NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
148 reports80,000 miles · Feb 24, 2009
Engine And Engine Cooling
I HAVE RECENTLY COME TO THE NEED OF HAVING TO REPLACE A CRITICAL PART OF THE ENGINE OIL SYSTEM IN MY 2005 PASSAT TDI. FOR VARIOUS REASONS, NOT THE LEAST OF WHICH IS AN INFERIOR DESIGN, THE BALANCE SHAFT ASSEMBLY ON THIS PARTICULAR ENGINE (2004-2005 MODEL YEARS) WILL CAUSE OIL FLOW TO THE ENGINE TO CEASE, DISRUPTING SAFE TRAVEL …
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I HAVE RECENTLY COME TO THE NEED OF HAVING TO REPLACE A CRITICAL PART OF THE ENGINE OIL SYSTEM IN MY 2005 PASSAT TDI. FOR VARIOUS REASONS, NOT THE LEAST OF WHICH IS AN INFERIOR DESIGN, THE BALANCE SHAFT ASSEMBLY ON THIS PARTICULAR ENGINE (2004-2005 MODEL YEARS) WILL CAUSE OIL FLOW TO THE ENGINE TO CEASE, DISRUPTING SAFE TRAVEL OF THE CAR IMMEDIATELY, REGARDLESS OF THE SPEED OF TRAVEL. THIS FAILURE IS EXCEPTIONALLY DANGEROUS AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS OF 70+ MPH. IF THIS FAILURE WERE TO OCCUR AT HIGHWAY SPEED, THE DRIVER WOULD NOTICE A SUDDEN DECELERATION AND A NEED TO MOVE TO THE SHOULDER ABRUPTLY. NOT ONLY WOULD THIS ENDANGER THE DRIVER AND OCCUPANTS OF SAID VEHICLE, BUT OTHER DRIVERS ON THE ROADWAY AS WELL. VOLKSWAGEN HAS YET TO ISSUE A STATEMENT, RECALL OR WARNING TO OWNERS OF THIS PARTICULAR VEHICLE, NOR IS IT MENTIONED ANYWHERE IN THE OWNER'S MANUAL AS PART OF A VEHICLE MAINTENANCE PROGRAM. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10259750
Mileage unknown · Feb 24, 2009
Engine And Engine Cooling
DESIGN FLAW OF 2004-2005 PASSAT TDI VEHICLES SOLD IN USA AND CANADA INVOLVING THE BALANCE SHAFT MODULE AND ITS CHAIN DRIVEN OIL PUMP DESIGN. THE CHAIN HAS BEEN REPORTED TO FAIL WITH NO WARNING. VW HAS ISSUED NEW DESIGN TO REPLACE THE OLD BUT HAS NOT COMMENCED AND RECALL AS OF YET. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10259733
91,000 miles · Feb 24, 2009
Engine And Engine Cooling
2005 VW PASSAT TDI HAD A LOUD NOISE COMING FROM THE ENGINE LIKE MARBLES IN A BLENDER. THE CAR ALSO SHOOK VIOLENTLY. IT GOT PROGRESSIVELY WORSE OVER TIME UNTIL IT WAS UNBEARABLE. THE NOISE AND VIBRATIONS WERE CONSTANT - WHENEVER THE CAR WAS RUNNING. I FINALLY TOOK THE CAR INTO THE SHOP AND IT TURNS OUT THE TIMING CHAIN THAT D…
