Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
390–25K
3325–50K
4550–75K
4575–100K
37100–150K
18150K+
217 reports with mileage · 62 unknown
NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.
What to inspect
Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.
Engine And Engine Cooling. Review the 59 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Power Train. Review the 38 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Seats. Review the 34 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
9 crash reports25 fire reports23 injury reports
What owners actually said
279 reports
44,000 miles · Jul 20, 2006
Structure
HAVE A WATER LEAK IN MY 2004 VW PASSAT. AFTER A HEAVEY RAIN I WAS CLEANING THE INSIDE OF MY CAR AND NOTICED A LARGE AMOUNT OF WATER IN THE REAR FLOOR BEHIND PASSENGER'S SEAT. I THEN SOAKED UP ALL OF THE WATER AND AIR DRIED MY MAT. I HAVE SEARCHED THE INTERNET AND FOUND THAT THIS IS A COMMON OCCURANCE FOR VW OWNERS AND WOULD L…
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HAVE A WATER LEAK IN MY 2004 VW PASSAT. AFTER A HEAVEY RAIN I WAS CLEANING THE INSIDE OF MY CAR AND NOTICED A LARGE AMOUNT OF WATER IN THE REAR FLOOR BEHIND PASSENGER'S SEAT. I THEN SOAKED UP ALL OF THE WATER AND AIR DRIED MY MAT. I HAVE SEARCHED THE INTERNET AND FOUND THAT THIS IS A COMMON OCCURANCE FOR VW OWNERS AND WOULD LIKE TO REPORT THIS IMMEDIATELY. THANKS FOR YOUR TIME. *NM
NHTSA ODI #10163000
Mileage unknown · Jul 7, 2006
Vehicle Speed Control
2004 VW PASSAT---I HAVE HAD NUMEROUS OCCASIONS WHERE MY CAR LURCHED AND RATTLED TO A STOP OR WOULD HESITATE MULTIPLE TIMES DURING ACCELERATION. AT IDLE, THE ENTIRE CAR SHAKES. I HAVE TAKEN IT IN TO THE DEALER AT LEAST 5 TIMES. AT FIRST, THE PROBLEM WAS ONLY HAPPENING EVERY MONTH OR SO. NOW IT IS A CONSTANT PROBLEM. THE CHECK…
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2004 VW PASSAT---I HAVE HAD NUMEROUS OCCASIONS WHERE MY CAR LURCHED AND RATTLED TO A STOP OR WOULD HESITATE MULTIPLE TIMES DURING ACCELERATION. AT IDLE, THE ENTIRE CAR SHAKES. I HAVE TAKEN IT IN TO THE DEALER AT LEAST 5 TIMES. AT FIRST, THE PROBLEM WAS ONLY HAPPENING EVERY MONTH OR SO. NOW IT IS A CONSTANT PROBLEM. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS ON, THE CAR SHAKES IN DRIVE, REVERSE, AND NEUTRAL. ACCELERATION IS ESPECIALLY A PROBLEM WHEN ON THE FREEWAY...IT IS BOTH DANGEROUS AND SCARY. I HAVE BEEN TOLD MULTIPLE TIMES THAT THE DEALER IS "WAITING FOR A SOFTWARE UPDATE." I HAVE ALSO BEEN TOLD TO GO AHEAD AND DRIVE THE CAR BECAUSE IT IS NOT DANGEROUS. NOW I HAVE BEEN WAITING FOR MONTHS! I ALSO HAVE HAD ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS. ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS THE RED CONTROL PANEL LIGHTS HAVE GONE OUT COMPLETELY WHILE I WAS DRIVING. I WAS TOLD THIS IS PART OF THE SAME PROBLEM. *NM
NHTSA ODI #10161761
77,724 miles · Jun 19, 2006
Fuel System, Diesel
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED DIESEL FUEL LEAKS ONTO THE ENGINE AND THE EXHAUST SYSTEM. THE DEALERSHIP DETERMINED THE DIESEL PUMP NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THERE IS A NHTSA RECALL, # 04V586000, REGARDING THE FUEL SYSTEM DIESEL. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE MANUFACTURER HAS BEEN ALERTED.
