NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic complaints
184 reportsClear category filter80,000 miles · Nov 6, 2006
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
IN AUGUST OF THIS YEAR, 2006, MY 1999 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT GLS, WHICH WAS PURCHASED NEW BY MY FAMILY, BEGIN EXHIBITING SOME TROUBLING BEHAVIOR. THE BEHAVIOR CONSISTS OF THE TACHOMETER CEASING TO FUNCTION AS BOTH THE "BRAKE" AND "OIL" DASHBOARD LIGHTS FLASH WITH ACCOMPANYING WARNING TONES AND THE "ABS" DASHBOARD LIGHT COMES ON SOLID…
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IN AUGUST OF THIS YEAR, 2006, MY 1999 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT GLS, WHICH WAS PURCHASED NEW BY MY FAMILY, BEGIN EXHIBITING SOME TROUBLING BEHAVIOR. THE BEHAVIOR CONSISTS OF THE TACHOMETER CEASING TO FUNCTION AS BOTH THE "BRAKE" AND "OIL" DASHBOARD LIGHTS FLASH WITH ACCOMPANYING WARNING TONES AND THE "ABS" DASHBOARD LIGHT COMES ON SOLID AND REMAINS ON. WHEN THE "ABS" DASHBOARD LIGHT IS ON, MY CAR'S ABS DOES NOT FUNCTION. AT FIRST THE PROBLEM WAS INTERMITTENT, BUT EVENTUALLY BECAME MORE FREQUENT AND HAS NOW REACH A STATE OF PERSISTENCY. I HAVE BEEN WORKING ON VOLKSWAGENS VEHICLES SINCE I WAS A CHILD AND, GIVEN MY IMMEDIATELY FAMILY HAS OWNED OVER TEN VOLKSWAGENS IN THE PAST 20 YEARS ALONE, THE REST OF MY FAMILY HAS AS WELL; INCLUDING A SECONDARY RELATIVE WHO OWNS A VOLKSWAGEN REPAIR BUSINESS IN AMESBURY, MA. GIVEN THE ABOVE DESCRIBED PROBLEM IS COMMON AND WELL DOCUMENTED, THE DIAGNOSIS OF A FAULTY BOSCH 5.3 ABS CONTROLLER WAS STRAIGHT FORWARD. THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION (NHTSA) HAS LOGGED OVER 50 COMPLAINTS ALONE WITH MANY HUNDREDS MORE BEING AFFECTED. ALL INSTANCES ARE CONSISTENT WITH MY OWN. REVIEW OF THE INDIVIDUAL TESTIMONIES AS LOGGED BY THE NHTSA MAKES IT CLEAR THAT THIS PROBLEM IS CAUSED BY THE PREMATURE FAILURE OF A KEY COMPONENT OF ONE OF THE MOST CRUCIAL AUTOMOTIVE SAFETY SYSTEMS. THE PROHIBITIVE COST OF REPAIRING THIS ITEM AND THE REFUSAL TO ACKNOWLEDGE THE PROBLEM COMPONENT AS DEFECTIVE AND ELECTIVELY RECALLING IT AMOUNTS TO NEGLIGENCE AND RECKLESS ENDANGERMENT ON THE PART OF VOLKSWAGEN. THE DEFECTIVE COMPONENT REPRESENTS A DANGER TO THE DRIVER OF THE AFFECTED AUTOMOBILE AND EVERYONE SHARING THE ROAD WITH THE AFFECTED AUTOMOBILE. THE PROBLEM EXPRESSED HEREIN IS WIDESPREAD AND CLEARLY DOCUMENTED AS A PROBLEM AND A HAZARD THAT IS NOT TYPICALLY EXPERIENCED BY OTHER AUTOMOBILE OWNERS WITH SIMILARLY FUNCTIONING ANTILOCK BRAKING SYSTEMS. THIS UNIT SHOULD BE RECALLED TO ENSURE THE SAFETY OF HUNDREDS IF NOT THOUSANDS OF DRIVERS. *NM
NHTSA ODI #10172776
120,000 miles · Oct 30, 2006
Electrical SystemService Brakes, Hydraulic
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE ABS, OIL, AND BRAKE LIGHTS ILLUMINATED AND THEN FLASHED. THERE WAS A BEEPING NOISE AS A WARNING SIGNAL PRIOR TO THE ILLUMINATION OF THE ABS, OIL AND BRAKE LIGHTS. THE TACHOMETER ALSO FAILED. THIS PROBLEM WAS INTERMITTENT AND WORSEN OVER A TWO WEEK PERIOD. THE VEHIC…
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DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE ABS, OIL, AND BRAKE LIGHTS ILLUMINATED AND THEN FLASHED. THERE WAS A BEEPING NOISE AS A WARNING SIGNAL PRIOR TO THE ILLUMINATION OF THE ABS, OIL AND BRAKE LIGHTS. THE TACHOMETER ALSO FAILED. THIS PROBLEM WAS INTERMITTENT AND WORSEN OVER A TWO WEEK PERIOD. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP WHO INDICATED THERE WERE NO CODES AFTER THE DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THEY RECOMMENDED THE VEHICLE BE TAKEN TO THE AN AUTHORIZED DEALER. WHILE LOOKING THROUGH THE OWNER MANUAL, THE CONTACT OBSERVED A WARNING STATEMENT THAT THE ILLUMINATION OF THE ABS AND BRAKE LIGHTS COULD RESULT IN THE LOCKING UP OF THE REAR BRAKES UNDER HARD BRAKING. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH ON A HIGHWAY THE REAR BRAKES LOCKED CAUSING THE CONTACT TO LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THERE WAS NO HARD BRAKING WHEN THIS OCCURRED.
