NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
148 reports40,000 miles · Mar 24, 2010
Exterior Lighting
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE INTERIOR OF THE HEADLIGHT LENSES BECAME FOGGY. AN UNKNOWN PRODUCT WAS PURCHASED TO PREVENT THE HEADLIGHTS FROM CLOUDING BUT TO NO AVAIL. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE OCCURRENCE WAS NORMAL BASED ON THE AGE OF THE LENS AND ENVIRONMENTAL ELEMENTS. THE CO…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE INTERIOR OF THE HEADLIGHT LENSES BECAME FOGGY. AN UNKNOWN PRODUCT WAS PURCHASED TO PREVENT THE HEADLIGHTS FROM CLOUDING BUT TO NO AVAIL. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE OCCURRENCE WAS NORMAL BASED ON THE AGE OF THE LENS AND ENVIRONMENTAL ELEMENTS. THE CONTACT CONFIRMED THAT HE PREVIOUSLY OWNED AN OLDER MODEL VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT AND EXPERIENCED THE EXACT SAME FAILURE. THERE WERE NO REPAIRS MADE TO THE VEHICLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 40,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 45,000.
NHTSA ODI #10321767
66,300 miles · Feb 16, 2010
Engine And Engine Cooling
OIL SLUDGE, OIL PUMP FAILURE, ENGINE FAILURE, NOW MY 2005 VW PASSAT NEEDS A NEW ENGINE , THIS IS A VW MANUFACTURING DEFECT IN THE 4 CYLINDER 1.8 TURBO ENGINE BECAUSE THE TURBOCHARGER GETS TO HOT AND CAUSE THE EXPENSIVE SYNTHETIC OIL BREAKDOWN AND IT SITS IN THE BOTTOM OF THE OIL PAN UNTIL IT GETS SUCKED UP BY THE OIL PUMP AND TH…
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OIL SLUDGE, OIL PUMP FAILURE, ENGINE FAILURE, NOW MY 2005 VW PASSAT NEEDS A NEW ENGINE , THIS IS A VW MANUFACTURING DEFECT IN THE 4 CYLINDER 1.8 TURBO ENGINE BECAUSE THE TURBOCHARGER GETS TO HOT AND CAUSE THE EXPENSIVE SYNTHETIC OIL BREAKDOWN AND IT SITS IN THE BOTTOM OF THE OIL PAN UNTIL IT GETS SUCKED UP BY THE OIL PUMP AND THIS CAUSES YOUR ENGINE TO FAIL. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10310709
139,200 miles · Feb 11, 2010
SeatsFireInjury
I OWN A 2005 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT GLS. THE FACTORY INSTALLED SEAT HEATER MALFUNCTIONED THE OTHER DAY PRODUCING SMOKE, BURNING MY BUTTOCK (AND FINGER WHEN I REACHED DOWN) AND BURNING TWO PEA SIZED HOLES ON THE DRIVER'S SEAT. THE LOCAL VW DEALER WAS AWARE OF THE ISSUE. I ALSO CALLED THE DISTRICT VW OFFICE AT 1-800-822-8987 AND…
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I OWN A 2005 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT GLS. THE FACTORY INSTALLED SEAT HEATER MALFUNCTIONED THE OTHER DAY PRODUCING SMOKE, BURNING MY BUTTOCK (AND FINGER WHEN I REACHED DOWN) AND BURNING TWO PEA SIZED HOLES ON THE DRIVER'S SEAT. THE LOCAL VW DEALER WAS AWARE OF THE ISSUE. I ALSO CALLED THE DISTRICT VW OFFICE AT 1-800-822-8987 AND NOTIFIED THEM OF THE PROBLEM. APPARENTLY VW IS COVERING THE COST OF REPAIR ON SOME BUT NOT ALL VWS. I WAS TOLD THE 2005 PASSAT IS NOT COVERED UNDER ANY KIND OF EXTENDED WARRANTY. HOWEVER, THE DISTRICT OFFICE IS INVESTIGATING THE ISSUE AND PROMISED TO GET BACK TO ME BY DAY'S END TOMORROW. TO ME THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE. OTHER THEN MINOR BURNS TO MY BUTTOCKS AND FINGERS, I WAS ABLE TO SAFELY PULL OVER AND TURN OFF THE SEAT HEATER. THE HEAT AND SMOKE WENT RIGHT AWAY. WHEN I ASKED ABOUT THE SAFETY, THE VW DEALER'S SERVICE DEPARTMENT SUGGESTED I NOT USE THE HEATERS UNTIL THEY ARE REPAIRED. I ASKED ABOUT DISABLING THEM VIA A FUSE OF SOMETHING BUT THEY SAID UNFORTUNATE THE FUSE CONTROLLED OTHER FUNCTIONS IN THE CAR. HOWEVER, I BELIEVE THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE WITH THE 2005 PASSAT GLS. I'M OKAY BUT OTHERS MAY NOT BE SO LUCKY. ALSO, I'M CONCERNED HOW THE VW DEALER'S SERVICE DEPARTMENT SUGGESTED I JUST NOT USE IT AGAIN. WHAT IF SOMEONE ELSE USES THE CAR AND I FORGET TO TELL THEM? THE REPAIR BILL WAS ESTIMATED AT $900+ FOR THE DRIVER'S SEAT ONLY. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10308686
