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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

Service Brakes complaints

10 reports
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Mileage 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

Mileage unknown · Jul 17, 2018
Air BagsFuel/propulsion SystemService Brakes

AIR BAG LIGHT IS ON .. CALLED THE DEALERSHIP AND KEEP GETTING A ROUND ABOUT MY AIR BAGS AND THE SERVICE THEY DID ON MY CAR .. THEY HAD MY CAR FOR 3 DAYS AND THE MORNING I PICKED IT UP ABOUT AN HOUR LATER HAD TO HAVE IT TOWED BACK IN AGAIN BECAUSE THE DIDN'T DO THE RECALLS RIGHT .. NOW MY ENGINE LIGHT IS ON AND MY AIRBAG LIGHT IS…

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AIR BAG LIGHT IS ON .. CALLED THE DEALERSHIP AND KEEP GETTING A ROUND ABOUT MY AIR BAGS AND THE SERVICE THEY DID ON MY CAR .. THEY HAD MY CAR FOR 3 DAYS AND THE MORNING I PICKED IT UP ABOUT AN HOUR LATER HAD TO HAVE IT TOWED BACK IN AGAIN BECAUSE THE DIDN'T DO THE RECALLS RIGHT .. NOW MY ENGINE LIGHT IS ON AND MY AIRBAG LIGHT IS ON .. I'VE CALLED AND THEY DO NOT WANT TO LISTEN TO WHAT I HAVE TO SAY .. THEY ARE TELLING ME MORE THINGS COULD BE WRONG AND IT WILL COST A LOT OF MONEY TO FIX IT .. I'VE HAD MY CAR FOR ALMOST 3 YEARS WITH NO PROBLEMS AND NOW THAT THEY HAVE DONE WORK ON IT .IT KEEPS MESSING UP?

NHTSA ODI #11111952

150,222 miles · Jun 30, 2016
Electrical SystemService BrakesVehicle Speed Control

THIS CAR IS OUT RIGHT DANGEROUS.MY WIFE IS DRIVING ON THE EXPRESS WAY 70 MILES AN HOUR THE EMERGENCY BRAKES COME ON TO HER SURPRISE AND LOCK UP.THANK GOODNESS IS WAS ABLE TO GET IT TO THE OFFSIDE WITHOUT INCIDENT.IT SEEMS THIS A COMMON THING WITH THIS MODEL, THE GAS PEDAL ALSO CUTS IN AND OUT UNEXPECTEDLY CAUSING THE CAR TO JER…

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THIS CAR IS OUT RIGHT DANGEROUS.MY WIFE IS DRIVING ON THE EXPRESS WAY 70 MILES AN HOUR THE EMERGENCY BRAKES COME ON TO HER SURPRISE AND LOCK UP.THANK GOODNESS IS WAS ABLE TO GET IT TO THE OFFSIDE WITHOUT INCIDENT.IT SEEMS THIS A COMMON THING WITH THIS MODEL, THE GAS PEDAL ALSO CUTS IN AND OUT UNEXPECTEDLY CAUSING THE CAR TO JERK VIOLENTLY IN TRAFFIC. IVE JUST ABOUT HAD IT WITH THIS THING.

NHTSA ODI #10881722

70,000 miles · Dec 4, 2014
Electrical SystemService Brakes

THE PARKING BRAKE MALFUNCTIONS DUE TO AN ERROR IN THE ELECTRONICS SYSTEM BOARD. THIS ISSUE IS SEVERELY UNDER-REPORTED AS A LARGE PORTION OF CARS AFFECTED IGNORE OR RESET THE ERROR BY DISCONNECTING THE BATTERY EACH TIME IT APPEARS. THIS NEEDS TO BE AN OFFICIAL RECALL BUT VW REFUSES TO DO IT BECAUSE THEY CLAIM "NOT ENOUGH CARS …

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THE PARKING BRAKE MALFUNCTIONS DUE TO AN ERROR IN THE ELECTRONICS SYSTEM BOARD. THIS ISSUE IS SEVERELY UNDER-REPORTED AS A LARGE PORTION OF CARS AFFECTED IGNORE OR RESET THE ERROR BY DISCONNECTING THE BATTERY EACH TIME IT APPEARS. THIS NEEDS TO BE AN OFFICIAL RECALL BUT VW REFUSES TO DO IT BECAUSE THEY CLAIM "NOT ENOUGH CARS ARE AFFECTED". *TR

NHTSA ODI #10662218

120,000 miles · Jul 9, 2014
Service Brakes

AS MY HUSBAND WAS DRIVING OUR VOLKSWAGEN HOME FROM WORK, HE WAS MERGING ONTO AN INTERSTATE AT RUSH HOUR, AND JUST AS HE GOT UP TO SPEED, THE PARKING BRAKE ENGAGED (IT'S ELECTRIC--IT JUST TURNED ITSELF ON!). HE MANAGED TO STOP SAFELY AND HAD IT TOWED TO THE VW DEALER, WHERE THEY LOOKED AT IT AND CALLED US WITH AN LONG LIST OF THI…

