NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
576 reports22,161 miles · Sep 11, 2007
Engine And Engine Cooling
01/20/07 PASSAT 3.6 HAD CATASTROPHIC ENGINE FAILURE WHILE DRIVING HOME. WARNING LIGHT CAME ON DISPLAY ADVISE LOW OIL PRESSURE AND TO IMMEDIATELY STOP THE CAR. MILEAGE ON VEHICLE AT TIME OF FAILURE 13,357. VEHICLE HAD TO BE TOWED TO DEALERSHIP. DEALERSHIP STATED THAT THE ENTIRE ENGINE WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED AND THEN LATER STAT…
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01/20/07 PASSAT 3.6 HAD CATASTROPHIC ENGINE FAILURE WHILE DRIVING HOME. WARNING LIGHT CAME ON DISPLAY ADVISE LOW OIL PRESSURE AND TO IMMEDIATELY STOP THE CAR. MILEAGE ON VEHICLE AT TIME OF FAILURE 13,357. VEHICLE HAD TO BE TOWED TO DEALERSHIP. DEALERSHIP STATED THAT THE ENTIRE ENGINE WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED AND THEN LATER STATED THAT REPAIR COULD BE DONE. PARTIAL LIST OF REPAIRS IS AS FOLLOWS: REMOVE AND REPLACE TIMING BELT, TENSIONER AND SHEARED BOLT THAT CAUSED ENGINE FAILURE. CHECK MAIN BEARINGS AND REPLACE REMOVE AND EXTRACT BROKEN.......? CANNOT MAKE OUT NOTES ON SERVICE TICKET. FLUSH ENGINE BLOCK VEHICLE RETURNED TO US WITHIN 1 WEEK AND HAS NEVER BEEN RIGHT. CONSTANT ISSUES WITH SHIFTING AND CONTINUED NOISE IN ENGINE. 09/10/07 CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND REMAINS ON. LOW OIL PRESSURE MESSAGE AND STOP CAR IMMEDIATELY DISPLAYED ON READOUT. LOUD CLUNKING AND GRINDING NOISE IN ENGINE AGAIN. APPEARS THAT SAME FAILURE AS BEFORE HAS OPCCURED AGAIN. MILEAGE IS 22,161 DROPPED VEHICLE AT DEALERSHIP ON 09/11/07 AND DEALER IS TRYING TO FIGURE OUT WHAT SENT WRONG AND WHY. I AM INSISTING ON NEW ENGINE REPLACEMENT OR VWOA TO BUY BACK THE VEHICLE. *TR UPDATED 10/03/07. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10202574
13,100 miles · Aug 16, 2007
Service Brakes, HydraulicCrash
I OWN A 2006 VW PASSAT 2.0T. TWO DAYS AGO, AS MY WIFE WAS PARKING WITH THE BABY IN THE BACK SEAT, THE BRAKES SUDDENLY FAILED COMPLETELY AND SHE SMACKED INTO THE CAR IN FRONT OF HER AND IT INTO THE CAR IN FRONT OF IT. LUCKILY NO ONE WAS IN THOSE CARS AND MY WIFE AND BABY ARE OKAY. SHE THEN FILED A POLICE REPORT AND HAD THE ROA…
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I OWN A 2006 VW PASSAT 2.0T. TWO DAYS AGO, AS MY WIFE WAS PARKING WITH THE BABY IN THE BACK SEAT, THE BRAKES SUDDENLY FAILED COMPLETELY AND SHE SMACKED INTO THE CAR IN FRONT OF HER AND IT INTO THE CAR IN FRONT OF IT. LUCKILY NO ONE WAS IN THOSE CARS AND MY WIFE AND BABY ARE OKAY. SHE THEN FILED A POLICE REPORT AND HAD THE ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE PICK IT UP AND TAKE IT TO THE SERVICE CENTER. NOW I KNOW ABOUT THE LATE 2006 RECALL AND WE HAD THAT FIXED BUT GEEZ, IT'S A GOOD THING SHE WASN'T ON THE HIGHWAY! AS OF YESTERDAY, VW MECHANICS COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM AND COULD NOT FIND