Brake Antilock Control Unit/module problems of the 1999 Volkswagen Passat - part 2

The vehicle is a 1999 Volkswagen Passat. Abs and brake warning lights come on periodically with increasing frequency and no apparent cause. This is a common problem with Passats and Audi a4s. I found around 40 similar complaints on the NHTSA web site and the frequency of the problem is well documented elsewhere on the internet. The problem is reported to result in lack of abs and inactivation of the normal braking distribution mechanism. The lack of abs, while serious, only reduces braking to that of many other vehicles. The alleged effect on distribution of braking power is a potentially more serious problem, as it could result in poor performance of even the conventional braking system.

1999 Volkswagen Passat 1. 8t abs module failure. Appears many other consumers have same problem with this expense safety device failure. Vw is ignoring the issue stating there is no history of failures or service bulletin 0517. Dealer wants to charge me $1750 to repair.

I own a 1999 vw Passat 1. 8t GLS. At 69,000 miles, "abs" and "brake" dash lights go on and off, indicating failure of abs control module, and loss of abs function.

Many Audi and vw models manufactured starting in the later '90s and continuing to present, use the bosch 5. 3 abs controller, which is prone to catastrophic failure, ostensibly due to defective design. This module controls multiple brake-related functions including the abs which is important for winter driving, but the most critical function of this module is probably the electronic brake force distribution, or ebd. These vehicles are designed such that if the ebd is inoperative, the proportion of hydraulic force applied to the rear brakes during emergency braking is as great as it is during moderate braking effort when there is minimal transfer of vehicle weight to the front wheels. The ebd is supposed to adjust the front/rear braking distribution dynamically according to the measure of the deceleration, so that the rear wheels will not lock up during emergency braking. If this module should fail during emergency braking on dry pavement, the rear wheels could lock up and cause an accident which could easily include fatalities. This is an expensive repair for owners, costing roughly $2000, and many owners have probably put off the repair indefinitely. Evidence which can be found through a simple web search, suggests that the problem is widespread, and that if it has not already led to serious accidents, it is only a question of time. This problem is genuine, and vw/Audi should be compelled to take immediate corrective action.

1. Normal driving conditions; city as well as highway driving. 2. Random, intermittent warning lights appear on dashboard. Lights are: abs - solid yellow. Brake - flashing red. 3. Nothing has be done to correct the failure as the dealer wants between $1,500 -$2,000 to fix the abs module. Additional information: visited various volkswagon message forums. Many volkswagon owners are experiencing this problem since early 2004. . Read more...

99 vw Passat. Abs brake lights flash intermittently. It seems the abs module needs replacement at 1500+ after some research it appears there are many people experiencing the same problem.

While I was driving, I hear three beeps, the abs light turns on and the emergency brake light blinks. Now it happens everytime after about five minutes of driving. I researched this problem and it appears to be a common problem where the abs control module fails. I have already fixed this problem and it is recurring.

The contact stated the abs light came on and the brake lights were flashing. He took the vehicle to the dealership ,who stated, the control module was not communicating with the computer, which was a sign that the abs control module failed and needed to be replaced. " there have been no repairs made due to the extensive expense.

I own a 1999 vw Passat and had to have my abs control module replaced in July of 2005 at a cost of $1,300. I have been in touch with many other Volkswagen Passat owners who have also had their abs control module go bad and have had to replace it. Since this seems like a very common problem I feel that Volkswagen of America should issue a recall on this part and financially reimburse those of us who have already paid out of pocket to replace the abs. It is a very costly expense and was surprising to me that it needed replacement at only 75,000 miles, in my car's case. Thank you.

Abs warning light flashes constantly with chime sounding each time the car starts. Probably been ongoing for the last 6-8 months. Was told by independent repair shop the problem was just electrical, but now reading numerous other complaints I believe it to be the abs module failing in so many other cars. Seems like Volkswagen needs to take care of this issue.

Complete failure of abs control module on a 99 vw Passat wagon with 99,000 miles. Car reverted back to regular braking system. . . No abs.

While driving on the highway abs warning light came on, and red brake warning light began flashing, indicating abs module failure.

I own a 1999 Passat 1. 8t GLS. The abs and brake light started coming on together intermittently at around 58,000 miles. Dealer service diagnosed problem as faulty abs unit, cost $1400 total installed. I have not had the unit replaced yet. There are literally thousands of these defective units on the road today, why hasn't NHTSA pressured vw to issue a safety recall? this is clearly a safety issue and crashes are imminent.

Abs controller on my vw Passat 1999 failed.

