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2006 Volkswagen Passat

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

More warning signs than most Passat years

Owner complaints for the 2006 Volkswagen Passat are substantially higher than the model-year median of 110.

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When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

411 reports with mileage · 165 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.

  • Air Bags. Review the 148 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Steering. Review the 112 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Electrical System. Review the 79 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

21 crash reports6 fire reports7 injury reports

Power Train complaints

47 reports
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55,500 miles · Dec 2, 2008
Power Train

FAILURE OF BOLT FOR OIL PUMP AND TIMING CHAIN CAUSED SUDDEN LOSS OF POWER. CAR CURRENTLY AT DEALER AWAITING PARTS INCLUDING NEW REINFORCED BOLT. THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS MAKE AND MODEL OF VEHICLE AND HAS LEAD TO CATASTROPHIC ENGINE FAILURES DUE TO LOSS OF OIL PRESSURE. ACCORDING TO DEALER PARTS ARE RESTRICTED DUE TO…

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FAILURE OF BOLT FOR OIL PUMP AND TIMING CHAIN CAUSED SUDDEN LOSS OF POWER. CAR CURRENTLY AT DEALER AWAITING PARTS INCLUDING NEW REINFORCED BOLT. THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS MAKE AND MODEL OF VEHICLE AND HAS LEAD TO CATASTROPHIC ENGINE FAILURES DUE TO LOSS OF OIL PRESSURE. ACCORDING TO DEALER PARTS ARE RESTRICTED DUE TO THE FREQUENCY OF THIS PROBLEM. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10250550

4 miles · Aug 25, 2008
Power Train

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. WHEN IDLING ON AN INCLINE, THE VEHICLE LUNGES BACKWARDS SEVERAL FEET. THE ONLY WAY TO STOP THE VEHICLE FROM ROLLING BACKWARDS IS TO APPLY EXCESSIVE PRESSURE TO THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL TO OFFSET THE STEADY DECLINE. THE DEALER STATED THAT THIS WAS A COMMON FAILURE DUE TO A POTENTIAL DE…

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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. WHEN IDLING ON AN INCLINE, THE VEHICLE LUNGES BACKWARDS SEVERAL FEET. THE ONLY WAY TO STOP THE VEHICLE FROM ROLLING BACKWARDS IS TO APPLY EXCESSIVE PRESSURE TO THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL TO OFFSET THE STEADY DECLINE. THE DEALER STATED THAT THIS WAS A COMMON FAILURE DUE TO A POTENTIAL DESIGN FLAW WITH THE COMBINATION MANUAL AND AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. A PERMANENT REMEDY HAS NOT YET BEEN DISCOVERED. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER AND WAS REFERRED TO NHTSA. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 4 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 40,000.

NHTSA ODI #10239646

15,000 miles · Jul 1, 2008
Power Train

I HAVE A 2006 VW PASSAT 3.6L. DURING THE SUMMER MONTHS OR DURING HOT DAYS I TURN ON MY A/C TO HIGH. WHEN I DO THIS OCCASIONALLY, MY CARS ENGINE WILL RACE AND THE RPM'S WILL SHOOT UP FROM ABOUT 600 TO AROUND 900-1000. THIS IDLE RAISE CAUSES THE CAR TO SURGE FORWARD THUS MAKING ME THE DRIVER HAVE TO REALLY PUSH HARD ON THE BRAK…

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I HAVE A 2006 VW PASSAT 3.6L. DURING THE SUMMER MONTHS OR DURING HOT DAYS I TURN ON MY A/C TO HIGH. WHEN I DO THIS OCCASIONALLY, MY CARS ENGINE WILL RACE AND THE RPM'S WILL SHOOT UP FROM ABOUT 600 TO AROUND 900-1000. THIS IDLE RAISE CAUSES THE CAR TO SURGE FORWARD THUS MAKING ME THE DRIVER HAVE TO REALLY PUSH HARD ON THE BRAKE TO STOP THE VEHICLE FROM MOVING FORWARD. I UNDERSTAND THAT IS WHAT BRAKES ARE FOR, BUT I HAVE ALMOST BEEN IN 3 OR 4 MINOR FENDER BENDERS BECAUSE OF THIS. I AM CONSCIOUS OF THIS ON A DAILY BASIS IN PHOENIX. I KNOW OTHERS ARE HAVING THIS PROBLEM AND THERE IS A RECALL OUT FOR SOME OF THE NEWER PASSAT VEHICLES, BUT NONE FOR MY 2006. I MUST STRESS THIS HAPPENS ALL THE TIME WHEN THE A/C IS ON HIGH AND DURING THE HOTTER TIMES OF THE YEAR. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10232893

