NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Electrical System complaints
34 reportsClear category filterMileage unknown · Jun 11, 2022
Electrical SystemEngineFuel/propulsion System
To start off, this car has common failures of the High Pressure Fuel Pump Cam Follower. This poses serious risk of damage to the engine when the follower is blown throw and the car goes into limp mode and if this happens on road it could be catastrophic. There were no warnings that this was the issue besides researching videos o…
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To start off, this car has common failures of the High Pressure Fuel Pump Cam Follower. This poses serious risk of damage to the engine when the follower is blown throw and the car goes into limp mode and if this happens on road it could be catastrophic. There were no warnings that this was the issue besides researching videos on YouTube while getting a fuel pressure code to find out the cam follower was completely blown throw which means my engine has MANY METAL pieces inside of my engine. If I did not catch this soon the next failure would’ve been the CAMSHAFT. The camshaft going bad at and given moment could also be catastrophic on the road and possibly even spark a fire. Another issue is with the timing chain on specific FSI engines. If this chain snaps mid drive then your engine could potentially blow in the middle of the road causing an accident. This problem is known by Volkswagen and they have yet to take serious action in regards to this safety hazard. Another potential for catastrophic events is the wiring harness specifically the one that runs under the Vacuum pump. These wires are covered in oil from the vacuum pump being prone to leaking and any fluid that goes on top of it. I also discovered that near my ECU to that wiring harness there was a spot of gasoline in which I was able to determine when I smelt the fluid with a glove on of course. This year make and model of Volkswagen can cause serious harm to those driving ESPECIALLY on the high way. The wiring harness and all components around it soak with oil and when you take off the manifold fuel also gets all over it even when you try to prevent it as much as you can. This has caused increased idle in my vehicle while driving with and EPC light that makes the car stall out of no where. If it happened when I was turning my wheel it could’ve caused an accident on the road or even a driver to have road rage behind me. Please help myself and fellow Passat owners of this year stay safe.
NHTSA ODI #11468771
160,000 miles · Feb 14, 2021
Electrical SystemFuel/propulsion System
I WAS DRIVING AND 2 LIGHT CAME ON , THE BATTERY LIGHT AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT. I RAN IT THOUGH A SCANNER AND THE CODES THAT POPPED UP WERE CODE P0087 AND P2293
NHTSA ODI #11396193
90,000 miles · Nov 9, 2020
Electrical SystemFuel/propulsion SystemUnknown Or Other
JUST BOUGHT THIS CAR AND AT 94206 MILES ON IT I CAN'T SEE HOW THE AIR COMPRESSOR WOULD GO OUT AND I SHOULDN'T HAVE TO PAY FOR IT I WANT TO SEE IF THERE IS RECALL ON THIS AT ALL IT'S A 2007 PLUS THERE 2 RECALLS NUMBER ARE 1ST ONE IS 20AE- NHTSA RECALL NUMBER IS 17V509 AUGUST 16 2017 AND NOW 2ND ONE IS MARCH 15 2018 MANUFACTURER R…
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JUST BOUGHT THIS CAR AND AT 94206 MILES ON IT I CAN'T SEE HOW THE AIR COMPRESSOR WOULD GO OUT AND I SHOULDN'T HAVE TO PAY FOR IT I WANT TO SEE IF THERE IS RECALL ON THIS AT ALL IT'S A 2007 PLUS THERE 2 RECALLS NUMBER ARE 1ST ONE IS 20AE- NHTSA RECALL NUMBER IS 17V509 AUGUST 16 2017 AND NOW 2ND ONE IS MARCH 15 2018 MANUFACTURER RECALL # 69Q9 NHTSA RECALL # IS 18V148 I DON'T SEE ANYWHERE IF THE RECALL WERE FIXED
NHTSA ODI #11373840
137,000 miles · Feb 11, 2020
Electrical SystemSteering
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE WOULD SUDDENLY SHUT OFF. THE MESSAGE "STEERING LOCK MODULE FAILURE" HAD DISPLAYED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED. THE VEHICLE WAS UNSAFE TO DRIVE DUE RANDOM STALLING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE WOULD SUDDENLY SHUT OFF AND ON SEV…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE WOULD SUDDENLY SHUT OFF. THE MESSAGE "STEERING LOCK MODULE FAILURE" HAD DISPLAYED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED. THE VEHICLE WAS UNSAFE TO DRIVE DUE RANDOM STALLING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE WOULD SUDDENLY SHUT OFF AND ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS THE VEHICLE COULD NOT BE STARTED. DURING THE FAILURES THE MESSAGE "STEERING LOCK MODULE FAILURE" HAD DISPLAYED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED THE LOCAL DEALER SERRA OF TRAVERSE CITY(1747 S GARFIELD TRAVERSE CITY MI.) WHO DIAGNOSE STEERING LOCK MODULE FAULTY. THE MODULE WAS REPLACED BUT THE FAILURES CONTINUED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 137,000. THE VIN WAS INVALID.
