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1998 Volkswagen Passat steering complaints

Page 2 of 3: complaints 11 to 40 of 52, newest first, as owners wrote them.

See the summary of 1998 Volkswagen Passat steering problems: which part fails, at what mileage and related recalls.

Filed May 16, 2004 · Steering · 100,000 miles · MD

The front of my car constantly groans when I move the steering wheel (while driving or not) and if I apply pressure to the front end. I took the car to my mechanic (not vw) who said that there is something going on with the struts, tie rods, or something in that area. He recommended I talk to vw to see if the item is recalled or covered by warranty in any way. I called vw gave my VIN and it is not part of the current recall regarding tie rods. I bought one of the first 1998 vw passats of the b5 series.

Filed May 14, 2004 · Steering · 85,000 miles · MA

My 1998 vw passat has a loud grinding, rumbling sound and vibration coming from the front suspension, sounds like the wheels are going to fall off. The dealer replaced the cross link arms at a cost of approx $300. I also had the tie rods replaced under recall. But noise/vibration still there. Now the dealer tells me it might be bushings on either the upper control arm or the lower control arm, each costing about $1300 to replace. I asked the dealer if this was a normal repair item, they said "sure", your car has 90k miles on it. I find it hard to believe that a well built, safe car would have this type of expensive repair.

Filed Mar 22, 2004 · Steering · 75,000 miles · TN

While driving at any speed, the consumer would hear a squeaking sound coming from the front end. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who found that the right outer and inner tie rods needed to be replaced.

Filed Mar 1, 2004 · Steering, Suspension · 85,000 miles · MO

Mechanic is telling me all four tie rod assemlbies and control arms need replaced. I have been hearin a loud crunching noice everytime I go over a small bump or turn a corner.

Filed Oct 29, 2003 · Steering · TN

Worn tie rod ends, resulting in vague steering on my 1998 vw passat (original owner) and required. Two recalls were issued on 1998 passats, but dealer and vwoa advised me that my VIN was not eligible for the recall.

Filed Sep 24, 2003 · Steering · 59,000 miles · ID

The tie rod ends were dangerously worn and needed to be replaced at 59,000 miles. The VIN for the vehicle was lower than those included in an earlier recall but the problem appears to be the same. There is no reason for the tie rod ends to wear out that early unless they are defective. This is a safety hazard and appears to result from faulty parts.

Filed Sep 22, 2003 · Steering · GA

A squeaking noise was heard when getting out of the vehicle or when applying pressure to the hood. Vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the tie rods were found to be worn out also, power steering fluid had to be added about every 60 days due to a defect in the rack and pinion.

Filed Aug 4, 2003 · Steering · 41,001 miles · PA

Car continues to lose power steering fluid. Prior to realization to check it with every gas fill up car became difficult to steer, almost causing a servere accident.

Filed Jun 26, 2003 · Steering, Suspension · IL

Problems with left side upper control arms link, sway bar links and lower control arm. *mr *ts also the tie rod ends were replaced, there was a recall regarding the issue, however the consumer's vehicle was not affected.

Filed Apr 3, 2003 · Steering · 46,000 miles · IL

The vehicle experienced the same problem as stated in recall 99 v 248 000, however the vehicle identification number was not included in the recall.

Filed Feb 17, 2003 · Steering, Suspension · MA

Defective tie rod assembly and lower ink arm-n and lower control arm-n caused potentially dangerous steering condition and made loud grinding noises.

Filed Jan 24, 2003 · Steering · NJ

Consumer called complaining about having problems with the tire rod ends being defective. Also stated that there is a recall on the vehicle now but the recall did not affect his VIN #. Manufacture was contacted and stated that there was nothing they can do about it. Ts

Filed Jun 27, 2002 · Steering, Transmission · CT

Design flaw in tie rod ends and protective boot. Excessive wear and failure of joint could result in loss of ability to steer. This may result in an accident and vehicle damage.

Filed Jun 14, 2002 · Steering · MI

Left lower arm link is broken and causes some noise when driving. Contacted dealer. Ak

Filed May 21, 2002 · Steering, Suspension · NY

When turning wheel there was noise at the front of vehicle, dealer determined that the bushings needed to be replaced.*ak. Consumer states he replaced the tie rod end.

Filed Nov 20, 2001 · Steering · CT

There is a recall for the same problem which is your campaign id#99v248000. When I went to the dealer they described the same problem with my car but vw is saying that when they put the VIN number in it's not coming up on their system with a recall. I think volkswagen america should consider that maybe the problem goes further back and not dismiss it because it doesn't show up on the computer. The volkswagen dealer stated that the car needs front tie rod ends which is exactly what is described in the recall.if I got the information correct my car was mfg 11/97 which is earlier than the recall but the problem is described the same. They are saying that if its not on their computer it's not a problem. I think they should consider this is a problem. What car do you know that the tie rods wear at 56,000 miles. They also have stated the the front cv boots are torn. I want vw america to fix the tie rod problme under the recall.

