NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
279 reports81,000 miles · Feb 15, 2010
SeatsInjury
1)MY HEATED SEATS GOT SO HOT THEY BURNED A HOLE IN MY SEAT AND BURNED MY LEG. I'M NOT SURE HOW THAT HAPPENED WITHOUT ME NOTICING, BUT IT DID. THE BURN WAS NOT SEVERE BUT IT DID HURT FOR A DAY OR TWO. 2. THE SEATS CONTINUE TO GET THAT HOT WHEN TURNED ON.... I NO LONGER USE THE HEATED SEAT FUNCTION. 3. NOTHING HAS BEEN DONE…
Read full complaint
1)MY HEATED SEATS GOT SO HOT THEY BURNED A HOLE IN MY SEAT AND BURNED MY LEG. I'M NOT SURE HOW THAT HAPPENED WITHOUT ME NOTICING, BUT IT DID. THE BURN WAS NOT SEVERE BUT IT DID HURT FOR A DAY OR TWO. 2. THE SEATS CONTINUE TO GET THAT HOT WHEN TURNED ON.... I NO LONGER USE THE HEATED SEAT FUNCTION. 3. NOTHING HAS BEEN DONE YET, I WILL HAVE TO BUY A NEW SEAT CUSHION, NEW CLOTH FOR THE SEAT AND HAVE SOMEONE FIX THE HEATED SEAT. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10310445
64,000 miles · Feb 11, 2010
SeatsFire
I WAS DRIVING MY CAR, A 2004 VW PASSAT GLS, TO WORK IN THE MORNING AND HAD THE DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT HEATER ON. ABOUT 2 MILES INTO MY DRIVE I COULD SMELL THAT SOMETHING WAS BURNING. AT FIRST I THOUGHT IT WAS SOMETHING BURNING OUTSIDE, SO I ROLLED THE WINDOWS DOWN TO SEE IF THE OUTSIDE AIR SMELLED OF SMOKE. THE OUTSIDE AIR DID NO…
Read full complaint
I WAS DRIVING MY CAR, A 2004 VW PASSAT GLS, TO WORK IN THE MORNING AND HAD THE DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT HEATER ON. ABOUT 2 MILES INTO MY DRIVE I COULD SMELL THAT SOMETHING WAS BURNING. AT FIRST I THOUGHT IT WAS SOMETHING BURNING OUTSIDE, SO I ROLLED THE WINDOWS DOWN TO SEE IF THE OUTSIDE AIR SMELLED OF SMOKE. THE OUTSIDE AIR DID NOT SMELL OF SMOKE, SO I QUICKLY STARTED THINKING OF WHAT ELSE COULD BE BURNING. I ALSO HAD THE CABIN AIR HEAT ON, SO I DECIDED TO TURN THAT OFF AND ALSO TURNED MY SEAT HEATER OFF, WHICH IS WHEN I NOTICED SMOKE COMING UP FROM THE DRIVER'S SEAT. I IDENTIFIED THE LOCATION AS THE LEFT PART OF THE SEAT BOTTOM AND SAW THE BURNING AREA, WHICH WAS CLEARLY BEING CAUSE BY A HEATING COMPONENT OF THE SEAT HEATER. I WAS TRYING TO PUT OUT THE SMOLDERING AND SMOKE WITH MY HANDS. I COULD TELL THAT MY LEATHER SEATS WERE STILL SMOLDERING/BURNING SO I PUT WATER ON MY HANDS FROM A WATER BOTTLE THAT I HAD NEARBY TO COOL THE LEATHER AND PREVENT FURTHER SPREAD OF THE SMOLDERING. NOTE THAT THIS WAS ALL WITHIN APPROXIMATELY 10 SECONDS, AND I WAS DRIVING. THIS IS A HUGE HAZARD FOR WHICH VW SHOULD BE HELD RESPONSIBLE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10308789
30,000 miles · Jan 28, 2010
Equipment
THIS INCIDENT HAPPENED TWICE IN DECEMBER 2009. AFTER LIFTING MY FOOT OFF OF THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL, THE VEHICLE KEPT ACCELERATING TO VERY HIGH SPEEDS. THE VEHICLE DID NOT STOP ACCELERATING WHEN I PUT MY FOOT UNDER THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL AND LIFTED UP. TO STOP, I HAD TO PUT THE VEHICLE IN NEUTRAL AND BRAKE. DEALER SAID IT WAS A…
Read full complaint
