Quadra-link suspension produces metalic rubbing noise with vehicle motion. Dealer has diagnosed problem as quadra-link suspension failure based on inspection and previous experience. Dealer has indicated that left side is also likely to fail and that any repair does not guarantee a recurent future failure. Vw corporation has refused financial assistance in repairing problem. The federal safety agency lists numerous customer complaints for this same problem. Customers position is that a part as basic as this should never fail and this represents a faulty original design.
1998 Volkswagen Passat suspension complaints
Page 4 of 4: complaints 71 to 90 of 90, newest first, as owners wrote them.
Squeaking noise from front end. Out-of town vw dealer said "ball joints" $800 to repair. "dangerous to drive". Contacted vw customer service, they said it must be checked by dealer used for regular maintenance. That dealer said "lower control arms need replacing" "safe to drive" $1200 to repair. Took to 3rd mechanic, who said nothing was wrong, "just noisy". It continues to get worse, and I am concerned with safety.
Vehicle has a squeaking noise coming from suspension when steering or going over bumps or braking. *ak consumer stated the cause of the problem was failure of the bushings in the front lower control arms.
Vehicle was making a metal-to-metal squeaking noise. Consumer took vehicle to the dealership for examination. Dealership informed consumer that both upper and lower control arms needed to be replaced with only 53,000 miles on vehicle. *ak
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.
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.
There is a creaking sound when turning the wheel both directions.
There is a creaking sound when turning wheel in both directions.*ak consumer states that the creaks are also happening when going over bumps.
Vechicle was at dealer for 30 days on final attempt to repair the suspension noise. Noise was duplicated by shop foreman, service advisor and tech. Comment from them was.......we hear it but we don't know how to fix it. Come back when it gets worse. Only on threat of a buy back did they finally resolve the problem.
Heard suspension type noise when exiting vehicle and pushing on front end. Dealer only charged me 50% on parts since it shouldn't have failed so soon.
Lower control arm has worn out, and front end needs to be realigned. Dealer has inspected vehicle. *ak control arms worn out due to defective bushings.
Lower control arms need to be replaced due to corrosion/rust even though the car is only 2 and 1/2 years old! Makes horrible creaking/grinding sound. Dealer/service dept. Said it wouldn't affect my driving and was safe but after reading information on this website and others I'm not so sure. Read that this is a faulty/defective part and I should think that vw would replace it without me having to pay $300 per arm!
Front suspension is making crunching noises, esp. At lower speed. The right steering control arm was changed under warranty and squeeking noises dissappeared, but still very noisy when driving at low speed. Car was serviced by an authorized vw service station, but different from dealership.
Suspension now makes loud noises, indicating imminent failure.
Vwofa does not acknowledge that this is a widespread problem on both audi a4 and vw passats even though there is overwhelming evidence that there is a design flaw. This problem should be covered under warranty since it is a defect in design/workmanship. No safety defect.
This issue was a recall for all audi a-4's (same as vw passat) as well as for many passats. My VIN number did not fall into the recall #'s. Will soon, I feel constitute a danger on the roadways.
A creaking noise that has steadily become worse. I waited until my 25k mileage checkup for dealer to look at it,and he informed me of the weakened lower control arms. Mechanic tells me it will steadily get worse and will need to be replaced. Cost $940. Warranty expired at 24k miles and 5/30/00. I had brought my car in at 24,498 miles on 6/7/00..again because I didn't realize the extent of the problem (this has never happened to me before) and thought it would be an easy fix at the 25k checkup. Dealer will not cover cost unless vw america authorizes it since it is 'officially' past the warranty dates & mileage when I brought it in. I've researched this problem with other '98 passat owners on the internet (vw vortex forums) and this is a recurring problem among many owners. I plan to call vw america to lobby an exception to my warranty.
While driving consumer heard a noise coming from the front end. Also, poor steering control. Consumer contacted vw, dealer noted that tie rod end and control arm needed replacing. In addition, recall 99v248000/ tie rods dealt with the same problem. But,this vehicle was not included due to VIN. *ak
While driving tie rods are making noise due to a defective tie rod seal not being properly applied. Recall 99v248 deals with this problem. But this vehicle is not included. Also, replaced the struts. Dealer said that consumer would need to replace the tie rod seals. Please provide further information.
Control arm ball joints and tie rods faulty causing noise in the front end of the vehicle. Nlm
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