NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Electrical System complaints
79 reportsClear category filterMileage unknown · Mar 15, 2024
Air BagsElectrical SystemEngine
My family and I have been VW owners for over 60 years. Unfortunately, the 2006 VW Passat has been layered with defects, negligent manufacturing issues, faulty wiring, electrical problems, computer glitches, to mention a few. There have been many recalls including an official recall by the NHTSA, for steering linkage problems and…
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My family and I have been VW owners for over 60 years. Unfortunately, the 2006 VW Passat has been layered with defects, negligent manufacturing issues, faulty wiring, electrical problems, computer glitches, to mention a few. There have been many recalls including an official recall by the NHTSA, for steering linkage problems and tie rod assembly which caused a loss of steering, crashes and deaths. Over 292 complaints are filed with Consumer Affairs, over 561 defects reported, and thousands of horror stories like mine about this car. It's considered a lemon by many car professionals. Many dealerships in the USA offered to inspect, and replace the electronic steering column lock free of charge and address any other concerns, which should be standard, reasonable behavior for all VW dealerships, mandated by this Federal agency. Shortly after this car almost killed me in 2013, VW put me through countless stressful hours of calls, emails and the like and still refused to be fully accountable. Shortly after my almost end of life, the notorious VW Emissions Scandal spoke volumes. VW was well aware of their defects including the electrical system in the steering column/immobilizer, (the system won’t recognize the key; a module in the car that connects the key and starts the engine is defective). In many cases, the entire steering column is defective and has to be completely replaced because the car’s pistons, internal combustion and engine are all subpar. Even the Sunroof and drains are defective and every time it rains, there is a flood in my car which has caused life threatening mold and mildew. I am respectfully asking for your help in having VW provide me, a near [XXX] woman, a safe, reliable, car without another defective sunroof and without defective water drains. It can be used as long as it's reliable and without deadly mold and mildew. I have photos. Thank you. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA ODI #11577635
128,000 miles · May 10, 2020
Electrical SystemSteering
TRYING TO START CAR AND WON'T TURN ON WITH KEY ALL MY KEYS DON'T WORK SAYS STEERING WHEEL LOCK DEFECTIVE CAN'T GET MY CAR TO TURN MY RADIO ON I AM PARKED IN MY DRIVE WAY AND CAN'T EVEN TOW IT TO DEALER NOW BECAUSE IT WON'T GO INTO NEUTRAL. *TR
NHTSA ODI #11324052
Mileage unknown · Dec 4, 2019
Electrical SystemFuel/propulsion SystemService Brakes
MY VEHICLE DOES. SUDDEN STOP WHILE I'M DRIVING EMERGENCY BRAKE LIGHTS UP ND THEN ON DASH IT STATE TO STOP VEHICLE PULL OVER AND DOESN'T WANT TO ADVANCE TO MOVE OUT OF DANGER FROM TRAFFIC ON STREETS AND FREEWAY. THEN I WON'T WANT TO ADVANCED AT TIME AND THE PRND ALL LIGHT UP AT ONE OR NONE AT ALL AT TIME. THIS HAS HAPPENED ABOUT …
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MY VEHICLE DOES. SUDDEN STOP WHILE I'M DRIVING EMERGENCY BRAKE LIGHTS UP ND THEN ON DASH IT STATE TO STOP VEHICLE PULL OVER AND DOESN'T WANT TO ADVANCE TO MOVE OUT OF DANGER FROM TRAFFIC ON STREETS AND FREEWAY. THEN I WON'T WANT TO ADVANCED AT TIME AND THE PRND ALL LIGHT UP AT ONE OR NONE AT ALL AT TIME. THIS HAS HAPPENED ABOUT X 4 TIMES LAST YEAR AND NOW IT KEEPS DOING IT EVERY TIME. SO KNOW I JUST KEEP MY CAR PARKED BECAUSE I'M AFRAID OF PUTTING MY KIDS IN DANGER I CAN'T EVEN TAKE IT IN TO A DEALER FOR AIRBAG RECALL.
