Nine problems related to abs brake fail have been reported for the 1998 Volkswagen Passat. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
Abs computer failure 98 vw Passat. . . Complete absfailure all the time.
Abs controller failed. Module scan showed: 01203 - electrical connection between abs and instrument cluster 03-10 - no signal - intermittent.
Volkswagen Passat 1998 dashboard indicated that the abs brakes failed. Replacement or repair was estimated at approx $1,000.
Abs failed, flashing lights continually. Spoke with dealer in seaside, CA said common event and not worth replacing.
My abs computer failed on my 1998 v6 Passat. This seems to be a common occurrence and there should have been a recall on this defective part. It is dangerous and causes irregular braking and flashing dashboard lights.
1998 vw Passat abs control module failure. This $1000 part seems to be a very consistent failure at Volkswagen.
Abs failure.
Earlier this month (10/2004), the abs brake failure warning (light and sound) on our 1998 vw Passat GLS started coming on sporadically. On oct. 20, I took the car to wheaton service center, a vw-only independent shop. They hooked the unit up to the diaganostic computer and got no signal. They also got not signal when they tried to access to engine computer, indicating that the abs computer has a short (the engine computer worked fine after they disconnected the abs computer. ) I confirmed this diagnosis over the phone with ftizgerald vw in frederick, MD. I later tested the braking on a wet road -- there was no abs, although the conventional brakes worked fine. The 1998 car, which we have owned since new, has been scrupulously maintained, as the regional vw factory rep can attest (from a drivetrain warranty repair done 5,000 miles ago). The car now has 69,000 miles on it. The wsc mechanics tell me that they see numerous abs failures in late '90s Passats, the web seems to confirm this. The widespread, premature failure of abs systems is a significant safety issue. Since the repair costs $2,500, many owners will simply disconnect the abs computer to avoid the annoying lights and sounds, and avoid the expensive fix. Having become accostomed to abs, how many will adjust their braking accordingly, especially the need to pump the brakes to avoid skidding?.
Abs system failure on 1998 vw Passat. Warning lights came on. Dealer diagnosed problem as abs unit failure and said repair would cost $2500. Search of internet message boards indicates that this an increasingly common problem.