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2005 Volkswagen Passat

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Similar to other model years

Owner complaints for the 2005 Volkswagen Passat do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 110.

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When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

123 reports with mileage · 25 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 50 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Power Train. Review the 13 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Seats. Review the 13 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

7 crash reports11 fire reports4 injury reports

Engine And Engine Cooling complaints

50 reports
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92,000 miles · May 22, 2009
Engine And Engine Cooling

I HAVE A 2005 PASSAT TDI THAT HAD ITS BALANCE SHAFT MODULE AND CHAIN THAT DRIVE THE OIL PUMP FAIL AT 92,000 MILES. IT HAPPENED WHILE I WAS DRIVING ON A TWO LANE ROAD AND I HAD TO STOP THE CAR ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE MECHANIC THAT IS DOING THE JOB IS CHARGING ME $1500 FOR THE REPAIR AND THE PARTS ARE ABOUT $1300. I HAVE ST…

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I HAVE A 2005 PASSAT TDI THAT HAD ITS BALANCE SHAFT MODULE AND CHAIN THAT DRIVE THE OIL PUMP FAIL AT 92,000 MILES. IT HAPPENED WHILE I WAS DRIVING ON A TWO LANE ROAD AND I HAD TO STOP THE CAR ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE MECHANIC THAT IS DOING THE JOB IS CHARGING ME $1500 FOR THE REPAIR AND THE PARTS ARE ABOUT $1300. I HAVE STARTED TO RESEARCH THIS FAILURE AND HAVE FOUND OUT THAT IT IS QUITE COMMON AND VW HAS NOT DONE A RECALL TO REPAIR THE PROBLEM THE NHTSA SHOULD LOOK INTO THIS AND FORCE VW TO RECALL THESE CARS FOR THEY ARE A SAFETY HAZARD ON THE ROAD. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10269667

79,000 miles · Apr 7, 2009
Engine And Engine Cooling

THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH THE BHW ENGINE IN MY 2005 PASSAT TDI THE BALANCE SHAFTS IN THIS ENGINE ARE DRIVEN BY A CHAIN OFF THE MOTOR, WHICH ALSO DRIVES THE OIL PUMP. THIS UNFORTUNATE DESIGN SUBJECTS THE CHAIN TO STRESSES IT CANNOT WITHSTAND. ON VARIOUS TDI FORUMS, ESPECIALLY TDICLUB.COM, THERE ARE A SIGNIFICANT NUMBER OF CHAIN F…

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THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH THE BHW ENGINE IN MY 2005 PASSAT TDI THE BALANCE SHAFTS IN THIS ENGINE ARE DRIVEN BY A CHAIN OFF THE MOTOR, WHICH ALSO DRIVES THE OIL PUMP. THIS UNFORTUNATE DESIGN SUBJECTS THE CHAIN TO STRESSES IT CANNOT WITHSTAND. ON VARIOUS TDI FORUMS, ESPECIALLY TDICLUB.COM, THERE ARE A SIGNIFICANT NUMBER OF CHAIN FAILURES BEING REPORTED. OF COURSE, WHEN THE CHAIN DRIVING THE OIL PUMP FAILS, THE ENGINE IS STARVED OF ESSENTIAL LUBRICATION. IF THE FAILURE OF THE CHAIN CAUSES ENGINE TO STOP RUNNING IN THE MIDDLE OF TRAFFIC, MERGING ONTO A HIGHWAY, OR PASSING ON THE HIGHWAY, THIS CONDITION COULD EASILY CAUSE DANGER TO ALL CITIZENS NEARBY, POSSIBLY LEADING TO DEATH. RECENTLY, VOLKSWAGEN IN EUROPE RECOGNIZED THE PROBLEM AND DESIGNED A REPAIR, WHICH CHANGES THE CHAIN DRIVEN OIL PUMP TO A GEAR DRIVEN OIL PUMP. THIS APPEARS TO BE A PERMANENT FIX TO THE ORIGINAL DESIGN DEFECT. THE REPAIR IS QUITE EXPENSIVE. WHEN THE CHAIN FAILS, THE PARTS TO REPAIR COST APPROXIMATELY $1800 PLUS APPROXIMATELY ANOTHER $1500 IN LABOR BILLS TO HAVE THE PARTS INSTALLED. IF THE ENGINE IS DESTROYED, IT WILL COST THE OWNER APPROXIMATELY $8000 TO REPLACE THE ENGINE. THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE. I BELIEVE IT IS NOW OBVIOUS THAT ALL THE BHW ENGINES WILL FAIL UNLESS THE GEAR DRIVEN OIL PUMP MODIFICATION IS UNDERTAKEN. IT IS UNFAIR TO EXPECT OWNERS OF THESE VEHICLES TO PAY FOR THE REPAIRS. THE PROBLEM ORIGINATED WITH A FLAWED DESIGN. THIS IS NOT A SMALL PROBLEM, AS THIS DESIGN FLAW WILL LEAD TO TOTAL ENGINE FAILURE. MY VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY EXPERIENCING SEVERE NOISE OSCILLATIONS THAT IS ATTRIBUTED TO IMMINENT FAILURE OF THE AFOREMENTIONED CHAIN ASSEMBLY. THUS, I MUST PAY TO REPAIR THIS DESIGN FLAW BEFORE IT CAN CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. SO FAR, VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA HAS NOT PROVIDED ADEQUATE SUPPORT FOR RESOLVING THIS DESIGN PROBLEM. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10264373

