Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
820–25K
5925–50K
9550–75K
6575–100K
84100–150K
26150K+
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
What owners actually said
576 reports
Mileage unknown · Jul 8, 2016
Air Bags
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V079000 (AIR BAGS). THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V079000 (AIR BAGS). THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.
NHTSA ODI #10883636
230,000 miles · Jul 6, 2016
Air BagsCrash
TAKATA RECALL I WAS IN A FRONT END COLLISION WITH ANOTHER CAR GOING ABOUT 70 MPH WITH THE FLOW OF TRAFFIC AROUND 3:15PM PST WHEN MY DRIVER'S SIDE AIRBAGS DID NOT ACTIVATE AT ALL. THERE IS A KNOW RECALL ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE AIRBAG FOR MY CAR BUT NO REPAIRS HAVE BEEN MADE AVAILABLE. THIS NON-ACTIVATION OF THIS SAFETY FEATURE OF M…
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TAKATA RECALL I WAS IN A FRONT END COLLISION WITH ANOTHER CAR GOING ABOUT 70 MPH WITH THE FLOW OF TRAFFIC AROUND 3:15PM PST WHEN MY DRIVER'S SIDE AIRBAGS DID NOT ACTIVATE AT ALL. THERE IS A KNOW RECALL ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE AIRBAG FOR MY CAR BUT NO REPAIRS HAVE BEEN MADE AVAILABLE. THIS NON-ACTIVATION OF THIS SAFETY FEATURE OF MY CAR CAUSED ME TO HIT MY STEERING WHEEL HARD WITH MY CHEST.
NHTSA ODI #10882972
80,000 miles · Jul 1, 2016
EngineVehicle Speed Control
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE UNINTENTIONALLY ACCELERATED AND JERKED AS THE RPMS REVVED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT FORCE WAS CONSTANTLY APPLIED TO THE BRAKE PEDAL WHEN THE FAILURE OCCURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER ON FOUR OCCASIONS WHERE THE THROTTLE BODY AND THE ELE…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE UNINTENTIONALLY ACCELERATED AND JERKED AS THE RPMS REVVED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT FORCE WAS CONSTANTLY APPLIED TO THE BRAKE PEDAL WHEN THE FAILURE OCCURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER ON FOUR OCCASIONS WHERE THE THROTTLE BODY AND THE ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULE WERE REPLACED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000.
NHTSA ODI #10882019
106,000 miles · Jun 30, 2016
Steering
WE HAVE HAD TROUBLE FOR THE PAST WEEK WITH OUR CAR NOT CRANKING IN THE AFTERNOON. WE FIGURED IT WAS THE ALTERNATOR CAUSING THE BATTERY TO DIE. WE REPLACED THE ALTERNATOR. SO THE CAR DID GREAT FOR ONLY A FEW MINUTES, THEN WHEN BACKING OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY, THE STEERING COLUMN LIGHT CAME ON, THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP, AND THE CA…
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WE HAVE HAD TROUBLE FOR THE PAST WEEK WITH OUR CAR NOT CRANKING IN THE AFTERNOON. WE FIGURED IT WAS THE ALTERNATOR CAUSING THE BATTERY TO DIE. WE REPLACED THE ALTERNATOR. SO THE CAR DID GREAT FOR ONLY A FEW MINUTES, THEN WHEN BACKING OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY, THE STEERING COLUMN LIGHT CAME ON, THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP, AND THE CAR CONTINUED TO RUN. IF WE HAD BEEN GOING DOWN THE ROAD LIKE I HAVE READ HUNDREDS OF OTHER COMPLAINTS FOR THIS, WE COULD HAVE BEEN KILLED. WHY HAS THIS NOT BEEN RECALLED AS MANY COMPLAINTS HAVE BEEN MADE? THE STEERING COLUMN LIGHT COMES ON GOING DOWN THE ROAD AND EVERYTHING LOCKS UP FOR SOMEONE TO DIE. WILL VOLKSWAGEN THEN DECIDE ITS TIME TO RECALL IT? NOW THE KEY WILL NOT COME OUT OF THE IGNITION AND IT WILL NOT CRANK AT ALL.
