1999 Volkswagen Passat: grinding or squealing brakes

Filed Dec 7, 2004 · Suspension · 54,000 miles · OH

The front suspension lower control arm makes a squeaking, thumping noise as if there are no shocks.

Filed Nov 9, 2004 · Suspension · 60,000 miles · MA

A grinding noise was heard when driving 5-30 MPH. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who informed the consumer that the control arm bushing needed to be replaced. *ak the grinding noise was first noticed 1 year prior to repair. The noise was extremely loud when the vehicle at low speeds, there was a squeaking noise in the front suspension, and the vehicle needed front and rear pads, rotors. The glove box was broken.

Filed Jun 17, 2004 · Suspension · 70,567 miles · NY

Purchased my 1999 vw passat 1.8t wagon in august, 2002. It had apprx. 53,000 miles on it. By september, 2003, there was a significant squeaking, creaking, groaning noise coming from the front end. At that time, car had approximately. 75k miles. Diagnosis was front end suspension parts including control arms, ball joints, bushings were dangerously worn and in need of replacement. Vw dealership provided me with a copy of technical service bulletin issued by volkswagen of america dated may 31, 2001. It calls for installation of parts in repair kit no 3bo498 798a. Because of existence of the tech service bulletin for this problem, my extended warranty company (wynn's warranties) refuses to pay for repairs. Repairs still needed to tune of $1100. Front end is now so loose for safety reasons I will have to make repairs immediately at my own expense.

Filed May 7, 2004 · Suspension · 59,950 miles · MA

Upper and lower ball joints making grinding noise dealer suggested replacing all upper and lower ball joints on left and right sides.

Filed Mar 8, 2004 · Steering · 28,000 miles · MN

Grinding sound while turning steering wheel. Was told that boots on tie rod ends were perforated allowing water and dirt to damage tie rod ends. Altho volkswagen has issued a recall they refuse to make the free repair. Recall # recallul. Sep 99. Tie rod end replacement. The federal safety agency recall # 0014/vwoa.recall # ul/kw. Did not recieve any recall notice on this item! Found on internet.

Filed Sep 2, 2003 · Suspension · 35,000 miles · MA

The vehicle experienced a constant groaning and squeaking in the front end suspension when driving at low speeds. The dealer said the lower control arm needed to be replaced. The dealer indicated that this was not a safety problem. *ak

Filed Jul 7, 2003 · Engine, Steering · NJ

Recall letter for replacement of tie rods on 1999 volkswagen passat. *mr the front end of the vehicle squeaked. The technician found lower and upper control arm damage, the control arm boots were torn open with no lubrication which caused the squeak noise. There was also a cam shaft tensioner gasket leak which was removed and replaced. *scc. The consumer took the vehicle to have the rods replaced after receiving the recall, however, the dealer called the consumer back and informed him, the vehicle had been inspected and it was not necessary for the work to be done, even though the recall letter stated it they would be replaced to prevent future problems.

Filed Jan 28, 2003 · Suspension · 92,353 miles · MA

Creaking/squeaking noise from front-right (passenger) side of front control arms. Dealer indicated need of replacing control arms for wear. Vehicle manufactured in 99 with 92414 miles, mostly highway miles, does not give a reason for these to fail as most cars have control arms to last a lifetime of a vehicle hence failing at the car's current condition should not be acceptable.

Filed Oct 21, 2002 · Suspension · TX

Bushing failure on all 4 front lower control arms. These bushings gradually became loose and began squeaking, accompanied by clunking over low-speed bumps. This is a common problem on these cars. Vw has refused to officially acknowledge the defect and do a recall, even though they are paying for part of the costs for some people's repairs and they have redesigned the bushings in question. Furthermore, the relatively inexpensive bushings can be replaced without replacing the entire control arm, but dealerships refuse to do that, instead to force most customers to pay for the much more expensive control arm assembly. These bushing failures pose a danger if they fail severely enough. The only reason they aren't causing wrecks is that the failure is gradual and most owners replace them before the bushings get too bad. But this is still a safety issue and the repair is hardly optional. Dt

Filed Sep 3, 2002 · Suspension · VT

While driving there's a squeaking and popping noise coming from under side of vehicle when going over bumps in road. Took vehicle to mechanic, and they replaced three control arms. A short time later popping started again, and consumer needed a fourth control arm. Consumer contacted dealer, and they stated vehicle was not under any recall. Currently, all eight control arms have been replaced.

Filed Jun 27, 2002 · Suspension · MN

Front suspension begins squeaking due to failure of ball joints which are integral with the lower control arm. This defect requires replacement of the entire arm. I've learned this is a common problem for 99 passats. It is unheard of for these types of components to fail so early before 50,000 miles but they do on these passats.

Filed May 30, 2002 · Suspension · WI

Increasing "grinding" sound and increased "play" and movement in front suspension caused by failing control arm bushings-diagnosed by dealer (stated it was a known and common problem). 2nd. Vw passat with same problem ('98 model and '99 model) repair partially covered by vw on '98 model outside of original warranty. Concerned about safety as bushings continue to wear.