NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Electrical System complaints
90 reportsClear category filter174,256 miles · Oct 2, 2012
Electrical SystemEngineFireInjury
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH, THE CONTACT NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD AND POURING INSIDE THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT FOUND WATER AND COOLANT LEAKING FROM THE DASHBOARD AND ONTO THE DRIVER'S SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS ALSO OVERHEATING. AFTER EXITING THE VEHI…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH, THE CONTACT NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD AND POURING INSIDE THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT FOUND WATER AND COOLANT LEAKING FROM THE DASHBOARD AND ONTO THE DRIVER'S SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS ALSO OVERHEATING. AFTER EXITING THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT NOTICED FLAMES COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE HOWEVER, THE CONTACT SUSTAINED BURNS TO HER LEGS DUE TO THE HOT LEAKING COOLANT. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE ENGINE BLEW AND THE INSTRUMENT PANEL CLUSTER WAS DAMAGED. THE CONTACT WAS UNAWARE OF WHAT CAUSED THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 174,256.
NHTSA ODI #10478307
108,819 miles · Feb 29, 2012
Electrical SystemFuel System, Gasoline
COILS FAILING RANDOMLY AND CAUSING THE CAR TO SHAKE VIOLENTLY AND LOSE POWER ON HIGHWAY. POTENTIAL DAMAGE TO BE CAUSED TO OTHER AREAS OF THE CAR BECAUSE OF THIS. IE OXYGEN SENSOR ETC. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10449674
85,000 miles · Oct 5, 2011
Electrical SystemSeatsFire
HEATED SEAT COILS OVERHEATED AND BURNT SEAT ON DRIVER SIDE. 1 YEAR AFTER RECALL WAS DONE BY [XXX] VW BROCKTON MA, THEY TOLD ME THE HEATERS IN THE SEAT ARE NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY AND TOLD ME TO CALL VW USA WITH MY PROBLEM, INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
NHTSA ODI #10428868
63,400 miles · Apr 14, 2011
Electrical System
MY 2003 VOLKSWAGAN PASSAT WAGON HAS ROOF/CHASSIS DRAINS THAT ARE BACKING UP INSIDE THE VEHICLE CAUSING THE VEHICLE ELECTRONICS TO SHORT OUT AND FAIL. MY REAR DOOR WILL NOT OPEN. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10395878
89,000 miles · Jan 19, 2011
Electrical System
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MALFUNCTION INDICATOR WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED INTERMITTENTLY, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO SHAKE EXCESSIVELY. THE DEALER MADE SIX ATTEMPTS TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE BUT TO NO AVAIL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED WHO CONTACTED THE LOCAL DEALER BUT OFFERED NO ADD…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MALFUNCTION INDICATOR WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED INTERMITTENTLY, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO SHAKE EXCESSIVELY. THE DEALER MADE SIX ATTEMPTS TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE BUT TO NO AVAIL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED WHO CONTACTED THE LOCAL DEALER BUT OFFERED NO ADDITIONAL ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 91,252 AND THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 89,000.
NHTSA ODI #10377188
121,752 miles · Jan 3, 2011
Electrical SystemFuel System, Gasoline
I WAS DRIVING MY VW PASSAT 1.8L TURBO STATIONWAGON AT A SPEED OF 40 MILES PER HOUR AND THE CAR SUDDENLY STALLED WITHOUT ANY WARNING. MY FOUR MONTH OLD BABY WAS IN THE BACK IN HIS CARSEAT AND HAD I BEEN IN A DIFFERENT SETTING WE BOTH COULD HAVE BEEN INJURED OR KILLED. THIS WAS THE FIRST TIME IT HAD OCCURRED AND ONCE I TOOK IT …
