NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Power Train complaints
19 reportsClear category filter130,000 miles · Feb 16, 2009
Power Train
1. MY 2000 VW PASSAT 1.8T AUTOMATIC REACHED 130K MILES. 2. THERE IS A FAILURE IN WHATEVER COMPONENT STABILIZES THE STEERING WHEEL AT IDLE WHEN THE CAR IS IN DRIVE OR REVERSE. THE PROBLEM DOES NOT IN OCCUR WHEN AT IDLE IN NEUTRAL. THE EXACT SYMPTOMS OF THE PROBLEM ARE A VERY STRONG VIBRATION THAT CAN BE FELT THROUGH THE STEERI…
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1. MY 2000 VW PASSAT 1.8T AUTOMATIC REACHED 130K MILES. 2. THERE IS A FAILURE IN WHATEVER COMPONENT STABILIZES THE STEERING WHEEL AT IDLE WHEN THE CAR IS IN DRIVE OR REVERSE. THE PROBLEM DOES NOT IN OCCUR WHEN AT IDLE IN NEUTRAL. THE EXACT SYMPTOMS OF THE PROBLEM ARE A VERY STRONG VIBRATION THAT CAN BE FELT THROUGH THE STEERING WHEEL AND THE ENTIRE CABIN. THE ONLY FIX HAS BEEN TO PUT THE CAR IN NEUTRAL WHEN AT THE STOP SIGN/LIGHT. 3. CORRECTIVE ACTIONS THAT HAVE BEEN TAKEN SO FAR ARE NEW ENGINE MOUNTS, NEW TRANSMISSION MOUNTS, NEW TRANSMISSION STABILIZER BAR, AND VERIFYING THE DRIVE BELT IS TIGHT ENOUGH. VW IS WELL AWARE OF THE PROBLEM, BECAUSE IT IS A COMMON PROBLEM THAT OCCURS IN B5 & B5.5 MODEL AUTOMATIC PASSATS. THERE ARE SOME REPORTS OF PASSATS WITH LOW MILEAGE THAT HAVE THIS PROBLEM. THE VW CORPORATION DOES NOT HAVE A SOLUTION. PEOPLE HAVE LITERALLY TRADED IN THEIR PASSATS, BECAUSE THEY CAN'T FIX THE PROBLEM. MY STAND IS THAT THERE IS NO WAY THAT A CAR COMPANY THIS SIZE DOESN'T HAVE A CLUE AS TO WHAT CAUSES THIS PROBLEM AND HOW TO FIX IT. I REFUSE TO SUBSCRIBE TO THE NOTION THAT I HAVE TO BUY ANOTHER CAR WHEN THIS PROBLEM OCCURS. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10258773
Mileage unknown · Mar 25, 2007
Power Train
1) RAIN WATER ENTERED THE VEHICLE , 2000 PASSAT, 6CYLINDER, AUTO MATIC TRANSMISSION AND POOLED APPROXIMATELY 2-3 INCHES) IN THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. SOURCE OF LEAK WAS UNKNOWN. ALL WINDOWS AND DOORS WERE CLOSED. *AK 2) THIS LED TO THE TRANSMISSION CONTROL UNIT, WHICH IS HOUSED UNDER THE PASSENGER SIDE, T…
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1) RAIN WATER ENTERED THE VEHICLE , 2000 PASSAT, 6CYLINDER, AUTO MATIC TRANSMISSION AND POOLED APPROXIMATELY 2-3 INCHES) IN THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. SOURCE OF LEAK WAS UNKNOWN. ALL WINDOWS AND DOORS WERE CLOSED. *AK 2) THIS LED TO THE TRANSMISSION CONTROL UNIT, WHICH IS HOUSED UNDER THE PASSENGER SIDE, TO BECOME WET AND MALFUNCTION. THE TRANSMISSION THEN BEGAN SHIFTING UP, AND DOWN ERRATICALLY, WHILE DRIVING. 3) THE DEALERSHIP CLAIMED THIS WAS NOT COVERED UNDER THE TRANSMISSION WARRANTY. THE TRANSMISSION CONTROL UNIT HAD TO BE REPLACED AT A COST OF $1351 DOLLARS FOR THE PART AND $250 FOR LABOR. RESEARCH ON THE WEB INDICATES THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH VW'S AND IS LIKELY DUE TO A DESIGN FLAW WHICH CAUSES WATER TO DRAIN INTO THE INTERIOR OF THE VEHICLE WHEN CERTAIN DRAIN HOLES BECOME CLOGGED.
