Six problems related to engine have been reported for the 1998 Volkswagen Passat. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
I was just told by the vw dealer that my 1998 vw Passat with 1. 8t engine needs to be replaced because of sludge problems. I change the oil more frequently than the required 5000 miles (usually between 3000 and 3500), but don't have every receipt, and don't have the oil change receipts from the previous owner, so they won't honor their warranty. They want me to pay $8000 when it is their recognized design flaw. Nothing has been done to correct it yet.
Like many, many others, my 1998 vw Passat 2. 8 liter with tiptronic (automatic) transmission has the following problems: 1) abs light on (abs not working); 2) brake light on (both before and after all rotors & pads were replaced and fluid changed); 3) tachometer not working; 4) oil light on (but oil level and pressure are okay). This was an intermittent problem that began early this year but is now almost constant. All problems appear to be caused by a bad abs controller, which is also used in Audi a4 models (part # 8e0 614 111r). Vw dealership quotes over $1000 for the part alone. Sometimes, if the car has been sitting a few days or if it is cold outside, the lights do not come on and the tachometer works correctly for awhile. Then, all of a sudden, all the above-mentioned problems happen. Or, I will be driving the car with the problems, then the tach jumps to life and all the warning lights go out. As I said before: there are numerous people who have the same problems. This is a safety issue (no abs could lead to accidents) as well as a quality issue: abs controllers should not fail so frequently on such relatively new vehicles. A recall should be performed by volkswagon and Audi to replace defective abs controllers in their 1998-on Passat and 1996-on a4 models. Thank you, marc jacobi.
The vehicle has been in for each recommended 5000 mile service. On two of the five occasions, the engine cover has come loose on the highway, causing considerable distress. It is my and others view that there is a serious design defect.
Consumer has complained on 3 occasions about the transmission, there was a noise when shifting through gears, when releasing the clutch pedal and driving on an incline, dealer could not duplicate the problem, however in Feb 2000 the dealer did find the engine cover to be loose that may have been the cause of the noise being heard when shifting gears.
While driving at 65 mph the engine shield fell off from under the vehicle, causing the consumer to lose control. Also, steering was very hard to steer, causing the consumer to pull to the side of the shoulder. The consumer look under the vehicle,and noticed the front of the shield was on the freeway, and the shield was rubbing up against the front tires.
While driving at 70 mph the engine dust cover flew off, this happens right after the oil has been changed, the engine dust cover has flew off a total of 3 times.