NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
628 reportsMileage unknown · Apr 7, 2010
Service Brakes, HydraulicSteering
INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6) 2003, VW, PASSAT: A.)TIE ROD AND B.)BRAKE VACUUM VIN: [XXX] 2006 VW RECALLS 06V472000 & 05V540000 ARE SUSPICIOUSLY THE SAME PROBLEM AS MY 2003 PASSAT. LAST TRIP TO SERVICE DEPT REVEALED BOTH PROBLEMS. THERE HAS BEEN NO ACCIDENT OR …
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INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6) 2003, VW, PASSAT: A.)TIE ROD AND B.)BRAKE VACUUM VIN: [XXX] 2006 VW RECALLS 06V472000 & 05V540000 ARE SUSPICIOUSLY THE SAME PROBLEM AS MY 2003 PASSAT. LAST TRIP TO SERVICE DEPT REVEALED BOTH PROBLEMS. THERE HAS BEEN NO ACCIDENT OR INJURY TO DATE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10324334
Mileage unknown · Apr 1, 2010
Fuel System, GasolineSuspensionFire
2003 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT FIRE*CW THE CONSUMER STATED WHILE DRIVING A LIGHT BLINKED ON THE DASHBOARD. ACCORDING TO THE OWNER'S MANUAL, IT WAS A LIGHT FOR THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER. WHEN THE CONSUMER ARRIVED TO THE DEALER, THE LIGHT WENT OUT, AND THEY COULD NOT FIND A PROBLEM. THE LIGHT RETURNED SHORTLY THEREAFTER AND STAYED ON. THE …
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2003 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT FIRE*CW THE CONSUMER STATED WHILE DRIVING A LIGHT BLINKED ON THE DASHBOARD. ACCORDING TO THE OWNER'S MANUAL, IT WAS A LIGHT FOR THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER. WHEN THE CONSUMER ARRIVED TO THE DEALER, THE LIGHT WENT OUT, AND THEY COULD NOT FIND A PROBLEM. THE LIGHT RETURNED SHORTLY THEREAFTER AND STAYED ON. THE DEALER REPAIRED THE LIGHT. THE BALL JOINTS FAILED, BUT THEY WERE NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. SOON, THE LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE DASHBOARD AGAIN, THAT WAS SUPPOSED TO HAVE BEEN FIXED BY THE DEALER EARLIER IN THE YEAR. THE CONSUMER CONTINUED DRIVING, WHEN SUDDENLY ANOTHER MOTORIST INFORMED HER THE VEHICLE WAS ON FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT STATED THE FIRE WAS CAUSED BY THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER. THE CONSUMER'S INSURANCE AGENT CONTACTED HER AND ADVISED HER VOLKSWAGEN WAS COVERING ALL THE COST RELATED TO THE INCIDENT, BECAUSE THE FIRE WAS A RESULT OF A RECALL THAT HAD NOT BEEN TAKEN CARE OF BY THE AUTHORIZED DEALER FROM WHERE THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10313156
Mileage unknown · Mar 11, 2010
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
I PURCHASED A CERTIFIED USED VEHICLE FROM VOLKSWAGEN IN 2/07'. WITHIN THE FIRST MONTH I BEGAN HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THIS VEHICLE. THE LAUNDRY LIST, STARTING WITH THE BRAKES, INCLUDES A LEAK IN THE TRUNK, ENTIRE BRAKE REPLACEMENT WITHIN THE FIRST YEAR, SEVERAL RECALLS, BATTERY REPLACEMENT, CRACKED VALVE COVER, PROBLEMS WITH ENGINE…
