I just purchased a '99 VW Passat and have noticed the Valve covers are leaking. Has anyone experienced similar issues? The car has 88K miles and would suspect this is a design issue. In addition, anyone experience suspension issues with the '99, e.g. - tie rod ends, ball joints..

Yes we had that problem. I replaced the valve covers. The car stumbles while accelerating.

I just purchased a '99 VW Passat and have noticed the Valve covers are leaking. Has anyone experienced similar issues? The car has 88K miles and would suspect this is a design issue. In addition, anyone experience suspension issues with the '99, e.g. - tie rod ends, ball joints..

Valve covers and cam seals and cam adjuster seals. They all leak and its very very coomon. Its about a 1100 repair at the dealer to replace all the seals and its reccomended to replace the timing belt and water pump since your in there.
Suspension yes. the ball joint portion of the control arms wear as well as the lower rear wishbone mount has a large busing that squeeks after time. Tie rods wear also and the new updated ones wont, there aluminum so they dont rust.