2002 VOLKSWAGEN Passat Problems & Complaints
Real owner complaints and problems reported to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). View common issues by component.
651
Complaints Reported
Complaints by Component
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
181 complaints
I'M THE ORIGINAL OWNER OF A 2002 VW PASSAT 1.8T/AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION WITH 97,500 MILES WHICH HAD UNDERDASH ELECTRICAL FIRE WHILE RUNNING THE CAR AND NOW IS A TOTAL LOSS. THE CAR WAS IN VERY GOOD CONDITION PRIOR TO THE EVENTS. ELECTRICAL UNDERDASH FIRE STARTED VERY FAST WITH SMOKE COMING FROM DRIVER VENT. AFTER SEARCHING ON THE INTERNET APPEARS THIS IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM, AN NOT MANY PEOPLE REALLY REPORT THE CAR FIRE. *TR
Jul 06, 2011
TRAVELING DOWN THE STREET AND SMELLED SMOKE. SMOKE BEGAN EMITTING FROM UNDER THE DASH AND VEHICLE CUT OFF. FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED AND EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. VEHICLE WAS A TOTAL LOSS. *TR
Jun 06, 2011
2002 VW PASSAT 2.8 V6 . IGNITION COIL PACK SHORTING OUT( CAN SEE STREAKS OF ELECTRICITY ON ALL THREE COILS AT NIGHT ALONG SIDES OF COILS - - WHEN LOOKING INTO DARK ENGINE COMPARTMENT ) . CAR MISFIRES UPON ACCELERATION AND AT IDLE . IT HAS STALLED TWICE AND SEEMS TO BE VERY UNRELIABLE . I HAVE ORDERED A NEW COIL PACK AND WILL NOT DRIVE THE CAR UNTIL I REPLACE THIS COIL PACK . I CALLED THE LOCAL V.W. DEALER AND THEY SAID NO RECALL FOR THE 2.8 V6 30 VALVE ENGINE - CALLED V.W. OF AMERICA AND I WAS TOLD THE SAME THING . I WILL KEEP THE OLD COIL PACK IN HOPE THAT V.W. WILL RE-IMBURSE ME THE PRICE OF MY NEW COIL PACK - IT IS VERY EASY TO CHANGE . *TR
Jan 09, 2011
WE OWN A 2002 VW PASSAT WAGON AND ARE SO HAPPY WITH IT WE BOUGHT ANOTHER ONE WITH LOWER MILEAGE. SHORTLY AFTER BUYING THE SECOND VW THE ENGINE WARNING LIGHT CAME ON THE FIRST VEHICLE. OUR MECHANIC SAID IT WAS THE IGNITION COIL PACK - $600 TO REPLACE. CAR HAD OVER 120,000 MILES SO WE WEREN'T UNDULY ALARMED, AND PAID IT. THREE WEEKS LATER ENGINE WARNING CAME ON AGAIN. TOOK IT TO A DIFFERENT GARAGE - ONE THAT USED TO BE THE LOCAL VW DEALER - AND THEY SAID THE IGNITION COIL WAS BAD AGAIN. WE ASSUMED THE REPLACEMENT PART HAD TURNED OUT TO BE BAD SO PAID ANOTHER $600 TO HAVE IT FIXED. TOOK THE OLD PART BACK TO THE ORIGINAL GARAGE BUT THE MECHANIC DID NOTHING ABOUT IT. 'CHALKED IT UP TO EXPERIENCE. THREE MONTHS LATER THE ENGINE WARNING LIGHT CAME ON THE SECOND VW. TOOK IT TO THE SECOND MECHANIC AND HE SAID - VOILA! - IGNITION COIL BAD AGAIN! PAID ANOTHER $600 TO GET IT REPLACED, AND THEN WENT HOME TO RESEARCH IT ONLINE. WAS STUNNED TO SEE ALL THE PROBLEMS LISTED ABOUT THE IGNITION COIL PACK. CALLED VW AND ASKED FOR REIMBURSEMENT FOR TWO OF THE THREE IGNITION PACKS BUT WAS TOLD OUR VWS WERE NOT LISTED IN THE CORRECTION BULLETINS. THEY ALSO DENIED THERE WAS A RECALL EVEN THOUGH THEIR OWN PR DEPARTMENT HAD SENT OUT A PRESS RELEASE SAYING ALL 2002 V6 PASSATS HAD BEEN RECALLED DUE TO THIS PROBLEM. I HAVE CALLED VW SEVERAL TIMES AND FOUND THEIR 'CUSTOMER ADVOCATES' TO BE VERY COURTEOUS AND POLITE BUT ABSOLUTELY STONEWALLING ANY REIMBURSEMENT. WHEN PRESSED WAS FINALLY TOLD I NEEDED THE OLD IGNITION PACKS, THE REPAIR BILLS (ORIGINAL ONLY, NO COPIES) AND COULD SEND ALL TO THEM AND THEY WOULD CONSIDER IT BUT WOULD PROBABLY NOT MAKE AN ADJUSTMENT! *TR
Nov 30, 2010
2002 VW PASSAT ENGINE FIRE WHILE DRIVING. SHOP SAID IT LOOKS LIKE IT STARTED IN THE WIRING HARNESS. NO INJURIES, VEHICLE TOTAL LOSS. ONE OWNER, WELL CARED FOR. I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE NEW, INTENDING TO DRIVE IT A LONG TIME. NOT A GOOD INVESTMENT. *TR
Aug 30, 2010
+ 176 more complaints for this component
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
111 complaints
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. WHILE THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, THE ENGINE POWER BEGAN TO SIGNIFICANTLY REDUCE DURING ACCELERATION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSIS. THE UPWARD AND DOWNWARD OXYGEN SENSORS WERE REPLACED. THE MALFUNCTION PERSISTED AFTER THE REPAIR WAS PERFORMED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 152,000.
Apr 10, 2012
HEATER CORE LET GO AND CREATED A UNCONTROLLABLE FOG IN THE INSIDE OF THE CAR.TRIED TO GET TO SIDE OF THE ROAD AND ALMOST HIT A TRUCK BECAUSE I COULDN'T SEE. SMOKE(OR STEAM) WAS POURING FROM THE CAR EVEN AFTER I STOPPED PLUS THE FACT THAT I INHALED THE COOLANT FUMES. *KB
Nov 30, 2011
EMISSION RELATED ISSUES, SECONDARY AIR PUMP AND COMBI VALVE FOR 2002 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. THEY ARE INSTALLED IN A SPOT WHERE THEY ARE EXPOSED TO MOISTURE RESULTING IN A FAILURE. *TR
Mar 23, 2011
IN 2002, I BOUGHT MY PASSAT NEW. AT THE END OF DECEMBER 2010, THE STOP OIL LIGHT CAME ON. TWO WEEKS LATER, A RECALL LETTER ARRIVED. I DROVE TO PASADENA AND BACK TO NORTHERN CALIFORNIA FEBRUARY 2011. AFTER A LITTLE MALFUNCTION ON THE FREEWAY IN LIVERMORE, I PULLED INTO A GAS STATION AND THE PASSAT STARTED TO SOUND LIKE A DIESEL ENGINE. TOWED TO DUBLIN VW. THEY SAY THE ENGINE IS FRIED AND A NEW ONE WOULD COST $6800. ALL THIS DUE TO OIL SLUDGE ISSUE. *TR
Feb 17, 2011
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE VEHICLE LOST POWER. HE SMELLED A BURNING ODOR, AND NOTICED SMOKE RELEASING FROM THE VENTS. WITHIN MOMENTS THE GLOVE COMPARTMENT AREA WAS ON FIRE. THE VEHICLE WILL BE TOWED TO THE DEALER. A FIRE REPORT WAS FILED. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE AS 94,000.
Feb 15, 2011
+ 106 more complaints for this component
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
47 complaints
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE LEAKED FUEL WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED PER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 08V156000 (FUEL SYSTEM), BUT THE REMEDY FAILED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VENTILATION VALVE WAS FRACTURED AND CAUSED FUEL TO LEAK. ALSO, THE TANK ONLY LEAKED WHEN IT WAS MORE THAN HALF FULL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 110,000. UPDATED 01/25/17*LJ *TR
Aug 15, 2016
THERE IS A DANGEROUS GAS LEAK FROM THE PREVIOUSLY RECALLED FUEL TANK THAT IS NOT DAMAGED BY THE ROAD, OR OTHER DEBRIS. THE RECALL NEEDS TO STAY OPEN. *TR
Jan 02, 2014
SINCE EARLY 2009, THERE HAS BEEN AN EVAP SYSTEM PROBLEM WITH MY 2002 VW PASSAT 4MOTION. THIS HAS CAUSED ME ENDLESS HASSLE AND SIGNIFICANT EXPENSE OVER THE LAST 4 YEARS. AFTER 3 FAILED ATTEMPTS TO GET THE PROBLEM DIAGNOSED, A DEALER FINALLY IDENTIFIED THE PROBLEM IN 2011 AS A FUEL VAPOR LEAK FROM THE FUEL TANK. NO MENTION WAS MADE OF THE 2008 RECALL (VWOA #25E5/R6, NHTSA #08V156000) COVERING SUCH FUEL LEAKS. AFTER (RE-)DISCOVERING THE RECALL NOTICE IN 2013, I CONTACTED BOTH VW AND TWO SEPARATE DEALERS; ALL INDICATED THAT SINCE MY VEHICLE WAS SERVICED IN 2008 UNDER THE RECALL (THOUGH ONLY THE UNDERBODY HEAT SHIELD WAS REPLACED; THE GAS TANK AND RELATED PARTS MAY OR MAY NOT HAVE BEEN "INSPECTED" BUT THE DEALERSHIP NO LONGER HAS THOSE RECORDS NOR DOES VW HAVE THOSE DETAILS), VW WOULD NOT COVER THE FUEL TANK REPLACEMENT. I HAVE SINCE CONTACTED VW AGAIN, WHO HAVE AGREED TO LOOK INTO THE MATTER BUT REQUIRE ME TO PAY TO HAVE THE VEHICLE RE-DIAGNOSED. SINCE THIS IS A SAFETY MATTER (A LEAK AT THE GAS TANK COULD START A FIRE), IT SEEMS CLEAR THAT VW'S RESPONSIBILITIES IN THE MATTER SHOULD NOT BE LIMITED TO MERELY "INSPECTING" THE AFFECTED PARTS ONCE WITH NO OVERSIGHT OR FOLLOW-UP, AS HAS HAPPENED IN THIS CASE. *TR
Dec 02, 2013
I RECENTLY HAD WORK DONE ON MY VEHICLE UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID #08V156000, WHICH REQUIRED INSPECTION, AND THE INSTALLATION OF ADDITIONAL HEAT SHIELDS NEAR THE FUEL TANK. THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN PREVIOUSLY SERVICED UNDER THE CAMPAIGN IN 2008. RECENTLY, THE FUEL TANK BEGAN LEAKING GASOLINE, WHICH INDICATES THAT THE HEAT SHIELDS THAT WERE INSTALLED HAD EITHER FAILED, OR THAT THE HEAT SHIELDS WERE INADEQUATE TO PREVENT EVENTUAL DAMAGE TO THE FUEL TANK. I BELIEVE THAT THE FUEL TANKS FOR THESE VEHICLES SHOULD BE INSPECTED AGAIN IN ORDER TO DETERMINE WHETHER REPAIR TO THE FUEL TANKS IS REQUIRED AND TO PREVENT VEHICLE FIRE, INJURY, AND LOSS OF LIFE. I CONTACTED VW CUSTOMER SERVICE, AND THEY AGREED TO REPLACE THE FUEL TANK UNDER THE NHTSA CAMPAIGN. THE DEALERSHIP CHARGED ME $136.49 IN ADDITIONAL LABOR FOR THE REMOVAL OF AFTERMARKET PARTS, EVEN THOUGH THE CAMPAIGN CLEARLY STATES THAT DEALERS WILL "REPLACE COMPONENTS IF NECESSARY FREE OF CHARGE." NEITHER VW CUSTOMER SERVICE, NOR THE DEALERSHIP WOULD AGREE TO PERFORM THE WORK FULLY FREE OF CHARGE. I BELIEVE THAT THE CHARGE FOR ADDITIONAL LABOR IS IN VIOLATION OF THE NHTSA CAMPAIGN AND REQUEST ASSISTANCE IN OBTAINING REIMBURSEMENT. *TR
Oct 29, 2013
WE HAVE ATTEMPTED TO HAVE A GAS LEAK / SMELL REPAIRED BY 3 DIFFERENT VOLKSWAGEN DEALERS OVER 5 YEARS. WE FIRST APPROACHED THE DEALER IN 2008 WHEN RECEIVING NOTICE OF A RECALL. THE RECALL WAS THE "UNDERBODY HEAT SHIELD/FUEL SYSTEM COMPONENTS (#08V156000). TODAY, 10/17/2013 WE FINALLY HAVE A DEALER STATING THAT THERE IS A FUEL LEAK EVEN THOUGH WE HAVE BEEN ATTEMPTING TO GET VW TO BELIEVE US FOR 5 YEARS. THE OVERWHELMING SMELL OF GASOLINE PERMEATES OUR ENTIRE HOUSE AFTER A FILL UP AND IMMEDIATELY PARK THE VEHICLE IN OUR GARAGE. *TR
Oct 18, 2013
+ 42 more complaints for this component
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
37 complaints
ABS CONTROL MODULE NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. *TR
Aug 14, 2013
THIS HAS HAPPENED 3 TIMES NOW. MY CAR BEEPS AT ME ABOUT 3-4 TIMES & THE ABS & BRAKE LIGHTS COME ON FOR A FEW SECONDS BEFORE TURNING OFF. FROM EVERYTHING I HAVE READ ONLINE, ITS A PROBLEM WITH THE ABS MODULE & THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM IN THE PASSAT. *TR
May 27, 2012
ABS SYSTEM LIGHT WAS ACTIVATED WHILE DRIVING. CAR SENT TO AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT ABS UNIT HAD FAILED. $3000 REPAIR BILL REQUIRED TO BRING CAR BACK TO SPECS, INCLUDING REPLACEMENTS OF UPPER LINKS (8E0407505A), AND ABS UNIT (8E0614111AQ). *TR
Feb 21, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS EXTREMELY STIFF AND WOULD NOT RESPOND WHEN DEPRESSED. THE CONTACT APPLIED THE PARKING BRAKE AND THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE BRAKE BOOSTER WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 62,000.
Jan 24, 2012
WHEN THE OUTSIDE TEMPERATURE IS BELOW FREEZING, THE BRAKES ON MY 2002 PASSAT WAGON DO NOT WORK. THE BRAKE PEDAL IS HARD, AND WILL NOT DEPRESS. I HAVE BEEN TOLD BY A MECHANIC WHO HAS WORKED ON MY CAR FOR THE PAST TEN YEARS THAT THERE IS A SIGNIFICANT AMOUNT OF WATER IN MY BRAKE LINES. THIS WATER MAY HAVE ENTERED THE BRAKE LINES FROM THE BRAKE BOOSTER IN A MANNER DESCRIBED IN INCIDENT REPORT #PE07018. ATTEMPTS TO FIX THE PROBLEM HAVE BEEN UNSUCCESSFUL SO FAR (WATER HAS BEEN DRAINED OUT OF SYSTEM, DRAINS HAVE BEEN CLEARED OF LEAVES AND OTHER DEBRIS, BUT THE PROBLEM RECURS WHEN THE TEMPERATURE DROPS BELOW FREEZING). DOES VW HAVE ANY OTHER SUGGESTIONS HOW TO FIX THIS PROBLEM? WHEN THE PROBLEM HAPPENS, I DO NOT HAVE FUNCTIONING BRAKES (A RATHER DANGEROUS SITUATION, TO SAY THE LEAST). *TR
Jan 12, 2012
+ 32 more complaints for this component
VISIBILITY
18 complaints
2002 VW PASSAT PLASTIC LENS COVER OVER THE HEAD LIGHTS ARE SO FILMY, CLOUDY CAN HARDLY SEE AT NIGHT..THE LENS COVERS HAVE BEEN CLOUDY FOR YEARS, I NOTICE LOTS OF CARS WITH CLOUDY LENS COVER NOT JUST VW...SHOULD BE SAFETY RECALL..... DO WE WAIT LIKE WE DID ON NO DOC LOANS UNTIL WE ADMIT WE HAVE A PROBLEM.........NO EXACT INCIDENT BUT I'M SURE THEY HAVE HAPPENED. *TR
Jul 03, 2011
WATER LEAKAGE FROM SUNROOF TO FLOOR BOARDS. THE SUNROOF HAS DRAINAGE TUBES, THAT CAN AND WILL BECOME CLOGGED. WATER ON FLOORBOARD CAN LEAD TO TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS. TUBES HAD TO BE UNCLOGGED, LOCATED ON FRONT DOOR FRAMES. *TR
Jan 18, 2010
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AT 70 MPH THE SUN ROOF EXPLODED. FRAGMENTS OF GLASS FELL ALL OVER OF THE VEHICLE. A REPRESENTATIVE FROM THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THEY ARE NOT AWARE OF THIS TYPE OF FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 95,000.
Dec 22, 2009
THIS IS THE SECOND TIME THAT THE WINDOW REGULATOR HAS GONE OUT ON MY 2002 VW PASSAT 4MOTION GLX. THE FIRST TIME THIS HAPPENED THE DRIVERS WINDOW REGULATOR FAILED DUE TO A CORRODED CABLE IN THE ASSEMBLY. THE MOST RECENT JUST HAPPENED TO THE REAR PASSENGER REGULATOR, BUT THIS TIME THE PLASTIC ASSEMBLY THAT HOLDS THE GLASS WINDOW BROKE AND AND THE WINDOW FELL DOWN IN TRAFFIC. I AM VERY MECHANICALLY INCLINED AND HAVE FIXED BOTH OF THESE PROBLEMS ON MY OWN TIME, AT MY OWN EXPENSE. JUST WONDERING IF ANYONE ELSE IS EXPERIENCING THESE PROBLEMATIC ISSUES. THANK YOU, DARIN. *TR
Mar 16, 2008
2002 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT DEFECTIVE SUNROOF. CONSUMER STATES THAT SHE DIDN'T DRIVE THE VEHICLE FOR ONE WEEK AND WHEN SHE STARTED DRIVING IT, THERE WAS A SLOSHING NOISE. SHE NOTICED THE ENTIRE REAR FLOORBOARD WAS FLOODED WITH WATER. *KB THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONSUMER THE PROBLEM WAS INHERENT AND THERE WAS DEFINITELY A DEFECT IN THE SUNROOF DESIGN. *JB
Jan 31, 2008
+ 13 more complaints for this component
POWER TRAIN
17 complaints
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 15 MPH AND MAKING A LEFT TURN, THE REAR AXLE BROKE CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO FALL ONTO THE GROUND. THE VEHICLE WAS UNABLE TO BE DRIVEN; THEREFORE, THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A LOCAL MECHANIC. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT NO REPAIRS COULD BE MADE UNTIL THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY THE MANUFACTURER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR AXLE COULD HAVE CAUSED A MAJOR CRASH. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 101,000.
