Suspension clunking noise - taken to dealer 5+ times, no resolution.
1999 Volkswagen Passat suspension complaints
Page 5 of 5: complaints 101 to 118 of 118, newest first, as owners wrote them.
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.
Vehicle stalls intermittently at speeds of 25-65 MPH. Vehicle taken to dealer 10-15 times, cannot find a cause. *ak the mirror switch is inoperative due to window switch failure. The driver seat warmer was inoperative. Engine has a burning smell due to oil leak. Vehicle made noise in front end on left turns due to a stabilizer bar clamp being loose. Front brakes make noise. Steering makes noise and locked while driving. Steering column sliding cover cracked.
Car had been recalled for repairing defective tie rod - once fixed the entire front end and tires have gone bad and the dealer estiimates $ 1500 for repairing tires. Manufacturer is adamant and obnoxious and thinks that this is normal wear and tear based on telephone conversation. At 38,000 miles front end failure needs to be investigated.
I have knowledge of these parts failing on at least 100 vw passats 1998-2001. I'm sure there are more. There should definitely be a recall or redesign parts made and substituted.
Twice, with less than 50,000 miles on my 1999 passat, both upper control arms have failed. I have spoken to numerous audi a4 and vw passat owners who have experienced the same failures. The cost to repair the control arms is in excess of $1200 and vw has done nothing to remedy this problem. The dealerships have been absolutely pitiful to deal with and have no reasonable explanations as to why these parts are failing. Please do something about this. In a car that costs over $25,000 this is unacceptable.
Known issue with vwoa, also happens on audi a4/a6. Vw refuses to repair problem, but they have a repair kit for the caontrol arms, bushings and ball-joints
I have informed the dealer and I imformed them about the lower control arm failure and there was tsb call for the item they told me that I dont quailify for that problem. The problem is that their a bushing failure on both side of the lower control arm it made it loose and you can feel it in the wheels and steering wheel. It would be a easy fix if they just replace the bushing but they dont just sell the bushing they sell the whole lower control arm. I have technical knowlegde about the cars and I believe that this is a problem. Its a safety issue to anyone. If the person does not know what going on. They will continue driving their unsafe car. The suspension test on the inspection station will not detect the problem. It will affect the alignment and the drive shaft and steering.
Being a member of a vw passat forum, I know many other owners with the same failure. No safety defect.
Consumer went to the dealership due to steering/suspension alignment problems, the dealership performed recall service without proper authorization which cost the consumer additional money and repair work, consumer is very unsatisfied with the performance of the dealership while repairing vehicle and request assistance.
When coming down a hill or stopping hard sounds like front of car is going to collapse.
Steering wheel has a lot of play inside of vehicle, and ball joints are making lound and poppy noises.
While driving at slow speed consumer heard a knocking sound from front. Dealer found links that hold swaybar in place had worn out.
Vehicle was making a funny noise, and consumer took vehicle to dealer. They said that upper and lower ball joints would need replacing. Consumer felt ball joints were wearing out too fast and feared that a wheel may fall off as a result of control arm.
Consumer has multiple problems with vehicle. Received recall 00v414000 for tie rods. Vehicle would shake and make noises at times. Also, supension was squeaking enough to take vehicle to dealer. Lower and upper control arms and tie rods had to be replaced. Consumer had a foreign automobile shop to verify problem. It was unbelievable that a 2 year old vehicle would have this problem. Consumer was responsible for $1400.00 to repair it. Dealer has no explanation why it was like this.
The lower right arm of the front suspension has failed. This is after only 25,000 miles. The bushing has apparently come loose from the arm. If allowed to progress far enough, this could lead to unsafe handling of the vehicle.
Steering pulls to the right and always has, mostly during braking, the rotors need to be replaced while the front brakes are at 20%, steering problems possibly due to the faulty rotors.
While attempting to make a 180-degree turn, coming from a parked position on the street, the front left wheel disconnected from the car and hung at a 90-degree angle. This car is dangersou when super-extending the suspension system because a hollow knuckle is used in the suspension system.
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