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
Write a reviewUser rating:
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 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
User rating:
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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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
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