Sep 07, 2010
MY CAR HAS SUDDENLY STARTED TO DOWNSHIFT ON IT'S OWN , RPM'S WILL ALSO CONTINUE TO INCREASE WHEN TAKING FOOT OFF ACCELERATOR, AND THEN SUDDENLY WHEN ATTEMPTING TO ACCELERATE FROM A STOP THE CAR WILL NOT REACT AT ALL FOR SEVERAL SECONDS AND THEN RAPIDLY SURGES FORWARD UNCONTROLLABLY. THIS ALL IN CONJUNCTION WITH A CONTINUED COMPLAINT OF A BURNING SMELL FROM MY CENTRAL DASHBOARD VENT. ( THIS BURNING WAS SUPPOSED TO HAVE BEEN REMEDIED BY A RECENT RECALL. THE MECHANIC AND SERVICE ADVISOR WERE ABLE TO DUPLICATE THIS , BUT IT WAS DEEMED NORMAL AND WITHOUT DUPLICATION BY THE HEAD MECHANIC. THE SERVICE MANAGER LATER INVESTIGATED THIS AND DECIDED A NEW CATALYTIC CONVERTER MAY REMEDY THE SITUATION. THIS HAS NOT HELPED AND THE CAR CONTINUES TO REACT INCONSISTENTLY WITH SUDDEN DOWNSHIFTING WHILE ACCELERATING AND THEN SUDDEN RAPID ACCELERATION SURGES FORWARD WHICH SEEM VERY UNSAFE WHEN NEGOTIATING BUSY CITY STREETS. MY CAR HAS ONLY 49,000 MILES ON IT! *TR
Jul 07, 2008
3 1/2 MONTHS AFTER PURCHASING MY 2002 VW PASSAT, I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY WENT MY OIL PRESSURE LIGHT CAME ON WITH A GRINDING NOISE AND THE COMPUTER ADVISED ME TO SHUT DOWN MY ENGINE IMMEDIATELY. I THOUGH MY OIL WAS LOW SINCE I MISSED MY LAST OIL CHANGE AND WAS PLANNING ON GETTING ONE DONE THAT WEEKEND AND ADDED MORE OIL TO MY CAR. THE PROBLEM NEVER WENT AWAY AND I HAD TO TOW MY CAR TO THE VW DEALER (HERITAGE VW). I WAS CHARGED $1178 FOR A DESLUDGE BECAUSE THE WARRANTY WAS NO GOOD SINCE MY OIL CHANGED WAS OVERDUE. AFTER THE DESLUDGE MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND THE DEALER TOLD ME THAT MY TIMING WAS OFF AND WOULD REQUIRE ME TO PAY ANOTHER $1100 TO REPAIR THE PROBLEM. I REMOVED MY CAR FROM THEIR SHOP BECAUSE I DID NOT HAVE THIS ISSUE WHEN I BROUGHT MY CAR TO THE DEALER AND NOW I HAVE TO PAY TO REPAIR, THEIR ERROR. I WOULD LIKE VW TO PAY FOR THEIR FAULTY ENGINEERING OR POOR WORKMANSHIP, SINCE THE SLUDGE BUILDUP SEEMS TO BE A DEFECT AND NOT A MAINTENANCE ISSUE HAS THEY CLAIM. *TR
Mar 12, 2008
HAD TO REPLACE BOTH CV BOOTS WITH LESS THAN 55,000 MILES ON CAR. *TR
Aug 10, 2007
THE CLUTCH ON MY 2002 VW PASSAT FAILED AT 47K MILES! MY WIFE AND I ARE BOTH IN OUR MID-FORTIES AND ARE VERY EXPERIENCED AND GENTLE CLUTCH DRIVERS. WE HAVEN'T OWNED CARS WITHOUT A CLUTCH FOR OVER 20 YEARS. IN ADDITION THE REPAIR COST TO REPLACE THE CLUTCH ON THIS CAR IS OUTRAGEOUS. I AM WRITING BECAUSE I NOTICED SEVERAL PEOPLE WITH THE SAME PROBLEM ON A NUMBER OF CHAT BOARDS. HAS THIS EVER BEEN INVESTIGATED? THANKS,
Aug 07, 2007
+ 12 more complaints for this component
STRUCTURE
16 complaints
DURING HEAVY RAINS, WATER ENTERED THE VEHICLE THROUGH THE SUNROOF, WHICH WAS PROPERLY CLOSED AND LATCHED. OWNER DID NOT KNOW THAT WATER INFILTRATION HAD OCCURRED. UPON DRIVING THE CAR AFTER THE STORM, MULTIPLE WARNINGS APPEARED. CAR SHUTTERED AND WOULD NOT SHIFT GEARS. EVENTUALLY CAR SHIFTED INTO DRIVE. TOOK CAR TO SERVICE STATION, WHICH DIAGNOSED THAT WATER HAD ENTERED VEHICLE AND POOLED IN PASSENGER FLOORBOARD. TRANSMISSION MODULE LOCATED BENEATH PASSENGER FLOORBOARD FLOODED AND FAILED. TRANSMISSION MODULE AND RELATED COMPONENTS HAD TO BE REPLACED. WE CONTACTED MANUFACTURER OF VEHICLE AND WERE TOLD THIS WAS NOT A KNOWN PROBLEM, BUT INFORMATION OBTAINED BY OUR INSURANCE COMPANY INDICATES OTHERWISE. *TR
Dec 28, 2009
AFTER HEAVY RAINFALL, WATER FILLED THE PASSENGER FLOOR WELL. I VACUUMED OUT THE WATER AND MOVED VEHICLE ON A SURFACE THAT IS SLOPED AND ANOTHER 3 GALLONS OF WATER CAME THROUGH THE FRONT PASSENGER KICK PANEL WHERE THERE ARE ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS. IN TOTAL, THERE WAS 7 GALLONS OF WATER. NOW ALL THE SERVICE LIGHTS COMES AND REMAINS ON. *TR
Jan 17, 2008
WHEN IT RAINS WATER LEAKS INTO THE CAR UNDER THE PASSENGER DASH OVER ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS FOR THE CAR. *TR
Jun 04, 2007
FOLLOWING A HEAVY RAIN, ENTIRE FLOORBOARD WET WITH NO EVIDENCE OF OVERHEAD OR SIDE PANEL WETNESS. WATER DRAINED DIRECTLY INTO CAR BUT NOT THROUGH DOOR SEALS OR WINDOWS. DRAIN PLUGS IN UNDERCARRIAGE REMOVED AND WATER STREAMED OUT FOR APPROX. 10 MINUTES. INITIAL ASSESSMENT BY DEALER INDICATES WATER DAMAGED COMFORT MODULE (CONTROLLING ALL POWERED COMPONENTS LIKE WINDOWS, DOOR LOCKS, SUNROOF, CRUISE, SEATS, ETC.) AND TRANSMISSION MODULE AND CONNECTORS. OVER $4500 ESTIMATE (NOT FINISHED TO DATE). SOURCE OF LEAK NOT YET FOUND BY DEALER. *NM
Oct 06, 2006
DEBRIS IN COWL AREA CAN CLOG DRAIN HOLE CAUSING WATER TO ENTER VEHICLE SHORTING OUT COMPUTER AND WIRING. *NM
Jul 18, 2006
+ 11 more complaints for this component
SERVICE BRAKES
15 complaints
THE ABS LIGHT CAME ON AND BRAKE LIGHT IS FLASHING RED. THE ABS MODULE SEEMS TO BE BAD. THE VEHICLE HAS THESE LIGHTS WHEN ITS MOVING AND STATIONARY
Jul 21, 2018
THE ABS BRAKES ARE FAULTY....THEY WORK RANDOMLY. FROM WHAT I HAVE RESEARCH THIS PARTICULAR MODULAR SHOULD HAVE BEEN A FACTORY RECALL.....
Dec 17, 2017
I GET AN AUDIO AND VISUAL ALERT ON MY DASH STATING TO 'STOP, BRAKE FAILURE' IT HAS OCCURRED MANY TIMES WHILE DRIVING, TURNING, AND PARKED WITH THE CAR ON. THE CAR'S BRAKES HAVE NEVER FAILED TO BRAKE APPROPRIATELY. I BROUGHT THE CAR INTO MY MECHANIC. THE OBD 2 SCAN SHOWS NO FAULTS AND MY MECHANIC SAYS THE BRAKES ARE FINE AND THESE CARS ARE KNOWN TO HAVE A FAULTY ELECTRONIC BOARD WHICH FALSELY ALERTS OF A BRAKE FAILURE.
Dec 10, 2017
ABS LIGHT IS ON
Aug 26, 2017
PERIODICALLY, WHEN DRIVING, THE "ABS", "BRAKE", AND THE "ANTI SLIP REGULATION" LIGHTS WILL FLASH WITH AN ALARM SOUND THAT LASTS AROUND THREE SECONDS AND THE LIGHTS GO OFF. THIS HAPPENS WHEN THE CAR IS RUNNING AND HAS HAPPENED ON THE HIGHWAY AND WHILE STOPPED. THERE IS NO DIFFERENCE IN THE WAY THE CAR HANDLES, DRIVES, OR BRAKES DURING AND AFTER THIS OCCURS. ON ONE INSTANCE THE "ANTI SLIP REGULATION" LIGHT STAYED ON AND I HAD TO STOP AND SHUT THE CAR OFF. WHEN I STARTED IT AGAIN, THE LIGHT WAS EXTINGUISHED. THIS HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR 3-4 MONTHS AND ONLY HAPPENS ABOUT ONCE A WEEK.
Nov 05, 2016
+ 10 more complaints for this component
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
14 complaints
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE INDICATOR NOISE THAT ENGAGED WHEN THE TURN SIGNALS WERE ACTIVATED WOULD INTERMITTENTLY ENGAGE INDEPENDENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER TWICE WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE MULTI FUNCTION SWITCH WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE CONTINUED TO RECUR INTERMITTENTLY. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 105,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 113,000.
Jan 03, 2011
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. FOR SEVERAL MONTHS HE NOTICED THAT THE HEADLIGHTS WERE NOT ILLUMINATING PROPERLY. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT HE WAS NOT EXPERIENCING A FAILURE; THEREFORE, THEY WOULD NOT REPAIR THE VEHICLE UNDER THE WARRANTY. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE PLASTIC COVER ON THE HEADLIGHT WAS DEFECTED AND THAT THE SUN'S RAYS CAUSED IT TO DISCOLOR AND DISTORT THE BULB. THE ESTIMATED COST FOR REPAIR WAS $200.00. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 59,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 60,000.
Oct 14, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. THE CONTACT NOTICED A HAZE AND/OR A FROSTED GLAZE OVER HIS HEADLIGHTS. OVER THE COURSE OF A YEAR, THE HEADLIGHT ISSUE PROGRESSIVELY WORSENED AND AFFECTED THE CONTACT'S VISIBILITY AT NIGHT. THE DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT HIS VEHICLE WAS OUT OF WARRANTY, HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE COULD BE REPAIRED FOR APPROXIMATELY $700. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 55,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 48,000. UPDATED 07/29/08. *LJ UPDATED 08/05/08
May 28, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE HEADLIGHTS WERE NOT WORKING. SHE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND THEY INFORMED HER THAT THE BULBS WERE BURNED OUT AND THE PASSENGER SIDE HEADLIGHT HARNESS MELTED. SHE SEARCHED ONLINE AND FOUND THAT THIS WAS A COMMON MANUFACTURER DEFECT ON OLDER MODELS OF HER VEHICLE MAKE, BUT NOT FOR HER YEAR. SHE CALLED THE MANUFACTURER AND THEY REFUSED TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE DEFECT. THE POWERTRAIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 35,000.
Oct 17, 2007
I HAVE A 2002 VW PASSAT. IN OCTOBER 2006, WITH APPROXIMATELY 50000 MILES ON THE CAR, THE REAR BRAKE LIGHTS SUDDENLY STOPPED LIGHTING UP AT ALL. MY MECHANIC REPLACED THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH, AND NOW MY LIGHTS OPERATE NORMALLY. VW HAS A RECALL ON THIS EXACT ISSUE FOR OTHER MODELS, BUT NOT ON THE PASSAT. IN MY CASE, IT SEEMS OBVIOUS THAT MY 2002 PASSAT SHOULD HAVE BEEN INCLUDED AS PART OF THIS RECALL AS WELL. IF THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM WITH VW MODELS IN THIS YEAR, I'M DISAPPOINTED THAT I HAD TO DRIVE WITHOUT BRAKE LIGHTS (WHEN THE SWITCH FIRST FAILED), THEN PAY OUT-OF-POCKET TO FIX A KNOWN FAILURE. *JB
Feb 28, 2007
+ 9 more complaints for this component
SEATS
13 complaints
I WAS IN THE PASSENGER SEAT OF MY 2002 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT WAGON, WHEN I FELT THE SEAT GET EXTREMELY HOT. I IMMEDIATELY TURNED THE SEAT HEATER TO ZERO AND JUST LIFTED MY LEFT LEG OFF THE SEAT A LITTLE BIT UNTIL IT COOLED DOWN. I DIDN'T THINK MUCH OF IT UNTIL I FIRST SAW A BURN MARK ON THE LEFT, BACK SIDE OF MY COAT AND THEN A LINE OF BURN MARKS AND HOLES ON MY PASSENGER SEAT. I INVESTIGATED A LITTLE FURTHER, AND IT APPEARS THE SEAT HEATER BEGAN TO ALSO OVERHEAT/MELT THE BACK PART OF THE PASSENGER SEAT AND THE DRIVER'S SEAT ALONG THE SAME LINE THAT BURNED MY COAT AND LEG IN THE PASSENGER'S SEAT. *TR
Feb 20, 2010
2002 VW PASSAT DRIVERS SEAT WARMERS BURNED THROUGH THE SEAT AND BURNED MY LEG. *TR
Feb 15, 2010
DRIVERSIDE HEATED SEAT CAUGHT ON FIRE. BURNT 2 SMALL HOLES THROUGH SEAT AND THE POCKET OF MY WIFE'S PANTS. *TR
Mar 03, 2008
I WAS DRIVING MY 2002 VW PASSAT WITH THE SEAT HEATER ON WHEN I NOTICED THE UNDERSIDE OF MY THIGH WAS VERY WARM. I PULLED INTO A PARKING LOT, GOT OUT AND LOOKED AT MY SEAT AND THERE WAS A BURN HOLE ON THE UPHOLSTERED SEAT. I HAD ONLY BEEN DRIVING WITH THE SEAT HEATER ON FOR ABOUT 15 MINUTES - ON LEVEL 3 (OR 4 MAX). I HAVE NOT TURNED ON THE DRIVER SIDE SEAT HEATER SINCE AND HAVE NOT ALLOWED A PASSENGER TO TURN ON THE PASSENGER SIDE SEAT HEATER. LUCKILY, I INCURRED NO INJURY AND MY CLOTHING WAS NOT BURNED, BUT I AM CONCERNED WHAT MIGHT HAPPEN IF SOMEONE HAD NOT BEEN PAYING ATTENTION, HAD NOT BEEN WEARING THIN CLOTHING AT THE TIME, OR IF A CHILD HAD BEEN SITTING ON A MALFUNCTIONING SEAT. I HAVE BEEN TO THE DEALER WHO SAID BOTH THE DRIVER SIDE AND PASSENGER SIDE SEAT HEATERS NEED TO BE REPLACED (THEY SAID THE PASSENGER SIDE WAS ALSO ON ITS WAY TO BURNING- ALTHOUGH IT HAD NOT COME THROUGH THE CLOTH YET). I HAVE NOT YET REACHED ANY RESOLUTION WITH VOLKWAGEN, ALTHOUGH THEY HAVE BEEN NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. I HAVE BEEN TOLD THAT MY PARTICULAR VEHICLE WAS NOT COVERED BY A RECALL. *TR
Sep 06, 2007
DRIVERS SIDE HEATED SEAT ELEMENT BURNED A WHOLE THROUGH FABRIC.. *NM
Jan 22, 2007
+ 8 more complaints for this component
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
12 complaints
I was letting my car run for a couple of minutes for the AC to cool down the car and I went into my house. When I came out about 2 minutes later, there was a large puddle of gas under the car in front of the right rear wheel and gas was running down the driveway all the way to the street. I immediately turned off the car and the gas stopped pouring out from under the car. I was lucky the car, my house or I did not go up in flames.
Jul 26, 2023
FUEL LEAKING FROM FITTING ON TOP OF TANK NEAR FUEL LEVEL SENDING UNIT.
Feb 20, 2018
I PURCHASED A 2002 PASSAT W8 4-MOTION, HAVING ONLY 126,000 MILES ON THE ODOMETER, IN OCTOBER 2017 OFTEN AFTER REFUELING THE VEHICLE, I WOULD NOTICE THE FAINT SCENT OF GASOLINE. UPON INVESTIGATING WHERE THE GASOLINE SMELL WAS ORIGINATING, I FOUND IT HAD DEVELOPED A VERY LARGE FUEL LEAK FROM WHICH FUEL COULD BE SEEN DRIPPING ON THE FORWARD, LEFT SIDE OF THE FUEL TANK. AFTER PERFORMING SOME BRIEF RESEARCH, I FOUND THAT THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE PASSAT 4-MOTIONS, DATED APRIL 2008, IN REGARDS TO A VENTILATION VALVE ON THE FUEL TANK. I PROMPTLY MADE A APPOINTMENT WITH MY LOCAL VW DEALER FOR DEC 4TH. ON DECEMBER 6, 2017, I CONTACTED THE DEALERSHIP ASKING JAY, THE SERVICE MANAGER AT THE VW DEALERSHIP, IF THEY FOUND THE VENT VALVE TO BE LEAKING. I WAS TOLD THAT THE VALVE WAS IN FACT LEAKING AT THE BONDED VALVE POINT. AFTER HEARING NOTHING THE NEXT TWO DAYS, I RECEIVED A PHONE CALL FROM VW STATING THAT THEY FOUND THE UNDER-BODY DAMAGE TO BE THE CAUSE OF THE LEAK. I REQUESTED TO SEE THE PICTURES OF THE DAMAGE SO THAT I COULD EXAMINE THEM MYSELF. ON DECEMBER 11, 2017, I RECEIVED THE PICTURES FROM THE SERVICE MANAGER SHOWING THE HEAT SHIELDS SURROUNDING THE TANK TO HAVE SOME BRUSH MARKS AND TO BE DISFIGURED A BIT. PLEASE KEEP IN MIND, THIS WAS A KNOWN ISSUE IN THE EARLY 2000'S, AND THE VEHICLE IS NOW 15 YEARS OLD WITH 127,000 MILES ON IT AND THE RECALL HAD BEEN COMPLETED. THIS "DAMAGE" WOULD NOT LEAD TO A FUEL TANK LEAK AS THE FUEL TANK ITSELF WAS NOT DAMAGED. VERY UPSET, I WROTE TO THE REGIONAL CASE MANAGER ON DEC 11, 2017 WITH MY THOUGHTS ON THE DAMAGE AND TO GET MORE DETAILS ON THE CASE. I HAVE YET TO RECEIVE A RESPONSE.