NHTSA ODI #10172133
94,567 miles · Oct 26, 2006
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
ABS LIGHT AND BRAKE LIGHT FLASHING CONTINUOUSLY. DEALER CLAIMS ABS MODULE($1600). AFTER RESEARCHING, FOUND HUNDREDS OF VW PASSAT OWNERS WITH SAME PROBLEM VW DOES NOT WANT TO ASSIST OR PERFORM RECALL. *NM
NHTSA ODI #10171869
72,389 miles · Oct 12, 2006
Service Brakes, HydraulicCrashInjury
MY ABS LIGHT HAS BEEN FLASHING FOR MONTHS .....I AM TOLD BY DEALERSHIP THAT IT IS AN ABS SENSOR....BRAKES NOT REALLY AFFECTED....HOWEVER I HIT THE BRAKES AT 10MPH WHILE TAKING A SLIGHT TURN...BRAKES FAILED, THEN LOCKED; HIT CURBAND BRUSHED TREE.VW NEEDS TO ADDRESS THIS.....BRAKES CHECKED AND LOOKED FINE...NO EXPLANATION FOR THE…
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MY ABS LIGHT HAS BEEN FLASHING FOR MONTHS .....I AM TOLD BY DEALERSHIP THAT IT IS AN ABS SENSOR....BRAKES NOT REALLY AFFECTED....HOWEVER I HIT THE BRAKES AT 10MPH WHILE TAKING A SLIGHT TURN...BRAKES FAILED, THEN LOCKED; HIT CURBAND BRUSHED TREE.VW NEEDS TO ADDRESS THIS.....BRAKES CHECKED AND LOOKED FINE...NO EXPLANATION FOR THE BEHAVIOR OF THE BRAKES. *NM
NHTSA ODI #10170610
Mileage unknown · Sep 14, 2006
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
ABS, OIL, BRAKE WARNING LIGHTS INTERMITTENTLY COME ON AND OFF OVER LAST FEW MONTHS WITH ALARM SOUNDS BEEPING INTERMITTENTLY ALSO. TACHOMETER DROPS TO 0 WHEN THIS STARTS AND STAYS ON 0 AS LONG AS WARNING LIGHTS ON. OTHER TIMES NO LIGHTS OR ANYTHING WHEN I START IT UP AND DRIVE FOR QUITE A TIME, THEN THEY START AGAIN. TOOK I…
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ABS, OIL, BRAKE WARNING LIGHTS INTERMITTENTLY COME ON AND OFF OVER LAST FEW MONTHS WITH ALARM SOUNDS BEEPING INTERMITTENTLY ALSO. TACHOMETER DROPS TO 0 WHEN THIS STARTS AND STAYS ON 0 AS LONG AS WARNING LIGHTS ON. OTHER TIMES NO LIGHTS OR ANYTHING WHEN I START IT UP AND DRIVE FOR QUITE A TIME, THEN THEY START AGAIN. TOOK IT TO RUSTY WALLIS VW IN GARLAND, TX. THEY SAID ABS MODULE NOT COMMUNICATING WAS MY PROBLEM===QUOTING $2687 TO REPLACE, AND IF I DIDN'T REPLACE IT, CHANCE WAS WHEELS WOULD LOCK UP IF I HAD TO BRAKE HARD. THEY DID ASK ME TO FILL OUT A QUESTIONNAIRE ON THIS ABS PROBLEM, LIKE "CONSTANT LIGHT" OR "INTERMITTENT", ETC. I THOUGHT THAT WAS CURIOUS. I HAVE SEEN SO MANY COMPLAINTS ON THIS VERY SAME THING ON INTERNET, AUTOMOTIVE DISCUSSION BOARDS. I ALSO HAVE GATHERED VW IS SAYING THERE IS NOTHING THEY CAN DO. THIS IS A VW PROBLEM (ALSO GATHER IT'S AN AUDI PROBLEM). IT'S A SAFETY PROBLEM, AND IT'S AN EXPENSIVE PROBLEM. I DON'T HAVE ALMOST $3,000 IN MY POCKET FOR SOMETHING THAT SHOULD BE OWNED UP TO BY VW. IT'S A SAFETY PROBLEM WITH VW'S AND THIS ABS MODULE GOING BAD APPEARS TO BE A VERY COMMON PROBLEM WITH VW. I'LL NEVER BUY ANOTHER ONE. THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10168302
82,500 miles · Sep 3, 2006
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
ABS LIGHT COMES ON AND BRAKE LIGHT BLINKS. ABS ELECTRONIC MODULE FAILURE - DISCOVERED PROBLEM AT PASSATWORLD.COM. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10167274
Mileage unknown · Aug 15, 2006
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
AT ABOUT 80,000 MILES ABS & BRAKE LIGHTS BEGAN FLASHING. TOOK IN FOR SERVICE AS INDICATED IN OWNER'S MANUAL. SERVICE TECH ADVISED IT WAS ABS INSTRUMENT CLUSTER -- EXPENSIVE REPAIR. WAS TOLD BRAKES WERE OK AND I SHOULD HAVE NO PROBLEM WITH THEM OPERATING PROPERLY. I WAIVED REPAIR BASED ON THIS INFORMATION. IT IS NOW A MONTH …