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2005 VW PASSAT TDI HAD A LOUD NOISE COMING FROM THE ENGINE LIKE MARBLES IN A BLENDER. THE CAR ALSO SHOOK VIOLENTLY. IT GOT PROGRESSIVELY WORSE OVER TIME UNTIL IT WAS UNBEARABLE. THE NOISE AND VIBRATIONS WERE CONSTANT - WHENEVER THE CAR WAS RUNNING. I FINALLY TOOK THE CAR INTO THE SHOP AND IT TURNS OUT THE TIMING CHAIN THAT DRIVES THE OIL PUMP AND BALANCE MODULE WAS BAD. THE SHOP HAD TO REPLACE THE ENTIRE OIL PUMP AND BALANCE MODULE DUE TO A REDESIGN FROM VW. THE NEW DESIGN IS NOW GEAR DRIVEN. THE OLD PARTS ARE AVAILABLE AT THE SHOP THAT DID THE REPLACEMENT. IT LOOKS LIKE VW DID UPGRADE THE PARTS BACK IN THE EARLY PART OF 2008 BUT THEY HAVE NOT NOTIFIED THEIR CUSTOMER BASE NOR HAVE THEY ISSUED ANY RECALL. IF THE CHAIN WERE TO BREAK THERE WOULD BE OIL STARVATION TO THE ENGINE BECAUSE THE CHAIN DRIVES THE OIL PUMP. THIS COULD LEAD TO CATASTROPHIC DAMAGE AND ALSO LIFE THREATENING INJURIES IF THIS WERE TO HAPPEN WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION. I'M VERY LUCKY THAT I REPAIRED MY CAR WHEN I DID. TOTAL COST FOR THE REPAIR WAS AROUND $2400.00. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10259732
102,000 miles · Feb 17, 2009
Engine And Engine CoolingPower Train
EVENTUAL FAILURE OF CHAIN DRIVEN OIL PUMP AND BALANCE SHAFTS, RESULTING IN A SUDDEN LOSS OF POWER AND DESTRUCTION OF THE ENGINE, LEADING TO A POTENTIAL LIFE/SAFETY SITUATION IN THIS 2005 PASSAT TDI. THIS METHOD OF DRIVING THE OIL PUMP AND BALANCE SHAFTS IS A VOLKSWAGEN ACKNOWLEDGED ENGINEERING FLAW AS NOTED IN TECHNICAL PRODUCT …
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EVENTUAL FAILURE OF CHAIN DRIVEN OIL PUMP AND BALANCE SHAFTS, RESULTING IN A SUDDEN LOSS OF POWER AND DESTRUCTION OF THE ENGINE, LEADING TO A POTENTIAL LIFE/SAFETY SITUATION IN THIS 2005 PASSAT TDI. THIS METHOD OF DRIVING THE OIL PUMP AND BALANCE SHAFTS IS A VOLKSWAGEN ACKNOWLEDGED ENGINEERING FLAW AS NOTED IN TECHNICAL PRODUCT INFORMATION BULLETIN 2016429/2. NOT WISHING TO REPLACE AN ENGINE THAT AS A RESULT OF SAID FAILURE, MIGHT POTENTIALLY PLACE MYSELF AND PASSENGERS IN A LIFE THREATENING SITUATION, I HAVE PROACTIVELY CHANGED OUT THE CHAIN-DRIVEN OIL PUMP/BALANCE SHAFT MODULE FOR A GEAR DRIVEN ASSEMBLY AT A COST TO MYSELF OF $3000. I BELIEVE VW NEEDS TO STEP UP AND ISSUE A RECALL FOR THIS MODEL. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10259168
50,000 miles · Feb 14, 2009
Engine And Engine CoolingFuel System, OtherPower Train
I CURRENTLY LEASE A 2005 VW PASSAT. WARRANTY OFFERED: 5 YR/ 50,000 MILE. APPROX. NOV 7, 2008 VEHICLE DASHBOARD BEGAN TO REGISTER "STOP OIL PRESS LOW". IMMEDIATELY PULLED INTO CLOSEST GAS STATION AND PURCHASED A SYNTHETIC OIL FOR VW THINKING THIS WOULD SOLVE THE PROBLEM. ON NOV 17, 2008 DASHBOARD LIT UP AGAIN WITH SAME MESSAGE AN…