Dec 19, 2017
WHEN FUEL TANK HAS APPROXIMATELY 8 GALLONS OR MORE, FUEL POURS OUT FROM UNDER THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE ABOUT TWO FEET FROM THE OUTER KICK PANEL. NOTICED THERE WAS A RECALL AND VWOA SAID THAT MY VIN DOES NOT QUALIFY FOR THE RECALL DESPITE MY EXPLAINING THAT THE PROBLEM IS IDENTICAL TO OTHER COMPLAINTS ON VEHICLES THAT WERE RECALLED. THIS WAS AT 118K MILES AND IT HAPPENED TO THE PREVIOUS OWNER ARROUND 80K.
Jun 04, 2017
FUEL LEAK AFTER FILLING GAS TANK. LEAK ON DRIVER SIDE UNDER REAR DOOR. STOPS AFTER GAGE IS BELOW 3/4 FULL.
Dec 28, 2016
+ 7 more complaints for this component
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
12 complaints
WE PURCHASED A USED 2002 PASSAT AND DURING A STORM, THE PASSENGER FLOOR BECAME FILLED WITH WATER, COMING THROUGH THE GLOVE COMPARTMENT. DEALER COULD NOT LOCATE ENTRY OF WATER FROM HOSE AT DEALERSHIP SO WE CHANGED TO ANOTHER 2002. ON JULY 21, DURING A STORM, THE PASSENGER SIDE FILLED WITH RAIN ON THE FLOOR BUT NOT THROUGH THE GLOVE COMPARTMENT. ON JULY 30, THE DRIVER FLOOR WAS FILLED WITH WATER FROM A STORM. BUT THE PASSENGER SIDE WAS DRY. SINCE THIS CAR IS ONLY A FEW YEARS OLD, IS THIS A DEFECT? *JB
Aug 01, 2007
I BOUGHT A 2002 PASSAT WAGON GLX CERTIFIED USED AT LINDSAY VW IN STERLING VA. I HAVE ONLY HAD THE CAR 10 MONTHS. I HAD MY CAR WASHED THE WEEK BEFORE JUNE 27TH, MY CAR IS GARAGE KEPT DAY AND NIGHT. WE HAD BAD RAIN STORMS IN THE WASHINGTON DC AREA WHICH I DID NOT DRIVE IN THE FIRST DAY... THE SECOND DAY I DID GET CAUGHT IN A RAIN STORM BUT IT WAS NOT UNUSUALLY HARD AND I DID NOT GO THROUGH AND LARGE PUDDLES. WHEN I GOT HOME I NOTICED A TON OF WATER HAD COLLECTED ON THE FLOOR OF THE DRIVERS SIDE OF THE CAR. THE LIGHTS BEGAN TO FLICKER AND GO ON AND OFF... THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM WAS NOT WORKING... SO I CALLED THE DEALER WHO INFORMED ME THIS WAS THE CASE WITH A LOT OF THEIR CUSTOMERS AND COULD BE A BACKED UP DRAIN FROM THE SUNROOF. HE SAID TO HAVE TO CAR TOWED IN ... WHICH I DID. I THEN HEARD FROM THE DEALER TWO DAYS LATER WHO SAID THERE WERE SOME LEAVES IN THE WINDSHIELD WIPER CATCH AND THAT WAS WHAT CAUSED THE WATER TO POOL INTO THE CAR... IT WAS NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY ESSENTIALLY MY FAULT AND THE REPAIR CONSISTED OF GUTTING THE INTERIOR REPLACEMENT OF CARPET AND ELECTRICAL BOXES UNDER DRIVERS SIDE ETC. THAT IS WOULD BE EXPENSIVE.. PARTS ALONE ESTIMATED OVER 1K. I WAS SHAKEN... HE SAID HE HAD TO BREAK THE NEWS TO A LOT OF CUSTOMERS... I HAVE CHECKED MESSAGE BOARDS AND THIS SEEMS TO BE A VERY COMMON AND COSTLY PROBLEM FOR A LOT OF PASSAT VW OWNERS. THIS SEEMS THAT IF SO MANY PEOPLE ARE HAVING A PROBLEM THERE MUST BE A DESIGN FLAW. I AM STILL TRYING TO APPEAL THE FACT I HAVE TO PAY WITH THE DEALER.. HAVE NOT YET HEARD FROM THEM IN 3 DAYS. VW NEEDS TO PAY OR RECALL AND FIX THESE PROBLEMS. THANK YOUR FOR YOUR HELP. *JB
Jul 02, 2006
FOLLOWING RECENT HEAVY RAINS MY 2002 VW PASSAT WAGON ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND ENGINE RAN A BIT ROUGH AT TIMES. $1989 REPAIRS ARE TRACED TO A "CRACKED POLLEN FILTER HOUSING" THAT ALLOWED WATER TO ENTER CABIN AND THROW OFF CONTROL MODULES LOCATED UNDER THE FRONT SEATS.*JB
Jun 14, 2006
EVERY TIME IT RAINS, REAR PASSENGER FLOOR IS FILLED WITH WATER. DEALER TRIED TO REPAIR LINE FROM SUN ROOF, BUT PROBLEM IS NOT FIXED. *JB
Jan 12, 2006
CONSUMER INQUIRING ON HOW TO GAIN INFORMATION REGARDING 2002 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. *MR THE DEALERSHIP WHERE THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED NO LONGER EXIST. *NM
Apr 14, 2005
+ 7 more complaints for this component
ENGINE
11 complaints
DIDNT EXPLAIN FULLY THE FIRST TIME, SO HERE GOES. MY VW HAS ENGINE FAILURE, VW HAD A LAWSUIT AGAINST THEM SOME YEARS BACK BECAUSE OF A ENGINE SLUDGE PROBLEM. THE ENGINE RAN HOT BECAUSE IT WAS A TURBO POWERED ENGINE, PLUS NOT HAVING ENOUGH OIL TO KEEP IT COOL. CAUSING THE OIL TO BREAKDOWN AND MAKE SLUDGE WHICH CLOGGED UP THE OIL PUMP AND STARVED THE ENGINE OF OIL LEADING TO ENGINE FAILURE. THIS IS WHAT IM EXPERENCING RIGHT NOW, I HAVE ENGINE FAILURE DUE TO SLUDGE. VW LOST THAT LAWSUIT AND STILL WONT ACKNOWLEDGE THE DESIGN FLAW, IM STILL MAKING PAYMENTS ON MY CAR, IT RAN PERFECT. ALL MAINTENANCE RECORDS ARE DOCUMENTED, THE CAR IS IN ALMOST PERFECT CONDITION FOR A 2002. I WANT VW TO FIX WHAT THEY CREATED, I DONT HAVE 3000 DOLLARS TO BUY AN ENGINE FOR IT. ITS NOT MY DESIGN! I WAS DRIVING DOWN ATLANTIC AVE IN RALEIGH NC GOING 45 MPH WHEN MY ENGINE DIED, HAD TO PUSH MY CAR OUT OF TRAFFIC INTO A NEARBY PARKING LOT.
Mar 06, 2017
ENGINE FAILURE, CAR WAS DRIVING PERFECT NO PROBLEMS. ALL OF A SUDDEN IT STARTS VIBRATING AND SHAKING OUT OF CONTROL. CALLED MY MECHANIC HE TOLD ME TO BRING IT BY, I STARTED ON MY WAY TO DRIVE TO THE SHOP SO HE COULD TAKE A LOOK. CAR DIED 1 MILE FROM SHOP WHILE I WAS DRIVING IN TRAFFIC. I WAS GOING 45MPH WGEN IT FAILED, I HAD TO GET OUT THE CAR PUSH IT OUT OF TRAFFIC BY MYSELF. A VW PASSAT WAGON! HEAVY? YES VERY MUCH SO. GOT IT TOWED MY MECHANIC LOOKED AT IT AND SAID IT WASNT GETTIN ENOUGH OIL.
Feb 27, 2017
LOW OIL PRESSURE LIGHT CAME ON FOR THE FIRST TIME AND NOW ENGINE MAKES A TICKING NOISE. THERE WAS A RECALL FOR THIS ISSUE. NOW I'M STUCK WITH A CAR I CAN'T GET FIXED. FOR AN ISSUE THAT HAD A LAW SUIT.
Mar 28, 2016
VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION, DRIVING UPHILL. NEEDLE ON THERMOSTAT GAUGE SUDDENLY PERKED REALLY FAST TOWARDS HOT. ENGINE LIGHT WENT ON. VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO SIDE OF ROAD AND ENGINE WAS SHUT OFF. SMOKE WAS COMING OUT OF FRONT OF ENGINE. DRIVER STEPPED OUT OF CAR. WHILE INSPECTING THE FRONT OF THE CAR, THE DRIVER SAW FLICKERING FLAMES UNDER RIGHT SIDE OF ENGINE (AS SEEN FROM INSIDE). DRIVER TOOK SLEEPING CHILD OUT OF CAR SEAT AND STEPPED AWAY FROM CAR. CAR WAS ENGULFED IN FIRE WITHIN MINUTES AND COMPLETELY BURNT UP.
Dec 07, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2002 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, AN EXTREMELY LOUD NOISE EMITTED FROM THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE WAS MANEUVERED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE CONTACT EXITED THE VEHICLE AND LARGE FLAMES IGNITED UNDERNEATH THE HOOD. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE AND STATED THAT THE FIRE ORIGINATED FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 172,808.
Sep 22, 2015
+ 6 more complaints for this component
TIRES
11 complaints
LEFT REAR TIRE COMPLETELY SEPARATED AT THE SIDEWALLS , LEAVING 2 RUBBER RINGS AT EACH SIDE OF THE RIM, 3 INCH WIDE. CAR WAS GOING 65 MPH WITH NO LOAD, EXCEPT DRIVER. NO PRIOR PROBLEMS OR VISIBLE CRACKING. AIR PRESSURE WAS CHECKED BEFORE TRIP AND FOUND IN COMPLIANCE WITH CAR SPEC. *TR
Sep 04, 2012
HAD A CAR ACCIDENT IN 2006, TOOK CAR TO RECOMMEND INSURANCE SHOP. THEY REPLACE 3 TIRES, A WEEK LATER A BUBBLE POP UP ON THE OTHER TIRE. THEY HAD TO ORDER THE OTHER TIRE. YEAR LATER , LESS THAN 10,000 MILES, THE TIRE OUTSIDE WALL HAD SMALL CRACK AND GOT LARGER OVER TIME. I REPLACE THE TWO TIRES. WHILE REMOVING THE TIRES TO THE REAR. THE OTHER TIRE HAD A LARGE CRACK ON THE INSIDE UNKNOWN TO ME IF I DIDN'T REMOVED IT. DIDN'T CHECK THE OTHER TIRE AS OF YET. THE 3 TIRES ARE ROAD HUGGERS RADIAL GT. *TR
Jul 15, 2008
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED ON 8-5-06 THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE TIRE BLEW OUT WHILE DRIVING AT 55 MPH ON A DRY HIGHWAY. UPON INSPECTING THE TIRE, THE CONTACT NOTICED HOLES ON THE INSIDE AND OUTSIDE OF THE TIRE. PRIOR TO THIS INCIDENT, THE STEERING WHEEL WAS PULLING TO THE RIGHT. THE DEALERSHIP ROTATED THE TIRES WHICH SEEMED TO HELP FOR A WHILE, BUT EVENTUALLY THE STEERING CONTINUED TO PULL TO THE RIGHT. THERE WAS A NHTSA RECALL, # 03V154000 REGARDING THE TIRES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO THE VIN.
Aug 07, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THAT VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED WITH 3 TIRES WHICH HAVE A SIDEWALL DEFECT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THEY DETERMINED THERE WAS A MANUFACTURER DEFECT AND PROVIDED A PRO RATE DISCOUNT ON THE FIRST VISIT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER 2 MORE TIMES FOR THE SAME PROBLEM. THE TIRE MANUFACTURER ALSO DETERMINED THAT THE TIRES NEEDED TO BE REPLACED BUT DID NOT OFFER SERVICE OR REPLACEMENT OF TIRES. UPDATED 7/13/2006 - THE TIRE SPLIT APART AT THE SEAM ALONG THE SIDEWALL WHILE THE CONSUMER WAS DRIVING 20 MPH. MICHELIN OFFERED PRORATED ADJUSTMENT. ANOTHER TIRE, FRONT RIGHT, DEVELOPED A CRACK ABOUT 6 INCHES LONG AT THE SEAM IN THE SIDEWALL, TIRE WAS REPLACED. THE LEFT REAR TIRE WAS ALSO CRACKED AT THE SIDEWALL. THE MANUFACTURER AGREED TO REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE TIRE, BUT CONDTIONED REPLACEMENT ON FRONT WHEEL ALIGNMENT AT OUTSIDE VENDOR. THE MANUFACTURER REFUSED TO REFUND THE COST OF THE FIRST FAILED TIRE. *NM
Jun 26, 2006
I HAVE HAD EXCESSIVE TREAD WEAR IN 2 YEARS VERSUS ACTUAL DRIVEN MILEAGE FOR MY MICHELIN ENERGY MXV4 +, 205/55HR16 TIRES. THE TIRE MANUFACTURER REFUSES TO LIVE UP TO THE 50,,000 MILE WARRANTY. DRIVING THESE TIRES WITH ANY MOISTURE ON THE ROAD HAS CAUSED MANY NEAR MISS ACCIDENTS. THEY ARE DANGEROUS FOR THE CONSUMER TO HAVE ON THEIR CAR AND A GOVERNMENT INQUIRY SHOULD BE PERFORMED TO JUDGE WHETHER THEY ARE THE SUBJECT OF A RECALL. *JB
Feb 02, 2004
+ 6 more complaints for this component
SUSPENSION
10 complaints
BROKEN LEFT FRONT SUSPENSION COIL SPRING - SPONTANEOUSLY BROKEN - CAR LEFT UNDRIVEN IN CLOSED PRIVATE GARAGE FOR ~2 WEEKS, FOUND AFTER ~2 WEEKS LISTING AT LEFT FRONT CORNER WITH LEFT FRONT COIL SPRING BROKEN.
Mar 23, 2010
I AM WRITING TO COMPLAIN ABOUT THE CONTROL ARMS ON THE VW 2002 PASSAT. I RECENTLY REPLACED AN UPPER AND LOWER CONTROL ARM ON THE RIGHT AND NOW HAVE BEEN TOLD THAT I NEED TO REPLACE THREE OF THE FOUR CONTROL ARMS ON THE LEFT SIDE. I FELL THESE ARE A SAFETY ISSUE. *TR
Jun 01, 2009
I HAVE MY OIL CHANGED EVERY 5000 MILES AS SUGGESTED. AT 48,880 MILES MY OIL WAS CHANGED WITH KNOW PROBLEMS. AT 53880 MILES MY OIL CHANGE AGAIN. BUT AT THIS CHANGE I WAS TOLD THAT THE FRONT AXEL BOOTS WERE CRACKED AND NEEDED TO BE CHANGED. I ASKED SINCE IT WAS JUST 3,000 MILES PAST WARRANTY IF THIS WOULD BE COVERED. BOTH THE DEALER AND VOLKSWAGAN SAID NO. I HAD THE AXEL BOOTS FIXED. BUT AFTER SPEAKING TO MANY PEOPLE NO ONE HAS EVER HEARD OF AXEL BOOTS BREAKING AT 53,000 MILES. I BELIEVE THIS MUST BE DEFECT WITH THE CAR, SINCE BOTH AXEL BOOTS BROKE AT THE SAME TIME.
May 17, 2005
COMPLETE FAILURE OF STEERING CONTROL ARMS. WHEEL SHAKES LIKE IT IS GOING TO FALL OFF, THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THE VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT AND VW WILL NOT WARRANT THIS ISSUE OR PERFORM A RECALL. THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION. *NM
Feb 24, 2005
I HAD PROBLEMS WITH THE FAULTY IGNITION COIL TWO TIMES AND THE SECOND TIME, THEY REPLACED ALL THE COILS. HERE IN TEXAS, WHEN THE TEMPERATURE GOES DOWN BELOW 28 F ( WHICH IS VERY RARE) I AM AFRAID.I CAN BE STUCK IN THE ROAD. HOPE THE COIL PROBLEM WONT HAPPEN AGAIN. I ALSO HAVE PROBLEM WITH THE BRAKES. ITS MAKING CREAKING SOUNDS WITH THE PARKING BRAKE / HAND BRAKE. THE TECHNITION TOLD ME THAT ITS NATURAL..I CANT BELEIVE THAT. I GUES I HAVE TO SPEND LOT OF MONEY IN NEAR FUTURE TO REPLACE ALL THOSE BRAKE PARTS. ALSO THE METAL BEEDING ON THE ROOF IS COMING UP. IT IS NOT CAUSING ANY PROBLEM, BUT I HAVE TO PUSH IT HARD ALMOST EVERYDAY. I GUESS VW NEVER TESTED THE CAR FOR LONG TIME. SO FAR I FOUND SO MANY COMPLAINTS ABOUT PASSAT. HOPE THEY WILL IMPROVE IT.*AK
May 13, 2004
+ 5 more complaints for this component
AIR BAGS
9 complaints
WHILE DRIVING INTO THE MALL PARKING LOT AT SPEED OF 20 MPH ALL AIRBAGS EXPLODED EXCEPT THE STEERING WHEEL AIRBAG AND MY DAUGHTER SUFFERED FROM ARM AND AIR INJURIES
Oct 07, 2019
AIR BAG FAULT MESSAGE WHEN STARTING MY CAR EVERYTIME.
Jun 26, 2017
TWO DRIVER'S SIDE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED WHEN I DROVE THROUGH A POTHOLE ON A CITY STREET. I HAVE DRIVEN INTO POTHOLES NO DIFFERENT THAN THIS IN THE PAST. THERE WAS NO OTHER DAMAGE TO THE CAR OR TIRES. THE IMPACT WAS VERTICAL; I DID NOT EXPERIENCE ANY SIDE-TO-SIDE MOTION. COST OF REPAIR ESTIMATED TO BE BETWEEN $2000 & $3000. *TR
Jan 28, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. WHILE PARKED, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTICS WHERE THE MECHANIC ADVISED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE AIR BAG SENSOR WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED APPROXIMATELY 2,000 MILES LATER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE SENSOR WOULD NOW HAVE TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT FURTHER REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 94,000.
