NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Suspension complaints
118 reportsClear category filter38,000 miles · Mar 29, 2003
Suspension
I AM EXPERIENCING A CREAKING SOUND COMING FROM THE LOWER CONTROL ARM BUSHINGS ON BOTH SIDES OF THE VEHICLE. FROM THE NHTSA SITE, I HAVE NOW LEARNED THAT FAILED LOWER CONTROL ARMS AND BUSHINGS ARE A COMMON PROBLEM IN THE PASSAT. THE VEHICLE WAS JUST PURCHASED "CERTIFIED" USED FROM VW FOUR MONTHS AGO WITH 34,000 MILES. I RETURN…
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I AM EXPERIENCING A CREAKING SOUND COMING FROM THE LOWER CONTROL ARM BUSHINGS ON BOTH SIDES OF THE VEHICLE. FROM THE NHTSA SITE, I HAVE NOW LEARNED THAT FAILED LOWER CONTROL ARMS AND BUSHINGS ARE A COMMON PROBLEM IN THE PASSAT. THE VEHICLE WAS JUST PURCHASED "CERTIFIED" USED FROM VW FOUR MONTHS AGO WITH 34,000 MILES. I RETURNED THE CAR TO THE DEALER, WHO SAID THAT THE LOWER CONTROL ARM BUSHINGS WERE "JUST DRY FROM ROAD SALT", AND PROCEEDED TO HOSE THE BUSHINGS DOWN WITH AN AEROSOL CAN OF LUBRICANT. HE SAID THAT IF THIS DID NOT ELIMINATE THE NOISE (IT DIDN'T) THEN I MIGHT WISH TO RETURN IN A WEEK OR SO FOR THEM TO INVESTIGATE FURTHER. IT IS OBVIOUS FROM THE OTHER COMPLAINTS I HAVE READ WHAT THE PROBLEM IS. IF THIS VEHICLE'S LOWER CONTROL ARMS FAIL AS FREQUENTLY AS OTHER OWNERS ON THIS SITE HAVE INDICATED, WITH THE ONLY WARNING BEING A DULL CREAKING NOISE, IT IS CONCEIVABLE THAT MOST ORDINARY DRIVERS WOULD NEVER HAVE THE PROBLEM INVESTIGATED. THOSE THAT DO WOULD FIND THAT THE REPAIR IS EXTENSIVE AND EXPENSIVE. IT IS LIKELY THAT SOME OF THESE MAY CHOOSE TO DELAY OR NEGLECT THE SITUATION. BOTH SCENARIOS POSE A UNIQUE AND SERIOUS SAFETY THREAT TO THE OPERATORS AND OCCUPANTS OF THE VW PASSAT. THERE ARE TENS OF THOUSANDS OF THESE VEHICLES ON THE ROAD, AND ALL APPARENTLY SHARE IN WHAT IS AN OBVIOUS DESIGN FLAW THAT CREEPS UP EVERY 25 TO 40 THOUSAND MILES IN SPITE OF VERY EXPENSIVE REPLACEMENT. FAILURE OF A LOWER CONTROL ARM COULD EASILY CAUSE A CRASH. VW SHOULD DO THE RIGHT THING BY ACKNOWLEDGING THIS ENGINEERING FAILURE AND VOLUNTARILY RECALL THESE VEHICLES IMMEDIATELY FOR THE SAFETY AND WELL BEING OF ITS CUSTOMERS. *NLM
NHTSA ODI #10013655
62,000 miles · Mar 25, 2003
Suspension
DRIVER'S SIDE LOWER CONTROL ARM (FRONT SUSPENSION) BUSHING/LINK HAS WORN OUT AT ONLY 62K MILES, A COMMON PROBLEM ON VW PASSAT AND AUDI A4 W/QUADRALINK FRONT SUSPENSION, UNHEARD OF ON OTHER VEHICLES. THIS IS A POTENTIAL SAFETY ISSUE. THERE OUGHT TO BE A RECALL. THIS CAR HAS 8 CONTROL ARMS IN TOTAL. THE PREMATURE FAILURE OF …
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DRIVER'S SIDE LOWER CONTROL ARM (FRONT SUSPENSION) BUSHING/LINK HAS WORN OUT AT ONLY 62K MILES, A COMMON PROBLEM ON VW PASSAT AND AUDI A4 W/QUADRALINK FRONT SUSPENSION, UNHEARD OF ON OTHER VEHICLES. THIS IS A POTENTIAL SAFETY ISSUE. THERE OUGHT TO BE A RECALL. THIS CAR HAS 8 CONTROL ARMS IN TOTAL. THE PREMATURE FAILURE OF THESE PARTS IS BY NOW WELL KNOWN, QUITE EXPENSIVE, AND POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS, NOT TO MENTION INCONVENIENT TO VW CUSTOMERS. VW HAS DONE VERY LITTLE TO ADDRESS THIS POTENTIAL SAFETY ISSUE. THE ONLY RECOURSE IS TO PAY EXORBITANT SUMS, REPEATEDLY, OVER TIME TO REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE PARTS WITH EQUALLY DEFECTIVE PARTS WHICH ALSO FAIL PREMATURELY; THERE IS NO PERMANENT SOLUTION TO THIS PROBLEM. THERE NEEDS TO BE A RECALL OR AT THE VERY LEAST VW SHOULD BE FIXING THESE CARS FOR FREE EACH TIME, NO QUESTIONS ASKED.