NHTSA ODI #10186094
88,718 miles · Jul 20, 2006
Power Train
THE PROBLEM IS INTERMITTENT, HAVING OCCURRED APPROXIMATELY FIFTEEN TO TWENTY TIMES DURING THE PAST YEAR. IT CAN BE BEST DESCRIBED AS A SUDDEN LURCHING, WHICH HAS OCCURRED WHILE STOPPED, WHILE AT FREEWAY SPEEDS (60-70 MPH), AND AT SPEEDS BETWEEN THESE TWO EXTREMES. WHILE STOPPED, IT IS AS IF THE TRANSMISSION ENGAGES, AND THE V…
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THE PROBLEM IS INTERMITTENT, HAVING OCCURRED APPROXIMATELY FIFTEEN TO TWENTY TIMES DURING THE PAST YEAR. IT CAN BE BEST DESCRIBED AS A SUDDEN LURCHING, WHICH HAS OCCURRED WHILE STOPPED, WHILE AT FREEWAY SPEEDS (60-70 MPH), AND AT SPEEDS BETWEEN THESE TWO EXTREMES. WHILE STOPPED, IT IS AS IF THE TRANSMISSION ENGAGES, AND THE VEHICLE LURCHES FORWARD; EXTRA BRAKE PRESSURE MUST BE APPLIED DURING THESE OCCURRENCES, WHICH LAST LESS THAN A SECOND OR TWO, BUT WHICH OCCUR WITHOUT WARNING. WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION, THE PROBLEM MANIFESTS ITSELF AS A SUDDEN, UNEXPECTED, VIRTUALLY INSTANTANEOUS DECREASE IN SPEED OF BETWEEN FIVE AND TEN MILES PER HOUR; THIS DECREASE IN SPEED OCCURS IN LESS THAN A SECOND. ONE GOOD WAY TO DESCRIBE THE FEELING IS THAT IT IS AS IF THE VEHICLE HAS HIT SOMETHING. I CONSIDER THIS AN EXTREMELY DANGEROUS CONDITION, BECAUSE IF THIS WERE TO HAPPEN, FOR EXAMPLE, AT FREEWAY SPEEDS WHILE ON A CURVE IN THE RAIN, CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE COULD BE LOST. I HAVE INFORMED MY LOCAL DEALER OF THIS ISSUE, BUT SINCE THEY HAVE BEEN UNABLE TO REPRODUCE THE PROBLEM THEMSELVES (DUE TO ITS INTERMITTENT NATURE), THEY HAVE DONE NOTHING TO RECTIFY IT. *NM
NHTSA ODI #10162988
50,000 miles · Jun 14, 2006
Electrical SystemExterior LightingPower TrainInjury
9/2003: HEADLIGHTS AIMED INCORRECTLY; ROAD WASN'T ILLUMINATED. WITHIN 2 WKS, 1 OF THE BULBS BURNED OUT. WITHIN A WEEK OF THE 1ST, THE 2ND BULB BURNED OUT. COST TO HAVE HEADLIGHTS REPOSITIONED & BULBS REPLACED: $267. 9/2003: REAR TAIL LIGHT OUT. COST TO HAVE BULB REPLACED BY MECHANIC: $32.50. 11/2003: BOTH REAR WINDOWS OFF TRACK.…
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9/2003: HEADLIGHTS AIMED INCORRECTLY; ROAD WASN'T ILLUMINATED. WITHIN 2 WKS, 1 OF THE BULBS BURNED OUT. WITHIN A WEEK OF THE 1ST, THE 2ND BULB BURNED OUT. COST TO HAVE HEADLIGHTS REPOSITIONED & BULBS REPLACED: $267. 9/2003: REAR TAIL LIGHT OUT. COST TO HAVE BULB REPLACED BY MECHANIC: $32.50. 11/2003: BOTH REAR WINDOWS OFF TRACK. COST TO TEAR DOORS APART & FIX: $159.75. 