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I WAS DRIVING MY VW PASSAT 1.8L TURBO STATIONWAGON AT A SPEED OF 40 MILES PER HOUR AND THE CAR SUDDENLY STALLED WITHOUT ANY WARNING. MY FOUR MONTH OLD BABY WAS IN THE BACK IN HIS CARSEAT AND HAD I BEEN IN A DIFFERENT SETTING WE BOTH COULD HAVE BEEN INJURED OR KILLED. THIS WAS THE FIRST TIME IT HAD OCCURRED AND ONCE I TOOK IT TO THE MECHANIC THE CAR STARTED AND DROVE FINE AND THEY COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. THEY INFORMED ME THAT IT WAS LIKELY A PARTS RECALL ISSUE: RECALL: 07V375000: FUEL PUMP REPLACEMENT. I CONTACTED VW AMERICA, INC. AND WAS INFORMED THAT WHILE IN FACT THERE WAS SUCH A RECALL FOR 2003 PASSATS, MY VIN NUMBER WAS NOT COVERED IN THE RECALL AND THUS THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD/WOULD DO TO HELP ME DESPITE THE FACT THAT THE PROBLEM APPEARS TO BE THE VERY ONE INDICATED IN THE RECALL NOTICE. THIS IS VERY FRUSTRATING AND SCARY. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10374003
84,000 miles · Jan 2, 2011
Electrical SystemFire
VW 2003 PASSAT AWD 2.8 L V6 GASOLINE ENGINE...WIFE CALLED ME SAID CAR WAS MISS FIRING BADLY AND THEN SMOKE WAS REPORTED COMING FROM UNDERNEATH CAR. SHE PULLED OVER AND SAW FLAMES COMING FROM UNDERNEATH THE CAR. TURNED CAR OFF AND FIRE LUCKILY WENT OUT...I CHANGED COIL AND PROBLEM WAS FIXED FOR ABOUT THREE MONTHS. NOW CAR IS M…
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VW 2003 PASSAT AWD 2.8 L V6 GASOLINE ENGINE...WIFE CALLED ME SAID CAR WAS MISS FIRING BADLY AND THEN SMOKE WAS REPORTED COMING FROM UNDERNEATH CAR. SHE PULLED OVER AND SAW FLAMES COMING FROM UNDERNEATH THE CAR. TURNED CAR OFF AND FIRE LUCKILY WENT OUT...I CHANGED COIL AND PROBLEM WAS FIXED FOR ABOUT THREE MONTHS. NOW CAR IS MISS FIRING AGAIN AND RUNNING ROUGH....I HATE THAT I'VE FIXED THIS SAME COIL THREE TIMES NOW AND IT IS ACTING UP AGAIN... *TR
NHTSA ODI #10373805
82,000 miles · Dec 29, 2010
Electrical System
I PURCHASED A 2003 PASSAT 6 MONTHS AGO. I HAVE HAD NOTHING BUT TROUBLE FROM IT. IT IS JUST ONE THING AFTER ANOTHER. I HAVE HAD TO TAKE IT IN TO BE FIXED ABOUT SIX TIMES. I CAN'T EVEN REMEMBER EVERYTHING I HAVE HAD TO HAVE FIXED. I DO REMEMBER THE LAST THING THOUGH. IT WAS THE TAIL LIGHTS, THE TAIL LIGHT WOULD NOT GO OUT EV…
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I PURCHASED A 2003 PASSAT 6 MONTHS AGO. I HAVE HAD NOTHING BUT TROUBLE FROM IT. IT IS JUST ONE THING AFTER ANOTHER. I HAVE HAD TO TAKE IT IN TO BE FIXED ABOUT SIX TIMES. I CAN'T EVEN REMEMBER EVERYTHING I HAVE HAD TO HAVE FIXED. I DO REMEMBER THE LAST THING THOUGH. IT WAS THE TAIL LIGHTS, THE TAIL LIGHT WOULD NOT GO OUT EVEN WHEN I HAD NO LIGHTS ON AND EVEN WHEN THE CAR WAS TURNED OFF. MY CAR IS IN THE SHOP AGAIN RIGHT NOW. IT HAS BEEN THERE SINCE MONDAY DECEMBER 27TH. IT IS A FOUR CYLINDER AND HAS BEEN RUNNING ON THREE. I FOUND OUT FOR THE FIRST TIME MONDAY THAT MY CAR HAS 5 RECALLS ON IT. I WAS NEVER NOTIFIED OF NONE OF THEM. AFTER LEAVING IT FOR ALL THE RECALLS TO BE FIXED, I HAD TO RENT A CAR FOR 30.00 TO GET HOME. NOW I HAVE NO WAY TO PICK UP MY CAR BECAUSE I HAD TO RETURN THE RENTAL CAR THE NEXT DAY BECAUSE I COULD NOT AFFORD TO PAY 30.00 PER DAY. I HAVE NOBODY TO TAKE ME TO PICK UP MY CAR, I GUESS I WILL HAVE TO TAKE A TAXI AND THAT WILL PROBABLY COST ME ABOUT 50.00. I AM VERY UPSET WITH VW I PAID MY HARD EARNED MONEY FOR A RELIABLE CAR AND NOW I AM STUCK WITH NOTHING BUT A LEMON, SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE ABOUT THIS. I HAVE NO WAY TO GO ANYWHERE, WHAT AM I SUPPOSED TO DO? *TR
NHTSA ODI #10373385
28,000 miles · Aug 6, 2010
Electrical System
I JUST READ THAT THE NHTSA WAS INVESTIGATING THE FAILURE OF COILS ON 2002/2003 VW PASSATS. I HAD A 2003 PASSAT THAT HAD THE NUMBER 2 CYLINDER COIL FAIL AT ABOUT 28,000 MILES IN 2007. THE DEALER REPLACED IT, BUT I HAD TO PAY APPROXIMATELY $150. AT ABOUT 29,000 THE NUMBER 4 CYLINDER COIL FAILED. I STILL HAD TO PAY ABOUT $100 W…
