1999 Volkswagen Passat
WVWZZZ3BZXP470535
Vehicle history report for the 1999 Volkswagen Passat (VIN WVWZZZ3BZXP470535). Gray, sedan, gasoline. Registered in Khmelnytskyi. 6 NHTSA recall campaigns for this model year. Unlock full title, salvage, lien & accident history.
Full vehicle history report
What a full report checks for VIN WVWZZZ3BZXP470535
A full report searches national title databases (NMVTIS) and licensed history providers for this VIN and shows whatever records are on file — not every vehicle has every record type. The decode, safety recalls and owner complaints above are always free.
History reports cover US-titled vehicles only. This car is registered in Ukraine, so title, salvage and odometer records from the US national title database (NMVTIS) don't apply to it. The registration record, specifications and recall data on this page are free.
At a glance
Vehicle identity & specifications
🧾 Window sticker / build sheet → All 1999 Volkswagen Passat data →
What's a 1999 Volkswagen Passat worth?
What comparable 1999 Volkswagen Passat vehicles are listed for — a quick gut-check before you negotiate.
Is the seller's price fair? Get this exact VIN's current market value — retail, trade-in & loan value — in the full report.
See this car's exact value →MPG & running costs
U.S. EPA fuel-economy estimates for the 1999 Volkswagen Passat.
Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov. The EPA lists 6 versions of this model year; combined is shown as a range and the other figures are averages. Actual mileage varies with trim and driving conditions.
Estimated 5-year cost to own
A rough guide to what running a 1999 Volkswagen Passat costs over five years and 75,000 miles.
How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. There aren't enough comparable listings to estimate depreciation for this model, so it is left out. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.
Dimensions & weight
Manufacturer-reported figures for the 1999 Volkswagen Passat — ranges cover the 6 body / drivetrain versions on record. Source: Transport Canada vehicle specifications via NHTSA.
Investigations & service bulletins
NHTSA defect investigations 5
ALLEGED PREMATURE TIE ROD FAILURE Closed
ON AUGUST 2, 2005, ODI RECEIVED A PETITION SUBMITTED BY MS. MIRIAM SCHNEIDER OF OLNEY, MD, REQUESTING AN INVESTIGATION OF ALLEGEDLY DEFECTIVE TIE RODS IN CERTAIN MODEL YEAR (MY) 1999 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT VEHICLES NOT INCLUDED IN TWO PREVIOUS SAFETY RECALL CAMPAIGNS (IDENTIFIED HENCEFORTH AS THE SUBJECT VEHICLES). IN A SEPTEMBER 1999 LETTER, VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA, INC. (VW) NOTIFIED THE AGENCY THAT AN UNDETERMINED PERCEN…
NHTSA #DP05003 · Steering · opened Aug 2005 · closed Dec 2005STUCK-OPEN THROTTLE Closed
VWOA HAS RECALLED APPROXIMATELY 28,300 MY 1998-99 A6 VEHICLES IN COLD WEATHER STATES THAT EXPERIENCED THE HIGHEST RATE OF THROTTLE ICING INCIDENTS IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES (04V-495). THE FAILURE RATE IN THE A4 AND PASSAT VEHICLES IS MUCH LOWER THAN IN THE RECALLED VEHICLES. ODI WILL CONTINUE TO MONITOR THE EXPERIENCE IN THE A4 AND PASSAT VEHICLES. THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTS…
NHTSA #EA04017 · Fuel System, Gasoline · opened Jun 2004 · closed Feb 2005FUEL TANK PUNCTURE Closed
NHTSA #EA00028 · Vehicle Speed Control · opened Dec 2000 · closed Jan 2002FUEL TANK PUNCTURE Closed
THE OFFICE OF DEFECTS INVESTIGATION OPENED THIS INVESTIGATION ON AUGUST 10, 2000 BASED ON 9 REPORTS REGARDING PUNCTURED FUEL TANKS INVOLVING THE JETTA, PASSAT, AND CABRIO MODELS. THE REPORTS INDICATE ADDITIONAL REPORTS IN ITS RESPONSE TO THE PRELIMINARY EVALUATION. THIS INVESTIGATION HAS BEEN UPGRADED FOR FURTHER STUDY.
NHTSA #PE00033 · Vehicle Speed Control · opened Aug 2000 · closed Dec 2000POWER BRAKE BOOSTER VACUUM BY-PASS Closed
NHTSA #RQ99008 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · opened Jun 1999 · closed Nov 2000An investigation means NHTSA is examining a possible defect — it is not a recall, and many close without one.
