When we bought it the ABS light was on and brake light blinks, when baking up to the left it clicks.
1999 Volkswagen Passat steering problems
76 complaints (11% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 65,208.
- owner complaints
- 76
- of this car's complaints
- 11%
- typical mileage
- 65,208
- crashes
- 0
- recalls
- 2
Which part fails
- Linkages: tie rod assembly37
- Linkages: rod: relay: connecting12
- Linkages8
- Rack and pinion6
- Rack and pinion: rack4
- Hydraulic power assist system2
- Steering wheel/handle bar1
- Hydraulic power assist: pump1
At what mileage
Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.
0k-25k
25k-50k
50k-75k
75k-100k
100k-125k
125k-150k
150k-175k
175k-200k
200k+
Volkswagen Passat steering problems in other years
Specific symptoms reported on the 1999 Volkswagen Passat steering
Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.
Related recalls
Steering: linkages: rod: relay: connecting
- What is wrong
- Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The tie rods of the steering assembly are protected on each side by a seal to prevent moisture and dust particles from entering the swivel bearing mechanism. It is possible that some tie rod seals may not seal properly.
- Risk
- If moisture and/or dust particles enter the swivel bearing mechanism, the swivel bearing could wear over time diminishing the steering control of the vehicle.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the tie rods.
Recall number 00V414000 · Recall details
Steering: linkages: rod: relay: connecting
- What is wrong
- Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The tie rods of the steering assembly are protected on each side by a seal to prevent moisture and dust particles from entering the swivel bearing mechanism. It is possible that some tie rod seals may not seal properly.
- Risk
- If moisture and/or dust particles enter the swivel bearing mechanism, the swivel bearing could wear over time diminishing the steering control of the vehicle.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the tie rods.
Recall number 99V248000 · Recall details
Related investigations
Alleged premature tie rod failure
On august 2, 2005, odi received a petition submitted by ms. Miriam schneider of olney, md, requesting an investigation of allegedly defective tie rods in certain model year (my) 1999 volkswagen passat vehicles not included in two previous safety recall campaigns (identified henceforth as the subject vehicles).in a september 1999 letter, volkswagen of america, inc. (vw) notified the agency that an undetermined percentage of my 1998-1999 volkswagen passat and audi a4, a6, and a8 vehicles contained a safety-related defect affecting aluminum tie rod ends in the steering system.vw indicated that it was possible that some tie rods would not seal properly which could allow moisture and dust particles to enter the swivel bearing mechanism, resulting in premature wear.the approximately 22,200 volkswagen and 29,700 audi vehicles affected by this recall (identified by the federal safety agency recall no. 99v‑248) were built from january 1998 through july 1998 and fell within a specific vehicle identification number (VIN) range.in november 2000, vw chose to expand the scope of the recall (identified by the federal safety agency recall no. 00v‑414) after it determined that some potentially defective aluminum tie rod ends may have been installed in an additional 44,000 volkswagen and 39,000 audi vehicles built from august 1998 through april 1999.these subject recall actions were not influenced by odi.instead, vw made an independent determination to conduct a recall after german vehicle inspection authorities notified it of ?worn? Tie rods and factory inspection of some ?worn? Tie rods revealed improper sealing.according to a december 2004 report, the petitioner brought her my 1999 passat to an authorized volkswagen dealer for an unrelated recall repair where she was notified by service personnel that, after 59,000 miles traveled, the tie rods ?have too much play,? And the recommended repairs would not be covered free of charge because her VIN (wvwna63b1xe499116) was outside the recall range.in june 2005, after 65,400 miles traveled, the petitioner paid $588.59 to replace worn inner and outer tie rod ends on both sides of the vehicle.the petition letter specifically requests that the scope of vw?s recall be expanded to include the petitioner?s vehicle and that she be reimbursed for the cost of the repairs.there are a total of 191 non-duplicative complaints to odi and vw that allege premature wear of either one or both outer tie rod ends in the subject vehicles.as of november 18, 2005, odi is not aware of any allegations of tie rod separations resulting in a loss of vehicle control, crash or injury in the subject vehicles.the petitioner?s vehicle was manufactured on june 8, 1999 using revised steel tie rod ends and therefore was already equipped with the tie rod ends used to remedy defective vehicles in the subject recalls.analysis indicates that there does not appear to be a safety-related defect trend with respect to the steel tie rod ends used in the subject vehicles.in view of the foregoing, it is unlikely that the federal safety agency would issue an order for the notification and remedy of the alleged defect as defined by the petitioner at the conclusion of the investigation requested in the petition.therefore, in view of the need to allocate and prioritize the federal safety agency?s limited resources to best accomplish the agency?s safety mission, the petition is denied.
DP05003
What 1999 Volkswagen Passat owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
I own a 1999 volkswagen passat in which the control arms, tie rod ends, ball joints, and bushings are failing. Based on some internet research, this is a common failure for similar makes, models, and years. The problem occurs every day, and if left unattended, results in safety problems at higher speeds. Parts will be replaced in the near future and old parts will be retained, if it is feasible.
On my vehicle, the passenger front lower control arm is failing at the ball joint. There are loud screeches at low speeds when passing over bumps coming from the ball joint evidencing the inappropriate wear. This was addressed and replaced according to service bulletin "vm" with volkswagen in early 2005, but the part is wearing improperly again. Failure of this part could cause loss of steering and could be fatal at highway speeds.
