← New search

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

What owners actually said

576 reports
144,000 miles · Mar 21, 2016
Engine

WHILE DRIVING A 2006 PASSAT 3.6L, THE OIL PRESSURE WARNING CAME ON. TOOK TO VW OF ORLAND PARK IL.THEY TOLD ME THE OIL PUMP BOLT IS BACKING OUT, IT HASN'T YET, BUT IT WILL, IT'S A COMMON PROBLEM. THEY RECCOMENDED A NEW OIL PUMP, BOLT INCLUDED, AND NEW TIMING KIT AS THAT WOULD HAVE SUFFERED RESIDUAL DAMAGE FROM THE BOLT BACKING OU…

Read full complaint

WHILE DRIVING A 2006 PASSAT 3.6L, THE OIL PRESSURE WARNING CAME ON. TOOK TO VW OF ORLAND PARK IL.THEY TOLD ME THE OIL PUMP BOLT IS BACKING OUT, IT HASN'T YET, BUT IT WILL, IT'S A COMMON PROBLEM. THEY RECCOMENDED A NEW OIL PUMP, BOLT INCLUDED, AND NEW TIMING KIT AS THAT WOULD HAVE SUFFERED RESIDUAL DAMAGE FROM THE BOLT BACKING OUT. THEY OFFERED TO DO THIS FOR $6000. A NEW ENGINE FOR $11,000. BEING DISGRUNTLED, THE LEAD TECH SUPERVISOR PULLED ME TO THE SIDE AND SAID THIS BOLT WAS FIXED IN LATE 2007 MODELS. I ASKED HIM HOW MUCH TO JUST REPLACE THE BOLT. HE TOLD ME $3000 + $12.00 FOR THE BOLT. I COULDN'T AFFORD THE REPAIR. VW OFFERED NO GOODWILL FOR ISSUE. EVERY TIME CAR IS STARTED, OIL PRESSURE WARNING SOUNDS AND THEN GOES OFF, NO CHECK ENGINE LIGHTS EVER COME ON. NO WEIRD SOUNDS. CAR IS NOT BEING DRIVEN NOW. VW IS AWARE OF THIS ISSUE AND HAS DONE NOTHING. ONE WRONGLY SIZED BOLT CAN CAUSE THE WHOLE ENGINE TO FAIL. VW' HAS BEEN HAVING PLENTY OF RECALLS LATELY, PUTTING LIVES IN DANGER. PLEASE INVESTIGATE THIS! THERE SHOULDN'T HAVE TO BE A BODY COUNT TO ISSUE A RECALL.

NHTSA ODI #10850906

115,000 miles · Mar 18, 2016
EngineFire

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2006 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, A LOUD POPPING SOUND WAS HEARD AND SMOKE AND FLAMES APPEARED FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE CONTACT EXITED THE VEHICLE, IT ENGULFED IN FLAMES. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CONTACTED AND A REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A SALVAGE YARD…

Read full complaint

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2006 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, A LOUD POPPING SOUND WAS HEARD AND SMOKE AND FLAMES APPEARED FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE CONTACT EXITED THE VEHICLE, IT ENGULFED IN FLAMES. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CONTACTED AND A REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A SALVAGE YARD WHERE IT WAS DEEMED DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 115,000.

NHTSA ODI #10850400

100,000 miles · Feb 24, 2016
Engine

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED, THE "PLEASE STOP, THE ENGINE OIL PRESSURE IS LOW" WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED AND THE OIL PICKUP TUBE WAS REPLACED; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MIL…

Read full complaint

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED, THE "PLEASE STOP, THE ENGINE OIL PRESSURE IS LOW" WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED AND THE OIL PICKUP TUBE WAS REPLACED; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

NHTSA ODI #10838073

120,000 miles · Feb 11, 2016
Fuel/propulsion System

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE DECELERATED. IN ADDITION, WHILE THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED, THE VEHICLE WAS NOT FUNCTIONING. THE FAILURE RECURRED MULTIPLE TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP NEEDED TO BE…

Read full complaint

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE DECELERATED. IN ADDITION, WHILE THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED, THE VEHICLE WAS NOT FUNCTIONING. THE FAILURE RECURRED MULTIPLE TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000.

NHTSA ODI #10825546

Mileage unknown · Feb 2, 2016
Engine

I WAS DRIVING ON I 70 GOING HOME , I WAS RUNNING 75 MPG AND IT WAS A LOT CAR THAT DAY , AND I WAS GOING DOWN THE HILL OF I70 ALL THE SUDDEN MY CAR WAS LOSS ENGINE POWER GOING ON DOWN HILL ON TURNINGS ROAD . AND THE ENGINE MAKING MAKING LOUD NOISE THE THE USUALLY, I ALMOST GET HIT VIEW TIMES WHEN I TRYING TO MOVE MY CAR OF THE T…

