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Problems with 99 VW Passat GLS
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Comments
Each time I bring my car to them at the scheduled appointment time, I'm forced to wait an hour in line. Then, they take my car in the morning and return it 'as is' in the afternoon. What I imagined to be a trivial problem - fixing the radio's memory - has snowballed into a herculean ordeal.
Every time I speak with the service people, they promise me that the backordered parts will arrive _no later_ than X date. They promise to keep me notified. When X passes, and they don't call, I call them and receive a tepid apology and another date. When that date passes, I receive another date...and then another...and then another: a litany of broken promises. Also, the service people blame the parts people for the screw-ups and vice-versa; thus, no one is accountable.
Anyway, I call the dealer today, a month or so since I last spoke with them (they promised to call me but never did). I'm put on hold for fifteen minutes. The person in the parts department says they can't keep the radios on the shelf, about 15% of Passat radios have malfunctioned, causing a shortage. But I've waited three months, I reply. So-and-so has waited longer, she retorts, but we'll do you a favor and give you her radio. (I've heard this excuse before. They magically produce a radio when I become irritated on the phone, but when I bring my car in, they say extra parts must be ordered.) She says someone will call me back within ten to fifteen minutes to schedule an appointment. Of course, two hours go by and no one calls.
This is the straw that broke the camel's back. I feel that I've been jerked around for too long, misled, not treated seriously as a customer. My time has been wasted.
Each time I leave the dealer, I'm given this form letter:
DEAR VALUED CUSTOMERS
WE APOLOGIZE IF WE ARE TAKING A LITTLE LONGER THAN USUAL. THANK YOU FOR YOUR PATIENCE. DEALERSHIP MANAGEMENT
I've lost my patience.
Will VW America do anything? It remains to be seen.
I would file a grievence with VWoA, they will give you a case number and this usually gets the dealer off their butt. TELL the service manager you wish to speak to the area rep. Be proactive. This is a small mechanical problem, exasperated by crummy dealer service.
Normally, I'd complain much sooner, but in this case I granted the dealer unusual leeway for these reasons: 1. the dealer is located very nearby, so I didn't wish to lose this convenience (of course, I now realize that a competent dealer farther away would have been more convenient), 2. except for one unctuous service person who lied to me barefacedly, the personnel are generally polite, so I was hesitant to color them all bad, 3. the problem seems minor, as you say, so I slept on it.
I complained yesterday after posting. (Actually, my post here was a sort of rough draft for what I'd articulate to VW's customer service.) Customer service seemed sympathetic. I now have a meeting with the dealer next Wednesday. Let us see how it goes.
Aside from this problem with the radio (I wonder if 15% of Passat radios are defective, as I was told), and another with an intermittent squeaking noise from, I think, a rear tire, I'm quite pleased with the car's performance.
"3. the problem [with the radio] seems minor..."
The car sounds good with a Panasonic 8-disc changer($246, including adapter, from Crutchfield), rides fine on the std. wheels, and has enough power for the suburbs. I confess I'm pretty easy on all cars.
My question is: how badly does the the 1.8 motor need premium gas? That stuff costs a lot more than the 87 octane currently in the tank. Will I cause engine damage and is the extra fuel cost not more expensive? Again, performance seems OK.
Please enlighten me, someone.
Which Borbets dd you get? I like the Type C
herbw,
In my area, the price difference between 87 and 93 octane is less then 20¢ a gallon. I tried both and, with the 91 or 93, I get better mialage and noticably more power. I think the added $2.50 or so per fill-up is well worth it.
When sitting at a red light, I sometimes can't get my car into first when the light changes. I usually end up having to shift into second then shift into first, and if that doesn't work, I am forced to drive away slowly in second gear.(living in New York City, one can be shot for sitting a green light.)
I brought the car in and was told that "the problem couldn't be recreated by the mechanic", so therfore nothing needs to be fixed. But it still occurs atleast 1 time every 20 Miles or so.
I would appreciate any feedback, suggestions, etc.
would not own one.
Very poor quality control compared to The other line I sell {Toyota}.
Also vw does not think very highly of customer
input,They seem to have very pompuos attitude
toward customer.
I think part of the problem is that most of their
production is done in Mexico by $15.00 per day labor.
How much total for the wheels, tires, and installation?
Has anyone driven the 4cyl (manual or automatic) in the mountains?
Any recommendations on manual vs automatic with the Tiptronic?
A couple points, based on some of the above postings:
- The dealer indicated that regular 87 octane is fine (although the VW website indicates 91).
- I find the 1.8t and tiptronic to be fine, and I live in a hilly area. It's not racecar performance, but it is quite acceptable. (My other vehicle is a minivan, so it actually does feel racecar-like, but...)
A couple of oddities:
- The gas pedal and brake pedal are too close together. Depending on the shoes I'm wearing, this ranges from not noticeable to really annoying. Anybody else notice this?
- When I accelerate abruptly, then abruptly slow down, I feel something bump into my lower back in the seat. It's probably something with the lumbar support swinging back on accel then swinging forward on decel.