NHTSA ODI #10011001
80,000 miles · Feb 6, 2003
Suspension
CREAKING NOISE EMINATING FROM PASSENGER SIDE LOWER CONTROL ARM BUSHING OVER LOW SPEED BUMPS. CAN BE REPRODUCED BY MANUALLY COMPRESSING FRONT SUSPENSION WHILE VEHICLE IS PARKED. DEALER SAYS VW DOESN'T CONSIDER FAILURE OF FRONT CONTROL ARM BUSHINGS TO BE A SAFETY ISSUE.
NHTSA ODI #10005413
92,353 miles · Jan 28, 2003
Suspension
CREAKING/SQUEAKING NOISE FROM FRONT-RIGHT (PASSENGER) SIDE OF FRONT CONTROL ARMS. DEALER INDICATED NEED OF REPLACING CONTROL ARMS FOR WEAR. VEHICLE MANUFACTURED IN 99 WITH 92414 MILES, MOSTLY HIGHWAY MILES, DOES NOT GIVE A REASON FOR THESE TO FAIL AS MOST CARS HAVE CONTROL ARMS TO LAST A LIFETIME OF A VEHICLE HENCE FAILING AT TH…
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CREAKING/SQUEAKING NOISE FROM FRONT-RIGHT (PASSENGER) SIDE OF FRONT CONTROL ARMS. DEALER INDICATED NEED OF REPLACING CONTROL ARMS FOR WEAR. VEHICLE MANUFACTURED IN 99 WITH 92414 MILES, MOSTLY HIGHWAY MILES, DOES NOT GIVE A REASON FOR THESE TO FAIL AS MOST CARS HAVE CONTROL ARMS TO LAST A LIFETIME OF A VEHICLE HENCE FAILING AT THE CAR'S CURRENT CONDITION SHOULD NOT BE ACCEPTABLE.
NHTSA ODI #10003592
Mileage unknown · Nov 30, 2002
Suspension
FRONT END KNOCKING STARTED AT 35,000 WORSE WHEN TURNING. BROUGHT TO DEALER FRONT RIGHT AND LEFT LOWER CONTROL ARMS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED NOT CERTAIN OF SAFTEY RISK IF PROBLEM LEFT UNFIXED. DT
NHTSA ODI #770258
Mileage unknown · Oct 21, 2002
Suspension
BUSHING FAILURE ON ALL 4 FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARMS. THESE BUSHINGS GRADUALLY BECAME LOOSE AND BEGAN SQUEAKING, ACCOMPANIED BY CLUNKING OVER LOW-SPEED BUMPS. THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM ON THESE CARS. VW HAS REFUSED TO OFFICIALLY ACKNOWLEDGE THE DEFECT AND DO A RECALL, EVEN THOUGH THEY ARE PAYING FOR PART OF THE COSTS FOR SOME PEOPL…
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BUSHING FAILURE ON ALL 4 FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARMS. THESE BUSHINGS GRADUALLY BECAME LOOSE AND BEGAN SQUEAKING, ACCOMPANIED BY CLUNKING OVER LOW-SPEED BUMPS. THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM ON THESE CARS. VW HAS REFUSED TO OFFICIALLY ACKNOWLEDGE THE DEFECT AND DO A RECALL, EVEN THOUGH THEY ARE PAYING FOR PART OF THE COSTS FOR SOME PEOPLE'S REPAIRS AND THEY HAVE REDESIGNED THE BUSHINGS IN QUESTION. FURTHERMORE, THE RELATIVELY INEXPENSIVE BUSHINGS CAN BE REPLACED WITHOUT REPLACING THE ENTIRE CONTROL ARM, BUT DEALERSHIPS REFUSE TO DO THAT, INSTEAD TO FORCE MOST CUSTOMERS TO PAY FOR THE MUCH MORE EXPENSIVE CONTROL ARM ASSEMBLY. THESE BUSHING FAILURES POSE A DANGER IF THEY FAIL SEVERELY ENOUGH. THE ONLY REASON THEY AREN'T CAUSING WRECKS IS THAT THE FAILURE IS GRADUAL AND MOST OWNERS REPLACE THEM BEFORE THE BUSHINGS GET TOO BAD. BUT THIS IS STILL A SAFETY ISSUE AND THE REPAIR IS HARDLY OPTIONAL. DT
NHTSA ODI #768674
Mileage unknown · Sep 3, 2002
Suspension
WHILE DRIVING THERE'S A SQUEAKING AND POPPING NOISE COMING FROM UNDER SIDE OF VEHICLE WHEN GOING OVER BUMPS IN ROAD. TOOK VEHICLE TO MECHANIC, AND THEY REPLACED THREE CONTROL ARMS. A SHORT TIME LATER POPPING STARTED AGAIN, AND CONSUMER NEEDED A FOURTH CONTROL ARM. CONSUMER CONTACTED DEALER, AND THEY STATED VEHICLE WAS NOT U…
