14 problems related to engine belts and pulleys have been reported for the 1999 Volkswagen Passat. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
1999 vw Passat 1. 8t suffered sudden timing belt failure at only 54,000 miles. Incident occurred at night on a major interstate (I-70) in the colorado mountains, leaving me barely able to control my vehicle to coast uphill to a narrow snowy shoulder, where we were forced to call 911 and wait for almost 45 minutes in a cold vehicle, in constant danger of being struck from behind by semi/tractor trailers. I am disappointed that this occurred at such low mileage and endangered my family, and if it were an isolated incident I would not be pursuing this issue as I did miss the 40,000 mile service when a belt inspection was scheduled to be performed. I am concerned that this appears to be a common problem with this vehicle based upon my discussions with independent vw/Audi service technicians and the internet, and led to a class action lawsuit of Audi and now (ongoing) vw. In the meantime, vw appears to be denying that this is an issue, and refuses to honor its extended powertrain warranty unless it has been very strictly followed. Due to the systematic failure with this critical engine part, usually occurring well before vw's own recommended belt change interval of 105,000 miles, I believe that vw should be repairing/recalling these vehicles for replacement of the defective belts and tensioners. Sudden and total loss of engine power can lead to loss of vehicle control; in my case the real danger was the location and circumstances of the failure. It appears vw is following the same aggressive stance/denials of warranty claims with another issue with these engines, the oil "sludging" problem which is also well-documented on the internet.
Just before the expiration of my 100,000-mile, 6-year extended warranty at 99,938 miles (and 23 days before the end of 6 years) I took my 1999 1. 8l turbo Volkswagen Passat (b5) to the dealership. I requested that they perform the 100,000-mile service and to thoroughly check the car for any repairs that may be required since it would soon be out-of-warranty. Four hours later when the shop was closing, I picked up my car. Upon checkout, the service rep stated that they did not find any problems, but that the service technician and Volkswagen recommend changing the timing belt, tensioner, and water pump at 105,000 miles. I thanked him and went home not realizing the importance of his comment. Three weeks later on June 2, 2006 at 102,088 miles (and 3 days past the six-year point), my tensioner broke which caused my timing belt to slip and strip the teeth intermittently off the belt. Since I was not aware that my timing belt was slipping (except for an increase in noise when I accelerated), the valves were bent during the event. I had my car towed the following morning to a local vw service shop, and they notified me that my timing belt was broken and that machining of the cylinder block was necessary since the valves were bent. The repair to my engine, including a water pump and faulty plastic hose, cost $2,342. In addition, I had to rent a car for one week for the duration of the repair ($225) and tow the car to the service shop ($28). Upon researching this issue, I realized it is a very common occurrence for the timing belt to fail prematurely on b5 Passats and that had either the dealership or vw notified me of this proclivity for failure (and change their servicing recommendation) this failure and associated $2600 expense would not have occurred.
Timing belt broke with no warning before the 90,000 mile suggested check was performed. This is going to cost me somewhere between 2000 and 4000 to repair.
Belt time damage, consequences engine repair.
82290 miles on car. Car engine suddenly lost power and would not run. Turning on emergency flashers, blowing my horns and then rapidly exiting the road I was able to avoid getting rear-ended. Cam belt is broken and then causes about $3500 in damage to the top-end (bend valves,etc. ) of the car car is current in the vw repair shop awaiting $4650 in total to replace cam belt and damaged top end. Note: cam belt may have been stressed due to ignition modlule failure at 80330 document on 10090985. . . . .
Timing belt on vehicle broke resulting in damage to the engine valves. The newer editions of the Passat have redesigned tension systems for the timing belt.
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.
Timing belt failure caused a catastrophic engine failure. No warning is described in owners manual or maintenance schedule. Engine failed at 91000 miles during highway driving, required some immediate action to avoid an accident.
Electrical problems from the start, melting of plastic, lights in the car working sporadically at best. Oil, drain, oil pump, camshaft,all blamed on lack of verifiable oil changes. Timing belt - let go on highway at 85000 miles (warranty for 1999 Passat, 100,000 miles) blamed on oil changes. 82 days in shop steering goes during this time and I'm told I need an altenator [ 3rd one ] the story goes on and on. . . . . .
Timing chain tensioner seals leaking and vw will not honor their replacements under the powertrain warranty.
The timing belt loosened, flapped up, and severed. When this occurred the vehicle lost power and stalled. The engine would not run and the vehicle did not accelerate. The vehicle displayed a rough idle and rattled. This was a common problem with these vehicles, per dealership. The timing belt tensioner failed while the vehicle was in motion. The timing belt broke after the tensioner shredded it. The vehicle was shifted into park while in motion. The power brakes and the power steering failed. The vehicle was purchased with 52,515 miles and the failure had already occurred. Less than 4k miles later. The consumer requested reimbursement.
Timing belt tensioner on my 1999 vw Passat 1. 8t (VIN # wvwma63b2xe246012) failed at 76,623 miles causing timing belt to slip off, thus causing major engine valve damage. I was close to home and was able to return home and call a tow truck, but had I been further away from home I'm not sure what would have happened. Vw advises owners to have timing belts checked at 40,000 and 80,000 miles and to have them replaced at 106,000. Because the timing belt tensioner fails early I believe this part should be recalled or at the very least that vw should advise owners to replace the timing belt tensioner at 60,000--70,000 miles in order to avoid severe engine damage.
Consumer stated that the timing belt broke, causing the engine to freeze up. Ts.
I purchased a 1999 volkswagan Passat in April of 2002 with 49,000 miles on it the timing belt broke on it at 58,000 miles in September of that same year. As per volkswagon, the belt is not due to be changed until 105,000 miles. It ruined the top end of my engine, cost to repair is 3,000-4,000 dollars. Volkswagan will not pay for any of the cost, I find this to be unfair that I should get only 6 months use out of a car that I still owe 17,000 dollars on.