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I PURCHASED A CERTIFIED USED VEHICLE FROM VOLKSWAGEN IN 2/07'. WITHIN THE FIRST MONTH I BEGAN HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THIS VEHICLE. THE LAUNDRY LIST, STARTING WITH THE BRAKES, INCLUDES A LEAK IN THE TRUNK, ENTIRE BRAKE REPLACEMENT WITHIN THE FIRST YEAR, SEVERAL RECALLS, BATTERY REPLACEMENT, CRACKED VALVE COVER, PROBLEMS WITH ENGINE COOLANT TEMP SENSOR, FAULTY IGNITION COILS CAUSING SERIOUS SAFETY HAZARDS AS A RESULT OF THE VEHICLE 'SHAKING' WHILE ON & POTENTIAL TO STALL AT ANY GIVEN TIME, A RECENT MASSIVE WATER LEAK INSIDE INTERIOR OF VEHICLE CAUSING INTERIOR WATER DAMAGE AS WELL AS A BUILD UP OF MILDEW AND POSSIBLY MOLD AS WELL AS NOW CAUSING THE WINDOWS TO FOG UP CONSTANTLY DUE TO MOISTURE UNDER FLOOR MATS, PROBLEMS WITH LEFT BLINKER, TROUBLE STARTING, SEVERAL CURRENT ENGINE LEAKS TO THE EXTENT OF A FEW THOUSAND DOLLARS, AUTOMATIC WINDOW PROBLEMS, WORN CV BOOTS CURRENTLY MAKING A CLICKING NOISE; THIS BEING THE MAJOR THINGS THAT HAVE OCCURRED TO DATE. IN GOOD FAITH, AFTER A VERY SCARY RIDE THIS LAST JANUARY, I CONTACTED VW OF AMERICA IN AN ATTEMPT TO NOTIFY THEM OF THE SITUATION AND WAS INFORMED THAT THEY WERE NOT GOING TO ACCEPT ANY RESPONSIBILITY FOR THEIR PRODUCT BECAUSE I WAS OUT OF A WARRANTY THAT I WAS ORIGINALLY TOLD (DURING TIME OF SALE) I DID NOT HAVE ANYWAY. IN ADDITION, HOWEVER, IT WAS STATED TO ME LATER BY THEIR REPRESENTATIVE THAT NONE OF THE ITEMS WOULD HAVE BEEN COVERED ANYWAY. I AM A SINGLE MOM IN NO FINANCIAL POSITION TO HIRE AN ATTORNEY OR EVEN PAY FOR THE COST THIS VEHICLE HAS INCURRED AND WHILE THIS IS MY ONLY MEANS OF TRANSPORTATION I HAVE NO OTHER OPTION THEN TO CONTINUE DRIVING IT. WITH THAT SAID HOWEVER I STRONGLY FEEL THAT GIVEN THE CURRENT CONDITION OF THIS VEHICLE AND THE POTENTIAL OF ANYONE OF THESE ITEMS TO FAIL THIS VEHICLE IS A SAFETY HAZARD AND GIVEN THAT I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE ONLY 3 YEARS AGO THIS IS AN EXCESSIVE AMOUNT OF PROBLEMS FOR IT TO HAVE. I STRONGLY FEEL AT THIS TIME THAT VW SOLD ME A LEMON. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10318922
96,000 miles · Mar 5, 2010
Engine And Engine Cooling
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE STARTED TO MAKE NOISES WHILE DRIVING 40MPH. HE STATED THAT THE OIL FUNCTION LIGHT ALSO CAME ON. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A MECHANIC AND THEY STATED THAT THEY HAVE SEEN THIS BEFORE AND SHOULD TAKE THE VEHICLE TO THE MANUFACTURER. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VE…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE STARTED TO MAKE NOISES WHILE DRIVING 40MPH. HE STATED THAT THE OIL FUNCTION LIGHT ALSO CAME ON. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A MECHANIC AND THEY STATED THAT THEY HAVE SEEN THIS BEFORE AND SHOULD TAKE THE VEHICLE TO THE MANUFACTURER. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE MANUFACTURER AND THEY REFUSED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE BECAUSE HE DIDN'T HAVE ALL HIS RECORDS FOR THE OIL CHANGES. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WAS 96,000.