A MECHANICAL OR COMPUTER ERROR. THE SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE SAID THAT THEY ROAD TESTED IT AND IT WAS FINE. HOWEVER, MY CAR MODEL WAS RECALLED BY VW IN 12/06 AND SUPPOSEDLY FIXED A POWER BRAKE ISSUE. OF COURSE YESTERDAY THEY TOLD ME THAT IT WAS ALSO RECALLED JUST YESTERDAY FOR A SOFTWARE UPDATE. MEANS NOTHING I GUESS...AND THEY'VE ROAD TESTED IT AGAIN. BY THE WAY, HAD MY WIFE FLOORED THE GAS, WITH THE 2.0T ENGINE, IT WOULD HAVE BEEN FAR WORSE. WITNESSES SAW HER SCREAMING AND LOOKING DOWN BEFORE THE ACCIDENT, TRYING TO FIGURE OUT WHAT WAS HAPPENING. VW CONSUMER AFFAIRS, IS ALSO INVESTIGATING THE ISSUE AND THE DEALERS SERVICE LEVELS. NOW TODAY, SOMETHING SURPRISING HAPPENED. MY LOJACK EARLY WARNING SYSTEM CALLED AN EMAILED ME BECAUSE AS IT TURNS OUT THEY WERE ROAD TESTING IT. FUNNY, THEY SAID THEY ROAD TESTED IT YESTERDAY AS WELL BUT I HAD NO EARLY WARNING FROM LOJACK. SOUNDS LIKE I CAUGHT THE SERVICE CENTER IN A LIE. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10199877
14,700 miles · Aug 12, 2007
Vehicle Speed Control
ON HOT WEATHER DAYS (90 DEGREES OR MORE) THE ENGINE WILL INTERMITTENTLY RUN AT A HIGH IDLE OF APPROXIMATELY 1,000 RPM AT STOPS. THE ENGINE NORMALLY IDLES AROUND 600 RPM AT STOPS. WHEN THIS HAPPENS, THE CAR LURCHES FORWARD AND REQUIRES EXCESSIVE FORCE ON THE BRAKE PEDAL TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. AS IT IS AN INTERMITT…
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ON HOT WEATHER DAYS (90 DEGREES OR MORE) THE ENGINE WILL INTERMITTENTLY RUN AT A HIGH IDLE OF APPROXIMATELY 1,000 RPM AT STOPS. THE ENGINE NORMALLY IDLES AROUND 600 RPM AT STOPS. WHEN THIS HAPPENS, THE CAR LURCHES FORWARD AND REQUIRES EXCESSIVE FORCE ON THE BRAKE PEDAL TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. AS IT IS AN INTERMITTENT CONDITION, THE DRIVER WILL BE CAUGHT UNAWARE OF HOW MUCH PRESSURE TO APPLY TO THE BRAKE TO BRING THE VEHICLE TO A COMPLETE STOP IN THE ANTICIPATED DISTANCE. THIS HAS LED TO NEAR ACCIDENTS WITH VEHICLES AND PEDESTRIANS. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10199338
6,800 miles · Aug 10, 2007
Vehicle Speed ControlCrash
I WAS STOPPED AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT ON A SLIGHT UPHILL GRADE WHEN THE CAR'S ENGINE SUDDENLY STARTED TO RACE. THE CAR SURGED FORWARD BEFORE I COULD BRAKE AND HIT THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME. I HAD TO PRACTICALLY STAND ON THE BRAKE TO STOP IT. FORTUNATELY THERE WAS NO DAMAGE AND EVEN MORE FORTUNATELY THERE WASN'T A PEDESTRIAN CROSSING IN …