THIS INCIDENT HAPPENED TWICE IN DECEMBER 2009. AFTER LIFTING MY FOOT OFF OF THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL, THE VEHICLE KEPT ACCELERATING TO VERY HIGH SPEEDS. THE VEHICLE DID NOT STOP ACCELERATING WHEN I PUT MY FOOT UNDER THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL AND LIFTED UP. TO STOP, I HAD TO PUT THE VEHICLE IN NEUTRAL AND BRAKE. DEALER SAID IT WAS A STUCK FLOOR MAT AND REMOVED THE MAT FROM THE VEHICLE. THEY SAID THERE WAS NO MECHANICAL DEFECT. *TW
NHTSA ODI #10302960
75,000 miles · Jan 15, 2010
Engine And Engine Cooling
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. ON OCTOBER 24, 2009 SHE NOTICED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD AN OIL LEAK. THE DEALER REPLACED THE OIL PAN AT THE OWNERS EXPENSE FOR $500. ON JANUARY 12, 2010, THE OIL FAILURE RECURRED; HOWEVER, THE DEALER REPLACED THE OIL TANK FOR $500. SHE STATED THAT THE FAILURES OCCURRED WHEN SHE DROVE OV…
Read full complaint
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. ON OCTOBER 24, 2009 SHE NOTICED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD AN OIL LEAK. THE DEALER REPLACED THE OIL PAN AT THE OWNERS EXPENSE FOR $500. ON JANUARY 12, 2010, THE OIL FAILURE RECURRED; HOWEVER, THE DEALER REPLACED THE OIL TANK FOR $500. SHE STATED THAT THE FAILURES OCCURRED WHEN SHE DROVE OVER A SPEED BUMP AND A ROCK WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 15 MPH. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS FOR THE OIL PAN; THEREFORE, THEY WOULD NOT ASSIST WITH THE REPAIR COST. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 75,000. *CN UPDATED 02/17/20
NHTSA ODI #10299885
80,499 miles · Jan 7, 2010
Engine And Engine Cooling
PURCHASED A USED 2004 VW PASSAT IN APRIL 09. DID NOT PURCHASE AN EXTENDED WARRANTY FOR THE VEHICLE, HOWEVER, SUCH WOULD NOT HAVE COVERED THIS ISSUE REGARDLESS. THE PASSAT HEATING/AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM IS A CLIMATRONIC. THE VENTS AND AIRCONDITIONING OPERATED AS THEY SHOULD. AFTER PURCHASE, NOTICED ON COOL MORNINGS THAT VEHICLES…
Read full complaint
PURCHASED A USED 2004 VW PASSAT IN APRIL 09. DID NOT PURCHASE AN EXTENDED WARRANTY FOR THE VEHICLE, HOWEVER, SUCH WOULD NOT HAVE COVERED THIS ISSUE REGARDLESS. THE PASSAT HEATING/AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM IS A CLIMATRONIC. THE VENTS AND AIRCONDITIONING OPERATED AS THEY SHOULD. AFTER PURCHASE, NOTICED ON COOL MORNINGS THAT VEHICLES HEAT WS NOT OPERATING CORRECTLY NECESSARY FOR DEFROSTING/DEFOGGING WINDSHIELD AND WINDOWS. TOOK VEHICLE BACK TO DEALERSHIP AND REQUESTED DIAGNOSTIC. DIAGNOSTIC WAS NO FLOW THROUGH HEATER CORE AND RECOMMENDATION WAS REPLACEMENT OF HEATER CORE IN ORDER TO RECEIVE HEAT. NO INDICATION OF ANY POSED DANGER OR THREAT WAS INDICATED BY DEALERSHIP AS TO THIS ISSUE. THREE MONTHS AFTER THE DIAGNOSIS, HAVING OPERATED THE VEHICLE WITH NO HEAT FOR 6 MONTHS, THE VEHICLE HAS NOW BEGUN TO LEAK MASSIVE AMOUNTS OF ANTIFREEZE/COOLANT, HOWEVER, THE COOLANT IS NOT LEAKING OUT OF THE CAR, I CANNOT SEE ANY COOLANT OR VERY LITTLE COOLANT ANYWHERE UNDERNEATH, THEREFORE I CAN ONLY ASSUME THAT THE ANTIFREEZE IS LEAKING INTO THE VEHICLE, POSSIBLY POSING A FIRE HAZARD AND RISK OF BEING BURNED SHOULD THE PRESSURE OF THE COOLANT SYSTEM BECOME TO GREAT AND THE VOLUME OF ANTIFREEZE IN MY VEHICLE IS UNKNOWN. I AM NOT OPERATING THE VEHICLE AT THIS TIME. I CONTACTED VW CUSTOMER CARE AND INFORMED THEM OF THIS PROBLEM, THE INDICATED MY VEHICLE IS TOO OLD AND HAS TOO MANY MILES ON IT FOR ANY GOODWILL REPLACEMENT. HOWEVER, THERE WAS A RECALL ON VW JETTAS FOR A SIMILAR ISSUE WITH THE HEATER CORE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10298620