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AT ABOUT 80,000 MILES ABS & BRAKE LIGHTS BEGAN FLASHING. TOOK IN FOR SERVICE AS INDICATED IN OWNER'S MANUAL. SERVICE TECH ADVISED IT WAS ABS INSTRUMENT CLUSTER -- EXPENSIVE REPAIR. WAS TOLD BRAKES WERE OK AND I SHOULD HAVE NO PROBLEM WITH THEM OPERATING PROPERLY. I WAIVED REPAIR BASED ON THIS INFORMATION. IT IS NOW A MONTH LATER AND THE LIGHTS ARE ON CONTINUOUSLY. TOOK CAR IN FOR STATE INSPECTION. NOW TOLD CAR WILL NOT PASS INSPECTION DUE TO POSSIBLE PROBLEM WITH BRAKES! HUH? I'VE BEEN DRIVING CAR FOR OVER A MONTH THINKING THERE WAS NO DANGER. SERVICE TECHS WILL NOW NOT CONFIRM PROBLEM IS WITH ABS INSTRUMENT CLUSTER. MUST DO ADDITIONAL DIAGNOSTIC AT $80/HR. WAS INFORMED THEY COULD PASS CAR INSPECTION IF THEY COULD GET LIGHTS TO GO OFF LONG ENOUGH FOR THEM TO PERFORM INSPECTION (WINK WINK). IS THIS A SAFETY HAZARD OR NOT??? I NOW HAVE 15 DAYS TO GET REPAIR DONE IN ORDER TO PASS INSPECTION. I'M NO TECH BUT THIS SEEMS TO BE A FAULTY PART THAT EVERYONE IS AWARE OF BUT NOT WILLING TO DO ANYTHING ABOUT. ADD TO THAT, THERE IS NO CLEAR DIRECTION ON WHETHER THIS IS A DANGER OR NOT. I'M GUESSING SINCE CARS WON'T PASS INSPECTION, IT IS. *NM
NHTSA ODI #10165555
134,000 miles · Aug 12, 2006
Electrical SystemService Brakes, Hydraulic
ABS WARNING LIGHT PLUS OIL AND BRAKE LIGHTS FLASH, TACHOMETER GOES TO ZERO. *NM
NHTSA ODI #10165334
66,000 miles · Aug 10, 2006
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE ABS LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR INSPECTION. THE DEALERSHIP DETERMINED THE ABS MODULE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED.
NHTSA ODI #10165130
97,630 miles · Aug 7, 2006
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
1 - I WAS DRIVING MY 1999 VW PASSAT WITH 97,630 MILES ON JULY 28, 2006 WHEN IT SEEMED TO LOSE POWER AND THE "CHECK ENGINE LIGHT" CAME ON. I PULLED OVER AS SOON AS POSSIBLE TO CHECK OIL, FLUIDS, DAMAGE, ETC BUT COULD FIND NOTHING OUT OF THE ORDINARY. 2 - A DAY LATER, THE EXHAUST STARTED TO MAKE A CONTINUOUSLY LOUD NOISE AND THE…
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1 - I WAS DRIVING MY 1999 VW PASSAT WITH 97,630 MILES ON JULY 28, 2006 WHEN IT SEEMED TO LOSE POWER AND THE "CHECK ENGINE LIGHT" CAME ON. I PULLED OVER AS SOON AS POSSIBLE TO CHECK OIL, FLUIDS, DAMAGE, ETC BUT COULD FIND NOTHING OUT OF THE ORDINARY. 2 - A DAY LATER, THE EXHAUST STARTED TO MAKE A CONTINUOUSLY LOUD NOISE AND THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL NOW FLUCTUATES UP AND DOWN AUTOMATICALLY WITHOUT ANY ACTION FROM ME. IT APPEARS LIKE A CIRCUIT BOARD OR ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULE WENT BAD. 3 - THE "ABS / BRAKE" LIGHTS CAME ON AND STARTED BLINKING AT THIS TIME AS WELL. 4 - MY DEALER SAID THE MODULES GO BAD AND IT IS NOT UNDER ANY WARRANTY, SO THE ESTIMATE WAS AROUND $850 TO FIX. I CALLED VW'S NATIONAL CUSTOMER CARE AND THEY DID NOT HAVE ANY WARRANTY OR RECALL NOTICES THAT COULD HELP. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10164848
Official recalls
5Apr 7, 2008
VOLKSWAGEN IS RECALLING 412,000 MY 1999-2005 PASSAT (5TH GENERATION) VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS AND PRODUCED AFTER JUNE 14, 1999. THESE VEHICLES MAY HAVE AN UNDERBODY HEAT SHIELD THAT CAN BECOME DAMAGED. IN ADDITION, AFFECTED VEHICLES WITH AUTOMATIC OR MANUAL TRANSMISSIONS MAY HAVE A FUEL LINE (1.8T ENGINES ONLY) OR FUEL TANK VENTILATION VALVE (4MOTION/ALL WHEEL DRIVE ONLY) THAT CAN LEAK DUE TO FRACTURE.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A HEAT SHIELD THAT MAY CONTACT THE EXHAUST SYSTEM CAN RESULT IN A VEHICLE FIRE. IN ADDITION, A FUEL LEAK FROM A FUEL LINE OR FUEL TANK VENTILATION VALVE, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, CAN LEAD TO A VEHICLE FIRE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL ADDITIONAL UNDERBODY HEAT SHIELDS ON VEHICLES WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS TO COVER THE POSSIBLY DAMAGED AREAS AND FLASH ALL 1.8T ENGINES WITH A PRECAUTIONARY SOFTWARE UPDATE. DEALERS WILL ALSO INSPECT AND ADJUST THE FUEL LINE ROUTING ON 1.8T VEHICLES AND THE FUEL TANK VENTILATION VALVE ON 4MOTION/ALL WHEEL DRIVE VEHICLES, AND REPLACE COMPONENTS IF NECESSARY FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 13, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VOLKSWAGEN AT 1-800-822-8987.