NHTSA ODI #11286835
155,000 miles · Jul 19, 2019
Electrical System
I HAVE A VOS WAGON 2016 AND I HAVE AN ELECTRICAL PROBLEM. THEY CHANGED A MODEL THAT GOES BEFORE THE BOMB OF THE GASOLINE. THAT A RECALL THAT OCCURRED IN THE DEALER. I KNOW THE CAR HAS AN ELECTRICAL PROBLEM, BUT I DO NOT KNOW THE CAUSE. I CHECKED THE BOMB MANUALLY AND IT WORKS. THERE SEEMS TO BE NO ELECTRICITY AND THE ONLY THING…
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I HAVE A VOS WAGON 2016 AND I HAVE AN ELECTRICAL PROBLEM. THEY CHANGED A MODEL THAT GOES BEFORE THE BOMB OF THE GASOLINE. THAT A RECALL THAT OCCURRED IN THE DEALER. I KNOW THE CAR HAS AN ELECTRICAL PROBLEM, BUT I DO NOT KNOW THE CAUSE. I CHECKED THE BOMB MANUALLY AND IT WORKS. THERE SEEMS TO BE NO ELECTRICITY AND THE ONLY THING THAT WORKS ARE THE LIGHTS AND THE SUNROOF. PARTS OF THE CAR INSIDE DO NOT WORK. WHEN I WAS CHECKING THE VEHICLE, ON THE CARPET IN THE DRIVER'S SEAT, IT WAS HUMID. THERE WAS WATER IN REVISING THE CAUSE. I TOOK OUT BUCKETS OF WATER FROM THE CAR, AND I THINK THAT'S WHAT CAUSING THE ELECTRICAL PROBLEM. THE ONLY THING I COULD THINK WOULD RESULT IN THIS MUCH WATER WOULD BE THROUGH THE SUNROOF. A FRIEND RECOMMENDED ME A PLACE TO CHECK THIS OUT, AND HE SAID HE COULD FIX IT. WITHOUT TELLING THIS GUY ANY BIG DETAILS, HE CONFIRMED MY DOUBTS ABOUT THE CAUSE. HE BELIEVED THAT THE MOST REASONABLE THING THAT OCCURRED WAS THAT THE SUNROOF LEAKED. THE WATER DOESN'T GO OUT, BUT INSTEAD, COME INSIDE AND CAUSE DAMAGES IN THE ELECTRICAL FIELDS OF THE CAR. SO, THIS IS WHY I WAS WONDERING IF THIS COULD BE A RECALL.
NHTSA ODI #11233336
165,000 miles · Aug 14, 2018
Electrical SystemFuel/propulsion SystemPower Train
THIS IS MY 2ND TIME WRITING ONLY BECAUSE THE PROBLEM SEEMS AS IF IT MAY BE MORE THEN JUST ONE THING! THINKING IT WAS ECM OR SOMETHING ELECTRICAL, NOW MAY BE THE TIMING CHAIN OR FUEL PUMP OR COMBINATION OF ALL! THE CAR JUST RANDOMLY SHUTS OFF! ON THE HIGHWAY, OR AT A STOP, OR JUST AT CURSING SPEED! SOME TIMES IT COMES BACK ON, OT…
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THIS IS MY 2ND TIME WRITING ONLY BECAUSE THE PROBLEM SEEMS AS IF IT MAY BE MORE THEN JUST ONE THING! THINKING IT WAS ECM OR SOMETHING ELECTRICAL, NOW MAY BE THE TIMING CHAIN OR FUEL PUMP OR COMBINATION OF ALL! THE CAR JUST RANDOMLY SHUTS OFF! ON THE HIGHWAY, OR AT A STOP, OR JUST AT CURSING SPEED! SOME TIMES IT COMES BACK ON, OTHER TIME IT TURNS OVER AND SHUTS RIGHT OFF AGAIN! I NOTICED A LOT OF PEOPLE HAVING SIMILAR PROBLEMS WITH THIS MAKE AND MODEL, ALSO NOTICED A RECALL FOR EXACT SYMPTOM MY CAR HAS, AND FOR THE SAME MAKE MODEL AND YEAR AS MY CAR BUT MY VIN IS NOT LISTED IN THE RECALL??? HOPE SOMETHING IS DONE TO FIX THIS SITUATION SOON SO THAT I CAN REMAIN A LOYAL VOLKWAGEN CUSTOMER!