1,700 miles · Jun 4, 2008
Electrical SystemParking BrakePower Train

I BOUGHT A CAR BRAND NEW AND EVER SINCE 1700 MILES IT'S BEEN HAVING ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS. FIRST IT STARTED WITH WINDOWS NOT WANTING TO ROLL UP, THEY'D ROLL DOWN FIRST THEN UP. MY RADIO WAS STUCK ON LOUD AND WOULD NOT TURN OFF OR DOWN OR CHANGE RADIO STATIONS. THE PARKING BRAKE (ELECTRICAL) ENGAGED ON ME WHILE I WAS DRIVING ON THE…

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I BOUGHT A CAR BRAND NEW AND EVER SINCE 1700 MILES IT'S BEEN HAVING ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS. FIRST IT STARTED WITH WINDOWS NOT WANTING TO ROLL UP, THEY'D ROLL DOWN FIRST THEN UP. MY RADIO WAS STUCK ON LOUD AND WOULD NOT TURN OFF OR DOWN OR CHANGE RADIO STATIONS. THE PARKING BRAKE (ELECTRICAL) ENGAGED ON ME WHILE I WAS DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY, A HOSE CAME UNDONE AT 18K MILES ON THE FREEWAY AND CAUSED HEAVY CONVULSING. THE STEERING WHEEL LOCK RANDOMLY HAD "ERRORS", THE AIRBAG HAS "ERRORS", THE TRANSMISSION DOWNSHIFTED VERY ROUGH WHICH MADE ME JOLT IN THE CAR AND STARTED MAKING MY NECK SORE. FOR EVERY INCIDENT MY CAR HAS BEEN TO THE DEALER TO BE FIXED, THEY FIX THE PROBLEM AND A NEW ONE HAPPENS A WEEK LATER. I AM A VALET AND OTHER VW OWNERS SAY THE SAME THINGS HAPPEN TO THEIR CARS. SO I KNOW I HAVE A LEGIT COMPLAINT HERE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10229925

Mileage unknown · Apr 30, 2008
Power Train

LEASED 2006 VW PASSAT IN NOV 05. IT'S BEEN TO THE SHOP 12 TIMES ALTHOUGH THE LOCAL VW REP ADMITS ONLY 4 OR 5. IT'S BEEN TOWED IN 3 TIMES AND WOULD HAVE BEEN 4 IF WE HAD NOT FINALLY GOTTEN IT JUMPED OFF AS OF YESTERDAY. THE KEY BECAME STUCK IN THE IGNITION AND WOULD NOT RELEASE OR CRANK VEHICLE ONCE. INTERNAL PROBLEM WITH A S…

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LEASED 2006 VW PASSAT IN NOV 05. IT'S BEEN TO THE SHOP 12 TIMES ALTHOUGH THE LOCAL VW REP ADMITS ONLY 4 OR 5. IT'S BEEN TOWED IN 3 TIMES AND WOULD HAVE BEEN 4 IF WE HAD NOT FINALLY GOTTEN IT JUMPED OFF AS OF YESTERDAY. THE KEY BECAME STUCK IN THE IGNITION AND WOULD NOT RELEASE OR CRANK VEHICLE ONCE. INTERNAL PROBLEM WITH A SENSOR ON ANOTHER OCCASION AND HAD TO BE IN SHOP OVER 1 WEEK. EXPERIENCED WHAT SEEMED TO BE TRANSMISSION FAILURE AND HAD TO BE TOWED ON ANOTHER. DEALERSHIP CLAIMED IT WAS A GAS FILTER OR SENSOR AND TOOK OVER A WEEK TO REPAIR. HOSE PROBLEM ON ANOTHER OCCASION; GAS SENSOR ON ANOTHER (WRONG SENSOR ACTUALLY INSTALLED). INTERNAL PROBLEM ON ANOTHER OCCASION AND PART HAD TO BE ORDERED. IT ARRIVED TIMELY BUT TOOL TO COMPLETE REPAIR HAD TO BE ORDERED FROM GERMANY. TWO WEEKS IN SHOP ON THAT OCCASION. THE BRAKES ALSO RUST OVER AND SCREECH IF YOU DON'T DRIVE IT FOR A COUPLE OF DAYS AND IT RAINS. UNK IF IT CAUSES ANY DANGER IN STOPPING. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT AND SERVICE NOW INDICATORS COME ON AT RANDOM AND ON A REGULAR BASIS BUT WE'VE BEEN TOLD ON MORE THAN ONE OCCASION THERE ARE NO "CODES" TO EXPLAIN. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10226123

