12 problems related to engine belts and pulleys have been reported for the 1998 Volkswagen Passat. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
: the contact stated while driving 60 mph on the expressway, the timing chain fractured prematurely and caused the engine to stall suddenly without warning. The vehicle was towed to the dealership where it was determined the timing chain should have been replaced at 105,000 miles. The vehicle only had 91,000 miles at the time the timing chain broke. The owner's manual did not indicate when to change the timing belt. Updated 09/19/06.
1998 Passat timing belt prematurely failed causing vehicle to die. ** ans required***.
While driving on i95 (MD) southbound from elkton, MD to aberdeen proving grounds, MD, the car suddenly stalled. Obviously, without engine power, the steering and brakes were difficult to operate. Traffic was however avoided due to aid of a highway patrol right behind me. The vehicle was picked up and towed within a couple of hours and taken to a local garage. Cause of the problem was failed timing belt. Car has less than 100,000 miles and it's onnly 7 years old. However, vw refuse to honor the 100,000 miles/10year power train warranty.
98 vw Passat have had nothing but one problem after the other with this vehicle. Just had to replace my oil pump now my timing belt went and destroyed my engine. After I see that this has happened to several others I believe vw should take care of this expense. I have had to go through the expense of the front control arms, speed sensor etc. My car has been in the garage more than I have drove it. Problems with transmission.
While driving 70 mph timing belt failed. Vehicle lost power and it vehicle was towed. Dealership was notified, but did not resolve the problem.
(1) while driving down the highway at 60 mph the engine shut down and would not turn over again. I called a tow truck and had it delivered to my mechanics garage. (2) mechanic determined that it was the timing belt that went, and that Volkswagen had remanufactuered the tensioner and pulley for what ever reason. After buying new parts and rebuilding the head because the valves were destroyed upon contact with the pistons( naturally). After putting the engine back together with the new parts and rebuilt head, the cam seized up and blew the motor.
Vehicle lost all power on freeway traveling at 65 mph. Would not turn over. Linkage to timing belt malfunctioned @ 100,710 miles. Found out that both timing belt and linkage are not due to be changed until 105,000. Faulty prior to vw's specifications.
The timing belt on my 1998 vw Passat with the 1. 8t engine failed at 75,000 miles stranding me by the side of the road. The car has been regularly maintained by vw. The vw maintenance schedule requires replacement of the belt at 105,000 miles. Vw denied my warranty claim stating that the original warranty applies only to the first owner. However, my research shows that this is a well known problem and vw refuses to do anything about it.
Nar 04/07/2003 mr. The timing belt, cylinder heads and the mass air flow had to replaced and the consumer is requesting reimbursement. In the past the consumer had to replace 2 window regulators, the sun roof opened and closed for no reason, the rear door would not lock, the windshield wipers did not work.
My car died suddenly while I was driving on route 9. My car started to lose acceleration, but I was unable to pull off the road before the engine died. The problem turned out to be related to the timing belt. Apparently the timing belt tensioner failed, causing the timing belt to go into the engine and damage cylinder heads. My local mechanic has informed me the manufacturer has issued a service bulletin that recommends replacing the part. I had the part inspected at 55,000 miles by my local dealer and was not told of the problem or advised to replace the part. At 66,000 miles, the part failed, causing the engine failure during highway driving. The manufacturer is refusing to cover the cost of repair, stating that the car is out of warranty as I am not the original owner.
The timing belt tensioner fails causing the belt to become loose and fail prematurely. Vw is aware of this problem. They have in fact issued an updated part that correct this problem. However I know of many people who have complained about the same problem, and this should be recalled. It is goingt o cost me more than 1,500 dollars to fix this and I am doing it myself. If I were to have taken this to the dealership it would be double that. When the belt fails the valves get bent. I love this car, but htis is a joke. The whole reason I bought this car was so I would not need to work on it.
Catalytic converter replaced early on in ownership. Water pump, oil pump, timing belt replaced two months ago. Turbo replaced twice and still defective. Electrical problems with driver's side window, heated seat, trunk light. Suspension system bushings need replacement @ only 56,000 miles. Steering column replaced early on.