why does my tail light and brake light not work on my 1999 Volkswagen Passat?
My passenger side tail light and brake light do not work. I changed blown fuse and bulb, but still does not work.
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1999 Volkswagen Passat Reviews, Pricing & Specs
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After an extensive redesign the year before, the Volkswagen Passat received minimal upgrades for 1999. VW had planned to offer the Passat with an optional all-wheel-drive system, as well as a wagon with a V6 engine, but neither made it to showrooms for the '99 model year. What did show up were Passats with two trim levels and two engine options.
Trim packages were the entry-level GLS and the higher-end GLX. Standard features on the GLS included air conditioning, power windows, power door locks, anti-lock brakes, traction control, cruise control, front and side airbags for the driver and passenger, a keyless entry system, and an anti-theft alarm system. The GLX added a sunroof and leather seats (power in the front) as standard equipment, among other features.
The two engine options included a 1.8-liter, 150-hp turbocharged 4-cylinder, which was available only with the GLS trim package, and a 2.8-liter, 190-hp V6, which was dropped into both the GLS and GLX versions. A five-speed manual transmission was standard in the GLS, with a five-speed automatic available as an option; the automatic transmission was standard on the GLX package.
Drivers and reviewers were complimentary of the Passat's styling, as well as the fact that it borrowed many of its elements from the higher-end Audi, which also is owned by VW. Also noted as positive points by drivers were the car's affordability, safety features, power, and roominess. Quality was still a concern for some drivers, though, who noted both minor and major problems that required sometimes-expensive trips to the repair shop.
Published Aug 9, 2022 by CarGurus Editorial Team
User reviews for 1999 Volkswagen Passat
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by Anonymous
Nov 04, 2014
Only the engine failure bothered me. For the knowledgeable I'll explain. Driving at 50 on the highway heard a loud pop and white smoke came out the tail pipe. Immediately pulled over and killed the motor. I opened the hood an saw white smoke pouring out of the intake. I removed the intake and found a hole in the passenger side valve cover and the can chain hanging out of it. The camchain tensioner guide failed and caused me to have to rebuild the top end and have the heads machined.Nov 04, 2014
by Anonymous
Jun 09, 2014
Only had this car a short time and I already love it. It's a standard transmission so it's always fun to drive. Interior is great, black leather seats with a pretty good factory audio system. For the price it is an amazing carJun 09, 2014
by Anonymous
Apr 28, 2014
This car had one of the widest array of no-charge features, including:
split rear seat
sunroof
trip computer
excellent sound system
alloy wheels
adjustable intermittent wipers, and
assisted braking (ABS).
Gets great gas mileage--32 MPG on average with the Passat VW tires (I lost about 2 MPG of that with a replacement set of Kelly, all season radials).
Really a great car.Apr 28, 2014
User rating:
by Anonymous
Nov 04, 2014
Only the engine failure bothered me. For the knowledgeable I'll explain. Driving at 50 on the highway heard a loud pop and white smoke came out the tail pipe. Immediately pulled over and killed the motor. I opened the hood an saw white smoke pouring out of the intake. I removed the intake and found a hole in the passenger side valve cover and the can chain hanging out of it. The camchain tensioner guide failed and caused me to have to rebuild the top end and have the heads machined.Nov 04, 2014
by Anonymous
Jun 09, 2014
Only had this car a short time and I already love it. It's a standard transmission so it's always fun to drive. Interior is great, black leather seats with a pretty good factory audio system. For the price it is an amazing carJun 09, 2014
by Anonymous
Apr 28, 2014
This car had one of the widest array of no-charge features, including:
split rear seat
sunroof
trip computer
excellent sound system
alloy wheels
adjustable intermittent wipers, and
assisted braking (ABS).
Gets great gas mileage--32 MPG on average with the Passat VW tires (I lost about 2 MPG of that with a replacement set of Kelly, all season radials).
Really a great car.Apr 28, 2014
by Anonymous
Apr 19, 2012
I dislike the fact that its not newer looking, but yet its a 99! So for the year it looks great! I like the way it handles in the winter time and I love the fact that it has ABS. It is a great feature to have especially for newer drivers! Apr 19, 2012
by Efra M
Jun 13, 2011
I like this car because is fast, is a 4 cyl. but it feel like a 6 cyl, the braking is fantastic and the handling is amazing you need to drive test it... don't need repairs, both interior and exterior look beautiful, I fill the tank with $23.00 a week fun and nice ride... Jun 13, 2011
by Alex R
Jan 03, 2011
The only problem is the cup holders are essentially nonfunctional. The
car is peppy with the V6 although over 200 hp would be better than the
190 it is rated at. Brakes well. Minimal repairs, had to replace the
clutch but that's more due to my aggressive driving than the car. No
squeaks or squeals. Minimal cost in terms of parts needed. Interior is
nice but I would opt for the leather seats if one has the opportunity.
