AT THE RED LIGHT, ENGINE STARTED TO VIBRATE. WHEN THE LIGHT CHANGED TO GREEN, MY WIFE DECIDED TO PULL OVER TO SEE WHAT HAPPENED. SHE REALIZED THAT THE BRAKES STOPPED WORKING. FROM 20 MPH IT TOOK A WHOLE BLOCK TO STOP. LUCKILY, NO ONE WAS IN FRONT OF HER. CAR WAS TOWED AWAY TO THE DEALER. AS PER SERVICE: VACUUM HOSE BROKE OFF FRO…
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AT THE RED LIGHT, ENGINE STARTED TO VIBRATE. WHEN THE LIGHT CHANGED TO GREEN, MY WIFE DECIDED TO PULL OVER TO SEE WHAT HAPPENED. SHE REALIZED THAT THE BRAKES STOPPED WORKING. FROM 20 MPH IT TOOK A WHOLE BLOCK TO STOP. LUCKILY, NO ONE WAS IN FRONT OF HER. CAR WAS TOWED AWAY TO THE DEALER. AS PER SERVICE: VACUUM HOSE BROKE OFF FROM THE ENGINE AND WE LOST POWER BRAKING. ENGINE VIBRATION IS THE SYMPTOM. ONLY 9500 MILES ON THE CAR. DEALER TOLD ME ITS A COMMON PROBLEM ON NEW PASSATS. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10172570
Mileage unknown · Aug 2, 2006
Service Brakes, HydraulicVehicle Speed Control
SHAKING ISSUE WHILE BRAKING AND AFTER RELEASING BRAKE. THE ENTIRE CAR VIBRATES. DEALER CONTACTED AND SAID THERE WAS NO WAY TO REPAIR AT THE CURRENT TIME. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10164154
200 miles · Jul 23, 2006
Engine And Engine CoolingService Brakes, Hydraulic
I PURCHASED MY VW 3.6 4MOTION PASSAT WITH 71 MILES. WHEN THE VEHICLE REACHED 200 TO 250 MILES, THE ENGINE STARTED SHAKING WHEN GENTLY APPLYING BRAKES AT SLOW SPEEDS. I ALSO EXPERIENCE THIS WHEN THE GEAR IS IN DRIVE AND THEIR IS NO GAS BEING APPLIED. I HAVE SERVICED THE VEHICLE WITH VOLKSWAGEN TWICE AND THEY STATE THAT THIS IS…
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I PURCHASED MY VW 3.6 4MOTION PASSAT WITH 71 MILES. WHEN THE VEHICLE REACHED 200 TO 250 MILES, THE ENGINE STARTED SHAKING WHEN GENTLY APPLYING BRAKES AT SLOW SPEEDS. I ALSO EXPERIENCE THIS WHEN THE GEAR IS IN DRIVE AND THEIR IS NO GAS BEING APPLIED. I HAVE SERVICED THE VEHICLE WITH VOLKSWAGEN TWICE AND THEY STATE THAT THIS IS NORMAL BEHAVIOR. I HAVE RESEARCHED THIS THROUGH A INTERNET FORUM AND DISCOVERED THAT NOT ALL OWNERS OF THE SAME VEHICLE TYPE THAT I HAVE EXPERIENCE THIS SYMPTOM. THE SHAKING TOPIC CAN BE FOUND AT THE FOLLOWING URL. HTTP://FORUMS.VWVORTEX.COM/ZEROTHREAD?ID=2619540. *NM
NHTSA ODI #10163197
Mileage unknown · May 30, 2006
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
PURCHASE 2006 PASSAT WITH 4 WHEEL MOTION IN FEB 2006. APPROXIMATELY 6 WEEKS LATER ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. TOOK TO DEALERSHIP WHERE THEY TOOK OUT THE GAS TANK TO REPAIR VACUUM PROBLEM. THEN THERE WAS GROANING WHEN I TURN THE WHEEL LEFT AND RIGHT. TOOK TO THE DEALER AND THEY REPLACED BRAKE PARTS. IT IS NOW THREE WEEKS LATER AND…
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PURCHASE 2006 PASSAT WITH 4 WHEEL MOTION IN FEB 2006. APPROXIMATELY 6 WEEKS LATER ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. TOOK TO DEALERSHIP WHERE THEY TOOK OUT THE GAS TANK TO REPAIR VACUUM PROBLEM. THEN THERE WAS GROANING WHEN I TURN THE WHEEL LEFT AND RIGHT. TOOK TO THE DEALER AND THEY REPLACED BRAKE PARTS. IT IS NOW THREE WEEKS LATER AND I STILL HAVE BRAKE PROBLEM. THE CAR NOW GROANS WHEN EVER I TURN RIGHT, LEFT OR STRAIGHT. ESPECIALLY LOUD IN STOP AND GO TRAFFIC. I FEAR THAT THE BRAKE SYSTEM IS UNSAFE. DEALERSHIP SHOWING NO CONCERN. I AM ON MY SECOND ATTEMPT TO FIX THE BRAKE. I WILL CONTACT A LEMON LAW LAWYER IF THIS FAILS. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10158572
3,700 miles · Apr 20, 2006
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE BRAKE SYSTEM AUTO HOLD HAS FAILED MULTIPLE TIMES. THIS CAUSES THE VEHICLE TO ROLL INTO ONCOMING TRAFFIC. THE VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY AT THE DEALERSHIP, AND HAS BEEN TO THE DEALERSHIP PREVIOUSLY, BUT THE PROBLEM WAS NOT DETERMINED. *AK
NHTSA ODI #10155775
21,526 miles · Mar 6, 2006
Service Brakes, HydraulicVehicle Speed Control
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 10MPH AND ATTEMPTING TO COME TO A STOP, THE RPM GAUGE NEEDLE GAVE SPORADIC READINGS. WHILE THE RPM READINGS WERE INACCURATE, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED; HOWEVER, THE BRAKE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR AND THE VEHICLE DID NOT STOP. THE CONTACT WAS FORCED TO DOWN SHIFT AND USE THE EMERGENCY B…
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DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 10MPH AND ATTEMPTING TO COME TO A STOP, THE RPM GAUGE NEEDLE GAVE SPORADIC READINGS. WHILE THE RPM READINGS WERE INACCURATE, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED; HOWEVER, THE BRAKE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR AND THE VEHICLE DID NOT STOP. THE CONTACT WAS FORCED TO DOWN SHIFT AND USE THE EMERGENCY BRAKE IN ORDER TO GET THE VEHICLE STOPPED. AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED, THE ENGINE REVVED. THE VEHICLE WAS SHIFTED INTO GEAR AND SUDDENLY ACCELERATED. THE VEHICLE ENGINE WAS QUICKLY SHUT OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER AND CURRENTLY IS UNDER GOING ADDITIONAL TESTING.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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