Three problems related to front suspension lower ball joint have been reported for the 1998 Volkswagen Passat. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
Left front lower ball joint had sheared off while coming to a stop, and caused loss of steering. Manufacturer notified.
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.
I hear the nosie before my warranty expire and I can't tell what that was. So I brought it to the dealership to check and they said the computer show nothing wrong. But the noise still there and they knew that but they said if the computer show nothing wrong, they can't help me for that. Until my warranty expired they said is coming from lower arm controller(left & right). It costs $800-900+ to replace. I feel that they knew all along and use that computer to against me. Of course it operate ok but that nosie is so border me. I think they should have that parts recall. I also talk to vw headquarter and they can't help me. I do have that record during 40+ miles and I believe that I shouldn't pay for that replacement. Pls help- my email address: jwcs_2000@yahoo. Com.