1999 Volkswagen Passat

1999 Volkswagen Passat

The 1999 Volkswagen Passat is a mid-size sedan that offers a comfortable and refined driving experience. It is available with a variety of different engine and transmission options, including a 1.8L turbocharged inline-four (150 hp and 155 lb-ft of torque) with a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission, a 2.8L V6 (190 hp and 206 lb-ft of torque) with a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission, and a 1.9L turbocharged inline-four diesel (90 hp and 155 lb-ft of torque) with a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission.

Owners of the 1999 Volkswagen Passat generally appreciate its comfortable interior, spacious cabin, and responsive handling. However, there are some common issues that owners have reported with the vehicle.

Engine

1.8L Turbocharged Inline-Four

• Intake Manifold Gasket Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Coolant and/or oil leaks, rough idle, loss of power
  • Solution: Replace intake manifold gasket
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Timing Belt Tensioner Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Noises from engine, loss of power, engine failure
  • Solution: Replace timing belt tensioner
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $600 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found

2.8L V6

• Head Gasket Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Coolant leaks, overheating, white smoke from exhaust
  • Solution: Replace head gasket
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,200 - $1,500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Crankshaft Position Sensor Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Engine stalling, difficulty starting, poor performance
  • Solution: Replace crankshaft position sensor
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $300+
  • Recalls: None Found

1.9L Turbocharged Inline-Four Diesel

• Turbocharger Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Loss of power, black smoke from exhaust, unusual noises from engine
  • Solution: Replace turbocharger
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $2,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

5-Speed Manual

• Clutch Master Cylinder Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Difficulty shifting gears, spongy clutch pedal
  • Solution: Replace clutch master cylinder
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $300+
  • Recalls: None Found

4-Speed Automatic

• Transmission Slipping
  • Description/Symptoms: Car hesitates or slips when shifting gears
  • Solution: Rebuild or replace transmission
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $2,500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Solenoid Pack Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Transmission shifts erratically, difficulty engaging gears
  • Solution: Replace solenoid pack
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $600+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Front Control Arm Bushings Worn
  • Description/Symptoms: Clunking noises from front suspension, uneven tire wear
  • Solution: Replace front control arm bushings
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $300+
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Alternator Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Dimming lights, battery not charging
  • Solution: Replace alternator
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $600+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Ignition Coil Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Engine misfiring, loss of power
  • Solution: Replace ignition coil
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200+ per coil
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Rust on Body Panels
  • Description/Symptoms: Rust spots forming on body panels, particularly around wheel wells and door sills
  • Solution: Repair or replace affected panels
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: Varies depending on extent of rust
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Power Window Switch Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Power windows not functioning
  • Solution: Replace power window switch
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200+ per switch
  • Recalls: None Found
• Air Conditioning Compressor Noise
  • Description/Symptoms: Loud grinding noise from under the hood when air conditioning is on
  • Solution: Replace air conditioning compressor
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1,200+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 1999 Volkswagen Passat is a generally reliable vehicle, but it is not without its issues. The most common issues reported by owners include engine gasket failures, transmission problems, suspension wear, electrical failures, and rust on body panels. While some of these issues can be relatively inexpensive to fix, others can be quite costly. It is important for potential buyers to be aware of these common issues and factor them into their decision-making process.