Jan 25, 2002
ON SOME PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE FUEL TANK FILLER NECK CAN SUFFER ABRASION DAMAGE IF THE REAR TIRE GOES FLAT AND THE VEHICLE IS DRIVEN UNTIL THE TIRE DISINTEGRATES.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: FUEL LEAKAGE CAN OCCUR INCREASING THE RISK OF A FIRE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL FIT PASSAT VEHICLES WITH A NEW WHEEL HOUSE LINER THAT WILL BETTER PROTECT THE CAR'S FILLER NECK. JETTA VEHICLES WILL BE FITTED WITH A DIFFERENT METAL SHIELD DESIGNED TO ENHANCE ABRASION PROTECTION IN THE EVENT OF TIRE DISINTEGRATION. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JUNE 13, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT VOLKSWAGEN AT 1-800-822-8987.
Dec 6, 2000
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE TIE RODS OF THE STEERING ASSEMBLY ARE PROTECTED ON EACH SIDE BY A SEAL TO PREVENT MOISTURE AND DUST PARTICLES FROM ENTERING THE SWIVEL BEARING MECHANISM. IT IS POSSIBLE THAT SOME TIE ROD SEALS MAY NOT SEAL PROPERLY.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: IF MOISTURE AND/OR DUST PARTICLES ENTER THE SWIVEL BEARING MECHANISM, THE SWIVEL BEARING COULD WEAR OVER TIME DIMINISHING THE STEERING CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE TIE RODS.
Sep 13, 1999
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE TIE RODS OF THE STEERING ASSEMBLY ARE PROTECTED ON EACH SIDE BY A SEAL TO PREVENT MOISTURE AND DUST PARTICLES FROM ENTERING THE SWIVEL BEARING MECHANISM. IT IS POSSIBLE THAT SOME TIE ROD SEALS MAY NOT SEAL PROPERLY.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: IF MOISTURE AND/OR DUST PARTICLES ENTER THE SWIVEL BEARING MECHANISM, THE SWIVEL BEARING COULD WEAR OVER TIME DIMINISHING THE STEERING CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE TIE RODS.
May 21, 1999
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS. A CONTROL VALVE IN THE VACUUM HOSE CONNECTING THE BRAKE BOOSTER TO THE INTAKE MANIFOLD MAY NOT OPEN OR CLOSE FULLY AT TEMPERATURES BELOW -4 F UNDER CERTAIN DRIVING CONDITIONS.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THIS CONDITION COULD CAUSE INSUFFICIENT VACUUM TO BE PROVIDED TO THE BRAKE BOOSTER.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A VACUUM BY-PASS SYSTEM INTO VEHICLES OPERATED IN THESE STATES WHICH IS DESIGNED TO PROVIDE SUFFICIENT VACUUM FOR FULL BRAKE ASSIST UNDER ALL WEATHER CONDITIONS.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
8EA07014 · Passenger Engine Compartment Fires
Opened Sep 28, 2007 · Closed Jul 7, 2008
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Electrical System:ignition; Engine And Engine Cooling:exhaust System
THE MANUFACTURER NOTIFIED NHTSA ON 04-APR-08 THAT A SAFETY RECALL ACTION WOULD BE INITIATED TO REMEDY THE ISSUE.IN JUNE 2008, THE MANUFACTURER ISSUED A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN (CODE 26E5/R5) REGARDING THE SPECIFIC PROCEDURES TO BE EMPLOYED IN THIS CAMPAIGN.VEHICLE OWNER NOTIFICATION LETTERS WERE SENT BEGINNING APPROXIMATELY JUNE 13, 2008.THE CAMPAIGN WAS ASSIGNED NHTSA NO. 08V-156.THIS RECALL AFFECTS ALL MY 1999-2005, 5TH GENERATION GASOLINE-POWERED PASSAT SEDANS AND STATION WAGONS.APPROXIMATELY 412,000 VEHICLES ARE AFFECTED.CORRECTIVE ACTION WILL CONSIST OF INSTALLING ADDITIONAL EXHAUST SYSTEM HEAT SHIELDING TO MITIGATE THE POTENTIAL THERMAL EFFECTS OF ENGINE IGNITION PROBLEMS.BASED ON THIS ACTION, THE SUBJECT EA HAS BEEN CLOSED.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Electrical System:ignition
