1998 Volkswagen Passat steering problems

Filed Oct 13, 2017 · Acceleration, Engine · 105,090 miles · GA

The timing chain system is defective and they know it. Why didn't they inform me of this.maybe because they have hands full with the emission cheating scandal. Or if they did them they would be liable for all the complaints before. Please putvoutca recall. This car is dangerous !!!!!

Filed Jun 3, 2007 · Steering · 45,000 miles · ME

Steering: control arms. The vehicle was purchased used with approx 34k miles. Service has been maintained by owner and/or independent repair. At approximately 50k owner was notified by independent repair service that both upper control arms needed to be replaced. Owner chose not to do the repair at that time. During 2005 owner received a letter from volkswagen about a recall on the affected part(s). Two local volkswagen dealerships acknowledged the part was defective but denied to do the work under the recall notification. Both gave justification that because the owner could not document service checks at the recommended factory intervals the volkswagen company would not pay for parts or service. Owner called the volkswagen company directly and a customer service representative verified the policy. Owner has since replaced one control art, however the other side also needs repair.

Filed Jul 2, 2006 · Steering · 40,000 miles · ME

I am the second owner of a 1998 volkswagen passat VIN #[xxx], which has a safety recall for the tie rod ends. The local volkswagen dealer(s) have acknowledged that the front tie rods do need to be replaced, however, they will not honor the safety recall. The reason is that there is no record of factory recommended service checks. I have had the vehicle serviced on a regular basis by a couple of independent mechanics, however, I cannot produce the paper work for the recommended service checks between 35,000 miles and 60,000. I called volkswagen headquarters and they acknowledged that although it is a safety recall, they will not honor the repair unless I can provide proof of compliance. The symptoms have presented themselves for 3/4 years on an intermittent basis. I am in the process of having my current independent mechanic replace the ball joints. *nm information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).

Filed Feb 16, 2005 · Steering · 54,636 miles · MA

Consumer disappointed with denial for reimbursement of repairs on 2004 vw-passat control arm. *bf recall campaign; the federal safety agency campaign id number : 99v248000. The consumer made repairs to the vehicle for a defective steering and control mechanisms. *tc the consumer was denied reimbursement because she did not provide proof of the 40,000 mile maintenance.

Filed Feb 16, 2005 · Steering · 137,000 miles · SD

The consumer's vehicle had smoke coming from the steering column. The smoke had an odor of burning oil and smoke combined. The appearance was white. This started one year ago and went away, and now the problem recurred.*ak took car to dealer in rapid city sd. They said there was an excess of grease on certain parts under the stering wheel / in the stering wheel. This build up of dust would cause smoke and smell.

Filed Jan 18, 2005 · Steering · 58,000 miles · CA

Tie rod failure (excessive wear), leading to "loose" steering on a 1998 volkswagen passat. Some passat's of this model year have been previously recalled for this type of problem; vw informs me that my car is not subject to the recall.

Filed Jul 26, 2004 · Brakes, Steering · CA

1998 vw passat: heard loud clanking noises especially when turning vehicle. Reported to vw service department local dealership. Advised the the upper control arm joint is worn and need replacement. Further, both left and right tie rods are totally shot and need replacing. Checked and found that the tie rod problem was recalled by the federal safety agency sep. 1999 (99v‑248) but that my vehicle was not included in recall. Do not know why as the problem described is the same. Additionally, numerous complaints about the control arms have been noted on this site, yet vw of america, who advised me are aware and sensitive to the problem, refused assistance in repairing the vehicle. Also the recalled tie rods replacement was refused to be fixed by them. Please follow up and investigate vw of america for these very important safety issues since I was told that they can cause serious driver accidents. I am also wondering why the brake rotors needed replacement when new brakes were installed. Do not trust vw to be a safe vehicle at this time.

Filed Jun 14, 2004 · Steering, Suspension · 50,000 miles · WI

Our 1998 passat has only 50,000 miles on it, and yet all of the expensive front control arms are starting to go bad. They are getting play in the ball joints, which are only replaceable by replacing the whole control arms. Since there are a total of 8 control arms, the cost of repair is potentially very high. And if they are not replaced, the potential for hazard and injury becomes very great if the joints get so sloppy that they affect the handling of the car and eventually come apart. Vw should not be allowed to get away with building such an under-engineered suspension system.

Filed May 25, 2004 · Steering · 18,000 miles · MA

The owner received recall notice#99v 248 000/tie rods from the mfr. In september,1999. The work was done in december 1999. Less than 30,000 later the tie rods failed again. The consumer contacted he mfr. Who indicated that they have fulfilled there commitment and there is nothing else they will do.

Filed May 18, 2004 · Steering · 100,000 miles · WA

The consumer experienced problems with the steering. The tie rods were going bad and the mfr was calling for a recall for this problem, however the owner was told that the VIN# was not included.