NHTSA ODI #11308570
171,700 miles · Jun 5, 2019
Air BagsElectrical SystemEngine And Engine Cooling
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG AND CATALYTIC CONVERTER MALFUNCTION INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. ALSO, A SPEED WARNING MESSAGE APPEARED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO HANLEES HILLTOP VOLKSWAGEN (LOCATED AT 3255 AUTO PLAZA, RICHMOND, CA 94806, (510) 283-6300), BUT W…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG AND CATALYTIC CONVERTER MALFUNCTION INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. ALSO, A SPEED WARNING MESSAGE APPEARED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO HANLEES HILLTOP VOLKSWAGEN (LOCATED AT 3255 AUTO PLAZA, RICHMOND, CA 94806, (510) 283-6300), BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 171,700. *BF CONSUMER STATED AIR BAG SIGN IS ON WAS TOLD NEEDS $2,000 REPAIRS CATALYTIC CONVERTER NOT ABLE RE PAIR $2500 REPAIRS THE BRAKE SYSTEM ALWAYS ON. NOT ABLE TO SUSTAIN REPAIRS ON THE CAR AND FEEL MY SAFETY IS IN DANGER.*JB
NHTSA ODI #11218032
Mileage unknown · Sep 13, 2018
Electrical SystemFuel System, GasolineUnknown Or Other
2007 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO LOSS OF MOTIVE POWER WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION *JS
NHTSA ODI #11129008
78,700 miles · Sep 10, 2018
Electrical SystemSteering
THERE IS AN ELECTRIC STEERING COLUMN DEFECT WHICH MAKES THE CAR STOP ALL OF A SUDDEN IN THE MIDDLE OF THE DRIVE. AFTER THAT, THE CAR WOULD NOT START EVEN AFTER TRYING FOR AT LEAST A MINUTE. THIS IS DANGEROUS AS THE CAR JUST STOPS WHILE YOU ARE DRIVING.