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I CURRENTLY LEASE A 2005 VW PASSAT. WARRANTY OFFERED: 5 YR/ 50,000 MILE. APPROX. NOV 7, 2008 VEHICLE DASHBOARD BEGAN TO REGISTER "STOP OIL PRESS LOW". IMMEDIATELY PULLED INTO CLOSEST GAS STATION AND PURCHASED A SYNTHETIC OIL FOR VW THINKING THIS WOULD SOLVE THE PROBLEM. ON NOV 17, 2008 DASHBOARD LIT UP AGAIN WITH SAME MESSAGE AND IMMEDIATELY BROUGHT VEHICLE INTO VISTA VW, POMPANO BCH, FLORIDA. WAS INSTRUCTED THAT ISSUE WAS POSSIBLY DUE TO FAULTY OIL PRESSURE DIP STICK CYLINDER AND NEED OF OIL CHANGE. (CYLINDER REPLACED AND OIL CHANGE COMPLETED) PRIOR OIL CHANGE WAS COMPLETED AT VISTA VW POMPANO BEACH. VW MECHANIC PLACED A CLEAR OIL CHANGE MAINT. STICKER WITH INCORRECT MILEAGE DUE AT NEXT OIL CHANGE. OIL CHANGE SHOULD HAVE OCCURRED AT 38,000 MILES VS. 45,000. VISTA VW STATED I WOULD NEED TO PAY FOR A DIAGNOSTIC TEST TO BE COMPLETED (APPROX $166.00) AS WELL AS AN HOURLY CHARGE FOR LABOR (APPROX. $110 P/HR) NOT INCLUDING ANY AND ALL REPAIR TO BE PAID FOR UPON COMPLETION. THIS DUE TO WARRANTY EXPIRED. BROUGHT VEHICLE IN AT 792 MILES OVER 50,000. DUE TO THE EXPENSE THAT I WOULD HAVE INCURRED IT WAS NOT FEASIBLE FOR ME TO GO AHEAD AND PERFORM THIS DIAGNOSTIC TEST HENCE CAUSING ME TO LEAVE NO FURTHER CHOICE BUT TO DECLINE SERVICE. I ATTEMPTED TO TRADE MY PASSAT IN EARLY AND RELEASE A NEW VEHICLE AND WAS UNSUCCESSFUL IN DOING SO. APPROXIMATELY 1 MONTH LATER I WAS AT GUNTHER VW COCONUT CREEK AND INFORMED FINANCE MGR THAT I NOW HAVE AN ENGINE LIGHT ON. I WAS TOLD TO TRY AND DRIVE THE VEHICLE BACK HOME AND SEE IF THE LIGHT GOES OUT. THAT MAYBE IT'S A FAULTY SENSOR. UPON ARRIVAL AT MY RESIDENCE THE VEHICLE COMPLETELY SHUT DOWN AND ENGINE FAILED. THE FOLLOWING DAY I HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO A MECHANIC. MY MECHANIC STATED THAT THE APPROX. COST FOR REPAIR WOULD BE ANYWHERE BETWEEN $8,000 - $10,000. I IMMEDIATELY BEGAN RESEARCH AND FOUND THERE IS A LAWSUIT FROM THE CONSUMERS OF VW PASSATS IN REGARD TO THIS EXACT SAME MECHANICAL ISSUE & VW WILL NOT COMPLY WITH THIS ISSUE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10258654
59,999 miles · Feb 5, 2009
Engine And Engine Cooling
I HAVE NOT HAD FAILURE YET, BUT THERE ARE SEVERAL INDIVIDUALS WHO OWN THE SAME EXACT CAR I OWN, A 2005 VW PASSAT TDI. THERE IS AN ONGOING CONCERN AT SEVERAL NEWS GROUPS INCLUDING WWW.TDICLUB.COM AND OTHER DIESEL ENTHUSIAST NEWSGROUPS ABOUT THE OIL PUMP CHAIN UNIT THAT IS IN THE VW BHW 2.0 TURBODIESEL ENGINE. MANY OF THESE CARS W…