Nov 07, 2011
FAILURE FOR AIRBAG TO DEPLOY WHEN I REAR-ENDED SOMEBODY. MY APPROXIMATE SPEED WAS 25-25 MPH AND ALL MY FRONT COMPONENTS IN THE CAR WERE DAMAGED. THAT INCLUDES THE RADIATOR, THE AIRCONDITIONING ALL THE FANS IN THE FRONT AND THE ENGINE COVER. IT COST ME AROUND 9000 TO FIX IT. BUT THE POINT IS WITH SO MUCH DAMAGE IN THE FRONT THE AIRBAG FAILED TO DEPLOY. I HAVE NEVER BEEN IN SUCH AN ACCIDENT BEFORE AND NOW I FEEL VERY UNSAFE DRIVING THAT CAR. I DO NOT KNOW IF THE AIRBAGS WILL EVER WORK ALSO. *TR
Dec 05, 2009
+ 4 more complaints for this component
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
8 complaints
WHILE ACCELERATING TO PASS ANOTHER CAR, I FULLY DEPRESSED THE GAS PEDAL AND UPON RELEASING IT, NOTICED IT WAS STUCK IN THE FULLY DEPRESSED POSITION. UPON PUTTING THE CAR IN NEUTRAL AND HITTING THE GAS PEDAL WHILE IT WAS IT THE STUCK POSITION, IT BECAME DISLODGED AND WAS FUNCTIONAL AGAIN. THIS IS THE SECOND TIME THIS HAS HAPPENED TO MY CAR WHILE DRIVING IT, THE FIRST TIME BEING IN MID-NOVEMBER 2011. WHEN THE CAR IS OFF AND IN PARK I AM NOW ABLE TO RECREATE THE PEDAL GETTING STUCK, AS IT GETS STUCK ABOUT 25% OF THE TIME WHEN FULLY DEPRESSED. I HAVE NOT YET HAD A MECHANIC LOOK AT THE PEDAL. *TR
May 24, 2012
MY 2002 W-8 PASSAT FOUR TIMES THIS WEEKEND WOULD NOT DISENGAGE THE CRUISE CONTROL WHEN STEPPING ON THE BRAKE. THE BRAKE FEELS VERY SOLID AND CANNOT BE DEPRESSED UNTIL A VERY QUICK & HARD QUICK PRESSURE IS PUT ON IT ABOUT 3-4 TIMES. I NOTICED AFTER THAT INCIDENT (FRIGHTENING) THAT IT DOES NOT HAPPEN GOING DOWN HILL, ONLY UPHILL OR EVEN A SLIGHT INCLINE. *TR
Jul 06, 2010
MY WIFE TOLD ME LAST NIGHT THAT THERE HAVE BEEN 2 CASES OVER THE YEARS WITH HER 2002.5 VW PASSAT WHERE HER GAS PEDAL ALSO STUCK AND HER CAR ACCELERATED TO 80MPH+ ON NJ RT 1 BEFORE SHE PUT IT INTO NEUTRAL. SHE REMEMBERS THAT IT HAPPENED ON VERY COLD MORNINGS. IS IT POSSIBLE THAT VW USES A SIMILAR DESIGN TO TOYOTA IN THESE CARS? *TR
Feb 03, 2010
APPROXIMATELY 2 YEARS AGO, OR SLIGHTLY LESS, I WAS DRIVING MY WIFE'S 2002 VW PASSAT WHEN THE CAR BEGAN TO ACCELERATE WITHOUT APPARENT CAUSE AND WE COULD NOT STOP THE ACCELERATION. I TURNED THE IGNITION KEY OFF, AND LEAVING THE CAR IN PARK, RE-STARTED IT, ONLY TO OBSERVE THE ENGINE AGAIN RACING. WE EVENTUALLY FIGURED OUT THAT THE FLOOR MAT WAS THE CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM AND REMOVED IT. MY WIFE SOMETIME LATER REPLACED THE MAT AND HAD NO RECURRENCE, BUT WHEN I DROVE THE CAR, IT HAPPENED TWICE MORE BEFORE WE PERMANENTLY REMOVED THE MAT. AS WE HAD NO FURTHER PROBLEM, WE THOUGHT NO MORE OF THE ISSUE, BUT WITH THE RECENT PUBLICITY OVER SIMILAR SITUATIONS WHICH RESULTED IN SERIOUS CRASHES AND LOSS OF LIFE, WE DECIDED IT WAS BEST TO REPORT THIS SERIES OF EVENTS. *TR
Feb 02, 2010
WHEN ACCERATING FROM A DEAD STOP THE VEHICLE HAS A DELAY BEFORE TAKING OFF. CONSUMER WAS CONCERNED THAT HE WILL BE REAR ENDED BECAUSE OF THIS. *AK
Mar 16, 2005
+ 3 more complaints for this component
SERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRIC
8 complaints
MY ABS LIGHT ON MY 2002 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT RANDOMLY COMES ON SAYING STOP, BRAKE DEFAULT. THERE APPARENTLY IS NOTHING WRONG WITH MY BRAKES. THERE COULD BE A FIX BY REPLACING A $1600 PART. AFTER RESEARCHING THIS, THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE HAVE THIS SAME PROBLEM. MECHANICS SAY NOTHING REALLY WRONG WITH THE BRAKES. IF IT'S INDEED A SENSOR THAT EVERYONE WITH THIS CAR HAS, THEN VW SHOULD REPAIR IT, SO WE ACTUALLY KNOW WHEN SOMETHING IS WRONG WITH THE BRAKES!! *TR
Aug 30, 2010
ABS LIGHT FLASHES ON AND OFF. DEALER SAYS THAT IT WOULD COST OVER $1000. I JUST CAN'T BELIEVE THAT SUCH A SAFETY SYSTEM CAN I HAVE SUCH DEFECTS WITHIN IT. HAS ANYONE INVESTIGATED THIS PROBLEM BECAUSE I'VE SEEN NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS ONLINE. *TR
Jun 15, 2010
ABS/BRAKE LIGHT COMES ON WHILE DRIVING. TOOK IT TO DEALER AND THEY DID A SCAN FOUND NO PROBLEM WITH BRAKES. I HAVE BEEN READING ON THE NET THAT A LOT OF PEOPLE WITH THE SAME YR ARE HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THIS. EVEN IF FIXED THE ABS LIGHT STILL COMES ON. *TR
May 17, 2010
WHEN CAR IS STARTED THE ABS LIGHT GOES ON AND THE BRAKE LIGHT FLASHES. THE CAR DRIVES BUT ITS ALWAYS FLASHING THE BRAKE LIGHT. *TR
Feb 17, 2009
THE "BRAKE FAULT" AND "STOP" WORDS APPEAR ON THE DASH AND THEN A VERY LOUD AND ANNOYING BEEP COMES ON FOR 3 BEEPS. I SPOKE TO A TECHNICIAN AT THE VW DEALERSHIP AND HE SAID THAT IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM, ESPECIALLY IN 00,01 AND 02 MODELS. THE MODULE JUST "CRAPS-OUT" AS HE PUT IT AND WARNED ME THAT IS USUALLY COSTS ABOUT $1,000 TO FIX, BUT WOULD NEED $120 JUST TO DIAGNOSE AND MAKE SURE THAT THIS IS INDEED THE PROBLEM. I ASKED IF THERE WAS A RECALL ON THIS ISSUE AND WAS TOLD "NO". THIS IS OBVIOUSLY A VERY COMMON PROBLEM BASED ON THE OVER 200 POSTINGS I SAW IN REGARDS TO THIS PROBLEM IN A MERE 20 MIN. OF LOOKING ONLINE. I AM SAD THAT THE CAR I FEEL IN LOVE WITH HAS BEEN NOTHING BUT A PAIN (WHICH IS WHAT I WAS TOLD BY MANY PEOPLE IT WOULD BE). I WORK FOR MERCEDES BENZ AND THEY MANUFACTURE THEIR VEHICLES IN GERMANY AS WELL, WITH MUCH FEWER PROBLEMS. I BELIEVE THIS MUST BE A RECALL SINCE IT IS OBVIOUSLY A MANUFACTURES DEFECT AND COSTING PEOPLE WAY TOO MUCH MONEY. *TR
Nov 06, 2008
+ 3 more complaints for this component
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING
7 complaints
I WAS DRIVING AT NIGHT AND PULLED OVER BECAUSE MY CAR HAD NO OPERATING TAIL LIGHTS (THE HEADLIGHTS AND OTHER FRONT LIGHTS WERE WORKING PROPERLY). TURNING THE LIGHTS OFF AND THEN BACK ON SOLVED THE PROBLEM TEMPORARILY, BUT FURTHER TESTING WHEN I RETURNED HOME REVEALED THAT THE TAIL LIGHTS WERE NOT ALWAYS TURNING ON WITH THE REST OF THE LIGHTS. AN INTERNET SEARCH REVEALED THIS IS A RELATIVELY COMMON PROBLEM FOR THESE CARS AND THAT A FAILED HEADLIGHT SWITCH IS THE CULPRIT. REPLACING THE SWITCH SOLVED THE PROBLEM. *TR
Nov 16, 2011
TURN SIGNAL PRODUCES CONTINUOUS TURN SIGNAL NOISE AFTER USE OF THE TURN SIGNAL. THIS IS A SIGNIFICANT DISTRACTION WHILE DRIVING AND DISCOURAGES USE OF THE TURN SIGNAL. THIS HAS BEEN A PERSISTENT PROBLEM. *TR
Jul 28, 2010
TURN SIGNAL/HAZARD RELAY SWITCH FAILED WHILE DRIVING, NO TURN SIGNALS...FIND OUT THERE HAS BEEN A RECALL ON THE 2002 JETTA AND GOLFS BUT NOT ON THE PASSAT, SAME SWITCH IN ALL THE CARS MADE BY VW...THIS IS A HUGE HAZARD, WHY HASN'T VW RECALLED THE 2002 PASSATS AS WELL? *TR
Oct 06, 2008
2002 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT, WAGON, 4 CYL 2.0 L MOTOR. I HAD 2 OCCASIONS WHERE THE WIRING HARNESS SHORTED OUT ON THE FRONT HEADLIGHTS, ONCE ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE AT 75,000 MILES, AND ONCE ON THE PASSENGER'S SIDE AT 40,000 MILES. THERE WAS NO FIRE, BUT IN BOTH INCIDENTS THE WIRES HAD COMPLETELY MELTED TO THE WIRING HARNESS WHERE THE HEADLIGHTS WERE ATTACHED. THE WIRES WERE COMPLETELY EXPOSED IN BOTH INCIDENTS. *AK
Jul 09, 2007
VARIOUD HEAD, TAIL AND BRAKE LIGHTS ON MY 2002 VW PASSAT HAVE BURNED OUT 6 TIMES IN THE LAST 9 MONTHS: /3/04 - BOTH HEADLIGHTS REPLACED BY VW, /17/04 - HEADLIGHT AND BRAKE LIGHT REPLACED BY VW, 10/9/04 - TAIL LIGHT REPLACED BY VW, 0/23/04 - BOTH HEADLIGHTS LACED BY VW, 2/11/04 - HEADLIGHT AND PARKING LIGHT REPLACED BY VW, 1/5/05 - HEAD LIGHT REPLACED, /5/05 VW SERVICE OF BERNARDSVILLE, NEW JERSEY REFUSED TO PERFORM AN ELECTRICAL DIAGNOSTIC CHECK BECAUSE THE "LIGHT BULBS THEY GET FROM ANOTHER VENDOR ARE FAULTY". THEREFORE, VW OF BERNANRDSVILLE IS KNOWINGLY INSTALLING FAULTY SAFETY EQUIPMENT. I WAS TOLD THIS IN FRONT OF ANOTHER WOMAN WHO WAS BRINGING HER CAR IN FOR LIGHT BULB REPLACEMENT ALSO. I TOLD THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT THIS WAS AN UNACCEPTABLE SAFETY RISK. I HIT A DEER ONE NIGHT WHEN MY HEADLIGHT WAS OUT AND IT IS DARK WHEN I DROP-OFF AND PICK-UP MY CHILDREN FROM SCHOOL. ALTHOUGH I TOLD THE VW SERVICE DEPARTMENT THAT IT IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE THE CAR BECAUSE I'M AFRAID I WOULD HIT A CHILD CROSSING THE ROAD OR SCHOOL PARKING LOT, THEY REFUSED TO PERFORM AN ELCTRICAL DIAGNOSTIC CHECK ON THE CAR. I REPORTED THIS INFORMATION TO THE BERNARDSVILLE NEW JERSEY POLICE DEPARTMENT, IN CASE SOMEONE WHO GETS LIGHTS REPLACED BY VW OF BERNARDSVILLE GETS INTO AN ACCIDENT OR HURT. ALTHOUGH IT IS NOT A CRIMINAL OFFENSE TO KNOWNINGLY INSTALL "FAULTY" EQUIPMENT, IT IS A CIVIL OFFENSE AND SHOULD BE REPORTED BEFORE SOMEONE GETS HURT.*AK
Jan 08, 2005
+ 2 more complaints for this component
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
6 complaints
IGNITION COILS CAUGHT FIRE WHILE DRIVING. MECHANIC STATES THAT THEY "CATCH FIRE ALL THE TIME". *KB
Sep 15, 2011
2002 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT HAS ENGINE PROBLEMS. *NJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN DRIVEN IN A YEAR AND A HALF DUE TO THE OIL SLUDGE AND MISFIRING PROBLEMS. THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER FAILED AND THE SPARK PLUGS AND COIL PACKS WERE CONSTANTLY BEING REPLACED. *JB
Sep 14, 2009
I WAS DRIVING MY 2002 PASSAT 1.8T FOR A APPROXIMATELY 30, REACHING MY HOUSE THE CAR STARTED SPUTTERING AND ACTING WEIRD. ONCE I PARKED IN MY DRIVEWAY AND OPEN THE HOOD THE ENGINE WAS ON FIRE FOR NO APPARENT REASON. THE CAR WAS RUNNING PERFECTLY FINE FOR THE FIRST 30 MINUTES AND THEN WAS ON FIRE. *TR
Jul 28, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN SHAKING VIOLENTLY AND SHUT DOWN IN THE MIDDLE OF AN INTERSECTION. THE VEHICLE THEN SKIDDED INTO AN INTERSECTION AND ALMOST STRUCK A CHILD. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT THE IGNITION COIL HOUSING BURNED. THE DEALER WOULD NOT REPAIR THE VEHICLE OR ALLOW HIM TO PAY $785 WITH A CREDIT CARD TO REPAIR THE IGNITION COIL. THE TURBO COIL ALSO FAILED; HOWEVER, THE DEALER DOES NOT AGREE WITH THIS DIAGNOSIS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS UNABLE TO ASSIST. THE CONTACT ALSO SMELLED ELECTRICAL WIRING BURNING. HE STATED THAT OIL BREAKS DOWN PREMATURELY, WHICH CAUSED THE ENGINE TO SEIZE AND THE VEHICLE TO OVERHEAT. THE MANUFACTURER STATED IN WRITING THAT THEY SEE NO REASON WHY THEY SHOULD OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE, AND THAT THERE WAS A PREVIOUS RECALL ON A CASE BY CASE BASIS RELATED TO OTHER ENGINE FAILURES. THE FEDERAL TRADE COMMISSION COMPLAINT NUMBER WAS 13323205. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 101,222 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 86,000.
Mar 21, 2008
SINCE PURCHASING MY 2002 PASSAT IN NOVEMBER 2001 IT HAS REGULARLY HAD PROBLEMS WITH THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. THE ITEMS THAT HAVE BROKEN HAVE BEEN: STEREO (ON 3 DIFFERENT OCCASIONS, HAS NECESSITATED 6 TRIPS TO DEALERSHIP), ENGINE FAILURE LIGHT GONE OFF 3 TIMES, HEADLIGHTS FAILED TO GO ON, INDICATOR LIGHT STOPPED FUNCTIONING, CAR MORE OFTEN THAN NOT FAILS TO TURN OVER WITHOUT MULTIPLE ATTEMPTS. *NLM
May 14, 2003
+ 1 more complaint for this component
EQUIPMENT
6 complaints
2002 VW PASSAT CAR JACK (OEM) FAILED UNDER NORMAL LIFTING OPERATION TO REMOVE TIRE. JACK ASSEMBLY TWISTED AND BENT DURING LIFTING PROCESS. IT THEN BECAME NECESSARY TO USE AN ALTERNATE JACK TO LIFT THE VEHICLE TO REMOVE THIS OEM JACK FROM UNDER THE VEHICLE. OWNER CONTACTED VW OF AMERICA TO ALERT MANUFACTURER OF THE SAFETY CONCERN AND TO REQUEST A REPLACEMENT JACK AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY. *TR
Aug 13, 2010
DT: THERE WAS MOLD IN THE AIR CONDITIONER AND HAS BEEN THERE SINCE JANUARY 2003. THE DEALERSHIP CLEANED IT OUT TWICE. THE THIRD TIME THEY REPLACED THE EVAPORATOR. THE FOURTH TIME THERE WAS A SLIGHT ODOR. CONSUMER SAID THAT THE ODOR WAS THERE IN THE MORNING AND AFTER THE VEHICLE SET FOR AWHILE. CONSUMER CONTACTED THE MANUFACTURER, THEY TOLD HER TO TAKE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER TO BE CLEANED. *AK *JB
Sep 09, 2005
RADIO WENT COMPLETELY DARK. TOOK IT IN, THEY UNPLUGGED AND RECONNECTED IT. WENT DEAD AGAIN A FEW WEEKS LATER. THIS TIME, IT DRAINED THE BATTERY COMPLETELY WHILE IT WAS "DEAD" SO I HAD TO GET A JUMP. TOOK IT IN AND THE DEALER TOLD ME THEY'D HAD SEVERAL VEHICLES, MOSTLY PASSATS BUT ALSO JETTAS, WHERE THE RADIOS WERE GOING BAD AND DRAINING BATTERIES THROUGH THE COMFORT CONTROL MODULE. THEY HAD TO REPLACE BOTH THE RADIO AND THE BATTERY. CAR ONLY HAS 12,000 MILES ON IT.*AK
Mar 04, 2005
TIRE JACK ROTATED ON SOLID LEVEL GROUND AND KICKED OUT RESULTING IN THE CAR COLLAPSING ON THE SPARE WHICH WAS NOT YET ATTACHED. THE RESULTING IMPACT RESULTED IN NEEDING TO REPLACE THE FRONT BUMPER COVER, RIGHT FRONT FENDER, AND RIGHT ROCKER PLATE. THE FENDER WAS TORN FROM THE CAR. APPROXIMATE DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE WAS $1500. AT THE POINT OF THE COLLAPSE, THE OWNERS HAND WAS ON THE SIDE OF THE TIRE RESULTING IN A PINCH INJURY THAT CAUSED BRUSING AND SWELLING, BUT DID NOT REQUIRE EMERGENCY CARE. I STILL HAVE POSSESSION OF THE FAULTY JACK. VWOA WAS CONTACTED, BUT SAID BECAUSE THE 2002 VW PASSAT JACK HAD NOT BEEN RECALLED, THEY WERE NOT LIABLE FOR THE DAMAGE. THEY HAVE RECEIVED OTHER REPORTS OF THE SAME TYPE OF JACK FAILURE.*AK
Nov 30, 2004
RADIO/TAPE DECK/CD PLAYER FAILED ON A 10 MONTH OLD CAR. REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY.
