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1999 Volkswagen Passat transmission complaints

Page 2 of 2: complaints 11 to 29 of 29, newest first, as owners wrote them.

See the summary of 1999 Volkswagen Passat transmission problems: which part fails, at what mileage and related recalls.

Filed Feb 19, 2004 · Transmission, Wheels · 9,000 miles · IL

While turning a corner, the front drivers side wheel separated from the vehicle. Also while driving 20 MPH the vehicle stalled without warning. The dealer claims that a bolt sheared off into the transmission. The dealer refused to repair any of the problems associated with this vehicle.

Filed Sep 15, 2003 · Transmission · 59,900 miles · CT

At just under 60k miles the clutch on my 1999 volkswagon gls v6 passat blew. There was no sign of the impending difficulty. This car was towed to the volkswagon dealer where purchased. On the high end the cost of the repair has been estimated at $2,200.00 as the blown clutch may have also caused damage to the flywheel wich is a $750.00 plus part. The volkswagon dealer will offer a 20% discount on the repair as this vehicle was just purchased in 2/03 with less than 52k miles. Volkswagon of america will offer no assistance whatsoever as the clutch is deemed a wear-and- tear item.

Filed Mar 19, 2003 · Electrical, Transmission · 65 miles · FL

The car is on it's second transmission with only 47000 miles, and having problems with it. Doesn't want to shift into higher gear and clunks sometimes. Headlights did not work for first 4 months we owned the car. Dealer could not find the problem. Sunroof opens and closes by itself. Dealerships have not found the problem. Map light has started to do the same. Indicator lights go on and off. Dealer says he has never heard of a problem with the wiring on these cars and that it is safe to drive.

Filed Mar 7, 2003 · Transmission · 39,000 miles · CT

I was heading home and barely on the turnpike, when I heard a big bang and I could not shift gears anymore. I had some trouble to get my car through the traffic from the high-speed left lane to a safe spot and called the towing service. I was about 140 miles away from home and the cost, after the roadside insurance paid its part, was $400. As it turns out, the pressure plate of the clutch broke into 3 pieces. I was very lucky, and so were the drivers around me, that the problem happened at low speed since the broken pieces could have easily turned into missiles, not to mention the inability to control the car in heavy traffic. Although the car is out of warranty, since the mileage is still very low, I believe that the defect is so unusual and the potential effects of such a failure are so dangerous that manufacturer does bear a continued responsibility. On 2/18/03 I informed the manufacturer that I expected them to confirm reimbursing me fully for the $400 towing cost and to bear at least half of the cost of $912 for replacing the clutch, $456. I also offered to send copies of the receipts. The broken parts can also be inspected if you whish at my residence or at a conveniently located place of your choice. Since I did not hear from the manufacturer since they acknowledged on 2/19/03 receipt of my email and promised action within 48 hrs., they do not seem to be taking responsibility. Therefore, I will have to conclude that this problem, rather than being a freak exception, is rather a frequent occurrence and therefore I feel that it is my obligation to go public with the case, so that as many consumers as possible can be protected from a similar dangerous event while driving a volkswagen.

Filed Oct 12, 2002 · Transmission · GA

Clutch pedal went to floor in very heavy traffic causing potential for an accident and severe injury. Upon inspection, found that clutch hydraulic hose on the v6 passat is installed such that it rests on an adjacent hose. This causes abrasion to the hose and ultimately catastrophic failure. This in my opinion is a design / workmanship defect that needs to be corrected. Mr

Filed Sep 12, 2002 · Transmission · CA

While driving on highway at 65 MPH gear will automaticly go into neutral and suddenly will switch back into a lower gear. Vehicle has been taken trhee diferent times to dealer, but problem still there.

Filed Jul 2, 2002 · Transmission · GA

Car with an automatic transmission will not go into gear due to failure of the computerized control module. Dealership claim problem is due to rain and will not cover repair under the warranty. (powertrain warranty is 100,000 miles, and care only has 20,000 miles).

Filed Apr 5, 2002 · Steering, Transmission · NC

Car has had tie rods replaced under a recall ,both c.v.joints replaced plus a wheel bearing fixed which I had to pay for.don 't understand why these problems have came up so early in car service life.

Filed Apr 4, 2002 · Transmission · PA

Car has been back to dealer over 12 times for clutch related problems. Clutch stuck to floor, slave cyl leak, clutch replaced twice and slave cyl replaced three times. Leak destroyed inside dash, dealer ref to fix. Electrical probs in dash, crackling noise heard. Brake line and slave cyl problems. Persuing lemon law (suit filed).

Filed Mar 23, 2002 · Transmission, Visibility · OH

I have complained to the dealer at 20,000 miles and at 40,000 mile that the transmission downshifts very harshly at times. The dealer stated this is normal??? And if I wanted them to look at it, I would have to pay for it up-front, and that the powertrain warranty would cover it only if they found something wrong. The sunroof has a "broken track" after 40,000 mi. It costs more to fix it than it did to buy it! Is this a problem throughout all vw's?

Filed May 9, 2001 · Transmission · NC

Consumer was traveling 5-10-MPH, just moving out into traffic and clutch went out. There was no warning at all. Dealer determined that clutch was bad, but will not cover it. *ak

Filed Feb 26, 2001 · Transmission · OK

Vehicle had a recall on bearings wich would cause alignment problems. Also,would cause tire problems. Has not contacted dealer yet.

Filed Feb 15, 2001 · Transmission · IL

While making a 180% turn left vehicle suddenly dropped. Consumer got out, and wheel was completely off due to transaxle breaking. Contacted manufacturer, and manufacturer tried to tell consumer that it was her fault. Consumer had purchased an extended warranty, and manufacturer did not want to use warranty.

Filed Aug 30, 2000 · Transmission · KS

Speedometer and tacometer will periodically not light up. They start to flicker and go out. Speedometer and tacometer will not light up until engine is turned off and restarted. Dealer has not provided a remedy, and has advised consumer that a remedy will not be issued until matter was constant.

Filed May 9, 2000 · Transmission · NJ

There was a catostrophic failure of the clutch with no sign of problems prior to failure.note car had routine service five days prior to failure.

Filed Nov 10, 1999 · Transmission · NY

Cold engine hesitation causing car to downshift, as if you were applying brakes, forcing you to accelerate

Filed Sep 16, 1999 · Transmission · IL

Transmision fails to shift from lower gears, causing car to loose speed and break pedal gets extremely hard, I have made other vehicles make sudden stops this is very dangerous it's very frustrating, I can only drive the car to work. I don't know what to do. I can't keep risking my life, I need your advice.

Filed Aug 30, 1999 · Transmission · CO

Clutch system utilizes a hydraulic system of pressure which is shared with the brake system reservoir, vehicle was built with a leaking slave cylinder and faulty pressure line resulting in loss of clutch operation and brake fluid loss. Mjs

Filed Nov 15, 1998 · Electrical, Transmission · CA

Clutch - the clutch remained depressed to floorboard even though the gear remained engaged! The car lurched forward into intersection! Electrical fire - the car's electrical system under the hood caught fire burning the car to the ground.. This car is brand new and experienced these problems within 1 week of delivery to customer...

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