Brake Electric Antilock problems of the 1999 Volkswagen Passat

I am one of an already large and constantly growing number of persons with Volkswagen's and Audi's who have abs (automatic braking systems) that have stopped working after only a mere 60-70,000 miles. I have taken my car in to the dealer several times to resolve this issue and each time they (deal) say it's something else. With many people complaining now and more to join in as the days go by, one can only imagine the large quantity of other people who have this snafu. Our experience has been that vw/Audi appears to refuse to acknowledge the problem. Lately, several persons have said that the problem is generally being caused by the electrical unit in the abs module. Yet at this point, vw and Audi are having users replace the entire unit. This cost is prohibitive for many of us ($2000 upward in my case). In the meantime, many of us are having to drive with faulty abs systems, with resultant safety problems: for me, the abs problem causes the brakes to go on at inappropriate times. The brakes on my car grab and activate unexpectedly during the first several minutes of driving after my car has sat overnight. Others have experienced this too. I fear that this may cause an accident. This problem on my car seems to be growing worse. The more obvious safety hazard is that all of these cars lack the abs during crucial times of driving on icy or wet pavement. Again, this problem is aggravated when the abs goes on and off intermittently, without the driver's knowledge (since in many cases, the dash warning lights remain on throughout). At this point, I'm fearful whenever I drive my car.

The contact took vehicle to dealer for recall repairs. Upon inspection the technician noticed the steering assembly came loose. The vehicle was being repaired at the dealership. They replaced both lower control arms and both tie rods. Also, the dealership also found there was an oil leak and the abs was defective. The technician discovered the steering rack assembly was loose to the point it could have fallen of from the frame. Updated 11/29/05.

The abs brake control unit of my 1999 Passat has failed. Dealer quotes cost in excess of $1000. To replace a part that costs less than $100 to manufacture. I found a car forum where many, many people talk of this bosh part as failing in their Passats and audis.

Anti-lock brake system (abs) warning light blinked intermittently over many weeks. I was first told that the abs was working okay, but the problem was just with the indicator light. A direct test of the brakes on a slippery road proved that the abs was not working at all. A second visits to vw dealer's service department over resulted in diagnosis of faulty abs control module, replaced at a total cost of over $1500.

While driving at 25mph, the vehicle experienced total brake loss. Causing a fire to the front and rear wheel. Dealer has been notified and will cost $2,8000 to replace the abs. Please provide further information.

Vehicle stalls intermittently at speeds of 25-65 mph. Vehicle taken to dealer 10-15 times, cannot find a cause. The mirror switch is inoperative due to window switch failure. The driver seat warmer was inoperative. Engine has a burning smell due to oil leak. Vehicle made noise in front end on left turns due to a stabilizer bar clamp being loose. Front brakes make noise. Steering makes noise and locked while driving. Steering column sliding cover cracked.

Ongoing problem with brakes squealing when applying brakes. Vehicle been in dealer shop on four occasions. Repairs were made on the disc brake system, and problem stilloccurring. Please feel free to provide any further details.

Gas gauge sending unit has been replaced once. Malfunctioning again. Shows full tank when more than half empty. Brakes have never worked adequately. Dealer has inspected and says they are "normal". After inspection, worked better for a brief period.

Front brakes started squealing but now are rubbing,grinding,groaning and braking rough. I am being told that these are normal brake sounds and that they cannot find anything wrong. Although on the last visit to the dealer I was told they did "something different" to the rotors this time. After at least 6 visits, I have the same problem and am being told to seek a scond opinion.

Shortly after bought car, had many makeup problems: trim panel falling off, 3 our 4 windows have been fixed numerous times. Cannot have trim fixed unless do whole car, which is too expensive and I didnt pay all that money for a car to have dish out more money for something that should not happen. I have paid to have all the windows fixed except this last time, I just will not do it. No accidents, nothing for these problems to be occuring. Also, the tie rods have been replaced numerous times. Lastly, steering/suspension has been a problem. All these problems took place four months after purchase and since then has been a problem.

The drivers side seat has excessive movement in the fore-aft direction and in the vertical. It is most noticeable when braking. It feels very unsecure. I have taken it to the dealer. They claim this level of play is normal.

While driving 10-20 mph and applying the brakes the pedal is hard and there aren't any brakes.

We were notified of a recall regarding the brakes on our vehicle. The dealership told us they completed have the work on the brakes but did not have the parts to complete the recall. We have contacted the service department to complete the job on numerous occassions. We have been told the parts are coming from germany. As of 1/18/00 we were told the company is holding back the parts. As an accident reconstructionists and a safety professional, I find this explanation unacceptable and Volkswagen is not compling with recall notice issued by your agency.

While making a stop vehicle would idle intermittently. Occasionally, just at the point of coming to a stop, it will lunge forward while brakes are being applied. Happens in both hot and cold weather.

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