The abs, brake and oil light all come on (oil will flash) with sporadic irregularities in the tachometer. The tachometer will sometimes drop to zero. All this happens with 3 distinct beeps whenever I use the brakes. Colder temperatures can lessen the occurrence of the problems. Dealership service says that the abs module needs to be replaced at a cost of $3600. I have not yet approved the repair on the car.

Same as previous complaints: abs warning light flashes constantly w/ abs chime sounding constantly each time the car starts. I've been told that this is the abs module and that it has reportedly been problematic in a high percentage of these cars. In my opinion, vw needs to stand by there product in this case.

I am one of many people that have had the abs control module fail in my 1998 Volkswagen Passat. The dealer says that he can fix the 'problem' for around $2,000. I have seen numerous other people post internet messages about their abs control modules failing on their vw Passats. I can't believe that vw would allow such a thing without issuing a recall.

Failure of anti-lock brake module on 1999 vw Passat 1. 8t. No crash/damage/injury (yet). Started 1/05, continues. Common defect, certainly safety related. Vw uninterested in correcting problem.

I am one a large and growing number of persons with Volkswagen's and Audi's who have abs (automatic braking systems) that have stopped working after the car has been driven only 40,000 - 50,000 miles. . Read more...

The consumer the abs light has been coming on. The dealership said that the control module went bad. It was replaced, however the problem recurred . The anti-lock brake system does not work when the abs light comes on. Service invoices are available if needed.

Abs and brake light simultaneously came on followed by a beeping noise. This rendered the abs brake inoperative. Abs control module pump needed to be replaced because its internal relay was clicking and buzzing. This was a common failure part on this vehicle.

I own a '99 vw Passat GLS and have also had the problem with the abs control module. I get a solid dashboard abs warning light and blinking dashboard brake warning light when I start the car. Both lights stay on and the blinking light caused my car to fail inspection. I've done research on the internet and found hundreds of such complains about this problem, particularly because this is a $1500 - $4000 repair, according to the various dealer estimates I've read. This is a serious safety issue and well-documented manufacturer's defect. My vw service center acknowledged they know this is a problem and how much to charge for it (~$2400), but because of the expense I have not repaired it yet. Please take action! both the abs system and ignition system use bosch parts, which have documented failures. . Read more...

Failure of bosch abs 5. 3 controller leading to warning tones and lights and loss of traction control and abs functions, a definite safety hazard. This is a widely reported problem as vw and Audi cars get older due to a failure in the bosch hybrid module. Since the cars are out of warranty, vw and Audi are not covering repairs which cost $1400 or more.

Abs/brake light comes on intermittently, requiring replacement of abs module.

Suddenly abs light comes on on the instrument panel. Also at the same time, the brake light starts flahing.

The abs and asr (electronic stability control) computer had to be replaced in my car. The car only had 71,000 miles. It almost cost me when my life when the abs did not kick in and started sliding on a rainy day. It cost $1,400 at the dealer to fix this problem; the service technician said it was common. They only replaced the computer.

There are no specific events leading to the failure besides regular use of the vehicle Passat 1999. The abs warning light periodically has come on and lengthened in duration until it stayed on permanently. The braking is still normal, but the abs control unit is recommended to be replaced by the dealer. I have not replaced the abs control. Also, the timing belt tensioner went out on my Passat 1999. I was driving on a freeway when the car just cut out. I coasted it over to the side of the road where it would not turn over. This part was redesigned on later models because of its tendency to fail. I had to redo all of my rods. I still have the old part in my possession.

Abs module 8e0614111b failed on 1999 Passat under normal driving conditions. Warning lights are intermittent meaning the function of the abs system is intermittent.

Faulty abs control module made abs sytem inoperative.

Failure of abs module on 1999 Volkswagen Passat. My abs light started blinking at around 60,000 miles. The dealer diagnosed the problem as a failed abs module. The cost to fix the problem was estimated to be $1,500. For the part alone!!! the dealer said that they fail all the time and that many people do not fix them. I did not want to make a further investment in the car so I let it go. The car was subsequently inspected by the dealer in state inspection and passed. Now, a couple of years later, I am told that they will not pass cars with abs lights. I am aware of websites (myvwlemon; bentley; and Passatworld forum) that chronicle many issues with the abs module on Passats. It seems to be common knowledge that the abs module manufactured by bosch is defective and a cottage industry has arisen of manufacturers of these parts. Some even rebuild them as the defect is known.

At around 60,000 abs light comes on vehicle, which makes abs useless when light is on, it works otherwise. When light is on brakes lock-up. Abs module costs $1010 + labor 405 = $1415 to fix this. Spoke with dealer, they said they have seen many of abs control modules gone bad Passats. This could be a big safety problem since it affects braking.