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I JUST READ THAT THE NHTSA WAS INVESTIGATING THE FAILURE OF COILS ON 2002/2003 VW PASSATS. I HAD A 2003 PASSAT THAT HAD THE NUMBER 2 CYLINDER COIL FAIL AT ABOUT 28,000 MILES IN 2007. THE DEALER REPLACED IT, BUT I HAD TO PAY APPROXIMATELY $150. AT ABOUT 29,000 THE NUMBER 4 CYLINDER COIL FAILED. I STILL HAD TO PAY ABOUT $100 WITH THE DEALER ABSORBING THE COST OF THE PART ITSELF. THE VW DEALER TOLD ME THAT VW DID NOT HAVE A PROBLEM WITH THEIR COILS OTHER THAN ON A RANDOM BASIS, AND THAT THERE WERE NO MANUFACTURING DEFECTS WITH THE COILS. THEY SAID THAT IT WAS JUST COINCIDENCE THAT I HAD TWO COILS FAIL. BECAUSE OF THE FAILURE OF TWO COILS AT RELATIVELY LOW MILEAGE I DECIDED THAT THE CAR WAS NOT RELIABLE, AND TRADED IT IN FOR A HONDA ACCORD. NOW IT APPEARS THAT VW DID HAVE A PROBLEM FOR WHICH I WAS PENALIZED BOTH BY HAVING TO PAY FOR THE COST OF THE TWO REPAIRS, BUT ALSO BECAUSE THOSE PROBLEMS CAUSED A LACK OF CONFIDENCE IN THE RELIABILITY OF THE VW RESULTING IN MY TRADING IT IN WELL BEFORE ONE WOULD EXPECT TO HAVE TO TRADE IN A CAR. MY 2007 HONDA ACCORD HAS OVER 45,000 MILES, AND THERE HAVE BEEN NO PROBLEMS OF ANY KIND. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10347821
Mileage unknown · May 13, 2010
Electrical SystemEngine And Engine CoolingStructure
I PURCHASED AN 03 VW PASSAT FROM A VW DEALER AS A CERTIFIED PRE-OWNED VEHICLE BACK IN 2/07. WITHIN THE FIRST WEEK OF PURCHASE I HAD BRAKE PROBLEMS. THE NEXT COUPLE YEARS WERE FOLLOWED BY VALVE COVER LEAKS, ENGINE LEAKS, AUTO WINDOW PROBLEMS, BATTERY PROBLEMS, RECALL ISSUES, WATER INTRUSION ISSUES, IGNITION COIL RECALL AND THE LI…
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I PURCHASED AN 03 VW PASSAT FROM A VW DEALER AS A CERTIFIED PRE-OWNED VEHICLE BACK IN 2/07. WITHIN THE FIRST WEEK OF PURCHASE I HAD BRAKE PROBLEMS. THE NEXT COUPLE YEARS WERE FOLLOWED BY VALVE COVER LEAKS, ENGINE LEAKS, AUTO WINDOW PROBLEMS, BATTERY PROBLEMS, RECALL ISSUES, WATER INTRUSION ISSUES, IGNITION COIL RECALL AND THE LIST GOES ON. AFTER A WATER INTRUSION JUST DAYS AFTER THE REPLACEMENT OF FAULTY IGNITION COILS I CONTACTED THE MANUFACTURE NOTIFYING THEM OF THE PROBLEMS. THE MANUFACTURE HAD HELD THEIR FOOT TO THE GROUND THAT MY CAR IS OUT OF WARRANTY (THAT I WAS TOLD AT TIME OF SALE I DID NOT HAVE) AND SO THEY ARE ABLE TO DO NOTHING ABOUT ANY OF THE PROBLEMS WITH THIS VEHICLE. HOWEVER AS IT STANDS I HAVE NEARLY $3000 IN REPAIRS NEEDED TO THIS VEHICLE. NOT TO MENTION THE WATER LEAK/DAMAGE FROM WHAT I UNDERSTAND MAY ACTUALLY MEAN MY VEHICLE IS CONSIDERED A TOTAL LOSS AT THIS POINT. I HAVE EXPRESSED TO THE MANUFACTURE THAT I AM CONCERNED FOR THE SAFETY OF MYSELF BUT MY SMALL CHILDREN AS WELL EVER TIME WE ARE IN THIS VEHICLE. AMONG THE SEVERAL THINGS THAT ARE POTENTIAL TO OCCUR WHILE I AM DRIVING I ALSO WORRY ABOUT THE POTENTIAL FOR MOLD EXPOSURE FROM THE WATER DAMAGE. DUE TO COST I AM UNABLE TO GET ANY OF THIS CORRECTED AND CAN NOT AFFORD TO GO THRU MY INSURANCE ONLY TO BE TOLD THAT IT IS A MANUFACTURE ISSUE AND SO I AM STUCK. I FEEL THAT AT THIS POINT I AM DRIVING AROUND IN A SAFETY HAZARD AND DON'T KNOW WHAT TO DO. EVERY TIME I RECEIVE A REPLAY FROM ANYONE I JUST END UP BACK AT THE SAME PLACE....CONTACT THE BBB, ETC. I AM GETTING NO WHERE AND DON'T KNOW WHAT TO DO THEREFORE AM LOOKING INTO ANY AND ALL RESOURCES SO ANY INFORMATION WOULD BE USEFUL. THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10330358
Official recalls
6Jun 13, 2018
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2003 Volkswagen Passat sedan, Jetta, Jetta wagon, Golf, EuroVan, EuroVan Camper Van and EuroVan Chassis vehicles. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to explode.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could explode with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began May 2, 2019. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69X3.