59,244 miles · Jan 26, 2008
Electrical SystemParking BrakePower Train

WHEN THE CAR IS TRAVELING APPROXIMATED 2-10 MPH, THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION ACCELERATES AND BRAKES AS THE AUTOMOBILE BUCKS A FEW TIMES. THEIR IS A LOUD THUNKING NOISE AND THEN GOES BACK TO NORMAL. FROM TIME TO TIME THE CAR GETS STUCK IN 2ND GEAR, WHICH FORCES ME TO PULL OVER AND RESTART THE ENGINE. WINDOWS ARE SUPPOSEDLY AUTO…

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WHEN THE CAR IS TRAVELING APPROXIMATED 2-10 MPH, THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION ACCELERATES AND BRAKES AS THE AUTOMOBILE BUCKS A FEW TIMES. THEIR IS A LOUD THUNKING NOISE AND THEN GOES BACK TO NORMAL. FROM TIME TO TIME THE CAR GETS STUCK IN 2ND GEAR, WHICH FORCES ME TO PULL OVER AND RESTART THE ENGINE. WINDOWS ARE SUPPOSEDLY AUTOMATIC UP AND DOWN, BUT DON'T WORK PROPERLY 50% OF THE TIME. REAR BACK SPEAKER PLAYS INTERMITTENTLY. WHEN PARKING AND SHUTTING DOWN ENGINE, THE EMERGENCY BRAKES TURN ON AND OFF. THE ENGINE KEY IS GETTING STUCK IN THE IGNITION. OVERALL ISSUES SEEM TO BE ELECTRICAL OR COMPUTER RELATED. I HAVE TAKEN BACK TO DEALER TWICE IN THE LAST 6 MOTHS AND THE PROBLEMS KEEP BUILDING. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10216148

60 miles · Jan 18, 2008
Power Train

I LEASED A 2006 VW 2.0 ON JAN 4, 2006, AND IT HAS BEEN A CHOIR. THE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AFTER 3 MONTHS, THE CAR BUCKS AS IF I AM RIDING A DONKEY, LUNGING VERY UNSAFE TO THE POINT OF ALMOST CAUSING WHIPLASH - WITH NO RHYME OR REASON. I HAVE TAKEN THE CAR TO THE DEALER IN BRAINTREE, MA SEVERAL TIMES - UNABLE TO DUPLICATE PROBLE…

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I LEASED A 2006 VW 2.0 ON JAN 4, 2006, AND IT HAS BEEN A CHOIR. THE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AFTER 3 MONTHS, THE CAR BUCKS AS IF I AM RIDING A DONKEY, LUNGING VERY UNSAFE TO THE POINT OF ALMOST CAUSING WHIPLASH - WITH NO RHYME OR REASON. I HAVE TAKEN THE CAR TO THE DEALER IN BRAINTREE, MA SEVERAL TIMES - UNABLE TO DUPLICATE PROBLEM. ON JAN 4 , 2007 A YEAR LATER I TOOK THE CAR IN TO BE SERVICE - I WAS TOLD THAT IT WENT OUT FOR A TEST DRIVE - AGAIN UNABLE TO DUPLICATE PROBLEM - AS SOON AS I HIT THE HIGHWAY THE CAR STARTED JERKING (SO MUCH FOR THE TEST DRIVE) 2ND VW WITH THROTTLE PROBLEMS I WILL NEVER PURCHASE OR RECOMMEND VW TO ANYONE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10215355

Mileage unknown · Oct 14, 2007
Power Train

OVER THE PAST 2 YEARS OF LEASING MY NEW 2006 VW PASSAT, FROM TIME TO TIME WHEN THE CAR DOWN SHIFTS TO FIRST GEAR IT MAKES A VERY NOTICEABLE "HARD" DOWN SHIFT. THE NOISE ASSOCIATED WITH THE HARD DOWN SHIFT IS VERY STARTLING -- IT SOUNDS LIKE SOMETHING IS COMING THROUGH THE FLOORBOARD. I'M NOT AWARE OF ANY PARTICULAR CONDITION …