12/2003: ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS WITH FRONT POWER WINDOWS. NEVER KNOW IF WINDOW WILL GO UP OR DOWN. 2004: HAD CAR IN FOR (AT LEAST) 3 DIFFERENT DASHBOARD WARNING CODES. ONE HAD SOMETHING TO DO WITH FUEL, OR THE FUEL TANK OR SOMETHING. AFTER SOME TRIAL AND ERROR ON MY MECHANIC'S PART, DISCOVERED THAT UNSCREWING AND TIGHTLY RESCREWING GAS CAP FIXED THE PROBLEM. COST TO DIAGNOSE AND "FIX": $165. HAD (AT LEAST) TWO OTHER WARNING CODES IN 2004 THAT REQUIRED ME TO TAKE THE CAR IN. 6/24/2005: HAD BEEN HEARING CRUNCHING SOUND FROM FRONT RIGHT PORTION OF CAR THAT WAS PARTICULARLY APPARENT WHEN HITTING A POTHOLE, A DIP IN THE ROAD OR ATTEMPTING A TIGHT 360 TURN. MECHANIC (SPECIALIZING IN EUROPEAN CARS) IDENTIFIED A BAD CONTROL ARM. COST OF REPAIR & ALIGNMENT: $713.70. COST OF RENTAL CAR: $100.88. TOTAL: $814.58. NOTE: THE LEFT SIDE HAS BEEN MAKING THE SAME SOUND SINCE 12/2005. HAVE NOT YET REPAIRED IT. 10/24/05: CAR STARTED GOING DEAD INTERMITTENTLY. THE CAR HAD LESS THAN 60000 MILES ON IT. REPLACED BATTERY FOR $106.50. 1/2006: TEMP GAUGE MAXED OUT, COOLANT BOILED OVER, SMOKE & STEAM ISSUED FROM HOOD IN LESS THAN 8 MINUTES AT IDLE. COOLED CAR FOR 2L HOURS, REPLACED COOLANT AND DROVE TO MECHANIC, WHO REPLACED THERMOSTAT, WATER PUMP & TIMING BELT. COST: $725. 2/2006: BRAKES ARE SPONGY AND PROVIDE NO RESISTANCE UNTIL NEARING THE FLOOR. MECHANIC SAYS ROTORS AND BRAKE PADS ARE FINE. 6/2006: TRANSMISSION GETS STUCK IN 1ST GEAR. MUST STOP THE CAR, TURN IT OFF AND THEN RESTART. THIS IS AN ELECTRICAL PROBLEM AND IS GOVERNED BY THE COMPUTER. COST TO FIX: UNKNOWN. 6/2006: FRONT WINDOW NOW OFF TRACK. HAVE NOT YET FIXED IT. *NM
NHTSA ODI #10159883
Mileage unknown · Nov 19, 2005
Power Train
I CURRENTLY HAVE ABOUT 43K MILES AND I HAVE NOTICED FOR SOME TIME NOW THAT THE CLUTCH NEEDED TO BE LET OUT FURTHER THAN SEEMED NORMAL FOR IT TO ENGAGE. I'VE MENSIONED IT SEVERAL TIMES WHEN IT WAS IN FOR ROUTINE SERVICE, AND WAS TOLD IT WAS 'NORMAL' AND THEY COULDN'T ADJUST IT. AS I WAS DRIVING AND WENT TO SHIFT, I NOTICE THAT …
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I CURRENTLY HAVE ABOUT 43K MILES AND I HAVE NOTICED FOR SOME TIME NOW THAT THE CLUTCH NEEDED TO BE LET OUT FURTHER THAN SEEMED NORMAL FOR IT TO ENGAGE. I'VE MENSIONED IT SEVERAL TIMES WHEN IT WAS IN FOR ROUTINE SERVICE, AND WAS TOLD IT WAS 'NORMAL' AND THEY COULDN'T ADJUST IT. AS I WAS DRIVING AND WENT TO SHIFT, I NOTICE THAT ALL OF A SUDDEN IT HAD TO BE LET ALMOST ALL THE WAY BEFORE ANYTHING HAPPEND; IT FELT VERY DIFFERENT. TOOK IT TO THE DEALER THE NEXT DAY AND FOUND OUT THAT IT WAS "BURNT OUT." AT ONLY 42K MILES, IT SEEMS A LITTLE PREMATURE TO HAVE BURNED OUT A CLUTCH ALREADY. *NM
