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2009 Volkswagen Passat

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Similar to other model years

Owner complaints for the 2009 Volkswagen Passat do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 110.

About this comparison →

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

111 reports with mileage · 35 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.

  • Engine. Review the 60 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Fuel/propulsion System. Review the 46 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Steering. Review the 20 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

5 crash reports12 fire reports1 injury reports

Fuel/propulsion System complaints

46 reports
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110,000 miles · Jul 17, 2018
Electrical SystemFuel/propulsion System

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE, A VERY STRONG ODOR OF FUEL WAS PRESENT INSIDE THE CABIN OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER (NORTH PARK VOLKSWAGEN, 21315 INTERSTATE 10 WEST, SAN ANTONIO, TX) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE FUEL PUMP WAS FAULTY. ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS, THE…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE, A VERY STRONG ODOR OF FUEL WAS PRESENT INSIDE THE CABIN OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER (NORTH PARK VOLKSWAGEN, 21315 INTERSTATE 10 WEST, SAN ANTONIO, TX) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE FUEL PUMP WAS FAULTY. ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS, THE BATTERY LOST ITS CHARGE. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE BATTERY FAILURE WAS RELATED TO THE FAILED FUEL PUMP. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V509000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE); HOWEVER, ANY OTHER DAMAGES CAUSED BY THE RECALLED PART WOULD NOT BE COVERED UNDER THE RECALL. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 110,000.

NHTSA ODI #11111946

Mileage unknown · Jul 5, 2018
Electronic Stability Control (esc)Fuel/propulsion System

DRAINED MY BATTERY ALL TIME, TURNED OFF IN MIDDLE THE I DRIVING IT. FOR COUPLE MONTHS I BEEN EXPERIENCE THIS SITUATION. FIRST I WAS CAME BACK FOR WORK, I WAS IN MAYS LANDING AREA, I WAS WAITING FOR THE LIGHT CHANGE, WHEN MY CART TURNED OFF. AFTER SEVERAL MINUTES TURNED ON AGAIN, I DROVE FOR 10 MINUTES AND AGAIN TURNING OFF. …

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DRAINED MY BATTERY ALL TIME, TURNED OFF IN MIDDLE THE I DRIVING IT. FOR COUPLE MONTHS I BEEN EXPERIENCE THIS SITUATION. FIRST I WAS CAME BACK FOR WORK, I WAS IN MAYS LANDING AREA, I WAS WAITING FOR THE LIGHT CHANGE, WHEN MY CART TURNED OFF. AFTER SEVERAL MINUTES TURNED ON AGAIN, I DROVE FOR 10 MINUTES AND AGAIN TURNING OFF. I BOUGHT A NEW BATTERY, MY CAR WORKED PERFECTLY FOR 3 DAY, I WAS IN MY JOB READY TO CAME HOME WHEN MY CAR NEVER START AGAIN.

NHTSA ODI #11109587

Mileage unknown · Jun 25, 2018
Electrical SystemFuel/propulsion System

I RECEIVED A SAFETY RECALL FROM VW IN OCTOBER OF 2017. IT SAID THERE COULD BE AN INTERRUPTION TO THE FUEL PUMP MODULE. RESULT COULD BE FUEL PUMP RUNNING CONTINUOUSLY, RESULTING IN DRAINED BATTERY AND/OR A NOT TART CONDITION OR CAUSE A LOTT OF MOTIVE POWER WHILE THE CARE IS IN MOTION. AFTER CONTACTING THEM NOW (JUNE 15, 2018) …

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I RECEIVED A SAFETY RECALL FROM VW IN OCTOBER OF 2017. IT SAID THERE COULD BE AN INTERRUPTION TO THE FUEL PUMP MODULE. RESULT COULD BE FUEL PUMP RUNNING CONTINUOUSLY, RESULTING IN DRAINED BATTERY AND/OR A NOT TART CONDITION OR CAUSE A LOTT OF MOTIVE POWER WHILE THE CARE IS IN MOTION. AFTER CONTACTING THEM NOW (JUNE 15, 2018) THEY HAVE NO FURTHER INFORMATION AT THIS TIME. IS THIS USUAL WITH A RECALL THAT SEEMS DANGEROUS?

