1999 Volkswagen Passat: engine knocking or ticking

Filed Apr 26, 2004 · Suspension · 43,000 miles · MA

I began to notice an occasional creaking/knocking noise coming from the front end of the car about six months ago . About a month ago the noise became bad enough for me to take it to the dealership to try and diagnose. I described the noise in great detail. Service dept says they drove the car and didn't hear anything, but that the noise was probably due to my brake pads being worn down so far I had metal against metal. New brake pads and rotors: $1250. Cha-ching.*ak next day driving to work I still hear the creaking/knocking noise. I take it back to the dealership, very irate. They say they'll drive it again and give it another listen. This time they do hear something and inform me that it's "just a loose control arm, " that it's "expensive to fix" and that "[they] don't even have the parts on hand." but the guy assures me that the noise is only an annoyance issue and not a safty concern. The noise is consant now and very, very bad. I was actually getting a toasty, smoky odor coming from the car when driving across town the other day.

Filed Nov 30, 2002 · Suspension · WI

Front end knocking started at 35,000 worse when turning. Brought to dealer front right and left lower control arms needed to be replaced not certain of saftey risk if problem left unfixed. Dt

Filed Jul 18, 2002 · Suspension · FL

Suspension system causes knocks in steering column. This affects consumers ability to properly control vehicle. Consumer had tire rods changed, and problem still exists. *ak

Filed Jan 4, 2002 · Suspension · MI

07/21/01 scheduled service for clunking/rattling noise in front suspension over small road imperfections and secondly tie rod recall. Mechanic replaced tie rods, but same clunking/rattling noise occurs upon departure. Dealer ordered sway bar links, replaced on second visit. Rattling noise stops, but shortly after repair, sharper clunking resurfaces, turns into also scraping/squeaking noise on sharp turns left with time. Website and independent research indicates many instances of identical symptoms in same model of car leading to possible wheel detachment in extreme circumstances. Other dealers indicate tsbs issued, but no remedy for repair cost on this relatively late model car. Ball joints only come with kit priced at approximately $600 from dealer. After reading numerous website posts, I've become very concerned on safety of car as clunking/knocking/squeaking/scraping noises have grown louder with my vehicle. I'd feel very uncomfortable keeping/selling this car without the problem remedied. I strongly support a vw or at worst case the federal safety agency initiated recall on this apparent design defect to prevent recurring problems.

Filed Mar 29, 2001 · Suspension · AL

While driving at slow speed consumer heard a knocking sound from front. Dealer found links that hold swaybar in place had worn out.