NHTSA ODI #10143269
Mileage unknown · Mar 4, 2005
Power Train
1) I WAS DRIVING ALONG A MAJOR HIGHWAY (I-75) WHEN I SAW SOMEONE DRIVING ERRATICALLY, WEAVING IN AND OUT OF TRAFFIC IN MY REAR-VIEW MIRROR. HE LOOKED CLOSE TO HITTING ME, SO I ACCELERATED TO NOT ALLOW HIS CAR TO DO THIS.*AK 2) AFTER STEPPING ON THE GAS, AND GETTING OUT OF DANGER, MY CAR WOULD NOT SLOW DOWN. I WOULD STEP ON TH…
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1) I WAS DRIVING ALONG A MAJOR HIGHWAY (I-75) WHEN I SAW SOMEONE DRIVING ERRATICALLY, WEAVING IN AND OUT OF TRAFFIC IN MY REAR-VIEW MIRROR. HE LOOKED CLOSE TO HITTING ME, SO I ACCELERATED TO NOT ALLOW HIS CAR TO DO THIS.*AK 2) AFTER STEPPING ON THE GAS, AND GETTING OUT OF DANGER, MY CAR WOULD NOT SLOW DOWN. I WOULD STEP ON THE BRAKE, AND IT WOULD SLOW, BUT ONCE I LET OFF ON THE BRAKE THE CAR WOULD SURGE FOWARD (WITHOUT ME EVEN PRESSING THE GAS). I DID NOT HAVE CRUISE CONTROL ON AT ALL. 3) I WAS UNABLE TO HAVE THE CAR STOP SUDDENLY ACCELERATING. ONCE I WAS ABLE TO PULL OFF TO THE SIDE OF THE HIGWAY, I PUT THE CAR INTO NEUTRAL AND THEN BACK TO DRIVE AND THAT WAS ABLE TO SOLVE THE PROBLEM. THOUGH IF THERE WAS MORE TRAFFIC I WORRY IF I WOULD BE ABLE TO PULL OF TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD SAFELY, WHILE HAVING TO PRESS MY BRAKE THE ENTIRE TIME. 2000 VOLKSWAGON PASSAT V6
NHTSA ODI #10112524
Mileage unknown · Dec 3, 2004
Air BagsPower TrainService Brakes, Hydraulic
THIS VEHICLE HAD MULTIPLE PROBLEMS. CONSUMER NOTICED THAT THE ABS BRAKING SYSTEM FAILED, AND THE SRS AIR BAG LIGHT APPEARED ON THE DASHBOARD AND REMAINED ON. CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO SHIFT THE VEHICLE INTO DRIVE AND REVERSE WITHOUT THE VEHICLE BEING TURNED ON. CONSUMER TOOK VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION, AND MECHANIC DE…
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THIS VEHICLE HAD MULTIPLE PROBLEMS. CONSUMER NOTICED THAT THE ABS BRAKING SYSTEM FAILED, AND THE SRS AIR BAG LIGHT APPEARED ON THE DASHBOARD AND REMAINED ON. CONSUMER WAS ABLE TO SHIFT THE VEHICLE INTO DRIVE AND REVERSE WITHOUT THE VEHICLE BEING TURNED ON. CONSUMER TOOK VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION, AND MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT THE ABS BRAKING SYSTEM, AND THE SRS AIR BAG LIGHT MODULE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. ALSO, A TRANSMISSION PROBLEM. *AK
