NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
507 reports90,000 miles · Feb 10, 2010
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
THE ABS BRAKING MODULE HAS PREMATURELY FAILED ON OUR 2000 VW PASSAT. MINE OCCURRED 6 MONTHS AGO. AS A 9 YEAR OLD CAR TO HAVE THE PRIMARY BRAKING SAFETY MECHANISM TO FAIL, IS DANGEROUS, SCARY AND ABSOLUTELY RIDICULOUS. THE CAR ITSELF PROPERLY INDICATES HOW VITAL A FAILURE THIS IS BY SHOWING A GIGANTIC STOP BRAKE FAULT FILLING …
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THE ABS BRAKING MODULE HAS PREMATURELY FAILED ON OUR 2000 VW PASSAT. MINE OCCURRED 6 MONTHS AGO. AS A 9 YEAR OLD CAR TO HAVE THE PRIMARY BRAKING SAFETY MECHANISM TO FAIL, IS DANGEROUS, SCARY AND ABSOLUTELY RIDICULOUS. THE CAR ITSELF PROPERLY INDICATES HOW VITAL A FAILURE THIS IS BY SHOWING A GIGANTIC STOP BRAKE FAULT FILLING THE DASHBOARD FOLLOWED BY 3 EAR PIERCING BEEPS. IT APPEARS AS THIS IS ONE OF THE MOST COMMON VW AND AUDI FAILURES WHEN WE TALKED WITH THE DEALER AND LOCAL VW REPAIR SHOP AS WELL AS LOOKING ON THE FORUMS. IF YOU GOOGLE "STOP BRAKE FAULT VW" OR ANY SIMILAR TERM (AUDI, PASSAT), YOU WILL FIND HUNDREDS OF ISSUES REPORTED. THERE ARE MULTIPLE REPAIR SHOPS SPECIFICALLY SETUP TO ADDRESS THIS TYPE OF ISSUE UNFORTUNATELY. THIS SHOULD NOT BE THE CASE. HOPEFULLY YOUR RESEARCH WILL ALSO SHOW THIS. WE DID HAVE OURS REPAIRED FOR $1000 AFTER 5 MONTHS OF LETTING THIS GO AS IT WAS DIFFICULT TO PAY FOR THIS. THERE ARE PROBABLY THOUSANDS OF OTHER OWNERS WHO CAN'T SCRAPE UP THE MONEY TO PAY FOR A REPAIR LIKE THIS. VW AND BOSCH SHOULD ISSUE A RECALL AND PEOPLE WHO HAVE ALREADY HAD THIS FIXED SHOULD BE REIMBURSED. THANKS FOR YOUR TIME. OTHER CUSTOMERS HAVE REPORTED SIMILAR ISSUES: HTTP://WWW.PASSATWORLD.COM/FORUMS/SHOWTHREAD.PHP?T=173334 HTTP://WWW.PASSATWORLD.COM/FORUMS/SHOWTHREAD.PHP?T=280206 HTTP://WWW.MYVWLEMON.COM/UBB/FORUM2/HTML/000169.HTML A SMALL SAMPLE OF SITES SETUP TO FIX THIS TYPE OF REPAIR: HTTP://WWW.MODULEMASTER.COM/EN/INDEX.PHP HTTP://WWW.ABSFIXER.COM/ HTTP://WWW.AUTOECU.COM/ REPAIR GUIDES TO SHOW YOU HOW TO FIX THIS: HTTP://WWW.AUDIWORLD.COM/TECH/ELEC116.SHTML HTTP://WWW.BBA-REMAN.COM/CONTENT.ASPX?CONTENT=BOSCH_5.3_ABS_REMOVAL. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10308251
90,905 miles · Nov 4, 2009
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
FAILURE OF ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM CONTROL MODULE ON 2000 1.8 T VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT WITH 90K MILES. THE FAILURE IS A PROBLEM WITH THE ABS CONTROL MODULE. REQUIRES REPLACEMENT. INTERMITTENT FAILURE AT FIRST, THAT INCREASES OVER TIME. BRAKES WILL NOT FUNCTION AS ANTI-LOCK BRAKES. BRAKES WILL STILL FUNCTION, BUT MAY LOCK UP IN T…
