Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power steering, steering column, rack and pinion).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2000 Volkswagen Passat owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
I have had my 2000 vw Passat since 2006 and have had only regular wear and tear unitl about 3 weeks ago. I was driving on 95 in fort lauderdale, fl moving at about 65-70 MPH when the engine shut off, power steering was gone and pushing brakes took all I had to try and safely steer and come to a complete stop crossing over 5 lanes of traffic to the break-down lane. Once I was completely stopped I was able to turn the key to the off position and restart the vehicle. Aside from the engine, steering and brakes all other functions were or at least seemed to still be working (ie: dash lights, radio, windows) the vehicle did this 4 more times while I attempted to drive to the nearest exit and call for assistance. I tested all the fuses and they all were in working order and the next set of symptoms occurred a week later. …
2000 vw Passat with only 42,000 had worn tie rods to the point where it was dangerous to drive. Fortunately this was discovered when the car was taken in to the dealer for other maintenance/service work. The tie rods were replaced at the owner's cost. Vw refused to pay for the repairs even though there were two recalls for tie rods on 1999 passats (NHTSA campaign id #99V248000 and 00V414000). Vw also just issued a "service action" in November 2004 for checking/replacing front suspension lower control arms. However I was told that this service action did not include tie rods. I believe vw is attempting to circumvent a recall by issuing this "service action" bulletin, and by not covering problems with tie rods in this service action maintenance. …
My 2000 vw Passat, with 38,000 miles, has worn tie rods to the point where I have been advised it could be dangerous to drive. This problem was discovered when the car was having an oil change and I mentioned I had been hearing creaking sounds from the front while doing 3 point turns over the past month. My mechanic (not a dealer) thought there had been a recall for the problem. Upon checking, the recall was for 1999 passats only. Since the 2000 model is the exactly the same as the 1999 model, why was this recall not extended to the 2000 cars? I now have to replace the tie rods at my own expense. Please note the service action issued by vw in November 2004 did not include the tie rods.
We took our 2000 vw Passat in to the vw dealer for state safety and were told that our drivers side tie rod was unsafe to drive on and that the passanger side would need to be replaced soon also. We took it to our regular mechanic for a second opinion and he was shocked how bad of condition they were a year 2000 and having 55,000 miles. We had to replace the left front outer tie rod end; link rod; and left front upper ball joint total cost was 370.00 and we will need to do the same soon for the left front side very soon. I am appalled that vw is aware of these complaints in the 2000 model and has not issued a recall.
Steering tie rods and front suspension are worn out on vw Passat making steering very inaccurate and in a state of constant steering input to maintain straight direction of vehicle. Afraid this will lead to an accident. Car has only 82,000 miles on it and this is the first time I have ever heard of such complete impending failure of a front suspension. I understand that this is common in passats. It seems to me this is a design flaw that should be corrected.
Tie rod ends failed on 2000 Passat effecting the steering control. Prior to 44000. Dealer stated this is considered normal for Passat . Tie rod ends were returned to me and the seals were not protecting the swivel bearing. Independent auto repair shop advised there had been a previous recall in 99 for the same problem but this car was not included. We believe Volkswagen May have the same or similar issue with tie rod ends on additional autos.
Had to replace all of the front control arms and tie rod ends on my 2000 Passat glx 4-motion wagon. Five out of 8 control arms were in very poor conditions with torn boots over the ball joints. The ball joints in the controll arms were torn and ball joins were dry and noisy. The tie rod ball joins were worn out and making noises. The car has not be wrecked or damaged other wise.
2000 vw Passat wagon- less than 50 thousand miles- mechanic informed us that the tie rod ends were shot. Contacted vw with a complaint about the rate of failures of many parts of this car. These failures are what would be considered premature. Vw asked me to bring in vehicle for a thorough inspection and confirmed tie rod failure- replacement to be at my expense.
The vehicle was taken to the shop for an alignment. The technician noticed that the tie rod ends were worn but the vehicle only had 60000 miles on it. The consumer found a recall (99v24800) on the internet which described the symptoms the vehicle experienced with the tie rods. The consumers vehicle was not included in the recall due to VIN.
Upper control arms are failing and dangerous, which is leading to the tie rods failing. I am told the car is unsafe to drive. Vw quoted me $1100 to make my car safe to drive. I am puzzled that vw is unconcerned about life and safety issue for the owner and other drivers. I have seen many websites asking for owners to contact NHTSA about this issue.
Steering complaints in other Passat years
Frequently asked questions
How common are steering problems on the 2000 Volkswagen Passat?
NHTSA has 25 complaints about the steering of the 2000 Volkswagen Passat, 5% of the model year's 507 complaints. The component named most often is linkages › tie rod assembly (19 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2000 Volkswagen Passat steering problems?
No. NHTSA lists no steering recall for the 2000 Volkswagen Passat, though it has 3 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 2000 Volkswagen Passat steering problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 51,000 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.