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.
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 slip28
- Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip: control unit/module22
- Antilock: ABS warning light11
- Antilock: control unit/module7
- Foundation components: disc: rotor6
- Foundation components4
- Foundation components: disc: pads2
- Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip: ABS warning light2
At what mileage
Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.
Volkswagen Passat brakes problems in other years
Specific symptoms reported on the 1998 Volkswagen Passat brakes
Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.
Related recalls
Service brakes, hydraulic: power assist: vacuum: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
- 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-pass
There is no summary currently available
RQ99008
What 1998 Volkswagen Passat owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
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.
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.
Abs module failure. Was driving shortly after having front end work done and light when on. This happens intermittently while driving. Braking is affected.
Abs module in operative ABS system.
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.
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.
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.
Abs/ brake light are on, chimes sound when vehicle is turned on and won't turn off.
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
VIN decoder
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