Filed Nov 1, 2001 · Steering, Suspension · PR

Loose steering there is noise everytime I hit the brakes and accelerate also when I go over bumps.the bushing of the all the control arms are gone.

Filed Sep 18, 2001 · Steering · MA

While driving and steering car would make a loud groaning noise. Went to dealer. Dealer found that steering rack was leaking and had to be replaced. At a cost of $930.

Filed Jul 29, 2001 · Steering · DE

After speaking withthe service manager, parts manager, and technician at dover vw in dover, delaware-they all agreed that the power stering rack had to be replaced due to battery acid draining onto the power steering rack. They all agreed this part should not have failed in a vehicle this new and re-routed the drain outlet for the battery so that this damage could not occur again. They all agreed that the drain was positioned by the manufacturer and tried to assist me in working with volkswagon america to reimburse me for the entire repair, $920.16. After much debate with vw america, they would only offer 50% or $460.08 supposedly mailed to me 7/26/01. I believe along with vw's own trained personnel at the dealership, that this repair should have been covered in its entirety by vw, as it is the way they designed the battery drain to drain away from the battery. It is my intention to raise this concern that in the event you can recover the balance of the repair, that would be phenomenol. I also want to alert other owners they may have a potentially dangerous and expensive repair lurking under the vehicle's hood. Because te acid dripped onto the steering rack, it caused a hole in the part, which caused me to loose all of my power steering fluid, which nearly caused me total loss of steering control of the vehicle. Please address this problem with vw america 800 822-8987 (3)they say they review these matters internally, but refused to let me know if there were other reports although no " campaigns " were ever issued for this defect.

Filed May 17, 2001 · Steering, Suspension · IL

Consumer took vehicle to dealer because steering column was making some noise. Dealer said control arms and tie rod end needed to be replaced, and wheels needed to be aligned.

Filed May 14, 2001 · Engine, Lights · NJ

Catalytic converter replaced early on in ownership. Water pump, oil pump, timing belt replaced two months ago. Turbo replaced twice and still defective. Electrical problems with driver's side window, heated seat, trunk light. Suspension system bushings need replacement @ only 56,000 miles. Steering column replaced early on.

Filed Apr 19, 2001 · Steering · WA

While driving and steering could hear a loud noise. Then, had taken vehicle to dealer. Dealer found that rack and pinion was leaking and had to be replaced.

Filed Feb 7, 2001 · Brakes, Fuel system · CA

The consumer took the vehicle to be serviced because the brakes were making noise, the dealer said the brakes were ok, at 22k miles consumer was told that the brake rotors and pads had to be replaced. Nlm

Filed Jan 17, 2001 · Brakes, Fuel system · CA

Took vehicle to dealer & was informed by mechanic that rack needed to be replaced due to power steering leaking fluid through it. Also rotors were replaced due to excessive wear. Fuel tank had collapsed & was not accepting any fuel.

Filed Nov 9, 2000 · Brakes, Fuel system · CA

Leaking power steering fluid, replaced reck.

Filed Oct 26, 2000 · Steering · CA

Contacted the dealer at failure and stated that they had no tools to repair the tie rods. Also contacted the volkwageen of america. This item has a recall on my car. But, my chasis is not one of the 51,000 vehicles on the list, but my car is a 1998 vw passat. I need to find out how to have my car placed on the recall list so that the dealer can re-place my faulty tie rod on my car.

Filed Oct 24, 2000 · Brakes, Fuel system · CA

The brakes squeaked, the dealer filed the brakes and the noise went away, the brakes weren't working, the dealer replaced the brakes and the rotors.

Filed Aug 24, 2000 · Steering · NJ

Steering wheel was difficult to turn, and it was making a loud grinding noise. Took to dealer, and they are going to replace rack and pinion steering.

Filed Jul 8, 2000 · Electrical, Engine · VA

Sudden loss of engine power/electrical systems while vehicle is moving. Loss of vehicle control with no engine systems and no power steering assist. Saftey concern from rear end accidents from other vehicles and no avoidance control. Also, regular loss of power steering fluid requires constant monitoring.

Filed Jun 6, 2000 · Steering · NC

Rack and pinion steering failed due to a defective steering column. Also power steering pump failed , cause unknown. Please provide further information.

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