Known Recalls

Model year record

1999 Volkswagen Passat

5 recall campaigns on file for this model year. 854 owner complaints on file.

Recalls

Recall campaignNHTSA 08V156000

Fuel system, gasoline: delivery

Component
Fuel system, gasoline: delivery
Manufacturer
VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA, INC
Vehicles affected
412,000
Reported to NHTSA
2008-04-07
Owners notified
2008-06-13

Defect description

VOLKSWAGEN IS RECALLING 412,000 MY 1999-2005 PASSAT (5TH GENERATION) VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS AND PRODUCED AFTER JUNE 14, 1999. THESE VEHICLES MAY HAVE AN UNDERBODY HEAT SHIELD THAT CAN BECOME DAMAGED. IN ADDITION, AFFECTED VEHICLES WITH AUTOMATIC OR MANUAL TRANSMISSIONS MAY HAVE A FUEL LINE (1.8T ENGINES ONLY) OR FUEL TANK VENTILATION VALVE (4MOTION/ALL WHEEL DRIVE ONLY) THAT CAN LEAK DUE TO FRACTURE.

Safety risk

A HEAT SHIELD THAT MAY CONTACT THE EXHAUST SYSTEM CAN RESULT IN A VEHICLE FIRE. IN ADDITION, A FUEL LEAK FROM A FUEL LINE OR FUEL TANK VENTILATION VALVE, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, CAN LEAD TO A VEHICLE FIRE.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL INSTALL ADDITIONAL UNDERBODY HEAT SHIELDS ON VEHICLES WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS TO COVER THE POSSIBLY DAMAGED AREAS AND FLASH ALL 1.8T ENGINES WITH A PRECAUTIONARY SOFTWARE UPDATE. DEALERS WILL ALSO INSPECT AND ADJUST THE FUEL LINE ROUTING ON 1.8T VEHICLES AND THE FUEL TANK VENTILATION VALVE ON 4MOTION/ALL WHEEL DRIVE VEHICLES, AND REPLACE COMPONENTS IF NECESSARY FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 13, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VOLKSWAGEN AT 1-800-822-8987.

Recall campaignNHTSA 02V026000

Fuel system, gasoline: storage: tank assembly: filler pipe and cap

Component
Fuel system, gasoline: storage: tank assembly: filler pipe and cap
Manufacturer
VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA,INC
Vehicles affected
487,284
Reported to NHTSA
2002-01-25
Owners notified
2003-06-13

Defect description

ON SOME PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE FUEL TANK FILLER NECK CAN SUFFER ABRASION DAMAGE IF THE REAR TIRE GOES FLAT AND THE VEHICLE IS DRIVEN UNTIL THE TIRE DISINTEGRATES.

Safety risk

FUEL LEAKAGE CAN OCCUR INCREASING THE RISK OF A FIRE.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL FIT PASSAT VEHICLES WITH A NEW WHEEL HOUSE LINER THAT WILL BETTER PROTECT THE CAR'S FILLER NECK. JETTA VEHICLES WILL BE FITTED WITH A DIFFERENT METAL SHIELD DESIGNED TO ENHANCE ABRASION PROTECTION IN THE EVENT OF TIRE DISINTEGRATION. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JUNE 13, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT VOLKSWAGEN AT 1-800-822-8987.

Recall campaignNHTSA 00V414000

Steering: linkages: rod: relay: connecting

Component
Steering: linkages: rod: relay: connecting
Manufacturer
VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA,INC
Vehicles affected
83,000
Reported to NHTSA
2000-12-06
Owners notified
2001-02-05

Defect description

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE TIE RODS OF THE STEERING ASSEMBLY ARE PROTECTED ON EACH SIDE BY A SEAL TO PREVENT MOISTURE AND DUST PARTICLES FROM ENTERING THE SWIVEL BEARING MECHANISM. IT IS POSSIBLE THAT SOME TIE ROD SEALS MAY NOT SEAL PROPERLY.

Safety risk

IF MOISTURE AND/OR DUST PARTICLES ENTER THE SWIVEL BEARING MECHANISM, THE SWIVEL BEARING COULD WEAR OVER TIME DIMINISHING THE STEERING CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE TIE RODS.