Manufacturer service bulletins 120
Technical notes the manufacturer sent to dealers about known issues and fixes. Useful to mention to a mechanic — they are not recalls and repairs may not be free. Showing the 10 most recent of 120.
Update to Volkswagen engine oil standards
Bulletin V171901201285565 · Engine And Engine Cooling · Aug 2023Volkswagen Engine oil quality standards, update to attachments.
Bulletin V171901201285562 · Engine And Engine Cooling · May 2023Engine oil quality standards, update to attachments.
Bulletin V171901201285560 · Engine And Engine Cooling · Apr 2023Update model year applicability to include 2023.
Bulletin V941901201152119 · Equipment · Dec 2022Battery testing and charging using special tools VAS6161 & GRX3000VAS Charger. Updated to include additional model year applicability.
Bulletin V271901201189422 · Electrical System · Dec 2022Tool number added to table. Removal of Behr Flush Kit. VAS 6337/1A
Bulletin V871806201994714 · Equipment · May 2020Updated to include additional models and model year applicability.
Bulletin V941901201152115 · Equipment · Apr 2020The part number listed in the document is to be returned if it meets the criteria provided.
Bulletin SM 33-2019 · Equipment · Mar 2019Alternative method for radio code retrieval.
Bulletin TT 91 19 01 · Equipment, Electrical System · Mar 2019Engine Oils Which Meet Volkswagen Oil Quality Standards
Bulletin V171901-2012855 · Engine · Mar 2019Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, listed for the PASSAT. Model-year data, not specific to one car.
Canadian recalls 4
Transport Canada recall campaigns for the 1999 Volkswagen Passat. Relevant if the car was first sold in, or imported from, Canada.
Fuel System
On certain Passat and Passat Four Motion vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission, an underbody heat shield may become damaged. If this occurs, the heat shield may contact the exhaust system, which can result in a vehicle fire. In addition, the affected vehicles may have a fuel line (1.8T engine only) or fuel tank ventilation valve (4motion / all-wheel drive vehicles on…
Transport Canada #2008119 · Apr 2008Steering
On certain vehicles the tie rods of the steering assembly may be inadequately sealed to prevent moisture and dust particles from entering the swivel bearing mechanism. If moisture and/or dust particles enter the swivel bearing mechanism, the swivel bearing could wear over time diminishing the steering control of the vehicle. Correction: Dealers will replace the tie rods.
Transport Canada #2002103 · Mar 2001Steering
On certain vehicles, the steering assembly tie rod seals do not seal properly. If moisture and/or dust particles enter the swivel bearing mechanism, the swivel bearing may wear over time to a point where the steering begins to feel "loose" and could diminish the steering control of the vehicle with the potential for a vehicle crash. Correction: Tie rods will be replaced on affe…
Transport Canada #1999195 · Oct 1999Brakes
On certain vehicles, a control valve in the vacuum hose connecting the brake booster to the intake manifold may not open or close fully at temperatures below -4 degrees F. This condition could cause insufficient vacuum to be provided to the brake booster resulting in possible loss of power brake assist. Correction: A vacuum by-pass system will be installed on affected vehicles.
Transport Canada #1999095 · May 1999Source: Transport Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Recalls Database.
About the Volkswagen Passat
The Volkswagen Passat is a nameplate of large family cars (D-segment) manufactured and marketed by the German automobile manufacturer Volkswagen since 1973 and also marketed variously as the Dasher, Santana, Quantum, Magotan, Corsar and Carat — in saloon, estate, and hatchback body styles. With sales of 34 million units worldwide, the Passat is the fourth best-selling automobile of all time.
From Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Describes the model line in general, not this model year specifically.
Safety recall campaigns 6
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
DOPE, INC. IS RECALLING 42,540 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.
Remedy: DOPE, INC. WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 28, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DOPE, INC. AT 1-626-272-1798.
