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2007 Volkswagen Passat

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

More warning signs than most Passat years

Owner complaints for the 2007 Volkswagen Passat are substantially higher than the model-year median of 110.

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When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

166 reports with mileage · 96 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 106 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Electrical System. Review the 34 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Engine And Engine Cooling. Review the 32 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

4 crash reports6 fire reports2 injury reports

Engine complaints

28 reports
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Mileage unknown · Jul 20, 2022
EngineFuel/propulsion System

The timing belt is terrible on this vehicle. This is the same model and engine as the last recall but mine didn’t qualify because it is a 2007 not a 2008. The belt is and chain are completely unstable and prone to catastrophic failure that can happen anytime while driving especially on the highway. This could cause a huge accide…

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The timing belt is terrible on this vehicle. This is the same model and engine as the last recall but mine didn’t qualify because it is a 2007 not a 2008. The belt is and chain are completely unstable and prone to catastrophic failure that can happen anytime while driving especially on the highway. This could cause a huge accident. There is also a major issue with the fuel pumps and the hoses. My fuel tank is leaking gas above 3/4 of a tank and can cause a severe fire even if someone dropped a lit cigarette under the car while I am driving.

NHTSA ODI #11475005

Mileage 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

130,341 miles · Jun 8, 2020
EngineVisibility/wiper

MY 16 BOUGHT A CAR FROM BOMMARITO VW HAZELWOOD, THEY TOLD US IT HAD PRIOR ENGINE WORK AND THE CUSTOMER COULDN'T PAY FOR THE CHARGES SO THEY SOLD US THE CAR. WHEN TEST DRIVING WE HEARD A CLUNK EVERY TIME YOU WOULD EXCEL. THE SALESMAN SAID IT WAS STUFF IN THE TRUNK. COME TO FIND OUT THERE ARE NO MOTOR MOUNTS HOLDING THE MOTOR AN…

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MY 16 BOUGHT A CAR FROM BOMMARITO VW HAZELWOOD, THEY TOLD US IT HAD PRIOR ENGINE WORK AND THE CUSTOMER COULDN'T PAY FOR THE CHARGES SO THEY SOLD US THE CAR. WHEN TEST DRIVING WE HEARD A CLUNK EVERY TIME YOU WOULD EXCEL. THE SALESMAN SAID IT WAS STUFF IN THE TRUNK. COME TO FIND OUT THERE ARE NO MOTOR MOUNTS HOLDING THE MOTOR AND THE MOTOR GOES UP IN THE AIR WHEN YOU GIVE THE CAR GAS, THE MOTOR HIT THE EXHAUST AND BROKE IT. THERE IS NO WAY THIS CAR PASSED INSPECTION WITH A MOTOR HANGING THERE, YOU CAN'T SEE THROUGH THE BACK WINDOW BECAUSE THE TINT IS SO BAD. A DEALERSHIP SHOULD NOT OF SOLD A VEHICLE WITH A MOTOR LIKE THIS, IT'S A BIT DANGEROUS TO PUT A YOUNG GIRL IN. IT HAS TAKEN ME TWO WEEKS FOR SOMEONE TO CALL ME BACK. *TR

NHTSA ODI #11327752

104,000 miles · Feb 10, 2020
EngineFireInjury

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2007 VW PASSAT SEDAN. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, WHEN HE HEARD AN ABNORMAL NOISE AND SEEN FLAMES COMING FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THE CONTACT STATED IMMEDIATLEY STOPPED THE VEHICEL AND ATTEMPTED TO OPEN THE HOOD BUT WAS UNABLE DUE TO THE FLAMES. THE CONTACT STATED HE BURNT HIS HANDS.…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2007 VW PASSAT SEDAN. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, WHEN HE HEARD AN ABNORMAL NOISE AND SEEN FLAMES COMING FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THE CONTACT STATED IMMEDIATLEY STOPPED THE VEHICEL AND ATTEMPTED TO OPEN THE HOOD BUT WAS UNABLE DUE TO THE FLAMES. THE CONTACT STATED HE BURNT HIS HANDS. THE CONTACT STATED NO WARNING LIGHTS WERE ILLUMINATED. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED AND EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. THE CONTACT WAS UNSURE IF A FIRE DEPARTMENT REPORT WAS FILED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 104,000.

NHTSA ODI #11308240

56,000 miles · Jun 27, 2019
EnginePower Train

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT PROPERLY ACCELERATE. UPON INSPECTION, THE CONTACT DISCOVERED OIL ON TOP OF THE ENGINE. CAMEL BACK VOLKSWAGEN (1499 E. CAMEL BACK RD, PHOENIX, AZ) AND THE MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR R…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT PROPERLY ACCELERATE. UPON INSPECTION, THE CONTACT DISCOVERED OIL ON TOP OF THE ENGINE. CAMEL BACK VOLKSWAGEN (1499 E. CAMEL BACK RD, PHOENIX, AZ) AND THE MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 56,000.