Read full complaint

I WAS DRIVING ON I 70 GOING HOME , I WAS RUNNING 75 MPG AND IT WAS A LOT CAR THAT DAY , AND I WAS GOING DOWN THE HILL OF I70 ALL THE SUDDEN MY CAR WAS LOSS ENGINE POWER GOING ON DOWN HILL ON TURNINGS ROAD . AND THE ENGINE MAKING MAKING LOUD NOISE THE THE USUALLY, I ALMOST GET HIT VIEW TIMES WHEN I TRYING TO MOVE MY CAR OF THE TRAFFIC FROM THE LEFT TO THE RIGHT LANE SO I'M NOT BLOCKING THE TRAFFIC. IT WAS SCARY CAUSE THE CAR TOTALLY LOSING POWER IN HIGHWAY I70 ON THE CURVES ROAD WHERE OTHER VEHICLES CAN SEE ME STOPPING ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD . IT'S SCARRY EXPERIENCE DRIVING IN MY LIVE .I'M LUCKY TOW TRUCK WAS PASSING BY ,AND STOP HELPING ME TO GET HELP . AND OTHER TOWING TRUCK CAME AND TOW MY CAR TO MY HOUSE , UNTIL NOW THE CAR SEAT IN MY GARAGE. AND I HAVE MY MECHANIC COME TO MY HOUSE AND CHECK WHAT'S GOING ON WITH MY CAR ,AND HE SAY IT'S THE OI PUMP BOLT IS BROKEN AND IT'S COMING OUT THAT WAY MY CAR LOSE THE POWER ALL THE SUDDEN HE SAY . AND HE TOLD IT HAPPEN A LOT FOR THIS PASSAT 3.6L 4MOTION 2006 AND HE SUGGESTED ME TO DO RESEARCH ABOUT THE ISSUE ON THE INTERNET.

NHTSA ODI #10823653

39,556 miles · Jan 22, 2016
Steering

MY VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT HAS A STEERING WHEEL LOCK WARNING LIGHT COME ON.. MANUAL SAYS THE STEERING COULD BE COMPROMISED... VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA DID WANT ACKNOWLEDGE THE FACT THAT MANY CARS HAD THIS PROBLEM ALL OVER THE WORLD.. THE PROBLEM WAS EVENTUALLY FIXED. NOW, LESS THAN 10,000 LATER, I HAVE THE PROBLEM AGAIN. THIS IS A KNOWN …

Read full complaint

MY VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT HAS A STEERING WHEEL LOCK WARNING LIGHT COME ON.. MANUAL SAYS THE STEERING COULD BE COMPROMISED... VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA DID WANT ACKNOWLEDGE THE FACT THAT MANY CARS HAD THIS PROBLEM ALL OVER THE WORLD.. THE PROBLEM WAS EVENTUALLY FIXED. NOW, LESS THAN 10,000 LATER, I HAVE THE PROBLEM AGAIN. THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE THAT VW DOESN'T NOT WANT TO ACKNOWLEDGE OR TAKE CARE OF. THERE SHOULD BE A SAFETY RECALL DONE ON THIS MATTER AS IT COULD BE VERY DANGEROUS. IN MY CASE NOT ONLY DID IT AFFECT THE STEERING, BUT IT ALSO WOULD NOT LET ME START THE CAR AT ALL. THE PROBLEM WAS INTERMITTENT AT FIRST BUT GOT PROGRESSIVELY WORST. IT GOT TO WHERE I COULD NOT START THE CAR AT ALL.

NHTSA ODI #10821733

29,000 miles · Dec 4, 2015
Vehicle Speed Control

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE UNINTENDED ACCELERATED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT WHEN THE FAILURE WAS OCCURRING, THE BRAKE PEDAL REQUIRED BEING DEPRESSED WITH BOTH FEET IN ORDER TO COMPLETELY STOP THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE WAS…

Read full complaint

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE UNINTENDED ACCELERATED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT WHEN THE FAILURE WAS OCCURRING, THE BRAKE PEDAL REQUIRED BEING DEPRESSED WITH BOTH FEET IN ORDER TO COMPLETELY STOP THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE WAS PERSISTENT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 29,000.

NHTSA ODI #10808440

100,000 miles · Nov 28, 2015
Air BagsSeatsVisibility/wiper

I HAVE AN AIR BAG LIGHT ON AND I GET A WARNING SIGN THAT IT SHOULD BE SERVICED. WIPERS ARE NOT THAT EFFECTIVE AND I KEEP ON HAVING FOGY WINDOWS SO I HAVE TO KEEP ON ADJUSTING THE HEAT.

