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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.

About this comparison →

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

Suspension complaints

8 reports
Clear category filter
145,990 miles · Feb 4, 2014
Service BrakesSteeringSuspension

ELECTRONIC EMERGENCY BRAKE FAULT; WAS DRIVING ON JANUARY 18,2014. MY DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING ABOUT 35 MPH WHEN THIS EMERGENCY BRAKE LIGHT STARTED FLASHING YELLOW. ALSO THERE WAS A RED BRAKE LIGHT THAT WAS FLASHING AND BEEPING THREE TIMES. SHE GOT THE CAR UNDER CONTROL MIND YOU SHE IS ONLY 17 AND SHE JUST BOUGHT THIS CAR FROM CAMPUS…

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ELECTRONIC EMERGENCY BRAKE FAULT; WAS DRIVING ON JANUARY 18,2014. MY DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING ABOUT 35 MPH WHEN THIS EMERGENCY BRAKE LIGHT STARTED FLASHING YELLOW. ALSO THERE WAS A RED BRAKE LIGHT THAT WAS FLASHING AND BEEPING THREE TIMES. SHE GOT THE CAR UNDER CONTROL MIND YOU SHE IS ONLY 17 AND SHE JUST BOUGHT THIS CAR FROM CAMPUS AUTO HERE IN FORT DODGE, IA ON THE 10TH AND HE TOLD HER NOTHING WAS WRONG WITH THE CAR. EVERYTHING HAS WENT WRONG WITH THIS CAR THAT CAN GO WRONG. SHE PULLED OVER AND READ IN HER MANUAL THAT WITH THE BEEPING 3 TIMES AND THE RED LIGHT INDICATOR SAID THAT SHE WAS SUPPOSE TO GET IT TO A TRUSTED MECHANIC RIGHT AWAY. SO SHE DID THE SMART THING AND CALLED ME TO HAVE THE CAR TAKEN TO A MECHANIC. BUT WHAT IF SHE WOULD HAVE BEEN ON THE HIGHWAY AND THIS WOULD HAVE HAPPENED. SHE WOULD HAVE LOST CONTROL OF THIS CAR ON A HIGHWAY. PLEASE LOOK INTO THESE PASSAT. THERE IS SOMETHING SERIOUSLY WRONG WITH THEM. WHEEL BEARINGS ARE BAD IN THE REAR. FUEL PUMP WENT BAD. COILS BURN. THESE ARE ALL DANGEROUS THINGS. PLEASE HELP. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10562979

63,000 miles · May 20, 2009
Engine And Engine CoolingExterior LightingLatches/locks/linkages

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STEERING COLUMN LOCKS UP ON HER VEHICLE AND PREVENTS IT FROM BEING DRIVEN. SHE ATTEMPTED TO START THE ENGINE AND AN INDICATOR ILLUMINATED, WHICH STATED THAT THE STEERING COLUMN WAS LOCKED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT THE STE…

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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STEERING COLUMN LOCKS UP ON HER VEHICLE AND PREVENTS IT FROM BEING DRIVEN. SHE ATTEMPTED TO START THE ENGINE AND AN INDICATOR ILLUMINATED, WHICH STATED THAT THE STEERING COLUMN WAS LOCKED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT THE STEERING COLUMN WAS DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED A MODULE. THE REPAIR WOULD COST $1,300. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 63,000. UPDATED 05/27/09 *BF UPDATED 06/08/09 *BF UPDATED 6/16/09 *NJ THE LEFT REAR CALIPER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED,THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED, THE TRANSMISSION WAS MAKING A LOUD NOISE, THE TIRE PRESSURE LIGHT ILLUMINATED, THE LEFT TURN SIGNAL DID NOT WORK, THE LEFT WHEEL BEARING NEEDED TO BE REPLACED, THE HOOD RELEASE LEVER INSIDE THE VEHICLE WAS INOPERATIVE. UPDATED 06/17/09.*JB

NHTSA ODI #10269475

50,000 miles · Jan 19, 2009
Electrical SystemSteeringSuspension

GOSH WHERE DO I START VW PASSAT 51000 MILES ALOT OF THINGS WENT WRONG.. CAR STARTER VOLKS CAME OUT CAUSING THE STARTER TO BREAK MY TRUNK DOESN'T CLOSE POPS OPEN IN THE MIDDLE OF ROAD/FREEWAY CAUSING ME TO LOOSE THING FROM MY TRUNK EXTREMELY DANGEROUS IN THE FREEWAY MY STEERING WHEEL LOCK IS DEFECTED DOES NOT LOCK I HAVE CALLED …

