Front Suspension Lower Control Arm Problems of Volkswagen Passat - part 2

I am experiencing a creaking sound coming from the lower control arm bushings on both sides of the vehicle. From the NHTSA site, I have now learned that failed lower control arms and bushings are a common problem in the Passat. The vehicle was just purchased "certified" used from vw four months ago with 34,000 miles. I returned the car to the dealer, who said that the lower control arm bushings were "just dry from road salt", and proceeded to hose the bushings down with an aerosol can of lubricant. He said that if this did not eliminate the noise (it didn't) then I might wish to return in a week or so for them to investigate further. It is obvious from the other complaints I have read what the problem is. If this vehicle's lower control arms fail as frequently as other owners on this site have indicated, with the only warning being a dull creaking noise, it is conceivable that most ordinary drivers would never have the problem investigated. Those that do would find that the repair is extensive and expensive. It is likely that some of these may choose to delay or neglect the situation. Both scenarios pose a unique and serious safety threat to the operators and occupants of the vw Passat. There are tens of thousands of these vehicles on the road, and all apparently share in what is an obvious design flaw that creeps up every 25 to 40 thousand miles in spite of very expensive replacement. Failure of a lower control arm could easily cause a crash. Vw should do the right thing by acknowledging this engineering failure and voluntarily recall these vehicles immediately for the safety and well being of its customers.

See all problems of the 1999 Volkswagen Passat 🔎.

Defective tie rod assembly and lower ink arm-n and lower control arm-n caused potentially dangerous steering condition and made loud grinding noises.

See all problems of the 1998 Volkswagen Passat 🔎.

While merging off the highway, a loud noise came from the left front of the vehicle. The vehicle was driven to the dealership. The left lower control linkage had broke. The dealership replaced the part. The failure has recurred 3 additional time on the other control arms.

Creaking noise eminating from passenger side lower control arm bushing over low speed bumps. Can be reproduced by manually compressing front suspension while vehicle is parked. Dealer says vw doesn't consider failure of front control arm bushings to be a safety issue.

Lower control arms creak - cause for a safety concern.

Lower control arms and sway bar links failed at less than 50,000 miles. This severely reduces steering capabilities and poses an imminent threat. Volkswagen of America knows of this problem and has redesigned the arms in later model Passats. However, they have not issued a safety recall.

Right lower control arm sheared off wheel attachment, resulting in loss of control and crash.

Head gaske leaking oil can cause slick freeways causing accidents. Lower control arm failure can cause sudden death of vehicle in motion.

Lower front control arms have failed in less then 30,000 miles. A loss of control of the car is possible.

The lower control arms on the 1998 vw Passat have failed, something that was known under a technical service bulletin from Volkswagen on may 31, 2001 (TSB: c 40-01-01). Volkswagen has not responded to me as to whether they will pay for this known problem in their vehicles yet.

Lower control arms have been replaced 3 times already and started banging again after third repair. Part previously on recall but new part also does same problem. Many Passat owners have the same complaint. Thank you for your time.

Creaking/grinding from front end. Vw service determined that lower control arm bushing(s) are faulty. $950 to repair. Contacted vw customer relations, after investigation, vw to pay 1/2 of parts and labour.

When turning wheel there was noise at the front of vehicle, dealer determined that the bushings needed to be replaced. . Consumer states he replaced the tie rod end.

Lower control arm failures are very common on the Volkswagen Passat, causing unpredictable handeling. Volkswagen of America is aware of this. They have release updated parts and a TSB on this issue, yet refuse to pay for this important safety related defect. Please investigate and issue a safety recall campaign.

There is a creaking sound when turning the wheel both directions.

There is a creaking sound when turning wheel in both directions. Consumer states that the creaks are also happening when going over bumps.

After approximately 23,000 miles, the lower control arms on my 1998 Volkswagen Passat failed. Symptoms of the failure are squeaking and/or clunking noises from the front suspension. My dealer determined that the ball joints on both front passenger-side lower control arms had failed, requiring replacement of both control arm assemblies. The cost of replacement is approximately $900. The lower control arms are not normal wear items. Volkswagen should recall the affected cars and pay for the replacement of the lower control arms.

Lower control arms need to be replaced due to corrosion/rust even though the car is only 2 and 1/2 years old! makes horrible creaking/grinding sound. Dealer/service dept. Said it wouldn't affect my driving and was safe but after reading information on this website and others I'm not so sure. Read that this is a faulty/defective part and I should think that vw would replace it without me having to pay $300 per arm!.

The lower right arm of the front suspension has failed. This is after only 25,000 miles. The bushing has apparently come loose from the arm. If allowed to progress far enough, this could lead to unsafe handling of the vehicle.

A creaking noise that has steadily become worse. I waited until my 25k mileage checkup for dealer to look at it,and he informed me of the weakened lower control arms. Mechanic tells me it will steadily get worse and will need to be replaced. Cost $940. Warranty expired at 24k miles and 5/30/00. I had brought my car in at 24,498 miles on 6/7/00. . Again because I didn't realize the extent of the problem (this has never happened to me before) and thought it would be an easy fix at the 25k checkup. Dealer will not cover cost unless vw America authorizes it since it is 'officially' past the warranty dates & mileage when I brought it in. I've researched this problem with other '98 Passat owners on the internet (vw vortex forums) and this is a recurring problem among many owners. I plan to call vw America to lobby an exception to my warranty.

Control arms on my 99 vw Passat have been replaced twice now. . . . . They are expensive ($650+) and obviously poorly engineered as others have had te same problems.

Lower control arm bushing failure, causing erratic handling, degraded since.

Control arm's of '1998-'2000 Passats are failure prone much earlier then the norm for passaneger automobiles. (a fact they recognized by a redesign of the control arms on '2001 and up Passat's. I purchased my car in 7/99. I drive 70 miles a day, mostly freeway, which as all know is actually very easy on an automobile. Yet with-in 2 years (40k) my front suspension was showing signs of premature wear. I get many "creaks" and "clunks" that are easy to hear at low speeds. . Read more...

I have informed the dealer and I imformed them about the lower control arm failure and there was TSB call for the item they told me that I dont quailify for that problem. The problem is that their a bushing failure on both side of the lower control arm it made it loose and you can feel it in the wheels and steering wheel. It would be a easy fix if they just replace the bushing but they dont just sell the bushing they sell the whole lower control arm. I have technical knowlegde about the cars and I believe that this is a problem. Its a safety issue to anyone. If the person does not know what going on. They will continue driving their unsafe car. The suspension test on the inspection station will not detect the problem. It will affect the alignment and the drive shaft and steering.

Lower control arms did not "fail" but were significantly worn at 21000 miles and they required replacement`. Vw covered 100% of replacement cost. *****dims 11 ivoq entry posted after 12/12/02 cut-over*****757901.