NHTSA ODI #10160201
Mileage unknown · Jun 14, 2006
StructureInjury
2004 VW PASSAT 4-MOTION PASSENGER VEHICLES ARE AT HIGH RISK FOR A DRAINAGE CLOG RELATED TO THE SUNROOF. THIS CAN OCCUR EVEN WHEN THE SUNROOF IS IN THE DOWN OR CLOSED POSITION. THE LEAK WILL CAUSE WATER TO POOL IN THE RIGHT FRONT PASSENGER SEAT FLOOR AND CAN CAUSE MOLD AND A VERY SMELLY AND POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS CONDITION FOR T…
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2004 VW PASSAT 4-MOTION PASSENGER VEHICLES ARE AT HIGH RISK FOR A DRAINAGE CLOG RELATED TO THE SUNROOF. THIS CAN OCCUR EVEN WHEN THE SUNROOF IS IN THE DOWN OR CLOSED POSITION. THE LEAK WILL CAUSE WATER TO POOL IN THE RIGHT FRONT PASSENGER SEAT FLOOR AND CAN CAUSE MOLD AND A VERY SMELLY AND POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS CONDITION FOR THE COMFORT AND BREATHING OF ALL PASSENGERS. HAVING ATTEMPTED REPAIRS, I DO NOT BELIEVE THAT VW IS ADEQUATELY ABLE TO ADDRESS THIS PROBLEM; IS ATTEMPTING TO MINIMIZE OR CONDUCT SUB-STANDARD REPAIRS; AND ARE RETURNING VEHICLES WITH MOLD TO CONSUMERS WHILE STATING THAT THERE IS NO MOLD. THIS APPEARS TO BE A DESIGN FLAW THAT CANNOT BE FIXED. *NM
NHTSA ODI #10159875
Mileage unknown · May 4, 2006
Engine And Engine Cooling
I HAVE A VW PASSAT WITH LESS THAN 30,000 MILES ON IT THAT HAS SLUDGE IN THE MOTOR AND HAVE BEEN FAITHFUL WITH MY OIL CHANGES BUT I AM MISSING ONE RECEIPT. VW OF AMERICA REFUSES TO COVER THE WORK UNDER WARRANTY STATING LACK OF MAINTENANCE ON MY BEHALF FOR THE PROBLEM. THEY ARE TAKING NO RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE DEFECTIVE ENGINES T…
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I HAVE A VW PASSAT WITH LESS THAN 30,000 MILES ON IT THAT HAS SLUDGE IN THE MOTOR AND HAVE BEEN FAITHFUL WITH MY OIL CHANGES BUT I AM MISSING ONE RECEIPT. VW OF AMERICA REFUSES TO COVER THE WORK UNDER WARRANTY STATING LACK OF MAINTENANCE ON MY BEHALF FOR THE PROBLEM. THEY ARE TAKING NO RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE DEFECTIVE ENGINES THEY ARE PUTTING IN THESE CARS BUT BLAMING IT ON THE CONSUMERS. I AM SORRY I EVER BOUGHT THIS CAR AND I AM NOW LEFT WITH NO TRANSPORTATION FOR MY KIDS TO GET TO SCHOOL AND FOR ME TO GET TO WORK AND I HAVE NO MONEY TO FIX THE CAR BECAUSE I AM A SINGLE MOTHER LIVING PAYCHECK TO PAYCHECK. IT IS VERY FRUSTRATING THAT I HAVE TO BE DRIVING DOWN THE FREEWAY WITH MY 3 DAUGHTERS IN THE CAR AND HAVE MY ENGINE FREEZE UP AND ALMOST CRASH INTO SEVERAL CARS TRYING TO GET OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. I THEN TAKE IT TO THE CLOSEST DEALER TO BE TREATED LIKE DIRT AND TOLD I DID NOT DO ENOUGH TO TAKE CARE OF MY CAR. THEY THEN SHUTTLE ME OFF TO SOME ADVOCATE FOR VW AND HE TREATS ME EVEN WORSE AND TELLS ME SORRY THE ANSWER IS NO HAVE A NICE DAY.. I HAVE NEVER BEEN TREATED SO POORLY IN MY LIFE AND I AM APPALLED THAT I EVER BOUGHT THIS CAR AND WILL TELL EVERYONE I KNOW ABOUT THIS ISSUE AND WARN EVERYONE I KNOW TO GET RID OF THEIR VWS. *NM
NHTSA ODI #10156812
46,000 miles · Mar 21, 2006
SeatsFire
