NHTSA Complaint #10456577 — 2003 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT

FRONT CONTROL ARMS FAILURE. VERY COMMON IN THIS SUSPENSION DESIGN. THERE HAS BEEN A RECALL ISSUED IN EUROPE FOR THE SAME PROBLEM. LIKEWISE, THE AUDI A4 SHARES THE SAME CHASSIS AND SAME FRONT END SUSPENSION. THESE CONTROL ARMS ARE SERIOUSLY UNDER DESIGNED. THIS IS DANGEROUS! HAVING THIS FAIL WHILE DRIVING WILL RESULT IN DEATH OR SERIOUS INJURY. THIS IS A DESIGN FLAW, AND IS BEING OVERLOOKED. THE BUSHINGS ON MY CONTROL ARMS (ALL 4 FOR EACH OF MY FRONT WHEELS, EIGHT IN TOTAL) ARE SERIOUSLY CRACKED AND NEED REPLACEMENT. THIS IS NOT SOMETHING THAT SHOULD BE FAILING AT 50K AND 70K MILES. VOLKSWAGEN SHOULD BE HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR REPLACING FAILED CONTROL ARMS. *TR