NHTSA ODI #11103748

82,685 miles · Jun 21, 2018
Fuel/propulsion System

MY PASSAT FUEL PUMP IS USING TO MUCH GAS, IVE HAD TO GET IT TOWED BECAUSE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT FLASHING AND GAS IN MY OIL AND REPLACED INJECTORS, ITS A 2009 WITH 80,000 MILES. YOU CAN ALSO FEEL THE MISFIRE OR A HESITANT OFF AND ON WHILE DRIVING. IVE PUT AROUND 5,000 MILE ON IT AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS ON AGAIN BUT NOT FLASHIN…

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MY PASSAT FUEL PUMP IS USING TO MUCH GAS, IVE HAD TO GET IT TOWED BECAUSE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT FLASHING AND GAS IN MY OIL AND REPLACED INJECTORS, ITS A 2009 WITH 80,000 MILES. YOU CAN ALSO FEEL THE MISFIRE OR A HESITANT OFF AND ON WHILE DRIVING. IVE PUT AROUND 5,000 MILE ON IT AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS ON AGAIN BUT NOT FLASHING.

NHTSA ODI #11102933

63,136 miles · Jun 13, 2018
Fuel/propulsion System

THE COMPANY ISSUED A RECALL FOR THIS ISSUE WITH NO REMEDY. MY VEHICLE EXPERIENCED THIS ISSUE PRIOR TO THE RECALL AND WE PAID OUT OF POCKET FOR THE REPAIR THAT THEY RECOMMEND HOWEVER, THEY WILL NOT REIMBURSE US BECAUSE THEY HAVE NOT SPECIFIED A "REPAIR" ON THE RECALL ALTHOUGH THEY DO PROVIDE A REMEDY. THIS IS A TECHNICALITY ON TH…

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THE COMPANY ISSUED A RECALL FOR THIS ISSUE WITH NO REMEDY. MY VEHICLE EXPERIENCED THIS ISSUE PRIOR TO THE RECALL AND WE PAID OUT OF POCKET FOR THE REPAIR THAT THEY RECOMMEND HOWEVER, THEY WILL NOT REIMBURSE US BECAUSE THEY HAVE NOT SPECIFIED A "REPAIR" ON THE RECALL ALTHOUGH THEY DO PROVIDE A REMEDY. THIS IS A TECHNICALITY ON THEIR (VW) END TO NOT REIMBURSE CUSTOMERS FOR REPAIRS THAT THEY ALREADY KNOW ARE NEEDED. PRIOR TO THE REPAIR WE EXPERIENCED SYMPTOMS BELOW. LOSS OF POWER WHILE DRIVING AND NO START. WE HAD NO OPTION BUT TO PAY FOR REPAIRS OUT OF POCKET. RECALL DESCRIBED AS: FUEL PUMP CONTROL MODULE VW ACTION CODE 20AE NHTSA RECALL NUMBER 17V509 START DATE 08-16-2017 DESCRIPTION ON CERTAIN VEHICLES, THERE COULD BE AN INTERRUPTION IN ELECTRICAL POWER FROM THE FUEL PUMP CONTROL MODULE. THIS COULD RESULT IN THE FUEL PUMP RUNNING CONTINUOUSLY, RESULTING IN A DRAINED BATTERY AND/OR A NO START CONDITION, OR CAUSE A LOSS OF MOTIVE POWER WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION, WHICH COULD INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH CAUSING INJURY AND/OR DAMAGE TO PROPERTY. REMEDY REPLACE THE FUEL PUMP CONTROL MODULE AND RELOCATE IT WITHIN THE VEHICLE.

NHTSA ODI #11101676

Mileage unknown · May 7, 2018
Fuel/propulsion System

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V509000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE RECALL REPAIR WAS EXCEEDING A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME. THE DEALER (VOLKSWAGEN OF FREDERICKSBURG IN FREDERICKSBURG, VA) INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE PART WAS …

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V509000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE RECALL REPAIR WAS EXCEEDING A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME. THE DEALER (VOLKSWAGEN OF FREDERICKSBURG IN FREDERICKSBURG, VA) INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

NHTSA ODI #11092356

50,000 miles · Apr 2, 2018
Electronic Stability Control (esc)EngineFuel/propulsion System

THERE IS AN INTERRUPTION IN ELECTRICAL POWER TO THE FUEL PUMP CONTROL MODULE. THIS RESULTING IN THE FUEL PUMP RUNNING CONTINUOUSLY, RESULTING IN A DRAINED BATTERY AND CAUSE A LOSS OF MOTIVE POWER WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION, THIS HAPPENED TODAY ON HIGHWAY AND ALMOST I WAS GOING TO HAVE A FATAL ACCIDENT. US. VW AND THE DELAR …