THE MANUFACTURER NOTIFIED NHTSA ON 04-APR-08 THAT A SAFETY RECALL ACTION WOULD BE INITIATED TO REMEDY THE ISSUE.IN JUNE 2008, THE MANUFACTURER ISSUED A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN (CODE 26E5/R5) REGARDING THE SPECIFIC PROCEDURES TO BE EMPLOYED IN THIS CAMPAIGN.VEHICLE OWNER NOTIFICATION LETTERS WERE SENT BEGINNING APPROXIMATELY JUNE 13, 2008.THE CAMPAIGN WAS ASSIGNED NHTSA NO. 08V-156.THIS RECALL AFFECTS ALL MY 1999-2005, 5TH GENERATION GASOLINE-POWERED PASSAT SEDANS AND STATION WAGONS.APPROXIMATELY 412,000 VEHICLES ARE AFFECTED.CORRECTIVE ACTION WILL CONSIST OF INSTALLING ADDITIONAL EXHAUST SYSTEM HEAT SHIELDING TO MITIGATE THE POTENTIAL THERMAL EFFECTS OF ENGINE IGNITION PROBLEMS.BASED ON THIS ACTION, THE SUBJECT EA HAS BEEN CLOSED.
Engine And Engine Cooling:exhaust System
THE MANUFACTURER NOTIFIED NHTSA ON 04-APR-08 THAT A SAFETY RECALL ACTION WOULD BE INITIATED TO REMEDY THE ISSUE.IN JUNE 2008, THE MANUFACTURER ISSUED A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN (CODE 26E5/R5) REGARDING THE SPECIFIC PROCEDURES TO BE EMPLOYED IN THIS CAMPAIGN.VEHICLE OWNER NOTIFICATION LETTERS WERE SENT BEGINNING APPROXIMATELY JUNE 13, 2008.THE CAMPAIGN WAS ASSIGNED NHTSA NO. 08V-156.THIS RECALL AFFECTS ALL MY 1999-2005, 5TH GENERATION GASOLINE-POWERED PASSAT SEDANS AND STATION WAGONS.APPROXIMATELY 412,000 VEHICLES ARE AFFECTED.CORRECTIVE ACTION WILL CONSIST OF INSTALLING ADDITIONAL EXHAUST SYSTEM HEAT SHIELDING TO MITIGATE THE POTENTIAL THERMAL EFFECTS OF ENGINE IGNITION PROBLEMS.BASED ON THIS ACTION, THE SUBJECT EA HAS BEEN CLOSED.
DP05003 · Alleged Premature Tie Rod Failure
Opened Aug 8, 2005 · Closed Dec 9, 2005
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Steering:linkages:tie Rod Assembly
ON AUGUST 2, 2005, ODI RECEIVED A PETITION SUBMITTED BY MS. MIRIAM SCHNEIDER OF OLNEY, MD, REQUESTING AN INVESTIGATION OF ALLEGEDLY DEFECTIVE TIE RODS IN CERTAIN MODEL YEAR (MY) 1999 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT VEHICLES NOT INCLUDED IN TWO PREVIOUS SAFETY RECALL CAMPAIGNS (IDENTIFIED HENCEFORTH AS THE SUBJECT VEHICLES).IN A SEPTEMBER 1999 LETTER, VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA, INC. (VW) NOTIFIED THE AGENCY THAT AN UNDETERMINED PERCENTAGE OF MY 1998-1999 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT AND AUDI A4, A6, AND A8 VEHICLES CONTAINED A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT AFFECTING ALUMINUM TIE ROD ENDS IN THE STEERING SYSTEM.VW INDICATED THAT IT WAS POSSIBLE THAT SOME TIE RODS WOULD NOT SEAL PROPERLY WHICH COULD ALLOW MOISTURE AND DUST PARTICLES TO ENTER THE SWIVEL BEARING MECHANISM, RESULTING IN PREMATURE WEAR.THE APPROXIMATELY 22,200 VOLKSWAGEN AND 29,700 AUDI VEHICLES AFFECTED BY THIS RECALL (IDENTIFIED BY NHTSA RECALL NO. 99V-248) WERE BUILT FROM JANUARY 1998 THROUGH JULY 1998 AND FELL WITHIN A SPECIFIC VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER (VIN) RANGE.IN NOVEMBER 2000, VW CHOSE TO EXPAND THE SCOPE OF THE RECALL (IDENTIFIED BY