1999 Volkswagen Passat: problems, recalls and reliability
6 recalls and 664 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is service brakes, hydraulic (25% of complaints); the 1997 and 1998 model years look more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly · latest recall May 2009
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 664 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“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.”Owner report · Vehicle Speed Control · Aug 2019
“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.”Owner report · Visibility/Wiper · Aug 2016
“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. The failure mileage was 179,000.”Owner report · Engine · May 2015
Show 7 more owner reports
“Tl* the contact owns a 1999 volkswagen passat. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, fuel fumes emitted in and around the vehicle. The contact mentioned that while inspecting the vehicle, fuel was discovered leaking from the rear passenger side sub frame. Also, the contact indicated that the air bag light illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The contact was informed that the vehicle was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 18v156000 (fuel system). The contact stated that the vehicle experienced the same failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 119,000.”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Feb 2015
“Car was having a foul odor. Dealer did not have information for other complaints. After work, car would not start, alarm would not stop. Alarm killed battery. Dealer said leak in sunroof caused module to corrode and leak into interior. $1,440.00 to repair. Problem is identified in class action but our car is not included. I am leasing a car for my son to drive but now his daughter has eczema and asthma from the mold. How can I get vw to fix my car too? *tr”Owner report · Electrical System · May 2013
“Purchase vehicle on november 23,2012 after getting the mechanics approval that it is safe to drive (oil pressure light was on) supposedly the vehicle passed emissions,and drove 17 miles away from dealership apple auto in wallingford,ct when the car just shut down while driving. No power. The vehicle was towed back to dealership at my expense. *tr”Owner report · Electrical System · Nov 2012
“Was driving vehicle on the highway , the vehicle's check engine light and brake light came on and the vehicle completely shut down , I pulled over to the side of the highway I seen smoke I opened the hood and it was on fire. I called police and fire. The fire was put out the fans are melted and I'm not sure what else is burned , I have no idea what could have started the fire the vehicle is taken care of and there's no warning lights on , on the dash. *tr”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Sep 2012
“Tl* the contact owns a 1999 volkswagen passat. The contact stated that while driving approximately 60 mph with the headlights in activation, the headlights suddenly became dim. The contact decelerated to 40 mph due to the distortion of his visibility. The contact inspected the vehicle and noticed that both plastic headlight lenses exhibited a brown film and oxidation. The manufacturer was not notified of the problem. The approximate failure mileage was 90,000. The VIN was unavailable.”Owner report · Exterior Lighting · May 2012
“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. *tr”Owner report · Power Train · Mar 2011
“1999 vw passat glx accelerated on its own and would not stop when brakes were pressed or car was put into neutral. Car accelerated on its own and speed kept increasing. Extremely dangerous and I was unable to stop the vehicle by pressing the brakes. Car accelerated on its own. *tr”Owner report · Vehicle Speed Control · Jan 2011
When filing, owners marked a crash in 11 of these complaints and injuries in 11 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 6 campaigns
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.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE TIE RODS.
DOPE, INC. IS RECALLING 42,540 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
Remedy: DOPE, INC. WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 28, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DOPE, INC. AT 1-626-272-1798.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE TIE RODS.
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.
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.
How other years compare
Check your exact Passat by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 1999 Volkswagen Passat reliable?
NHTSA has 664 owner complaints and 6 recall campaigns on record for the 1999 Volkswagen Passat. The most complained-about area is service brakes, hydraulic (25% of complaints).
At what mileage do 1999 Volkswagen Passat problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 75,145 miles or less.
Does the 1999 Volkswagen Passat have open recalls?
6 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning steering:linkages:rod:relay:connecting. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.