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1998 Volkswagen Passat brakes problems

90 complaints (27% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 81,250. 2 crashes reported.

owner complaints
90
of this car's complaints
27%
typical mileage
81,250
crashes
2
recalls
1

Which part fails

  • Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
    28
  • Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip: control unit/module
    22
  • Antilock: ABS warning light
    11
  • Antilock: control unit/module
    7
  • Foundation components: disc: rotor
    6
  • Foundation components
    4
  • Foundation components: disc: pads
    2
  • Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip: ABS warning light
    2

At what mileage

Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.

0k-25k
25k-50k
50k-75k
75k-100k
100k-125k
125k-150k
150k-175k
175k-200k
200k+

Volkswagen Passat brakes problems in other years

1990199520002005201020152022

Specific symptoms reported on the 1998 Volkswagen Passat brakes

Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.

ABS 75Grinding brakes 14

Related recalls

Service brakes, hydraulic: power assist: vacuum: hoses, lines/piping, and fittingsReported May 21, 1999 · 88,121 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
Risk
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.

Recall number 99V131001 · Recall details

Related investigations

Power brake booster vacuum by-passOpened June 1, 1999, closed November 14, 2000

There is no summary currently available

RQ99008

What 1998 Volkswagen Passat owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Jan 3, 2011 · Brakes · 110,000 miles · TN

Abs module appears to be faulty. Abs and brake light remain on/flashing. Loss of ABS could cause collision, dealer wants $1000+ for the part and does not guarantee it will fix the problem.

Filed Jan 14, 2009 · Brakes, Electrical · 68,000 miles · IL

The ABS light comes on,followed by the brake light blinking the engine oil light comes on and the tachometer goes to 0 and stops working even though I am accelerating. There are many others with this same issue it can be researched on http://tech.bentleypublishers.com/thread.jspa?threadid=2447&tstart=0.

Filed Jan 14, 2009 · Brakes · 68,000 miles · IL

The ABS light stays on, the brake light flashes, the engine oil light comes on and the tachometer goes to 0 and stops working even though I am accelerating. The control module was the culprit and it would cost $1450.00 and there was no used part available and it is a dealer only part.

Filed Oct 23, 2008 · Brakes · 115,000 miles · CA

Abs module failure. Was driving shortly after having front end work done and light when on. This happens intermittently while driving. Braking is affected.

Filed Oct 22, 2008 · Brakes · 90,000 miles · MN · crash

Abs module in operative ABS system.

Filed Oct 1, 2008 · Brakes · 175,000 miles · AZ

The ABS module in my 1998 volkswagen passat 1.8t has gone bad. This fault came without notice of any symptoms and completely unprovoked. The warning lamp and tone appear every time I start the vehicle. This is a known issue with many independent volkswagen mechanics and many passat owners.

Filed Sep 23, 2008 · Brakes · FL

As an oem safety feature, now I believe required, the ABS control module on my 1998 volkswagen passat, has failed, leaving this feature inoperative. Luckily for my self this has not become a burden or caused injury, but I'm sure that others are not as lucky as I have been.

Filed Sep 22, 2008 · Brakes · 56,000 miles · IL

My ABS computer failed on my 1998 v6 passat. This seems to be a common occurrence and there should have been a recall on this defective part. It is dangerous and causes irregular braking and flashing dashboard lights.

Filed Aug 18, 2008 · Brakes · 60,000 miles · CA

Abs/ brake light are on, chimes sound when vehicle is turned on and won't turn off.

Filed Aug 11, 2008 · Brakes · 150,000 miles · CA

Abs computer failure 98 vw passat... Complete absfailure all the time.

Questions about the 1998 Volkswagen Passat brakes

Does the 1998 Volkswagen Passat have brakes problems?

Owners have filed 90 complaints about the brakes of the 1998 Volkswagen Passat, 27% of all its complaints, more than any other problem.

At what mileage do 1998 Volkswagen Passat brakes problems start?

The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 81,250 miles.

Was there a recall on the 1998 Volkswagen Passat brakes?

Yes, 1 recall: 99V131001. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.

What year does the Volkswagen Passat have bad brakes?

The Volkswagen Passat model years with the most brakes complaints are 1999 (233 complaints), 2000 (207 complaints) and 1998 (90 complaints).

Other 1998 Volkswagen Passat problems

Suspension 90Steering 52Engine 40Electrical 28Visibility 27Fuel system 17Transmission 16Seats 11Airbags 8Body 8Lights 7Locks 5Tires 4Acceleration 3Seat belts 2Driver assistance 1

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