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FAILURE OF ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM CONTROL MODULE ON 2000 1.8 T VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT WITH 90K MILES. THE FAILURE IS A PROBLEM WITH THE ABS CONTROL MODULE. REQUIRES REPLACEMENT. INTERMITTENT FAILURE AT FIRST, THAT INCREASES OVER TIME. BRAKES WILL NOT FUNCTION AS ANTI-LOCK BRAKES. BRAKES WILL STILL FUNCTION, BUT MAY LOCK UP IN THE EVENT OF HARD BRAKING, INCREASING STOPPING TIME AND POTENTIALLY CAUSING UNNECESSARY COLLISIONS. TO CORRECT THIS FAILURE, THE ABS CONTROL UNIT MUST BE REPLACED. PART NUMBER (VOLKSWAGEN) 8E0998375G. COST TO REPLACE THIS UNIT IS HIGH AT DEALER THE COST FOR REPLACEMENT IS QUOTED AT $1100. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10290933
80,000 miles · Sep 9, 2009
Electrical SystemService Brakes, Electric
2000 VW PASSAT ABS/BRAKE LIGHTS ON. PROBABLY BAD ABS MODULE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10283406
90,000 miles · Aug 18, 2009
Fuel System, Gasoline
SIMILAR TO OTHER REPORTS, THERE IS APPARENTLY A COMMON DEFECT WITH OLDER VW PASSATS (MINE IS A 2000) FUEL LINES LEAKING GAS WHEN PRESSURIZED BY THE FUEL PUMP. THE GAS LEAK OCCURS IN THE RUBBER FUEL LINE NEAR THE GAS TANK AND FILTER. THE LEAK WAS VISIBLE IN FRONT OF THE REAR WHEEL ON THE PASSENGER SIDE. MECHANICS, INCLUDING THE…
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SIMILAR TO OTHER REPORTS, THERE IS APPARENTLY A COMMON DEFECT WITH OLDER VW PASSATS (MINE IS A 2000) FUEL LINES LEAKING GAS WHEN PRESSURIZED BY THE FUEL PUMP. THE GAS LEAK OCCURS IN THE RUBBER FUEL LINE NEAR THE GAS TANK AND FILTER. THE LEAK WAS VISIBLE IN FRONT OF THE REAR WHEEL ON THE PASSENGER SIDE. MECHANICS, INCLUDING THE DEALER HAVE TROUBLE LOCATING THE LEAK SINCE IT APPEARS TO BE INTERMITTENT AND ONLY WHEN THE CAR IS FIRST STARTED FOR A MINUTE OR SO. THE LEAK IS SIGNIFICANT AND TYPICALLY INVOLVES ABOUT A CUP OF GAS. IT IS A FIRE HAZARD THAT SHOULD BE PART OF A RECALL, BUT APPARENTLY IS NOT SINCE THE DEALER CHARGED ME FOR THE DIAGNOSIS AND REPAIR. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10280791
120,000 miles · Jul 31, 2009
Fuel System, Gasoline
2000 VW PASSAT 1.8T HAD FUEL LEAK. THE CAR HAD A FUEL LEAK IN THE GARAGE WHICH COULD HAVE CAUSED AFIRE. THIS IS A SERIOUS PROBLEM. I DID SOME READING AND THOUGHT IT WOULD BE COVERED BY A RECALL. HOWEVER, THE VW DEALER CHARLES MAUND VOLKSWAGAN INDICATED THAT IT WAS NOT COVERED BY ANY RECALL. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10278967
Mileage unknown · Jul 26, 2009
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
ABS/BRAKE LIGHT INDICATOR HAS BEGAN FLASHING WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE. I HAVE TAKEN CAR TO HAVE THIS VIEWED FOR SAFETY CONCERN & MECHANICS COULD NOTE NO FAILURE W/ THE ABS. STATES THIS MAY BE A MALFUNCTION & WOULD NEED A NEW MODULE. IF THE CAUSE OF THESE LIGHTS TO CONTINUALLY STAY ON WERE DUE TO ANY NEGLECT OF THE CAR ON MY BEHA…