134,500 miles · Jan 5, 2010
Engine And Engine Cooling
I HAVE A 2005 VW PASSAT GLS WITH APPROX 135,000 MILES. I TOOK IT IN TO GET "WINTERIZED", OIL CHANGE AND CLEAR THE ENGINE LIGHT (WHATEVER THE MISFIRE WAS FOR), AND A FACTORY RECALL ON THE ENGINE COILS. GOT ALL THAT DONE (PLUS SERPENTINE BELT REPLACED) AND WAS TOLD THAT THE ENGINE LIGHT SHOULD BE OK, IF IT COMES BACK ON...TO LET T…
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I HAVE A 2005 VW PASSAT GLS WITH APPROX 135,000 MILES. I TOOK IT IN TO GET "WINTERIZED", OIL CHANGE AND CLEAR THE ENGINE LIGHT (WHATEVER THE MISFIRE WAS FOR), AND A FACTORY RECALL ON THE ENGINE COILS. GOT ALL THAT DONE (PLUS SERPENTINE BELT REPLACED) AND WAS TOLD THAT THE ENGINE LIGHT SHOULD BE OK, IF IT COMES BACK ON...TO LET THEM KNOW ASAP. A DAY AND 1/2 LATER, THE LIGHT CAME BACK ON, AND THIS TIME, THERE WAS BARELY ANY HEAT ON IN THE CAR. TOOK IT BACK...THEY STATED THAT THE COILS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED (AGAIN) AND THAT THERE WAS AN OIL LEAK GOING INTO THE COILS & THE FUEL INJECTORS, AND THAT THE HEATER CORE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. I HAD THE COILS AND THE 2 "FAULTY" INJECTORS REPLACED. I GOT FRUSTRATED WITH THIS DEALER AND WENT TO ANOTHER VW DEAL, FOR THEIR EVALUATION. THEY SAID THAT THEY DIDN'T KNOW HOW I COULD'VE BEEN TOLD THAT THE HEATER CORE WAS BAD, WHEN THERE WAS SO MANY OTHER THINGS WRONG BEFORE THEY EVEN GOT TO THE HEATER CORE!! AND THEY GAVE ME 3 OPTIONS: EITHER PAY FOR EACH SERVICE SEPARATELY, GET A NEW/USED ENGINE OR SEE WHAT I CAN GET FOR THIS CAR AND TRADE IT IN (NOT HAPPY @ ALL). I CALLED VW OF A TO SEE IF THERE WERE ANY RECALLS OR COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE HEATER CORE, SINCE IT WAS CAUSING MORE DAMAGE THAT ORIGINALLY THOUGHT, BUT THEY NICELY "DOCUMENTED" IT AND SENT ME A LOYALTY VOUCHER IF I WERE TO GET ANOTHER VW. I AM PISSED. I KNOW I HAVE ALOT OF MILEAGE, BUT THIS IS MAJOR, MAJOR DAMAGE AND EXPENSES TO BE PUT OUT FOR THIS CAR!!! VW NEEDS TO GET IT TOGETHER. I LOVED MY PASSAT UNTIL THIS POINT. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10298315
70,000 miles · Jan 4, 2010
SeatsFire
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HEATED SEATS ON THE DRIVER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE. HE WAS ABLE TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE. THE DEALER STATED THAT THEY WOULD NOTIFY THE CONTACT IF THERE WAS A RELATED RECALL AND HE HAS NOT RECEIVED A RESPONSE FROM THE DEALER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 7…
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HEATED SEATS ON THE DRIVER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE. HE WAS ABLE TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE. THE DEALER STATED THAT THEY WOULD NOTIFY THE CONTACT IF THERE WAS A RELATED RECALL AND HE HAS NOT RECEIVED A RESPONSE FROM THE DEALER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000.
