Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1999 Volkswagen Passat owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
After starting and beginning motion there's a slowing in motion as though the brakes had been slightly tapped or as though the ABS had told the transmission computer to slow down. Gas consumption was 16mpg. After several years one tech listened to me, adjusted the 'feedback' from ABS to the transmission module computer and the sensation of braked slowing was gone! And the gas consumption became 19mpg! Several years later my door locks shorted out and had to be replaced after destroying two batteries. The tech then reported that he had reprogrammed the electrical system to 'factory specs' at that point the 'slowing (braked)' problem recurred and the gas consumption dropped back to 16 mpg. How can I get the car readjusted to get rid of the 'slowing' problem and return to 19mpg gas usage??? [redacted] my dealer is :carter Volkswagen,seattle, wa my e-mail is [redacted]. '
Tl* the contact owns a 1999 Volkswagen Passat. The contact stated that she was unable to change gears. The contact also stated that the failure occurred once prior, and both occurrences took place during rainy weather. The first time the failure occurred, the vehicle was towed to an authorized dealer, who stated that the transmission control module needed to be replaced due to water damage. Two years later, the transmission control module failed again after a storm. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, but offered no assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 59,859 and the current mileage was 81,000.
At just under 60K miles the clutch on my 1999 volkswagon gls v6 Passat blew. There was no sign of the impending difficulty. This car was towed to the volkswagon dealer where purchased. On the high end the cost of the repair has been estimated at $2,200.00 as the blown clutch May have also caused damage to the flywheel wich is a $750.00 plus part. The volkswagon dealer will offer a 20% discount on the repair as this vehicle was just purchased in 2/03 with less than 52K miles. Volkswagon of America will offer no assistance whatsoever as the clutch is deemed a wear-and- tear item.
Water in the passenger compartment of the vehicle, from any source (including the sunroof drains that were recalled but not effectively fixed) or snow from boots that has melted... Drains to the lowest point, which is where vw put the TCM (an electrical component highly sensitive to moisture) this caused the transmission to slam into limp mode at 65 MPH with 2 kids in the back seat. Volkswagen is aware of the problem as are thousands of 1500$ poorer vw owners who had to replace the TCM and hope that this doesn't happen again.
Clunking noises heard when transmission is in gear and moving forward-not heard in reverse. Car would not go into any forward gears, it would only shift in reverse. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who determined that the transmission control module had been damaged beyond repaire. The unit sits beneath the passenger seat of the vehicle and was completely submerged in water due to the failure of the sunroof drains which caused rain water to collect and pool inside of the vehicle.
The car is on it's second transmission with only 47000 miles, and having problems with it. Doesn't want to shift into higher gear and clunks sometimes. Headlights did not work for first 4 months we owned the car. Dealer could not find the problem. Sunroof opens and closes by itself. Dealerships have not found the problem. Map light has started to do the same. Indicator lights go on and off. Dealer says he has never heard of a problem with the wiring on these cars and that it is safe to drive.
I own a 1999 Volkswagen Passat in which the control arms, tie rod ends, ball joints, and bushings are failing. Based on some internet research, this is a common failure for similar makes, models, and years. The problem occurs every day, and if left unattended, results in safety problems at higher speeds. Parts will be replaced in the near future and old parts will be retained, if it is feasible.
While turning a corner, the front drivers side wheel separated from the vehicle. Also while driving 20 MPH the vehicle stalled without warning. The dealer claims that a bolt sheared off into the transmission. The dealer refused to repair any of the problems associated with this vehicle.
I was heading home and barely on the turnpike, when I heard a big bang and I could not shift gears anymore. I had some trouble to get my car through the traffic from the high-speed left lane to a safe spot and called the towing service. I was about 140 miles away from home and the cost, after the roadside insurance paid its part, was $400. As it turns out, the pressure plate of the clutch broke into 3 pieces. I was very lucky, and so were the drivers around me, that the problem happened at low speed since the broken pieces could have easily turned into missiles, not to mention the inability to control the car in heavy traffic. Although the car is out of warranty, since the mileage is still very low, I believe that the defect is so unusual and the potential effects of such a failure are so dangerous that manufacturer does bear a continued responsibility. …
For: 99 volkswagon Passat wagon while my wife and I were parking in front of a bank, in a sudden the car shoke violently; we stopped without turning the engine off... The car was shaking very hard still. We then had this car diagnozed at a Firestone service center nearby. After a day, the mechanic mentioned that there's misfiring in cylinder 2, and it's common thing in Passat (I did not know this until then), but vw never issued a recall. So they asked me to leave the car for an extra day so they could solve the problem. Another day passed, they informed me that they needed more time; they tried to replace the coil, it's still misfiring, and they mentioned more trials, but those were not good too. They suggested me to bring the car to the dealership. …
Transmission complaints in other Passat years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 1999 Volkswagen Passat?
NHTSA has 29 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 1999 Volkswagen Passat, 4% of the model year's 664 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (8 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1999 Volkswagen Passat transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain recall for the 1999 Volkswagen Passat, though it has 5 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 1999 Volkswagen Passat transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 60,000 miles, and 27% before 25,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.