Two problems related to sway bar have been reported for the 1998 Volkswagen Passat. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
Problems with left side upper control arms link, sway bar links and lower control arm. Also the tie rod ends were replaced, there was a recall regarding the issue, however the consumer's vehicle was not affected.
Lower control arms and sway bar links failed at less than 50,000 miles. This severely reduces steering capabilities and poses an imminent threat. Volkswagen of America knows of this problem and has redesigned the arms in later model Passats. However, they have not issued a safety recall.