1999 Volkswagen Passat engine problems
Owners reported engine problems in 87 complaints for the 1999 Volkswagen Passat, 10% of the complaints on file. It is the 3rd most reported problem area for this model year.
At a glance
- Complaints
- 87 10% of this year's complaints
- Typical mileage
- 77,000 miles 54 complaints with mileage
- Crashes and fires
- 0 and 3
- Injuries and deaths
- 0 and 0
Source: NHTSA owner complaints
When engine problems show up
View the numbers
| Mileage | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 0k to 20k miles | 1 |
| 20k to 40k miles | 2 |
| 40k to 60k miles | 8 |
| 60k to 80k miles | 18 |
| 80k to 100k miles | 11 |
| 100k to 120k miles | 7 |
| 120k to 140k miles | 2 |
| 140k to 160k miles | 1 |
| 160k to 180k miles | 3 |
| 180k to 200k miles | 0 |
| 200k+ miles | 1 |
What the data shows
Of the 54 engine complaints that report mileage, the median is about 77,000 miles, and 20% were reported before 60,000 miles.
These complaints mention 3 fires.
What owners wrote
Vehicle caught on fire while parked in the driveway. The fire department indicated that the fire started on the right side of the engine. The fire may have been caused by the battery. The vehicle was totaled. *nlm
I have a 1999 passat wagon (@ 84,000 mile) and have had a buring oil smell for the past 18 months (it started @ 60,00 mile). It has been to a few dealers numerous times and all they ever to is replace gaskets. They have also replaced turbo charger, mas air flow, and every possible gasket. We have even had the VW rep into help solve the problem. They worked on it - said they found other gaskets - but it still burns. It is worse when it sits idle and does not happen wheh the AC is on.
Other problems reported for the 1999 Volkswagen Passat
- Brakes 250 complaints
- Suspension 140 complaints
- Steering 79 complaints
- Electrical system 62 complaints
- Wipers, windshield & visibility 36 complaints
- Cruise control 32 complaints
- Fuel system 31 complaints
- Air bags 22 complaints