Apr 03, 2003
+ 1 more complaint for this component
SEAT BELTS
5 complaints
DRIVER'S SIDE SEATBELT FAILED TO LOCK INTO PLACE. HAD TO BUY A NEW SEATBELT FOR SAFETY REASONS. *TR
Dec 21, 2011
SHOULDER BELT IN CENTER REAR POSITION IS FULLY RETRACTED AND LOCKED, MAKING IT UNUSABLE. UNKNOWN CAUSE THIS TIME. THIS IS THE SECOND TIME IT HAPPENED TO US. THE FIRST TIME, WE FOLDED DOWN THE REAR SEAT FOR CARGO AND THEN WERE UNABLE TO PULL IT BACK UP. THE FIRST TIME, THE RETRACTOR WAS REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY. ESTIMATE TO REPLACE IT THIS TIME IS $450. ADDITIONAL REPORTS OF THE PROBLEM WERE FOUND IN DISCUSSION GROUPS ON THE INTERNET. *TR
Dec 01, 2009
FAILURE OF AIR BAG SYSTEM CAUSED BY FAILURE OF THE MICRO SWITCH IN DRIVER'S SEAT BELT BUCKLE. FAULT OCCURRED AT 52,000 MILES, AT 104% OF THE ORIGINAL WARRANTY. MANUFACTURER REFUSED TO ACKNOWLEDGE RESPONSIBILITY FOR FAILURE BY REPLACING PART. CAR HAD NEVER BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT OR ANY OTHER TRAUMATIC EVENT. *NM
May 19, 2006
BOTH FRONT SEAT BELTS FAILED WITHIN 1 WEEK OF EACH OTHER. THE BUCKLES NO LONGER HOLD THE BELT. *NM
Apr 30, 2006
VOLKSWAGEN WEEKENDER VAN 2002. THE REAR LAP BELTS FAILED TO LATCH.*JB
Feb 24, 2003
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,POWER TRAIN
3 complaints
TORQUE CONVERTER FAILED. THE ABS MODULE IS BAD. 02 SENSORS ARE BAD. *TR
Mar 01, 2012
ABOUT 9 MONTHS AGO I WAS CAUGHT IN A HEAVY RAINSTORM WITH MY 2002 PASSAT 1.8T. WATER FLOODED THE BATTERY COMPARTMENT DUE TO DRAINAGE HOLE LOCATED UNDER THE BATTERY CLOGGED WITH LEAF DEBRIS. ALL POWER (STEERING, BRAKES, ETC.) WAS LOST AND CAR STALLED OUT ON THE HIGHWAY. NOW THE CAR'S BRAKES ARE MALFUNCTIONING IN FREEZING WEATHER. THE BRAKE PEDAL STICKS TO THE FLOOR AT TIMES; OTHER TIMES THE PEDAL IS VERY HARD AND MUST BE STOMPED ON TO STOP THE CAR. I CANNOT USE THE CAR UNDER THESE CIRCUMSTANCES AS IT IS TOO DANGEROUS. VW DEALERSHIP CONFIRMED DIAGNOSIS OF PROBLEM AS RESULTING FROM FREEZING WATER IN BRAKE BOOSTER. I REPORTED THE PROBLEM TO VW CUSTOMER CARE. THEY REFUSE TO REIMBURSE ME FOR THE DEALER'S $1600 FEE TO REPLACE THE BOOSTER, BOOSTER LINES AND VACUUM PUMP. WHY HASN'T NHTSA FORCED VW TO ISSUE A RECALL AS I'VE DISCOVERED THERE HAVE BEEN NUMEROUS OTHER SIMILAR COMPLAINTS? VW'S STANCE ON THIS WAS THAT THE PROBLEM WOULD BE NOTICED IN THE DRIVEWAY OR AT LOW SPEEDS AND THEREFORE DOESN'T POSE A SAFETY HAZARD. THIS IS TOTALLY UNACCEPTABLE AS TEMPERATURES CAN CHANGE QUICKLY DURING A JOURNEY. WHY HAS NHTSA BACKED DOWN IN THE FACE OF SUCH A LAME RESPONSE? I WILL NEVER AGAIN BUY ANOTHER VW CAR SINCE THEIR VAULTED SAFETY REPUTATION IS NOT DESERVED AND THEIR CUSTOMER SERVICE STINKS. *TW
Feb 07, 2010
I HAVE A 2002 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. SINCE SEPTEMBER, I'VE BEEN HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE ABS LIGHT COMING ON AND STAYING ON. TWICE, I'VE ALSO HAD "BRAKE FAULT" WARNINGS TO STOP THE VEHICLE. IT'S BEEN IN FOR SERVICE FOUR TIMES SINCE OCTOBER 3 TO FIX THE PROBLEM. THE CV JOINT WAS REPLACED YESTERDAY, WHICH WAS SUPPOSED TO FIX THE PROBLEM. FIRST THING THIS MORNING, THE ABS LIGHT IS ON AGAIN. I HAVE A FIFTH SERVICE APPOINTMENT WITH BACHMAN VOLKSWAGEN ON MONDAY. I'VE BEEN READING ABOUT QUITE A FEW ABS PROBLEMS ON VARIOUS ONLINE FORUMS, SO I DON'T SEEM TO BE ALONE WITH THIS PARTICULAR PROBLEM. *JB
Oct 28, 2005
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
3 complaints
FUEL SYSTEM FAILED. THE CAR RAN LIKE A TRACTOR, MISFIRING AND EMITTING EXPLOSIVE LIKE SOUNDS. THE DASHBOARD WARNING LIGHT CAME ON AND STAYED ON. WE LIMPED TO THE NEXT VW DEALER WHO FOUND IT NECESSARY TO REPLACE THE IGNITION COILS. THE COILS WERE ALREADY ONCE REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY ON JULY 23, 20003. WHY DO WE HAVE TO PAY $200.44 PLUS TAX FOR THESE OBVIOUSLY UNRELIABLE PARTS? *JB
Oct 07, 2007
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL SET AT 67 MPH WHEN THE VEHICLE SHUT OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS REPAIRED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 70,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 7,586.
May 08, 2007
BOUGHT THE CAR NEW 4/02, IGNITION COIL FAILED IN 8/02 WITH ONLY 1000 MILES ON CAR. THE VEHICLE STARTED SHAKING AND LOST POWER W/ BABY IN THE CAR ON A HIGHWAY. CAR WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER AND THEY REPLACED THE IGNITION COIL. HAPPENED AGAIN ON 10/31/02, CAR WAS AT THE DEALERSHIP FOR ALMOST 1 MONTH WAITING FOR ANOTHER IGNITION COIL. DEALER PROVIDED RENTAL CAR AND COMPLAINT WAS FILED WITH V.W. THEY PAID MY CAR PAYMENT FOR MONTH OF 11/02. MANY PEOPLE HAVING SAME PROBLEM. DEALER'S LOT WAS FULL OF CARS WAITING FOR THIS PART. I TOOK THEIR LAST RENTAL CAR, LUCKY FOR ME, SINCE I GOT AN IMPALA SS INSTEAD OF A 2 DOOR CAVALIER. THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL ISSUED ON THESE IGNITION COILS. THERE ARE MANY LEMON LAW CASES FILED AGAINST VW. ALSO VERY POOR GAS MILEAGE AND ACCELERATION. VERY DANGEROUS LEFT HAND TURNS WHEN THE CAR JUST SITS THERE AND YOU'RE HITTING THE GAS!!!*JB
Mar 26, 2003
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EQUIPMENT
3 complaints
WHEN DRIVING AIR CONDITIONER/RADIO FAILED. CONSUMER STATED THAT VEHICLE HAD AN ELECTRICAL PROBLEM. *AK
Feb 26, 2004
THE IGNITION COILS ON MY 2002 VW PASSAT 1.8T AR ABOUT TO FAIL FOR THE THIRD TIME. THE CAR WAS BOUGHT IN MAY OF 2002. THE FIRST INCIDENT OCCURED IN DECEMBER, THE SECOND IN JANUARY, AND NOW IT IS ABOUT TO HAPPEN AGAIN NOW IN FEBRUARY. EACH INCIDENT IS PRELUDED BY A SLIGHT JOLT IN THE CAR UPON START UP FOLLOWED BU ROUGH IDLEING. EVERY TIME WE TAKE IT AND AND ARE TOLD IT IS FIXED AND THEN SURE ENOUGH A MONTH LATER I AM BACK THERE AGAIN. I DO NOT SEE THIS PROBLEM GETTING ANY BETTER. IN ADDITION THE MACH RSTEREO SYSTEM HAS BEEN FIXED, THEN REPLACED. THE REPLACEMENT UNIT'S QULAITY IS POOR IN COMPARISON TO THE ORIGINAL. THIS CAR HAS BEEN A NIGHTMARE.
Feb 20, 2003
FAILED COIL PACK ON VEHICLE AFTER ONLY 16000 MILES. DEALER SERVICE ADVISER STATED THAT VW IS AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM IN ALL 2001 THRU 2003 VW PASSATS WITH 1.8 LITER TURBO ENGINES. SERVICE ADVISER STATED THAT VW IS HAVING SO MANY FAILURES ON THIS PRODUCT THAT THE PART HAD TO BE ORDERED THROUGH VIN DIRECT FROM GERMANY. THEY WILL NOT REPLACE ALL FOUR COILS, ONLY THE FAILED ITEMS. VEHICLE FAILED ON HIGHWAY AND BECAME A SAFETY HAZARD TO OTHER MOTORISTS UNTIL I COULD NEGOTIATE TO SAFE AREA TO INVESTIGATE FAILURE. TS
Dec 31, 2002
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,STRUCTURE
2 complaints
WHILE DRIVING AT 75MPH OR IN CITY TRAFFIC I GET AN ALARM WARNING THAT MY DRIVER'S DOOR IS OPEN. TO SHUT THE LOUD WARNING OFF, I MUST OPEN AND CLOSE THE DOOR WHILE GOING 75MPH OR IN TRAFFIC. EITHER I OPEN THE DOOR WHILE DRIVING OR PULL OVER ON THE SIDE OF THE HIGHWAY WITH TRAFFIC, I FIND THIS VERY DANGEROUS!!! THIS HAPPENS DAILY THIS IS MY SECOND VW PASSAT THAT THE DOOR LATCH HAS FAILED AND WAS TOLD THIS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH VOLKSWAGENS THIS SHOULD BE A RECALL BECAUSE OF THE DANGERS OF HAVING TO OPEN THE DOOR TO RESET THE LATCH ELECTRICAL SWITCHES THAT ARE DEFECTIVE!!!
Sep 17, 2015
WATER LEAKAGE IN 2002 PASSAT 1.8T GLS. AFTER RAIN, WATER SEEPED IN THROUGH FAULTY POLLEN FILTER HOUSING. FRIED ENGINE CLUSTER. AFTER BEING RETURNED, WATER CONTINUED TO SEEP IN. IT CORRODED ELECTRICAL WIRES AND CAUSED MANY PROBLEMS. AFTER 5+ DEALER VISITS, NO ONE WAS ABLE TO FIX IT UNTIL I PERSONALLY STRIPPED ALL CARPETING AND FOUND THE FAULTY WIRE. DEALER HAD TOLD ME FILTER HOUSING WAS SUSCEPTIBLE TO WATER LEAKAGE, AND YET HE DID NO FIX IT... *JB
Jul 06, 2006
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,VISIBILITY
2 complaints
THE VEHICLE HAS A SAFETY ISSUE AS I CANNOT SEE WHEN I PUT THE HEATER ON. THE WINDSHIELD BECOMES COMPLETELY COVERED WITH STEAM. I HAVE ALMOST CRASHED 5 TIMES ALREADY. HELP! *TR
Feb 10, 2012
CAR IS 3 1/2 YEARS OLD. 52,500 MILES. (2500 MILES OUT OF WARRANTY) ENGINE COOLANT FLUSHED/REPLACED AT 40,000 MILES AS REQUIRED. HEATER CORE JUST FAILED WHILE ON THE FREEWAY, BLOWING VAPOR INTO THE CABIN AND STEAMING UP THE WINDOWS TO THE POINT THE CAR WAS BARELY DRIVABLE. VW AMERICA WOULD NOT ASSIST WITH THE REPAIR CITING THE AGE OF THE VEHICLE. I GUESS VW CONSIDERS A CAR THAT'S LESS THAN 4 YEARS OLD TO HAVE SIGNIFICANT PROBLEMS. REPAIR COST IS CLOSE TO $1300. I WILL NEVER BUY A VW AGAIN, AND I HAVE ALREADY DISSUADED A COLLEAGUE AT WORK FROM BUYING ONE AS HE WAS IN THE MARKET FOR A NEW CAR. *JB
Mar 02, 2006
SUSPENSION,STRUCTURE
2 complaints
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR A RECALL REPAIR AND WAS INFORMED THAT OTHER REPAIRS WERE ALSO NEEDED. PRIOR TO THE RECALL BEING ISSUED, THE VEHICLE WAS EXPERIENCING THE SAME SYMPTOMS STATED IN THE RECALL. THE VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY AT THE DEALER TO HAVE THE MOTOR MOUNT AND CV BOOT REPAIRED. IN ADDITION, THERE IS A RUBBER COMPONENT THAT NEEDS TO BE REPAIRED. THE CONTACT WOULD LIKE TO KNOW WHY SHE BEGAN EXPERIENCING SO MANY ISSUES WITH HER VEHICLE AT 15,000 MILES. THE NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 15,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 44,000.
