Eight problems related to windshield have been reported for the 1998 Volkswagen Passat. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
Water leaks into drivers side floor, relay failure and resultant defroster failure. Mildew, respiratory distress, uncontrolable sneezing, and resultant difficulty with vehicle control. Entire carpet replacement. Cost over $1000 with labor.
Window trim can fail, leading to "loop/noose" which can kill children/passenger.
Window glass was broken by a rock. Problem exists in size and shape of tempered glass crumbs. Lots of tiny shards, less that 1mm, very sharp and dangerous. Extra expense incurred in cleaning interior.
Driver's side back window had trouble opening and closing. Currently, driver's side front window had trouble opening and closing.
Windshield cracked without any road damage. Verified by dealer!.
I read on 3/19/99 some reviews by owners of Passats on the internet (while I was searching for comments by owners of the Honda odessey min-van). Unfortunately I cannot find the website again. However, while there, two people had asked questions relating to windshield cracking during a test drive by a well known magazine (I think it was car & driver) for the Audi a4, basically the same car as the Passat. The question was had anyone experienced such cracking. I was shocked on 3/20/99 to get into the car and see the 10-inch crack which was not there the day before. So I've been searching the www without success to find the comments from the message boards I read last Friday.
Window panel--prevents closing of window. Intake manifold oil leak (gasket).
Driver's front and side doors had trouble opening and closing.