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.
In my 1999 Volkswagen Passat there is a control module known as the ABS control module. I belong to a nationwide Passat group known as www.passatworld.com/forums and this is a major issue. It seems in early model Passats (1998-2001) the ABS control module gets extremely hot over time since it is placed directly next to the engine block. This causes the unit to malfunction. When this unit malfunctions it causes the ABS breaking system to fail. Also, it flashes multiple check engine lights on the dashboard that are extremely distracting. Volkswagen of America does not have this under warranty, or recall. Dealerships across the country are charging 1,200$ to replace this unit that takes 20 minutes to change out. The hard part is trying to re-build the module. I believe this is a huge safety factor that should be addressed. On our website we have a list of people who's ABS control module has failed, along with the date and mileage on their vehicle when it happened. If you would like this information please contact me.
ABS computer unit failed. Went out intermittently at first, then stopped functioning altogether. ABS no longer works. Odb-II communication failure, prohibits smog check has not been fixed yet.
The ABS controller is experiencing an intermittent failure. The symptom is when I have driven several miles or when it is hot, the brake/ABS warning light will come on. A mechanic says this is a common problem which will eventually become permanent failure of the ABS controller. Refer to NHTSA oid complaint # 10106162 and 10120717 for failure of same ABS controller on 1999 Audi A4. The part number of the ABS controller in my 1999 Passat is 8E0-614-111-B. I am investigating options for repair, either new part from dealer ($1500) or rebuild ($600). This is apparently a very common problem (many complaints on consumer web sites). The failure is reported to be failing solder joints on a circuit board in the controller though I cannot verify this personally. VW America will not admit any knowledge of this issue (they only discuss recall or warranty issues).
- Eagle, ID, USA
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I own a 1999 VW Passat (1.8). At approx 75K miles, the ABS control module has failed. I have reviewed the VW forum on edmunds.com and find that there are many, many owners with the same problem. This is a recall issue - we deserve to have the part fixed no matter what mileage we have on the car.
ABS module failed at 80,000 miles and was replaced. Front and rear upper control arms had to be replaced at same time. Currently, rear window is falling into door (83,000 miles). This is a pre-owned automobile.
I own a 1999 VW Passat with anti-lock brakes. Many Audi and VW models manufactured starting in the later '90S and continuing to present (including mine), use the Bosch 5.3 ABS controller, which is prone to catastrophic failure, ostensibly due to defective design. This module controls multiple brake-related functions including the ABS which is important for winter driving, but the most critical function of this module is probably the electronic brake force distribution, or ebd. These vehicles are designed such that if the ebd is inoperative, the proportion of hydraulic force applied to the rear brakes during emergency braking is as great as it is during moderate braking effort when there is minimal transfer of vehicle weight to the front wheels. The ebd is supposed to adjust the front/rear braking distribution dynamically according to the measure of the deceleration, so that the rear wheels will not lock up during emergency braking. If this module should fail during emergency braking on dry pavement, the rear wheels could lock up and cause an accident which could easily include fatalities. This is an expensive repair for owners, costing roughly $2000, and many owners have probably put off the repair indefinitely. The VW company has provided absolutely no assistance in helping owners despite knowing of hundreds if not thousands of these types of failures as early as 30K miles. Services that charge ~$300 to rebuild the failed ABS module are unreliable and cause drivers to work on their cars with no mechanical sense because of their desperation. Evidence which can be found through a simple web search, suggests that the problem is widespread, and that if it has not already led to serious accidents, it is only a question of time. This problem is genuine, and VW/Audi should be compelled to take immediate corrective action.
The ABS module on my 1999 Volkswagen Passat failed. This is not an uncommon occurrence as I've found on VW chat boards, conversation with other VW owners, and comments from VW repair shops. Not only does this vehicle part have a propensity to fail, it is more costly than most vehicle parts. The dollar figure to replace this part places it out of reach for most people, resulting in many vehicles operating with a faulty ABS system rather than spend the money to fix the item. While more aftermarket vehicle parts can be remanufactured, this particular piece is not currently being offered as a remanufactured item. This is most likely because of; 1) the propensity for the item to fail and 2) the cost of the item to replace. Basically, many feel that the manufacturer and likely the vehicle dealer make a great deal of profit from this necessary item. Due to the importance of this safety feature, that being a working ABS system, I believe that this item should be reviewed for mandatory recall and replacement by the manufacturer.