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WHILE DRIVING THERE'S A SQUEAKING AND POPPING NOISE COMING FROM UNDER SIDE OF VEHICLE WHEN GOING OVER BUMPS IN ROAD. TOOK VEHICLE TO MECHANIC, AND THEY REPLACED THREE CONTROL ARMS. A SHORT TIME LATER POPPING STARTED AGAIN, AND CONSUMER NEEDED A FOURTH CONTROL ARM. CONSUMER CONTACTED DEALER, AND THEY STATED VEHICLE WAS NOT UNDER ANY RECALL. CURRENTLY, ALL EIGHT CONTROL ARMS HAVE BEEN REPLACED.*AK
NHTSA ODI #8017760
Mileage unknown · Jul 23, 2002
Suspension
LEFT AND RIGHT CONTROL ARMS ARE WORN AND NEED TO BE REPLACED-COMMON PROBLEM WITH 1999 VW. *AK
NHTSA ODI #764618
Mileage unknown · Jul 18, 2002
Suspension
SUSPENSION SYSTEM CAUSES KNOCKS IN STEERING COLUMN. THIS AFFECTS CONSUMERS ABILITY TO PROPERLY CONTROL VEHICLE. CONSUMER HAD TIRE RODS CHANGED, AND PROBLEM STILL EXISTS. *AK *YH
NHTSA ODI #8014282
Mileage unknown · Jul 10, 2002
Suspension
CONTROL ARM ON LEFT FRONT WHEEL HAS BEGUN CREAKING VERY LOUDLY AND I HAVE BEEN TOLD IT IS ABOUT TO FAIL. ON MOST CARS THE CONTROL ARMS ARE BUILT TO LAST THE LIFE OF THE CAR, SO AT ONLY 60,000 MILES THIS IS DEFINITELY A PROBLEM. UPON DOING SOME RESEARCH, IT APPEARS THIS IS VERY COMMON IN RECENT MODEL VOLKSWAGEN PASSATS, AND TH…
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CONTROL ARM ON LEFT FRONT WHEEL HAS BEGUN CREAKING VERY LOUDLY AND I HAVE BEEN TOLD IT IS ABOUT TO FAIL. ON MOST CARS THE CONTROL ARMS ARE BUILT TO LAST THE LIFE OF THE CAR, SO AT ONLY 60,000 MILES THIS IS DEFINITELY A PROBLEM. UPON DOING SOME RESEARCH, IT APPEARS THIS IS VERY COMMON IN RECENT MODEL VOLKSWAGEN PASSATS, AND THAT A RECALL HAS ALREADY BEEN ISSUED IN GERMANY WHERE THEY HAVE STRICTER AUTOMOTIVE REGULATIONS. ALSO, THE PART WAS RE-ENGINEERED FOR 2001 MODEL PASSATS, INDICATING VOLKSWAGEN IS WELL AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. IF THIS PART IS FAILING ON BASICALLY ALL 98-2000 MODEL YEAR VOLKSWAGEN PASSATS, IT SEEMS LIKE ONLY A MATTER OF TIME UNTIL A CATASTROPHIC FAILURE CAUSES AN ACCIDENT, UNLESS A RECALL IS ISSUED IN THE UNITED STATES. PLEASE KEEP ME INFORMED ON ANY POSSIBLE RECALL INFORMATION. THANKS. *AK
NHTSA ODI #764043
Official recalls
5Apr 7, 2008
VOLKSWAGEN IS RECALLING 412,000 MY 1999-2005 PASSAT (5TH GENERATION) VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS AND PRODUCED AFTER JUNE 14, 1999. THESE VEHICLES MAY HAVE AN UNDERBODY HEAT SHIELD THAT CAN BECOME DAMAGED. IN ADDITION, AFFECTED VEHICLES WITH AUTOMATIC OR MANUAL TRANSMISSIONS MAY HAVE A FUEL LINE (1.8T ENGINES ONLY) OR FUEL TANK VENTILATION VALVE (4MOTION/ALL WHEEL DRIVE ONLY) THAT CAN LEAK DUE TO FRACTURE.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A HEAT SHIELD THAT MAY CONTACT THE EXHAUST SYSTEM CAN RESULT IN A VEHICLE FIRE. IN ADDITION, A FUEL LEAK FROM A FUEL LINE OR FUEL TANK VENTILATION VALVE, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, CAN LEAD TO A VEHICLE FIRE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL ADDITIONAL UNDERBODY HEAT SHIELDS ON VEHICLES WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS TO COVER THE POSSIBLY DAMAGED AREAS AND FLASH ALL 1.8T ENGINES WITH A PRECAUTIONARY SOFTWARE UPDATE. DEALERS WILL ALSO INSPECT AND ADJUST THE FUEL LINE ROUTING ON 1.8T VEHICLES AND THE FUEL TANK VENTILATION VALVE ON 4MOTION/ALL WHEEL DRIVE VEHICLES, AND REPLACE COMPONENTS IF NECESSARY FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 13, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VOLKSWAGEN AT 1-800-822-8987.
