1999 Volkswagen Passat Problems, Complaints & Recalls
- Compared with other Passat years
- Far more complaints than other years 2nd of 28 for complaints
- Safety recalls
- 5 recalls: check your VIN
- NHTSA crash rating
- Not rated
Owners have filed 664 complaints with NHTSA about the 1999 Volkswagen Passat. That ranks 2nd out of 28 Passat model years for complaints. The most reported problem area is service brakes, hydraulic (184 complaints, 28%), typically at around 87,000 miles. Complaints mention 11 crashes, 13 fires, 11 injuries. There are 5 safety recalls covering this model year. NHTSA has opened 8 defect investigations involving it.
- 664owner complaints
- 5safety recalls
- 8NHTSA investigations
- 11complaints mentioning a crash
Complaints are unverified owner reports and are not adjusted for sales volume.
Most common 1999 Volkswagen Passat problems
Complaints grouped by the part of the car owners reported, with the median mileage when the problem happened.
| Problem area | Complaints | Share | Median miles | Owners mention most | Typical repair cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic problems | 184 | 28% | 87,000 | “abs brake” (28%) | $2,400 |
| Suspension problems | 118 | 18% | 62,000 | “control arms” (47%) | $1,850 |
| Engine and Engine Cooling problems | 86 | 13% | 76,623 | “timing belt” (13%) | $1,900 |
| Steering problems | 76 | 11% | 64,004 | “tie rods” (39%) | — |
| Electrical System problems | 58 | 9% | 84,799 | “control module” (12%) | $1,100 |
| Service Brakes, Air | 35 | 5% | 77,000 | — | — |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 32 | 5% | 82,613 | — | — |
| Visibility | 32 | 5% | 91,015 | — | — |
| Power Train | 29 | 4% | 59,859 | — | — |
| Fuel System, Gasoline | 24 | 4% | 88,500 | — | — |
| Air Bags | 21 | 3% | 49,766 | — | — |
| Exterior Lighting | 15 | 2% | 90,000 | — | — |
| Service Brakes, Electric | 13 | 2% | 100,000 | — | — |
| Tires | 12 | 2% | 35,500 | — | — |
| Structure | 11 | 2% | 119,000 | — | — |
| Unknown or Other | 11 | 2% | 75,000 | — | — |
| Seats | 10 | 2% | 52,376 | — | — |
| Equipment | 8 | 1% | 85,000 | — | — |
| Seat Belts | 4 | 1% | — | — | — |
| Fuel System, Other | 3 | 0% | 92,000 | — | — |
| Interior Lighting | 3 | 0% | 86,000 | — | — |
| Latches/locks/linkages | 3 | 0% | 41,000 | — | — |
| Engine | 2 | 0% | 192,015 | — | — |
| Fuel/propulsion System | 2 | 0% | 162,015 | — | — |
| Parking Brake | 2 | 0% | 63,400 | — | — |
| Electronic Stability Control (esc) | 1 | 0% | 180,000 | — | — |
| Service Brakes | 1 | 0% | 86,000 | — | — |
| Visibility/wiper | 1 | 0% | 123,718 | — | — |
| Wheels | 1 | 0% | 9,000 | — | — |
One complaint can list several problem areas, so shares can add up to more than 100%.
Complaints by year received
1999 Volkswagen Passat recalls (5)
Tap a recall to see the problem, the risk and the fix.
Fuel system, gasoline:delivery
Problem: 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.
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.
Fix: 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.
Fuel system, gasoline:storage:tank assembly:filler pipe and cap
Problem: 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.
Risk: Fuel leakage can occur increasing the risk of a fire.
Fix: 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.
Steering:linkages:rod:relay:connecting
Problem: 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.
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.
Fix: Dealers will replace the tie rods.
Steering:linkages:rod:relay:connecting
Problem: 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.
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.
Fix: Dealers will replace the tie rods.
Service brakes, hydraulic:power assist:vacuum:hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
Problem: 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.
Risk: This condition could cause insufficient vacuum to be provided to the brake booster.
Fix: 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.
To see whether a specific car still has an open recall, enter its VIN on NHTSA's official recall lookup. You can also decode a VIN here.