NHTSA RECALL NO. 00V-414) AFTER IT DETERMINED THAT SOME POTENTIALLY DEFECTIVE ALUMINUM TIE ROD ENDS MAY HAVE BEEN INSTALLED IN AN ADDITIONAL 44,000 VOLKSWAGEN AND 39,000 AUDI VEHICLES BUILT FROM AUGUST 1998 THROUGH APRIL 1999.THESE SUBJECT RECALL ACTIONS WERE NOT INFLUENCED BY ODI.INSTEAD, VW MADE AN INDEPENDENT DETERMINATION TO CONDUCT A RECALL AFTER GERMAN VEHICLE INSPECTION AUTHORITIES NOTIFIED IT OF ?WORN? TIE RODS AND FACTORY INSPECTION OF SOME ?WORN? TIE RODS REVEALED IMPROPER SEALING.ACCORDING TO A DECEMBER 2004 REPORT, THE PETITIONER BROUGHT HER MY 1999 PASSAT TO AN AUTHORIZED VOLKSWAGEN DEALER FOR AN UNRELATED RECALL REPAIR WHERE SHE WAS NOTIFIED BY SERVICE PERSONNEL THAT, AFTER 59,000 MILES TRAVELED, THE TIE RODS ?HAVE TOO MUCH PLAY,? AND THE RECOMMENDED REPAIRS WOULD NOT BE COVERED FREE OF CHARGE BECAUSE HER VIN (WVWNA63B1XE499116) WAS OUTSIDE THE RECALL RANGE.IN JUNE 2005, AFTER 65,400 MILES TRAVELED, THE PETITIONER PAID $588.59 TO REPLACE WORN INNER AND OUTER TIE ROD ENDS ON BOTH SIDES OF THE VEHICLE.THE PETITION LETTER SPECIFICALLY REQUESTS THAT THE SCOPE OF VW?S RECALL BE EXPANDED TO INCLUDE THE PETITIONER?S VEHICLE AND THAT SHE BE REIMBURSED FOR THE COST OF THE REPAIRS.THERE ARE A TOTAL OF 191 NON-DUPLICATIVE COMPLAINTS TO ODI AND VW THAT ALLEGE PREMATURE WEAR OF EITHER ONE OR BOTH OUTER TIE ROD ENDS IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES.AS OF NOVEMBER 18, 2005, ODI IS NOT AWARE OF ANY ALLEGATIONS OF TIE ROD SEPARATIONS RESULTING IN A LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL, CRASH OR INJURY IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES.THE PETITIONER?S VEHICLE WAS MANUFACTURED ON JUNE 8, 1999 USING REVISED STEEL TIE ROD ENDS AND THEREFORE WAS ALREADY EQUIPPED WITH THE TIE ROD ENDS USED TO REMEDY DEFECTIVE VEHICLES IN THE SUBJECT RECALLS.ANALYSIS INDICATES THAT THERE DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT TREND WITH RESPECT TO THE STEEL TIE ROD ENDS USED IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES.IN VIEW OF THE FOREGOING, IT IS UNLIKELY THAT NHTSA WOULD ISSUE AN ORDER FOR THE NOTIFICATION AND REMEDY OF THE ALLEGED DEFECT AS DEFINED BY THE PETITIONER AT THE CONCLUSION OF THE INVESTIGATION REQUESTED IN THE PETITION.THEREFORE, IN VIEW OF THE NEED TO ALLOCATE AND PRIORITIZE NHTSA?S LIMITED RESOURCES TO BEST ACCOMPLISH THE AGENCY?S SAFETY MISSION, THE PETITION IS DENIED.
EA04017 · STUCK-OPEN Throttle
Opened Jun 30, 2004 · Closed Feb 10, 2005
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Fuel System, Gasoline:fuel Injection System
VWOA HAS RECALLED APPROXIMATELY 28,300 MY 1998-99 A6 VEHICLES IN COLD WEATHER STATES THAT EXPERIENCED THE HIGHEST RATE OF THROTTLE ICING INCIDENTS IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES (04V-495).THE FAILURE RATE IN THE A4 AND PASSAT VEHICLES IS MUCH LOWER THAN IN THE RECALLED VEHICLES.ODI WILL CONTINUE TO MONITOR THE EXPERIENCE IN THE A4 AND PASSAT VEHICLES.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT NO SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT EXISTS FOR THE AUDI A4 OR VW PASSAT VEHICLES.THE AGENCY RESERVES THE RIGHT TO TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY A CHANGE IN CIRCUMSTANCES. FOR FURTHER DETAILS SEE THE ATTACHED CLOSING REPORT.