Feb 24, 2009
FRONT END/ENGINE PROTECTOR HAS SEPARATED FROM VEHICLE WHILE DRIVING. *BF IN BOTH CASES, THE TURN BOLTS ON THE LEFT FRONT AND RIGHT SIDE SEPARATED. A SINGLE CENTRAL SCREW BOLT AT IT'S FRONT THEN SUPPORTED THE AIR DAM. THE PLASTIC AROUND IT FINALLY TORE UNDER VIBRATION AND AIR PRESSURE FORCES. *SC
Oct 25, 2004
STRUCTURE,EQUIPMENT
2 complaints
ON OR ABOUT 2002 I HAVE BEEN COMPLAINING TO VOLKSWAGEN ABOUT MY 2002 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. WHENEVER IT RAIN THE BACK FLOOR ON THE PASSENGER SIDE OF MY CAR HAVE WATER IN IT. WHILE MY CAR WAS UNDER WARRANTY I CARRIED MY CAR INTO THE VOLKSWAGEN DEALERSHIP TO HAVE THEM FIX THE PROBLEM AND THEY NEVER FIXED MY CAR. WHEN MY WARRANTY RAN OUT I STILL COMPLAINED TO THE DEALERSHIP AND TO CUSTOMER SERVICE AT VOLKSWAGEN AND NOTHING WAS DONE. I ALSO TOLD VOLKSWAGEN CUSTOMER SERVICE THAT I BELIEVED THAT VOLKSWAGEN HAD SOLD ME A LEMON BUT VOLKSWAGEN CUSTOMER SERVICE WOULD NOT DO ANYTHING ABOUT THE PROBLEM. YEAR 2007 VOLKSWAGEN USA SENT ME A RECALL NOTICE ABOUT THE PROBLEM WITH THE SUN ROOF ON MY 2002 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT, THEY (VOLKSWAGEN) STATED THAT A RECALL ON THE SUN ROOF HAD BEEN RECALLED, AND TO TAKE IT TO A VOLKSWAGEN DEALER FOR REPAIRS. I TOOK MY CAR TO THE DEALER FOR THE RECALL AND I AM STILL HAVING PROBLEM WITH MY CAR. AS OF NOW I HAVE RUST DAMAGE ON THE FLOOR OF MY CAR AND I BELIEVE THAT VOLKSWAGEN USA SHOULD DO SOMETHING ABOUT THIS PROBLEM THAT I HAVE HAD SINCE 2002, AND I AM STILL HAVING SINCE VOLKSWAGEN USA DID THE RECALL. I HAVE REPEATEDLY CALLED VOLKSWAGEN CUSTOMER SERVICE AND THEY WON'T DO ANYTHING ABOUT THIS PROBLEM. I AM HOPING AND PRAYING THAT THIS MESSAGE IS READ BY SOMEONE WHO WILL TAKE THE TIME OUT OF THERE BUSY DAY AND HELP ME WITH THIS PROBLEM. IF I DECIDE TO SELL ME CAR THE PROBLEM WON'T GO AWAY SOME PERSON WHO EVER IT IS WILL END UP WITH THE SAME PROBLEM THAT I HAVE HAD SINCE 2002 AND THAT'S NOT RIGHT. I BELIEVE THAT VOLKSWAGEN USA SHOULD BE HELD LIABLE AND RESPONSIBLE FOR THIS PROBLEM NOT JUST TO SELL THIS CAR AND PASS THE PROBLEM ON TO SOME INNOCENT PERSON WHO MIGHT END UP BUYING THIS CAR. PLEASE HELP ME VOLKSWAGEN RECALL ON THIS CAR WAS OCTOBER 2007. *TR
Oct 08, 2008
DURING NORMAL DRIVING, MY 2002 PASSAT 1.8T HAS SUFFERED DAMAGE TO THE ENGINE SHIELD TWICE IN THE LAST YEAR. THE SHIELD COMES LOOSE OR TEARS LOOSE FROM ITS MOORINGS AND NEEDED REPLACEMENT. I DO NOT DRIVE OFF ROAD OR USE EXCESSIVE SPEED. MY SECOND APPOINTMENT TO REPLACE THE ENGINE SHIELD IS OCTOBER 13, 2005. AT LITHIA VOLKSWAGEN IN RENO, NEVADA. *NM
Oct 09, 2005
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
2 complaints
2002 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT WITH FUEL ODOR. CONSUMER STATES THAT SHE NOTICED A STRONG FUEL SMELL FILLING HER GARAGE. MECHANIC STATED THAT THERE WAS A CRACK IN THE FUEL TANK. MECHANIC STATED THAT THE CONSUMER HIT THE BOTTOM OF THE FUEL TANK ON SOMETHING. *KB THE CONSUMER STATED A FEW MONTHS AFTER THE FUEL TANK WAS REPLACED, THE TIMING BELT FAILED. *JB
Jul 03, 2008
LAST SATURDAY (FEB.9, 2008) AROUND 11:00AM, WHILE I WAS PICKING UP MY TWO DAUGHTERS FROM BALLET SCHOOL (BOSTON BALLET, 19 CLARENDON STREET, BOSTON), THE CHECK ENGINE LAMP STARTED TO BLINK AND I COULD FEEL MY CAR (2002 PASSAT WAGON, ALL WHEEL DRIVE) WAS A LITTLE BIT SHAKING. AS THE CAR MANUAL SAYS, I DROVE IN LOW POWER TO THE CLOSEST VOLKSWAGEN DEALERSHIP (BOSTON VOLKSWAGEN, 168 WESTERN AVENUE, ALLSTON). WHILE I WAS DRIVING TO THE DEALERSHIP, I SAW SOME SMOKE COMING OUT FROM THE FRONT HOOD (RIGHT FRONT SIDE). WE (MY DAUGHTERS, MY WIFE, AND MYSELF) GOT THE DEALERSHIP AROUND 11:30AM. A SALES CONSULTANT (MICHAEL PETERSANTE) AND ANOTHER PERSON THERE SAW MY CAR, AND SAID THAT MY CAR POSSIBLY WOULD CATCH ON FIRE. WE EVACUATED FROM THE CAR, THEY MOVED ALL THE CARS AROUND MY CAR TO THE OTHER PLACE. THE DEALER CALLED FOR A FIRE DEPARTMENT. BEFORE THE FIRE DEPARTMENT CAME IN, WHILE I WAS LOOKING AT MY CAR FROM THE INSIDE OF THE DEALERSHIP BUILDING, I COULD SEE THE FLAME COMING OUT ABOVE THE RIGHT FRONT WHEEL IN THE CAR (SOMEWHERE THE ENGINE IS LOCATED) AND SMOKE FILLING UP INSIDE OF MY CAR. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT (BOSTON FIRE-ENGINE 41, LADDER 14, UNIT D11) CAME AND PUT OUT THE FIRE. A POLICE OFFICER (BOSTON POLICE DISTRICT 14, 301 WASHINGTON STREET, BRIGHTON) CAME AFTER THE FIRE WAS EXTINGUISHED (ARRIVED AT 11:53AM), AND CHECKED OUT THE SCENE AND HAD MY CAR, WHOSE FRONT PART (ENGINE COMPARTMENT) WAS ALL BROKEN AND CRUSHED WHILE THE WIRE WAS PUT OUT, BE TOWED. IT WAS HARD TO BELIEVE THAT A 5-6 YEARS OLD CAR CAUGHT ON FIRE WHILE I WAS DRIVING AND IN JUST 30 MINUTES REACHED TO SUCH SITUATION. FORTUNATELY, WE WERE CLOSE TO THE DEALERSHIP AND WERE ABLE TO GET THERE BEFORE THE WORST THING HAPPENS. AND AGAIN, VERY FORTUNATELY, MY FAMILY WAS ABLE TO GET AWAY TO THE SAFE PLACE BEFORE THE WORST THING HAPPENS. BUT IF IT HAPPENED 10 MINUTES EARLIER OR IF IT TOOK 10 MINUTES LONGER THAN ACTUALLY IT DID TO GET THERE, THINGS THAT I DON'T EVER WANT TO IMAGINE COULD HAPPEN TO MY FAMILY. *TR
Feb 11, 2008
EXTERIOR LIGHTING,EQUIPMENT
2 complaints
ALL HEADLIGHT BULBS ON VEHICLE DO NOT LAST LONG AND OR DO NOT WORK CORRECTLY DIRECTLY FOLLOWING INSTALLATION OF NEW BULBS. HEADLIGHT BULBS REQUIRE REPLACEMENT WEEKS AND SOMETIMES DAYS FOLLOWING NEW INSTALLATION. THERE IS A DEFECT IN WIRING. CERTAIN TIMES A HEADLIGHT BULB WILL WORK WHILE THE CAR IS COLD, BUT GO OFF WHEN THE CAR BECOMES WARM OR HOT. DANGEROUS SITUATION FOR DRIVER OF CAR WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT. ROADS ARE DIFFICULT TO SEE, ROAD SIGNS ARE VERY DIFFICULT TO READ. OTHER DRIVERS DO NOT SEE VEHICLE WELL IN THE DARK. THIS DEFECT IS WITH ALL HEADLIGHTS - DAYTIME RUNNING AND NIGHT DRIVING HEADLIGHTS. THIS IS AN ONGOING INCIDENT CONCERNING EACH OF THE HEADLIGHTS AND THEREFORE DATES DO NOT APPLY TO THIS DEFECT IN WIRING. *TR
Jun 04, 2008
HEADLIGHT FAILURES. PASSENGER AND DRIVER SIDE LIGHTS HAVE FAILED 5 TIMES IN 18 MONTHS. (SERVICE DATES: 11/23/02, 1/28/03, 8/1/03, 10/7/03, 1/27/04) DEALERSHIP INSISTS THIS IS NORMAL OPERATION BECAUSE HEADLIGHTS ARE CONSTANLY ON. WIRING HARNESS CHECKED ON 8/1/03. NO PROBLEM FOUND. WIRING HARNESS AND HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY CHECKED AND FAILED ON 1/27/04 CHECKED BY "MASTER TECHNICIAN". HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY REPLACED. THE SERVICE TECHNICIANS CONTINUALLY REFER TO THE 'DUAL ELEMENT' OF THE HEADLIGHTS CAUSING THE FAILURES. I SUSPECT EITHER A DESIGN FLAW WITH THE HEADLIGHTS OR AN ELECTRICAL PROBLEM.*AK
Jan 29, 2004
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
2 complaints
TL*- THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 VOLKSWAGEN PASSSAT WAGON GLS WITH A FAILURE MILEAGE OF 41,926 . THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN SHE TRIED TO START THE VEHICLE IT WOULD NOT START. SHE NOTICED WHITE SMOKE COMING FROM THE TAIL PIPE, AND SOME FLUID SQUIRTING FROM THE BRAKE HOSE. THE CONTACT HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO THE DEALER, AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THERE WAS WATER IN THE ENGINE. ALSO, THE DEALER DETERMINED THAT THE BRAKE BOOSTER HAD CONDENSATION BUILD UP WHICH WAS GETTING INTO THE INTAKE MANIFOLD. THE MANUFACTURER STATED IT WAS AN ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUE DUE TO THE CLIMATE IN WHICH SHE LIVED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 42,400.*AK
Apr 10, 2007
I OWNED A 2002 VW PASSAT V6 FOR 2 YEARS. THREE TIMES WITHIN THAT TIME DURING RAINSTORMS, THE ENGINE DIED AND ALL THE ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT, INCLUDING THE POWER BRAKES , FAILED. I HAVE JUST FOUND OUT THAT THE AIR INTAKE FOR THE ENGINE IS EITHER NEAR A WHEEL WELL OR BEHIND A HEADLIGHT, AS IS APPARENTLY COMMON FOR SPORTY CARS. THE WATER GETS SUCKED INTO THE ENGINE. VW CHARGED ME $9000 AFTER THE SECOND EVENT, BLAMING IT ON PINE NEEDLES IN DRAINAGE WELLS. FIVE DAYS LATER, I WENT THROUGH A SMALL PUDDLE AND IT HAPPENED AGAIN. I SOLD THE CAR. I THINK THIS WARRANTS INVESTIGATION AS A MAJOR SAFETY HAZARD. *NM
Nov 12, 2006
STRUCTURE,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
2 complaints
SEVERE FLOOD DAMAGE INSIDE THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE FOOT WELL OF MY 2002 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. FLOODING OCCURRED AFTER A MODERATE RAIN. COULD FIND NO BLOCKED DRAINS IN THE SUN ROOF OF THE POLLEN FILTER. *JB
Jun 25, 2006
CLOGGED DRAIN,FOR SUN ROOF,CAUSES WATER BUILD UP ON RT. SIDE FLOOR OF CAR,ELECTRONIC MODULE($800.00),NOT WATER PROOF,CREATES MIXED SIGNALS-AIRBAG FAULT HAVE SERVICED-ENGINE LUBRICATION FAULT "STOP ENGINE"--THERE DEFECT,THEY DON'T PAY DUE TO "WATER EXCLUSION"-CARPETING $1,400.00-"WATER EXCLUSION!!!!!
Jun 06, 2006
POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
2 complaints
DT: THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON WHILE VEHICLE STILL UNDER WARRANTY, BUT THE DEALER SAID THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG. AFTER OWNING THE CAR FOR ONE YEAR THE TRANSMISSION HAD TO BE REPLACED. BUT IT STILL TRANSMISSION NOT WORK PROPERLY. . IT JUMPED INTO GEAR. ALSO, THE ENGINE AIR BAG, AND THERMOSTAT LIGHTS KEPT COMING ON. ONE WEEK AGO, THE CAR WOULDN'T START. REPLACED THE BATTERY, AND A FEW DAYS AFTER THAT IT WOULDN'T START AGAIN. CURRENTLY, THE DEALER INSISTED IT NEEDED A NEW ALTERNATOR, AND F WARRANTY EXPIRED. IN ORDER TO GET TO THE ORIGINAL PROBLEM, IT WOULD COST $1100.00.*AK
Jun 22, 2005
I PURCHASED A BRAND NEW VW PASSAT GLS 2002, ON JUNE 18, 2002 AT COMMONWEALTH VW AUDI, 1450 AUTO MALL DRIVE, SANTA ANA CA 92705. UNFORTUNATELY, THE VW PASSAT GLS 2002 HAS NOT HELD UP TO ITS PROMISE OF BEING A WELL-ENGINEERED CAR. AFTER LESS THAN 9 MONTHS OF OWNERSHIP, I HAD TO BRING THE CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR REPAIRS 3 TIMES, WHICH IS A FAR DRIVE FROM MY PRESENT RESIDENCE IN HIGHLAND, CA. I PURCHASED A BRAND NEW CAR WITH THE INTENTION OF HAVING A RELIABLE MODE OF TRANSPORTATION FOR THE TWO-HOUR TRIP BACK AND FOURTH FROM TUSTIN TO ONTARIO ON A DAILY BASIS FOR WORK. I HAD CONFIDENCE IN VOLKSWAGEN BECAUSE OF ITS PRESTIGIOUS REPUTATION. HAVING SUCCESSIVE CAR PROBLEMS HAS MADE ME RELUCTANT TO DRIVE THIS CAR. THE FIRST BREAKDOWN WAS IN OCT. 2002, THE MIL (MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP) LIGHT CAME ON, THE CAR STARTED TO SHAKE, AND IT LOST POWER ON MY WAY TO WORK. I WAS ABLE TO MAKE IT AND I HAD THE CAR TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP. THE DEALERSHIP REPLACED THE DEFECTIVE IGNITION COIL, AND SET THE READINESS CODE. I DID NOT GET A LOANER CAR, AND THE CAR WAS LEFT AT THE DEALERSHIP FOR TWO DAYS. THE SECOND TIME, WAS IN DEC. 2003. THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM AROSE. THIS TIME THEY HAD REPLACED ALL FOUR IGNITION COILS, SET THE READINESS CODE, AND SUPPLIED ME WITH A VW RENTAL. THE CAR WAS IN THE SHOP FOR TWO DAYS AS WELL. I HAD LOST ALL CONFIDENCE IN THE PASSAT I PURCHASED. THE THIRD OCCASION, AS I EXITED THE FREEWAY TO GET TO WORK, THE MIL LIGHT CAME ON AGAIN. I WAS AT A COMPLETE STOP. WHEN I PRESSED ON THE GAS, THE CAR JERKED TWO TIMES. I MADE IT TO THE PARKING LOT OF MY JOB, AND HAD THE CAR TOWED YET ANOTHER TIME. THIS WAS MARCH 18, 2003. THE DEALERSHIP REMOVED AND INSTALLED THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FLUID PAN, THE TRANSMISSION SPEED SENDER, AND THE VEHICLE SPEED SENSOR. THEY SUPPLIED ME WITH A 3-DAY LOANER CAR. THE PASSAT STAYED IN THE SHOP FOR 4 DAYS. *JB
Mar 27, 2003
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER
2 complaints
I HAVE A 2002 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT GLS 1.8T WHOSE ENGINED HAS STALLED ON 3 DIFFERENT OCASIONS WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE AT HIGH SPEEDS ON AN INTERSTATE HIGHWAY. VW DEALERS HAVE ATTEMPTED TO FIX THE PROBLEM ON 3 DIFFERENT OCASIONS AND I AM NOT SATISFIED THAT THE PROBLEM HAS BEEN PERMANENTLY RESOLVED. THE PROBLEM HAS BEEN DIAGNOSED AS AN IGNITION COIL FAILURE WHICH CAUSES ONE CYLINDER TO SHUT-DOWN DURING THE ENGINE OPERATION. THIS HAPPENS RANDOMLY DUE TO A FAULTY ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT PART. ON TWO OF THESE OCASIONS THE CAR HAS LOST POWER AND SHUT DOWN WHILE OPERARING THE VEHICLE ON I-95. ON THE SECOND OCASION I WAS BEING TAILGATED BY A TRACTOR TRAILER WHICH ALMOST OVERRUN ME AFTER THE SUDDEN LOSS OF SPEED. I HAD TO VEER OUT OF THE HIGHWAY CROSSING SEVERAL LANES TO GET OUT OF THE TRUCK'S WAY AT THE SPRINGFIELD INTERCHANGE IN NORTHERN VIRGINIA. VW HAS NOT RESPONDED TO MY LETTERS OR REQUESTS TO PERMANENTLY FIX THIS PROBLEM. I WOULD LIKE YOU TO FORCE THEM TO RECALL ALL 1.8T ENGINE-EQUIPPED VEHICLES WITH THIS KNOWN PROBLEM (SEE NEW YORK TIMES AUTO SECTION FEB 2/2003) BEFORE THERE ARE INCIDENTS OF THIS FAILURE WHERE THERE ARE FATALITIES.
Feb 03, 2003
CONSUMER WAS TOLD BY DEALER THAT THE QUAL PACK WERE DEFECTIVE ON HER VEHICLE, ALSO STATED THAT THE VEHICLE TAKES A WHILE TO HEAT UP. TS
Jan 21, 2003
POWER TRAIN,STRUCTURE,ENGINE
1 complaint
WHEN IT RAINS THE CAR GETS FLOODED CAUSING THE WHOLE WIRING SYSTEM THROUGH THE CAR TO GET DAMAGE. THE CAR WILL SUDDENLY LOSE POWER AND DIE AS YOUR DRIVING. SEEMS TO HAPPEN. WHEN ON HIGHWAY MOST. THE CAR WILL NOT START OR CRANK. I'VE HAD TO VACUUM THE FLOOR BOARDS AND TRUNK, SEARCH FOR DAMAGED WIRES, CHANGE RELAYS AS WELL AS CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR, AND FUEL PUMP.AS WELL AS SENSORS. TRYING TO GET IT RUNNING AGAIN. ALSO THE TRANSMISSION JERKS VERY HARD WHEN TRYING TO GO INTO REVERSE AND MOST OF THE TIME IN SLIPS OUT OF GEAR WITHIN1OR 2 SECONDS.
Feb 14, 2019
SUSPENSION,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
1 complaint
HEADLIGHT PIGTAILS HAVE MELTED ,FUEL PUMP HAS GONE ,AND THE PLASTIC RESERVOIR PEICE FROM MY COOLANT PUMP HAS MELTED OFF DRIVER SIDE WIPER ARM BAR HAS MALFUNCTIONED
Aug 28, 2018
UNKNOWN OR OTHER,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
1 complaint
THE GAS TANK IS LEAKING ON THE UPPER SIDE BEHIND THE REAR SEATS WHEN IS FULL. I THINK VOLKSWAGEN RECALLED SOME VEHICLES FOR THE SAME PROBLEM IN THE PAST.
May 10, 2017
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
1 complaint
ABS LIGHT COMES ON WHILE DRIVING BRAKES LIGHT FLASHES ON AND OFF WITH NOISE
Oct 07, 2016
POWER TRAIN,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
1 complaint
I STARTED MY CAR AND PROCEEDED TO DRIVE DOWN AROUND CITY STREETS FOR ABOUT 5 MINUTES. I WAS GOING SPEED LIMIT(25-30 MPH) DURING A COOL NIGHT(60*F). I STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT AND THEN MY TEMPERATURE GAUGE SPIKED(CAR WAS SLIGHTLY BELOW NORMAL TEMPERATURE PRIOR(190*F; ACCORDING TO GAUGE); THIS GAUGE SPIKE WAS FOLLOWED BY A BATTERY INDICATOR LIGHT WHICH SIMULTANEOUSLY CUT OFF MY ENGINE. MY CAR BECAME IMMOBILE AND I LOST BRAKE AND STEERING FUNCTION. HOWEVER, MY RADIO AND CAR LIGHTS STILL WORKED! LUCKILY THERE WAS NO SURROUNDING CARS AND MY PARKING BRAKE WAS FUNCTIONAL. I THEN TURNED OFF THE CAR, WAITED A FEW MINUTES AND ATTEMPTED TO TURN OVER THE ENGINE ONCE MORE. IT DID START HOWEVER I AM WORRIED THIS MAY HAPPEN AGAIN UNDER LESS FORGIVING CIRCUMSTANCES.