NHTSA Campaign #09E025000 · 11/05/2009FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY
VOLKSWAGEN IS RECALLING 412,000 MY 1999-2005 PASSAT (5TH GENERATION) VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS AND PRODUCED AFTER JUNE 14, 1999. THESE VEHICLES MAY HAVE AN UNDERBODY HEAT SHIELD THAT CAN BECOME DAMAGED. IN ADDITION, AFFECTED VEHICLES WITH AUTOMATIC OR MANUAL TRANSMISSIONS MAY HAVE A FUEL LINE (1.8T ENGINES ONLY) OR FUEL TANK VENTILATION VALVE (4MOTION/ALL WHEEL DRIVE ONLY) THA…
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL ADDITIONAL UNDERBODY HEAT SHIELDS ON VEHICLES WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS TO COVER THE POSSIBLY DAMAGED AREAS AND FLASH ALL 1.8T ENGINES WITH A PRECAUTIONARY SOFTWARE UPDATE. DEALERS WILL ALSO INSPECT AND ADJUST THE FUEL LINE ROUTING ON 1.8T VEHICLES AND THE FUEL TANK VENTILATI
NHTSA Campaign #08V156000 · manufacturer #26E5/R5 · 07/04/2008FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:FILLER PIPE AND CAP
ON SOME PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE FUEL TANK FILLER NECK CAN SUFFER ABRASION DAMAGE IF THE REAR TIRE GOES FLAT AND THE VEHICLE IS DRIVEN UNTIL THE TIRE DISINTEGRATES.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL FIT PASSAT VEHICLES WITH A NEW WHEEL HOUSE LINER THAT WILL BETTER PROTECT THE CAR'S FILLER NECK. JETTA VEHICLES WILL BE FITTED WITH A DIFFERENT METAL SHIELD DESIGNED TO ENHANCE ABRASION PROTECTION IN THE EVENT OF TIRE DISINTEGRATION. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JUNE 13, 2003. OWNERS WHO TA
NHTSA Campaign #02V026000 · manufacturer #WK · 25/01/2002STEERING:LINKAGES:ROD:RELAY:CONNECTING
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE TIE RODS OF THE STEERING ASSEMBLY ARE PROTECTED ON EACH SIDE BY A SEAL TO PREVENT MOISTURE AND DUST PARTICLES FROM ENTERING THE SWIVEL BEARING MECHANISM. IT IS POSSIBLE THAT SOME TIE ROD SEALS MAY NOT SEAL PROPERLY.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE TIE RODS.
NHTSA Campaign #00V414000 · manufacturer #WL/LW · 06/12/2000STEERING:LINKAGES:ROD:RELAY:CONNECTING
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE TIE RODS OF THE STEERING ASSEMBLY ARE PROTECTED ON EACH SIDE BY A SEAL TO PREVENT MOISTURE AND DUST PARTICLES FROM ENTERING THE SWIVEL BEARING MECHANISM. IT IS POSSIBLE THAT SOME TIE ROD SEALS MAY NOT SEAL PROPERLY.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE TIE RODS.
NHTSA Campaign #99V248000 · manufacturer #UL/KW · 13/09/1999SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:VACUUM:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS. A CONTROL VALVE IN THE VACUUM HOSE CONNECTING THE BRAKE BOOSTER TO THE INTAKE MANIFOLD MAY NOT OPEN OR CLOSE FULLY AT TEMPERATURES BELOW -4 F UNDER CERTAIN DRIVING CONDITIONS.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A VACUUM BY-PASS SYSTEM INTO VEHICLES OPERATED IN THESE STATES WHICH IS DESIGNED TO PROVIDE SUFFICIENT VACUUM FOR FULL BRAKE ASSIST UNDER ALL WEATHER CONDITIONS.
NHTSA Campaign #99V131001 · manufacturer #UH/KU · 21/05/1999Note: recall data comes from the U.S. NHTSA and covers the US-market version of this model. A car registered in Ukraine may have different campaigns — check with the manufacturer's local importer.
These are NHTSA recall campaigns for this model year, last checked 7 Oct 2026. They don't show whether this particular car has had the repair done — check this VIN on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer. Recall repairs are free.
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Common problems & what to inspect
Based on all 675 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 1999 Volkswagen Passat, here are the most-reported problem areas — and what to check before you buy.
💥 11 involved a crash 🔥 13 involved a fire 🚑 11 reported injuries
🔍 Brakes should feel firm and quiet — no grinding, pulsing or pulling. Check for an ABS light and uneven pad/rotor wear.
🔍 Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.
🔍 Listen for clunks over bumps, check the car sits level, and look for uneven tire wear and worn shocks or struts.
🔍 Check coolant level and color, look for leaks, and confirm the engine reaches normal temperature without overheating.
🔍 Steering should be tight and centered — no play, clunks or wandering. Test at low and highway speed; listen for power-steering whine.
🔍 Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
Pre-purchase checklist
- Match the VIN on the dash, door jamb and title — they must be identical.
- Cold-start the engine; listen for knocks and check for blue or white exhaust smoke.