AFTER STARTING MY 2004 VW PASSAT WITH THE HEATED SEAT TURNED TO 2 (ON A 1-5 DIAL) I STARTED TO SMELL A BURNING SMELL ALMOST IMMEDIATELY. AFTER DRIVING ABOUT 30 SECONDS I STARTED TO FEEL A SHARP PAIN IN THE BOTTOM OF MY UPPER LEG. AFTER DRIVING ABOUT 45 MORE SECONDS SMOKE STARTED TO SURROUND ME COMING UP FROM THE SEAT. AT THIS PO…
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AFTER STARTING MY 2004 VW PASSAT WITH THE HEATED SEAT TURNED TO 2 (ON A 1-5 DIAL) I STARTED TO SMELL A BURNING SMELL ALMOST IMMEDIATELY. AFTER DRIVING ABOUT 30 SECONDS I STARTED TO FEEL A SHARP PAIN IN THE BOTTOM OF MY UPPER LEG. AFTER DRIVING ABOUT 45 MORE SECONDS SMOKE STARTED TO SURROUND ME COMING UP FROM THE SEAT. AT THIS POINT I PULLED THE VEHICLE OVER AND GOT OUT. I COULD SEE A SPOT ON MY SEAT SMOLDERING AND SMOKING. I TURNED OFF MY HEATED SEAT AND THE SMOKING STOPPED AND THE SEAT COOLED OFF IN ABOUT ANOTHER 1-2 MINUTES. THERE REMAINED A HOLE RESEMBLING A CIGARETTE BURN AND THE UPHOLSTERY AROUND IT WAS MELTED. WHEN I CALLED THE DEALERSHIP, I WAS TOLD NOT TO USE THE HEATED SEAT ON EITHER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. I WAS ALSO INFORMED THAT THE PASSENGER SEAT WOULD NOT BE FIXED AND THAT THERE WAS NO GUARANTEE THAT THIS WOULD NOT HAPPEN AGAIN. *NM
NHTSA ODI #10153287
Mileage unknown · Mar 9, 2006
Structure
I HAVE A 2004 VW PASSAT WAGON. WE WERE IN THE LAKE TAHOE REGION LAST WEEK DURING A RAIN AND SNOW STORM. WE GOT IN THE CAR ONE MORNING TO FIND INCHES OF WATER IN THE REAR PASSENGER FLOOR AND TO DISCOVER OUR TRANSMISSION WAS SHORTED OUT. HAD IT TOWED 100 MILES TO SACRAMENTO, WHERE IT SAT FOR A WEEK BEFORE THEY WERE ABLE TO DIAGNOS…
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I HAVE A 2004 VW PASSAT WAGON. WE WERE IN THE LAKE TAHOE REGION LAST WEEK DURING A RAIN AND SNOW STORM. WE GOT IN THE CAR ONE MORNING TO FIND INCHES OF WATER IN THE REAR PASSENGER FLOOR AND TO DISCOVER OUR TRANSMISSION WAS SHORTED OUT. HAD IT TOWED 100 MILES TO SACRAMENTO, WHERE IT SAT FOR A WEEK BEFORE THEY WERE ABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM WHICH WAS PINE NEEDLES IN THE DRAIN BELOW THE BATTERY WHICH CAUSED WATER TO GET IN THROUGH THE VENTING SYSTEM. VOLKSWAGON CLAIMS THAT THIS ISSUE DOES NOT FALL UNDER WARRANTY BUT WAS A MATTER OF MAINTENANCE - YET NO ONE SEEMS TO KNOW THAT YOU ARE SUPPOSE TO REGULARLY CHECK AND CLEAN THE THIS DRAIN AS IT'S NOT PART OF NORMAL MAINTENANCE PROCEDURES. WE KNOW AT LEAST THE TRANSMISSION CONTROL BOX IS FRIED AND DO NOT HAVE ANY IDEA IF/WHAT ANY OTHER DAMAGE MAY BE. THERE IS NOTHING IN THE OWNERS MANUAL TO TELL ONE TO CHECK FOR THIS ISSUE. I ANTICIPATE THAT THIS WILL BE A COST OF THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS. BESIDES THE ISSUE OF WATER GETTING INTO THE CAR, WHY IS THE TRANSMISSION CONTROL PLACED IN NON WATERPROOF LOCATION UNDER THE PASSENGERS SEAT THAT COULD BE PRONE TO GETTING WET? THERE IS A FORUM IN WHICH MANY OTHER VW OWNERS SPEAK OF THE SAME ISSUE - HTTP://WWW.THEAUTOBAHN.COM/FORUM/SHOWTHREAD.PHP?T=12789 I CANNOT ACCEPT VW'S LACK OF RESPONSIBILITY ON THIS.