120,000 miles · Dec 4, 2009
Latches/locks/linkages
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. THE CONTACT STARTED THE IGNITION. SUDDENLY, THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE DOOR UNLATCHED WITHOUT ASSISTANCE. THE DOOR FAILED TO SECURE IN A CLOSED POSITION. WHENEVER THE POWER LOCK WAS ENGAGED THE DOOR OPENED. THE FAILURE OCCURRED INTERMITTENT. THE AUTHORIZED DEALER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE M…
Read full complaint
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. THE CONTACT STARTED THE IGNITION. SUDDENLY, THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE DOOR UNLATCHED WITHOUT ASSISTANCE. THE DOOR FAILED TO SECURE IN A CLOSED POSITION. WHENEVER THE POWER LOCK WAS ENGAGED THE DOOR OPENED. THE FAILURE OCCURRED INTERMITTENT. THE AUTHORIZED DEALER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE MALFUNCTION. THE VEHICLE IS IN THE PROCESS OF BEING REPAIRED. THE CONTACT HAD CONCERN OF THE SAFETY RISK INVOLVED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 120,000. THE VIN WAS REJECTED FROM THE SYSTEM WHICH WILL BE UPDATED UPON RECEIPT OF THE SAFETY COMPLAINT FILING.
NHTSA ODI #10294475
38,000 miles · Nov 16, 2009
Power TrainStructure
2005 PASSAT WAGON - 38000 MILES BLOCKED DRAINS AROUND THE SUNROOF CAUSED RAIN WATER TO LEAK INTO THE FLOOR BOARDS OF THE CAR. THE BUILD-UP OF WATER CAUSED THE TCM (TRANSMISSION CONTROL MODULE) TO MALFUNCTION. THE (AUTOMATIC) CAR WAS ABLE TO BE DRIVEN ONLY WITH HARD SHIFTS BETWEEN GEARS AND NOW WILL NOT MOVE OUT OF PARK. (UNDR…
Read full complaint
2005 PASSAT WAGON - 38000 MILES BLOCKED DRAINS AROUND THE SUNROOF CAUSED RAIN WATER TO LEAK INTO THE FLOOR BOARDS OF THE CAR. THE BUILD-UP OF WATER CAUSED THE TCM (TRANSMISSION CONTROL MODULE) TO MALFUNCTION. THE (AUTOMATIC) CAR WAS ABLE TO BE DRIVEN ONLY WITH HARD SHIFTS BETWEEN GEARS AND NOW WILL NOT MOVE OUT OF PARK. (UNDRIVABLE). REPLACEMENT OF THE TCM WILL COST $3210. THE CAR WAS A GARAGED CAR UP UNTIL A FEW MONTHS AGO. IT WAS AT THE DEALERSHIP FOR ALL SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE. I WAS TOLD BY THE DEALERSHIP THAT THE DRAIN TUBES CAN GET CLOGGED WITH "ONE LEAF" AND THE NEXT RAIN CAN CAUSE THIS PROBLEM. I WAS ADVISED TO PARK IN A COVERED AREA AND NEVER DRIVE IN THE RAIN. THIS SEEMS LIKE A SIGNIFICANT DESIGN FLAW THAT ONE LEAF FOLLOWED BY ANY RAIN CAN CAUSE THE TCM TO FAIL AND NEED REPLACING. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10292407
45,000 miles · Oct 19, 2009
Electrical SystemExterior Lighting
2004 VW PASSAT TDI. VW HAS A PROBLEM WITH THEIR TURN SIGNAL SWITCH. THE SWITCH CONTINUES TO OPEN AND CLOSE THE CIRCUIT AFTER THE TURN SIGNAL IS IN THE OFF POSITION. THIS IS A PROBLEM WITH MANY OF THEIR MODELS( JETTA, PASSAT BOTH GAS AND DIESEL). THE DEALERSHIP SERVICE PERSONNEL ARE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM AND ARE REPLACING THE DEF…
Read full complaint