EA03020 · Passenger Air Bag Lid Failure
Opened Oct 7, 2003 · Closed Apr 23, 2004
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Air Bags; Air Bags:frontal
THIS INVESTIGATION INVOLVES THE VOLKSWAGEN (VW) PASSENGER SUPPLEMENTAL INFLATABLE RESTRAINT (PSIR) LID UTILIZED IN MY 1998-2002 VW PASSAT.THE PSIR LID MAY DETACH FROM THE INSTRUMENT PANEL DURING AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT.THE OFFICE OF DEFECTS INVESTIGATION (ODI) OF THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION (NHTSA) OPENED THE PRELIMINARY EVALUATION ON MAY 23, 2003 TO DETERMINE WHETHER ALLEGED PSIR LID DETACHMENT PRESENTS AN UNREASONABLE SAFETY RISK TO PASSENGERS IN THE VEHICLE.ODI?S INVESTIGATION REVEALS THAT DETACHMENT OF THE PSIR LID DURING AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT MAY OCCUR FOR TWO REASONS: 1) THE SHAPE OF THE PSIR LID, AND THE LENGTH OF THE ATTACHING TETHER, MAY SNAG THE AIR BAG DURING DEPLOYMENT APPLYING ADDITIONAL PRESSURE ON BOLTS THAT FASTEN THE LID TO THE INSTRUMENT PANEL (IP); AND/OR 2) THE ORIGINAL PSIR LID DESIGN (SUBJECT VEHICLES) UTILIZED SIX GRADE 4.8 MM CARBON STEEL TACK WELD BOLTS WHICH MAY NOT BE AS STRONG AS THE NEW DESIGN PSIR LID CONSISTING OF SIX GRADE 8.8 MM CARBON STEEL PRESS BOLTS THAT ARE HEAT TREATED.ODI CONCLUDES THAT DETACHMENT OF THE PSIR LID IS A DEFECT BECAUSE THE LID SHOULD REMAIN ATTACHED TO THE IP AFTER DEPLOYMENT OF THE AIRBAG.HOWEVER, AFTER ANALYZING VW?S RESPONSES, AND TEST DATA COLLECTED BY VW AND FAURECIA, THE PSIR LID SUPPLIER, ODI BELIEVES THAT FURTHER INVESTIGATION WOULD NOT LIKELY IDENTIFY A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT TREND BECAUSE A DETACHED PSIR LID AND PARTS DO NOT PROJECT TOWARDS A PASSENGER DURING DEPLOYMENT OF THE AIRBAG.THE TEST DATA SHOWS THAT THE AIRBAG PUSHES A DETACHED PSIR LID UPWARDS INTO THE WINDSHIELD DURING DEPLOYMENT, AND AWAY FROM THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT.IT IS HIGHLY UNLIKELY THAT A PASSENGER WOULD CONTACT THE PSIR LID OR ASSOCIATED PARTS DURING AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT.THEREFORE THIS ENGINEERING ANALYSIS (EA 03-020) IS CLOSED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT DOES NOT EXIST. FOR A DETAILED DISCUSSION OF THE PSIR LID AND TESTING, SEE THE ATTACHED REPORT.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Air Bags:frontal
THIS INVESTIGATION INVOLVES THE VOLKSWAGEN (VW) PASSENGER SUPPLEMENTAL INFLATABLE RESTRAINT (PSIR) LID UTILIZED IN MY 1998-2002 VW PASSAT.THE PSIR LID MAY DETACH FROM THE INSTRUMENT PANEL DURING AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT.THE OFFICE OF DEFECTS INVESTIGATION (ODI) OF THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION (NHTSA) OPENED THE PRELIMINARY EVALUATION ON MAY 23, 2003 TO DETERMINE WHETHER ALLEGED PSIR LID DETACHMENT PRESENTS AN UNREASONABLE SAFETY RISK TO PASSENGERS IN THE VEHICLE.ODI?S INVESTIGATION REVEALS THAT DETACHMENT OF THE PSIR LID DURING AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT MAY OCCUR FOR TWO REASONS: 1) THE SHAPE OF THE PSIR LID, AND THE LENGTH OF THE ATTACHING TETHER, MAY SNAG THE AIR BAG DURING DEPLOYMENT APPLYING ADDITIONAL PRESSURE ON BOLTS THAT FASTEN THE LID TO THE INSTRUMENT PANEL (IP); AND/OR 2) THE ORIGINAL PSIR LID DESIGN (SUBJECT VEHICLES) UTILIZED SIX GRADE 4.8 MM CARBON STEEL TACK WELD BOLTS WHICH MAY NOT BE AS STRONG AS THE NEW DESIGN PSIR LID CONSISTING OF SIX GRADE 8.8 MM CARBON STEEL PRESS BOLTS THAT ARE HEAT TREATED.ODI CONCLUDES THAT DETACHMENT OF THE PSIR LID IS A DEFECT BECAUSE THE LID SHOULD REMAIN ATTACHED TO THE IP AFTER DEPLOYMENT OF THE AIRBAG.HOWEVER, AFTER ANALYZING VW?S RESPONSES, AND TEST DATA COLLECTED BY VW AND FAURECIA, THE PSIR LID SUPPLIER, ODI BELIEVES THAT FURTHER INVESTIGATION WOULD NOT LIKELY IDENTIFY A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT TREND BECAUSE A DETACHED PSIR LID AND PARTS DO NOT PROJECT TOWARDS A PASSENGER DURING DEPLOYMENT OF THE AIRBAG.THE TEST DATA SHOWS THAT THE AIRBAG PUSHES A DETACHED PSIR LID UPWARDS INTO THE WINDSHIELD DURING DEPLOYMENT, AND AWAY FROM THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT.IT IS HIGHLY UNLIKELY THAT A PASSENGER WOULD CONTACT THE PSIR LID OR ASSOCIATED PARTS DURING AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT.THEREFORE THIS ENGINEERING ANALYSIS (EA 03-020) IS CLOSED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT DOES NOT EXIST. FOR A DETAILED DISCUSSION OF THE PSIR LID AND TESTING, SEE THE ATTACHED REPORT.