ABS and brake light intermittently come on and stayed on flashing. Dealer stated they have seen many of these failures and must replace the ABS control unit at a cost of $900. Checking with other owners on www.passatworld.com/forums, this is apparently a very common problem and can occur at any mileage. In my case, my car has 92K on it, and is a 1999 my. But others with newer my cars and much lower mileage are also reporting the same issue.
My ABS light on my 1999 VW Passat 1.8T comes on intermittently and stays on. When it does, the brake light also flashes. I can park my car overnight. When I restart it, it is off. After driving a short ways, it will come on again. When light is flashing, the anti lock brakes do not work. When braking hard during this, car will stall and you have to restart the car. Very dangerous while driving. Dealers are stumped, said they would need to replace the ABS module -$1400.
I bought my 1999 Passat in March 2002, and had the problem occurred at the date listed below, my mileage was only 60K and my ABS brake light came on, I went to the dealer to have it fixed they said it would cost about $2000. I have read and spoken to many people having the same problems. Is there any way this can be recalled or can anyone help us who doesn't have money to pay for that amount. It is a safety issue and if you would like to contact or speak to people who had these problems. One of the website is www.tech.bentleypublishers.com and it is under VW Passat ABS light problem. Please help us.
The ABS modual on my 1999 Volkswagen Passat(58000 miles)has malfunctioned. This is clearly a safty problem.Volkswagen of America says they cant help with the $2000 repair.far too many are in this position.there must be a re-call regarding this possible life threatening matter.
Some months ago ABS warning light would come on infrequently. About once every two weeks. Then the light would come on more frequently. Now the ABS light has been on constantly for the past several months. Oddly, the light was off on two consecutively evenings and the ABS worked when the light was off. However, since then the light has been on constantly. Have been to two dealers who suggested replacing ABS control module for $1400. This seems to be a very common failure in volkswagons and Audi. Date given below is approximate.
My 1999 VW Passat was purchased on 6/16/04. It was a used vehicle with 59,000 miles on it. 6 hours after drivingoff the lot the ABS light flased and the brake light started blinking. The dealer I purchased it from took it to get checked and found the ABS control module had gone out. This part alone costs over $1200 to repair. There are many VW sites out where I have found hundreds of complaints that the ABS module had gone out. This part is not covered under warrenty. I beieve this problem should be investigated due to the fact that should this go out while driving it can cause a serious accident.
In mid may, while driving down the highway in my 1999 Passat gls (only 49K miles), the ABS light came one, the brake light started flashing, and it started to beep. This problem then went away after several seconds. This problem then started to reccur with greater frequency, from one or two times a week, to now several times a day. During my recent 50K mile service, the dealer (sunnyvale VW) determined that this problem is due to a failed ABS contol module. The cost to replace it is over $1700. As I cannot afford such a rediculous amount of money, I am now driving a car with a serious safety defect. Researching this issue further I discovered that this problem affect 1998 - 2000 VW Passats, as well as 1997 - 2000 Audi A4 and S4 autos. Searching this site for past complaints of this issue I found 50 complaints. More troubling, however, is that when I searched discussion forums of web sites dedicated to the B5 platform VW Passat and Audi A4 I found over 1500 (one thousand five hundred) posts about this issue. The consensus is that this issue is due to a defective ABS control module manufatured by Bosch. The defect is due to either poor engineering or manufacturing. I've already complained about this issue to Volkswagen of America, and they refuse to resolve the issue by replacing the defective ABS control module in my car. I will be sending a letter to the CEO of Volkswagen of America to complain about this issue and demand that this important safety defect be remedied. My hope is that my complaint, in combination with the dozens of other formal complaints to the NHTSA, as well as the hundreds of posts about this issue will result in VW issuing a recall to replace these defective ABS modules.
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- Holly Hill, FL, USA