Volkswagen Passat owners have reported 38 problems related to timing tensioner (under the engine and engine cooling category). The most recently reported issues are listed below. Also please check out the statistics and reliability analysis of Volkswagen Passat based on all problems reported for the Passat.
Engine oil leak. Dealer repair service indicated that cam tensioner and cam seals need to be replaced.
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all problems of the 1999 Volkswagen Passat
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1. Car was due for 30k maint. And check engine light came on, called dealer, was told appointment unavailable for two weeks. Was told car was ok to drive. 2. Day before appointment engine seized while driving, car was towed in, determined engine seized due to slippage of internal timing chain. This was caused by tensioner cam loosening because oil pressure dropped from lack of oil in the engine. Oil was sludgy and burned. 3. Vw service manager at dealer was rude from the get go, vw refused to honor reciepts of oil change from a quick lube and warranty claim was denied by vwoa. They stated the auto had not been maintained properly. The car had 32000k miles on it. I have been attempting to have my car fixed since 2001 and my claim has been continually denied by vwoa.
Recall letter for replacement of tie rods on 1999 Volkswagen Passat. The front end of the vehicle squeaked. The technician found lower and upper control arm damage, the control arm boots were torn open with no lubrication which caused the squeak noise. There was also a cam shaft tensioner gasket leak which was removed and replaced. . The consumer took the vehicle to have the rods replaced after receiving the recall, however, the dealer called the consumer back and informed him, the vehicle had been inspected and it was not necessary for the work to be done, even though the recall letter stated it they would be replaced to prevent future problems.