NHTSA ODI #11119806
121,000 miles · Jul 16, 2018
Electrical SystemExterior Lighting
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS AT NIGHT, THE DRIVER SIDE HEADLIGHT FAILED TO ILLUMINATE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE HEADLIGHT WIRES WERE FAULTY AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT R…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS AT NIGHT, THE DRIVER SIDE HEADLIGHT FAILED TO ILLUMINATE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE HEADLIGHT WIRES WERE FAULTY AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 121,000.
NHTSA ODI #11111655
110,000 miles · Jun 8, 2018
Electrical SystemEngineFuel/propulsion System
CAR HAS BEEN RUNNING ROUGH FOR A WHILE AND EPC , TRACTION CONTROL, AND ENGINE LIGHT KEEP POPPING UP TIME TO TIME, WHEN LIGHTS APPEAR CAR BARELY RUNS AT ALL. LATELY IT HAS BEEN SHUTTING OFF COMPLETELY WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED! (HIGHWAY, STREET , OR PARKING LOT!) FEEL LIKE I QUALIFY FOR THE RECALL THAT CAME OUT AUGUST 16, 2017…
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CAR HAS BEEN RUNNING ROUGH FOR A WHILE AND EPC , TRACTION CONTROL, AND ENGINE LIGHT KEEP POPPING UP TIME TO TIME, WHEN LIGHTS APPEAR CAR BARELY RUNS AT ALL. LATELY IT HAS BEEN SHUTTING OFF COMPLETELY WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED! (HIGHWAY, STREET , OR PARKING LOT!) FEEL LIKE I QUALIFY FOR THE RECALL THAT CAME OUT AUGUST 16, 2017 (NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V509000 FUEL PUMP FAILURE CAUSE ENGINE STALL IF THE FUEL PUMP FAILS, THE ENGINE WILL STALL, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.) DO TO MY SYMPTOM BUT DID NOT RECEIVE A NOTICE!
NHTSA ODI #11100500
109,800 miles · May 17, 2018
Electrical SystemFuel/propulsion System
FUEL PUMP CONTROL MODULE OR FUEL PUMP FAILING PER DIAGNOSIS FROM INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP. CAR WAS BROUGHT IN BECAUSE THIS FAILURE IS DRAINING BATTERY WHILE PARKED OVERNIGHT. NOTICED A BUZZING SOUND FROM REAR OF CAR. 2+ AMP DRAW. CARS HAS PERIODICALLY STUTTERED UPON ACCELERATION ALSO.
NHTSA ODI #11096462
Mileage unknown · Apr 14, 2018
Electrical System
WHEN STOPPING AT AT STOP SIGN AND TRYING TO TAKE OFF THE ENGINE SEEMS TO LOSE POWER AND THEM ALL OF A SUDDEN IT WILL MAKE A SURGE AND TAKE OFF. WHEN IT FIRST CRANKS UP ITS SLOW AND THEN IT WILL KINDA OF JUMP AND THE IT WILL RUN OK FOR A WHILE. HAVE TAKEN IT TO MY MECHANIC AND SPENT ALMOST 500 DOLLARS. HE CAN'T SEEMS TO FIND W…
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WHEN STOPPING AT AT STOP SIGN AND TRYING TO TAKE OFF THE ENGINE SEEMS TO LOSE POWER AND THEM ALL OF A SUDDEN IT WILL MAKE A SURGE AND TAKE OFF. WHEN IT FIRST CRANKS UP ITS SLOW AND THEN IT WILL KINDA OF JUMP AND THE IT WILL RUN OK FOR A WHILE. HAVE TAKEN IT TO MY MECHANIC AND SPENT ALMOST 500 DOLLARS. HE CAN'T SEEMS TO FIND WHATS WRONG IM SCARED TO DRIVE IT. VW SAID IT MIGHT BE THE FUEL REGULATOR AND PROBABLY WOULD BE IN A RECALL BUT HAVEN'T HEARD FROM THEM IN MONTHS
NHTSA ODI #11085057
Mileage unknown · Jan 30, 2018
Air BagsElectrical SystemExterior Lighting
2006 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. ATTORNEY REPRESENTING CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO EMERGENCY/ SIGNAL LIGHTS MALFUNCTION, SUNROOF PROBLEMS AND OTHER VEHICLE ISSUES. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE INTERMITTENTLY FAILS TO RECOGNIZE THE ELECTRONIC KEY WHEN ATTEMPTING TO START THE VEHICLE. THE BLINKER/TURN SIGNALS FAIL TO TURN OF…
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2006 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. ATTORNEY REPRESENTING CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO EMERGENCY/ SIGNAL LIGHTS MALFUNCTION, SUNROOF PROBLEMS AND OTHER VEHICLE ISSUES. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE INTERMITTENTLY FAILS TO RECOGNIZE THE ELECTRONIC KEY WHEN ATTEMPTING TO START THE VEHICLE. THE BLINKER/TURN SIGNALS FAIL TO TURN OFF WHEN PROMPTED. THE CONSUMER WAS ADVISED THAT THE SIGNALS WOULD NOT TURN OFF UNLESS THE STEERING WHEEL WAS TURNED COMPLETELY STRAIGHT. THE SUNROOF OPENS UNPROMPTED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS ROTTED UNDERNEATH. THE EMERGENCY BRAKE LIGHTS FLASHED INCESSANTLY. *JS