NHTSA ODI #11128503
170,000 miles · Feb 13, 2018
Electrical System
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THE CONTACT NOTICED A GLITCH ACROSS THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE ENGINE STALLED AND THE VEHICLE STOPPED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE HIGHWAY. THE VEHICLE HAD TO BE COASTED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFO…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THE CONTACT NOTICED A GLITCH ACROSS THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE ENGINE STALLED AND THE VEHICLE STOPPED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE HIGHWAY. THE VEHICLE HAD TO BE COASTED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE FAILURE WAS AN ELECTRICAL ISSUE. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT NOTHING COULD BE DONE DUE TO THE REMEDY NOT BEING AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED TO CALL BACK IN A FEW WEEKS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 170,000. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
NHTSA ODI #11072501
106,400 miles · Nov 22, 2016
Electrical SystemEngine
CURRENTLY MY 2.0T 4 CYLINDER ENGINE IS EXPERIENCING FAILURES NOTED BY THE DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM WITH FAULT CODE P2181 COOLING SYSTEM PERFORMANCE ALONG WITH A CYLINDER 1 AND CYLINDER 4 MISFIRE. THE SUGGESTED REMEDY FOR THE P2181 ERROR IS TO REPLACE THE THERMOSTAT AND/OR THE WATER PUMP. IN RESEARCHING COMMUNITY FORUMS, THIS PAIRING …
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CURRENTLY MY 2.0T 4 CYLINDER ENGINE IS EXPERIENCING FAILURES NOTED BY THE DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM WITH FAULT CODE P2181 COOLING SYSTEM PERFORMANCE ALONG WITH A CYLINDER 1 AND CYLINDER 4 MISFIRE. THE SUGGESTED REMEDY FOR THE P2181 ERROR IS TO REPLACE THE THERMOSTAT AND/OR THE WATER PUMP. IN RESEARCHING COMMUNITY FORUMS, THIS PAIRING OF ISSUES APPEARS WIDESPREAD. THERE IS A POSSIBLE MANUFACTURING DESIGN FLAW THAT CORRELATES THE FAILURE OF ENGINE COILS AND/OR PLUGS WITH FAILURE OF THE WATER PUMP AS THE WATER PUMP IS DRIVEN BY THE TIMING BELT. FURTHERMORE, THE FUNCTIONS ARE LINKED IN THIS WAY ALLOWING ONE TO CAUSE THE OTHER TO FAIL. THIS IS EVIDENT WITH A CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON AT ALL TIMES AND WHILE DRIVING THE MISFIRE WILL OCCUR BETWEEN 2000-3000 RPM AND CAUSE THE VEHICLE TO JERK AND STUTTER. THE MISFIRE CAUSES LOSS OF POWER AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT FLASHES.
NHTSA ODI #10927510
101,275 miles · Aug 25, 2016
Electrical SystemExterior Lighting
I WAS DRIVING THE VEHICLE AT NIGHT WHEN THE DRIVER SIDE HEADLIGHT WENT OUT. TOOK VEHICLE TO VOLKSWAGEN DEALER TO FIX PROBLEM THE NEXT DAY. THE DEALER TOLD ME THE INSULATION CAME OFF THE WIRES INSIDE THE DRIVER HEAD LIGHT ASSEMBLY. THE 2 EXPOSED WIRES TOUCHED AND SHORTED OUT THE CONTROL MODULE. THE VEHICLE HAD TO HAVE A HEADLIGHT…
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I WAS DRIVING THE VEHICLE AT NIGHT WHEN THE DRIVER SIDE HEADLIGHT WENT OUT. TOOK VEHICLE TO VOLKSWAGEN DEALER TO FIX PROBLEM THE NEXT DAY. THE DEALER TOLD ME THE INSULATION CAME OFF THE WIRES INSIDE THE DRIVER HEAD LIGHT ASSEMBLY. THE 2 EXPOSED WIRES TOUCHED AND SHORTED OUT THE CONTROL MODULE. THE VEHICLE HAD TO HAVE A HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY 3C0-941-005-AE AND CONTROL MODULE 3C8-937-049-AC REPLACED FOR THE DRIVER SIDE HEADLIGHT TO WORK.
NHTSA ODI #10898626
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.
Mar 6, 2018
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2009-2014 Volkswagen CC, 2010-2014 Golf, 2010-2014 Eos, 2007-2010 Passat Sedan and Wagon, and 2012-2014 Passat 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 vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag inflator with an alternative inflator, free of charge. The recall began March 16, 2018. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69Q9. Note: This recall partially supersedes recall 16V-078.
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 2010-2014 Golf, 2007-2010 Passat sedans and wagon, 2012-2014 Passat sedan and Eos, 2009-2014 CC, 2009-2012 Audi Q5, 2010-2012 S5 Cabriolet and 2010-2012 Audi A5 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 vehicle occupants potentially 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. Volkswagen issued an interim notification to owners on April 12, 2016, and will send a second notification when parts are available. Volkswagen will notify owners again once parts are available. 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.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