Jan 25, 2002
ON SOME PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE FUEL TANK FILLER NECK CAN SUFFER ABRASION DAMAGE IF THE REAR TIRE GOES FLAT AND THE VEHICLE IS DRIVEN UNTIL THE TIRE DISINTEGRATES.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: FUEL LEAKAGE CAN OCCUR INCREASING THE RISK OF A FIRE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL FIT PASSAT VEHICLES WITH A NEW WHEEL HOUSE LINER THAT WILL BETTER PROTECT THE CAR'S FILLER NECK. JETTA VEHICLES WILL BE FITTED WITH A DIFFERENT METAL SHIELD DESIGNED TO ENHANCE ABRASION PROTECTION IN THE EVENT OF TIRE DISINTEGRATION. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JUNE 13, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT VOLKSWAGEN AT 1-800-822-8987.
Dec 6, 2000
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE TIE RODS OF THE STEERING ASSEMBLY ARE PROTECTED ON EACH SIDE BY A SEAL TO PREVENT MOISTURE AND DUST PARTICLES FROM ENTERING THE SWIVEL BEARING MECHANISM. IT IS POSSIBLE THAT SOME TIE ROD SEALS MAY NOT SEAL PROPERLY.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: IF MOISTURE AND/OR DUST PARTICLES ENTER THE SWIVEL BEARING MECHANISM, THE SWIVEL BEARING COULD WEAR OVER TIME DIMINISHING THE STEERING CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE TIE RODS.
Sep 13, 1999
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE TIE RODS OF THE STEERING ASSEMBLY ARE PROTECTED ON EACH SIDE BY A SEAL TO PREVENT MOISTURE AND DUST PARTICLES FROM ENTERING THE SWIVEL BEARING MECHANISM. IT IS POSSIBLE THAT SOME TIE ROD SEALS MAY NOT SEAL PROPERLY.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: IF MOISTURE AND/OR DUST PARTICLES ENTER THE SWIVEL BEARING MECHANISM, THE SWIVEL BEARING COULD WEAR OVER TIME DIMINISHING THE STEERING CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE TIE RODS.
May 21, 1999
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS. A CONTROL VALVE IN THE VACUUM HOSE CONNECTING THE BRAKE BOOSTER TO THE INTAKE MANIFOLD MAY NOT OPEN OR CLOSE FULLY AT TEMPERATURES BELOW -4 F UNDER CERTAIN DRIVING CONDITIONS.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THIS CONDITION COULD CAUSE INSUFFICIENT VACUUM TO BE PROVIDED TO THE BRAKE BOOSTER.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A VACUUM BY-PASS SYSTEM INTO VEHICLES OPERATED IN THESE STATES WHICH IS DESIGNED TO PROVIDE SUFFICIENT VACUUM FOR FULL BRAKE ASSIST UNDER ALL WEATHER CONDITIONS.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
8EA07014 · Passenger Engine Compartment Fires
Opened Sep 28, 2007 · Closed Jul 7, 2008
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Electrical System:ignition; Engine And Engine Cooling:exhaust System
THE MANUFACTURER NOTIFIED NHTSA ON 04-APR-08 THAT A SAFETY RECALL ACTION WOULD BE INITIATED TO REMEDY THE ISSUE.IN JUNE 2008, THE MANUFACTURER ISSUED A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN (CODE 26E5/R5) REGARDING THE SPECIFIC PROCEDURES TO BE EMPLOYED IN THIS CAMPAIGN.VEHICLE OWNER NOTIFICATION LETTERS WERE SENT BEGINNING APPROXIMATELY JUNE 13, 2008.THE CAMPAIGN WAS ASSIGNED NHTSA NO. 08V-156.THIS RECALL AFFECTS ALL MY 1999-2005, 5TH GENERATION GASOLINE-POWERED PASSAT SEDANS AND STATION WAGONS.APPROXIMATELY 412,000 VEHICLES ARE AFFECTED.CORRECTIVE ACTION WILL CONSIST OF INSTALLING ADDITIONAL EXHAUST SYSTEM HEAT SHIELDING TO MITIGATE THE POTENTIAL THERMAL EFFECTS OF ENGINE IGNITION PROBLEMS.BASED ON THIS ACTION, THE SUBJECT EA HAS BEEN CLOSED.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Electrical System:ignition
THE MANUFACTURER NOTIFIED NHTSA ON 04-APR-08 THAT A SAFETY RECALL ACTION WOULD BE INITIATED TO REMEDY THE ISSUE.IN JUNE 2008, THE MANUFACTURER ISSUED A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN (CODE 26E5/R5) REGARDING THE SPECIFIC PROCEDURES TO BE EMPLOYED IN THIS CAMPAIGN.VEHICLE OWNER NOTIFICATION LETTERS WERE SENT BEGINNING APPROXIMATELY JUNE 13, 2008.THE CAMPAIGN WAS ASSIGNED NHTSA NO. 08V-156.THIS RECALL AFFECTS ALL MY 1999-2005, 5TH GENERATION GASOLINE-POWERED PASSAT SEDANS AND STATION WAGONS.APPROXIMATELY 412,000 VEHICLES ARE AFFECTED.CORRECTIVE ACTION WILL CONSIST OF INSTALLING ADDITIONAL EXHAUST SYSTEM HEAT SHIELDING TO MITIGATE THE POTENTIAL THERMAL EFFECTS OF ENGINE IGNITION PROBLEMS.BASED ON THIS ACTION, THE SUBJECT EA HAS BEEN CLOSED.