NHTSA ODI #10103091
80,000 miles · Aug 25, 2004
Power Train
WHEN ACCELERATING FROM A STOP LIGHT FRONT PASSENGER SIDE AXLE BROKE. AS A RESULT, VEHICLE WAS UNABLE TO BE MOVED, AND CONSUMER HAD TO GET THE VEHICLE TOWED. *AK
NHTSA ODI #10089686
Mileage unknown · Jul 10, 2004
Power TrainService Brakes, HydraulicSteering
REAR BRAKES REPLACED/TIE ROD BOOTS/ FRONT AXLE RUSTED/REPLACED. *AK
NHTSA ODI #10080750
49,000 miles · Mar 10, 2004
Power Train
I HAVE A VW PASSAT 4-MOTION WAGON TIPTRONIC THAT EXHIBITS THE PROBLEM OF REFUSING THE DOWNSHIFT FROM SECOND INTO FIRST AT SLOW SPEEDS WHEN THE ACCELERATOR IS PUSHED FIRMLY. THEN, THE ENGINE RACES WILDLY FOR AN INSTANT AND THEN "BANGS" INTO GEAR. THE DEALER ACKNOWLEDGES THE PROBLEM, BUT THUS FAR THERE'S NO FIX FOR IT. ENGINE: 2…
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I HAVE A VW PASSAT 4-MOTION WAGON TIPTRONIC THAT EXHIBITS THE PROBLEM OF REFUSING THE DOWNSHIFT FROM SECOND INTO FIRST AT SLOW SPEEDS WHEN THE ACCELERATOR IS PUSHED FIRMLY. THEN, THE ENGINE RACES WILDLY FOR AN INSTANT AND THEN "BANGS" INTO GEAR. THE DEALER ACKNOWLEDGES THE PROBLEM, BUT THUS FAR THERE'S NO FIX FOR IT. ENGINE: 2.8 V6 YEAR: 2000 GEAR: MOVING FROM 2ND INTO 1ST ERRATIC AND SEEMS SOMEWHAT HEAT-RELATED--WORST IN HOT WEATHER FIRST NOTICED: ABOUT 49,000 MILES CAR CAN BE DOWNRIGHT DANGEROUS IF PROBLEM OCCURS WHILE MERGING ONTO A BUSY HIGHWAY. REFER TO AUDIWORLD WEB PAGE FOR SIMILAR OWNER AUDI QUATTRO PROBLEMS WITH 2.7L V6 AND TIPTRONIC. *AK
NHTSA ODI #10061883
NHTSA investigations
7EA07014 · 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.
PE07024 · Passenger/engine Compartment Fires
Opened May 10, 2007 · Closed Sep 28, 2007
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Electrical System:ignition
MANY OF THE FIRE REPORTS ALLEGE THAT THE VEHICLE FIRE WAS ATTRIBUTED TO IGNITION COIL FAILURE.VW PROVIDED ADDITIONAL DATA REGARDING ITS ANALYSIS OF VEHICLE FIRES AND A DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE THREE DIFFERENT ENGINES AND IGNITION SYSTEMS FOR THE SUBJECT VEHICLES.ODIFINDS THE NEED TO FURTHER INVESTIGATE THIS ISSUE.TO FACILITATE ACQUISITION AND ANALYSIS OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, THIS INVESTIGATIONHAS BEEN UPGRADED TO AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS (EA07-014).