Apr 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.
Aug 28, 2007
ON CERTAIN VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 1.8L TURBO, 2.8L V6, OR 3.0L ENGINES, A CHANGE IN THE ELECTRICAL MOTOR COMPONENTS IN THE FUEL PUMP CAN LEAD TO AN INOPERATIVE FUEL PUMP AND, ULTIMATELY, STOPPAGE OF FUEL SUPPLY TO THE ENGINE CAUSING IT TO STALL.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: IF FUEL FLOW TO THE ENGINE IS INTERRUPTED, THE VEHICLE COULD STALL WITHOUT WARNING AND THUS PRESENT A POTENTIAL RISK OF CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL NEW FUEL PUMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 28, 20007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VW AT 1-800-222-8987 OR AUDI AT 1-800-822-2834. THIS RECALL IS A SUPPLEMENT TO A PREVIOUS CAMPAIGN (PLEASE SEE 06V017).
Feb 20, 2007
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER, WAGON, AND CONVERTIBLE VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH OR WITHOUT CRUISE CONTROL, A BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH MAY MALFUNCTION IF IT WAS INSTALLED INCORRECTLY.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THE BRAKE LIGHTS COULD BECOME INOPERATIVE, OR REMAIN ON. FAILURE TO PROVIDE THE PROPER SIGNAL WHEN BRAKING COULD LEAD TO A CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL THE NEWLY DESIGNED BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 27, 2007, AND WILL BE CONDUCTED IN SEVERAL STAGGERED MAILINGS THROUGH SEPTEMBER 21, 2007. VEHICLES WITHIN THE MAKE, MODEL, AND MODEL YEAR OF THIS POPULATION MAY BE INVOLVED IN EITHER THIS RECALL OR 06V-183, BUT NOT BOTH. THE REMEDY IS THE SAME FOR EACH RECALL. VOLKSWAGEN DEALERS WILL APPLY THE REMEDY BASED ON THE VIN NUMBER OF THE VEHICLE. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VW AT 1-800-822-8987.
Jan 23, 2006
ON CERTAIN VEHICLES PRODUCED FROM SEPTEMBER 2002 - MARCH 2003, EQUIPPED WITH 1.8L TURBO, 2.8L V6, OR 3.0L ENGINES, A CHANGE IN THE ELECTRICAL MOTOR COMPONENTS IN THE FUEL PUMP CAN LEAD TO AN INOPERATIVE FUEL PUMP AND, ULTIMATELY, STOPPAGE OF FUEL SUPPLY TO THE ENGINE CAUSING IT TO STALL.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: IF FUEL FLOW TO THE ENGINE IS INTERRUPTED, THE VEHICLE COULD STALL WITHOUT WARNING AND THUS PRESENT A POTENTIAL RISK OF CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL NEW FUEL PUMPS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 10, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VW AT 1-800-222-8987 OR AUDI AT 1-800-822-2834.
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.
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
6EA11002 · Engine Compartment Fire
Opened Jan 26, 2011 · Closed Feb 17, 2012
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Electrical System; Engine And Engine Cooling
In July 2010, the Agency opened PE10-027 to investigate allegations of coil on plug (COP) ignition coil fires in MY2002-2003 VW Passat vehicles.The investigation was upgraded in January 2011 to include all MY2001-2007 4-cylinder VW Passat, gasoline, turbo-charged vehicles.Based on the analysis of VW's response, and including ODI's consumer complaints, ODI has since identified 135 unique engine fire reports attributable to the COP coils.After further review of the details as contained in each report, ODI determined that 43 of the 135 fire reports were actual fire/flame incidents, 83 fire reports were thermal events (smoke, spark, heat or wire melt), and another 9 fire reports were undetermined in severity due to the lack of information.These COP coil fires were characterized as initiated from within the COP coil circuit located at the top of the engine block and below the plastic engine cover.The fires observed were contained in the engine compartment and did not reach into the passenger compartment in contrast to those caused by an overheated catalytic converter examined in ODI?s investigation in 2007 and 2008.There were no reports of crashes or personal injury in this examination.A safety-related defect has not been identified at this time and further use of agency resources does not appear to be warranted.Accordingly, this investigation is closed.The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that a safety-related defect does not exist.The agency will monitor this issue and reserves the right to take further action if warranted by the circumstancesSee the Closing Report for additional details.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Electrical System
In July 2010, the Agency opened PE10-027 to investigate allegations of coil on plug (COP) ignition coil fires in MY2002-2003 VW Passat vehicles.The investigation was upgraded in January 2011 to include all MY2001-2007 4-cylinder VW Passat, gasoline, turbo-charged vehicles.Based on the analysis of VW's response, and including ODI's consumer complaints, ODI has since identified 135 unique engine fire reports attributable to the COP coils.After further review of the details as contained in each report, ODI determined that 43 of the 135 fire reports were actual fire/flame incidents, 83 fire reports were thermal events (smoke, spark, heat or wire melt), and another 9 fire reports were undetermined in severity due to the lack of information.These COP coil fires were characterized as initiated from within the COP coil circuit located at the top of the engine block and below the plastic engine cover.The fires observed were contained in the engine compartment and did not reach into the passenger compartment in contrast to those caused by an overheated catalytic converter examined in ODI?s investigation in 2007 and 2008.There were no reports of crashes or personal injury in this examination.A safety-related defect has not been identified at this time and further use of agency resources does not appear to be warranted.Accordingly, this investigation is closed.The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that a safety-related defect does not exist.The agency will monitor this issue and reserves the right to take further action if warranted by the circumstancesSee the Closing Report for additional details.