Tl*the contact owns a 1999 volkswagen passat. While driving at any speed, the contact heard a thumping sound coming from the rear of the vehicle. She did not notice any differences in the vehicle prior to hearing the sound. The vehicle was diagnosed by the dealer and the tie rods were replaced. The federal safety agency campaign id number 00v414000 (steering:linkages:rod:relay:connecting) was referenced. The current mileage was 65,829 and failure mileage was 39,466.
Tie rod ends excessive wear. Required replacement prior to issuance of nys inspection @60k in 07. Tie rods previously replaced by dealer under recall in 2001@ 19k. Different recall in 05 @ 50k for inspection/replacement of control arms resulted in inspection only. Dealer did not find excessive wear of control arms or tie rod ends. I doubt dealers integrity or that the service tech was aware of previous tie rod replacement. Obviously the acceptable wear would be greater had the parts been in service longer. Defective control arms lead to excessive wear of the steering linkages and ball joints. The vehicle has very low mileage for its age and has been used less than 6k a year since purchase in 05. Cost for the replacement was $150 parts (moog tie rod ends), $90 labor, $75 for the required alignment and nys tax = ~$330. This is safety concern and excessive wear for a part that should have at least a 60k life expectancy. It would be normal for a vehicle to travel 20k between inspections. For the dealer to ok at 50k and an independent inspection facility to condemn at 60k is suspicious. The parts were visibly worn and defective by personal inspection.
Tl*the contact owns a 1999 volkswagen passat. The manufacturer stated that the contact's VIN was not included in the federal safety agency campaign id number 00v414000 (steering: linkages: rod: relay: connecting). She felt that her VIN should be included. There had been no failure to date. The current mileage was 56,740.
Tl*the contact owns a 1999 volkswagen passat. The vehicle failed inspection due to the tie rods. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the tie rods were replaced. The contact stated that the steering was loose. The manufacturer stated that the VIN was not included in the federal safety agency recall # 00v414000 nor # 99v248000 (steering:linkages:rod:relay:connecting). The current mileage is 63,000 and failure mileage was 62,800.
Refer to the federal safety agency recall # 99v248000. 1999 volkswagen passat tie rods or steering linkage. I have had to replace them 3 times at $1500.00 to $2000.00 each time since 2005. Suncoast volkswagen in sarasota fl repaired it 2 times, most recent in 10/06. Now, northtown volkswagen in amherst ny was replacing them again. I referred to this recall and volkswagen customer service said VIN did not fall within their recall numbers. Your recall information claimed the extent of models affected was unknown. Please help me in this issue. The dealer gave me excuses each time.
While having new tires installed on my vehicle approximately one year ago (not at my vw dealer), I was informed that my tie rod ends were "loose" and required replacement. Three weeks ago, I brought my vehicle in to my dealer to have the cv joints replaced, and to have the tie rod ends inspected. The dealer confirmed the previous diagnosis, adding that the tie rod ends were now "dangerously loose." I proceeded to have them replaced at a cost of approx. $700 including the front-end alignment that necessitated. I had done some research on the internet and learned that the tie rod ends had had two recalls for my model year vehicle. However, my dealership service manager told me unequivocally "there was no recall" on my tie rod ends for this vehicle. Subsequent research on the federal safety agency web site revealed that my VIN number falls slightly outside the VIN ranges covered by the two recalls. As a mechanical engineer, and as a matter of common sense, it seems utterly unreasonable for such a critical (steering) component to have failed in such a short period of time. A review of the facts involved in the above recalls, it is obvious that vw's design was defective for the recall class, and certainly seems to have remained defective on vehicles produced after the recall VIN range covered under the recalls. Unfortunately, I failed to have the dealer provide me with the replaced components.
Front upper control arms and outer tie rods had to be replaced for the second time. First time at 55,552 miles and second time at 75,959 miles. That's only 20,407 miles difference for the $1200.00 repair to be done again. Absurd. Called the vw customer care and they refuse to reimburse in any way stating the 2 year warranty expired. This defect would never fall within the warranty period so they have no excuse. I already absorbed the cost for the 1st repair so in all fairness they should cover the 2nd time. This is a very common problem with vw's. I'm not going to pay $1200 every 20,000 to have my car repaired. I will go legal and forward this complaint to consumer reports, the bbb, and the attorney general.
Questions about the 1999 Volkswagen Passat steering
Does the 1999 Volkswagen Passat have steering problems?
Owners have filed 76 complaints about the steering of the 1999 Volkswagen Passat, 11% of all its complaints.
At what mileage do 1999 Volkswagen Passat steering problems start?
The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 65,208 miles.
Was there a recall on the 1999 Volkswagen Passat steering?
Yes, 2 recalls: 00V414000, 99V248000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.
What year does the Volkswagen Passat have bad steering?
The Volkswagen Passat model years with the most steering complaints are 2006 (112 complaints), 1999 (76 complaints) and 1998 (52 complaints).
Other 1999 Volkswagen Passat problems
Brakes 233Suspension 118Engine 88Electrical 58Visibility 33Acceleration 32Fuel system 29Transmission 29Airbags 21Lights 16Tires 12Body 11Seats 10Seat belts 4Locks 3Driver assistance 1Wheels 1
VIN decoder
See the problems and recalls for an exact car
Buying a used 1999 Volkswagen Passat?
Check the exact car before you pay: accidents, salvage or flood titles, odometer readings and previous owners.
Check its history