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GOSH WHERE DO I START VW PASSAT 51000 MILES ALOT OF THINGS WENT WRONG.. CAR STARTER VOLKS CAME OUT CAUSING THE STARTER TO BREAK MY TRUNK DOESN'T CLOSE POPS OPEN IN THE MIDDLE OF ROAD/FREEWAY CAUSING ME TO LOOSE THING FROM MY TRUNK EXTREMELY DANGEROUS IN THE FREEWAY MY STEERING WHEEL LOCK IS DEFECTED DOES NOT LOCK I HAVE CALLED NUMEROUS OF VW DEALER SHIPS AND THEY WANT TO CHARGE ME CAUSE ITS WARRANTY EXPIRED AND FOR STEERING LOCK I WENT BEFORE WARRANTY AND THEY WANT TO CHARGE ME 90 DOLLARS I DON'T HAVE THAT KIND OF MONEY LYING AROUND I HAVE CAR PAYMENT. INS ECT... IM SCARED IF SOMETHING WAS TO HAPPENED WHILE ME DRIVING WITH MY KIDS. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10255596

7,923 miles · Sep 26, 2007
Suspension

MY 2006 PASSAT 3.6 HAS LOUD NOISE COMING FROM RIGHT FRONT CORNER.. THIS HAS HAPPENED 4 OR 5 TIMES NOW.. SOUNDS LIKE SOMETHING IS HITTING FIREWALL.. NOTICED PROBLEM WHEN GIVING CAR GAS YOU CAN HEAR LOUD CLUNKING NOISE.. DOESN'T DO IT ALL THE TIME BUT SOUNDS BAD.. DOESN'T SOUND SAFE AT ALL. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10204123

500 miles · Dec 26, 2006
Suspension

WHEN DRIVING MY NEW 06 PASSAT 2.0T AT 35 MPH+, W/ PASSENGERS (AVG. WEIGHTS - APPROX 140 EA.) THE CAR BOTTOMS OUT, RUBBING THE ROAD SURFACE, OVER EVEN MODERATE BUMPS & 'SWOOPING' HUMPS IN THE ROAD. IT OCCURS W/ MORE SEVERITY WHEN ENCOUNTERING BUMPS DURING CORNERING. IT STARTED WITHOUT WARNING, AND WAS 'MODERATE' AT FIRST, THEN BE…

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WHEN DRIVING MY NEW 06 PASSAT 2.0T AT 35 MPH+, W/ PASSENGERS (AVG. WEIGHTS - APPROX 140 EA.) THE CAR BOTTOMS OUT, RUBBING THE ROAD SURFACE, OVER EVEN MODERATE BUMPS & 'SWOOPING' HUMPS IN THE ROAD. IT OCCURS W/ MORE SEVERITY WHEN ENCOUNTERING BUMPS DURING CORNERING. IT STARTED WITHOUT WARNING, AND WAS 'MODERATE' AT FIRST, THEN BEGAN TO GET WORSE AS TIME WENT ON. I CAN ALSO HEAR A 'CLICKING' SOUND WHEN THE DRIVER WINDOW IS DOWN, & GOING OVER EVEN SMALL, SLOW SPEED BUMPS (<5MPH) AFTER SEVERAL OF INCIDENCES I TOOK IT THE LOCAL VW DEALER IN VANCOUVER, WA,. AFTER 3+ VISITS, NO SOLUTION. THEY TOLD ME IT WAS FINE, THEY COULDN'T REPRODUCE EITHER THE CLICKING OR BOTTOMING OUT. I CONTACTED VW USA & FILED A COMPLAINT WITH THAT DICK HANNAH DEALERSHIP. I WAS QUICKLY CONTACTED BY THE SERVICE MANAGER WHO OFFERED TO TAKE A RIDE W/ ME, DURING WHICH WE EASILY REPRODUCED BOTH CONCERNS, AT SLOW SPEEDS, WITHIN MINUTES OF LEAVING THERE LOT - SHE WAS SHOCKED, & SAID SHE'D LOOK INTO IT - WHICH SHE DID. THE SOLUTION? "THE FACTORY INSTALLED FRONT MUD FLAPS WERE 'TOO LONG' & DRAGGIED WHEN ENCOUNTERING BUMPS" ! NEEDLESS TO SAY, & EVEN W/O BEING A 'MECHANIC', THIS ANSWER WAS OBVIOUSLY NOT THE REASON FOR A SUSPENSION THAT 'CLICKS' LOUDLY OVER BUMPS & BOTTOMS OUT DURING NORMAL DRIVING. I ACCEPTED THIS ANSWER W/ THE IDEA I'D DO SOME ADDITIONAL RESEARCH. THE CAR CONTINUES TO BOTTOM OUT, IS GETTING WORSE & IRONICALLY ONLY HAPPENS ON THE DRIVERS SIDE - REGARDLESS OF WHETHER I AM DRIVING (AT 180LBS) OR MY FIANCE' IS DRIVING (AT 115LBS) NOW EVEN W/O PASSENGERS! THERE'S DEFINITELY AN ISSUE W/ AT LEAST THE FRONT STRUT UNIT - WHICH WOULD ALSO EXPLAIN THE CLICKING COMING FROM THAT UNIT. ALTHOUGH I HAVE BROUGHT IT BACK TO THE SERVICE MANAGER, THEY STAND BY THERE DIAGNOSIS - THAT NOTHING IS WRONG WITH THE CAR. I'M VERY DISAPPOINTED IN BOTH THERE SERVICE AND LEVEL OF EXPERTISE/KNOWLEDGE - EVERY SUSPENSION MECHANIC I HAVE SPOKEN WITH SAYS THAT IT SOUNDS LIKE A FAULTY OR LEAKING STRUT UNIT - AN EASY FIX. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10176956