- There is a little rattle in the driver's door on occasion. I've seen the other postings on the "ticking noise", and wondering if it is the same issue. It is not really bad, but just curious if anyone has resolved it yet.
What ever car you choose, get the V6 if you can afford it.
Passenger side rear window has separated from it's carrier, so it won't open
I'll have it fixed at the 10,000 service... more info then.
800 miles, no problems except excessive brake dust
and an illuminated Air Bag Warning Light. (I think
this occurred just after a high G [very quick]
lane change) Dealer will have to reset this when I
go for next service. (Car has April 99 manufact.
date, so think most "bugs" are already corrected)
I tried something while I was driving.
1) I Set the cruise at 70mph. Speedometer showed 70mph. Now without reducing the speed I reset trip computer both 1 and 2 modes. Now I checked average speed from trip computer it showed 63mph. Even after driving at same speed for 30 mins it still read 63mph.
Has anybody tried this.
Thanks,
Eric
Let's be clear though ...
The current Passat, starting with the 1998 model year is a 100% NEW car which shares NOTHING with the pre-1998 Passats. 98+ Passats are built on the same platform as the Audi A4 and A6, utilizing the same chassis, suspension, engines, and tranny.
Just want to make sure everyone is clear on that.
I happen to own both a 328i and a Passat. I don't think you can really compare them. For starters the BMW is quite a bit more money, and one is RWD and one is FWD. The only way is for you to drive both cars decide what you like and dislike about both and apply your own subjective importance to each item. I read too many posts especially in the car topics that seem to offer the definative judgement about a certain auto vs. another. If we all liked the same things there would only be one type of car. For instance the Maxima vs. Passat where people say the Maxima is better because it is bigger. Well that's only if you want or like to drive a bigger car!
What is most important is what you like, unless someone else is going to buy it for you.
P.S. I obviously like both the BMW and Passat because I brought both.
Thanks,
Gus
Conference Host
Over 9000 flawless miles on my 99 GLS 1.8T Passat. Remember, EVERY manufacturer puts out a few lemons.
JT
I was looking for a 1999 model but nobody seems to have what I want: GLS V6, automatic with leather interior; no sunroof, moonroof or any other package. I hope that with 2000 model I will have more luck even though I am getting a little worry after reading all the messages. I still want to buy this car but I will test mine on the highway before I put the money down!
Gail
Consider how many people must read and participate in these forums, and that there are a just a handful of owners scattered around the USA with problems. What are the percentages? 1/10 of 1%?
I am not defending the Passat in particular although my friends with newer Passats and Jettas have had zero problems. I believe that you may find this trend on almost any car site - just do your homework!
Neither seemed terribly upset about the problems, mostly because it was all covered by the b2b warranty. Mind you that the warranty runs out in about 3 months (man, how time flies when you've got the worst b2b warranty in the industry).
i think they have more to say when they have to open their wallets and start paying for overpriced vw parts (if they ever get them.)
i too was very excited about the passat, mostly because of the styling and overall driving experience. my excitement has certainly waned because of quality concerns, and the relatively large price tag on the v6.
i won't be paying top dollar for what i perceive as a "risky" purchase.
the reason i asked susan about her previous car is because; based on how well the passat has been selling, a lot of accord, camry, and maxima owners are probably buying them. i can see why they would, considering the boring (or plain ugly) styling major japanese midsize sedans.
i expect that it is quite a shock to the system when you step out of a car that started every morning for the last 5 years, that was rarely to the shop, (and when it was you dealt with a decent service department that knew what it was doing) and suddenly are presented with a vehicle that isn't nearly as reliable or refined, supported by company who's attitude is "you just have to get used to it."
if you drive a honda around for 5 years you start to think that all cars are that good. then you get a wake-up call from vw.
but you do your homework. you read the car rags, you read Consumer reports (god only knows how CR got reliablity data on a car in it's first model year '98). you read all about the "new" vw. you rationalize that the passat is really an audi a4 (an upscale brand that doesn't break, yeah right)
unfortunately, i don't think the passat is going to live up to the expectations that were set for it. unfortunately, a lot of previously happy accord and maxima owners will be wishing they had their "boringly reliable" car back...
if you want styling and driving, buy the accord as you family hauler and get a bmw 3 for fun. the way the passat price is rising (over 29k sticker for auto glx), it only a few grand under bimmer territory. oh yeah, you get a warranty too.
consider how many cars you can get in the 28k-32k range, and you really start to wonder why anyone would risk that kind of cash on a passat.
pull up ....
Far and away least reliable car I ever owned - 1972 Alfa Spyder.
"Life's a trade-off"
Current owner of 1999 Passat. Love it, no problems to date.
why do these two not seem to go together in some vw passat owner minds?
a bmw 3 series (also a very engaging car to drive) is fun but also ranks as near the best in reliability.
for months i've been pondering the single question as to why some vw owners posting here rationalize that reliability and fun can't co-exist. reliable cars are boring and unreliable cars are fun...
the passat has interested me for some time but i've hand enough first and second hand experiences (including this board) that don't instill me much with much confidence in this car.