1999 Volkswagen Panel

The 1999 Volkswagen Panel is a spacious and versatile vehicle that was popular for its practicality and affordability. It was offered with a variety of engine and transmission options, including:

• 2.5L I5 engine with 115 horsepower and 151 lb-ft of torque
• 2.8L V6 engine with 174 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque
• 5-speed manual transmission
• 4-speed automatic transmission

Despite its popularity, the 1999 Volkswagen Panel has been plagued by several issues over the years. Here is a comprehensive list of the specific issues people are having with the vehicles, separated into categories of the major components:

Engine

• 2.5L I5 Engine

  • Intake Manifold Gasket Failure Description/Symptoms: The intake manifold gasket can fail, causing coolant and oil to leak. This can lead to overheating and engine damage. Solution: Replace the intake manifold gasket. Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500+ Recalls: None Found
  • Timing Chain Tensioner Failure Description/Symptoms: The timing chain tensioner can fail, causing the timing chain to skip or break. This can lead to catastrophic engine damage. Solution: Replace the timing chain tensioner. Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1000+ Recalls: None Found

• 2.8L V6 Engine

  • Valve Cover Gasket Leak Description/Symptoms: The valve cover gasket can leak oil, causing a burning smell and reduced oil levels. Solution: Replace the valve cover gasket. Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200+ Recalls: None Found
  • Coolant Flange Leak Description/Symptoms: The coolant flange can leak coolant, causing overheating and engine damage. Solution: Replace the coolant flange. Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $300+ Recalls: None Found

Transmission

• 5-Speed Manual Transmission

  • Synchronizer Failure Description/Symptoms: The synchronizers can fail, making it difficult or impossible to shift gears. Solution: Replace the synchronizers. Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1000+ Recalls: None Found
  • Clutch Failure Description/Symptoms: The clutch can fail, causing the vehicle to lose power. Solution: Replace the clutch. Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1000+ Recalls: None Found

• 4-Speed Automatic Transmission

  • Solenoid Failure Description/Symptoms: The solenoids can fail, causing the transmission to shift erratically or not at all. Solution: Replace the solenoids. Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500+ Recalls: None Found
  • Torque Converter Failure Description/Symptoms: The torque converter can fail, causing the transmission to slip or lose power. Solution: Replace the torque converter. Estimated Cost to Fix: $1000 - $1500+ Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Front Suspension

  • Strut Failure Description/Symptoms: The struts can fail, causing the vehicle to bounce excessively or lose stability. Solution: Replace the struts. Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1000+ Recalls: None Found
  • Control Arm Bushing Failure Description/Symptoms: The control arm bushings can fail, causing the vehicle to handle poorly. Solution: Replace the control arm bushings. Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+ Recalls: None Found

• Rear Suspension

  • Leaf Spring Failure Description/Symptoms: The leaf springs can fail, causing the vehicle to sag or lose stability. Solution: Replace the leaf springs. Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500+ Recalls: None Found
  • Shock Absorber Failure Description/Symptoms: The shock absorbers can fail, causing the vehicle to bounce excessively. Solution: Replace the shock absorbers. Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+ Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Battery Failure

  Description/Symptoms: The battery can fail, causing the vehicle to lose power. Solution: Replace the battery. Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200+ Recalls: None Found

  • Alternator Failure Description/Symptoms: The alternator can fail, causing the battery to not charge. Solution: Replace the alternator. Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500+ Recalls: None Found
  • Starter Failure Description/Symptoms: The starter can fail, causing the vehicle to not start. Solution: Replace the starter. Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+ Recalls: None Found
  • Wiring Harness Failure Description/Symptoms: The wiring harness can fail, causing a variety of electrical problems. Solution: Repair or replace the wiring harness. Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1000+ Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Rust

  Description/Symptoms: The body panels can rust, especially in areas where road salt is used. Solution: Prevent and treat rust by applying a rust-resistant coating and addressing any areas of rust as soon as they appear. Estimated Cost to Fix: Varies depending on the severity of the rust. Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Dashboard Cracking

  Description/Symptoms: The dashboard can crack over time, especially in areas exposed to sunlight. Solution: Replace the dashboard or cover it with a dash cover. Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1000+ Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 1999 Volkswagen Panel is a vehicle with several potential issues, especially in the engine, transmission, and suspension. These issues can be costly to fix, and some of them can lead to serious engine damage. However, the vehicle is relatively affordable to purchase, and it offers a spacious and versatile interior. If you are considering buying a 1999 Volkswagen Panel, be sure to have it inspected by a qualified mechanic to identify any potential problems.