Engine problems of the 1999 Volkswagen Passat

Nine problems related to engine have been reported for the 1999 Volkswagen Passat. The most recently reported issues are listed below.

1 Engine problem

Failure Date: 11/07/2008

When a $2 o ring in oil filter housing fails, oil is quickly pumped from the engine. . Mechanic says this is a common problem with the 1. 8 liter turbo. Daughter was driving when the oil light finally came on. In less that 5 miles engine damage started. Cam shaft is scored.

2 Engine problem

Failure Date: 07/17/2006

Engine light.

3 Engine problem

Failure Date: 08/01/2005

The contact stated there were toxic fumes in vehicle. The dealership replaced the turbo, but this did not help to eliminate the fume problem. Currently, they insisted that the engine needed to be removed and all of the seals need to be replaced. The manufacturer advised him not drive the vehicle because it was not safe. There have been no further repairs made to the vehicle.

4 Engine problem

Failure Date: 03/01/2005

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.

5 Engine problem

Failure Date: 11/20/2004

1999 Volkswagen Passat 1. 8l turbo engine with 71,000 miles stopped suddenly; then check-engine light came & car would not re-start. Check-oil light had been intermittently on for 2-3 miles prior, but oil was checked and it was actually overfull. 803 miles prior, vw service dept had serviced car for check-engine light, and replaced turbo recirculation valve and hose. Oil has been changed every 3000 miles since car was purchased used, with 30,000 miles, in Feb. '04. Vw service department claims failure was caused by engine becoming oil-starved due to sludge in oil take-up tube. Sludge caused by not using synthetic oil, although it is not required. Cam gear was damaged, leaving metal pieces throughout engine. Entire engine, turbo and catalytic converter had to be replaced. Vw denies any responsibility. Parts may still be w/mechanic, I certainly do not have facilities or desire to store an entire ruined engine.

6 Engine problem

Failure Date: 08/06/2004

While driving at low speeds the vehicle lost oil pressure intermittently. Please provide additional information.

7 Engine problem

Failure Date: 07/12/2004

Our oil light kept coming on. Kept taking in for oil change and said was fine. No one could tell us why oil light kept coming on. Then received a letter from vw of America stating there was oil sludge problem. Will not fix car w/out oil receipts. Can not drive car w/out getting oil sludge prob. Fixed because it can damage engine.

8 Engine problem

Failure Date: 12/23/2002

A plastic shield which was mounted under the engine became partially loose while accelerating.

9 Engine problem

Vehicle caught on fire while parked in the driveway. The fire department indicated that the fire started on the right side of the engine. The fire may have been caused by the battery. The vehicle was totaled.



Safety Ratings of Passat Cars
Fuel Economy of Passat Vehicles
Passat Service Bulletins
Passat Safety Recalls
Passat Defect Investigations