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I WAS STOPPED AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT ON A SLIGHT UPHILL GRADE WHEN THE CAR'S ENGINE SUDDENLY STARTED TO RACE. THE CAR SURGED FORWARD BEFORE I COULD BRAKE AND HIT THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME. I HAD TO PRACTICALLY STAND ON THE BRAKE TO STOP IT. FORTUNATELY THERE WAS NO DAMAGE AND EVEN MORE FORTUNATELY THERE WASN'T A PEDESTRIAN CROSSING IN FRONT OF ME. THE TEMPERATURE THAT AFTERNOON WAS 98 DEGREES WHICH, I UNDERSTAND FROM THE VW FORUMS IS RELEVANT. OTHER PEOPLE HAVE EXPERIENCED THIS PROBLEM IN VERY HOT TEMPERATURES AS WELL. THIS HAS HAPPENED TO ME ONCE BEFORE BUT I ALREADY HAD MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE AND ONLY HAD TO STAND ON IT TO RESTRAIN THE CAR. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10199113
14,000 miles · Aug 10, 2007
Vehicle Speed Control
ENGINE IDLE INTERMITTENTLY SITS HIGHER THAN NORMAL (900-1000RPM) PERMITTING CAR TO WANT TO LURCH FORWARD (LIKE AT TRAFFIC STOPS) WHICH CAN CAUSE THE DRIVER TO HIT THE PERSON IN FRONT OF THEM. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10199040
15,000 miles · Aug 9, 2007
Vehicle Speed Control
DURING HEAVY USAGE OF THE A/C SYSTEM (ESPECIALLY ON HOT DAYS), THE CAR INCREASES RPM'S, PRESUMABLY TO COMPENSATE FOR THE INCREASED LOAD ON THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. THE VEHICLE FEELS LIKE IT WANTS TO SURGE FORWARD THROUGH ANY NORMAL BRAKING OR THE OEM "AUTOHOLD" FEATURE. THIS HAPPENS MOST OFTEN DURING STOP AND GO TRAFFIC. I ASKE…
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DURING HEAVY USAGE OF THE A/C SYSTEM (ESPECIALLY ON HOT DAYS), THE CAR INCREASES RPM'S, PRESUMABLY TO COMPENSATE FOR THE INCREASED LOAD ON THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. THE VEHICLE FEELS LIKE IT WANTS TO SURGE FORWARD THROUGH ANY NORMAL BRAKING OR THE OEM "AUTOHOLD" FEATURE. THIS HAPPENS MOST OFTEN DURING STOP AND GO TRAFFIC. I ASKED THE REGIONAL VW REPRESENTATIVE, THOMAS KERR ABOUT THE ISSUE THIS MORNING WHO SAID IT IS "NORMAL BEHAVIOR FOR THIS CAR." *TR
NHTSA ODI #10198993
10,000 miles · Aug 9, 2007
Engine And Engine Cooling
ISSUES WITH HESITATION WHEN A ROLLING STOP, AND WHEN COMPLETELY STOPPED. THERE IS A 2-3 SECOND DELAY BEFORE THE CAR RESPONDS TO THE GAS PEDAL. I HAVE ALMOST BEEN HIT 3 TIMES NOW WHEN PULLING OUT INTO TRAFFIC. THAT 2-3 DELAY IN ACCELERATION COULD CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. THIS IS AN ISSUE KNOWN TO VW, THEY SAY THEY ARE WORKIG ON A F…
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ISSUES WITH HESITATION WHEN A ROLLING STOP, AND WHEN COMPLETELY STOPPED. THERE IS A 2-3 SECOND DELAY BEFORE THE CAR RESPONDS TO THE GAS PEDAL. I HAVE ALMOST BEEN HIT 3 TIMES NOW WHEN PULLING OUT INTO TRAFFIC. THAT 2-3 DELAY IN ACCELERATION COULD CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. THIS IS AN ISSUE KNOWN TO VW, THEY SAY THEY ARE WORKIG ON A FIX. WHAT ARE THEY WAITING FOR, SOMEONE TO GET KILLED! NUMEROUS V6 OWNERS HAVE THE SAME ISSUES! ALSO SEOND ISSUE IS, WHEN I AM STOPPED IN HEAVY STOP AND GO TRAFFIC AND EXTREME HEAT MY CAR IDLES AT 1000RPMS. THIS IS CORRECTED BY ME PUTTING THE CAR IN PARK, STEPPING ON THE GAS TILL 3000 RPM AND IT WILL GO BACK TO NORMAL. IT FEELS LIKE THE CAR IN READY TO LUNGE FORWARD UNEXPECTEDLY. AGAIN WELL KNOWN ISSUE TO VW, SEVERAL INTERNET FORUMS DISCUSS THIS VW HAS DON'T NOTHING. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10198986