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ABS/BRAKE LIGHT INDICATOR HAS BEGAN FLASHING WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE. I HAVE TAKEN CAR TO HAVE THIS VIEWED FOR SAFETY CONCERN & MECHANICS COULD NOTE NO FAILURE W/ THE ABS. STATES THIS MAY BE A MALFUNCTION & WOULD NEED A NEW MODULE. IF THE CAUSE OF THESE LIGHTS TO CONTINUALLY STAY ON WERE DUE TO ANY NEGLECT OF THE CAR ON MY BEHALF I THEN WOULD BE MORE COOPERATIVE IN REMEDYING THE SITUATION, BUT AS I HAVE LEARNED THIS IS NOTHING TO DO W/ANYTHING I HAVE CAUSED RATHER THAN POOR QUALITY OF THIS PART. I HAVE BEEN ADVISED NOT ONLY COULD THIS LOCK MY REAR WHEELS IN SUDDEN STOPPING, BUT COULD HAPPEN WHEN DRIVING AS WELL CAUSING LOSS OF CONTROL WHEN STEERING THE VEHICLE. NOW I AM REQUIRED TO FIX A PROBLEM AND AN EXPENSIVE ONE, THAT IS NOT DUE TO ANYTHING THAT I HAVE CAUSED, BUT RATHER THE MANUFACTURER. SO AT MY EXPENSE I WILL HAVE TO FIX THEIR PROBLEM IN ORDER TO MAINTAIN SAFETY OF MY CHILDREN AND MYSELF. THIS IS NOT MY PROBLEM AND I DO NOT FEEL AS THOUGH I SHOULD HAVE TO REPAIR THIS AND WOULD REQUEST SOMETHING BE DONE ABOUT THIS ISSUE. AS IT IS DOCUMENTED THAT I AM NOT THE ONLY ONE TROUBLED WITH THIS AND YET THERE HAS NOT BEEN ANYTHING DONE TO HELP FIX THIS PROBLEM. DOES IT TAKE AN ACTUAL ACCIDENT OR FATALITY TO OCCUR TO HAVE SOMEONE STEP IN AND GET SERIOUS ABOUT GETTING THIS FIXED? A BAD ABS MODULE IN ALL OF THESE VEHICLES IS JUST NOT A COINCIDENCE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10278345
Mileage unknown · Jun 27, 2009
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
DEFECTIVE ABS MODULE IN 2000 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. ABS AND BRAKE/STOP LIGHTS FLASH BUT BRAKES WORK. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10275114
89,000 miles · Jun 17, 2009
Electrical SystemFire
MY 2000 VW PASSAT WAS PARKED FOR APPROX. 45 MINUTES THEN THE ENGINE CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE ONLY "PROBLEM" I HAD WITH THE VEHICLE WAS WHEN I WAS TRYING TO LOCK IT WITH THE ELECTRONIC KEY IT WOULD NOT "BEEP". I MOVED CLOSER TO THE VEHICLE TWO TIMES AND ONLY THE REAR TAIL LIGHTS FAINTLY FLICKERED. NO BEEP. OTHER THAN THAT THERE WE…
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MY 2000 VW PASSAT WAS PARKED FOR APPROX. 45 MINUTES THEN THE ENGINE CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE ONLY "PROBLEM" I HAD WITH THE VEHICLE WAS WHEN I WAS TRYING TO LOCK IT WITH THE ELECTRONIC KEY IT WOULD NOT "BEEP". I MOVED CLOSER TO THE VEHICLE TWO TIMES AND ONLY THE REAR TAIL LIGHTS FAINTLY FLICKERED. NO BEEP. OTHER THAN THAT THERE WERE NOT PROBLEMS WHATSOEVER. THE FIRE WAS IN THE ENGINE. THE INTERIOR OF THE CAR WAS NOT DAMAGED EXCEPT FOR WHEN THE FIRE DEPARTMENT CAME AND BROKE OUT THE WINDOWS. TIRES AND ENGINE MELTED. I HAVE PICTURES I CAN SEND. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10274113
95,000 miles · Jun 16, 2009
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
2000 PASSAT ABS CONTROL MODULE HAS FAILED *TR
NHTSA ODI #10274021
Mileage unknown · May 6, 2009
Fuel System, Gasoline
MY 2000 VW PASSAT 1.8 MANUAL SMELLS STRONGLY OF GASOLINE ON A SEMI-REGULAR BASIS. DESPITE THE FACT THAT OTHER PASSATS FROM 1999-2005 ARE SUBJECT TO A RECALL FOR THIS PROBLEM, VW HAS REFUSED TO CORRECT THE SAME PROBLEM IN MY CAR, BASED ON THE VIN NUMBER. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10267867
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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