% |
| 1996 | 2 | 5% |
| 1995 | 10 | 11% |
| 1994 | 4 | 16% |
| 1993 | 4 | 6% |
| 1992 | 7 | 18% |
| 1991 | 2 | 8% |
| 1990 | 8 | 24% |
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 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 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