20,000 miles · Aug 9, 2007
Engine And Engine Cooling
ENGINE IDLE SPEED INCREASES TO 900-1000 RPM AT STOPS IN WARM/HOT WEATHER. THIS CAUSES DRIVER TO INCREASE PRESSURE ON BRAKE TO STOP CAR SAFELY. THIS IDLE SPEED MAY HOLD FOR SEVERAL STOPS BEFORE RETURNING TO NORMAL 650-700 RPM. IF IN STOP AND GO TRAFFIC, THE HIGH IDLE WILL HOLD LONGER. IT HAS BEEN SUGGESTED THAT THE HIGH IDLE IS I…
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ENGINE IDLE SPEED INCREASES TO 900-1000 RPM AT STOPS IN WARM/HOT WEATHER. THIS CAUSES DRIVER TO INCREASE PRESSURE ON BRAKE TO STOP CAR SAFELY. THIS IDLE SPEED MAY HOLD FOR SEVERAL STOPS BEFORE RETURNING TO NORMAL 650-700 RPM. IF IN STOP AND GO TRAFFIC, THE HIGH IDLE WILL HOLD LONGER. IT HAS BEEN SUGGESTED THAT THE HIGH IDLE IS IN RESPONSE TO THE WARM WEATHER CAUSING INCREASED RESISTANCE IN THE BATTERY CABLE FROM THE BATTERY IN THE TRUNK OF THE CAR (2006 VW PASSAT V6 ONLY) CAUSING A DROP IN VOLTAGE RECEIVED. THE ECM INCREASES ENGINE IDLE SPEED TO COMPENSATE. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10198978
13 miles · Aug 8, 2007
Exterior Lighting
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN SHE ACTIVATED THE TURN SIGNAL LIGHTS, THE SIGNAL INDICATED THAT SHE WAS TURNING IN THE OPPOSITE DIRECTION OF WHAT THE SIGNAL INDICATED. THE DRIVERS ON THE ROAD DO NOT KNOW WHICH DIRECTION HER VEHICLE IS TURNING. SHE STATED THAT SHE ALSO HAS AN ELECTRIC…
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN SHE ACTIVATED THE TURN SIGNAL LIGHTS, THE SIGNAL INDICATED THAT SHE WAS TURNING IN THE OPPOSITE DIRECTION OF WHAT THE SIGNAL INDICATED. THE DRIVERS ON THE ROAD DO NOT KNOW WHICH DIRECTION HER VEHICLE IS TURNING. SHE STATED THAT SHE ALSO HAS AN ELECTRIC PARKING BRAKE THAT CANNOT SHIFT OUT OF PARK. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED ONCE BEFORE, BUT THE FAILURE STILL PERSISTS. THE CONTACT NO LONGER OWNS THE VEHICLE DUE TO THE NUMBER OF FAILURES. THE DEALER STATED THAT BECAUSE THE FAILURES WERE INTERMITTENT,THEY WOULD BE UNABLE TO ASSIST HER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 13 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 25,400.
NHTSA ODI #10198810
24,000 miles · Jul 21, 2007
Power Train
HARD SHIFT IN 6 SPEED VW PASSAT2006 WHEN YOU COME TO A STOP FROM HIGH SPEED 50-60)MPH. IT FEELS LIKE SLEDGE HAMMER HITS THE CAR. VW SAYS THEY DON'T HAVE AN ANSWER FOR IT AND THEY ARE WORKING ON IT. I DON'T FEEL SAFE DRIVING IT. PLEASE HELP. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10197128
Official recalls
7Oct 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
1EA11002 · 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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