Engine And Engine Cooling:exhaust System
THE MANUFACTURER NOTIFIED NHTSA ON 04-APR-08 THAT A SAFETY RECALL ACTION WOULD BE INITIATED TO REMEDY THE ISSUE.IN JUNE 2008, THE MANUFACTURER ISSUED A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN (CODE 26E5/R5) REGARDING THE SPECIFIC PROCEDURES TO BE EMPLOYED IN THIS CAMPAIGN.VEHICLE OWNER NOTIFICATION LETTERS WERE SENT BEGINNING APPROXIMATELY JUNE 13, 2008.THE CAMPAIGN WAS ASSIGNED NHTSA NO. 08V-156.THIS RECALL AFFECTS ALL MY 1999-2005, 5TH GENERATION GASOLINE-POWERED PASSAT SEDANS AND STATION WAGONS.APPROXIMATELY 412,000 VEHICLES ARE AFFECTED.CORRECTIVE ACTION WILL CONSIST OF INSTALLING ADDITIONAL EXHAUST SYSTEM HEAT SHIELDING TO MITIGATE THE POTENTIAL THERMAL EFFECTS OF ENGINE IGNITION PROBLEMS.BASED ON THIS ACTION, THE SUBJECT EA HAS BEEN CLOSED.
DP05003 · Alleged Premature Tie Rod Failure
Opened Aug 8, 2005 · Closed Dec 9, 2005
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Steering:linkages:tie Rod Assembly
ON AUGUST 2, 2005, ODI RECEIVED A PETITION SUBMITTED BY MS. MIRIAM SCHNEIDER OF OLNEY, MD, REQUESTING AN INVESTIGATION OF ALLEGEDLY DEFECTIVE TIE RODS IN CERTAIN MODEL YEAR (MY) 1999 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT VEHICLES NOT INCLUDED IN TWO PREVIOUS SAFETY RECALL CAMPAIGNS (IDENTIFIED HENCEFORTH AS THE SUBJECT VEHICLES).IN A SEPTEMBER 1999 LETTER, VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA, INC. (VW) NOTIFIED THE AGENCY THAT AN UNDETERMINED PERCENTAGE OF MY 1998-1999 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT AND AUDI A4, A6, AND A8 VEHICLES CONTAINED A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT AFFECTING ALUMINUM TIE ROD ENDS IN THE STEERING SYSTEM.VW INDICATED THAT IT WAS POSSIBLE THAT SOME TIE RODS WOULD NOT SEAL PROPERLY WHICH COULD ALLOW MOISTURE AND DUST PARTICLES TO ENTER THE SWIVEL BEARING MECHANISM, RESULTING IN PREMATURE WEAR.THE APPROXIMATELY 22,200 VOLKSWAGEN AND 29,700 AUDI VEHICLES AFFECTED BY THIS RECALL (IDENTIFIED BY NHTSA RECALL NO. 99V-248) WERE BUILT FROM JANUARY 1998 THROUGH JULY 1998 AND FELL WITHIN A SPECIFIC VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER (VIN) RANGE.IN NOVEMBER 2000, VW CHOSE TO EXPAND THE SCOPE OF THE RECALL (IDENTIFIED BY NHTSA RECALL NO. 00V-414) AFTER IT DETERMINED THAT SOME POTENTIALLY DEFECTIVE ALUMINUM TIE ROD ENDS MAY HAVE BEEN INSTALLED IN AN ADDITIONAL 44,000 VOLKSWAGEN AND 39,000 AUDI VEHICLES BUILT FROM AUGUST 1998 THROUGH APRIL 1999.THESE SUBJECT RECALL ACTIONS WERE NOT INFLUENCED BY ODI.INSTEAD, VW MADE AN INDEPENDENT DETERMINATION TO CONDUCT A RECALL AFTER GERMAN VEHICLE INSPECTION AUTHORITIES NOTIFIED IT OF ?WORN? TIE RODS AND FACTORY INSPECTION OF SOME ?WORN? TIE RODS REVEALED IMPROPER SEALING.ACCORDING TO A DECEMBER 