Issue ID | 363173 |
Internal NHTSA # | 762344 |
Manufacurer | Volkswagen of America, Inc. |
Brand | VOLKSWAGEN |
Model | PASSAT |
Model Year | 1998 |
File date | 01/05/02 |
Component | SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM |
Product type code | VEHICLE |
Description of the problem | Both front ball joint/lower control arm assemblies had to be replaced at 33000 miles, which is far earlier than it should be. It's also an extremely common problem with 1998 passats. Aside from the $900 cost to replace these components, the complete failure of the assembly would be a serious safety hazard if the car were in motion. Although vw has redesigned these components for later model year passats, they've done nothing to address the problem with 1998 models. A safety recall should be issued on these components so nobody dies due to their faulty design. *ak |
Vehicle Mileage at Failure | |
Number of Occurences | 1 |
Source of the issue | NHTSA WEB SITE |
City and State | ROCHESTER, NY |
VIN pattern | WVWMD63B6WEXXXXXX |
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 | 0 |
No. of fatalities | 0 |
Date of purchase | 01/06/98 |
Was original owner? | Y |
Anti-lock brakes | Y |
Cruise control | Y |
Number of cylinders | |
Drive train type | FWD |
Transmission type | |
Vehicle speed | 0 |
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 |