NHTSA Complaint #10161240 — 1998 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT

I AM THE SECOND OWNER OF A 1998 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT VIN #[XXX], WHICH HAS A SAFETY RECALL FOR THE TIE ROD ENDS. THE LOCAL VOLKSWAGEN DEALER(S) HAVE ACKNOWLEDGED THAT THE FRONT TIE RODS DO NEED TO BE REPLACED, HOWEVER, THEY WILL NOT HONOR THE SAFETY RECALL. THE REASON IS THAT THERE IS NO RECORD OF FACTORY RECOMMENDED SERVICE CHECKS. I HAVE HAD THE VEHICLE SERVICED ON A REGULAR BASIS BY A COUPLE OF INDEPENDENT MECHANICS, HOWEVER, I CANNOT PRODUCE THE PAPER WORK FOR THE RECOMMENDED SERVICE CHECKS BETWEEN 35,000 MILES AND 60,000. I CALLED VOLKSWAGEN HEADQUARTERS AND THEY ACKNOWLEDGED THAT ALTHOUGH IT IS A SAFETY RECALL, THEY WILL NOT HONOR THE REPAIR UNLESS I CAN PROVIDE PROOF OF COMPLIANCE. THE SYMPTOMS HAVE PRESENTED THEMSELVES FOR 3/4 YEARS ON AN INTERMITTENT BASIS. I AM IN THE PROCESS OF HAVING MY CURRENT INDEPENDENT MECHANIC REPLACE THE BALL JOINTS. *NM INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR