1999 Volkswagen Passat GLS review from North America

Rattling on dashboard (dealer couldn't replicate it multiple times).

Sunroof would not close.

Check engine light on (multiple times).

Cruise control not always working (dealer couldn't replicate it multiple times).

Low brake fluid at 20,000 miles.

Car would not start and dealer couldn't find a problem.

Brake pads replaced at 28,000 miles.

Left front door does not lock while driving or even when press remote.

Doors lock randomly while driving.

Water leaking into car under dash and on passenger side front door (multiple "water tests" could did not help dealer find the problem). First on July 2004 and finally in March 2007 they cleaned out the sunroof drains and replaced the carpet. In July 2007, more water, and October 2007 more water.

Brake light bulb always burned out.

Throttle body removed and cleaned because of too much carbon buildup.

Replaced tie rod at 43,000 miles.

Rattling noise under car since tie rod replaced, but nobody at dealership can "hear" it. Took the dealership a YEAR to realize the sub frame bolts were loose.

Ignition coil arching, replaced at 47,000 for $450!

As you can tell I have had multiple issues with this car, the first one I've bought. I loved the style and the sportiness of it. I still love to drive it, but wish it didn't have so many issues. I started with the dealer I bought the car from, but then went to a dealer closer to my house. The current dealer has caused me to become frustrated on many occasions.

The door lock issue always seemed to go away whenever I brought the car in for service. Not until three years later did the dealer find the problem which could be fixed for $700. Oh and that was the same time they finally found a possible reason for the water leaking.

The water leak started one day while driving after some rain (2004) and I put the brakes on and suddenly my feet were soaking wet. Then the leak appeared as a small pond on the passenger side during March of 2007. At this time they also found the door lock problem, and told me that they would need to replace the carpet and have to clean out the sunroof drains since they were "clogged". OK, but the water was coming in by the front passenger door. (Hmmm.) About $2000 later and three weeks later I got my car back.

July of 2007 there was more water on the passenger side. So the dealer said that the cowl drains were clogged and the water was running into the pollen filter housing into the car.

October 2007 more water, same spot, I'm not happy. Now they find that the seal around the door is broken and needs to be replaced. Well, first of all wouldn't you check that first if the water was coming in by the door??? I was told the part would take 6-60 days to come in (are you serious?!) and that I could have a loaner car. I used my mother in law's for a week and told them to call me when they got a loaner in. No call. So I went to pick up my car and was told by another service person that they haven't had loaner cars in months (I am beginning to think we are trying to get rid of each other). So, I have my car and when it rains I will put it in the garage and make my husband park his outside. Right now my doors and windows are open because it smells sour since I guess they couldn't manage to get the carpet dry enough while it sat at the dealership for a week.