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OVER THE PAST 2 YEARS OF LEASING MY NEW 2006 VW PASSAT, FROM TIME TO TIME WHEN THE CAR DOWN SHIFTS TO FIRST GEAR IT MAKES A VERY NOTICEABLE "HARD" DOWN SHIFT. THE NOISE ASSOCIATED WITH THE HARD DOWN SHIFT IS VERY STARTLING -- IT SOUNDS LIKE SOMETHING IS COMING THROUGH THE FLOORBOARD. I'M NOT AWARE OF ANY PARTICULAR CONDITION THAT CAUSES THE CAR TO DO THIS...IT SEEMS RANDOM..IT ALWAYS SEEM TO HAPPEN WHEN I'M SLOWING DOWN TO STOP FOR A TRAFFIC LIGHT. I TOOK MY CAR TO THE VW DEALERSHIP IN DULLES, VA AND THEY SAID THEY CAN'T FIX THE PROBLEM UNLESS THEY CAN EXPERIENCE THE PROBLEM. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10205622

9,923 miles · Sep 26, 2007
Power Train

MY 2006 PASSAT 3.6 HAS HAD PROBLEMS SHIFTING IN SPORTS MODE.. TRANSMISSION WILL GET STUCK IN 1ST GEAR AND NOT SHIFT INTO 2ND.. THE REV LIMITER WILL KEEP IN BECAUSE RPM'S JUMP OVER 7,000.. NOT ONLY IS THIS GOING TO CAUSE TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS BUT IT WILL ALSO CAUSE ENGINE DAMAGE SINCE RPM'S ARE ABOVE NORMAL AND HIT THE RED AREA(N…

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MY 2006 PASSAT 3.6 HAS HAD PROBLEMS SHIFTING IN SPORTS MODE.. TRANSMISSION WILL GET STUCK IN 1ST GEAR AND NOT SHIFT INTO 2ND.. THE REV LIMITER WILL KEEP IN BECAUSE RPM'S JUMP OVER 7,000.. NOT ONLY IS THIS GOING TO CAUSE TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS BUT IT WILL ALSO CAUSE ENGINE DAMAGE SINCE RPM'S ARE ABOVE NORMAL AND HIT THE RED AREA(NOT SAFE).. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10204126

6,800 miles · Sep 26, 2007
Engine And Engine CoolingPower Train

MY 2006 PASSAT 3.6 HAS PROBLEMS WHEN PRESSING GAS PEDAL.. VEHICLE SEEMS TO HAVE A DELAY WHEN PUSHING PEDDLE.. YOU CAN PUSH PEDAL DOWN 1/4 WAY BEFORE VEHICLE EVEN JUMPS RPM'S.. VEHICLE WILL THEN JUST JUMP FORWARD.. THIS HAS CAUSED ME TO ALMOST GET INTO 3 OR 4 ACCIDENTS BECAUSE I HAVE PULLED OUT AND CAR JUST SITS THERE THEN WILL J…

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MY 2006 PASSAT 3.6 HAS PROBLEMS WHEN PRESSING GAS PEDAL.. VEHICLE SEEMS TO HAVE A DELAY WHEN PUSHING PEDDLE.. YOU CAN PUSH PEDAL DOWN 1/4 WAY BEFORE VEHICLE EVEN JUMPS RPM'S.. VEHICLE WILL THEN JUST JUMP FORWARD.. THIS HAS CAUSED ME TO ALMOST GET INTO 3 OR 4 ACCIDENTS BECAUSE I HAVE PULLED OUT AND CAR JUST SITS THERE THEN WILL JUST TAKE OFF.. VEHICLE WAS AT DEALERSHIP AND HAD UPDATE DONE BUT THIS DIDN'T HELP MY PROBLEM.. UPDATE CAUSED ME TO NOW HAVE SAME PROBLEM BUT ALSO HAVE SHIFTING PROBLEM.. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10204125

Official recalls

7

24V834000 · Air Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module

Oct 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.

18V247000 · Air Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module

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.

17V509000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:fuel Pump

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.

16V079000 · Air Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module

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.

06V470000 · Visibility:windshield Wiper/washer:motor

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.

06V472000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:power Assist:vacuum

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.

05V540000 · Steering:linkages:tie Rod Assembly

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 ↗

NHTSA investigations

1

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.