Engine And Engine Cooling
In July 2010, the Agency opened PE10-027 to investigate allegations of coil on plug (COP) ignition coil fires in MY2002-2003 VW Passat vehicles.The investigation was upgraded in January 2011 to include all MY2001-2007 4-cylinder VW Passat, gasoline, turbo-charged vehicles.Based on the analysis of VW's response, and including ODI's consumer complaints, ODI has since identified 135 unique engine fire reports attributable to the COP coils.After further review of the details as contained in each report, ODI determined that 43 of the 135 fire reports were actual fire/flame incidents, 83 fire reports were thermal events (smoke, spark, heat or wire melt), and another 9 fire reports were undetermined in severity due to the lack of information.These COP coil fires were characterized as initiated from within the COP coil circuit located at the top of the engine block and below the plastic engine cover.The fires observed were contained in the engine compartment and did not reach into the passenger compartment in contrast to those caused by an overheated catalytic converter examined in ODI?s investigation in 2007 and 2008.There were no reports of crashes or personal injury in this examination.A safety-related defect has not been identified at this time and further use of agency resources does not appear to be warranted.Accordingly, this investigation is closed.The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that a safety-related defect does not exist.The agency will monitor this issue and reserves the right to take further action if warranted by the circumstancesSee the Closing Report for additional details.
PE10027 · Engine Compartment Fire
Opened Jul 26, 2010 · Closed Feb 7, 2011
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Electrical System; Engine And Engine Cooling
ODI has received 11 complaints alleging that a fire started in the engine compartment of the vehicle that may be related to ignition coil failure, and 9 complaints of ignition coil failure that did not result in a fire.Reports state that the vehicle hesitated or lost power, and the check engine or dashboard lights illuminated.The vehicles were repaired by replacing the faulty ignition coil(s). Some of the complaints indicated that the ignition coils were replaced more than once.The scope of PE10-027 focused on Model Years (MY)2002-2003 Passat vehicles.Volkswagen provided data regarding their analysis of the vehicle fires and faulty ignition coils for these vehicles as well as other MY Passat vehicles.ODI needs to further investigate this issue.To facilitate the acquisition and analysis of additional information, this investigation has been upgraded to an Engineering Analysis, EA11-002.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Electrical System
ODI has received 11 complaints alleging that a fire started in the engine compartment of the vehicle that may be related to ignition coil failure, and 9 complaints of ignition coil failure that did not result in a fire.Reports state that the vehicle hesitated or lost power, and the check engine or dashboard lights illuminated.The vehicles were repaired by replacing the faulty ignition coil(s). Some of the complaints indicated that the ignition coils were replaced more than once.The scope of PE10-027 focused on Model Years (MY)2002-2003 Passat vehicles.Volkswagen provided data regarding their analysis of the vehicle fires and faulty ignition coils for these vehicles as well as other MY Passat vehicles.ODI needs to further investigate this issue.To facilitate the acquisition and analysis of additional information, this investigation has been upgraded to an Engineering Analysis, EA11-002.
Engine And Engine Cooling
ODI has received 11 complaints alleging that a fire started in the engine compartment of the vehicle that may be related to ignition coil failure, and 9 complaints of ignition coil failure that did not result in a fire.Reports state that the vehicle hesitated or lost power, and the check engine or dashboard lights illuminated.The vehicles were repaired by replacing the faulty ignition coil(s). Some of the complaints indicated that the ignition coils were replaced more than once.The scope of PE10-027 focused on Model Years (MY)2002-2003 Passat vehicles.Volkswagen provided data regarding their analysis of the vehicle fires and faulty ignition coils for these vehicles as well as other MY Passat vehicles.ODI needs to further investigate this issue.To facilitate the acquisition and analysis of additional information, this investigation has been upgraded to an Engineering Analysis, EA11-002.