2004 REPORT, THE PETITIONER BROUGHT HER MY 1999 PASSAT TO AN AUTHORIZED VOLKSWAGEN DEALER FOR AN UNRELATED RECALL REPAIR WHERE SHE WAS NOTIFIED BY SERVICE PERSONNEL THAT, AFTER 59,000 MILES TRAVELED, THE TIE RODS ?HAVE TOO MUCH PLAY,? AND THE RECOMMENDED REPAIRS WOULD NOT BE COVERED FREE OF CHARGE BECAUSE HER VIN (WVWNA63B1XE499116) WAS OUTSIDE THE RECALL RANGE.IN JUNE 2005, AFTER 65,400 MILES TRAVELED, THE PETITIONER PAID $588.59 TO REPLACE WORN INNER AND OUTER TIE ROD ENDS ON BOTH SIDES OF THE VEHICLE.THE PETITION LETTER SPECIFICALLY REQUESTS THAT THE SCOPE OF VW?S RECALL BE EXPANDED TO INCLUDE THE PETITIONER?S VEHICLE AND THAT SHE BE REIMBURSED FOR THE COST OF THE REPAIRS.THERE ARE A TOTAL OF 191 NON-DUPLICATIVE COMPLAINTS TO ODI AND VW THAT ALLEGE PREMATURE WEAR OF EITHER ONE OR BOTH OUTER TIE ROD ENDS IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES.AS OF NOVEMBER 18, 2005, ODI IS NOT AWARE OF ANY ALLEGATIONS OF TIE ROD SEPARATIONS RESULTING IN A LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL, CRASH OR INJURY IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES.THE PETITIONER?S VEHICLE WAS MANUFACTURED ON JUNE 8, 1999 USING REVISED STEEL TIE ROD ENDS AND THEREFORE WAS ALREADY EQUIPPED WITH THE TIE ROD ENDS USED TO REMEDY DEFECTIVE VEHICLES IN THE SUBJECT RECALLS.ANALYSIS INDICATES THAT THERE DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT TREND WITH RESPECT TO THE STEEL TIE ROD ENDS USED IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES.IN VIEW OF THE FOREGOING, IT IS UNLIKELY THAT NHTSA WOULD ISSUE AN ORDER FOR THE NOTIFICATION AND REMEDY OF THE ALLEGED DEFECT AS DEFINED BY THE PETITIONER AT THE CONCLUSION OF THE INVESTIGATION REQUESTED IN THE PETITION.THEREFORE, IN VIEW OF THE NEED TO ALLOCATE AND PRIORITIZE NHTSA?S LIMITED RESOURCES TO BEST ACCOMPLISH THE AGENCY?S SAFETY MISSION, THE PETITION IS DENIED.
EA04017 · STUCK-OPEN Throttle
Opened Jun 30, 2004 · Closed Feb 10, 2005
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Fuel System, Gasoline:fuel Injection System
VWOA HAS RECALLED APPROXIMATELY 28,300 MY 1998-99 A6 VEHICLES IN COLD WEATHER STATES THAT EXPERIENCED THE HIGHEST RATE OF THROTTLE ICING INCIDENTS IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES (04V-495).THE FAILURE RATE IN THE A4 AND PASSAT VEHICLES IS MUCH LOWER THAN IN THE RECALLED VEHICLES.ODI WILL CONTINUE TO MONITOR THE EXPERIENCE IN THE A4 AND PASSAT VEHICLES.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT NO SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT EXISTS FOR THE AUDI A4 OR VW PASSAT VEHICLES.THE AGENCY RESERVES THE RIGHT TO TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY A CHANGE IN CIRCUMSTANCES. FOR FURTHER DETAILS SEE THE ATTACHED CLOSING REPORT.