NHTSA ODI #10807254

120,000 miles · Nov 1, 2015
Engine

I WAS DRIVING ON A HIGHWAY GOING TOWARDS HOME AND WAS TRAVELING APPROXIMATELY 65MPH WHEN SUDDENLY I HEARD A LOUD BANG AND A SMELL OF SOMETHING BURNING AND ALL THE DASH LIGHTS CAME ON AND THE ENGINE TURNED OFF. I COASTED TO THE SHOULDER OF THE HIGHWAY AND OPENED THE HOOD AND GOT OUT TO CHECK WHAT WAS GOING ON. WHEN I VISUALLY …

Read full complaint

I WAS DRIVING ON A HIGHWAY GOING TOWARDS HOME AND WAS TRAVELING APPROXIMATELY 65MPH WHEN SUDDENLY I HEARD A LOUD BANG AND A SMELL OF SOMETHING BURNING AND ALL THE DASH LIGHTS CAME ON AND THE ENGINE TURNED OFF. I COASTED TO THE SHOULDER OF THE HIGHWAY AND OPENED THE HOOD AND GOT OUT TO CHECK WHAT WAS GOING ON. WHEN I VISUALLY INSPECTED THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT I NOTICED A HOLE IN THE INTAKE MANIFOLD AND LOOKING CLOSER I NOTICED CRACKS WHERE THE BOLTS HOLD THE INTAKE MANIFOLD ON. ALSO THE AIR FILTER BOX MOUNTS ARE ALSO CRACKED AND THAT IS ALL I CAN SEE WITHOUT FURTHER INVESTIGATION (REMOVING ENGINE). I TOWED IT TO A VW DEALERSHIP IN EASTON PA WHERE I PURCHASED IT. I TALKED TO THE SERVICE MANAGER AND HE SAID THEY WOULD EVALUATE IT AND IT COST $129 TO TELL ME THAT THEY HAD TO PULL THE TRANSMISSION AND TRANSFER CASE DOWN WHICH WOULD COST ME AN ADDITIONAL $1000 JUST FOR THE LABOR AND WOULD LET ME KNOW WHAT ELSE IS NOT BROKEN. I TOLD THEM NO. THEY WOULD NOT TELL ME WHAT THEY THOUGHT WAS WRONG BUT WHEN I WENT TO THE DEALERSHIP AND SPOKE TO THE SERVICE MANAGER ONE ON ONE OUTSIDE THE BUILDING HE ADMITTED THAT THERE HAVE BEEN PROBLEMS WITH THIS MODEL AND YEAR OF VW. I HAD IT TOWED BACK TO MY HOME. I AM MECHANICALLY INCLINED AND AFTER SOME RESEARCH ON THE COMPUTER SAW THAT MANY OTHER PEOPLE WITH THIS MODEL AND YEAR OF VW HAVE HAD THIS SAME ISSUE. THE CAR LOST TIMING CONTRIBUTING TO THE TIMING CHAINS BEING DISCONNECTED. ONLINE THEY MENTION ABOUT THE OIL PUMP BOLT BACKING ITS WAY OUT AND THE TIMING CHAINS BECOMING DISCONNECTED. WHEN WE PURCHASED THE CAR IT WAS USED AND HAD 70,000 MILES AND ONE OWNER AND WHEN THIS HAPPENED IT HAD 120,000 AND ACCORDING TO OUR RESEARCH THIS OIL PUMP BOLT ISSUE OCCURS USUALLY BETWEEN 70,000 AND 100,000 IN THE 2006 AND 2007 VW PASSAT 3.6. IF VW KNEW THESE BOLTS WERE COMING OUT THEY SHOULD HAVE ISSUED A RECALL. VW KNEW THIS WAS AN ISSUE.

NHTSA ODI #10787521

86,000 miles · Oct 27, 2015
Steering

ATTEMPTED TO START MY VEHICLE BY PRESSING THE KEY FOB INTO THE IGNITION. CAR DID NOT START AND THE MESSAGE "STEERING COLUMN DEFECTIVE" WAS DISPLAYED. ATTEMPTED TO START THE CAR AGAIN, BUT THIS TIME THE CAR FAILED TO EVEN TURN THE ENGINE OVER. IN ADDITION, THE KEY FOB CANNOT BE EXTRACTED FROM THE IGNITION. NOW THE CAR IS IMMOBILE…

Read full complaint

ATTEMPTED TO START MY VEHICLE BY PRESSING THE KEY FOB INTO THE IGNITION. CAR DID NOT START AND THE MESSAGE "STEERING COLUMN DEFECTIVE" WAS DISPLAYED. ATTEMPTED TO START THE CAR AGAIN, BUT THIS TIME THE CAR FAILED TO EVEN TURN THE ENGINE OVER. IN ADDITION, THE KEY FOB CANNOT BE EXTRACTED FROM THE IGNITION. NOW THE CAR IS IMMOBILE. I RESEARCHED THIS ISSUE AND QUICKLY DISCOVERED THAT THIS IS A PREVALENT ISSUE WITH THIS MAKE AND MODEL. MANY OTHER'S HAVE VOICED THEIR COMPLAINT WITH VW REGARDING THIS ISSUE BUT DESPITE THIS, VW STILL HAS YET TO EVEN ACKNOWLEDGE THAT THERE IS A MANUFACTURING DEFECT. THE CAR, BEING BOUGHT THROUGH A VW DEALERSHIP PRE-OWNED, WAS NOT UNDER WARRANTY. THE CAR HAS LESS THAN 80K MILES ON IT AND HAD ONLY ACCRUED 10K MILES SINCE IT WAS PURCHASED, BY ME AND FROM THE DEALERSHIP, 14 MONTHS AGO.

NHTSA ODI #10786372

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.