1999 Volkswagen Passat Steering Problems
Owners have filed 76 complaints with NHTSA about steering problems on the 1999 Volkswagen Passat, 11% of all complaints for this model year. Half of the reports with a mileage happened before 64,004 miles. The words owners use most often: “tie rods” (39% of reports).
- 76steering complaints
- 64,004median miles at failure
- 0mention a crash
- 1mention an injury
- 2related recalls
- 10%of reports with a speed happened at 50+ mph
What owners describe
Phrases that appear unusually often in these complaints compared with complaints about other cars.
- Tie rods: mentioned in 30 of 76 complaints (39%)
- Rod ends: mentioned in 11 of 76 complaints (14%)
- Control arms: mentioned in 11 of 76 complaints (14%)
- Steering linkages: mentioned in 9 of 76 complaints (12%)
At what mileage do steering problems happen?
Based on 40 complaints that reported the odometer reading.
How serious are the reports?
Of 76 complaints, 1 an injury.
Volkswagen Passat steering complaints by model year
| Model year | Steering complaints | Share of that year | Median miles |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 Passat | 2 | 15% | — |
| 2021 Passat | 2 | 11% | — |
| 2020 Passat | 2 | 11% | — |
| 2019 Passat | 1 | 8% | 2,000 |
| 2018 Passat | 2 | 4% | 46,000 |
| 2017 Passat | 16 | 15% | 33,750 |
| 2016 Passat | 19 | 18% | 41,500 |
| 2015 Passat | 26 | 11% | 47,773 |
| 2014 Passat | 44 | 7% | 40,000 |
| 2013 Passat | 51 | 7% | 61,125 |
| 2012 Passat | 46 | 10% | 68,000 |
| 2011 Passat | 2 | 13% | 51,885 |
| 2010 Passat | 13 | 8% | 81,700 |
| 2009 Passat | 20 | 14% | 59,000 |
| 2008 Passat | 12 | 7% | 82,556 |
| 2007 Passat | 15 | 6% | 63,000 |
| 2006 Passat | 112 | 19% | 63,250 |
| 2005 Passat | 2 | 1% | 142,000 |
| 2004 Passat | 2 | 1% | 96,000 |
| 2003 Passat | 10 | 2% | 21,269 |
| 2002 Passat | 1 | 0% | 26,786 |
| 2001 Passat | 13 | 3% | 59,100 |
| 2000 Passat | 25 | 5% | 51,000 |
| 1999 Passat | 76 | 11% | 64,004 |
| 1998 Passat | 52 | 16% | 58,500 |
| 1995 Passat | 4 | 4% | 110,000 |
When owners reported it
Related recalls (2)
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.
What owners report
Short excerpts of recent complaints, with personal details removed. Full reports are on NHTSA.gov.
When we bought it the abs light was on and brake light blinks, when baking up to the left it clicks. *tt
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…
On my vehicle, the passenger front lower control arm is failing at the ball joint. There are loud screeches at low speeds when passing over bumps coming from the ball joint evidencing the inappropriate wear. This was addressed and replaced according to service bulletin "vm" with volkswagen in early…
Frequently asked questions
Do all 1999 Volkswagen Passats have steering problems?
No. NHTSA has 76 owner complaints about steering for the 1999 Volkswagen Passat (11% of the 664 complaints for this model year). Complaint data shows that the problem is reported, not how many of all cars sold are affected.
Was there a recall on the 1999 Volkswagen Passat steering?
Yes: 2 safety recalls list steering. Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov to see whether the fix was done on your car.
At what mileage do steering problems start?
The median reported mileage is 64,004 miles: half of the reports with a mileage came before that.
What do owners say about steering problems on the 1999 Volkswagen Passat?
The most frequent phrase is “tie rods”, in 30 of 76 complaints, followed by “rod ends” (11).
Other 1999 Volkswagen Passat problems
See all 1999 Volkswagen Passat problems or steering problems across all Passat years.