1998 Volkswagen Passat: engine failure

Filed Dec 29, 2004 · Engine · IA

I was just told by the vw dealer that my 1998 vw passat with 1.8t engine needs to be replaced because of sludge problems. I change the oil more frequently than the required 5000 miles (usually between 3000 and 3500), but don't have every receipt, and don't have the oil change receipts from the previous owner, so they won't honor their warranty. They want me to pay $8000 when it is their recognized design flaw. Nothing has been done to correct it yet.

Filed Sep 28, 2004 · Engine · 84,000 miles · CT

(1) while driving down the highway at 60 MPH the engine shut down and would not turn over again. I called a tow truck and had it delivered to my mechanics garage. (2) mechanic determined that it was the timing belt that went, and that volkswagen had remanufactuered the tensioner and pulley for what ever reason. After buying new parts and rebuilding the head because the valves were destroyed upon contact with the pistons( naturally). After putting the engine back together with the new parts and rebuilt head, the cam seized up and blew the motor.

Filed Sep 13, 2004 · Engine · 87,000 miles · VA

Oil pump failed. While driving the oil light came on. When this occurred consumer immediately pulled off the road and turned the vehicle off, preventing engine failure. Vehicle was taken to dealership. A tsb was issued for an engine performance. *ak deteriorate /seize because of slug built up. This failure cause the oil pump to fail without slug built up.

Filed May 17, 2003 · Engine · 75,000 miles · FL

The timing belt on my 1998 vw passat with the 1.8t engine failed at 75,000 miles stranding me by the side of the road. The car has been regularly maintained by vw. The vw maintenance schedule requires replacement of the belt at 105,000 miles. Vw denied my warranty claim stating that the original warranty applies only to the first owner. However, my research shows that this is a well known problem and vw refuses to do anything about it.

Filed Mar 13, 2003 · Engine · 66,000 miles · MA

My car died suddenly while I was driving on route 9. My car started to lose acceleration, but I was unable to pull off the road before the engine died. The problem turned out to be related to the timing belt. Apparently the timing belt tensioner failed, causing the timing belt to go into the engine and damage cylinder heads. My local mechanic has informed me the manufacturer has issued a service bulletin that recommends replacing the part. I had the part inspected at 55,000 miles by my local dealer and was not told of the problem or advised to replace the part. At 66,000 miles, the part failed, causing the engine failure during highway driving. The manufacturer is refusing to cover the cost of repair, stating that the car is out of warranty as I am not the original owner.

Filed Jun 12, 2002 · Brakes, Lights · OH

1)trunk light stopped working just past the warranty period, wiring problem, cost to repair $200. 2)ABS light flashes continuously, about 1 year now,dealer gets 3 pages of diagnostic error messages. Can't determine problem with light but ABS is supposedly working. Cost: 3days car rental, and $300 out of pocket. 3)front end suspension: crunching noise and bounce. Bounce corrected-dealer replaced stablizer bar, $284. Noise continues(6 months), dealer can't determine problem. Getting worse, afraid front end will crash into ground. 4)timing belt broke, dealer replaced engine at no cost. 5)engine replacement caused problem with radio. Radio will not accept code. Needs to be replaced. 6)rear driver side window will not go down when indicated, falls down a few minutes later. Also, door will not open when unlocked. 7)sometimes the ignition switch will not turn when starting car.