NHTSA ODI #10152333
Mileage unknown · Dec 21, 2005
Structure
WHEN IT RAINS, WATER LEAKS INTO AND FLOODS THE FOOT WELL ON THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE. *NM
NHTSA ODI #10145872
23,700 miles · Dec 1, 2005
Engine And Engine Cooling
MY 2004 VW PASSAT HAS 23,700 MILES ON IT WHEN THE STOP ENGINE LIGHT WENT ON. I HAD IT TOWED TO EAST COAST VW WHERE I HAD LEASED IT. THEY TOLD ME I HAVE THE WELL KNOWN 'ENGINE SLUDGE' PROBLEM AND IT WILL COST BETWEEN $2700 AND $5000 TO REPAIR IT. I WAS TOLD THAT I NEEDED MY OIL CHANGE HISTORY DOCUMENTATION. I PRODUCED 5 INVOICES…
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MY 2004 VW PASSAT HAS 23,700 MILES ON IT WHEN THE STOP ENGINE LIGHT WENT ON. I HAD IT TOWED TO EAST COAST VW WHERE I HAD LEASED IT. THEY TOLD ME I HAVE THE WELL KNOWN 'ENGINE SLUDGE' PROBLEM AND IT WILL COST BETWEEN $2700 AND $5000 TO REPAIR IT. I WAS TOLD THAT I NEEDED MY OIL CHANGE HISTORY DOCUMENTATION. I PRODUCED 5 INVOICES FOR THE TIME I HAD THE CAR (DEC. 3, 2003). I WAS TOLD MY INVOICES WERE NOT GOOD ENOUGH AND VW WILL NOT HONOR MY WARRANTY. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10144165
10,075 miles · Nov 29, 2005
Engine And Engine Cooling
I OWN A 2004 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT, WHICH I LEASE FROM VW. I WAS BACKING OUT OF MY DRIVEWAY AT NO MORE THAN THREE MILES PER HOUR INTO THE STREET. AS I CUT THE WHEEL TO KEEP THE VEHICLE ON MY SIDE OF THE TRAFFIC LANES, I RAN ASKEW OF THE DRIVEWAY AND OVER THE RISING EDGE WHERE THE DRIVEWAY RISES TO MEET THE CURB - A MERE 6". I HA…
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I OWN A 2004 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT, WHICH I LEASE FROM VW. I WAS BACKING OUT OF MY DRIVEWAY AT NO MORE THAN THREE MILES PER HOUR INTO THE STREET. AS I CUT THE WHEEL TO KEEP THE VEHICLE ON MY SIDE OF THE TRAFFIC LANES, I RAN ASKEW OF THE DRIVEWAY AND OVER THE RISING EDGE WHERE THE DRIVEWAY RISES TO MEET THE CURB - A MERE 6". I HAVE PICTURES. I HEARD A FAINT SCRAPING NOISE AND LAMENTED THE FACT I SCRAPED THE BOTTOM OF THE CAR, BUT GIVEN THE MINISCULE HEIGHT OF THE DROP FROM MID-CURB EDGE TO THE STREET, I DIDN'T THINK ANYTHING OF IT AND PROCEEDED TO MY DESTINATION AND THEN BACK HOME WITHOUT INCIDENT. THE NEXT TIME I USED MY CAR I NOTICED A LARGE PUDDLE OF OIL AND WAS SHOCKED TO FIND THAT THE OIL PAN, WHICH WAS STRATEGICALLY ENGINEERED TO RESIDE AT THE LOWEST AND MOST SUSCEPTIBLE PLACE ON THE ENGINE, HAD THE TINIEST CRACK AND WAS LEAKING OIL. I CALLED VW TO INQUIRE ABOUT A NEW PART WHERE THEY INFORMED ME THAT THE OIL PAN IS ALUMINUM AND COST $158 FOR A NEW ONE, BUT THAT BECAUSE IT IS BOLTED TO THE VEHICLES SUB-FRAME IT WILL COST ME $650 IN LABOR TO REPAIR THE PART. NEARLY $800 TO FIX AN OIL PAN? THIS IS CLEARLY AN ATTEMPT BY VW TO EXTORT MORE MONEY FROM ITS CUSTOMERS. WHO WOULD DESIGN A VEHICLE IN SUCH A MANNER AS THIS OTHERWISE? TO PLACE AN ALUMINUM OIL PAN AT THE LOWEST POINT OF THE ENGINE WITH NO PROTECTION IS CRIMINAL. LUCKILY I NOTICED THIS LEAK, BUT OTHERS WHO MAY BE LESS OBSERVANT COULD EASILY RUPTURE THIS OIL PAN AS INNOCUOUSLY AS I DID AND FAILING TO NOTICE THE LEAK, CONTINUE TO DRIVE THE CAR AS IT LEAKS OIL - POTENTIALLY BURNING UP THE MOTOR AND CAUSING DANGEROUS ENGINE FIRES OR WORSE, THE ENGINE SEIZING AT HIGH SPEEDS. I CONTACTED VW ABOUT THIS ISSUE AND THAT THEY WOULDN'T DO ANYTHING TO HELP ME RECOUP THE COSTS OF THIS REPAIR. THIS CAR HAS A MAJOR SAFETY FLAW THAT COULD MAKE MILLIONS OF MOTORISTS SUSCEPTIBLE TO SERIOUS HARM AND I HOPE THAT THE NHTSA WILL FURTHER INVESTIGATE THIS ISSUE AND HELP SAVE ANY FUTURE LOSS OF MONEY OR LIFE. *JB
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.
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.
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
3
EA11002 · 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.
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.
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.
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.
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