Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power windows, windshield, wipers, mirrors, sunroof).
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).
Drivers side window fell partially into the door while operating window power control during driving operation on highway. Upon reaching the destination and touching the window power control, the window completely fell down into the door. This event is the second time it's happened on this vehicle.
Tl contact owns a 1999 Volkswagen Passat. The contact noticed that the floor on the driver's side in the rear of the vehicle contained approximately an inch to 1.5 inches of water. She noticed the issue approximately four times within one month, especially in rainy conditions. The dealer stated that the failure May be caused by the sunroof, although the sunroof was never wet at the time of inspection. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but they could not provide a definite diagnosis. The manufacturer stated that there were no recalls relevant to the issue. The contact also noticed that the ABS indicator would illuminate intermittently. She was unsure if this failure was related to the water issue. The current mileage was 115,320 and failure mileage was approximately 115,115.
I was driving down the street when my passenger side front window fell down into the door. The is the second time for this window and the fourth time overall. Everytime its been the window regulator. This cost me $392 everytime. I drive my car once or twice a week. This should not have happened four times when I have less than 60,000 miles on my car. I know many people with the same problem but who do we complain to? And when we do it falls on deaf ears. I can't take it anymore. Also my cruise control does not work and they want me to spend another $300+ to put a new turn signal in. Also, my passenger side, side airbag harness and airbag itself are bad. They want at least $600 to fix it. I have a 1999 Passat with 55,000 miles and it's a money pit ! Please help me!!!!!!!!!!!!!
1999 Volkswagen Passat windows fall down due to defective plastic clips breaking that normally hold them in place. Windows fall down into doors distracting drivers attention from road and potentially causing an accident. Driver security is not assured when door is locked due to this common defect. Vw is aware of this complaint and fixed on some jettas but not passats. Nor will they make available a replacement plastic clips to correct the problem. If you want this fixed you must buy the entire window regulator rather than the single plastic clips that apparently become brittle with age and fail.
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.
Tl contact owns a 1999 Volkswagen Passat. While driving he attempted to open he drivers side window and the entire window fell off track inside the door. The contact made several attempts to close the window with the automatic switch and was unsuccessful. The vehicle has not been diagnosed by the dealer and there were no prior warnings. The current and failure mileages were 110,000.
Windshield wiper assembly on drivers side broke and popped out of body. Upon further investigation it was determined that the control linkage from the motor broke and pushed the base of the windshield wiper out. The wiper blade is two to three inches off the window. The passenger side wiper is also not functioning.
Numerous problems with 1999 Volkswagen Passat. When taken to the service dealer, the consumer claimed the car had problems with oil and coolant leaks. The problem was suppose to be fixed, however the dealer never gave the consumer a invoice because the work was never completed. While traveling, the oil light came on again. The consumer was unable to use the vehicle. Also the loss of fair market value. Consumer spent over a $1000.00 in repairs. The air condition did cool the vehicle properly, and there was also a valve cover leak, and a power steering fluid leak, the dealer stated the power steering hose was bad, the glove box failed to open, the driver side vanity mirror was broke and the head light bulb was replaced.
After heavy rains this past week, my 99 Volkswagen Passat has flooded twice on the passenger side, front and back. After researching, I found that the problem came from clogged sun roof drains. I wet vacuumed out 3 gallons of water from the car. This problem is also caused by clogged pollen filters. There is no mention of either of the problems in the manual. Vw should be held accountable for this problem/defect in their cars. I have found hundreds of complaints from consumers on the same issue (www.http://www.theautobahn.com/forum and www.passatworld.com). This flooding problem is causing transmission control problems leading to thousands of dollars in repairs. Volkswagen should be made to pay!
Window & Wiper complaints in other Passat years
Frequently asked questions
How common are window & wiper problems on the 1999 Volkswagen Passat?
NHTSA has 30 complaints about the windows, wipers & sunroof of the 1999 Volkswagen Passat, 5% of the model year's 664 complaints. The component named most often is power window devices and controls (9 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1999 Volkswagen Passat window & wiper problems?
No. NHTSA lists no windows, wipers & sunroof 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 window & wiper problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 102,000 miles, and 10% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 0 fires and 1 injury to windows, wipers & sunroof problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
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.