1999 Volkswagen Passat transmission problems

Filed Jul 9, 2017 · Transmission · WA

After starting and beginning motion there's a slowing in motion as though the brakes had been slightly tapped or as though the ABS had told the transmission computer to slow down. Gas consumption was 16mpg. After several years one tech listened to me, adjusted the 'feedback' from ABS to the transmission module computer and the sensation of braked slowing was gone! And the gas consumption became 19mpg! Several years later my door locks shorted out and had to be replaced after destroying two batteries. The tech then reported that he had reprogrammed the electrical system to 'factory specs' at that point the 'slowing (braked)' problem recurred and the gas consumption dropped back to 16 mpg. How can I get the car readjusted to get rid of the 'slowing' problem and return to 19mpg gas usage??? [xxx] , [xxx] my dealer is :carter volkswagen,seattle, wa my e-mail is [xxx]. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).'

Filed Jul 26, 2011 · Transmission · 59,859 miles · IL

Tl* the contact owns a 1999 volkswagen passat. The contact stated that she was unable to change gears. The contact also stated that the failure occurred once prior, and both occurrences took place during rainy weather. The first time the failure occurred, the vehicle was towed to an authorized dealer, who stated that the transmission control module needed to be replaced due to water damage. Two years later, the transmission control module failed again after a storm. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, but offered no assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 59,859 and the current mileage was 81,000.

Filed Mar 13, 2011 · Body, Transmission · 239,000 miles · VT

Water in the passenger compartment of the vehicle, from any source (including the sunroof drains that were recalled but not effectively fixed) or snow from boots that has melted... Drains to the lowest point, which is where vw put the TCM (an electrical component highly sensitive to moisture) this caused the transmission to slam into limp mode at 65 MPH with 2 kids in the back seat. Volkswagen is aware of the problem as are thousands of 1500$ poorer vw owners who had to replace the TCM and hope that this doesn't happen again.

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 Dec 15, 2006 · Airbags, Engine · CT

1999 passat engine seized due to a oil pump failure. *ts the consumer had the oil leak repaired on 5 different occasions. The consumer had other problems with the vehicle such as a faulty drive shaft, right cv joint, the glove compartment latch, the control knob for the side view mirrors, the heater control unit, engine control unit, water pump seal rings, a power steering leak which was had to be fixed twice, the coolant pump, o-rings and the oil pump and pump rod bearings. There is a noise coming from the rear right wheel, oil is leaking from the valve covers.

Filed Dec 22, 2005 · Transmission · 51,977 miles · NY

Purchased a 99 vw passat wagon from a virginia dealer in nov 2004 mileage 47.5k . The transmission control unit/module has now completely failed. This expensive ($1300) circuit board is located under the front passenger seat. It is in a non-draining well in the floor pan under the carpeting and padding. It is in no way sealed or waterproofed to prevent corrosion from condensation or failure from water buildup in the area. Normal use in inclement weather allows drops of water to accumulate in this area . Once the water gets to the area where the tcu is located it remains there. Whatever evaporation that does occur just increases the humidity around the tcu, it then condenses on the cold metal floor pan or the tcu and drains back into the well the tcu is in. Since it is under the carpet and the padding one cannot see or easily detect that water or even just a dampness exists here. The tcu corrodes until it fails, when it fails the vehicle is undriveable and must then be towed to a vw dealer. There is no diagnostic data available that would allow a regular garage to repair it. Even gc volkswagen requested 3 hrs of diagnostic time. Their final charge was 3.5 hrs to identify the problem and replace the tcu. A 12 month/12000 mile warranty was given except for failure due to outside influence. As I understand it this means any use of the vehicle outside of a temperature and humidity controlled enclosure. I was assured that it will fail again and there was nothing I could do to prevent it. By the time one discovers water in the area the damage is already done. Vw will not reimburse me for the repairs or issue a solution to prevent further damage to the tcu. This is a design flaw and should be recalled as it effects every 1.8t w/ tiptronic auto transmission. Vw is endangering peoples lives and costing people thousands of dollars due to the poor placement of this component. Outside influence is a scam to deny payment. I would not buy a car I couldn't drive outside- would you?

Filed Jul 7, 2005 · Transmission · 75,089 miles · CA

For: 99 volkswagon passat wagon while my wife and I were parking in front of a bank, in a sudden the car shoke violently; we stopped without turning the engine off... The car was shaking very hard still. We then had this car diagnozed at a firestone service center nearby. After a day, the mechanic mentioned that there's misfiring in cylinder 2, and it's common thing in passat (I did not know this until then), but vw never issued a recall. So they asked me to leave the car for an extra day so they could solve the problem. Another day passed, they informed me that they needed more time; they tried to replace the coil, it's still misfiring, and they mentioned more trials, but those were not good too. They suggested me to bring the car to the dealership. One hour before I wrote this to the federal safety agency, I researched the internet and I found similar occurances of misfiring from cylinders, and a few has the same type: 99 passat. Here is what I had found: 1. Http://www.consumeraffairs.com/automotive/vw_coils.html 2. Http://experts.about.com/q/801/4003867.htm 3. Http://www.topgear.com/content/features/stories/faq/01/modules/02_engine/17/ 4. Http://www.automotivehelper.com/topic291366.htm 'boschmann' "north american models had alot of problems with cracks forming in the ignition coil." 5. Http://inmyexperience.com/archives/000213.shtml very resourceful, more people write their concerns of misfiring. 6. Http://www.carsurvey.org/viewcomments_review_23919.html .... And more. When the first it happened, I thought we just hit and ran over something... I was already in the parking lot of a bank. Sto I parked and looked 30 ft away to where the first shake happened... Nothing there. Therefore, I would request the federal safety agency to open an investigation for this matter. If you have any question, I will be best to be contacted by email. Sincerely, edward yahya

Filed Jan 26, 2005 · Steering, Suspension · WI

The control arms, tie rod, and one cv boot failed. The consumer received recall notice for 1999 vw passat after repairs were done. *bf the consumer requested reimbursement. *sc the consumer claim for reimbursement was denied. The manufacturer stated the consumer did not have the necessary maintenance performed when required.

Filed Dec 3, 2004 · Transmission, Visibility · 85,029 miles · OR

Clunking noises heard when transmission is in gear and moving forward-not heard in reverse. Car would not go into any forward gears, it would only shift in reverse. *bf the vehicle was taken to the dealer who determined that the transmission control module had been damaged beyond repaire. *nm the unit sits beneath the passenger seat of the vehicle and was completely submerged in water due to the failure of the sunroof drains which caused rain water to collect and pool inside of the vehicle. *tc

Filed Mar 30, 2004 · Electrical, Engine · 30 miles · IL

The 1999 passat has had a number of problems from excessive oil consumption, electrical problems,water pump defects, front end assembly and transmission problems. (nar) *ph