Recall campaignNHTSA 99V248000

Steering: linkages: rod: relay: connecting

Component
Steering: linkages: rod: relay: connecting
Manufacturer
VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA,INC
Vehicles affected
51,900
Reported to NHTSA
1999-09-13
Owners notified
1999-10-05

Defect description

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE TIE RODS OF THE STEERING ASSEMBLY ARE PROTECTED ON EACH SIDE BY A SEAL TO PREVENT MOISTURE AND DUST PARTICLES FROM ENTERING THE SWIVEL BEARING MECHANISM. IT IS POSSIBLE THAT SOME TIE ROD SEALS MAY NOT SEAL PROPERLY.

Safety risk

IF MOISTURE AND/OR DUST PARTICLES ENTER THE SWIVEL BEARING MECHANISM, THE SWIVEL BEARING COULD WEAR OVER TIME DIMINISHING THE STEERING CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE TIE RODS.

Recall campaignNHTSA 99V131001

Service brakes, hydraulic: power assist: vacuum: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings

Component
Service brakes, hydraulic: power assist: vacuum: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
Manufacturer
VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA,INC
Vehicles affected
88,121
Reported to NHTSA
1999-05-21
Owners notified
1999-10-09

Defect description

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS. A CONTROL VALVE IN THE VACUUM HOSE CONNECTING THE BRAKE BOOSTER TO THE INTAKE MANIFOLD MAY NOT OPEN OR CLOSE FULLY AT TEMPERATURES BELOW -4 F UNDER CERTAIN DRIVING CONDITIONS.

Safety risk

THIS CONDITION COULD CAUSE INSUFFICIENT VACUUM TO BE PROVIDED TO THE BRAKE BOOSTER.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL INSTALL A VACUUM BY-PASS SYSTEM INTO VEHICLES OPERATED IN THESE STATES WHICH IS DESIGNED TO PROVIDE SUFFICIENT VACUUM FOR FULL BRAKE ASSIST UNDER ALL WEATHER CONDITIONS.

Owner complaints

A complaint is one person's report to a federal agency. It is not a finding.