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I HAVE NOT HAD FAILURE YET, BUT THERE ARE SEVERAL INDIVIDUALS WHO OWN THE SAME EXACT CAR I OWN, A 2005 VW PASSAT TDI. THERE IS AN ONGOING CONCERN AT SEVERAL NEWS GROUPS INCLUDING WWW.TDICLUB.COM AND OTHER DIESEL ENTHUSIAST NEWSGROUPS ABOUT THE OIL PUMP CHAIN UNIT THAT IS IN THE VW BHW 2.0 TURBODIESEL ENGINE. MANY OF THESE CARS WHEN THEY GET OUT OF WARRANTY AT 60K WILL START TO HAVE ENGINE NOISE WHICH IS INDICATIVE OF THE OIL PUMP CHAIN UNIT CHAIN WEAKENING. THIS CONDITION LEADS TO COMPLETE FAILURE WITHOUT GENERAL WARNING. THIS IS A DISASTER WAITING TO HAPPEN. VW IN EUROPE HAS DEVELOPED A FIX FOR THIS ENGINE THAT INVOLVES INSTALLING A GEAR SYSTEM INSTEAD OF THE CHAIN AND TENSIONER SYSTEM FOR THE ENGINE BALANCING SYSTEM. THERE ARE SEVERAL EPISODES OF PEOPLE HAVING THE ENGINES FAIL WHILE ON THE ROAD. I AM CONCERNED AS AN OWNER OF THIS PARTICULAR ENGINE VW PASSAT. THERE WERE ABOUT 12 THOUSAND OF THESE IMPORTED INTO THE USA. I KNOW OF AT LEAST FOUR INDIVIDUALS WHO HAVE HAD THIS SITUATION HAPPEN TO THEM AND THEIR PASSAT. THE REPAIRS ARE NOT CHEAP IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD OF $3000 AT A BARE MINIMUM WITH UP TO 9 THOUSAND FOR A NEW MOTOR, EVEN DESPITE OWNERS USING THE PROPER SPECIFIED MOTOR OIL. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10257528
Mileage unknown · Feb 3, 2009
Engine And Engine Cooling
LTR FROM SENATOR MURKOWSKI ON BEHALF OF CONSTITUENT WHO HAS CONCERNS RE THE SAFETY OF THE 2005 VW PASSAT TDI STATION WAGON. *NJ THE CONSUMER STATED THERE IS A DESIGN ISSUE WITH THE ENGINE. THE CONSUMER STATED VW USED AN UNUSUAL COMBINATION OF A CHAIN DRIVEN OIL PUMP (NORMALLY GEAR DRIVE) AND ASSOCIATED WITH THAT A COUNTER BAL…
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LTR FROM SENATOR MURKOWSKI ON BEHALF OF CONSTITUENT WHO HAS CONCERNS RE THE SAFETY OF THE 2005 VW PASSAT TDI STATION WAGON. *NJ THE CONSUMER STATED THERE IS A DESIGN ISSUE WITH THE ENGINE. THE CONSUMER STATED VW USED AN UNUSUAL COMBINATION OF A CHAIN DRIVEN OIL PUMP (NORMALLY GEAR DRIVE) AND ASSOCIATED WITH THAT A COUNTER BALANCER TO REDUCE VIBRATION IN THE DIESEL ENGINE. THE OIL CHAIN IS PRONE TO FAILURE, AND THE BALANCER SHAFT IS NOT A TIGHT ENOUGH FIT. THE CONSUMER STATED THE REPAIR IS COSTLY AND THERE IS NO REAL FIX FOR THE ISSUE. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10257848
52,000 miles · Jan 29, 2009
Seats
I HAD A 2005 VW PASSAT HEATED LEATHER SEAT BURN MY LEG AND SEAT. CAUSED BY FAULTY SEAT HEATER. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10256897
Mileage unknown · Jan 29, 2009
Engine And Engine Cooling