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THERE IS AN INTERRUPTION IN ELECTRICAL POWER TO THE FUEL PUMP CONTROL MODULE. THIS RESULTING IN THE FUEL PUMP RUNNING CONTINUOUSLY, RESULTING IN A DRAINED BATTERY AND CAUSE A LOSS OF MOTIVE POWER WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION, THIS HAPPENED TODAY ON HIGHWAY AND ALMOST I WAS GOING TO HAVE A FATAL ACCIDENT. US. VW AND THE DELAR ARE NOT TAKING ANY ACTION AT THAT REGARD, THEY STATED TODAY THAT I PAY TO THE REPAIR AND THEY WILL EMBERSE ME LATER. PLEAS NOTE THAT THERE IS A RECALL ON THE FUEL PUMP CONTROL MODULE TO SOLVE THAT ISSUE. SAFETY RISK

NHTSA ODI #11082563

107,000 miles · Apr 2, 2018
EngineFuel/propulsion SystemUnknown Or Other

THIS VEHICLE HAD CATASTROPHIC ENGINE FAILURE DUE TO A FAULTY CAM CHAIN TENSIONER. THIS IS BEEN KNOWN BY VOLKSWAGEN AS A SERVICE BULLETIN WAS ISSUED IN 2011. I WAS DRIVING ON A CITY ST. AND HAD TO PUSH THE VEHICLE TO THE SIDE. THE FUEL PUMP AND SENDING UNITS HAVE ALSO FAILED IN THIS VEHICLE ALONG WITH THE TURBOCHARGER DIVERTER VA…

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THIS VEHICLE HAD CATASTROPHIC ENGINE FAILURE DUE TO A FAULTY CAM CHAIN TENSIONER. THIS IS BEEN KNOWN BY VOLKSWAGEN AS A SERVICE BULLETIN WAS ISSUED IN 2011. I WAS DRIVING ON A CITY ST. AND HAD TO PUSH THE VEHICLE TO THE SIDE. THE FUEL PUMP AND SENDING UNITS HAVE ALSO FAILED IN THIS VEHICLE ALONG WITH THE TURBOCHARGER DIVERTER VALVE WHICH WAS A DEFECTIVE ITEM. ALL THESE ITEMS HAVE BEEN KNOWN BY VOLKSWAGEN FOR SOME TIME. THE COST OF REPAIR ON THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN OVER $5,000. I BELIEVE ALL THESE ISSUES SHOULD HAVE BEEN A RECALL ITEM. FAILURES ON SOME OF THEM HAVE BEEN HAPPENING AT 20,000 MILES. THEY COULD POSE A SAFETY HAZARD DEPENDING ON WHERE YOU WERE DRIVING. VOLKSWAGEN HAS DENIED ANY REIMBURSEMENT ON MOST OF THESE ITEMS. HAD CONSUMERS KNOWN OF THESE ISSUES THE COST WOULD HAVE BEEN SIGNIFICANTLY LESS IF THE DEFECTIVE PARTS HAVE BEEN REPLACED. I AM CURRENTLY JOINING AN ACTIVE CLASS ACTION SUIT AGAINST VOLKSWAGEN FOR THE TIMING CHAIN TENSIONER.

NHTSA ODI #11082466

119,000 miles · Mar 26, 2018
Air BagsFuel/propulsion System

TAMARA RECALL. ECP LIGHT COMES ON. THE CAR WILL STALL OUT. IF I LET IT SIT 5-10 MINUTES IT WILL START UP AND I CAN DRIVE FOR A WHILE, BUT IT'S STALLING OUT MORE FREQUENTLY. I AM AFRAID TO GET ON THE FREEWAY.

NHTSA ODI #11081248

62,000 miles · Mar 20, 2018
Fuel/propulsion SystemSteeringCrash

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE POWER STEERING FAILED AND THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A CRASH. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED PRIOR TO THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED T…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE POWER STEERING FAILED AND THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A CRASH. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED PRIOR TO THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO GARVEY VOLKSWAGEN (483 QUAKER RD, QUEENSBURY, NY 12804, (518) 793-3488). THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER TWICE AFTER THE CRASH AND WAS INFORMED THAT PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE, AND FURTHER TESTING WAS NEEDED ON THE FUEL PUMP. THE CONTACT THEN TOOK THE VEHICLE TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE A NEW FUEL PUMP WAS INSTALLED. ONE MONTH LATER, THE VEHICLE STALLED AGAIN WITHOUT WARNING. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 62,000. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE. *TT

NHTSA ODI #11080352

Official recalls

4

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.

