NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
628 reports30,100 miles · Jan 24, 2006
Engine And Engine Cooling
MY WIFE AND I HAVE A 2003 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT WITH 30,100 MILES. VOLKSWAGEN HAS 4 YR/50000 MILES MILE BUMPER TO BUMPER WARRANTY, AND AN 8 YEAR/UNLIMITED MILE OIL SLUDGE WARRANTY. WE BROKE DOWN ON THE INTERSTATE, AND HAD TO BE TOWED TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER REQUIRED OIL CHANGES IN INTERVALS OF 5000 MILES. MY WIFE AND I HAVE…
Read full complaint
MY WIFE AND I HAVE A 2003 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT WITH 30,100 MILES. VOLKSWAGEN HAS 4 YR/50000 MILES MILE BUMPER TO BUMPER WARRANTY, AND AN 8 YEAR/UNLIMITED MILE OIL SLUDGE WARRANTY. WE BROKE DOWN ON THE INTERSTATE, AND HAD TO BE TOWED TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER REQUIRED OIL CHANGES IN INTERVALS OF 5000 MILES. MY WIFE AND I HAVE HAD THE OIL CHANGED EVERY 4000 MILES INSTEAD. THE SERVICE WRITER FROM DON JACOBS CALLED AND STATED THAT OUR VOLKSWAGEN NEEDED A NEW MOTOR. HE WENT ON TO STATE THAT WE NEEDED TO PROVIDE ALL OF OUR OIL CHANGE RECEIPTS FROM THE TIME OF THE PURCHASE. WE WERE SHOCKED, THIS WAS A 2 YEAR OLD CAR. A LONG STORY SHORT WE WERE ABLE TO PRODUCE 5 RECEIPTS. ONCE IT WAS CHANGED IN FLORIDA WHILE ON VACATION (NO RECEIPT),AND ONCE WE RECEIVED A FREE OIL CHANGE AT WAL-MART DUE TO AN EXCESSIVE WAIT (NO RECEIPT). THAT WOULD MAKE A TOTAL OF 7 RECEIPTS (ALL OF THEM).DON JACOBS WOULD NOT BEGIN THE WORK ON OUR CAR UNTIL WE COULD PROVIDE ALL OF THESE RECEIPTS INCLUDING THE 2 THAT ARE NON EXISTENT.THE CAR IS STILL UNDER BUMPER TO BUMPER WARRANTY PERIOD,SO AGAIN WE WERE SHOCKED.NEXT THE DEALER INFORMED US THAT THEY AND VW OF AMERICA HAVE DECIDED THAT OUR WARRANTY WOULD BE NULLIFIED DUE TO NEGLECT OF MAINTENANCE.THE FUNNY PART IS THAT THIS DIAGNOSIS WAS MADE WITHOUT EVER LOOKING UNDER THE HOOD OF OUR VW.IT IS STILL IN THE SAME SPOT THE TOW TRUCK LEFT IT IN.BEFORE YOU DECIDE TO BELIEVE OR DISCREDIT OUR SIDE OF THIS STORY,OR MAYBE THINK THIS IS AN ISOLATED EVENT PLEASE VISIT THE FOLLOWING SITES:WWW.MYVWLEMON.COM AND ALSO HTTP://WWW.PETITIONONLINE.COM/VWSLUDGE/PETITION.HTML.I HAVE QUICKLY FOUND THAT WHAT HAS HAPPENED TO US IS LITTERALLY HAPPENING TO 100'S, AND PROBABLY 1,000'S OF PEOPLE IN THE US RIGHT NOW BY THEIR DEALERS AND ALSO VW OF AMERICA NOT TO MENTION THE OTHER MANUFACTURERS. THE SIMILARITIES IN EVERYONES STORIES ON THE WEB ARE FRIGHTENING. .*AK
NHTSA ODI #10148447
40,600 miles · Jan 23, 2006
Fuel System, OtherService Brakes, HydraulicSuspension
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE TRAVELING UP HILL AT 25MPH THE VEHICLE SPUTTERED AND STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DETERMINED THE FUEL PUMP NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. PREVIOUSLY THE CONTACT EXPERIENCED BRAKING PROBLEMS WHILE TRAVELING AT HIGH SPEEDS. THERE WAS VIBRATION AND GRABBING IN FRONT END OF THE VE…
Read full complaint
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE TRAVELING UP HILL AT 25MPH THE VEHICLE SPUTTERED AND STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DETERMINED THE FUEL PUMP NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. PREVIOUSLY THE CONTACT EXPERIENCED BRAKING PROBLEMS WHILE TRAVELING AT HIGH SPEEDS. THERE WAS VIBRATION AND GRABBING IN FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE WHEN BRAKING. THE VEHICLE WAS SEEN BY THE SERVICE DEALER FOUR TIMES. THE FRONT ROTORS, THE REAR ROTORS AND BOTH CONTROL ARMS WERE REPLACED. THE PROBLEM WAS CORRECTED BY THE REPLACEMENT OF THESE PARTS FOR TWENTY THOUSAND MILES AND HAS NOW RETURNED.