- Test-drive through all gears at low and highway speed — no slipping, shudder or pulling.
- Confirm every warning light clears at startup (none should stay on).
- Check fluids — oil, coolant, transmission — for level, color and leaks.
- Look underneath for rust, fresh undercoating or signs of collision repair.
- Always get an independent pre-purchase inspection from a trusted mechanic.
Owner complaints 675
Complaints filed with NHTSA by owners of the 1999 Volkswagen Passat.
SEAT BELTS
Just as I parked, the explosive seatbelt retractor for the rear passenger seat activated. There was a loud pop from the charge and the plastic seatbelt alignment clip flew off, and smoke came out from around the seatbelt. Had the vehicle been in motion there would have been a very serious safety hazard from the distraction, and if someone was in the back, th…
NHTSA ODI #11471455VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
I WOS DRIVING FROM WORK TO HOME I TOOK THE PARKWAY I WOS GOING 60 MILES THEN IN HIS OWN THE CAR STARTING INCREASING SPEED SO I MOVE THE SHOULDER I PUT THE CAR NEUTRAL AND STOP THE CAR.THE TOOK ME 3 TRY TO THE CAR GO BACK TO NORMAL. I DONT KNOW IF THIS CAR GOT I RECALL.
NHTSA ODI #11243157POWER TRAIN
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 W…
NHTSA ODI #11003904VISIBILITY/WIPER
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.
NHTSA ODI #10893979ENGINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE HAVING A ROUTINE SERVICE PERFORMED AT AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THE WATER PUMP WAS CRACKED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 179,000.
NHTSA ODI #10730173VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
PASSAT BEGAN TO ACCELERATE UNDER NO PRESSURE TO PEDAL. PASSAT STARTED TO ACCELERATE FAIRLY SLOWLY BUT STEADILY AT FIRST, THEN IT INCREASED. IT WASN'T POSSIBLE TO DECELERATE/NO PRESSURE ON THE BRAKE PEDAL STOPPED THE ACCELERATION. IT BEGAN TO REACH AN UNSAFE SPEED THEN I BEGAN TO DOWNSHIFT AND TO APPLY THE BRAKE IN SEQUENCE TO SLOW THE PASSAT, THEN I TRIED TO…
Fire · NHTSA ODI #10692914FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE, FUEL FUMES EMITTED IN AND AROUND THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT WHILE INSPECTING THE VEHICLE, FUEL WAS DISCOVERED LEAKING FROM THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE SUB FRAME. ALSO, THE CONTACT INDICATED THAT THE AIR BAG LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGN…
NHTSA ODI #10691401ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,STRUCTURE
CAR WAS HAVING A FOUL ODOR. DEALER DID NOT HAVE INFORMATION FOR OTHER COMPLAINTS. AFTER WORK, CAR WOULD NOT START, ALARM WOULD NOT STOP. ALARM KILLED BATTERY. DEALER SAID LEAK IN SUNROOF CAUSED MODULE TO CORRODE AND LEAK INTO INTERIOR. $1,440.00 TO REPAIR. PROBLEM IS IDENTIFIED IN CLASS ACTION BUT OUR CAR IS NOT INCLUDED. I AM LEASING A CAR FOR MY SON TO DRI…
NHTSA ODI #10520532+ 667 more complaints on record.
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Frequently asked questions
Can I find out who owns this vehicle from the VIN?
No — and no legitimate service can. Linking a VIN or plate to a named owner is restricted by the U.S. Driver's Privacy Protection Act, the EU GDPR and equivalent laws. CarLogs shows the vehicle only — specs, recalls, problems and value — never the person.
Are there safety recalls on the 1999 Volkswagen Passat?
NHTSA lists 6 recall campaigns for the 1999 Volkswagen Passat model year. That covers the model year, not this individual car: to see whether a specific vehicle still needs a recall repair, check its VIN on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer. Recall repairs are free.
What is a fair price for a 1999 Volkswagen Passat?
Comparable 1999 Volkswagen Passat listings run roughly $600–$1,550, typically around $1,084 (from 27 comparable vehicles). The full report shows this exact VIN's valuation.
What fuel economy does the 1999 Volkswagen Passat get?
The 1999 Volkswagen Passat has U.S. EPA estimates of 19–24 mpg combined, depending on engine and trim (6 versions).
Recall data checked 7 Oct 2026 · Sources: NHTSA (recalls & complaints), U.S. EPA (fuel economy), NHTSA vPIC (specifications). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.