NHTSA ODI #10297964
87,400 miles · Dec 29, 2009
Engine And Engine Cooling
NUMEROUS REPORTS OF VW BHW DIESEL ENGINE OIL BALANCE SHAFT / CHAIN FAILURE ARE REPORTED. VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA REFUSES TO ACKNOWLEDGE ANY RESPONSIBILITY FOR REPAIR DESPITE THE FACT THAT VW HAS RECOGNIZED THE ISSUE AND CHANGED THE DESIGN. FAILURE OF THE BALANCE SHAFT / CHAIN RESULTS IN IMMEDIATE LACK OF POWER CREATING A POTENTIAL…
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NUMEROUS REPORTS OF VW BHW DIESEL ENGINE OIL BALANCE SHAFT / CHAIN FAILURE ARE REPORTED. VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA REFUSES TO ACKNOWLEDGE ANY RESPONSIBILITY FOR REPAIR DESPITE THE FACT THAT VW HAS RECOGNIZED THE ISSUE AND CHANGED THE DESIGN. FAILURE OF THE BALANCE SHAFT / CHAIN RESULTS IN IMMEDIATE LACK OF POWER CREATING A POTENTIAL LIFE SAFETY HAZARD. VW OF CANADA HAS ACKNOWLEDGED RESPONSIBILITY IN SOME DOCUMENTED CASES. VW OF AMERICA SHOULD BE COMPELLED BY GOVERNMENT AUTHORITIES TO RESOLVE THE MATTER ON BEHALF OF US CITIZENS. I AM HAVING THE REPAIR DONE PROACTIVELY TO PREVENT ANY SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE BUT VW SHOULD STEP UP AND REIMBURSE THOSE OF US WHO HAVE PAID FOR THE EXPENSIVE REPAIR ON OUR OWN. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10297392
94,245 miles · Dec 29, 2009
Engine And Engine Cooling
NUMEROUS REPORTS OF VW BHW DIESEL ENGINE OIL BALANCE SHAFT / CHAIN FAILURE ARE REPORTED. VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA REFUSES TO ACKNOWLEDGE ANY RESPONSIBILITY FOR REPAIR DESPITE THE FACT THAT VW HAS RECOGNIZED THE ISSUE AND CHANGED THE DESIGN. FAILURE OF THE BALANCE SHAFT / CHAIN RESULTS IN IMMEDIATE LACK OF POWER CREATING A POTENTIAL…
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NUMEROUS REPORTS OF VW BHW DIESEL ENGINE OIL BALANCE SHAFT / CHAIN FAILURE ARE REPORTED. VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA REFUSES TO ACKNOWLEDGE ANY RESPONSIBILITY FOR REPAIR DESPITE THE FACT THAT VW HAS RECOGNIZED THE ISSUE AND CHANGED THE DESIGN. FAILURE OF THE BALANCE SHAFT / CHAIN RESULTS IN IMMEDIATE LACK OF POWER CREATING A POTENTIAL LIFE SAFETY HAZARD. VW OF CANADA HAS ACKNOWLEDGED RESPONSIBILITY IN SOME DOCUMENTED CASES. VW OF AMERICA SHOULD BE COMPELLED BY GOVERNMENT AUTHORITIES TO RESOLVE THE MATTER ON BEHALF OF US CITIZENS. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10297296
96,000 miles · Dec 14, 2009
Engine And Engine Cooling
I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY WITH MY 2 YEARS OLD SON, AND OUT OF NO WHERE THE CAR STOP AND AS SOON AS STOP ONE OF THE MESSAGE FROM MY CAR WAS STOP COOLING ENGINE, THAT WAS THE FOUR TIME THAT LIGHT APPEARS ON MY CAR, I BEEN TALKING THE CAR TO THE MECHANIC FOR THAT PROBLEM BUT THEY TOLD ME IT IS A DEFECT I ALREADY SPENT MORE THAN…