Materials are pleasing to the eye and the blue lighted gauges are
awesome. Handles the corners well, as a european car should. I have
fun driving the car. I have a 5 speed manual transmission, which is a
good transmission and makes the driving a bit more spirited. Fuel
economy is decent. 22 mpg approximately and that's with a lot of
spirited driving. Jan 03, 2011
by Jovita P
Nov 30, 2009
Good handling and acceleration, good quality car. Nice exterior and not bad interior. Very economical. x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x xx x x x x x x x x Nov 30, 2009
by Vito V
Oct 28, 2009
Performance:acceleration:0-100kmh 5,0 second
braking:very nice
Build Quality:the car repair on 5-6 year
Appereance:it is elegant
Fun factor:Yes this car is very fun to drive but in the curves it nn tiene the streetOct 28, 2009
by Anonymous
Oct 24, 2009
While it is a stylish car, it has a terrible design flaw. The water drains off the windshield right onto the battery and over the cars computer. Then the hole to drain the water is about the size of a quarter and you better pray it never becomes blocked. In my 99' Passsat GLX, the hole became blocked and I was never aware that it even existed. So the water stayed in the battery compartment and came up over the battery. It also drained down into my driverside floor boards and back passenger floor! So now it is sitting in my driveway incapable of going any where without being towed because everything went wrong with the electrical system! Oct 24, 2009
by Steven P
Jul 08, 2009
Good solid car it was a V6 Syncro Estate fitted with Tiptronic
box, which used alot of petrol. Great performance but
recommend an LPG conversion for anyone wanting to use it on
a daily basis. makes an ideal towing car with loads of Torque
and 4wd systemJul 08, 2009
by Mark d
Jun 16, 2009
I got this car broken. the transmission is the problem and when fixed i can tell this
car will be amazing. the sound system in the car is crazy and the upholstery is
amazing. black leather interior. i know this car willl be fun to drive with the windows
and the sunroof down.
The car was absolutely amazing, comfortable and even in the end was amazing
when I slammed into an SUV who went through the stop sign going down hill. Kept
me safe and also gave me twice the amount i bought it for from insurance.Jun 16, 2009
by April H
May 09, 2009
she drives ok....i think something is wrong with the transmission and she has alot of problems with the windows going up and down on there own when ur driving and the door locks dont work...good on gas but cost alot 2 fix if something goes wrong.May 09, 2009
by Tom C
Feb 28, 2009
I really like this car. The acceleration is amazing with the 1.8t. The car has good traction in the snow, but would be better if I had the traction control. I wish that it was a 4Motion - then it would be great!Feb 28, 2009
by Shaun S
Dec 29, 2008
The VW is pretty much a excellent turbo engine on a car that has more clitched then a robot build by Homer Simpson. The car flings around corners on try days with percision but suffers under wet weather as it is not four wheel drive. The car feels so much more bigger inside then outside which gives it a rich feeling but suffers when you are parkingDec 29, 2008
by Akshay G
Dec 18, 2008
Just love it. Have this car now over 4 years, and it's still going strong even in its old days. My gf wouldn't want me to sell it as she loves it too much. Looking fwd for the new model.Dec 18, 2008
by Jon B
Dec 12, 2008
This is a really awesome car. Leave it to V-Dub to produce such a solid car. its quick but not so fast that you have to get in trouble. its got style. it hasnt had alot of problems. and the gas milage is great stuff.Dec 12, 2008
by Stephen K
Aug 24, 2008
Drives great , and great on gas.I can haul stuff lots of leg room and has rear plugs for tail gating.I got the car to establish credit paid cash my whole life for everything and now I'm finally entering the 21 st Century.I'm glad I was able to get credit at my age it didn't look promising.Aug 24, 2008
by Matt V
Aug 21, 2008
I really like this car because it's a great all around car. It's got room for 4 adults (and a fifth if they're not all as big as i am!) and drives comfortably on long road trips. I've modified things such as the turbo and suspension so that it is faster and handles better. Also added lighter wheels and better tires to round it out (to name a few things). It's inexpensive to maintain and there's great support on Passatworld.comAug 21, 2008
by Andrea D
Jul 30, 2008
It's reliable, solid and quite powerful. I am yet to find a car with a more comfortable driving position and for a ten year old car, it still looks bloody good :-) Consumption is slightly high for a diesel...but it's worth it coz it's really fun to drive!!
Spare parts are on the more expensive side!!Jul 30, 2008
by Henrik W
Jun 24, 2008
Den er grøn og der er meget plads. Super familie vogn og campingtrækker.