NHTSA ODI #10881822
Mileage unknown · Jun 29, 2016
Air Bags
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V079000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWA…
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TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V079000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
NHTSA ODI #10881538
Mileage unknown · Jun 26, 2016
EngineFuel/propulsion SystemUnknown Or OtherCrash
BAD IGNITION COILS AND MISFIRES. CAM FOLLOWER AND CAMSHAFT WEAR PROBLEMS. DIVERTER VALVE (DV) FAILURE. HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP (HPFP). CARBON BUILD UP AND COLD START MISFIRES. INTAKE MANIFOLD RUNNER CONTROL (IMRC) MOTOR. TIMING CHAIN, CHAIN ADJUSTER AND TENSIONER. VW AND AUDI FUEL PUMP CONTROL MODULE. PCV VALVE FAILURE…
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BAD IGNITION COILS AND MISFIRES. CAM FOLLOWER AND CAMSHAFT WEAR PROBLEMS. DIVERTER VALVE (DV) FAILURE. HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP (HPFP). CARBON BUILD UP AND COLD START MISFIRES. INTAKE MANIFOLD RUNNER CONTROL (IMRC) MOTOR. TIMING CHAIN, CHAIN ADJUSTER AND TENSIONER. VW AND AUDI FUEL PUMP CONTROL MODULE. PCV VALVE FAILURE.
NHTSA ODI #10876630
Mileage unknown · Jun 21, 2016
Air Bags
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V079000 (AIR BAGS) AND STATED THAT THE PART NEEDED FOR THE REPAIR WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS…
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TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V079000 (AIR BAGS) AND STATED THAT THE PART NEEDED FOR THE REPAIR WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
NHTSA ODI #10875574
129,000 miles · Jun 6, 2016
Air Bags
TAKATA RECALL: RECEIVED WORTHLESS VW LETTER. BEEN DRIVING DANGEROUS CAR FOR 10 YEARS. DEFLATORS GET WORSE WITH AGE. CONTACTED VW DEALERS LOCALLY - NO PARTS ADN NO INFO. CONTACTED VW CUSTOMER SERVICE - WAS TOLD NO KNOWN INSTANCES FOR VW AND NO IDEA WHEN PARTS AVAILABLE MAY 2016 TO DECEMBER 2019. WHY IS TAKATA ALLOWE…
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TAKATA RECALL: RECEIVED WORTHLESS VW LETTER. BEEN DRIVING DANGEROUS CAR FOR 10 YEARS. DEFLATORS GET WORSE WITH AGE. CONTACTED VW DEALERS LOCALLY - NO PARTS ADN NO INFO. CONTACTED VW CUSTOMER SERVICE - WAS TOLD NO KNOWN INSTANCES FOR VW AND NO IDEA WHEN PARTS AVAILABLE MAY 2016 TO DECEMBER 2019. WHY IS TAKATA ALLOWED TO BE IN BUSINESS AFTER SELLING MILLIONS OF THE DEFECTIVE LETHAL AIRBAGS? WHY IS VW NOT REQUIRED TO GER REPLACEMENT OEM PARTS MADE NOW. CAN'T SELL IT, GIVE IT AWAY OR DRIVE IT THIS WAY.
NHTSA ODI #10872773
Mileage unknown · Jun 2, 2016
Air Bags
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. ADDITIONALLY, THE PARKING BRAKE AND ENGINE LIGHTS ILLUMINATED FOR A BRIEF MOMENT. THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR REMAINED ILLUMINATED CONTINUOUSLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. ADDITIONALLY, THE PARKING BRAKE AND ENGINE LIGHTS ILLUMINATED FOR A BRIEF MOMENT. THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR REMAINED ILLUMINATED CONTINUOUSLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE VIN WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V079000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PART NEEDED TO PERFORM THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
NHTSA ODI #10872040
Mileage unknown · Jun 1, 2016
Steering
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V613000 (STEERING) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE.…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V613000 (STEERING) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.
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.
2006 Volkswagen Passat Problems, Complaints & Recalls | Skip That Year
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