1998 Volkswagen Passat: doors won't lock, open or latch

Filed Jan 3, 2006 · Brakes, Lights · 103,000 miles · CA

1998 vw passat wagon 2 wheel drive 4 cyl. 1.8 l engine. Manual transmission VIN: [xxx] things broken on this vw. Blinking ABS light on dash indicating ABS malfunction. It intermittently goes off once or twice a year for a couple of minutes, indicating function properly. Temp. Gauge on dash reads no temperature or 0. It intermittently comes back on and functions properly. I need to pull sending unit wire and clean connector. Driver's auto door lock button malfunctions. Window switches on drivers door doesn't work well. Stereo plays cd without pushing the button. (goes on buy its self) left rear passenger door does not open from inside.. Moon roof malfunctions. Maybe won't close after opening. Brake light's don't light up right away when you step on the brakes. Outside door locks stick. When it rains, water gets into the lock and makes it difficult to turn the key inside the lock. Plastic dip stick guide is prone to crumbling due to heat. (this is the orange piece of plastic that extends the length of the dipstick tube. Antenna got screwed up in rain and wind. Dec. -05. *jb updated 07/17/2012 *js information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6)

Filed Jun 10, 2005 · Locks · 60,770 miles · CA

During the last two years the door locks on my 1998 vw passat failed seven times so far. In most of the cases, they just could not be opened from the outside while the inside door handle worked. In all cases, the vw service people knew about the problem (a cable had slipped off the track) and were either able to repair it within a few minutes by use of a long screw driver going through a hole in the front doors. In case of the rear doors, the door panels had to be removed for the repair. The last repair was necessary within three months of the previous repair and it set me back $100.00. When complainint to vw they told me that they had never heard about this problem. I had to laugh about it since every time I have been at the service there were fellow customers with exactly the same problems. Vw did not offer me any help for this problem, just stated that my car is an "old" car by now and repairs seem to be happening more often.

Filed Feb 16, 2005 · Brakes · FL

1) ABS warning light/sounder came on, told by dealer that ABS system was out, would need to be replaced for $1800 before any other engine problems could be diagnosed by computer. 2) did not fix this, which LED to their excuse that they could not accurately diagnose other issues, but "did their best" to fix acceleration problems (replaced hoses and plugs) 3) current acceleration problem miraculously diagnosed as some sort of power regulator device w/o mention of fixing the ABS system so that computer "could get past it" 4)electrical problems including moon roof opening and closing at will, door locks opening and closing at will, interior lights not shutting off and alarm going off all by itself (unable to lock doors b/c it sets the alarm) 5) now dealer says that it's a battery problem and resetting everything should fix it all, including the ABS light problem. Can you say rip-off?

Filed Apr 4, 2003 · Engine, Locks · 53,978 miles · NC

Nar 04/07/2003 mr. The timing belt, cylinder heads and the mass air flow had to replaced and the consumer is requesting reimbursement. In the past the consumer had to replace 2 window regulators, the sun roof opened and closed for no reason, the rear door would not lock, the windshield wipers did not work.

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.