DP05004 · Engine Stalling
Opened Aug 11, 2005 · Closed Dec 8, 2005
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Electrical System:ignition:module
BY LETTER RECEIVED ON JUNE 24, 2005, MR. RONALD M. STRICKLAND OF RALEIGH, NC, SUBMITTED A PETITION REQUESTING THAT THE AGENCY INVESTIGATE THE PERFORMANCE OF THE IGNITION COIL PLUGS ON MODEL YEAR (MY) 2000-2003 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA, GOLF AND PASSAT SEDANS.THE PETITIONER ALLEGES THAT HE HAD EXPERIENCED MULTIPLE STALLING EVENTS AS A RESULT OF ONE OR MORE IGNITION COIL PLUGS MALFUNCTIONING ON HIS 2002 VW JETTA SEDAN.AS A RESULT OF THE ENGINE STALLING, THE PETITIONER EXPERIENCED A LOSS OF POWER STEERING AND INCREASED BRAKING EFFORTS WHEN HE PULLED THE VEHICLE OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD TO CONTROL THE VEHICLE.AFTER A FEW MINUTES PARKED ON THE SHOULDER HE WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE ALTHOUGH THE ENGINE OPERATED AT REDUCED POWER.VW ISSUED A CUSTOMER SATISFACTION CAMPAIGN (CSC) ON JANUARY 31, 2003 TO INSTRUCT THEIR DEALERSHIPS TO INSPECT THE VEHICLES FOR ANY MALFUNCTIONING IGNITION COIL PACKS AND TO REPLACE THEM AT NO COST TO THE CONSUMER.CONSUMERS WERE NOTIFIED TO BRING THEIR VEHICLES TO THEIR DEALERSHIPS VIA OWNER LETTERS MAILED OUT ON JUNE 6, 2003.WHILE VW INITIALLY INSTRUCTED THE DEALERSHIPS TO ONLY REPLACE THE MALFUNCTIONING IGNITION COIL PACKS, A REVISED CSC WAS ISSUED TO DEALERSHIPS IN DECEMBER 2003 AND JANUARY 2004, INSTRUCTING DEALERSHIPS TO REPLACE ALL IGNITION COIL PACKS REGARDLESS OF THEIR PERFORMANCE.A REMINDER TO THE DEALERSHIPS WAS SENT BY VW ON APRIL OF 2004.ALTHOUGH THE CONCERNS OF THE PETITIONER COULD THEORETICALLY CREATE A SAFETY PROBLEM, THE RISK IS VERY SMALL, DUE TO THE ENGINE STILL RUNNING ON EITHER 3, 5, OR 7 CYLINDERS.THERE ARE NO REPORTED CRASHES OR INJURIES DUE TO THE ALLEGED DEFECT.ONCE DRIVERS ARE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM (LOSS OF POWER DUE TO ONE OF THE IGNITION COIL PACKS MALFUNCTIONING), DRIVERS ARE ABLE TO TAKE PRECAUTIONARY AND COMPENSATORY MEASURES AND STILL MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THEIR VEHICLES.IN ADDITION, FOUR FIRES WERE REPORTED TO ODI.THESE WERE IGNITION COIL BURNOUTS WITH NO ADDITIONAL DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE AND WERE LOCALIZED ON TOP OF THE ENGINE. DURING THE LAST 24 MONTHS THE NUMBER OF STALL AND DRIVABILITY COMPLAINTS REPORTED TO ODI HAS GREATLY DIMINISHED FROM A PEAK OF 195 IN JANUARY OF 2003 TO ONLY 3 IN AUGUST OF 2005.THIS COINCIDES WITH THE CSC RELEASED BY VW.A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT TREND HAS NOT BEEN IDENTIFIED AT THIS TIME AND FURTHER USE OF AGENCY RESOURCES DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE WARRANTED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT NO SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT EXISTS.THE AGENCY RESERVES THE RIGHT TO TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.
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.
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