EA03020 · Passenger Air Bag Lid Failure
Opened Oct 7, 2003 · Closed Apr 23, 2004
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Air Bags; Air Bags:frontal
THIS INVESTIGATION INVOLVES THE VOLKSWAGEN (VW) PASSENGER SUPPLEMENTAL INFLATABLE RESTRAINT (PSIR) LID UTILIZED IN MY 1998-2002 VW PASSAT.THE PSIR LID MAY DETACH FROM THE INSTRUMENT PANEL DURING AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT.THE OFFICE OF DEFECTS INVESTIGATION (ODI) OF THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION (NHTSA) OPENED THE PRELIMINARY EVALUATION ON MAY 23, 2003 TO DETERMINE WHETHER ALLEGED PSIR LID DETACHMENT PRESENTS AN UNREASONABLE SAFETY RISK TO PASSENGERS IN THE VEHICLE.ODI?S INVESTIGATION REVEALS THAT DETACHMENT OF THE PSIR LID DURING AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT MAY OCCUR FOR TWO REASONS: 1) THE SHAPE OF THE PSIR LID, AND THE LENGTH OF THE ATTACHING TETHER, MAY SNAG THE AIR BAG DURING DEPLOYMENT APPLYING ADDITIONAL PRESSURE ON BOLTS THAT FASTEN THE LID TO THE INSTRUMENT PANEL (IP); AND/OR 2) THE ORIGINAL PSIR LID DESIGN (SUBJECT VEHICLES) UTILIZED SIX GRADE 4.8 MM CARBON STEEL TACK WELD BOLTS WHICH MAY NOT BE AS STRONG AS THE NEW DESIGN PSIR LID CONSISTING OF SIX GRADE 8.8 MM CARBON STEEL PRESS BOLTS THAT ARE HEAT TREATED.ODI CONCLUDES THAT DETACHMENT OF THE PSIR LID IS A DEFECT BECAUSE THE LID SHOULD REMAIN ATTACHED TO THE IP AFTER DEPLOYMENT OF THE AIRBAG.HOWEVER, AFTER ANALYZING VW?S RESPONSES, AND TEST DATA COLLECTED BY VW AND FAURECIA, THE PSIR LID SUPPLIER, ODI BELIEVES THAT FURTHER INVESTIGATION WOULD NOT LIKELY IDENTIFY A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT TREND BECAUSE A DETACHED PSIR LID AND PARTS DO NOT PROJECT TOWARDS A PASSENGER DURING DEPLOYMENT OF THE AIRBAG.THE TEST DATA SHOWS THAT THE AIRBAG PUSHES A DETACHED PSIR LID UPWARDS INTO THE WINDSHIELD DURING DEPLOYMENT, AND AWAY FROM THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT.IT IS HIGHLY UNLIKELY THAT A PASSENGER WOULD CONTACT THE PSIR LID OR ASSOCIATED PARTS DURING AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT.THEREFORE THIS ENGINEERING ANALYSIS (EA 03-020) IS CLOSED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT DOES NOT EXIST. FOR A DETAILED DISCUSSION OF THE PSIR LID AND TESTING, SEE THE ATTACHED REPORT.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Air Bags:frontal
THIS INVESTIGATION INVOLVES THE VOLKSWAGEN (VW) PASSENGER SUPPLEMENTAL INFLATABLE RESTRAINT (PSIR) LID UTILIZED IN MY 1998-2002 VW PASSAT.THE PSIR LID MAY DETACH FROM THE INSTRUMENT PANEL DURING AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT.THE OFFICE OF DEFECTS INVESTIGATION (ODI) OF THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION (NHTSA) OPENED THE PRELIMINARY EVALUATION ON MAY 23, 2003 TO DETERMINE WHETHER ALLEGED PSIR LID DETACHMENT PRESENTS AN UNREASONABLE SAFETY RISK TO PASSENGERS IN THE VEHICLE.ODI?S INVESTIGATION REVEALS THAT DETACHMENT OF THE PSIR LID DURING AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT MAY OCCUR FOR TWO REASONS: 1) THE SHAPE OF THE PSIR LID, AND THE LENGTH OF THE ATTACHING TETHER, MAY SNAG THE AIR BAG DURING DEPLOYMENT APPLYING ADDITIONAL PRESSURE ON BOLTS THAT FASTEN THE LID TO THE INSTRUMENT PANEL (IP); AND/OR 2) THE ORIGINAL PSIR LID DESIGN (SUBJECT VEHICLES) UTILIZED SIX GRADE 4.8 MM CARBON STEEL TACK WELD BOLTS WHICH MAY NOT BE AS STRONG AS THE NEW DESIGN PSIR LID CONSISTING OF SIX GRADE 8.8 MM CARBON STEEL PRESS BOLTS THAT ARE HEAT TREATED.ODI CONCLUDES THAT DETACHMENT OF THE PSIR LID IS A DEFECT BECAUSE THE LID SHOULD REMAIN ATTACHED TO THE IP AFTER DEPLOYMENT OF THE AIRBAG.HOWEVER, AFTER ANALYZING VW?S RESPONSES, AND TEST DATA COLLECTED BY VW AND FAURECIA, THE PSIR LID SUPPLIER, ODI BELIEVES THAT FURTHER INVESTIGATION WOULD NOT LIKELY IDENTIFY A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT TREND BECAUSE A DETACHED PSIR LID AND PARTS DO NOT PROJECT TOWARDS A PASSENGER DURING DEPLOYMENT OF THE AIRBAG.THE TEST DATA SHOWS THAT THE AIRBAG PUSHES A DETACHED PSIR LID UPWARDS INTO THE WINDSHIELD DURING DEPLOYMENT, AND AWAY FROM THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT.IT IS HIGHLY UNLIKELY THAT A PASSENGER WOULD CONTACT THE PSIR LID OR ASSOCIATED PARTS DURING AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT.THEREFORE THIS ENGINEERING ANALYSIS (EA 03-020) IS CLOSED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT DOES NOT EXIST. FOR A DETAILED DISCUSSION OF THE PSIR LID AND TESTING, SEE THE ATTACHED REPORT.