300 miles · Jul 25, 2006
SuspensionVehicle Speed Control

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT LOW SPEEDS OF 0-5MPH THE ENGINE JUMPS TO RPM'S OF 900 TO 1000 RPM'S CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO LUNGE FORWARD. THIS OCCURS MORE OFTEN WHEN THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN RUNNING FOR A WHILE AND THE ENGINE IS HOT. THE RPM'S GO DOWN ONLY WHEN THE ENGINE IS PLACED IN NEUTRAL AND THE MOTOR IS REVVED…

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DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT LOW SPEEDS OF 0-5MPH THE ENGINE JUMPS TO RPM'S OF 900 TO 1000 RPM'S CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO LUNGE FORWARD. THIS OCCURS MORE OFTEN WHEN THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN RUNNING FOR A WHILE AND THE ENGINE IS HOT. THE RPM'S GO DOWN ONLY WHEN THE ENGINE IS PLACED IN NEUTRAL AND THE MOTOR IS REVVED UP, OR WHEN THE VEHICLE SHIFTS INTO SECOND GEAR. THE VEHICLE IDLES ROUGHLY AND HESITATES. WHILE STOPPED AT A LIGHT OR STOP SIGN, THERE IS LAG BETWEEN WHEN THE ACCELERATOR IS DEPRESSED AND THE WHEN THE ENGINE KICKS INTO GEAR. WHEN THIS OCCURS, THE VEHICLE LUNGES FORWARD. THE DEALERSHIP CANNOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. WHILE PARKED, AT LOW SPEEDS, OR TURNING THE VEHICLE RIGHT OR LEFT, THERE IS A GRINDING SOUND COMING FROM THE RIGHT SUSPENSION AREA. THE DEALERSHIP REPLACED THE RIGHT FRONT PASSENGER STRUT BEARING WHICH SEEMED TO HELP FOR A WHILE, BUT NOW THE GRINDING SOUND IS BACK. THE GRINDING SOUND IS NOW COMING FROM THE LEFT SUSPENSION AREA. *AK

NHTSA ODI #10163435

25 miles · Jul 24, 2006
StructureSuspensionVehicle Speed Control

ON 7/13/06 I PURCHASED A NEW 2006 VW PASSAT FROM BERT SMITH VW IN ST. PETERSBURG, FLORIDA. I TOOK DELIVERY AT 5PM ON FRIDAY 7/14/2006. I HAVE 4 MAJOR PROBLEMS. BERT SMITH VW SERVICE PERSON (NOEL APONTE AND HIS SERVICE MANAGER MICHAEL) AND THEY SAY THAT THEY HAVE NEVER HEARD OF THE BELOW ISSUES. FIRST ISSUE: I HAVE EXTREME I…