NHTSA ODI #11223004

79,000 miles · Dec 7, 2018
EngineUnknown Or Other

THE WELD BEADS ON THE DOWN PIPE FLANGE ADJACENT TO THE TURBO CHARGER FAILED AND RESULTED IN A HUGE EXHAUST LEAK. THE HEAT (COMING OUT FROM THE OPENING) GOT TRAPPED IN THE ENGINE BAY AND MELTED THE VACUUM HOSE CONNECTED WITH THE BRAKE BOOSTER. AS A RESULT, POWER DECREASED BUT MOST IMPORTANTLY, BREAKING POWER WAS LOST AS WELL. THI…

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THE WELD BEADS ON THE DOWN PIPE FLANGE ADJACENT TO THE TURBO CHARGER FAILED AND RESULTED IN A HUGE EXHAUST LEAK. THE HEAT (COMING OUT FROM THE OPENING) GOT TRAPPED IN THE ENGINE BAY AND MELTED THE VACUUM HOSE CONNECTED WITH THE BRAKE BOOSTER. AS A RESULT, POWER DECREASED BUT MOST IMPORTANTLY, BREAKING POWER WAS LOST AS WELL. THIS HAPPENED WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION. LUCKILY, I WAS NOT DRIVING FAST AND JUST EXITED THE HIGHWAY. VERY DANGEROUS AND THE DEFECT ON THIS MODEL IS ACTUALLY NOT UNCOMMON. LOW QUALITY FACTORY WELDS ON THE COMPONENTS SHOULD BE RE-WELDED AND THE CHEAP HARD PLASTIC HOSES SHOULD BE REPLACED WITH BETTER QUALITY AND MORE RELIABLE HOSES.

NHTSA ODI #11156846

64,000 miles · Aug 16, 2018
EngineFuel/propulsion System

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. THREE DAYS AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED, AN ABNORMAL ODOR OF FUEL CAME FROM THE VEHICLE. A DAY LATER, THE ODOR WORSENED AND THE CONTACT COULD NOT ENTER THE VEHICLE. IN ADDITION, THE CHECK ENGINE INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT CALLED MOMENTUM VOLKSWAGEN OF CLEAR LAKE ((844) 89…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. THREE DAYS AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED, AN ABNORMAL ODOR OF FUEL CAME FROM THE VEHICLE. A DAY LATER, THE ODOR WORSENED AND THE CONTACT COULD NOT ENTER THE VEHICLE. IN ADDITION, THE CHECK ENGINE INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT CALLED MOMENTUM VOLKSWAGEN OF CLEAR LAKE ((844) 894-5461, 15100 GULF FWY, HOUSTON, TX 77034), BUT NO ASSISTANCE WAS PROVIDED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 64,000.

NHTSA ODI #11120473

125,000 miles · Jul 6, 2018
EngineFuel/propulsion System

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH, THE VEHICLE LOST POWER AND SHUT OFF WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE A…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH, THE VEHICLE LOST POWER AND SHUT OFF WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THE CONTACT MAY BE REIMBURSED FOR THE REPAIRS RELATED TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V509000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE). THE MANUFACTURER SENT SOME PAPERWORK TO THE CONTACT THAT NEEDED TO BE COMPLETED FOR THE REIMBURSEMENT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 125,000.

NHTSA ODI #11109861

152,000 miles · Jun 23, 2018
EngineFuel/propulsion System

MY CAR WAS DRIVING FINE UNTIL FEB 2018 AFTER I GET IT BACK FROM GETTING THE SUSPENSION REDONE. AFTER DRIVING IT 20 MILES MY CAR STOPS RUNNING AS I AM DRIVING THROUGH A MAJOR ROAD LEAVING THE MILITARY BASE. I GET IT TOWED TO THE VOLKSWAGEN DEALERSHIP AND THEY STATE THAT THE HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP HAD FAILED (AFTER 2 MONTHS OF FI…

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MY CAR WAS DRIVING FINE UNTIL FEB 2018 AFTER I GET IT BACK FROM GETTING THE SUSPENSION REDONE. AFTER DRIVING IT 20 MILES MY CAR STOPS RUNNING AS I AM DRIVING THROUGH A MAJOR ROAD LEAVING THE MILITARY BASE. I GET IT TOWED TO THE VOLKSWAGEN DEALERSHIP AND THEY STATE THAT THE HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP HAD FAILED (AFTER 2 MONTHS OF FIXING MY REGULAR FUEL PUMP) CAUSING THE ENGINE TO LOOSE COMPRESSION AND NOW THEY SAID I NEED TO POUR IN A NEW ENGINE AND NEW HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP AND A TURBO THAT WAS SCRAPING METAL SHAVINGS INTO MY ENGINE AS WELL.

NHTSA ODI #11103572

Mileage unknown · Apr 2, 2018
Engine

PURCHASED A 2007 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT IN 2013 FROM CURRY HONDA DEALERSHIP ON PEACHTREE IND BLVD AND THEY TOOK IT TO VOLKSWAGEN DEALER TO GET CERTIFIED AND INSPECTED / VOLKSWAGEN FOUND 5 RECALLS THEY SAID THEY UPDATED, BUT 2 YRS LATER THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND STAYED ON ....THE SENSOR WAS BAD WHICH WAS FOUND IN THE ENGINE …

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PURCHASED A 2007 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT IN 2013 FROM CURRY HONDA DEALERSHIP ON PEACHTREE IND BLVD AND THEY TOOK IT TO VOLKSWAGEN DEALER TO GET CERTIFIED AND INSPECTED / VOLKSWAGEN FOUND 5 RECALLS THEY SAID THEY UPDATED, BUT 2 YRS LATER THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND STAYED ON ....THE SENSOR WAS BAD WHICH WAS FOUND IN THE ENGINE UPON DIAGNOSE. VOLKSWAGEN DEALER WOULD NOT FIX IT ON COBB PKWY AND DID NOT LOG IT AS AN ISSUE. I WAS UNABLE TO GET EMISSION INSPECTION YEAR TO YEAR AND FINALLY HAD NO CHOICE BUT TO GIVE IT BACK TO THE BANK / CAPTIOL ONE. CURRY HONDA REFUSED TO FIX OR TAKE THE CAR BACK.

NHTSA ODI #11082541

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.

18V148000 · Air Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module

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.

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.

16V078000 · Air Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module

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.

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.

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.