Air Bags
THIS INVESTIGATION INVOLVES THE VOLKSWAGEN (VW) PASSENGER SUPPLEMENTAL INFLATABLE RESTRAINT (PSIR) LID UTILIZED IN MY 1998-2002 VW PASSAT.THE PSIR LID MAY DETACH FROM THE INSTRUMENT PANEL DURING AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT.THE OFFICE OF DEFECTS INVESTIGATION (ODI) OF THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION (NHTSA) OPENED THE PRELIMINARY EVALUATION ON MAY 23, 2003 TO DETERMINE WHETHER ALLEGED PSIR LID DETACHMENT PRESENTS AN UNREASONABLE SAFETY RISK TO PASSENGERS IN THE VEHICLE.ODI?S INVESTIGATION REVEALS THAT DETACHMENT OF THE PSIR LID DURING AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT MAY OCCUR FOR TWO REASONS: 1) THE SHAPE OF THE PSIR LID, AND THE LENGTH OF THE ATTACHING TETHER, MAY SNAG THE AIR BAG DURING DEPLOYMENT APPLYING ADDITIONAL PRESSURE ON BOLTS THAT FASTEN THE LID TO THE INSTRUMENT PANEL (IP); AND/OR 2) THE ORIGINAL PSIR LID DESIGN (SUBJECT VEHICLES) UTILIZED SIX GRADE 4.8 MM CARBON STEEL TACK WELD BOLTS WHICH MAY NOT BE AS STRONG AS THE NEW DESIGN PSIR LID CONSISTING OF SIX GRADE 8.8 MM CARBON STEEL PRESS BOLTS THAT ARE HEAT TREATED.ODI CONCLUDES THAT DETACHMENT OF THE PSIR LID IS A DEFECT BECAUSE THE LID SHOULD REMAIN ATTACHED TO THE IP AFTER DEPLOYMENT OF THE AIRBAG.HOWEVER, AFTER ANALYZING VW?S RESPONSES, AND TEST DATA COLLECTED BY VW AND FAURECIA, THE PSIR LID SUPPLIER, ODI BELIEVES THAT FURTHER INVESTIGATION WOULD NOT LIKELY IDENTIFY A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT TREND BECAUSE A DETACHED PSIR LID AND PARTS DO NOT PROJECT TOWARDS A PASSENGER DURING DEPLOYMENT OF THE AIRBAG.THE TEST DATA SHOWS THAT THE AIRBAG PUSHES A DETACHED PSIR LID UPWARDS INTO THE WINDSHIELD DURING DEPLOYMENT, AND AWAY FROM THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT.IT IS HIGHLY UNLIKELY THAT A PASSENGER WOULD CONTACT THE PSIR LID OR ASSOCIATED PARTS DURING AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT.THEREFORE THIS ENGINEERING ANALYSIS (EA 03-020) IS CLOSED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT DOES NOT EXIST. FOR A DETAILED DISCUSSION OF THE PSIR LID AND TESTING, SEE THE ATTACHED REPORT.
PE03021 · Passenger Sir Door Mounting Stud Failure
Opened May 23, 2003 · Closed Oct 7, 2003
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Air Bags:frontal
ODI OPENED A PRELIMINARY EVALUATION (PE03-021) BASED ON TWO REPORTS OF FAILED BOLT STUDS THAT ATTACH THE PASSENGER SUPPLEMENTAL INFLATABLE RESTRAINT (PSIR) DOOR COVER TO THE INSTRUMENT PANEL (IP) ON THE VOLKSWAGEN (VW) PASSAT (MODEL YEARS 2000, 2002).VW HAS INDICATED TO ODI THAT IT HAS NO ADDITIONAL REPORTS.VW IMPLEMENTED A PROCESS CHANGE ON MARCH 1, 2002.THIS PROCESS CHANGE CONSISTED OF CHANGING THE BOLT APPLICATION THAT FASTENS THE PSIR DOOR TO THE IP FROM A WELD ON APPLICATION TO A PRESS ON APPLICATION.VW ALSO CHANGED THE MATERIAL OF THE BOLT.VW STATED THAT THE CHANGES WERE MADE TO EASE PRODUCTION BY ELIMINATING A WELDING PROCESS.ODI HAS UPGRADED ITS INVESTIGATION TO ENGINEERING ANALYSIS (EA03-020).
EA00028 · Fuel Tank Puncture
Opened Dec 28, 2000 · Closed Jan 29, 2002
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Vehicle Speed Control:linkages
No summary supplied.
PE00033 · Fuel Tank Puncture
Opened Aug 10, 2000 · Closed Dec 28, 2000
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Vehicle Speed Control:linkages
THE OFFICE OF DEFECTS INVESTIGATION OPENED THIS INVESTIGATION ON AUGUST 10, 2000 BASED ON 9 REPORTS REGARDING PUNCTURED FUEL TANKS INVOLVING THE JETTA, PASSAT, AND CABRIO MODELS.THE REPORTS INDICATE ADDITIONAL REPORTS IN ITS RESPONSE TO THE PRELIMINARY EVALUATION.THIS INVESTIGATION HAS BEEN UPGRADED FOR FURTHER STUDY.
RQ99008 · Power Brake Booster Vacuum BY-PASS
Opened Jun 1, 1999 · Closed Nov 14, 2000
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Service Brakes, Hydraulic
There is no summary currently available
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