PE08008 · Fuel Tank Leak
Opened Jan 31, 2008 · Closed May 30, 2008
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Fuel System, Gasoline:storage:tank Assembly; Fuel System, Other:storage:tank Assembly:pressure Relief Devices
VOLKSWAGEN (VW) IS RECALLING CERTAIN VW PASSAT 4MOTION AND AUDI A6 QUATTRO AND ALLROAD QUATTRO ALL-WHEEL DRIVE PASSENGER CARS.VW VEHICLES SUBJECT TO RECALL WERE MANUFACTURED FROM NOVEMBER 22, 2000 THROUGH MAY 31, 2005 AND AUDI VEHICLES SUBJECT TO RECALL WERE MANUFACTURED FROM JUNE 2, 2001 TO JUNE 1, 2005.THE NHTSA RECALL NUMBER FOR THE VW VEHICLES IS 08V-156 (VW ALSO IS CORRECTING DEFECTS RELATED TO HEAT SHIELD AND FUEL LINE HAZARDS FOR THESE VEHICLES AND FOR 1999-2000 PASSATS IN THIS RECALL ACTION.)THE NHTSA RECALL NUMBER FOR THE AUDI VEHICLES IS 08V-157.SINCE 2006, ODI HAS RECEIVED 17 COMPLAINTS OF FUEL LEAKING FROM THE SUBJECT VEHICLES' FUEL TANKS.THE 400 COMPLAINTS SHOWN ABOVE MAY INCLUDE DUPLICATE REPORTS TO ODI AND THE MANUFACTURER. WHILE THE CONSEQUENCE (FUEL LEAKS FROM THE TOP OF THE TANK) IS SIMILAR FOR BOTH THE PASSAT AND AUDI SUBJECT VEHICLES, DIFFERENCES IN DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION REQUIRE A DIFFERENT REMEDY FOR EACH VEHICLE.ON THE PASSATS, THE VENTILATION LINE COULD HAVE BEEN INSTALLED IMPROPERLY WITH TENSION AND WITH AN INCORRECTLY POSITIONED CABLE TIE.THE TENSION COULD CAUSE CRACKED OR BROKEN NIPPLES ON THE FUEL TANK ROLLOVER VALVE.ON THE AUDI VEHICLES, A MATERIAL CHANGE (EFFECTIVE JUNE 2, 2001) WITH DIFFERENT AGING CHARACTERISTICS USED FOR THE ROLLOVER VALVE AND THE USE OF AN INFLEXIBLE ALUMINUM VENTILATION LINE COULD CAUSE CRACKING OF THE NIPPLE ON THE ROLLOVER VALVE.VW IS RECALLING ALL VEHICLES SUBJECT TO THESE DEFECTS.IT WILL INSPECT PASSATS TO ENSURE THAT THE VENT LINE IS TENSION FREE AND CORRECT THE INSTALLATION IF TENSION IS FOUND.IF A CRACK OR FUEL LEAK IS FOUND, VW WILL REPLACE THE FUEL TANK.AUDI WILL REPAIR ALL SUBJECT VEHICLES BY REINFORCING THE FUEL TANK ROLLOVER VALVE WITH AN EPOXY ADHESIVE.THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.
Additional source detail variants (4)
Fuel System, Gasoline:storage:tank Assembly
VOLKSWAGEN (VW) IS RECALLING CERTAIN VW PASSAT 4MOTION AND AUDI A6 QUATTRO AND ALLROAD QUATTRO ALL-WHEEL DRIVE PASSENGER CARS.VW VEHICLES SUBJECT TO RECALL WERE MANUFACTURED FROM NOVEMBER 22, 2000 THROUGH MAY 31, 2005 AND AUDI VEHICLES SUBJECT TO RECALL WERE MANUFACTURED FROM JUNE 2, 2001 TO JUNE 1, 2005.THE NHTSA RECALL NUMBER FOR THE VW VEHICLES IS 08V-156 (VW ALSO IS CORRECTING DEFECTS RELATED TO HEAT SHIELD AND FUEL LINE HAZARDS FOR THESE VEHICLES AND FOR 1999-2000 PASSATS IN THIS RECALL ACTION.)THE NHTSA RECALL NUMBER FOR THE AUDI VEHICLES IS 08V-157.SINCE 2006, ODI HAS RECEIVED 17 COMPLAINTS OF FUEL LEAKING FROM THE SUBJECT VEHICLES' FUEL TANKS.THE 400 COMPLAINTS SHOWN ABOVE MAY INCLUDE DUPLICATE REPORTS TO ODI AND THE MANUFACTURER. WHILE THE CONSEQUENCE (FUEL LEAKS FROM THE TOP OF THE TANK) IS SIMILAR FOR BOTH THE PASSAT AND AUDI SUBJECT VEHICLES, DIFFERENCES IN DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION REQUIRE A DIFFERENT REMEDY FOR EACH VEHICLE.ON THE PASSATS, THE VENTILATION LINE COULD HAVE BEEN INSTALLED IMPROPERLY WITH TENSION AND WITH AN INCORRECTLY POSITIONED CABLE TIE.THE TENSION COULD CAUSE CRACKED OR BROKEN NIPPLES ON THE FUEL TANK ROLLOVER VALVE.ON THE AUDI VEHICLES, A MATERIAL CHANGE (EFFECTIVE JUNE 2, 2001) WITH DIFFERENT AGING CHARACTERISTICS USED FOR THE ROLLOVER VALVE AND THE USE OF AN INFLEXIBLE ALUMINUM VENTILATION LINE COULD CAUSE CRACKING OF THE NIPPLE ON THE ROLLOVER VALVE.VW IS RECALLING ALL VEHICLES SUBJECT TO THESE DEFECTS.IT WILL INSPECT PASSATS TO ENSURE THAT THE VENT LINE IS TENSION FREE AND CORRECT THE INSTALLATION IF TENSION IS FOUND.IF A CRACK OR FUEL LEAK IS FOUND, VW WILL REPLACE THE FUEL TANK.AUDI WILL REPAIR ALL SUBJECT VEHICLES BY REINFORCING THE FUEL TANK ROLLOVER VALVE WITH AN EPOXY ADHESIVE.THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.