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I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY WITH MY 2 YEARS OLD SON, AND OUT OF NO WHERE THE CAR STOP AND AS SOON AS STOP ONE OF THE MESSAGE FROM MY CAR WAS STOP COOLING ENGINE, THAT WAS THE FOUR TIME THAT LIGHT APPEARS ON MY CAR, I BEEN TALKING THE CAR TO THE MECHANIC FOR THAT PROBLEM BUT THEY TOLD ME IT IS A DEFECT I ALREADY SPENT MORE THAN $3,000.00 ON MY CAR AND IS NOT WORKING, MY CAR IS A WV PASSAT 2005. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10295642
57,000 miles · Dec 10, 2009
Engine And Engine Cooling
I OWN A 2005 PASSAT TDI GLS. MY CAR HAD DEVELOPED A VERY SERIOUS NOISE CAUSED BY THE OIL PUMP CHAIN UNIT THAT WAS ORIGINALLY ON THIS VEHICLE. I DID TALK TO VW AND MY DEALER SERVICE DEPARTMENT ABOUT THE THRASHING CHAIN NOISE. I GOT POLITE DENIALS AND BLANK STARES WHEN I TOLD THEM OF THIS ISSUE. MEMBERS OF THE WWW.TDICLUB.COM D…
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I OWN A 2005 PASSAT TDI GLS. MY CAR HAD DEVELOPED A VERY SERIOUS NOISE CAUSED BY THE OIL PUMP CHAIN UNIT THAT WAS ORIGINALLY ON THIS VEHICLE. I DID TALK TO VW AND MY DEALER SERVICE DEPARTMENT ABOUT THE THRASHING CHAIN NOISE. I GOT POLITE DENIALS AND BLANK STARES WHEN I TOLD THEM OF THIS ISSUE. MEMBERS OF THE WWW.TDICLUB.COM DISCOVERED A VW ENGINEERED FIX FOR THE VEHICLES INVOLVED. MEMBERS WHO HAVE DRIVEN THEIR CARS BEYOND THE 80K OR SO SEEM MORE LIKELY TO HAVE THE CHAIN SNAP DURING OPERATION WHICH RENDERS THE CAR INOPERATIVE AND DANGEROUS DURING THE BREAKAGE. THE FIX IS NOT EXACTLY AN INEXPENSIVE REPAIR AS THE PARTS ALONE ARE AROUND $1500 AND THE INSTALLATION REQUIRES EXTENSIVE DISASSEMBLY OF THE VEHICLE. THE REPAIR INVOLVES REPLACING THE CHAIN DRIVEN OIL PUMP BALANCE SHAFT ASSEMBLY WITH A GEAR DRIVEN ASSEMBLY. THE BELOW LINK HAS VIDEOS/SOUND CLIPS OF MY CAR BEFORE THE NOISE, AFTER THE NOISE AND AFTER THE FIX. THIS WAS TAKEN WITH 44,444 MILES ON THE CLOCK: HTTP://WWW.YOUTUBE.COM/WATCH?V=K0WMGCDJFQI THIS THE CAR PRIOR TO BALANCE SHAFT REPAIR IN MAY 2009 WITH 56,000 MILES ON THE CLOCK: HTTP://WWW.YOUTUBE.COM/WATCH?V=TTQX3SJ6_FK THIS IS A POST-OP RECORDING JUNE 2009 AT 57,000 MILES OF MY PASSAT AFTER BRIAN JOHNSTON OF CARDOCAUTOMOTIVE IN ST. LOUIS MISSOURI. HE IS A NATIONALLY KNOWN INDEPENDENT ASE CERTIFIED EXPERT ON THIS ISSUES REPAIR. HTTP://WWW.YOUTUBE.COM/WATCH?V=XTQIAK-CWD4. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10295300
50,000 miles · Nov 4, 2009
Vehicle Speed Control
MY VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT HAS EXPERIENCED SCARY ACCELERATION WITHOUT ME PUSHING ON THE ACCELERATOR. THIS HAS HAPPENED TWICE, BOTH WHEN ON THE HIGHWAY. I CHECKED MY MATS, BUT THEY WERE NOT OBSTRUCTING ANYTHING. I WAS SO SURPRISED TO SEE THE NEWS TONIGHT ON CHANNEL 5 BOSTON COVERING THIS STORY! *TR
NHTSA ODI #10291001
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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