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AS MY HUSBAND WAS DRIVING OUR VOLKSWAGEN HOME FROM WORK, HE WAS MERGING ONTO AN INTERSTATE AT RUSH HOUR, AND JUST AS HE GOT UP TO SPEED, THE PARKING BRAKE ENGAGED (IT'S ELECTRIC--IT JUST TURNED ITSELF ON!). HE MANAGED TO STOP SAFELY AND HAD IT TOWED TO THE VW DEALER, WHERE THEY LOOKED AT IT AND CALLED US WITH AN LONG LIST OF THINGS THAT WOULD NEED TO BE FIXED--THE VALVES BLEW, THE CV JOINTS CRACKED, THE TRANSMISSION BASICALLY EXPLODED, ETC ETC ETC. IT'S ABOUT $6K WORTH OF REPAIRS! WE HAD IT INSPECTED ONLY 2 WEEKS BEFORE AND EVERYTHING WAS FINE, SO WE'RE PRETTY SURE THIS IS WHAT HAPPENS WHEN THE PARKING BRAKE SUDDENLY ENGAGES AT THAT 70 MPH. I DON'T KNOW HOW MY HUSBAND MANAGED TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. I AM CERTAIN I WOULD HAVE BEEN IN A SERIOUS ACCIDENT. FURTHER RESEARCH ONLINE SHOWS THAT THE ELECTRONIC PARKING BRAKE ON THE 2005-2010 PASSATS FREQUENTLY HAD PROBLEMS, DISENGAGING OR ENGAGING UNPREDICTABLY. THE VW DEALER SERVICE DESK TOLD US THAT THEY HAD SEEN A SIMILAR PROBLEM ON A CC SPORT JUST TWO WEEKS PRIOR (THEY ACTUALLY NOTED THIS IN THE DIAGNOSTIC REPORT THEY GAVE US). I WAS TELLING THIS STORY AT CHURCH, AND A LADY OVERHEARD AND TOLD ME THAT THE SAME THING HAD HAPPENED IN HER VW--THOUGH LUCKILY THEY WEREN'T GOING SO FAST AND THERE WERE NO OTHER CARS AROUND. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10609417

120,000 miles · Feb 27, 2014
Service Brakes

ELECTRONIC PARKING BRAKE FAILURE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10566226

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

150,000 miles · Aug 21, 2013
Service Brakes

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED AND ABNORMALLY TRAVELED TO THE FLOORBOARD. THE VEHICLE ALSO EXHIBITED AN INCREASE IN STOPPING DISTANCE. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE HYDRAULIC BRAKE…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED AND ABNORMALLY TRAVELED TO THE FLOORBOARD. THE VEHICLE ALSO EXHIBITED AN INCREASE IN STOPPING DISTANCE. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE HYDRAULIC BRAKE LINE WAS DEFECTIVE. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN I.D. NUMBER 06V472000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC) AND CALLED THE MANUFACTURER. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE CONTACT DID NOT HAVE THE HYDRAULIC SYSTEM REPLACED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000.

NHTSA ODI #10536528

60,000 miles · Apr 4, 2013
Service Brakes

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE BRAKING ASSIST SYSTEM LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. AFTER DIAGNOSIS, THEY ADVISED HIM THAT THE BRAKE VACUUM LINE FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WA…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE BRAKING ASSIST SYSTEM LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. AFTER DIAGNOSIS, THEY ADVISED HIM THAT THE BRAKE VACUUM LINE FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND THEY OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WAS APPROXIMATELY 60,000. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10507059

57,235 miles · Aug 23, 2012
Electrical SystemEngineService Brakes

DRIVING HOME WHILE STOPPED AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT MY CAR FELT LIKE IT JERKED FORWARD THOUGH MY FOOT WAS ON THE BRAKE. I STOPPED MY CAR BRIEFLY TO GET DINNER, TOOK A PHONE CALL AND DECIDED TO LEAVE. I PUT MY CAR IN DRIVE AND IT WOULD NOT TRAVEL FORWARD. I PUT IT IN REVERSE AND IT WOULD NOT RESPOND. I LOOKED AT THE DISPLAY WHICH IN…

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DRIVING HOME WHILE STOPPED AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT MY CAR FELT LIKE IT JERKED FORWARD THOUGH MY FOOT WAS ON THE BRAKE. I STOPPED MY CAR BRIEFLY TO GET DINNER, TOOK A PHONE CALL AND DECIDED TO LEAVE. I PUT MY CAR IN DRIVE AND IT WOULD NOT TRAVEL FORWARD. I PUT IT IN REVERSE AND IT WOULD NOT RESPOND. I LOOKED AT THE DISPLAY WHICH INDICATED I SHOULD DEPRESS THE BRAKE PEDAL, I DID. THE MESSAGE DISAPPEARED BUT THE CAR WOULD STILL NOT TRAVEL. I CHECKED THE PARKING BRAKE BUTTON, IT WAS ON. I DEPRESSED THAT BUT IT WOULD NOT TURN OFF. EVERYTIME I PUT THE CAR IN DRIVE THE SAME DEPRESS THE BRAKE MESSAGE. I CALLED THE DEALERSHIP. IT WAS SUGGESTED I KEEP TRYING TO DISENGAGE THE PARKING BRAKE. "THE CAR THINKS THE PARKING BRAKE IS ON" I HAVE NEVER USED THE PARKING BRAKE ON THIS CAR. IT CAME OUT OF THE SHOWROOM. FINALLY THE BRAKE DISENGAGED. MY SECOND STOP RESULTED INTO THE SAME SCENARIO. MY FEAR IS THAT THIS HAPPEN WHILE I AM DRIVING. I AM TAKING MY CAR INTO THE DEALERSHIP IN A FEW HOURS IF IT WILL MOVE IN. THIS CAR HAS BEEN IDEAL UP TO THIS EVENT. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10471974

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.