Sway Bar Problems of Volkswagen Passat

At about 12000 miles on my vw Passat clunks began to develop in front end of car. It kept getting worse. I took it into vw garage for diagnosis and repairs at 15000 miles. The told me the sway bars failed and would need to replae them. After repair the sway bar links were replaced and car is without noise.

See all problems of the 2013 Volkswagen Passat 🔎.

Problems with left side upper control arms link, sway bar links and lower control arm. Also the tie rod ends were replaced, there was a recall regarding the issue, however the consumer's vehicle was not affected.

See all problems of the 1998 Volkswagen Passat 🔎.

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.

07/21/01 scheduled service for clunking/rattling noise in front suspension over small road imperfections and secondly tie rod recall. Mechanic replaced tie rods, but same clunking/rattling noise occurs upon departure. Dealer ordered sway bar links, replaced on second visit. Rattling noise stops, but shortly after repair, sharper clunking resurfaces, turns into also scraping/squeaking noise on sharp turns left with time. Website and independent research indicates many instances of identical symptoms in same model of car leading to possible wheel detachment in extreme circumstances. Other dealers indicate tsbs issued, but no remedy for repair cost on this relatively late model car. Ball joints only come with kit priced at approximately $600 from dealer. After reading numerous website posts, I've become very concerned on safety of car as clunking/knocking/squeaking/scraping noises have grown louder with my vehicle. I'd feel very uncomfortable keeping/selling this car without the problem remedied. I strongly support a vw or at worst case NHTSA initiated recall on this apparent design defect to prevent recurring problems.

See all problems of the 1999 Volkswagen Passat 🔎.