1998 Volkswagen Passat visibility problems

Filed Sep 28, 2007 · Visibility · 80,000 miles · MD

Sunroof spontaneously opens and closes without warning. When it opens, it is impossible to get it closed with the switch as it never returns to a predictable position based on the markings on the switch. Once open, it may close itself at randomly and unpredictably. When it is open, I'm afraid to get my hand near it for fear it will close and pinch me. It has also spontaneously opened during rainstorms which causes me to divert my attention to the road attempting to close it. The rain entering my car while it happens is also a major distraction. This problem is not unique to just my car. Nearly everyone I know with a 98 or 99 passat has this problem.

Filed Jul 15, 2006 · Visibility · 71,000 miles · VA

3 of the 4 side electric windows have failed during the past year.

Filed Oct 10, 2005 · Visibility · 92,621 miles · CO

I had the sunroof of my 1998 passat spontaneously shatter. I was driving 60-65 MPH when this happen. The weather was overcast with light rain. The temperature was 37 f. The glass appears to be blown outward. Luckily I had the sunroof shade closed which prevented me from being showered with glass.

Filed Dec 10, 2004 · Visibility · 75,000 miles · NY

Water leaks into drivers side floor, relay failure and resultant defroster failure. Mildew, respiratory distress, uncontrolable sneezing, and resultant difficulty with vehicle control. Entire carpet replacement. Cost over $1000 with labor.

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 Sep 4, 2002 · Brakes, Engine · NY

Consumer stated there was a noise coming from the front of the vehicle, dealer replaced right side cv boot and outer cv boot due to them being worn, and also the drive shaft was replaced.

Filed Apr 14, 2002 · Visibility · CA · 1 injury

Window trim can fail, leading to "loop/noose" which can kill children/passenger.

Filed Nov 15, 2001 · Visibility · WI · 1 injury

Window glass was broken by a rock. Problem exists in size and shape of tempered glass crumbs. Lots of tiny shards, less that 1mm, very sharp and dangerous. Extra expense incurred in cleaning interior.

Filed Aug 16, 2001 · Visibility · MA

Sunroof mechanisms fractured. Sunrrof stuck open in rain. Volkswagen dealer wouldn't repair for two weeks. Took car to auto glass company to have sunroof closed. Mechanic said cause of broken sunroof mechanism was manufacturer defect - has seen a number of these sunroof mechanisms broken on passats.

Filed Jul 31, 2001 · Suspension, Visibility · NY

Control arm: noticed a loud grinding sound coming from front suspension area. Dealer diagnosed as defective lowe rcontrol arm/ ball joints. Lower control arms and ball joints were replaced. Complained to volkswagen, who covered cost of parts but not labor. After repair learned that a friend had the identical problem in a 1999 passat at almost the identical mileage. Then saw on this website that about 17 of 160 complaints relating to the 1998 passat are for exactly this problem. This is clearly an engineering or manufacturing defect. Vw should replace this part for all passat owners and reimburse those who have already had it replaced. Sunroof: sunroof opens spontaneously when switch is in the "off" position. Problem is most pronounced on warm days when car is driven over sharp bumps. Problem occurs without warning and is alarming to driver and could pose a safety risk. Observed that this problem has been reported by several others already.