62,000 miles · Mar 28, 2009
Engine And Engine Cooling

VEHICLE AFFECTED IS A 2004-2005 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT TDI EQUIPPED WITH A 2.0L DIESEL ENGINE. CODEDBHW. THE OIL PUMP BALANCE SHAFT MODULE AND CHAIN ARE WEEK IN DESIGN AND ARE FAILING WITHOUT ANY WARNING TO THE DRIVER. WHEN THIS FAILURE OCCUR THE ENGINE IS STARVED OF OIL AND INTERNAL FAILURE IS IMMINENT. SAFETY OF OPERATION BECOMES…

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VEHICLE AFFECTED IS A 2004-2005 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT TDI EQUIPPED WITH A 2.0L DIESEL ENGINE. CODEDBHW. THE OIL PUMP BALANCE SHAFT MODULE AND CHAIN ARE WEEK IN DESIGN AND ARE FAILING WITHOUT ANY WARNING TO THE DRIVER. WHEN THIS FAILURE OCCUR THE ENGINE IS STARVED OF OIL AND INTERNAL FAILURE IS IMMINENT. SAFETY OF OPERATION BECOMES COMPROMISED AT THIS POINT SINCE AN ENGINE FAILURE AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS REMOVES ALL POWER STEERING AND BRAKING FEATURES AND THE DRIVER IS ALONG FOR THE RIDE UNTIL GETTING THE VEHICLE TO A STOP BY USE OF E-BRAKE OR OTHER SPEED REDUCING MANEUVERS AND HOPEFULLY AVOIDING A COLLISION. THIS FAILURE IS BEING REPORTED AT A BROAD RANGE OF MILEAGE STARTING WITH 45,000 AND UP. ITS MAIN SIGN IS A LOUD CHAIN RATTLE OR ABNORMAL VIBRATION WHILE AT IDLE. VOLKSWAGEN HAS ISSUED AN UPGRADED PART BUT NO FURTHER GUIDANCE WAS ISSUED. THERE ARE NO RECALLS OR WARRANTY REPAIRS AS OF RIGHT NOW. ALL OWNERS ARE UPGRADING THERE VEHICLES WITH A GEAR DRIVEN ASSEMBLY AT A PRICE TAG FOR THE REPAIR OF $3000. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10263521

44,867 miles · Mar 28, 2009
Engine And Engine Cooling

MY VW PASSAT WAGON GLS TDI (DIESEL) ENGINE HAS BEEN MAKING A LOUD NOISE AND VIBRATION AT STOP OVER THE LAST YEAR AND WORSENED UNTIL I HAD IT REPAIRED. I TOOK IT TO AN INDEPENDENT AUTO SHOP AND WAS TOLD THE CHAIN DRIVEN OIL PUMP AND TENSIONERS WERE MAKING THE NOISE. THE BRILLIANT MECHANIC REPLACED THE PARTS WITH A GEAR DRIVEN OIL…

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MY VW PASSAT WAGON GLS TDI (DIESEL) ENGINE HAS BEEN MAKING A LOUD NOISE AND VIBRATION AT STOP OVER THE LAST YEAR AND WORSENED UNTIL I HAD IT REPAIRED. I TOOK IT TO AN INDEPENDENT AUTO SHOP AND WAS TOLD THE CHAIN DRIVEN OIL PUMP AND TENSIONERS WERE MAKING THE NOISE. THE BRILLIANT MECHANIC REPLACED THE PARTS WITH A GEAR DRIVEN OIL PUMP AND THE VIBRATIONS AND NOISE STOPPED. I THINK THIS IS A DESIGN FLAW AND SHOULD BE RECALLED BY VW. THE MECHANIC SAID THAT THE OIL PUMP CHAIN TENSIONERS WERE CLOSE TO BREAKING. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10263307

