NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Power Train complaints
13 reportsClear category filterMileage unknown · May 2, 2022
Power TrainService Brakes
The brakes totally went out on my vehicle with no warning. It first started when I bought the car, the brake pad (almost brand new) almost set my left front rotor on fire within 10 minutes of driving. If I didn’t pull over there’s no question that my car would’ve set on fire. My fuel like was leaking heavily, and the emergency b…
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The brakes totally went out on my vehicle with no warning. It first started when I bought the car, the brake pad (almost brand new) almost set my left front rotor on fire within 10 minutes of driving. If I didn’t pull over there’s no question that my car would’ve set on fire. My fuel like was leaking heavily, and the emergency brake which is hydraulic wouldn’t even deploy. I could’ve gotten killed. There is also an extreme issue with the power train system. Completely unsafe.
NHTSA ODI #11463112
74,000 miles · Jan 16, 2020
Power Train
THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION DOES NOT WANT TO DOWNSHIFT. PER THE MANUFACTURER INSTRUCTIONS/OWNER MANUAL WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS NEW, THE OIL CHANGE FOR THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION WAS NOT RECOMMENDED IN CONTRARY. THAT CHANGE IN FEW YEARS IN VW BOOKS BUT THE CONSUMERS WHERE NEVER INFORMED ABOUT IT. THE ISSUE STARTED WHEN THE VEHICLE …
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THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION DOES NOT WANT TO DOWNSHIFT. PER THE MANUFACTURER INSTRUCTIONS/OWNER MANUAL WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS NEW, THE OIL CHANGE FOR THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION WAS NOT RECOMMENDED IN CONTRARY. THAT CHANGE IN FEW YEARS IN VW BOOKS BUT THE CONSUMERS WHERE NEVER INFORMED ABOUT IT. THE ISSUE STARTED WHEN THE VEHICLE HAD ABOUT 74000 MILES BUT IT WAS PAST THE NUMBER OF YEARS FOR THE POWER-TRAIN WARRANTY (PROBABLY 8 OR MORE). THE ISSUE HAPPENS WHEN A BRISK ACCELERATION OR GOING UPHILL AND MAINTAINING SPEED IS REQUIRED. WHEN ACCELERATING THE TRANSMISSION SHOULD DOWN SHIFT TWO GEARS FROM SIXTH TO FOURTH FOR EXAMPLE, THE TRANSMISSION BOGS DOWN AND THE WHOLE CAR SHAKES VIOLENTLY AND LOSSES SPEED. I'VE TRIED TO FIX THE ISSUE BY CHANGING THE TRANSMISSION OIL AT THE DEALER AND THAT WAS WHEN I FOUND OUT THAT THEY REVERS COURSE ON CHANGING FLUID FOR THE AUTOMATIC, HOWEVER THAT DID NOT FIX THE ISSUE AND VW DID NOT WANT TO FIX IT OR TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ISSUE.
NHTSA ODI #11299771
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
123,000 miles · Aug 14, 2018
Power Train
TRANSMISSION DOES NOT SHIFT INTO GEARS SMOOTHLY OR SOMETIMES NOT AT ALL. CAR HAS TROUBLE SHIFTING INTO GEAR GOING INTO REVERSE, WHILE DRIVING NORMALLY GOING 40 MILES AN HOUR IN TRAFFIC, AFTER A STOP AT A STOP LIGHT OR AFTER PUTTING ON BREAKS TO SLOW DOWN BEHIND CAR THAT HAS PUT ON BREAKS. WHILE PRESSING THE ACCELERATOR NOTHING H…
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TRANSMISSION DOES NOT SHIFT INTO GEARS SMOOTHLY OR SOMETIMES NOT AT ALL. CAR HAS TROUBLE SHIFTING INTO GEAR GOING INTO REVERSE, WHILE DRIVING NORMALLY GOING 40 MILES AN HOUR IN TRAFFIC, AFTER A STOP AT A STOP LIGHT OR AFTER PUTTING ON BREAKS TO SLOW DOWN BEHIND CAR THAT HAS PUT ON BREAKS. WHILE PRESSING THE ACCELERATOR NOTHING HAPPENS, CAR JUST REVS AS IF IT WAS IN NEUTRAL AND WILL NOT MOVE, THEN WILL FINALLY JERK/SHIFT USUALLY HARD INTO GEAR.
NHTSA ODI #11119830
125,000 miles · Sep 25, 2017
Power Train
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS, WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO SHIFT GEARS AND HEARD AN ABNORMAL NOISE COMING FROM THE TRANSMISSION. THE ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO DIRIRO BROTHERS WALNUT CREEK VOLKSWAGEN (2020 N MAIN ST, WALNUT CREEK…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS, WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO SHIFT GEARS AND HEARD AN ABNORMAL NOISE COMING FROM THE TRANSMISSION. THE ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO DIRIRO BROTHERS WALNUT CREEK VOLKSWAGEN (2020 N MAIN ST, WALNUT CREEK, CA 94596 (925) 934-8224) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 125,000.