NHTSA defect investigations
- Passenger engine compartment fires (EA07014) — opened Sep 28, 2007, closed Jul 7, 2008, led to recall 08V156000.
- Alleged premature tie rod failure (DP05003) — opened Aug 8, 2005, closed Dec 9, 2005.
- Stuck-open throttle (EA04017) — opened Jun 30, 2004, closed Feb 10, 2005, led to recall 04V495000.
- Passenger air bag lid failure (EA03020) — opened Oct 7, 2003, closed Apr 23, 2004.
- Passenger sir door mounting stud failure (PE03021) — opened May 23, 2003, closed Oct 7, 2003.
- Fuel tank puncture (EA00028) — opened Dec 28, 2000, closed Jan 29, 2002, led to recall 02V026000.
- Fuel tank puncture (PE00033) — opened Aug 10, 2000, closed Dec 28, 2000.
- Power brake booster vacuum by-pass (RQ99008) — opened Jun 1, 1999, closed Nov 14, 2000, led to recall 99V131001.
Recent owner reports
Short excerpts of the latest complaints filed with NHTSA, with personal details removed. Full reports can be searched on NHTSA.gov.
Just as I parked, the explosive seatbelt retractor for the rear passenger seat activated. There was a loud pop from the charge and the plastic seatbelt alignment clip flew off, and smoke came out from around the seatbelt. Had the vehicle been in motion there would have been a very serious safety…
I wos driving from work to home i took the parkway i wos going 60 miles then in his own the car starting increasing speed so i move the shoulder i put the car neutral and stop the car.the took me 3 try to the car go back to normal. I dont know if this car got i recall.
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…
Drivers side window fell partially into the door while operating window power control during driving operation on highway. Upon reaching the destination and touching the window power control, the window completely fell down into the door. This event is the second time it's happened on this vehicle.
Tl* the contact owns a 1999 volkswagen passat. The contact stated that while having a routine service performed at an independent mechanic, the technician diagnosed the water pump was cracked and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure…
Other Volkswagen Passat years
| Year | Complaints | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 Passat | 13 | 0 |
| 2021 Passat | 18 | 1 |
| 2020 Passat | 18 | 3 |
| 2019 Passat | 12 | 1 |
| 2018 Passat | 46 | 4 |
| 2017 Passat | 110 | 7 |
| 2016 Passat | 106 | 5 |
| 2015 Passat | 243 | 7 |
| 2014 Passat | 594 | 10 |
| 2013 Passat | 748 | 9 |
| 2012 Passat | 484 | 11 |
| 2011 Passat | 16 | 0 |
| 2010 Passat | 163 | 4 |
| 2009 Passat | 146 | 4 |
| 2008 Passat | 168 | 4 |
| 2007 Passat | 262 | 7 |
| 2006 Passat | 576 | 7 |
| 2005 Passat | 148 | 3 |
| 2004 Passat | 279 | 3 |
| 2003 Passat | 628 | 6 |
| 2002 Passat | 636 | 3 |
| 2001 Passat | 430 | 3 |
| 2000 Passat | 507 | 3 |
| 1999 | 664 | 5 |
| 1998 Passat | 331 | 4 |
| 1997 Passat | 37 | 0 |
| 1996 Passat | 40 | 1 |
| 1995 Passat | 93 | 1 |
See all Volkswagen Passat problems by year, every Volkswagen model, or the Volkswagen VIN decoder.
Similar Volkswagen models
Embed this 1999 Volkswagen Passat badge on your site
Copy this code into your blog or forum post. It shows live complaint and recall counts and links back here.
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 1999 Volkswagen Passat?
Owners most often report service brakes, hydraulic, suspension, engine and engine cooling problems. The top one, service brakes, hydraulic, accounts for 184 complaints.
Was there a recall on the 1999 Volkswagen Passat?
Yes, 5 safety recalls. Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check whether the repairs were done on your car.
Was the 1999 Volkswagen Passat a good year?
Complaint data can't fully answer that, because counts aren't adjusted for sales. Compared with other Passat model years, the 1999 has far more complaints than most years. Always get a pre-purchase inspection and check the VIN for open recalls.