77,000 miles · Mar 25, 2009
Engine And Engine Cooling

2005 VW PASSAT TDI HEATER CORE FAILURE, A COMMON VW RECALL PROBLEM. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10263034

94,000 miles · Mar 17, 2009
Engine And Engine Cooling

NVS-216 MEC AND REF. # IS 10257848 VW 2005 PASSAT TDI BALANCE SHAFT REPLACEMENT THIS WAS A VERY EXPENSIVE REPAIR($3200)OT AVOID A CATASTROPHIC FAILURE OF THE ENGINE AT ANY SPEED THAT COULD RESULT IN TOTAL LOSE OF CONTROL. THIS IS A DESIGN FLAW BY VW AND SHOULD BE REPLACE AT THEIR COST! *TR

NHTSA ODI #10262200

41,000 miles · Mar 11, 2009
Engine And Engine Cooling

EXCESSIVE NOISE FROM OIL PUMP, CHAIN UNIT, AND CHAIN (AND POSSIBLY BALANCE SHAFT) DUE TO ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT DESIGN. I BELIEVE A FAILURE IS IMMINENT AND WITHIN 100 MILES. FAILURE OF THE BALANCE SHAFT ASSEMBLY AND THE ENGINE OIL PUMP SYSTEM DRIVE CAN LEAD TO CATASTROPHIC ENGINE FAILURE WITH LOSS OF OIL PRESSURE, BROKEN OIL P…

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EXCESSIVE NOISE FROM OIL PUMP, CHAIN UNIT, AND CHAIN (AND POSSIBLY BALANCE SHAFT) DUE TO ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT DESIGN. I BELIEVE A FAILURE IS IMMINENT AND WITHIN 100 MILES. FAILURE OF THE BALANCE SHAFT ASSEMBLY AND THE ENGINE OIL PUMP SYSTEM DRIVE CAN LEAD TO CATASTROPHIC ENGINE FAILURE WITH LOSS OF OIL PRESSURE, BROKEN OIL PAN, BROKEN FRONT ENGINE SEAL FLANGE, AND DAMAGED CRANKSHAFT. THIS CAN RESULT IN DAMAGE TO THE EXTENT THAT THE ENGINE MUST BE REPLACED. IF THIS OCCURS WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN TRAFFIC, IT CAN LEAD TO A COLLISION WITH INJURIES OR DEATHS. MY VEHICLE IS STILL UNDER WARRANTY, HOWEVER, IT IS UNCLEAR THAT THE EXTENSIVE PARTS AND LABOR TO REPAIR WILL BE CORRECTED BY VW DEALER DUE TO THE LIMITED NUMBER OF VEHICLES SUCH AS THIS IN NORTH AMERICA. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10261575

66,000 miles · Feb 26, 2009
Engine And Engine Cooling

THE BALANCE SHAFTS IN THIS ENGINE ARE DRIVEN BY A HEX SHAFT OFF THE CHAIN DRIVEN OIL PUMP. THIS UNFORTUNATE DESIGN SUBJECTS THE CHAIN TO STRESSES IT CANNOT WITHSTAND. MY OWN PASSAT HAD THE OIL PUMP AND BALANCE SHAFT REPLACED 2/16/09 WITH LESS THAN 65,000 MILES. THANKFULLY, A GOOD MECHANIC DETECTED THE PROBLEM BEFORE I HAD A …

