1999 Volkswagen Passat suspension problems

Filed May 19, 2009 · Steering, Suspension · 90,000 miles · NM

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.

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 May 8, 2008 · Suspension · 228,000 miles · MA

Tl*the contact owns a 1999 volkswagen passat. While driving 30 MPH, the front end of the vehicle lowered to the ground without warning, which caused the vehicle to stop. The tow truck driver stated that the front lower control arm broke. As of may 8, 2008, the dealer had not inspected the vehicle. The contact stated that he received service action bulletin for the front lower control arm in november of 2004. The dealer inspected the vehicle however; they did not make any repairs. The contact stated they he was able to replace the front lower control arm. The current and failure mileages were 228, 000. Updated 05/22/08 *bf updated 05/22/08.

Filed Dec 15, 2007 · Steering, Suspension · 60,023 miles · NY

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.

Filed Dec 6, 2007 · Suspension · 89,000 miles · MN

Tl*the contact's son owns a 1999 volkswagen passat. While driving at an unknown speed, the contact's son heard metal rubbing near the front end of the vehicle. The contact stated that the front suspension was loose. The vehicle was taken to a dealer and they replaced the upper and lower links. The purchase date was unknown. The current mileage was 94,490 and failure mileage was 89,000.

Filed Nov 28, 2007 · Suspension · 88,010 miles · OK

Control arms making noise.. Needs replacement..wv manufacturing defect... Most such vehicle has the problem and its a safety issue. Wv need to do a recall in this.

Filed Jan 8, 2007 · Steering, Suspension · 75,959 miles · NY

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.

Filed Aug 24, 2006 · Suspension · 78,050 miles · WI

Car clunked and rattled over small bumps, and felt floaty and wandering at highway speeds. Dealer reported that upper front control arms were bad. Said this is a very common problem with vws and audi's.

Filed Jul 24, 2006 · Suspension · 110,000 miles · OH

The failure of lower control arm happened without any warning, during normal driving on the city road when making a right turn (approximately at 5 MPH speed). Right front suspension lower control arm sheared in two pieces, leaving a front passenger wheel completely separated. If this should happened on any higher higher speed, consequences would be deadly. I researched this safety hazard and found that vw issued a service action for the lower control arm on 1999 passat. However, vw service representative informed me that the service action does not cover my vehicle. Vw's explanation was that it only covers parts from certain supplier (according to representative, vw used two different suppliers for the lower control arm). I believe that lower control arm was a defective part, as this type of failure could not be a result of normal wear and tear. It is a safety hazard. I have to replace lower control arm, drive shaft and wheel liner (and, possibly some other parts which were damaged as a result of the control arm failure) at my expense. I believe, vw should cover at least some of the expense, as it happened as a result of a factory defect.

Filed Jun 12, 2006 · Brakes, Suspension · 74,200 miles · NJ

I have a 1999 vw passat v6 gls. I have 74, 270 miles on the car. My ABS and brake light came on about 1 1/2 weeks ago, then my check engine light came on, then my ABS/ brake and oil pressure light came on and were flashing. I brought it to vw dealer today, and was told my ABS module needed replacement for $975.00. I went online and found at vwvortex.com that quite a few people had similar problems with their passat in my year range. I don't feel that I should be charged for a defective part that is jeopardizing my safety. In addition, I received a recall in 11/04 for vehicle control arms. I brought my car to vw dealer on 12/17/04, and was told that my control arms did not need to be replaced. At that time I had 61, 923 miles on the car. Today, I am told only 12,000 miles later that my control arms need to be replaced at my own expense because the recall is closed. I don't feel that I should be charged for this part either, the defective part should have been replaced in 12/04 before it could pose a hazard to my safety.