Fuel System, Gasoline:storage:tank Assembly
VOLKSWAGEN (VW) IS RECALLING CERTAIN VW PASSAT 4MOTION AND AUDI A6 QUATTRO AND ALLROAD QUATTRO ALL-WHEEL DRIVE PASSENGER CARS.VW VEHICLES SUBJECT TO RECALL WERE MANUFACTURED FROM NOVEMBER 22, 2000 THROUGH MAY 31, 2005 AND AUDI VEHICLES SUBJECT TO RECALL WERE MANUFACTURED FROM JUNE 2, 2001 TO JUNE 1, 2005.THE NHTSA RECALL NUMBER FOR THE VW VEHICLES IS 08V-156 (VW ALSO IS CORRECTING DEFECTS RELATED TO HEAT SHIELD AND FUEL LINE HAZARDS FOR THESE VEHICLES AND FOR 1999-2000 PASSATS IN THIS RECALL ACTION.)THE NHTSA RECALL NUMBER FOR THE AUDI VEHICLES IS 08V-157.SINCE 2006, ODI HAS RECEIVED 17 COMPLAINTS OF FUEL LEAKING FROM THE SUBJECT VEHICLES' FUEL TANKS.THE 400 COMPLAINTS SHOWN ABOVE MAY INCLUDE DUPLICATE REPORTS TO ODI AND THE MANUFACTURER. WHILE THE CONSEQUENCE (FUEL LEAKS FROM THE TOP OF THE TANK) IS SIMILAR FOR BOTH THE PASSAT AND AUDI SUBJECT VEHICLES, DIFFERENCES IN DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION REQUIRE A DIFFERENT REMEDY FOR EACH VEHICLE.ON THE PASSATS, THE VENTILATION LINE COULD HAVE BEEN INSTALLED IMPROPERLY WITH TENSION AND WITH AN INCORRECTLY POSITIONED CABLE TIE.THE TENSION COULD CAUSE CRACKED OR BROKEN NIPPLES ON THE FUEL TANK ROLLOVER VALVE.ON THE AUDI VEHICLES, A MATERIAL CHANGE (EFFECTIVE JUNE 2, 2001) WITH DIFFERENT AGING CHARACTERISTICS USED FOR THE ROLLOVER VALVE AND THE USE OF AN INFLEXIBLE ALUMINUM VENTILATION LINE COULD CAUSE CRACKING OF THE NIPPLE ON THE ROLLOVER VALVE.VW IS RECALLING ALL VEHICLES SUBJECT TO THESE DEFECTS.IT WILL INSPECT PASSATS TO ENSURE THAT THE VENT LINE IS TENSION FREE AND CORRECT THE INSTALLATION IF TENSION IS FOUND.IF A CRACK OR FUEL LEAK IS FOUND, VW WILL REPLACE THE FUEL TANK.AUDI WILL REPAIR ALL SUBJECT VEHICLES BY REINFORCING THE FUEL TANK ROLLOVER VALVE WITH AN EPOXY ADHESIVE.THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.
