This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.
So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.
Upper and lower control arm failure. Noises, creaking. Could lead to accident if not repaired immediately. This is a known problem on my year and make vehicle but the manufacturer refuses to recall the parts involved.
Both front ball joint/lower control arm assemblies had to be replaced at 33000 miles, which is far earlier than it should be. It's also an extremely common problem with 1998 Passats. Aside from the $900 cost to replace these components, the complete failure of the assembly would be a serious safety hazard if the car were in motion. Although VW has redesigned these components for later model year Passats, they've done nothing to address the problem with 1998 models. A safety recall should be issued on these components so nobody dies due to their faulty design.
Lower and upper control arms failed after 3 years of ownership. VW has a technical service bulletin for the lower control arms that covers the payment if under warranty, otherwise VW would pay 50% of the job. However the upper control arm is not covered in the tsb. I feel that this is a critical safety issue if both control arms failed while I was driving. There should be a safety recall.
Vehicle was making a metal-to-metal squeaking noise. Consumer took vehicle to the dealership for examination. Dealership informed consumer that both upper and lower control arms needed to be replaced with only 53,000 miles on vehicle.
Consumer took vehicle to dealer because steering column was making some noise. Dealer said control arms and tie rod end needed to be replaced, and wheels needed to be aligned.
While driving consumer heard a noise coming from the front end. Also, poor steering control. Consumer contacted VW, dealer noted that tie rod end and control arm needed replacing. In addition, recall 99V248000/ tie rods dealt with the same problem. But, this vehicle was not included due to VIN.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Milwaukee, WI, USA