Feb 11, 2016
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE
1 complaint
I WAS DRIVING THE CAR ABOUT 30 MINUTES PRIOR TO INCIDENT TRAVELING AT APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH WITH MY CHILD IN THE CAR AND WITHOUT WARNING OF ANY KIND MY CAR SHUTS OFF AND I ALMOST GOT REAR ENDED . I WAS ABLE TO COAST TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD PUT THE VEHICLE IN PARK TRIED STARTING THE VEHICLE AND IT STARTED RIGHT AWAY . I DROVE VEHICLE HOME WITHOUT INCIDENT . I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A MECHANIC AND THEY COULDN'T FIND A PROBLEM NO ENGINE CODES WHERE PRESENT . I DROVE THE VEHICLE FOR A WEEK AND THIS SAME SCENARIO PLAYED OUT AGAIN I WASN'T DRIVING THE CAR ANY FURTHER AT THIS POINT BECAUSE AGAIN I HAD MY CHILD IN THE CAR AND AGAIN ALSO GOT REAR ENDED . HAD IT TOWED TO A DIFFERENT MECHANIC AND THEY TO WERE UNABLE TO FIND ANY ENGINE CODES OR PROBLEMS . I HAD MY BOYFRIEND DRIVE THE CAR HOME AND IT STALLED ON HIM AT A RED LIGHT . CAR WOULDN'T RESTART SO HE HAD TO PUSH THE VEHICLE ACROSS A LANE OF TRAFFIC TO THE SHOULDER OF THE ROAD . WHEN THE CAR COOLED DOWN FOR 2 HOURS IT RESTARTED AND DROVE FINE NO CHECK ENGINE LIGHT OR CODES PRESENT .. AFTER A MONTH OF HEADACHES WITH THE CAR WE DISCOVERS IT WAS A FAULTY ENGINE SPEED SENSOR THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS PART TO FAIL WITHOUT WARNING LEAVING THE CAR POWERLESS IF THIS HAPPENED ON THE FREEWAY I WOULDN'T HAVE BEEN SO LUCKY I IMAGINE. *TR
Dec 15, 2014
VISIBILITY,EQUIPMENT
1 complaint
2002 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARD TO BEING TOLD THE RECALL TO REPAIR THE FAULTY EQUIPMENT ON HER VEHICLE WAS TO OUTDATED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE AND SHE WOULD HAVE TO PAY FOR THE REPAIRS AT HER EXPENSE. *TGW THE CONSUMER REFERENCED PLENUM DRAIN SUNROOF DRAIN. THE CONSUMER STATED WATER DAMAGED THE HEADLINER AND OTHER COMPONENTS IN THE VEHICLE. THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE COLLECTS 1-2 INCHES OF WATER, EVERY TIME IT RAINED OR WHEN SHE WASHED THE VEHICLE. *JB
Sep 30, 2014
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC),SERVICE BRAKES
1 complaint
CAR BEEPS AND DISPLAYS THE ABS LIGHT AND THE BRAKE LIGHT. AT FIRST THEY APPEAR AND THEN DISAPPEAR. ON 6/12/2014 THE ABS IS ON EACH TIME I START THE VEHICLE PLUS THE BRAKE LIGHT FLASHES THROUGHOUT THE DURATION OF THE DRIVE. ON TWO OCCURRENCES THE TRACTION CONTROL OFF LIGHT CAME ON AND REMAINED ON. THE FEAR IS THAT I HAVE LOST ABS AND TRACTION CONTROL, AND ALSO THAT THE E-BRAKE OR BRAKES WILL ENGAGE WHILE IN MOTION. MULTIPLE OCCURRENCES OF THIS HAVE OCCURRED IN VW PASSAT FORUMS AND MOST SUGGEST TAKING OUT THE ABS MODULE AND HAVING IT REFURBISHED DUE TO A HAIR SENSOR THAT GOES FAULTY ON THE PASSAT. MANY REQUESTS HAVE BEEN MADE TO HAVE THIS PART RECALLED AND FIXED, I AM ADDING MY REQUEST TO THE OTHER PARTIES INVOLVED. *TR
Jun 12, 2014
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,SERVICE BRAKES
1 complaint
DECEMBER 30, 2011, THE ENGINE EMISSIONS LIGHT CAME ON. IN ADDITION, THE BRAKES WERE SLOW TO RESPOND, ESPECIALLY IN QUICK RESPONSE SITUATIONS, I.E. TRAFFIC LIGHT. I TOOK THE CAR TO PEP BOYS FOR A DIAGNOSTIC ON BRAKES/EMISSION. THEY SAID THERE WERE NO PROBLEMS. COST $100. FEBRUARY 10, 2012, THE ENGINE EMISSION LIGHT CAME ON AND THE BRAKES WERE SLOW TO RESPOND ESPECIALLY IN QUICK RESPONSE SITUATIONS, I.E. TRAFFIC LIGHT. I TOOK THE CAR TO A VW DEALER/REPAIR SHOP. THEY REPLACED THE FRONT BRAKE ROTORS AND PADS AND CHANGED THE BRAKE FLUID. I STILL EXPERIENCED THE BRAKE PROBLEM DURING COLD WEATHER (BELOW 15 DEGREES AND WIND CHILL). VW SUGGESTED BRINGING THE CAR IN WHEN THE TEMPERATURE WAS THE SAME AS THE TEMPERATURE THAT I EXPERIENCED THE BRAKE PROBLEM. UNFORTUNATELY IT WAS MARCH AND THERE WERE NO FURTHER COLD DAYS. I BEGAN TO THINK THE CAR WAS A WARM WEATHER VEHICLE. COST $776. DECEMBER 14, 2012, THE VW DEALER/REPAIR SHOP REPLACED THE REAR BRAKE ROTORS AND PADS. COST $377. DECEMBER 26, 2013, THE ENGINE EMISSION LIGHT CAME ON AND THE BRAKES WERE SLOW TO RESPOND, ESPECIALLY IN QUICK RESPONSE SITUATIONS, I.E. TRAFFIC LIGHT. I TOOK THE CAR TO A VW DEALER/REPAIR SHOP. THEY REPLACED HOSE AND VALVE TO CORRECT A VACUUM LEAK (VALVE STUCK). THEY REPLACED THE BRAKE FLUID. COST $376. JANUARY 8, 2014, THE BRAKES WERE SLOW TO RESPOND. I HAD TO USE THE HAND BRAKE TO STOP. I CALLED TO HAVE THE CAR TOWED TO VW DEALER/REPAIR SHOP. THE TOW DRIVER STATED IT WAS A BOOSTER PROBLEM. THE VW DEALER/REPAIR SHOP REPLACED BRAKE BOOSTER AND BRAKE FLUID. COST $848. IN ADDITION TO THE BRAKE PROBLEMS, THE BELLY PAN (BELLY SHIELD, SKID PLATE, LOWER ENGINE COVER) CAME OFF TWICE WHILE DRIVING ON MAJOR HIGHWAYS ON APRIL 21, 2012 AND APRIL 12, 2014. I HAD TO PULL OVER AND POP THE PAN BACK UP. I TOOK THE CAR TO VW DEALER/REPAIR SHOPS TO HAVE IT REATTACHED. NO COST. *TR
Apr 21, 2014
AIR BAGS,STRUCTURE,SERVICE BRAKES
1 complaint
I WAS DRIVING UP SOMEWHAT OF A HILL AND HAD TO SLOW DOWN DUE TO A BIT OF TRAFFIC FLOW. I HAD REALIZED I WAS A LITTLE CLOSER THAN I THOUGHT SO I BRAKED A LITTLE HARDER THAN USUAL. MY BRAKES WERE GRABBING ON TIGHTLY TO THE GROUND LIKE THEY SHOULD BUT THEN SEEMED TO HAVE GIVEN OUT AT THE LAST COUPLE SECONDS. MY CAR HIT THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME, RESULTING IN BOTH MY FRONT AIRBAGS GOING OFF. THE AIRBAG ON THE PASSENGER SIDE AND SWUNG OUT AND HIT MY RIGHT HAND, RESULTING IN SOME MINOR BURNS AND SCRAPES. I THEN STARTED GOING BACKWARDS AFTER THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME WAS HIT. I HIT MY BRAKES TO STOP MY CAR FROM ROLLING AND THERE WAS NOTHING. MY CAR WOULD NOT LET ME BRAKE. SO I WENT TO PUT THE CAR IN PARK, AND THEN THE CAR WOULD NOT PARK. FINALLY THE CAR STOPPED ROLLING BACKWARDS AND WE WENT TO GO MOVE THE CAR OUT OF THE STREET ABOUT 5 MINUTES LATER. THE CAR WOULDN'T MOVE AT THIS POINT, SO I HAD TO TAKE THE CAR OUT OF PARK AND PUT IT IN NEUTRAL. THE BRAKES ARE WORKING FINE NOW FOR THE MOST PART AND THERE HAD BEEN NO PREVIOUS BRAKE PROBLEMS. THERE WAS NEVER A LIGHT INDICATOR THAT SAID THAT MY BRAKES NEEDED TO BE CHECKED NOR HAD THEY FELT DIFFERENT. *TR
Feb 10, 2014
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
1 complaint
IN AUGUST OF 2013, WHILE BACKING OUT OF A DRIVEWAY, I EXPERIENCED A TOTAL LOSS OF BRAKING. AFTER EXAMINING THE CAR, I DISCOVERED THAT THE PLENUM THAT HOLDS THE BATTERY AND BRAKE BOOSTER WAS NEARLY FILLED WITH RAIN WATER. IT WAS NECESSARY FOR ME TO REMOVE ONE OF THE DUCK-BILLED DRAIN PLUGS IN THE PLENUM AS ALL WERE CLOGGED WITH DEBRIS, PREVENTING WATER FROM DRAINING OUT. THE FLOODED PLENUM APPEARS TO HAVE RESULTED IN WATER BEING DRAWN THROUGH THE VACUUM LINES WHEN ATTEMPTING TO BRAKE. THIS, IN TURN, CAUSED A SIGNIFICANT AMOUNT OF WATER TO BE DRAWN INTO THE CRANKCASE. WATER WAS ALSO DRAWN INTO THE CYLINDERS RESULTING IN MISFIRING. AFTER REMOVING AT LEAST ONE DRAIN PLUG IN THE PLENUM FOR PROPER DRAINAGE, AND DOUBLE FLUSHING THE CONTAMINATED OIL IN THE CRANKCASE, I EXPERIENCED NO FURTHER BRAKING PROBLEMS UNTIL FREEZING WEATHER IN NOVEMBER 2013. IN NOVEMBER, WHILE BRAKING NEAR THE BOTTOM OF A HILL, I AGAIN EXPERIENCED A HARD PEDAL WITH NO DEPRESSION AND ALMOST NO BRAKING ABILITY, RESULTING IN THE CAR GOING INTO THE INTERSECTION BEFORE FULLY STOPPING. THE CAR WAS TOWED TO THE VOLKSWAGEN DEALERSHIP FOR REPAIR. TWO WEEKS LATER, THERE WAS AGAIN THE SYMPTOM OF A HARD PEDAL? WITH NO DEPRESSION AND NEAR LOSS OF ALL BRAKING. THE CAR WAS AGAIN RETURNED TO THE VOLKSWAGEN DEALERSHIP FOR REPAIR. THIS TIME, THE VACUUM BOOSTER, THE VACUUM PIPES, AND THEIR RELATED ITEMS WERE REPLACED. AS NOTED IN THE DEALERSHIP INVOICE, EVIDENCE OF WATER WAS FOUND IN THE REPLACED VACUUM BOOSTER. THE DEALERSHIP ACKNOWLEDGED THAT THE PLENUM HAD A SIGNIFICANT HIGH-WATER POLLEN LINE, INDICATING FLOODING OF THE PLENUM. IT WAS BELIEVED BY THEIR SERVICE DEPARTMENT STAFF THAT THE BRAKE FAILURES IN NOVEMBER AND DECEMBER 2013 WERE LIKELY THE RESULT OF RESIDUAL WATER FREEZING IN THE VACUUM BOOSTER, CAUSING THE BOOSTER TO BE INOPERATIVE. ALSO, THE IGNITION COILS WERE REPLACED. UPDATED 01/30/14 THE CONSUMER STATED THE INSUFFICIENT FIX DURING THE 2008 CAMPAIGN DID NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. IT ALLOWED FOR CONTINUED FLOODING OF THE PLENUM COMPARTMENT AND SUBSEQUENT BRAKE FAILURES. UPDATED 02/19/14 UPDATED 03/13/14 UPDATED 05/12/14 UPDATED 06/25/14
Jan 21, 2014
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,STRUCTURE
1 complaint
MY COMPLAINT IS MORE GENERAL IN NATURE. I PURCHASED A 2002 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT IN 2001. THIS WAS THE FIRST CAR I PURCHASED BRAND NEW. AS I THINK BACK OVER THE TIME THAT I'VE HAD THIS VEHICLE AND READING THE COMPLAINTS THAT HAVE BEEN LOGGED IN ON THIS SITE, I CAN'T HELP BUT THINK THAT VOLKSWAGEN SHOULD OFFER SOME TYPE OF SUBSTANTIAL "HARDSHIP" REIMBURSEMENT BESIDES REPAIRS AND SUCH. IN THE TIME THAT I'VE HAD THIS VEHICLE, I'VE HAD THE FOLLOWING INCIDENTS OCCUR: 1. HAVE A CONTROL UNIT REPLACED (HORN NOT WORKING, UNABLE TO ROLL DOWN WINDOWS, ETC..) 2. REPLACE IGNITION COIL (STOP MOTOR STATUS LIGHT COMING ON AS I'M DRIVING IN THE MIDST OF TRAFFIC) 3. HAD UNDERSHIELD FALL FORWARD AS I WAS DRIVING ON THE STATE HIGHWAY, PRETTY MUCH SCOOPING UP POTENTIAL DEBRIS FROM THE ROADWAY SURFACE. 4. DAMAGE TO ENGINE FROM OIL SLUDGE AND OIL PUMP REPLACEMENT NO LESS THAN THREE TIMES. (STOP MOTOR LIGHT AGAIN) 5. INTERIOR OF CAR FLOODED AND FROZEN OVER FROM SUNROOF FLAW AND ELECTRONICS ARE AFFECTED... JUST ON MERITS OF BEING ABLE TO PROVIDE PROOF OF OWNERSHIP OF THE VEHICLE AND SHOWING THAT THESE SERVICES WERE INDEED RENDERED AT A VOLKSWAGEN AUTHORIZED REPAIR FACILITY, I BELIEVE THAT AT MINIMUM, VOLKSWAGEN SHOULD AGREE TO REIMBURSE ALL EXPENSES, NO QUESTIONS ASKED. IT'S BECOME CLEAR THAT THE QUALITY OF THESE VEHICLES WAS SUBSTANTIALLY SUB-PAR AND POORLY DESIGNED ALL THINGS CONSIDERED. THE CAR IS CURRENTLY IN MY PARENTS DRIVEWAY, AS THE LAST TIME THE OIL PUMP WENT CAUSED SO MANY ISSUES THAT I ENDED UP NOT BEING ABLE TO DRIVE THE CAR (LIVE AND WORK OUT OF STATE NOW AND REGISTRATION EXPIRED THE SAME MONTH THE PUMP WENT THEN COULDN'T AFFORD INSURANCE AFTER REPAIRS). TO ADD INSULT TO INJURY, I DIDN'T RECEIVE THE CLAIM NOTICE ABOUT FIXING THE SUNROOF ISSUE UNTIL A YEAR LATER, AS IT WENT TO MY OLD ADDRESS AND NOW IT'S TOO LATE TO EVEN FILE THE CLAIM. ALL I WANT IS HAVE A RELIABLE CAR TO OPERATE WITHOUT WORRYING ABOUT IF I'M GONNA HAVE SKIP LUNCH BECAUSE I SPENT ALL MY MONEY ON REPAIRS. *TR
Mar 05, 2011
EXTERIOR LIGHTING,VISIBILITY
1 complaint
THE HEADLIGHT LENS ON MY PASSAT HAVE BECOME "CLOUDED" OVER TIME RESULTING IN REDUCED BRIGHTNESS FROM THE HEADLAMPS AND CREATING AN UNSAFE DRIVING CONDITION AT NIGHT. IN DISCUSSING THE ISSUE WITH OTHER PASSAT OWNERS, IT'S CLEAR THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM. THE REDUCED BRIGHTNESS HAS BECOME A TRUE SAFETY HAZARD OVER TIME AS VISIBILITY AT NIGHT IS SEVERELY AFFECTED. THE LENS IS ACTUALLY OPAQUE AT THIS POINT. VOLKSWAGEN DENIES RESPONSIBILITY AS THE CAR IS OUT OF WARRANTY. *TR
Sep 30, 2010
AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS
1 complaint
AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT CAME ON IN OUR 2002 VW PASSAT V6 WITH 70,040 MILES. OUR REPAIR SHOP DISCOVERED THAT THE SEAT BELT ASSEMBLY THAT RECEIVES THE BUCKLE WAS NOT REGISTERING THE BUCKLE BEING FASTENED. WE REPLACED THE PART #B0858471KFCN TO RESTORE THE AIRBAG TO OPERATION. WE WERE TOLD THAT THE AIR BAG WOULD NOT INFLATE WHILE DRIVING WITH THIS DEFECTIVE SEAT BELT ASSEMBLY. WE HAVE NOTIFIED VOLKSWAGEN OF THE PROBLEM AND ASKED THEM TO COVER THE $356.35 REPAIR COST. *TR
Sep 10, 2010
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER,EQUIPMENT
1 complaint
1. OIL WAS LEAKING AND WE REPAIRED IT IN A LOCAL GARAGE. A DAY LATER WE NOTICED THE OIL SLUDGE PROBLEM - WHICH TOLD US OIL SOMETHING, STOP ENGINE. WE CALLED THE VW DEALER IN HARTFORD, CT, AND THEY SUGGESTED TO BRING THE CAR IN IMMEDIATELY OTHERWISE IT WILL IMPACT THE ENGINE. WE IMMEDIATELY TOOK AND DROPED IT AT THE VW DEALER AND THEY CALLED US NEXT DAY TELLING THE OIL IS NOT GETTING INTO THE ENGINE. EVERYTHING IS BLOCKED. THEY SUGGESTED TO REPAIR IT OTHERWISE THE ENGINE WILL BE DEAD. WE ASKED THEM TO REPAIR AND PAID CLOSE TO $1800. THEY HAVE REPLACED BUNCH OF PIPES, AND PARTS BUT LABOR COST WAS LOT MORE THAN PARTS. BUT I LEARNED ON THE INTERNET, THAT THIS IS AN EXISTING PROBLEM AND VW IS AWARE OF IT. I READ THRU FEW FORUMS ON THE NET, AND THEY ALL SUGGESTED, IF I DO NOT HAVE ALL THE OIL CHANGE RECEIPTS, THEY WILL NOT COVER THE REPAIR CHARGES. BUT I AM SURPRISED, THAT VW DEALER NEVER MENTIONED ABOUT THE EXISTING PROBLEM, I HAD TO LEARN THRU INTERNET. 2. CHECK ENGINE SIGN COMES ALL THE TIME ON MY DASHBOARD, FIRST TIME I TOOK IT, THEY REPAIRED (SAME DEALER) FIXING AND REPLACING SMALL PARTS AND AGAIN MOST OF IT IS LABOR CHARGES AND LESS PARTS. WE PAID ABOUT $2000. ALL THESE REPAIRS HAPPENED WITHIN COUPLE OF MONTHS OF EACH OTHER. AGAIN 10 DAYS LATER, THE CHECK ENGINE SIGN COMES AND THEY REPAIRED AGAIN FEW THINGS AND CHARGED ABOUT $500. A WEEK LATER THE CHECK ENGIINE SIGN COMES AGAIN. WE CALL THE DEALER AND HE SAYS BRING IT IN. I AM SICK AND TIRED OF TAKING THIS CAR EVERY WEEK TO THE DEALER AND PAYING THEM LOT OF MONEY EVERY TIME I TAKE IT. MY CAR IS 2002 VW PASSAT 1.8T. I HEARD THERE ARE LOT OF KNOWN PROBLEM WITH THIS MODEL AND DEALER NEVER MENTIONED TO US ONCE.