ComponentComplaintsMedian mileage
Service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip: control unit/module6682,500 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip5180,000 mi
Steering: linkages: tie rod assembly3759,000 mi
Suspension: front: control arm3769,824 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic32115,115 mi
Suspension: front: control arm: lower arm3260,000 mi
Engine and engine cooling: engine2974,500 mi
Suspension: front2973,257 mi
Service brakes, air: antilock: control unit/module2480,000 mi
Engine and engine cooling2380,000 mi
Electrical system2296,000 mi
Vehicle speed control2085,225 mi
Engine and engine cooling: engine: gasoline1750,000 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip: ABS warning light17108,000 mi
Service brakes, air: antilock: ABS warning light1471,700 mi
Service brakes, electric13100,000 mi
Suspension: front: control arm: upper arm1365,000 mi
Air bags1244,532 mi
Electrical system: ignition: module1277,500 mi
Steering: linkages: rod: relay: connecting1262,800 mi
Tires117,000 mi
Unknown or other1175,000 mi
Fuel system, gasoline: storage: tank assembly1032,000 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: power assist: vacuum9—
Suspension970,567 mi
Suspension: front: control arm: lower ball joint959,380 mi
Visibility: power window devices and controls954,000 mi
Power train: automatic transmission865 mi
Steering: linkages875,000 mi
Suspension: front: control arm: upper ball joint859,950 mi
Visibility: sun/moon roof assembly885,029 mi
Power train: clutch assembly739,000 mi
Seats759,752 mi
Engine and engine cooling: engine: gasoline: belts and associated pulleys676,000 mi
Fuel system, gasoline695,000 mi
Steering687,000 mi
Steering: rack and pinion6—
Vehicle speed control: accelerator pedal680,000 mi
Air bags: frontal5119,900 mi
Electrical system: instrument cluster/panel5105,556 mi
Electrical system: ignition570,400 mi
Power train59,000 mi
Steering: rack and pinion: rack594,000 mi
Vehicle speed control: cruise control567,000 mi
Electrical system: wiring465 mi
Electrical system: wiring: front underhood4—
Engine and engine cooling: engine: gasoline: turbo/supercharger467,000 mi
Equipment: electrical: radio/tape deck/CD etc.4—
Exterior lighting: brake lights: switch458,000 mi
Fuel system, gasoline: delivery: fuel pump468,000 mi
Fuel system, gasoline: storage: tank assembly: filler pipe and cap4—
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: disc4—
Structure4154,000 mi
Visibility4102,000 mi
Visibility: rearview mirrors/devices: exterior4—
Air bags: side/window3—
Electrical system: 12V/24V/48V battery325,000 mi
Engine and engine cooling: cooling system: hoses/lines/piping/fittings3—
Exterior lighting397,000 mi
Exterior lighting: turn signal387,000 mi
Interior lighting375,000 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: disc: rotor3—
Service brakes, hydraulic: power assist3—
Structure: frame and members3180,000 mi
Electrical system: wiring: rear compartment/trunk2—
Electrical system: wiring: interior/under dash297,000 mi
Engine2179,000 mi
Engine and engine cooling: cooling system: radiator assembly224,665 mi
Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system260,000 mi
Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system: emission control: catalytic convertor284,598 mi
Exterior lighting: brake lights275,000 mi
Exterior lighting: headlights2—
Fuel system, gasoline: fuel injection system220,000 mi
Fuel system, other2—
Fuel/propulsion system2119,000 mi
Latches/locks/linkages: doors: latch2—
Power train: automatic transmission: control module (TCM/PCM/TECM)251,977 mi
Power train: axle assembly: axle shaft2—
Power train: driveline: constant velocity joint2—
Seat belts2—
Seat belts: front: retractor2—
Service brakes, air: antilock263,400 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components2—
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: disc: caliper272,121 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: master cylinder2—
Service brakes, hydraulic: power assist: hydraulic2—
Steering: hydraulic power assist system2—
Structure: body267,000 mi
Visibility: windshield2—
Visibility: windshield wiper/washer2—
Visibility: windshield wiper/washer: motor260,000 mi
Air bags: frontal: driver side: inflator module1—
Air bags: frontal: sensor/control module1—
Electrical system: alternator/generator/regulator1—
Electrical system: horn197,000 mi
Electrical system: ignition: switch197,000 mi
Electronic stability control (ESC)1180,000 mi
Engine and engine cooling: engine: other fuel types: turbo/supercharger160,000 mi
Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system: emission control1—
Equipment1175,000 mi
Equipment: appliance: air conditioner1—
Equipment: electrical185,000 mi
Equipment: recreational vehicle/trailer: LPG systems: water heater130 mi
Exterior lighting: headlights: concealment devices1—
Fuel system, other: fuel injection system192,000 mi
Latches/locks/linkages141,000 mi
Parking brake: conventional1—
Parking brake: indicator light163,400 mi
Power train: automatic transmission: park/neutral start interlock switch1—
Power train: axle assembly1—
Power train: driveline: driveshaft1—
Power train: driveline: universal joint1—
Power train: manual transmission1—
Seats: front assembly: recliner145,000 mi
Seats: front assembly: seat heater/cooler1—
Seats: mid/rear assembly141,000 mi
Service brakes186,000 mi
Service brakes, hydraulic: foundation components: disc: pads1—
Steering: steering wheel/handle bar1—
Steering: hydraulic power assist: hose, piping, and connections1—
Steering: hydraulic power assist: pump1—
Structure: body: door1—
Structure: body: hood: hinge and attachments184,000 mi
Suspension: front: springs: torsion bar1—
Suspension: front: stabilizer bar1—
Suspension: front: wheel bearing1—
Tires: tread/belt1—
Vehicle speed control: linkages172,000 mi
Visibility/wiper1123,718 mi
Visibility: defroster/defogger/hvac system1—
Visibility: defroster/defogger/hvac system: heater core1—
Visibility: defroster/defogger/hvac system: windshield: electrical heating element197,000 mi
Visibility: windshield wiper/washer: linkages160,000 mi
Wheels: lugs/nuts/bolts/studs19,000 mi

The 1998 model has 2 times as many complaints as this one. The 2000 model has about 1.5 times as many complaints as this one. These figures reflect raw complaint counts, not failure rates. Higher-selling model years naturally receive more complaints.

Safety recall repairs are provided free of charge by franchised dealers, regardless of vehicle age or mileage. This page displays aggregated data for the model year. To check recall status for a specific vehicle, search its VIN at nhtsa.gov.