NHTSA ODI #10929049
Official recalls
7Oct 30, 2024
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Beetle, Beetle Convertible, 2012-2014 Passat, 2017 Passat Wagon, and 2006-2007 Passat Sedan vehicles. The driver's side frontal air bag inflator may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the driver's side front air bag module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 4, 2024. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are 69EG, 69GQ, and 69E6.
Apr 18, 2018
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2006-2007 Volkswagen Passat sedan and wagon vehicles. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to explode.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could explode with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front driver air bag inflator with an alternate inflator, free of charge. The recall began on April 30, 2018. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69Q8. Note: This recall partially supersedes recall 16V-079.
Aug 16, 2017
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2009-2016 Volkswagen CC, 2006-2010 Passat and Passat Wagon vehicles. Interruption of electrical power to the fuel pump control module may cause the fuel pump to fail.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If the fuel pump fails, the engine will stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump control module, free of charge. The recall began June 26, 2018. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 20AE.
Feb 10, 2016
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2006 Volkswagen Passat sedans and wagons, 2005-2013 Audi A3, and 2006-2009 Audi A4 Cabriolet vehicles. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag inflators, free of charge. The recall began March 2017. Volkswagen owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Audi owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834.
Dec 12, 2006
ON CERTAIN '6' GENERATION PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE WIPER MOTOR MAY FAIL DURING HEAVY RAIN DUE TO EXCESSIVE MOISTURE ENTERING THE WIPER MOTOR. IF THIS HAPPENS, THE WIPERS CAN BECOME INOPERATIVE.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THIS COULD LEAD TO REDUCED VISIBILITY INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A SPECIAL COVER AND SEALING KIT. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JANUARY 12, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VOLKSWAGEN AT 1-800-893-5298.
Dec 12, 2006
CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A 2.0L ENGINE WITH 147 KW MAY HAVE A VACUUM LINE THAT MAY FRACTURE AND BECOME DISCONNECTED AT LOW AMBIENT TEMPERATURES.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: IF THIS HAPPENS, THE BRAKE POWER ASSIST CAN BECOME INOPERATIVE, AND THE DRIVER WILL EXPERIENCE INCREASED EFFORT TO APPLY THE BRAKES POSSIBLY INCREASING VEHICLE STOPPING DISTANCE. THIS COULD LEAD TO A CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL THE NEWLY DESIGNED VACUUM LINE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JANUARY 12, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VOLKSWAGEN AT 1-800-893-5298.
Nov 30, 2005
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE LEFT AND RIGHT TIE ROD SECURING NUT MAY BE INSUFFICIENTLY TORQUED.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: AN INSUFFICIENTLY TIGHTENED TIE ROD NUT MAY LOOSEN, RESULTING IN SEPARATION OF A TIE ROD. THIS CAN CAUSE A LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL, WHICH COULD CAUSE A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND INSTALL NEW LEFT AND RIGHT TIE ROD SECURING NUTS AT THE PROPER TORQUED SPECIFICATION. THE RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMBER 7, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VOLKSWAGEN AT 1-800-893-5298.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