I and thousands of other VW Passat owners wish for VW of North America to issue a recall on the tie rods, control arms, ball joints, etc. (the whole front suspension of Passats) due to the obvious failure of these systems. I personally know of a mechanic in stoughton, wi who has replaced this system on 3 Passats this month alone and my car is next. We're talking to the tune of $1800-$2000 for parts alone. This is very expensive and one is completely handcuffed because one's car is not safe to drive if this issue is neglected. Further, when one contacts a local VW dealership (zimbrick VW of madison, wi) and inquires about this kit to rebuild the front end, the parts manager admits that they keep many of these kits in stock because they are very aware of this issue. So, why is VW of North american ignoring the obvious" could it be that they would be out a handsome amount of money? better to let the consumer take the brunt of this issue and hope it eventually goes away" please help!!!

- Mcfarland, WI, USA

Took car for state inspection. Mechanic found both left an right upper ball joints and both tie rods defective at 53,000 miles.

- Towanda, PA, USA

Engine sludge in engine leading to failure of the oil pump and the turbo. In addition, also had to have the front control arms, and tie-rods replaced, and even now there were still problems with the front suspension. I have researched and found these were similar problems with many Passat owners. I still recall the major issue / recall over the ignition coil failures and how VW of America denied there ever was a problem. The entire car should be declared a lemon !!!! the oil pump failure leading to failures of the turbo, and seizure of the engine should be proof enough that this car has too many major problems and should be recalled.

- Mt. Arlington, NJ, USA

- the contact took the 2001 Volkswagen Passat to a dealer, and they stated that the vehicle was unsafe to drive. All 8 tie rods and the one link arm were showing excessive wear. The dealer and the manufacturer stated that the vehicle was out of warranty so the repair would be at contacts expense. The current and failure mileage were both 79200. The right outer cv boot was torn and the left outer tie rod end was worn. The ABS control module was replaced. Updated 03/30/07.

- San Francisco, CA, USA

I own 2001 VW Passat with 43200 miles. This past year I noticed failures of outer cv joint boot both sides and rubber dust boots on all ball joints which causes a dirt and water to destroy ball joints. I changed outer cv join boot both sides and one upper control arm ball joint and others will fail soon.

- New Britain, CT, USA

On August 25 onwer was upset because he had to replace tie rods, and had the vehicle aligned. He said the tie rods had to be replaced becuase they were frozen. The repair shop replaced the tie rods.

- Colorado Springs, CO, USA

Upper control arms on both sides are worn out. Tie rods are worn out on both sides. Catalytic converters needed replaced. I paid for the tie rods, warranty covered converters, and I have not had the upper control arms replaced. Oil leaks on engine. Interior lights do not activate when drivers door is opened.

- Olmsted Township, OH, USA