Issue ID | 313554 |
Internal NHTSA # | 749493 |
Manufacurer | Volkswagen of America, Inc. |
Brand | VOLKSWAGEN |
Model | PASSAT |
Model Year | 1998 |
File date | 01/03/01 |
Component | SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT |
Product type code | VEHICLE |
Description of the problem | Control arm: noticed a loud grinding sound coming from front suspension area. Dealer diagnosed as defective lowe rcontrol arm/ ball joints. Lower control arms and ball joints were replaced. Complained to volkswagen, who covered cost of parts but not labor. After repair learned that a friend had the identical problem in a 1999 passat at almost the identical mileage. Then saw on this website that about 17 of 160 complaints relating to the 1998 passat are for exactly this problem. This is clearly an engineering or manufacturing defect. Vw should replace this part for all passat owners and reimburse those who have already had it replaced. Sunroof: sunroof opens spontaneously when switch is in the "off" position. Problem is most pronounced on warm days when car is driven over sharp bumps. Problem occurs without warning and is alarming to driver and could pose a safety risk. Observed that this problem has been reported by several others already. |
Vehicle Mileage at Failure | |
Number of Occurences | 1 |
Source of the issue | NHTSA WEB SITE |
City and State | ROCHESTER, NY |
VIN pattern | WVWMA63B2WEXXXXXX |
Was vehicle invloved in a crash? | |
Was vehicle involved in a fire? | N |
Was incedent reported to police? | N |
Was medical attention required? | |
Was part original equipment? | |
No. of injured persons | |
No. of fatalities | |
Date of purchase | 01/12/97 |
Was original owner? | Y |
Anti-lock brakes | Y |
Cruise control | Y |
Number of cylinders | |
Drive train type | FWD |
Transmission type | |
Vehicle speed | |
DoT tire identifier | |
Tire size | |
Location of tire code | |
Type of tire failure code | |
Was defective tire repaired? | |
Date of manufacture | |
Type of child seat code | |
Type of restraint | |
Dealer's name | |
Dealer's telephone number | |
Dealer's city | |
Dealer's state code | |
Dealer's ZIP code |