1999 Volkswagen Passat GLS 1.8 turbo

Faults:

I have had minor problems only, such as the key not working to open the driver's door, but I use the remote anyway.

My antenna connection became corroded, they wanted 500 dollars to rip out the headliner and rewire, so I get very poor radio. So I listen to cds when I am not in the city.

My timing belt started making noises at 89,500 miles, and the belt is waranteed for 90k, and they replaced it for free.

Trunk light works 50% of the time.

Brake rotors tend to warp, but only after 40k miles.

General Comments:

I love this car, and I'm a gear head. I'm also 6'7", so this truly is one of the few cars I can fit in.

Fit and finish have been exceptional.

Quiet and smooth on the highway.

I average 28 mpg. With all the problems I've heard about Passats, it makes me upset, because VW and Audi need to watch their quality control. I just know I've got 145k miles on mine, and have no need, worries or fears of it making it to 250k. transmission strong, but it does go through oil, about 1 quart every 3,000 miles.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 20th February, 2004

1999 Volkswagen Passat V6 2.6

Summary:

Absolutely not!!! A perfect car for the first 2 years (that was all the warranty covered)

Faults:

Front control arms needed to be replaced at 75,000 miles. Not under warranty.

Major oil leak with hose needing replacement as well as gaskets and valves.

Camshaft adjuster needed replacement.

Poor pick-up. Throttle body needs replacement at 79,000 miles.

General Comments:

Both Volkswagen of America and the Volkswagen dealership wash their hands off the matters as these issues are not under warranty. 4.5 years is significant amount of time for a car. Needless to say, I was under the impression German cars are of good quality and do last when looked after well. In my case, it does not seem it have made any difference. The dealership (as to be expected) says she can only go by what Volkswagen of America sets out for them, which is really not very much at all. Any brand new car that needs to be in the shop has serious quality control issues.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 28th October, 2003

1st Sep 2004, 19:08

My car must be a twin of yours. The control arms were replaced at 90,000 miles. Oil pan was replace at 94,000 miles. Valve cover gasket was replaced at 97,000 miles. Estimated cost of repairs until now--$4500. Now at 102,000 miles the crankshaft seal needs to be replaced. Volkswagon may or may not pay for it. German workmanship is a bad joke.

16th Apr 2009, 20:02

I think our cars are triplets. We are now faced with camshaft seals needing to be replaced. This car has cost us over $10,000 in repairs already and we have never been late with scheduled service on it. It has been very well taken care of. We got the same story from our dealer, that Volkswagen USA would have to handle our problems. We got a letter from Volkswagen that basically said "you're on your own folks." Once this car is gone there will NEVER be a German car in my driveway again.

1999 Volkswagen Passat GL

Summary:

Drivers Beware

Faults:

Electrical problems; starter, alternator, door locks, power window control failures.

Engine failure, oil leaks, water pump failure, broken hood release.

Engine surging and sudden acceleration after stopping at red lights. I narrowly avoided collision with car ahead of me.

CD changer replaced twice in first year.

Turbo charger replaced twice within first 100000 km; luckily this was covered by standard and extended warranties.

Power side-view mirror control - five replacements in four years; Since the last time it broke, I now adjust these mirrors manually...just like in the old days.

Brakes squeal constantly, and require replacement far more frequently than in other cars that I have owned.

Expensive fix for a "rough idle" experienced a few weeks following a timing belt replacement.

Many other problems; just recalling them and the related financial burden... and my thoughts regarding VW are most impolite.

General Comments:

The car drives well... when it works. Too bad it works so infrequently.

I'm a regular client at my favorite care rental outlet. I test drive their cars frequently while mine is in the shop for yet another expensive repair.

Volkswagen "Customer Care" is a joke.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 5th July, 2003

1st Apr 2004, 21:36

1999 Volkeswagen suddenly surged forward as I was slowing at traffic light. Threw car in reverse and it surged back at full throttle. I almost hit cars both forward and back. Car refused to stop even though I was practically standing on the brakes. I had just had brakes done last month so I know it wasn't them either. Could be a throttle, engine, or trans problem. Any comments? (turning off the engine key saved me)

20th Sep 2004, 13:04

I experienced sudden acceleration while driving my 2004 I-4 turbo at 60mph on highway. This occurred on Sept. 19, 2004. I almost rear ended the car in front of me and avoided the accident by putting the car in neutral while the engine revved to >5,500 rpm.

I was able to reproduce the problem while stationary in neutral the next day. The floor mat was removed to ensure this was not the cause (floormat was locked in place and too short anyways to depress the pedal.

The car has been experiencing rough idle. I was advised this is because of sludge in the engine oil when the car was taken in for oil change at ~10,500 miles. (~2weeks ago)

This car is dangerous to drive and the dealership advised that they are unaware of any such concerns.

If you have experienced the same please advise.

22nd Dec 2005, 08:47

If they fixed it, there was a problem. Time to lawyer-up.

9th Dec 2008, 10:45

Passat 99 1.8 turbo... wow, that's all I have to say. Problem after problem, electronic especially... My car is the garage as we speak and they still don't know where the problem is... Sucks sucks sucks. Never ever again Volkswagen!!!!!