08V577000 · Steering:gear Box (other Than Rack And Pinion)

Nov 3, 2008

VW IS RECALLING 130 MY 2009 PASSAT, PASSAT WAGON, AND PASSAT CC VEHICLES. SOME VEHICLES MAY HAVE AN ELECTROMECHANICAL STEERING GEAR CONTROL UNIT THAT CAN MALFUNCTION DUE TO A DAMAGED CAPACITOR. IF THIS MALFUNCTION OCCURS, THE DRIVER'S STEERING INPUT IS NOT PROPERLY PROCESSED BY THE SYSTEM AND THE VEHICLE MAY NOT RESPOND AS THE DRIVER INTENDS. THIS DEFECT CAN ONLY OCCUR IMMEDIATELY AFTER VEHICLE START-UP WHEN THE STEERING WHEEL IS MOVED FOR THE FIRST TIME AND AT SPEEDS LESS THAN 5 MPH.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: DRIVER ATTEMPTS TO OVERCOME THE SYSTEM DURING MALFUNCTION WILL CAUSE (1) VIBRATIONS IN THE STEERING WHEEL; (2) THE STEERING SYSTEM MOTOR TO TURN OFF; (3) THE RED STEERING SYSTEM MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LIGHT TO ILLUMINATE; AND (4) AUDIBLE WARNINGS TO CHIME. A MALFUNCTIONING STEERING SYSTEM COULD LEAD TO A CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE STEERING GEAR IN THE AFFECTED VEHICLES. THE RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMBER 5, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VW AT 1-800-822-8987.

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

PE09022 · Transmission Fluid Hose Chafe

Opened May 4, 2009 · Closed Jul 9, 2009

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Power Train:automatic Transmission:cooling Unit And Lines

ON MAY 4, 2009, THE OFFICE OF DEFECTS INVESTIGATIONS (ODI) OPENED PRELIMINARY EVALUATION PE09-022 TO INVESTIGATE AN OWNER COMPLAINT (ODI NO. 10260517) ALLEGING CONTACT BETWEEN THE ATF COOLING LINE AND THE RADIATOR FAN BLADES.THE COMPLAINT INDICATED THAT THE CONTACT RESULTED IN RAPID ATF FLUID LOSS WHICH RENDERED THE VEHICLE UNDRIVEABLE.THE INCIDENT OCCURRED WITHIN THE FIRST 50 MILES OF SERVICE. IN ITS RESPONSE TO ODI'S INFORMATION REQUEST LETTER FOR PE09-062, VW INDICATED THAT THE INSTALLATION AND DESIGN OF THE ATF COOLING LINES ARE THE SAME FOR BOTH THE REGULAR PASSAT AND PASSAT CC MODELS.VW HAS NOT CHANGED THE DESIGN OR INSTALLATION OF EITHER THE LINES OR RADIATOR FAN SINCE SUBJECT VEHICLE SALES BEGAN.VOLKSWAGEN FURTHER STATED THAT IT IS NOT AWARE OF ANY OTHER INCIDENTS OF ATF LINE CONTACT WITH THE RADIATOR FAN IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES OR ANY SIMILARLY EQUIPPED VEHICLES.VW BELIEVES THAT THE ONE INCIDENT IS AN ISOLATED CASE OF IMPROPER INSTALLATION OF THE TRANSMISSION FLUID LINES. ODI INSPECTIONS OF SEVERAL MY 2009 PASSAT VEHICLES DID NOT IDENTIFY ANY CONCERNS WITH ATF COOLER LINE ROUTING THAT COULD RESULT IN CONTACT WITH THE RADIATOR FAN BLADES.CONSIDERING THE VERY SHORT TIME IN SERVICE OF THE INCIDENT VEHICLE, IT IS LIKELY ANY SUBJECT VEHICLES WITH SIMILARLY MIS-POSITIONED ATF LINES WOULDHAVE ALREADY FAILED AND BEEN REPAIRED.THE ABSENCE OF ADDITIONAL INCIDENTS SUPPORTS VW'S ASSESSMENT THAT THE SINGLE KNOWN FAILURE WAS A RANDOM AND ISOLATED EVENT. ACCORDINGLY, THIS INVESTIGATION HAS BEEN CLOSED. THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT DOES NOT EXIST. THE AGENCY WILL CONTINUE TO MONITOR COMPLAINTS AND OTHER INFORMATION RELATING TO THE ALLEGED DEFECT IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES AND TAKE FURTHER ACTION IN THE FUTURE IF WARRANTED.