Fuel System, Other:storage:tank Assembly:pressure Relief Devices
VOLKSWAGEN (VW) IS RECALLING CERTAIN VW PASSAT 4MOTION AND AUDI A6 QUATTRO AND ALLROAD QUATTRO ALL-WHEEL DRIVE PASSENGER CARS.VW VEHICLES SUBJECT TO RECALL WERE MANUFACTURED FROM NOVEMBER 22, 2000 THROUGH MAY 31, 2005 AND AUDI VEHICLES SUBJECT TO RECALL WERE MANUFACTURED FROM JUNE 2, 2001 TO JUNE 1, 2005.THE NHTSA RECALL NUMBER FOR THE VW VEHICLES IS 08V-156 (VW ALSO IS CORRECTING DEFECTS RELATED TO HEAT SHIELD AND FUEL LINE HAZARDS FOR THESE VEHICLES AND FOR 1999-2000 PASSATS IN THIS RECALL ACTION.)THE NHTSA RECALL NUMBER FOR THE AUDI VEHICLES IS 08V-157.SINCE 2006, ODI HAS RECEIVED 17 COMPLAINTS OF FUEL LEAKING FROM THE SUBJECT VEHICLES' FUEL TANKS.THE 400 COMPLAINTS SHOWN ABOVE MAY INCLUDE DUPLICATE REPORTS TO ODI AND THE MANUFACTURER. WHILE THE CONSEQUENCE (FUEL LEAKS FROM THE TOP OF THE TANK) IS SIMILAR FOR BOTH THE PASSAT AND AUDI SUBJECT VEHICLES, DIFFERENCES IN DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION REQUIRE A DIFFERENT REMEDY FOR EACH VEHICLE.ON THE PASSATS, THE VENTILATION LINE COULD HAVE BEEN INSTALLED IMPROPERLY WITH TENSION AND WITH AN INCORRECTLY POSITIONED CABLE TIE.THE TENSION COULD CAUSE CRACKED OR BROKEN NIPPLES ON THE FUEL TANK ROLLOVER VALVE.ON THE AUDI VEHICLES, A MATERIAL CHANGE (EFFECTIVE JUNE 2, 2001) WITH DIFFERENT AGING CHARACTERISTICS USED FOR THE ROLLOVER VALVE AND THE USE OF AN INFLEXIBLE ALUMINUM VENTILATION LINE COULD CAUSE CRACKING OF THE NIPPLE ON THE ROLLOVER VALVE.VW IS RECALLING ALL VEHICLES SUBJECT TO THESE DEFECTS.IT WILL INSPECT PASSATS TO ENSURE THAT THE VENT LINE IS TENSION FREE AND CORRECT THE INSTALLATION IF TENSION IS FOUND.IF A CRACK OR FUEL LEAK IS FOUND, VW WILL REPLACE THE FUEL TANK.AUDI WILL REPAIR ALL SUBJECT VEHICLES BY REINFORCING THE FUEL TANK ROLLOVER VALVE WITH AN EPOXY ADHESIVE.THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.
Fuel System, Other:storage:tank Assembly:pressure Relief Devices
VOLKSWAGEN (VW) IS RECALLING CERTAIN VW PASSAT 4MOTION AND AUDI A6 QUATTRO AND ALLROAD QUATTRO ALL-WHEEL DRIVE PASSENGER CARS.VW VEHICLES SUBJECT TO RECALL WERE MANUFACTURED FROM NOVEMBER 22, 2000 THROUGH MAY 31, 2005 AND AUDI VEHICLES SUBJECT TO RECALL WERE MANUFACTURED FROM JUNE 2, 2001 TO JUNE 1, 2005.THE NHTSA RECALL NUMBER FOR THE VW VEHICLES IS 08V-156 (VW ALSO IS CORRECTING DEFECTS RELATED TO HEAT SHIELD AND FUEL LINE HAZARDS FOR THESE VEHICLES AND FOR 1999-2000 PASSATS IN THIS RECALL ACTION.)THE NHTSA RECALL NUMBER FOR THE AUDI VEHICLES IS 08V-157.SINCE 2006, ODI HAS RECEIVED 17 COMPLAINTS OF FUEL LEAKING FROM THE SUBJECT VEHICLES' FUEL TANKS.THE 400 COMPLAINTS SHOWN ABOVE MAY INCLUDE DUPLICATE REPORTS TO ODI AND THE MANUFACTURER. WHILE THE CONSEQUENCE (FUEL LEAKS FROM THE TOP OF THE TANK) IS SIMILAR FOR BOTH THE PASSAT AND AUDI SUBJECT VEHICLES, DIFFERENCES IN DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION REQUIRE A DIFFERENT REMEDY FOR EACH VEHICLE.ON THE PASSATS, THE VENTILATION LINE COULD HAVE BEEN INSTALLED IMPROPERLY WITH TENSION AND WITH AN INCORRECTLY POSITIONED CABLE TIE.THE TENSION COULD CAUSE CRACKED OR BROKEN NIPPLES ON THE FUEL TANK ROLLOVER VALVE.ON THE AUDI VEHICLES, A MATERIAL CHANGE (EFFECTIVE JUNE 2, 2001) WITH DIFFERENT AGING CHARACTERISTICS USED FOR THE ROLLOVER VALVE AND THE USE OF AN INFLEXIBLE ALUMINUM VENTILATION LINE COULD CAUSE CRACKING OF THE NIPPLE ON THE ROLLOVER VALVE.VW IS RECALLING ALL VEHICLES SUBJECT TO THESE DEFECTS.IT WILL INSPECT PASSATS TO ENSURE THAT THE VENT LINE IS TENSION FREE AND CORRECT THE INSTALLATION IF TENSION IS FOUND.IF A CRACK OR FUEL LEAK IS FOUND, VW WILL REPLACE THE FUEL TANK.AUDI WILL REPAIR ALL SUBJECT VEHICLES BY REINFORCING THE FUEL TANK ROLLOVER VALVE WITH AN EPOXY ADHESIVE.THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.
EA07014 · 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.
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