NHTSA ODI #10317108
26,000 miles · Mar 4, 2010
Engine And Engine Cooling
VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT 2003 ENGINE WAS RUINED AND HAD TO BE REPLACED WITH 26,000 MILES ON IT. I WAS TOLD BY MY PURCHASE DEALER THAT THEY WOULD NOT COVER THE COST OF REPLACEMENT AND MY INSURANCE COMPANY REPLIED THE SAME. MY INCIDENT OCCURRED DURING A RAINY DAY IN MIDDLEBURY, IN. THE ENGINE STOPPED WORKING WHEN I WAS ON A BRIDGE A…
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VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT 2003 ENGINE WAS RUINED AND HAD TO BE REPLACED WITH 26,000 MILES ON IT. I WAS TOLD BY MY PURCHASE DEALER THAT THEY WOULD NOT COVER THE COST OF REPLACEMENT AND MY INSURANCE COMPANY REPLIED THE SAME. MY INCIDENT OCCURRED DURING A RAINY DAY IN MIDDLEBURY, IN. THE ENGINE STOPPED WORKING WHEN I WAS ON A BRIDGE AND IN A 2" PUDDLE. BOTH VW AND MY INSURANCE COMPANY SAID THEY DO NOT COVER ANYTHING RELATED TO WATER DAMAGE. AN ENGINE SHOULD NOT BE RUINED IN A 2" PUDDLE. I WROTE TO "CLICK AND CLACK" EVENTUALLY ABOUT THE DAMAGE. THEY TOLD ME OTHER VS PASSAT OWNERS HAD THEIR ENGINES DAMAGED AND NEEDING TO BE REPLACED BUT IT WAS BY OTHER EVENTS. THE LOSS OF THE ENGINE HAPPENED IN THE PASSAT BECAUSE THE AIR INTAKE WAS THE LOWEST PART OF THE ENGINE AND WAS AFFECTED BY ANYTHING NEAR THE INTAKE. THIS HAPPENED IN 2004 IN MY CAR AND MY REPLACEMENT WAS OVER $11,000 AND HAD TO BE PAID PERSONALLY BY ME. I DID NOT KNOW THAT I COULD COMPLAIN TO THE GOVERNMENT AT THAT TIME. I WOULD STILL LIKE TO FILE THE COMPLAINT AND ASK FOR INVESTIGATION INTO THE NUMBER OF CARS INVOLVED WITH THE LOSS OF THE ENGINE. MINE IS THE VS PASSAT GLX, 4 MOTION. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10316596
91,631 miles · Feb 24, 2010
Engine And Engine Cooling
I PURCHASED A 2003 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT FROM FLOW MOTORS OF GREENSBORO, NC. THE VEHICLE WAS CERTIFIED BY VOLKSWAGEN WITH A TWO YEAR 24,000 WARRANT. THE ENGINE BLEW WHEN IS WAS 260 MILES OVER OR OUTSIDE THE WARRANTY. THE CAUSE OF THE ENGINE BLOWING WAS DUE TO OIL PRESSURE AND THE LACK OF OIL PRESSURE IN THE ENGINE. MY WIFE AND T…
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I PURCHASED A 2003 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT FROM FLOW MOTORS OF GREENSBORO, NC. THE VEHICLE WAS CERTIFIED BY VOLKSWAGEN WITH A TWO YEAR 24,000 WARRANT. THE ENGINE BLEW WHEN IS WAS 260 MILES OVER OR OUTSIDE THE WARRANTY. THE CAUSE OF THE ENGINE BLOWING WAS DUE TO OIL PRESSURE AND THE LACK OF OIL PRESSURE IN THE ENGINE. MY WIFE AND THREE YEAR OLD WERE DRIVING BACK FROM WASHINGTON, D.C. TO GREENSBORO AND BROKE DOWN IN LYNCHBURG, V.A. THE SERVICE MANAGER AT TERRY'S VOLKSWAGEN IN LYNCHBURG TOWED THE VEHICLE IN TO THEIR SHOP AND LOOKED AT THE ENGINE. THEY REPORTED THAT A CAM BOLT SNAPPED IN THE ENGINE WHICH CAUSED THE OIL PRESSURE TO CEASE AND IN RETURN CAUSED THE ENGINE TO BLOW. THEY TOLD ME THAT A CAM BOLT SHOULD NEVER SNAP AND THIS WAS A PRODUCT FAILURE. FLOW MOTORS RETRIEVED THE VEHICLE AND DENIED ANY RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE PRODUCT FAILURE AND RECOMMENDED I PUT A NEW ENGINE IN THE VEHICLE AT THE COST OF 6,500. I REPLACED THE ENGINE AND A COUPLE OF MONTHS LATER HAD TO REPLACE A COOLING FLANGE AT 300.00 AND AFTER THAT A VACUUM HOSE AT 300.00. BEFORE REPLACING THE VACUUM HOSE THERE WAS A LEAK IN MY BACK FLOORBOARD AND HAD THE VEHICLE IN AT FLOW MOTORS ON TWO OCCASION BUT THEY COULD NOT LOCATE THE LEAK BUT STILL CHARGED ME 50.00 TO LOOK FOR THE LEAK. I'VE HAD TO CUT THE CARPET OUT OF THE BACK FLOORBOARD BECAUSE OF MOLD. VOLKSWAGEN BROKE MY HOOD SUPPORT BAR AND ALSO REFUSED TO COVER THE EXPENSES TO PAY FOR THAT. WHEN THE VEHICLE'S ENGINE BLEW MY WIFE CALLED ME IMMEDIATELY TO TELL ME THE ENGINE LIGHT WAS ON. I TOLD HER TO PULL OVER IMMEDIATELY AND SHE DID. WHEN SHE CAME TO A STOP THE ENGINE CUT OFF AND WOULD NOT START BACK UP. THE ENGINE HAD JUST OVER 91,000 AND CAN'T ACCEPT HAVING TO REPLACE THE ENGINE WHEN ALL THE MAINTENANCE WAS KEPT UP. TERRY VOLKSWAGEN SAYS THE CAM BOLT SNAPPED AND STATED THAT SHOULD NEVER HAPPEN ON A VEHICLE WITH ONLY 91,000. I HAVE COMPLAINED TO VOLKSWAGEN, THE BBB, AND CURRENTLY AM SPEAKING WITH AN ATTORNEY. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10313641
95,837 miles · Feb 4, 2010
Electrical SystemFuel System, Other
RECALLED VW COIL FAILURE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10305187
90,000 miles · Feb 3, 2010
Engine And Engine CoolingFire
2003 VW PASSAT SPONTANEOUSLY COMBUSTED IN THE GARAGE OF OUR HOME. THERE ARE NO EVENTS OF CONCERN LEADING UP TO THE FIRE. THE CAR HAD BEEN PARKED IN THE GARAGE SINCE 5:00 PM ON JANUARY 9, 2010 AND THE FIRE WAS DISCOVERED AT ABOUT 3:00 AM ON JANUARY 10, 2010. A NOISE FROM THE CAR ALERTED US AND UPON LOOKING IN THE GARAGE THERE WE…
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2003 VW PASSAT SPONTANEOUSLY COMBUSTED IN THE GARAGE OF OUR HOME. THERE ARE NO EVENTS OF CONCERN LEADING UP TO THE FIRE. THE CAR HAD BEEN PARKED IN THE GARAGE SINCE 5:00 PM ON JANUARY 9, 2010 AND THE FIRE WAS DISCOVERED AT ABOUT 3:00 AM ON JANUARY 10, 2010. A NOISE FROM THE CAR ALERTED US AND UPON LOOKING IN THE GARAGE THERE WERE FLAMES COMING FROM THE ENGINE UNDER THE CAR. THE FIRE TOTALED THE CAR AND CAUSED OVER $100,000. DAMAGES TO THE STRUCTURE OF OUR HOME. THE COST TO REPLACE AND REPAIR CONTENTS IS NOT YET KNOWN. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10304571
Mileage unknown · Feb 1, 2010
Engine And Engine Cooling
DRIVING AT 65MPH AND OIL PRESSURE LIGHT COMES ON -TAKES US 15 MINUTES TO FIND A SAFE SPOT TO PULL OVER- GET CAR TO DEALER -'SLUDGE " IN THE ENGINE- REGULARLY SERVICED CAR FOR 7 YEARS. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10303740
110,000 miles · Feb 1, 2010
Engine And Engine CoolingEquipmentFire
CAR MISSING A GETTING BAD MILAGE ...SAME CAR DOES NOT RUN WELL AND CAUGHT FIRE BY TURBO 2003 PASSAT VW 1.8 LITER TURBO. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10303623
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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