1999 Volkswagen Passat: sudden loss of power

Filed Feb 16, 2007 · Engine · 150,000 miles · MA

Tl*- the contact stated that sometimes in june 2006 while driving on the highway at 65 MPH the 1999 volkswagen passat started to lose power. Also, he heard a rapping sound coming from the engine of the vehicle. The vehicle was towed into a repair facility, where they determined that the engine completely ceased. The repair was not completed. The current and failure mileage were both 150000.

Filed Jan 31, 2007 · Engine · 54,000 miles · CO

1999 vw passat 1.8t suffered sudden timing belt failure at only 54,000 miles. Incident occurred at night on a major interstate (I-70) in the colorado mountains, leaving me barely able to control my vehicle to coast uphill to a narrow snowy shoulder, where we were forced to call 911 and wait for almost 45 minutes in a cold vehicle, in constant danger of being struck from behind by semi/tractor trailers. I am disappointed that this occurred at such low mileage and endangered my family, and if it were an isolated incident I would not be pursuing this issue as I did miss the 40,000 mile service when a belt inspection was scheduled to be performed. I am concerned that this appears to be a common problem with this vehicle based upon my discussions with independent vw/audi service technicians and the internet, and LED to a class action lawsuit of audi and now (ongoing) vw. In the meantime, vw appears to be denying that this is an issue, and refuses to honor its extended powertrain warranty unless it has been very strictly followed. Due to the systematic failure with this critical engine part, usually occurring well before vw's own recommended belt change interval of 105,000 miles, I believe that vw should be repairing/recalling these vehicles for replacement of the defective belts and tensioners. Sudden and total loss of engine power can lead to loss of vehicle control; in my case the real danger was the location and circumstances of the failure. It appears vw is following the same aggressive stance/denials of warranty claims with another issue with these engines, the oil "sludging" problem which is also well-documented on the internet.

Filed Aug 7, 2006 · Brakes · 97,630 miles · VA

1 - I was driving my 1999 vw passat with 97,630 miles on july 28, 2006 when it seemed to lose power and the "check engine light" came on. I pulled over as soon as possible to check oil, fluids, damage, etc but could find nothing out of the ordinary. 2 - a day later, the exhaust started to make a continuously loud noise and the accelerator pedal now fluctuates up and down automatically without any action from me. It appears like a circuit board or electronic control module went bad. 3 - the "ABS / brake" lights came on and started blinking at this time as well. 4 - my dealer said the modules go bad and it is not under any warranty, so the estimate was around $850 to fix. I called vw's national customer care and they did not have any warranty or recall notices that could help.

Filed May 18, 2006 · Electrical · 53,000 miles · CA

Dt*: the contact stated without warning the vehicle lost power and would not accelerate above 20 MPH, causing the vehicle to shake. The vehicle was driven to the dealership and the ignition module was replaced. This problem returned, and the vehicle was driven to an independent repair shop, where the same component was replaced again. Updated 06/07/2006. *ak

Filed Dec 23, 2004 · Electrical, Steering · MD

Recall campaign 00414000 dealer notice too much play in upper control arms and tie rods. *bf recall campaign# 99v248000. The consumer was told that the VIN was outside of the VIN range. The second issue was with the output stage control module which was replaced due to the vehicle losing power and shuddering.

Filed Nov 21, 2004 · Electrical · 87,031 miles · CT

While driving on highway check engine light began blinking and car idle became extremely rough - had to drive home from highway using reduced power - engine would only work when driven at specific RPM. After approximately 10 miles of extremely rough running, car engine would not start at all. Vehicle had to be towed to the dealership for repair. It was found that the ignition control module, bosch part number 4d0 905 351 failed. Part was replaced and engine began working again. Car was not safely driveable when this part had failed.

Filed Oct 20, 2004 · Electrical · 75,800 miles · TX

Car would lose power with a blinking check engine light. Then the car's check engine light quit blinking and it would suddenly surge forward. I almost rear ended another car when it surged. Dealer diagnosed and replaced the ignition control module.

Filed Sep 14, 2004 · Engine · 82,290 miles · AZ

82290 miles on car. Car engine suddenly lost power and would not run. Turning on emergency flashers, blowing my horns and then rapidly exiting the road I was able to avoid getting rear-ended. Cam belt is broken and then causes about $3500 in damage to the top-end (bend valves,etc.) of the car car is current in the vw repair shop awaiting $4650 in total to replace cam belt and damaged top end. Note: cam belt may have been stressed due to ignition modlule failure at 80330 document on 10090985.....

Filed Jun 23, 2004 · Engine · 52,315 miles · OR

The timing belt loosened, flapped up, and severed. When this occurred the vehicle lost power and stalled. The engine would not run and the vehicle did not accelerate. The vehicle displayed a rough idle and rattled. This was a common problem with these vehicles, per dealership. *ak the timing belt tensioner failed while the vehicle was in motion. The timing belt broke after the tensioner shredded it. The vehicle was shifted into park while in motion. The power brakes and the power steering failed. The vehicle was purchased with 52,515 miles and the failure had already occurred. Less than 4k miles later. The consumer requested reimbursement.

Filed Dec 3, 2003 · Acceleration · 80,000 miles · CT

For 2 years now, on cold days (temps in the teens) there have been occasions (about 5) where the accelerator sticks in the accelerating position. Adjusting the pedal position has no effect on slowing the car down. In fact, there were times when the only way to stop the car was to shut the engine off. This actually causes loss of power brakes and steering and makes it more difficult to maintain control. After waiting on the side of the road for about 5 to 10 minutes, you can start the car and everything is back to normal. This is a very dangerous and perhaps a life threatening condition. The car has a 2.8 liter v6 with an automatic transmission. I have a friend who had an audi a6 quatro (1999) with the same 2.8 v6 and had the same issue. After spending several hundred dollars trying to get it resolved with no luck, he sold the car. This doesn't solve the problem, but it may keep his family alive.

Filed Oct 21, 2003 · Electrical · 61,000 miles · MA

Spark plug ignition module failure. Car suddenly lost power and caused a potentially dangerous situation for my wife and children.

Filed Jun 3, 2003 · Suspension · FL

While driving at 65mph suddenly vehicle start shaking/ lost power, never went over 40mph.