2004 VW PASSAT TDI. VW HAS A PROBLEM WITH THEIR TURN SIGNAL SWITCH. THE SWITCH CONTINUES TO OPEN AND CLOSE THE CIRCUIT AFTER THE TURN SIGNAL IS IN THE OFF POSITION. THIS IS A PROBLEM WITH MANY OF THEIR MODELS( JETTA, PASSAT BOTH GAS AND DIESEL). THE DEALERSHIP SERVICE PERSONNEL ARE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM AND ARE REPLACING THE DEFECTIVE SWITCH ONLY IF YOUR HAVE ALL YOUR MAINTENANCE DONE AT A AUTHORIZED VW DEALER. SO IF YOU DON"T HAVE ALL YOUR OIL CHANGES AND REPAIRS DONE BY A AUTHORIZED V W DEALER THERE IS NO ASSISTANCE FOR REPLACEMENT OF THIS DEFECTIVE SWITCH. THIS IS A COST OF $300.00 TO THE CONSUMER. THIS SURE IS SAFETY RELATED AND NEED TO BE RECALLED ASAP. THIS PROBLEM HAS CAUSED FIRES UNDER THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10289030
116,153 miles · Oct 17, 2009
Engine And Engine Cooling
WHILE DRIVING THE ENGINE LAMP CAME ON AND THE TEST MESSAGE INDICATED "EMISSION WORKSHOP". THE DEALERSHIP FOUND THE MASS AIR FLOW METER (P0101) TO BE FAULTY. IT WAS REPLACE BUT THE PROBLEM AND CODE RECURRED WITHIN 6 MILES. NEXT THE DEALERSHIP FOUND A CRACK IN THE TURBO AIR COOLER, IT WAS REPLACED BUT THE PROBLEM AND CODE RECUR…
Read full complaint
WHILE DRIVING THE ENGINE LAMP CAME ON AND THE TEST MESSAGE INDICATED "EMISSION WORKSHOP". THE DEALERSHIP FOUND THE MASS AIR FLOW METER (P0101) TO BE FAULTY. IT WAS REPLACE BUT THE PROBLEM AND CODE RECURRED WITHIN 6 MILES. NEXT THE DEALERSHIP FOUND A CRACK IN THE TURBO AIR COOLER, IT WAS REPLACED BUT THE PROBLEM AND CODE RECURRED WITHIN MILES. THE DEALERSHIP HAS HAD THE CAR FOR NEARLY 2 WEEKS WHEN THEY FOUND A SLIGHT AIR LEAK IN A TURBO HOSE. THE "O" RINGS WERE REPLACED AND IT MAY HAVE CORRECTED THE PROBLEM BUT I HAVE NOT HAD THE CAR SINCE THEY ARE STILL WORKING ON THE ENGINE SURGE PROBLEM. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10288798
116,153 miles · Oct 17, 2009
Power TrainVisibility
SPORADICALLY THE REAR WINDOWS WOULD NOT RESPOND TO THE WINDOW UP/DOWN SWITCH, THEN LATER WITHOUT TOUCHING THE SWITCH THE WINDOWS WOULD OPEN OR CLOSE. THE DEALER FOUND A CHEAP PLASTIC COTTER PIN TYPE INSTRUMENT CAUSING THE PROBLEM. I HAVE NOT HAD THE CHANCE TO CHECK OUT THE REPAIR SINCE THE DEALER HAS MY CAR GOING ON 3 WEEKS …
Read full complaint
SPORADICALLY THE REAR WINDOWS WOULD NOT RESPOND TO THE WINDOW UP/DOWN SWITCH, THEN LATER WITHOUT TOUCHING THE SWITCH THE WINDOWS WOULD OPEN OR CLOSE. THE DEALER FOUND A CHEAP PLASTIC COTTER PIN TYPE INSTRUMENT CAUSING THE PROBLEM. I HAVE NOT HAD THE CHANCE TO CHECK OUT THE REPAIR SINCE THE DEALER HAS MY CAR GOING ON 3 WEEKS FOR TWO OTHER ISSUES (TRANSMISSION SURGE AND ENGINE LIGHT/P0101) FOR WHICH THEY ARE HAVING PROBLEMS DIAGNOSING THE PROBLEM. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10288796
Official recalls
3Apr 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.
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.
Dec 15, 2004
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE HIGH PRESSURE DIESEL PUMPS WERE PRODUCED WITH AN IMPROPER FASTENER, WHICH COULD ALLOW DIESEL FUEL TO ESCAPE FROM THE PUMP.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE MAY LEAD TO A FIRE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE DIESEL PUMP. THE RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 8, 2005. OWNERS 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
3EA11002 · 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.
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.
Illustration