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 was gone! and the gas consumption became 19mpg! several years later my door locks shorted out and had to be replaced after destroying two batteries. The tech then reported that he had reprogrammed the electrical system to 'factory specs' at that point the 'slowing (braked)' problem recurred and the gas consumption dropped back to 16 mpg. How can I get the car readjusted to get rid of the 'slowing' problem and return to 19mpg gas usage"?" [xxx], [xxx] my dealer is :carter Volkswagen, seattle, wa my E-mail is [xxx]. information redacted pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).'

- Seattle, WA, USA

I own a 1999 Volkswagen Passat in which the control arms, tie rod ends, ball joints, and bushings are failing. Based on some internet research, this is a common failure for similar makes, models, and years. The problem occurs every day, and if left unattended, results in safety problems at higher speeds. Parts will be replaced in the near future and old parts will be retained, if it is feasible.

- Albuquerque, NM, USA

For: 99 volkswagon Passat wagon while my wife and I were parking in front of a bank, in a sudden the car shoke violently; we stopped without turning the engine off... the car was shaking very hard still. We then had this car diagnozed at a Firestone service center nearby. After a day, the mechanic mentioned that there's misfiring in cylinder 2, and it's common thing in Passat (I did not know this until then), but VW never issued a recall. So they asked me to leave the car for an extra day so they could solve the problem. Another day passed, they informed me that they needed more time; they tried to replace the coil, it's still misfiring, and they mentioned more trials, but those were not good too. They suggested me to bring the car to the dealership. One hour before I wrote this to NHTSA, I researched the internet and I found similar occurances of misfiring from cylinders, and a few has the same type: 99 Passat. Here is what I had found: 1. www.consumeraffairs.com/automotive/vw_coils.html 2. experts.about.com/Q/801/4003867.htm 3. www.topgear.com/content/features/stories/faq/01/modules/02_engine/17/ 4. www.automotivehelper.com/topic291366.htm 'boschmann' "North american models had alot of problems with cracks forming in the ignition coil." 5. inmyexperience.com/archives/000213.shtml very resourceful, more people write their concerns of misfiring. 6. www.carsurvey.org/viewcomments_review_23919.html.... and more. When the first it happened, I thought we just hit and ran over something... I was already in the parking lot of a bank. Sto I parked and looked 30 ft away to where the first shake happened... nothing there. Therefore, I would request NHTSA to open an investigation for this matter. If you have any question, I will be best to be contacted by email. Sincerely, edward yahya

- Baldwin Park, CA, USA

While turning a corner, the front drivers side wheel separated from the vehicle. Also while driving 20 mph the vehicle stalled without warning. The dealer claims that a bolt sheared off into the transmission. The dealer refused to repair any of the problems associated with this vehicle.

- Chicago, IL, USA

Speedometer and tacometer will periodically not light up. They start to flicker and go out. Speedometer and tacometer will not light up until engine is turned off and restarted. Dealer has not provided a remedy, and has advised consumer that a remedy will not be issued until matter was constant.

- Witchita, KS, USA