NHTSA ODI #11025400
Mileage unknown · May 23, 2016
Electrical SystemLatches/locks/linkagesPower TrainCrash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2007 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DOORS WOULD NOT BE SECURED UNLESS THE VEHICLE WAS IN PARK. THE FAILURE OCCURRED RANDOMLY. ALSO, THE GEARS RANDOMLY SHIFTED OUT OF PARK WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. WHILE PARKED AND UNATTENDED, THE VEHICLE RANDOMLY ROLLED I…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2007 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DOORS WOULD NOT BE SECURED UNLESS THE VEHICLE WAS IN PARK. THE FAILURE OCCURRED RANDOMLY. ALSO, THE GEARS RANDOMLY SHIFTED OUT OF PARK WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. WHILE PARKED AND UNATTENDED, THE VEHICLE RANDOMLY ROLLED IN REVERSE AT A HIGH RATE OF SPEED AND CRASHED INTO A HOUSE DOWN THE STREET. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE, BUT THE CONTACT WAS UNCERTAIN IF THE VEHICLE WOULD BE INSPECTED BY THE INSURANCE COMPANY AND THE MANUFACTURER. THE CONTACT WAS WAITING ON INFORMATION FROM A REPAIR SHOP OR THE MANUFACTURER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE. UPDATED 07/27/16*LJ *CN
NHTSA ODI #10870388
155,000 miles · May 3, 2016
Electrical SystemPower Train
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE ATTEMPTING TO PARK, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND INDEPENDENTLY ROLLED BACKWARDS WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000.
NHTSA ODI #10862707
75,845 miles · Jun 7, 2014
Power Train
I WAS DRIVING SOUTHBOUND ON CONNECTICUT RTE 15 AT ABOUT 60 MPH ON THE AFTERNOON OF APRIL 8, 2014, WHEN MY ENGINE SUDDENLY RACED AND I LOST POWER TO THE DRIVE (FRONT) WHEELS. I COULD NOT MAINTAIN SPEED OR ACCELERATE; I COULD ONLY COAST. I WAS IN THE LEFT LANE OF THE TWO-LANE ROADWAY. I HAD TO COAST BETWEEN VEHICLES IN THE RIGHT L…
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I WAS DRIVING SOUTHBOUND ON CONNECTICUT RTE 15 AT ABOUT 60 MPH ON THE AFTERNOON OF APRIL 8, 2014, WHEN MY ENGINE SUDDENLY RACED AND I LOST POWER TO THE DRIVE (FRONT) WHEELS. I COULD NOT MAINTAIN SPEED OR ACCELERATE; I COULD ONLY COAST. I WAS IN THE LEFT LANE OF THE TWO-LANE ROADWAY. I HAD TO COAST BETWEEN VEHICLES IN THE RIGHT LANE, OVER TO THE BREAKDOWN LANE. THIS WAS VERY DANGEROUS, AND MY VEHICLE COULD HAVE BEEN STRUCK. ONCE I CAME TO A STOP IN THE BREAKDOWN LANE, THE CAR WOULD NOT MOVE AT ALL. I HAD IT TOWED TO A REPAIR SHOP, WHERE I LEARNED THAT THE LEFT AXLE HAD POPPED OUT OF THE TRANSMISSION, AND THAT BOTH AXLES HAD TO BE REPLACED. NOTE THAT THERE WAS NO IMPACT OF ANY KIND THAT PRECIPITATED THE AXLE'S POPPING OUT. ALSO NOTE THAT I HAD ALWAYS HAD ALL SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE DONE IN A TIMELY FASHION. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10596865
46,000 miles · May 7, 2014
Power Train
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO ACCELERATE FROM A COMPLETE STOP. THE FAILURE RECURRED INTERMITTENTLY OVER A PERIOD OF SEVEN YEARS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, WHO COULD NOT DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO ACCELERATE FROM A COMPLETE STOP. THE FAILURE RECURRED INTERMITTENTLY OVER A PERIOD OF SEVEN YEARS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, WHO COULD NOT DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE DEFECT. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 46,000.
NHTSA ODI #10587040
108,000 miles · Feb 22, 2014
Electrical SystemPower TrainService Brakes
PUT KEYFOB IN THE IGNITION AND IT WOULD NOT START. THE LIGHTS IN THE DASH ILLUMINATED BUT ENGINE WOULD NOT TURN. ALSO STEERING LOCK WARNING LOCK KEEPS BLINKING. CAR IS STUCK IN PARK, MADE SEVERAL ATTEMPTS TO HAVE IT TOWED, BEFORE FINALLY HAVING AN EXPERIENCED TOW TRUCK DRIVER DRAG IT ON TO A FLAT BED BECAUSE OF CAR BEING STUCK …
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PUT KEYFOB IN THE IGNITION AND IT WOULD NOT START. THE LIGHTS IN THE DASH ILLUMINATED BUT ENGINE WOULD NOT TURN. ALSO STEERING LOCK WARNING LOCK KEEPS BLINKING. CAR IS STUCK IN PARK, MADE SEVERAL ATTEMPTS TO HAVE IT TOWED, BEFORE FINALLY HAVING AN EXPERIENCED TOW TRUCK DRIVER DRAG IT ON TO A FLAT BED BECAUSE OF CAR BEING STUCK IN PARK, KEY FOB LOCKED IN THE IGNITION SWITCH, HAS BEEN TOWED TO 3 DIFFERENT SHOPS WHO HAVE YET TO PINPOINT THE EXACT PROBLEM WITH THE CAR. ONE SHOP CLAIMED IT WAS AN ELECTRICAL PROBLEM AND THAT IT HAD SOMETHING TO DO WITH THE IGNITION SWITCH HOWEVER WERE UNABLE TO FIX IT. HAS SPENT XXX AMOUNT OF MONEY HAVING IT TOWED TO SEVERAL SHOPS AND STILL NOT FIXED. FRUSTRATED!!!!!! *TR
NHTSA ODI #10565407
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 ↗