Den er økonomisk, hvilket er et stort plus når man kører over 600 km om ugen for at komme på arbejde.Jun 24, 2008
by Max B
Jun 18, 2008
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by John V
Jun 15, 2008
This 1.8 L turbocharged car is amazing. very reliable, asides from the fact that it is in the shop right now for the 3rd time in its life to get an electrical issue fixed. very solid car.Jun 15, 2008
by Don Z
Jun 11, 2008
Current mods:
Suspension:
- Koni Sports
- Neuspeed SofSports
- OEM Audi A4 16" Swings
Engine:
- Neuspeed/Greedspeed 1.0bar ECU
- Bailey DV
- N75
- Brullen 2.5" cat-back exhaust
- Southbend Stage 3 clutch & pressure plate
- Fidanza lightweight flywheel (single-mass)
Exterior:
- OEM splash guards
- Diamond mesh grill
- Smoked clear side markers
- Smoked clear front corners
- Long eyelids
- New Beetle "turbo" badge
- Zender 3-pc replica spoiler
Interior:
- DieselGeek short-shifter
- PhatNoise
- Black perf leather shift boot
Jun 11, 2008
by Claudia O
Jun 08, 2008
May 08 had to replace Air Mass Meter and thermostat $600
April 08 had to replace Instrument Cluster Assembly along with ABS Control $1228
Numerous other problems through the yearsJun 08, 2008
by Richard Z
May 16, 2008
every sensor on it went, in the shop more than on the road. parts and repairs are a small fortuneMay 16, 2008
by Kasie D
Apr 18, 2008
I love the interior, spacious.. yet small. The extiorior is sporty... yet eligant. And the car handles very nice. Overall great car!Apr 18, 2008
by Zack D
Apr 08, 2008
i dont feel like giving a ridiculously long review.Apr 08, 2008
by Bill K
Apr 08, 2008
I've owned Darth since 99 and he's only been in the shop once for any mechanical issues. There have been a few little issues here and there that came up but in general he;s been a solid driver. Just wish there was a little more power on tap.Apr 08, 2008
by Thomas V
Apr 01, 2008
I had a 1,8T Variant with sport package, black metallic and 17" wheels, sport chassi aso... Really fun on small curvy roads!
Owned 2000-2001Apr 01, 2008
by Anonymous
Mar 20, 2008
Its been alright. so far motor for wipers failed first month. abs/asr stopped working 5 months in. Mar 20, 2008
by Alan M
Mar 17, 2008
Couldn't want a better family wagon. It's diesel, 4wd, full with all possible factory fitted stuff; such as sport seats, ACC etc.Mar 17, 2008
by El H
Dec 25, 2007
LOVE IT//// ITS NICE , FAST, CONFORTABLE AND IT HAS A GREAT LOOK..Dec 25, 2007
by Albert L
Dec 24, 2007
This was the car that first started my obsession and the only car that developed enough of a character that I actually named her. Intelligent German design and sophisticated looks. Confidence inspiring autobahn handling. It was hard giving her up and I still miss her.Dec 24, 2007
by Ben P
Nov 24, 2007
Good car and well built, but electricals gave problemsNov 24, 2007
by Anonymous
Aug 24, 2007
My husband originally talked me into the Passat when I wanted a BMW. I have not regretted our decision and think the Passat, as well as the newer Jettas, to be some of the most attractive cars on the road. I have been asked by many people if I enjoy driving mine. It's as if they already know the answer. We have since purchased a 2005 Jetta (used/certified with extended warranty) for our daughter and she has been equally pleased. With routine maintenance ours have been relatively trouble-free. It is only after 8 years that I have begun to have some mild problems starting it, so we are currently investigating the cause.Aug 24, 2007
What users have asked
My Passat 1.8t died on the freeway, no noise, just shut off
When driving down the freeway (luckily in the far right lane!) my car just shut off and went slowly to a stop. (Again luckily I could get to the shoulder) tried to start it and it just spun the starter with no other engine components making any sound. No cranking of the engine, nothing. Just a spinning noise from my starter. Is this a timing belt that has broken? And if so, why didn’t I hear anything snap or pop or anything like that? Purely just stopped running, peddle went to the floor.
97 views
life span of car??
i have a 99 passat at what point should i start caonsidering getting rid of it? i just hit 100k and want to know typically how long should the car last and how much longer i can get out of it???
8177 views
Passat radio code
The guys 4 all the help! Got a radio from the junk yard got it home and surprise got the safe mode. After reading all the tips went back to the same car looked in the trunk. Got lucky found a sticker were the spare tire goes radio serial number and 4 digit code were printed on it. Not bad for a 9 dollar buy.
1053 views
No power lock or power windows but dash lights come on
I have a 1999 Volkswagen Passat it started one morning then I shut it off and went to leave and it would not crank over. Dash lights come on but no power to the windows or power lock. Charged the battery and tried to have it jumped and still didn't work. Checked the fuses and they r all ok. What could be the issue.
224 views
Top Comparisons
Have you driven a 1999 Volkswagen Passat?Compare this car
1999 Volkswagen Passat Pricing
Original MSRP
$21,725 to $28,675Price range
N/AAverage price on CG
N/AYoY price change
N/ATrims & specs
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Front side airbags
Audio System
AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Comfort Features
Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic
Lights
Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Roof
Moonroof: power
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Heated: front seats · Upholstery: cloth
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Front side airbags
Audio System
AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Comfort Features
Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic
Lights
Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: heated
Roof
Moonroof: power · Roof rack color: black
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Heated: front seats · Upholstery: leather
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Front side airbags
Audio System
AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Comfort Features
Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Multi-function remote: trunk release · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic
Lights
Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: heated
Roof
Moonroof: power
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Heated: front seats · Upholstery: cloth
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Front side airbags
Audio System
Single disc in-Dash CD · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Comfort Features
Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: driver seat · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic
Lights
Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Roof
Moonroof: power
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: leather
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent