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.
1998 Volkswagen Passat: loss of power steering
6 of the 331 complaints about the 1998 Volkswagen Passat describe loss of power steering.
- owner complaints
- 6
- of this car's complaints
- 2%
- recalls
- 1
Is there a fix? There is 1 recall and 1 service bulletin for this area of the car. See below
Loss of power steering by model year
What owners say
Left front lower ball joint had sheared off while coming to a stop, and caused loss of steering. Manufacturer notified.*ak
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.
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.
Vehicle was stalling at highway speeds, and a loss of power steering occurred. Also. There was a short in the fuel pump because of faulty wiring.
While driving at 65 MPH the engine shield fell off from under the vehicle, causing the consumer to lose control. Also, steering was very hard to steer, causing the consumer to pull to the side of the shoulder. The consumer look under the vehicle,and noticed the front of the shield was on the freeway, and the shield was rubbing up against the front tires.
Service bulletins that may apply
Related recalls
Steering: linkages: rod: relay: connecting
- What is wrong
- Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The tie rods of the steering assembly are protected on each side by a seal to prevent moisture and dust particles from entering the swivel bearing mechanism. It is possible that some tie rod seals may not seal properly.
- Risk
- If moisture and/or dust particles enter the swivel bearing mechanism, the swivel bearing could wear over time diminishing the steering control of the vehicle.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the tie rods.
Recall number 99V248000 · Recall details
Questions about the 1998 Volkswagen Passat power steering loss
Is loss of power steering a common problem on the 1998 Volkswagen Passat?
6 of 331 owner complaints about the 1998 Volkswagen Passat (2%) mention loss of power steering. The model year with the most reports is 1999.
Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 1998 Volkswagen Passat?
There is 1 recall and 1 service bulletin for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.
Other symptoms on the 1998 Volkswagen Passat
Ball joint 82ABS 75Grinding brakes 14Engine failure 6Loss of power 6Stalling 6Door locks 5Fire or smoke 5
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