1999 Volkswagen Passat: loss of power steering

Filed Aug 4, 2008 · Steering, Suspension · 87,000 miles · CO

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.

Filed Oct 8, 2004 · Suspension · 79,000 miles · PA

I own a 1999 vw passat v6. I had noticed that noises were coming from the front suspension, and recently steering felt a little funny. I took the car to an independent auto shop to have it checked and for the state inspection, and I was informed that the front upper control arms had deteriorated to the point of making driving the car quite dangerous. I had them both replaced at a steep cost. I checked online and found several complaints regarding to this issue. I called vwoa to inquire whether they would be willing to pay for the repairs, but they declined. Control arms are not supposed to fail easily, certainly not have joints blown up as in my case. Almost all of my miles are highway miles, and I haven't been hitting potholes or drive off-road for the problem to be attributed to normal wear and tear. I am surprised the federal safety agency hasn't investigated the issue or order a recall, since this is such a common problem in passats, the number of complaints so high, and a failure compromises road safety significantly (failure of the control arms can cause loss of steering and lead to crash or even death).

Filed Sep 4, 2004 · Suspension · 40,000 miles · MD

Vehicle is at 40,000 miles. At 40000 service, dealer reported that the control arms are failing and must be replaced. Because I do not want the control arms to completely fail, leading to a loss of steering control, and potentially resulting in a crash, I will be paying out of my pocket for an independent mechanic to replace the defective control arms. There have been many complaints about control arms reported over internet forums such as vwvortex.com and clubb5.com. Volkswagen refuses to issue a recall for an obviously defective critical suspension component.

Filed Jul 22, 2004 · Suspension · 43,385 miles · WI

The control arms in the 1999, 2000, and 2001 volkswagen passats are defective. According to the dealership if these are not repaired one can lose steering control. The upper control arms in my 1999 passat had to be replaced in november 2003 and now the lower control arms need to be replaced. The dealership indicates that this problem is common in 1999, 2000, and 2001 passats, and I have spoken with other owners who are having the same problem. This safety hazard warrants a recall on these vehicles.

Filed Jul 21, 2004 · Steering, Suspension · 80,000 miles · NC

As a result of a persistent rattling in the front right end of my 4 cyl. 1999 vw passat, I took my car in for investigation. I have been advised by two independent repair shops that both upper control arms on both sides of the car as well as the tie rod ends must be replaced to the tune of $1200. If they are not replaced, I have been advised that one could break and I would have no steering. Obviously at a high rate of speed this could be dangerous or deadly. I have spoken with vw and even though they acknowledge issuing a tsb on this defect, they refuse to cover its repair. This is a safety issue that must be addressed sooner rather than later. Thank you for any help you can provide in this area.

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 May 12, 2003 · Steering · 50,000 miles · WI

Approximately two years ago, our 1999 volkswagen passat developed a distinct creak. The creak has become very pronounced. Our dealer has advised us that it is a defect in the car's control arm, and that the defect is prevalent in 1999 passats. The dealer stated that the defect can lead to a loss of steering capacity. This will cost us approximately $1,000 to fix.

Filed Feb 2, 1999 · Acceleration · CA

While under full throttle, accelerator pedal did not "spring" back after releasing pressure and vehicle continued to accelerate at full throttle until I reached down and pulled accelerator pedal back. First time happened when accelerating from stop light; second time, when merging onto freeway. Both times I was able to free pedal and resume normal driving. Both times I applied the brakes, and this did not help matters, as vehicle continued to accelerate at full throttle. Carpet was not the culprit as it was firmly secured, using factory installed "snaps." dealer had car all day monday and was in contact with vw of america. Unable to find anything wrong; everything "normal." vw claimed to never have heard of this problem before. Still awaiting additional action from vw. I am gravely concerned as dealer told me to drive until problem happens again. This is not an option!! If my wife was driving she would not be able to reach down and release pedal as I did. Only option would be to turn off igition and then she would lose power steering and brakes.