NHTSA ODI #10148372
40,437 miles · Jan 23, 2006
Fuel System, Gasoline
PASSAT 2003 GLX WITH 40437 MILES. WAS DRIVING ON LOCAL ROADS THE CAR STARTED SHUDDERING FOR 1-2 SECONDS. THE ENGINE THEN INSTANTLY SHUTDOWN. I COULD NOT RESTART THE CAR. HAD IT TOWED TO NEAREST DEALERSHIP. THE NEXT DAY IT WAS REPORTED AS FUEL PUMP FAILURE, AND REPAIRED IT UNDER WARRANTY.*AK
NHTSA ODI #10148333
17,000 miles · Jan 20, 2006
Electrical SystemFuel System, Gasoline
BOUGHT A 2003 VW PASSAT 1.8T IN MAY 2005. SINCE THEN, I HAVE TAKEN THE CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR REPAIR 4 TIMES NOW. THE CAR WILL ALL OF THE SUDDEN START RUNNING VERY ROUGH AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. THE FIRST TIME, THEY REPLACED A "DEFECTIVE" SPARK PLUG. WITHIN A FEW DAYS OF GETTING IT BACK, IT HAPPENED AGAIN. THE…
Read full complaint
BOUGHT A 2003 VW PASSAT 1.8T IN MAY 2005. SINCE THEN, I HAVE TAKEN THE CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR REPAIR 4 TIMES NOW. THE CAR WILL ALL OF THE SUDDEN START RUNNING VERY ROUGH AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. THE FIRST TIME, THEY REPLACED A "DEFECTIVE" SPARK PLUG. WITHIN A FEW DAYS OF GETTING IT BACK, IT HAPPENED AGAIN. THEY DECIDED TO REPLACE ALL THE SPARK PLUGS THAT TIME. IT HAPPENED A THIRD TIME AND THEY DID NOT TELL ME WHAT THEY HAD DONE TO THE CAR, BUT KEPT THE CAR FOR A WEEK. IT IS CURRENTLY IN THE SHOP AGAIN (NOW FOR A WEEK AGAIN) BECAUSE IT BEGAN TO RUN ROUGH, DEVELOPED A SLOW OIL LEAK, AND DOES NOT ALWAYS START ON THE FIRST ATTEMPT. I HAVE NOT YET HEARD FROM THE DEALERSHIP WHAT IS CAUSING THE PROBLEMS. I ASKED THEM TO CHECK EVERYTHING ON THE CAR. I HAVE ALSO LODGED A COMPLAINT WITH VW OF AMERICA. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10148197
58,830 miles · Jan 19, 2006
Fuel System, Gasoline
ENGINE STOPPED RUNNING WHILE DRIVING. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS. AFTER COASTING DOWN A HILL APPROACHING AN INTERSECTION, I EASED INTO THE ACCELERATOR TO CROSS INTERSECTION, ONLY TO EXPERIENCE A TOTAL LOSS OF ENGINE POWER. VW DEALER DIAGNOSED ENGINE LOSS DUE TO FAILURE OF FUEL PUMP. DEALER REPLACED FUEL PUMP AND SA…
Read full complaint
ENGINE STOPPED RUNNING WHILE DRIVING. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS. AFTER COASTING DOWN A HILL APPROACHING AN INTERSECTION, I EASED INTO THE ACCELERATOR TO CROSS INTERSECTION, ONLY TO EXPERIENCE A TOTAL LOSS OF ENGINE POWER. VW DEALER DIAGNOSED ENGINE LOSS DUE TO FAILURE OF FUEL PUMP. DEALER REPLACED FUEL PUMP AND SAVED OLD PUMP AT MY REQUEST. OLD PUMP IS AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION. I CONSIDER ENGINE LOSS TO BE A SAFETY ISSUE BECAUSE MOST CARS THESE DAYS HAVE STEERING AND BRAKES THAT ARE POWERED BY THE ENGINE. LUCKILY, I WAS ABLE TO KEEP CONTROL OF THE CAR AND BRING IT TO A SAFE STOP. *NM
NHTSA ODI #10148080
Mileage unknown · Jan 18, 2006
Structure
LEAK INTO THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT WITH HEAVY RAIN RESOLUTION PENDING PASSENGER AIR BAG CAN BE AFFECTED. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10148001
83,000 miles · Jan 11, 2006
Engine And Engine Cooling