I HAVE NOT HAD FAILURE YET, BUT THERE ARE SEVERAL INDIVIDUALS WHO OWN THE SAME EXACT CAR I OWN, A 2005 VW PASSAT TDI. THERE IS AN ONGOING CONCERN AT SEVERAL NEWS GROUPS INCLUDING WWW.TDICLUB.COM AND OTHER DIESEL ENTHUSIAST NEWSGROUPS ABOUT THE OIL PUMP CHAIN UNIT THAT IS IN THE VW BHW 2.0 TURBODIESEL ENGINE. MANY OF THESE CARS…
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I HAVE NOT HAD FAILURE YET, BUT THERE ARE SEVERAL INDIVIDUALS WHO OWN THE SAME EXACT CAR I OWN, A 2005 VW PASSAT TDI. THERE IS AN ONGOING CONCERN AT SEVERAL NEWS GROUPS INCLUDING WWW.TDICLUB.COM AND OTHER DIESEL ENTHUSIAST NEWSGROUPS ABOUT THE OIL PUMP CHAIN UNIT THAT IS IN THE VW BHW 2.0 TURBODIESEL ENGINE. MANY OF THESE CARS WHEN THEY GET OUT OF WARRANTY AT 60K WILL START TO HAVE ENGINE NOISE WHICH IS INDICATIVE OF THE OIL PUMP CHAIN UNIT CHAIN WEAKENING. THIS CONDITION LEADS TO COMPLETE FAILURE WITHOUT GENERAL WARNING. THIS IS A DISASTER AWAITING TO HAPPEN. VW IN EUROPE HAS DEVELOPED A FIX FOR THIS ENGINE THAT INVOLVES INSTALLING A GEAR SYSTEM INSTEAD OF THE CHAIN AND TENSIONER SYSTEM FOR THE ENGINE BALANCING SYSTEM. THERE ARE SEVERAL EPISODES OF PEOPLE HAVING THE ENGINES FAIL WHILE ON THE ROAD. I AM CONCERNED AS AN OWNER OF THIS PARTICULAR ENGINE VW PASSAT. THERE WERE ABOUT 12 THOUSAND OF THESE IMPORTED INTO THE USA. I KNOW OF AT LEAST FOUR INDIVIDUALS WHO HAVE HAD THIS SITUATION HAPPEN TO THEM AND THEIR PASSAT. THE REPAIRS ARE NOT CHEAP IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD OF $3000 AT A BARE MINIMUM WITH UP TO 9 THOUSAND FOR A NEW MOTOR, EVEN DESPITE OWNERS USING THE PROPER SPECIFIED MOTOR OIL. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10256836
82,000 miles · Jan 16, 2009
Engine And Engine Cooling
THE BALANCE SHAFTS IN THIS ENGINE (2005 VW B5 PASSAT TDI) 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. OURS LET GO AT SPEED WITH MY FAMILY OF FIVE ON BOARD. FORTUNATELY NO ONE WAS INJURED AT THE SUDDEN DECELERATION IN TRAFFIC. …
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THE BALANCE SHAFTS IN THIS ENGINE (2005 VW B5 PASSAT TDI) 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. OURS LET GO AT SPEED WITH MY FAMILY OF FIVE ON BOARD. FORTUNATELY NO ONE WAS INJURED AT THE SUDDEN DECELERATION IN TRAFFIC. A FIX HAS BEEN MANDATED IN THE ECU BUT NOT IN THE US. THERE IS NO CURRENT OFFICIAL "FIX" FROM VW AMERICA. THE EXPECTATION IS THE ENGINE WILL SELF DESTRUCT AND THE CUSTOMER WILL BE REQUIRED TO PURCHASE AN ENTIRE $5000-8000 MOTOR WITH A REPLACEMENT GEAR ASSEMBLY. VOLKSWAGEN TECHNICAL PRODUCT INFORMATION 016429. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10255358
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.
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