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ON 7/13/06 I PURCHASED A NEW 2006 VW PASSAT FROM BERT SMITH VW IN ST. PETERSBURG, FLORIDA. I TOOK DELIVERY AT 5PM ON FRIDAY 7/14/2006. I HAVE 4 MAJOR PROBLEMS. BERT SMITH VW SERVICE PERSON (NOEL APONTE AND HIS SERVICE MANAGER MICHAEL) AND THEY SAY THAT THEY HAVE NEVER HEARD OF THE BELOW ISSUES. FIRST ISSUE: I HAVE EXTREME IDLE SHAKING OF THE ENGINE. THIS IS CONSTANT - MEANING YOU WOULD HAVE TO TURN OFF THE IGNITION TO STOP IT. I CAN SHIFT THE TRANSMISSION INTO NEUTRAL AND STILL FEEL THE SHAKING. I CAN PUT THE GEAR IN PARK OR IN DRIVE AND IT IS STILL SHAKING. SOMETIMES THE SHAKING IS MILD (LIKE THE SHAKING WHILE BRAKING) OTHER TIMES IT IS SEVERE...SO SEVERE YOU CAN SEE THE ENTIRE CAR SHAKE. SECOND MAJOR ISSUE: I DRIVE MY CAR OF A PARKED POSITION (OR AFTER COMING TO A ROLLING STOP AT A LIGHT) AND THE CAR FEELS LIKE IT IS TRYING TO PULL OR LUNGE FORWARD WHILE MY FOOT WAS PREVIOUSLY ON THE BRAKE. AT THIS TIME I HAVE TO PUT EXTREME PRESSURE ON THE BRAKES TO KEEP IT FROM MOVING FORWARD. THE LIGHT TURNS GREEN AND I AM OFF. I COME TO ANOTHER LIGHT, THE SAME THING HAPPENS. REGARDING THESE 2 ISSUES, HERE IS A THREADED DISCUSSION ON THE WEBSITE VWVORTEX.COM. HTTP://FORUMS.VWVORTEX.COM/ZEROTHREAD?ID=2619540 ALL OF THESE OWNERS HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM. ALL FEEL VW IS GIVING THEM THE RUN AROUND. I AM NOT HAPPY ABOUT THIS. IS THERE A TSB ON THIS PROBLEM? THESE ISSUES ARE ON-GOING THE MOMENT I LEFT THE BERT SMITH DEALERSHIP ON FRIDAY 7/14/06. THIRD ISSUE: THE CAR SEEMS TO HAVE SEVERE THROTTLE LAG WHILE DRIVING AND AT A STAND STILL. I AM AT A LIGHT, I PRESS THE GAS PEDAL AND THERE'S SIGNIFICANT LAG TIME BETWEEN THE TIME THE CAR BEGINS TO ROLL. FOURTH ISSUE: THE FRONT END SQUEAKING REALLY BAD. IT BECAME PROGRESSIVELY WORSE AND BERT SMITH REPLACED THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE STRUT BEARING ON THURSDAY 7/21. IT'S HAPPENING AGAIN. THE 2ND FRONT BEARING HAS TO BE REPLACED, AND MAYBE THE ONE THAT WAS ALREADY REPLACED HAS TO BE FIXED AGAIN. *NM

NHTSA ODI #10163311

6,800 miles · Jun 8, 2006
SuspensionUnknown Or Other

2006 VW PASSAT 3.6 TWO WEEKS AGO A NOISE APPEARED QUITE SUDDENLY. ORIGINALLY THOUGHT THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME HAD A BAD MUFFLER. NOISE COMING FROM FRONT, RIGHT OF CAR. ALMOST SOUNDED LIKE A BASEBALL CARD IN YOUR BIKE SPOKES BUT LOUDER AND DEEPER. STARTS AT AROUND 50 MPH. TONE AND SPEED OF SOUND DECREASES AS SPEED OF CAR DECREASES …

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2006 VW PASSAT 3.6 TWO WEEKS AGO A NOISE APPEARED QUITE SUDDENLY. ORIGINALLY THOUGHT THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME HAD A BAD MUFFLER. NOISE COMING FROM FRONT, RIGHT OF CAR. ALMOST SOUNDED LIKE A BASEBALL CARD IN YOUR BIKE SPOKES BUT LOUDER AND DEEPER. STARTS AT AROUND 50 MPH. TONE AND SPEED OF SOUND DECREASES AS SPEED OF CAR DECREASES BUT OTHERWISE STAYS CONSTANT. DISAPPEARS WHEN YOU TAKE YOUR FOOT OFF GAS. TOOK IT TO CARTER VW. THEY HEARD SOUND. TOLD ME THAT AIR PRESSURE IN FRONT, RIGHT TIRE WAS AT MAX AND SO THEY LET SOME AIR OUT AND THAT "FIXED" THE PROBLEM. IT DID NOT. SINCE I HAD NOT HAD THE TIRE PRESSURE CHANGED SINCE I BOUGHT THE CAR IN NOV - I FOUND IT HARD TO BELIEVE THAT WOULD FIX THAT PROBLEM AND TOLD THEM THAT. WILL TAKE IT TO CHAPLINS VW, WHICH IS MUCH CLOSER TO HOME. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10159290

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.