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THE BALANCE SHAFTS IN THIS ENGINE ARE DRIVEN BY A HEX SHAFT OFF THE CHAIN DRIVEN OIL PUMP. THIS UNFORTUNATE DESIGN SUBJECTS THE CHAIN TO STRESSES IT CANNOT WITHSTAND. MY OWN PASSAT HAD THE OIL PUMP AND BALANCE SHAFT REPLACED 2/16/09 WITH LESS THAN 65,000 MILES. THANKFULLY, A GOOD MECHANIC DETECTED THE PROBLEM BEFORE I HAD A CATASTROPHIC ENGINE FAILURE. A $3,500 REPAIR IS NEVER WELCOME, BUT IT WAS BETTER THAN REPLACING THE ENGINE LIKE THE VW DEALER RECOMMENDED. I DID A LOT OF RESEARCH ON THIS PROBLEM AND INQUIRED AT SEVERAL VW DEALERSHIPS AND CHOSE THE MOST EXPERIENCED MAN TO DO THE JOB. RECENTLY, VOLKSWAGEN IN EUROPE RECOGNIZED THE PROBLEM AND DESIGNED A REPAIR WHICH CHANGES THE CHAIN DRIVEN OIL PUMP TO A GEAR DRIVEN OIL PUMP. THIS APPEARS TO BE A PERMANENT FIX TO THE ORIGINAL DESIGN DEFECT. THE REPAIR IS QUITE EXPENSIVE. PARTS WILL COST IN EXCESS OF $1,400 AND LABOR WILL BE IN EXCESS OF $1,200 AT MOST SHOPS. I BELIEVE IT IS NOW OBVIOUS THAT ALL THE BHW ENGINES WILL FAIL UNLESS THE GEAR DRIVEN OIL PUMP MODIFICATION IS UNDERTAKEN. IT IS UNFAIR TO EXPECT OWNERS OF THESE VEHICLES TO PAY FOR THE REPAIRS. THE PROBLEM ORIGINATED WITH A FLAWED DESIGN. THIS IS NOT A SMALL PROBLEM, AS THIS DESIGN FLAW WILL LEAD TO TOTAL ENGINE FAILURE. MY WIFE NORMALLY DRIVES THE CAR AND SHE SHOULD NOT BE PUT THROUGH THIS. IF THE FAILURE OF THE CHAIN CAUSES ENGINE TO STOP RUNNING IN THE MIDDLE OF TRAFFIC, MERGING ONTO A HIGHWAY, OR PASSING ON THE HIGHWAY, THIS CONDITION COULD EASILY CAUSE DANGER TO ALL CITIZENS NEARBY, POSSIBLY LEADING TO DEATH. I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW WHAT STEPS VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA IS TAKING TO INFORM 2004 AND 2005 PASSAT TDI OWNERS OF THIS PROBLEM. GOOD CORPORATE CITIZENSHIP WOULD RECOGNIZE A PROBLEM OF THIS SEVERITY AND SHOULD BE COMMUNICATED TO THE OWNERS AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. THESE ENGINE FAILURES COULD LEAVE MOTORISTS STRANDED UNDER DIRE CIRCUMSTANCES AND THEIR SAFETY IS AT RISK. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10260163

52,000 miles · Feb 26, 2009
Engine And Engine Cooling

ENGINE NOISE, RATTLE, OIL LIGHT. ENGINE (TURBO DIESEL // PASSAT) DOES NOT SEEM NORMAL AND MUCH NOISIER THAN USUAL. OTHER FIENDS WITH TDI'S HAVE HAD MAJOR CONCERNS WITH THEIR CARS (SAME CIRCUMSTANCES). *TR

NHTSA ODI #10259990

90,000 miles · Feb 25, 2009
Engine And Engine Cooling

LOUD NOISE IN THE LOWER HALF OF ENGINE PROMPTED EVALUATION BY MECHANIC. PROBLEM WAS FROM FAILURE OF CHAIN DRIVEN BALANCE MODULE. THIS FAILURE WAS DUE TO FAULTY DESIGN THAT VW HAS ADMITTED TO BY VIRTUE OF NO LONGER MANUFACTURING THIS UNIT AND REPLACING IT WITH A TOTALLY RE-ENGINEERED BALANCE SHAFT MODULE THAT IS GEAR DRIVEN. C…

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LOUD NOISE IN THE LOWER HALF OF ENGINE PROMPTED EVALUATION BY MECHANIC. PROBLEM WAS FROM FAILURE OF CHAIN DRIVEN BALANCE MODULE. THIS FAILURE WAS DUE TO FAULTY DESIGN THAT VW HAS ADMITTED TO BY VIRTUE OF NO LONGER MANUFACTURING THIS UNIT AND REPLACING IT WITH A TOTALLY RE-ENGINEERED BALANCE SHAFT MODULE THAT IS GEAR DRIVEN. COMPLETE FAILURE OF THIS UNIT WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE COULD RESULT IN A COLLISION THAT POTENTIALLY COULD BE FATAL. VW REFUSES TO BE RESPONSIBLE AND ADMIT THEIR ERROR IN DESIGN TO THE PUBLIC, HOPING TO AVOID A COSTLY RECALL CAMPAIGN. IN THE MEANTIME VW OWNERS ARE HAVING TO PAY $2500 TO $3000 FOR THIS REPAIR. AT THE SAME TIME THIS IS A RECOGNIZED PROBLEM WITH THE SAME ENGINES IN EUROPE AND VW HAS RE-ENGINEERED THE PARTS FOR NORTH AMERICA FOR REPLACEMENT. VW NEEDS TO BE HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR THIS DESIGN FAILURE AND THE AFFECTED ENGINES IN NORTH AMERICA NEED TO BE REPAIRED AT VW'S EXPENSE BEFORE SOMEONE GETS KILLED. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10259950

Official recalls

3

08V156000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery

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.

07V063000 · Exterior Lighting:brake Lights:switch

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.

04V586000 · Fuel System, Diesel

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

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.

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.