MY VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT STOPPED DEAD IN THE MIDDLE OF A MAJOR HIGHWAY AND HAD TO BE PUSHED OFF TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. I ALMOST GOT HIT BY ONCOMING TRAFFIC TRYING TO GET THE CAR OFF THE HIGHWAY. THREE RIVERS VOLKSWAGEN DEALERSHIP IS SAYING THE TIMING BELT WENT WELL BEFORE THE SCHEDULED REPLACEMENT,THUS DESTROYING THE ENGINE+.THE C…
Read full complaint
MY VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT STOPPED DEAD IN THE MIDDLE OF A MAJOR HIGHWAY AND HAD TO BE PUSHED OFF TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. I ALMOST GOT HIT BY ONCOMING TRAFFIC TRYING TO GET THE CAR OFF THE HIGHWAY. THREE RIVERS VOLKSWAGEN DEALERSHIP IS SAYING THE TIMING BELT WENT WELL BEFORE THE SCHEDULED REPLACEMENT,THUS DESTROYING THE ENGINE+.THE CAR HAS 83K MILES AND NOT RECOMMEND TO BE CHANGED UNTIL 105K. THERE ARE MANY INSTANCES REPORTED ON THE WEB OF THE HAPPENING. MY CAR WAS IN FOR A SERVICE CHECK AT 78K AND OTHER PROBLEM ITEMS WERE BROUGHT TO MY ATTENTION; HOWEVER, A TIMING BELT PROBLEM WAS NOT. VOLKSWAGEN IS BLAMING THE DEALERS SERVICE DEPARTMENT AND THE SERVICE DEPARMENT IS BLAMING VOLKSWAGEN. SO FAR NO RESOLUTION. THERE ARE MANY INSTANCES OF VW AND AUDI HAVING TIMING BELT ISSUES ON THE INTERENET. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10147491
32,000 miles · Jan 4, 2006
Engine And Engine Cooling
2003 VW PASSAT SUDDENLY BEGAN MAKING ENGINE NOISE AND OIL PRESSURE WARNING CAME ON. VW DETERMINED PROBLEM WAS SLUDGE, AND THEY CLEANED THE ENGINE LEAVING A BILL OF $1900 PLUS THAT THEY ARE REFUSING TO COVER WITH MANUFACTURERS WARRANTY UNLESS I CAN PRODUCE OIL CHG RECEIPTS. I HAVE DONE 2 OF THEM MYSELF AND ONLY HAVE BANK STATEMEN…
Read full complaint
2003 VW PASSAT SUDDENLY BEGAN MAKING ENGINE NOISE AND OIL PRESSURE WARNING CAME ON. VW DETERMINED PROBLEM WAS SLUDGE, AND THEY CLEANED THE ENGINE LEAVING A BILL OF $1900 PLUS THAT THEY ARE REFUSING TO COVER WITH MANUFACTURERS WARRANTY UNLESS I CAN PRODUCE OIL CHG RECEIPTS. I HAVE DONE 2 OF THEM MYSELF AND ONLY HAVE BANK STATEMENTS WITH CREDIT CARD CHARGES. THE OTHERS, I HAVE RECEIPTS FOR. THEY ARE STILL REFUSING TO COVER. THIS IS A MAJOR WIDESPREAD PROBLEM AND THEIR RECOMMENDATIONS TO CHANGE FROM REGULAR OIL TO SYNTHETIC OIL CAME IN 2004, A YEAR AFTER I WAS FOLLOWING THEIR PREVIOUS INSTRUCTIONS, ETC. FOR A KNOWN ISSUE, THEY SHOULD NOT BE ALLOWED TO HOLD CONSUMERS HOSTAGE ON A SITUATION LIKE THIS. I DO MY OWN OIL CHGS TO SAVE MONEY. MY 10K OIL CHG AT VW WAS $110. I CAN DO IT FOR LESS THEN HALF OF THAT AMOUNT. *NM
NHTSA ODI #10146881
32,875 miles · Jan 3, 2006
Seats
THE HEATED SEATS IN MY 2003 VW PASSAT HAD A MALFUNCTION AND BURNED THROUGH THE CUSHIONING AND PANTS THAT I WAS WEARING. LOOKS LIKE A LARGE CIGARETTE HOLE ON THE LEFT SIDE OF MY FRONT DRIVER SEAT. *NM
NHTSA ODI #10146841
Mileage unknown · Dec 30, 2005
Fuel System, Gasoline
ENGINE STOPPED WHILE IN MOTION WITHOUT WARNING CAUSING POWER STEERING TO FAIL. DIAGNOSED AS FUEL PUMP FAILURE. ALSO, IN 2004 OIL PUMP FAILED DUE TO SLUDGE. REPAIR NOT COVERED DUE TO INABILITY TO PRODUCE SERVICE RECORDS. *NM
NHTSA ODI #10146544
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.
Illustration