Air Bags
THIS INVESTIGATION INVOLVES THE VOLKSWAGEN (VW) PASSENGER SUPPLEMENTAL INFLATABLE RESTRAINT (PSIR) LID UTILIZED IN MY 1998-2002 VW PASSAT.THE PSIR LID MAY DETACH FROM THE INSTRUMENT PANEL DURING AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT.THE OFFICE OF DEFECTS INVESTIGATION (ODI) OF THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION (NHTSA) OPENED THE PRELIMINARY EVALUATION ON MAY 23, 2003 TO DETERMINE WHETHER ALLEGED PSIR LID DETACHMENT PRESENTS AN UNREASONABLE SAFETY RISK TO PASSENGERS IN THE VEHICLE.ODI?S INVESTIGATION REVEALS THAT DETACHMENT OF THE PSIR LID DURING AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT MAY OCCUR FOR TWO REASONS: 1) THE SHAPE OF THE PSIR LID, AND THE LENGTH OF THE ATTACHING TETHER, MAY SNAG THE AIR BAG DURING DEPLOYMENT APPLYING ADDITIONAL PRESSURE ON BOLTS THAT FASTEN THE LID TO THE INSTRUMENT PANEL (IP); AND/OR 2) THE ORIGINAL PSIR LID DESIGN (SUBJECT VEHICLES) UTILIZED SIX GRADE 4.8 MM CARBON STEEL TACK WELD BOLTS WHICH MAY NOT BE AS STRONG AS THE NEW DESIGN PSIR LID CONSISTING OF SIX GRADE 8.8 MM CARBON STEEL PRESS BOLTS THAT ARE HEAT TREATED.ODI CONCLUDES THAT DETACHMENT OF THE PSIR LID IS A DEFECT BECAUSE THE LID SHOULD REMAIN ATTACHED TO THE IP AFTER DEPLOYMENT OF THE AIRBAG.HOWEVER, AFTER ANALYZING VW?S RESPONSES, AND TEST DATA COLLECTED BY VW AND FAURECIA, THE PSIR LID SUPPLIER, ODI BELIEVES THAT FURTHER INVESTIGATION WOULD NOT LIKELY IDENTIFY A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT TREND BECAUSE A DETACHED PSIR LID AND PARTS DO NOT PROJECT TOWARDS A PASSENGER DURING DEPLOYMENT OF THE AIRBAG.THE TEST DATA SHOWS THAT THE AIRBAG PUSHES A DETACHED PSIR LID UPWARDS INTO THE WINDSHIELD DURING DEPLOYMENT, AND AWAY FROM THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT.IT IS HIGHLY UNLIKELY THAT A PASSENGER WOULD CONTACT THE PSIR LID OR ASSOCIATED PARTS DURING AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT.THEREFORE THIS ENGINEERING ANALYSIS (EA 03-020) IS CLOSED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT DOES NOT EXIST. FOR A DETAILED DISCUSSION OF THE PSIR LID AND TESTING, SEE THE ATTACHED REPORT.
PE03021 · Passenger Sir Door Mounting Stud Failure
Opened May 23, 2003 · Closed Oct 7, 2003
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Air Bags:frontal
ODI OPENED A PRELIMINARY EVALUATION (PE03-021) BASED ON TWO REPORTS OF FAILED BOLT STUDS THAT ATTACH THE PASSENGER SUPPLEMENTAL INFLATABLE RESTRAINT (PSIR) DOOR COVER TO THE INSTRUMENT PANEL (IP) ON THE VOLKSWAGEN (VW) PASSAT (MODEL YEARS 2000, 2002).VW HAS INDICATED TO ODI THAT IT HAS NO ADDITIONAL REPORTS.VW IMPLEMENTED A PROCESS CHANGE ON MARCH 1, 2002.THIS PROCESS CHANGE CONSISTED OF CHANGING THE BOLT APPLICATION THAT FASTENS THE PSIR DOOR TO THE IP FROM A WELD ON APPLICATION TO A PRESS ON APPLICATION.VW ALSO CHANGED THE MATERIAL OF THE BOLT.VW STATED THAT THE CHANGES WERE MADE TO EASE PRODUCTION BY ELIMINATING A WELDING PROCESS.ODI HAS UPGRADED ITS INVESTIGATION TO ENGINEERING ANALYSIS (EA03-020).
EA00028 · Fuel Tank Puncture
Opened Dec 28, 2000 · Closed Jan 29, 2002
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Vehicle Speed Control:linkages
No summary supplied.
PE00033 · Fuel Tank Puncture
Opened Aug 10, 2000 · Closed Dec 28, 2000
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Vehicle Speed Control:linkages
THE OFFICE OF DEFECTS INVESTIGATION OPENED THIS INVESTIGATION ON AUGUST 10, 2000 BASED ON 9 REPORTS REGARDING PUNCTURED FUEL TANKS INVOLVING THE JETTA, PASSAT, AND CABRIO MODELS.THE REPORTS INDICATE ADDITIONAL REPORTS IN ITS RESPONSE TO THE PRELIMINARY EVALUATION.THIS INVESTIGATION HAS BEEN UPGRADED FOR FURTHER STUDY.
RQ99008 · Power Brake Booster Vacuum BY-PASS
Opened Jun 1, 1999 · Closed Nov 14, 2000
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Service Brakes, Hydraulic
There is no summary currently available
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