Mar 24, 2010
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1 complaint
2002 PASSAT WAGON, AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION, ACCELERATOR PEDAL BECAME STUCK WHILE GETTING ON HIGHWAY DURING A COLD MORNING. BRAKES WERE NON-RESPONSIVE EVEN WHEN CAR WAS PUT INTO NEUTRAL. CAR CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE, DRIVER PUT CAR INTO A LOWER GEAR WHICH SLOWED DOWN THE CAR A BIT AND FINALLY PUT THE TRANSMISSION IN "PARK". THIS CAUSED THE CAR TO EVENTUALLY STOP. TO GET OFF THE HIGHWAY, DRIVER SLOWLY DROVE OFF ONTO THE EXIT RAMP AFTER CALLING 911 AND BEING ADVISED TO GET OFF THE HIGHWAY WHICH HAD NO SHOULDER. AFTER THAT THE CAR AND BRAKES APPEARED TO FUNCTION NORMALLY. THE NEXT MORNING CAR WOULD NOT START DUE TO THE BATTERY BEING DRAINED AND WAS TOWED TO VW MECHANIC. AFTER BEING INSPECTED FOR 2 DAYS THE MECHANIC DID NOT FIND ANYTHING WRONG WITH THE ACCELERATOR OR THE BREAKS AND THERE WAS NO EVIDENCE THAT THE PEDAL GOT STUCK ON THE FLOOR MAT. NO ERROR CODES WERE FOUND ON CAR'S COMPUTER. WE HAD HAD NO PRIOR PROBLEMS WITH THE CAR OTHER THAN A DASH MESSAGE INDICATING A BREAK FAULT WOULD OCCASIONALLY LIGHT UP ON COLD WET DAYS. THE VW MECHANIC COULD NEVER FIND ANYTHING WRONG WITH THE BREAKS AFTER REPEATED VISITS AND ATTRIBUTED THE MESSAGE TO A COMPUTER GLITCH. AFTER THE INCIDENT WITH THE ACCELERATOR WE TRADED THE CAR IN FOR A NEW ONE OF A DIFFERENT MAKE SINCE WE DID NOT FEEL SAFE DRIVING IT, DESPITE ASSURANCES THAT NOTHING UNUSUAL WAS FOUND WITH THE CAR. *TR
Feb 18, 2010
STRUCTURE,LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
1 complaint
I WAS FILLING UP MY WINDSHIELD WASHER FLUID AND WAS TRYING TO PUT THE CAP BACK ON MY 2002 PASSAT WHEN THE HOOD STRUT FAILED AND THE HOOD CRASHED DOWN ON MY FOREARM, PINNING MY ARM BETWEEN THE HOOD AND CAR FRAME. I SCREAMED OUT BOTH IN PAIN AND NOT BEING ABLE TO PULL MY ARM FREE AND HAD SOMEONE RUSH OVER TO ME WITHIN SECONDS. HOWEVER, THE HOOD LATCH HAD ENGAGED BUT WOULD NOT RELEASE SINCE THE HOOD WAS NOT CLOSED ALL THE WAY, MY ARM BLOCKING THIS FROM HAPPENING. THE FIRST GENTLEMAN TRIED TO ALLEVE THE PRESSURE ON MY ARM, WHICH HAD ALREADY STARTED GOING NUMB, WHILE HE CALLED OUT FOR SOMEONE ELSE TO COME AND HELP AND BRING A HEAVY METAL BAR TO PRY ME OUT. THE SECOND GENTLEMAN CAME WITH A LARGE WRENCH AND WAS ABLE TO BEND THE FRAME ENOUGH FOR ME TO PULL MY ARM OUT. MAJOR INDENT OF MY FOREARM HAD ME MAKE AN EMERGENCY ROOM VISIT. XRAYS SHOWED NOTHING WAS BROKEN THOUGH 1 WEEK LATER I AM STILL SWOLLEN AND SORE. ABOUT $1900 BODY DAMAGE TO CAR, AS WELL AS AT LEAST $250 MEDICAL. MY MECHANIC NEVER HAD AN ISSUE WITH THE HOOD STRUT, SO THIS INCIDENT CAME AS A TOTAL SURPRISE TO HIM. HE HAS ORDERED A REPLACEMENT STRUT TO BE INSTALLED TOMMOROW. *CN
Feb 08, 2010
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,VISIBILITY,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1 complaint
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HER VEHICLE WAS A LEMON WHEN SHE PURCHASED IT IN 2002. WATER ENTERS THE VEHICLE FROM THE SUN ROOF WHENEVER IT RAINS. SHE RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE, BUT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED ACCORDING TO THE RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER MORE THAN FIFTEEN TIMES, BUT IT HAS NEVER BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 500 MILES. UPDATED 8/24/09 *CN THE CONSUMER WAS TOLD THE WATER LEAK WAS COMING FROM THE AFTER MARKET SPEAKER. THE HEADLIGHT TAIL LIGHT AND FOG LIGHT BULBS WERE REPLACED. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THE COOLANT BOTTLE HAD A HAIRLINE CRACK. THE HEAT IN THE VEHICLE WAS NOT WORKING PROPERLY. THE TECHNICIAN DISCOVERED THE HEATER CORE HAD A BLOCKAGE. THE WATER PUMP WAS LEAKING. BOTH OUTER CV BOOTS WERE REPLACED. THERE WAS A LARGE EVAP LEAK AT THE PURGE VALVE WHICH WAS REPLACED. THE CRUISE CONTROL LIGHT WAS ON. THE RIGHT SIDE VALVE COVER GASKET WAS LEAKING OIL AND THE ALTERNATOR WAS REPLACED. UPDATED 08/26/09. *JB
Jul 29, 2009
SUSPENSION,EQUIPMENT
1 complaint
WE HAVE A 2002 1.8L PASSAT THAT WAS AFFECTED BY THE DEFECTIVE COILS IN THE 2003/2004 RECALL. NOW LESS THAN 5 YEARS LATER, 2 COILS FAILED AT ONCE WITH COMPLETE LOSS OF POWER AND ALL 4 NEED TO BE REPLACED. LUCKILY WE WERE DRIVING WERE WE COULD SAFELY GET OUT OF TRAFFIC BUT IF IT HAD HAPPENED ON THE HIGHWAY, WE COULD HAVE BEEN KILLED. I WONDER IF THE REPLACEMENT COILS WERE ALSO DEFECTIVE. *TR
Mar 20, 2009
EXTERIOR LIGHTING,INTERIOR LIGHTING
1 complaint
REAR TAIL LIGHT ON 2002 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT 4 MOTION REMAINED ON EVEN WHEN CAR WAS SHUT OFF OR LOCKED. DEALERSHIP REPLACED COMFORT CONTROL MODEL FOR $500.00. SINCE THE REPLACEMENT, INTERIOR LIGHTS COME ON PERIODICALLY CAUSING THE BATTERY TO DRAIN AND THE PASSENGER DOORS WILL NOT UNLOCK WITH THE KEY FOB. *TR
Aug 08, 2008
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,INTERIOR LIGHTING
1 complaint
MY 2002 VW PASSAT INITIALLY BLEW THE #5 FUSE WHICH CONTROLS THE A/C, STEERING WHEEL ITEMS (HORN, VOLUME CONTROL, ETC.) AND ITEMS ON THE DRIVER SIDE SUN VISOR. THE FUSE WAS REPLACED AND SUBSEQUENTLY I EXPERIENCED SMOKING IN THE AREA OF THE SUN VISOR. REMOVING THE VISOR, I NOTICED FRAYED WIRING AND BURNT WIRING INSULATION. IN ADDITION THERE WAS SPARKING INSIDE THE ROOF AREA. I TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALER AND THEY CUT THE FRAYED WIRE AND TAPED IT UP, WITH A MORE COMPLETE REPAIR TO COME IN A COUPLE OF DAYS. DRIVING THE CAR HOME LATER THAT DAY THE CAR STARTED SMOKING AGAIN WITH THE ADDITION OF CRACKLING SOUNDS. I HAD THE CAR TOWED TO THE DEALER THAT EVENING. THE DEALER IS NOW LOOKING AT THE WIRING AND HAS FOUND AT LEAST ONE WIRE LEADING FROM THE VISOR AREA ALL THE WAY DOWN TO THE FUSE BOX WHICH IS BARE BECAUSE IT'S INSULATION HAS BEEN BURNED OFF. THE FUSE THAT SHOULD HAVE BLOWN WAS MELTED INTO THE FUSE BOX. THE BURNED WIRE HAS ALSO BURNED OFF INSULATION ON OTHER WIRES WHICH WERE TOUCHING THE DAMAGED WIRE. THE DEALER IS TRYING TO TRACK DOWN ALL THE WIRES THAT MAY HAVE BEEN DAMAGED. CURRENT COST IS APPROXIMATELY $2400 WITH VOLKSWAGEN AGREEING TO PICK UP $900 OF THE COST. BASED ON INTERNET RESEARCH, THERE HAVE BEEN OTHER REPORTS OF FRAYED WIRING IN THE VISOR AREA OF THE 2002 PASSAT. I HAVE NUMEROUS POSTINGS BY PEOPLE WHO HAVE BLOWN THE FUSE AND HAD THEIR VISORS REPLACED. OTHERS HAVE PULLED DOWN THE VISOR AND TAPED UP THE FRAYED WIRING IN THEIR VISOR. I BELIEVE THIS TO BE A DESIGN OR MANUFACTURING FLAW AND I BELIEVE THAT MY VISOR WIRING HAS BEEN FRAYING FOR SOME TIME PRIOR TO THE CATASTROPHIC FAILURE. *TR
Jul 08, 2008
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1 complaint
THE ABS CONTROL MODULE FAILED ON MY CAR CAUSING THE ABS SYSTEM AND THE ASR (ANTI-SLIP REGULATION) TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEMS TO NO LONGER FUNCTION. THIS HAPPENED WITHOUT WARNING WITH NO SIGNS LEADING UP TO THE FAILURE. THIS HAS ALSO CAUSED OTHER STRANGE ELECTRICAL ISSUES WHERE MY KEYLESS ENTRY WILL NO LONGER WORK. ALSO, THE ERROR LIGHTS CONTINUE TO FLASH ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL AND THE RADIO REMAINS TURNED ON (UNLESS I MANUALLY TURN IT OFF) EVEN AFTER THE CAR HAS BEEN TURNED OFF AND THE KEY HAS BEEN REMOVED FROM THE IGNITION. THIS CAUSED A DEAD BATTERY AFTER 4 DAYS OF FLASHING (RADIO WAS OFF). IT HAS ALSO CAUSED AN ERROR BETWEEN THE COMMUNICATION PATHS FROM MY TRANSMISSION CONTROL MODULE (TCM) AND MY ENGINE'S ECU AND INSTRUMENT PANEL AS EVIDENCED BY THE ERROR CODES PRODUCED. THE LAST ISSUE THAT HAS BEEN CAUSED BY THE ABS FAILURE IS THAT THE CAR CONTINUES TO RUN FOR SEVERAL SECONDS AFTER THE IGNITION HAS BEEN TURNED OFF AND THE KEY HAS BEEN REMOVED. IT WILL THEN SPUTTER OUT AND TURN OFF. FROM MY RESEARCH, THIS APPEARS TO BE A COMMON PROBLEM ON THESE CARS: HTTP://WWW.PASSATWORLD.COM/FORUMS/SHOWTHREAD.PHP?T=173334 *TR
Oct 08, 2007
POWER TRAIN,STRUCTURE
1 complaint
2002 PASSAT BEGAN THUMPING AND LURCHING WHILE IN MOTION AND WHILE IDLING. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. ACCELERATION WAS ABNORMALLY SLOW. THREE INCHES OF STANDING WATER APPEARED IN RIGHT REAR FOOTWELL. DEALER INFORMED ME ACCELERATION PROBLEM WAS DUE TO WATER IN TCM. TCM SHORT CIRCUITED AND THEN POWERTRAIN DROPPED. WATER DAMAGE WAS DUE TO LEAKING POLLEN FILTER SEAL, WHICH WAS SUBJECT TO P9 RECALL. CAR WAS PAST WARRANTY ON TIME, BUT NOT MILES. THEY FIXED POLLEN FILTER SEAL AND TOLD ME THEY COULDN'T DO ANYTHING ABOUT THE $4,000-$5000 DAMAGE FROM THE LEAKING WATER. THE CAR IS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE. MY CAR IS PARKED OUTSIDE. WE HAD SEVERAL RAINY DAYS IN THE WEEK BEFORE THE PROBLEM. THE SERVICE MANAGER SUGGESTED I MUST HAVE LEFT THE WINDOW OPEN. I CONTACTED VW CORP AND THEY SUGGESTED I TAKE IT TO A DEALER FOR REPAIR AT MY OWN EXPENSE. *TR
Sep 14, 2007
EXTERIOR LIGHTING,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1 complaint
BRAKE SWITCH LIGHT FAILURE. MY FIRST INDICATION OF FAILURE WAS THE BRAKE LIGHTS REMAINED ON AFTER SHUTTING DOWN THE CAR. I PUMPED THE PEDAL AND THIS EXTINGUISHED THE LIGHT. THE CAR CONTINUED TO OPERATE NORMALLY FOR ANOTHER 500 MILES UNTIL I NOTICED THE CRUISE CONTROL WAS OUT. I THEN NOTICED THE BRAKE LIGHTS WERE NOT OPERATING AT ALL. AFTER RESEARCHING THE PROBLEM I FOUND THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH VW'S. TO MY SURPRISE THOUGH THE PASSAT WHICH USES THE SAME SWITCH OTHER VWS HAVE BEEN RECALLED ON HAS NO RECALL YET. THIS SWITCH IS A VERY DANGEROUS SWITCH AS IT DISABLES THE BRAKE LIGHTS PROVIDING NO WARNING TO ANOTHER DRIVER BEHIND THE CAR. *TR
May 02, 2007
AIR BAGS,SEATS
1 complaint
DRIVING NORTH IN THE FAR RIGHT LANE ON GALLATIN PK IN NASHVILLE, TN, ANOTHER DRIVER IN THE SOUTH BOUND TURNING LANE TURNED INTO ONCOMING TRAFFIC WITH NO WARNING. MY VIEW WAS OBSCURED BY THE LINE OF TRAFFIC IN THE LEFT HAND NORTH LANES. THE CAR I WAS DRIVING (2002 VW PASSAT) HIT THE CAR THAT TURNED IN TO MY LANE IN A DIRECT, CLASSIC T-BONE HIT. I NEVER SAW THE CAR AND HIT THE CAR AT APPROX. 32 MPH WITHOUT BRAKING. THE DRIVER'S SIDE AIRBAG ON MY CAR FAILED TO DEPLOY ALTHOUGH THE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG DID DEPLOY. I WAS WEARING A SEAT BELT, BUT THE CAR SEAT ALSO SLID FORWARD AND I HIT THE STEERING WHEEL. THE BACK SEATS CAME UNLATCHED AND EVERYTHING FLEW FORWARD THROUGH THE CAR AT IMPACT. *NM
Nov 06, 2006
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN
1 complaint
I HAD THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON AND TOOK IT TO THE DEALER. HE SAID THERE WAS PROBLEM WITH COMBI VALVE, VACUUM HOSE AND SECONDARY AIR PUMP WHICH COSTS A TOTAL OF >1200$ IN TOTAL. LUCKILY, I HAD THE EXTENDED WARRANTY AND I HAVE TO PAY 700$. THE CAR IS 2002 VW PASSAT GLS (1.8) AND HAVE ONLY 40K ON IT. THIS IS THE SECOND MAJOR REPAIR AND THE PREVIOUS ONE WAS SOME KIND OF CV JOINT ISSUE. ALL THIS PROBLEMS SEEMS TO BE A COMMON PROBLEM FOR ALL PASSAT OWNERS AND I WONDER WHY THERE IS NOT EVEN A RECALL FOR THIS. MAY BE THEY KNOW THIS PROBLEM AND WANT PEOPLE TO GO AND PAY MONEY. ONE THING IS SURE. THIS WILL BE MY FIRST AND LAST VW. I DON'T RECOMMEND ANY ONE TO BUY VW, BUT BETTER BUY CHEAP JAPANESE CARS LIKE MITSUBHISHI WHICH RUNS FOR YEARS AND YEARS WITHOUT ANY PROBLEM. *JB
Sep 19, 2006
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES,TIRES
1 complaint
BOUGHT THE CAR NEW AND HAVE HAD TO DEAL WITH DEFECTIVE TIRES, DEFECTIVE IGNITION COILS CAUSING TWO MAJOR BREAKDOWNS AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS WITH CHILDREN IN THE CAR. THE LAST TWO IGNITION COILS WERE RECALLED. THE CAR WILL NOT RUN IF IT IS WET FROM HEAVY RAIN AND HAS TO BE COMPLETELY DRIED BEFORE THE BREAKS WORK PROPERLY. OIL PUMP WAS REPLACED 14 MONTHS AGO, ANOTHER MAJOR BREAKDOWN ON HIGHWAY WITH CHILDREN. IT HAS BROKEN DOWN YET AGAIN...THE DEALERSHIP SAYS IT NEEDS ANOTHER OIL PUMP BECAUSE OF SLUDGE, ABOUT $2000, NOT UNDER WARRANTY BECAUSE IT IS PAST THE 12 MONTH, 12,000MILE MARK. TWO OTHER PRIVATE MECHANICS TOLD ME, REPLACING THE OIL PUMP WOULD ONLY DISGUISE, TEMPORARILY THE REAL ISSUE....THE ENGINE IS JUNK. IT NOW SITS IN MY DRIVEWAY BECAUSE IT IS NOT UNDER WARRANTY BECAUSE I AM MISSING SOME OIL CHANGE RECEIPTS. ALSO THE BLINKERS DON'T WORK, THE REAR DOOR WON'T OPEN, AUTO LOCKS WORK INTERMITTENTLY AND HEADLIGHTS HAVE BEEN REPLACED TWICE AND ARE OUT AGAIN. THIS WAS THE FIRST NEW CAR I EVER BOUGHT. I BOUGHT THE CAR AFTER A DIVORCE BECAUSE I WANTED A DEPENDABLE CAR TO COMMUTE TO WORK AND TRANSPORT MY CHILDREN SAFELY. THE CAR HAS 85,00 MI. *NM
Jul 09, 2006
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,STRUCTURE,EQUIPMENT
1 complaint
I WAS DRIVING MY 2002 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT WHEN MY ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. I IMMEDIATELY PULLED OVER. I WAS IN NEW YORK AT THE TIME SO I HAD THE CAR TOWED TO THE NEAREST VW DEALERSHIP, WHICH WAS ROMANO VW IN FAYETVILLE, NY. I HAD DID SOME RESEARCH AND FOUND THAT THE VW HAS A PROBLEM WITH THE POLLEN HOUSING FILTER. I ASKED THE SERVICE MANAGER OMAR TO CHECK THE FILTER, WHICH IN RETURN HE STATED IT WAS FINE. THE PROBLEM WAS THE OIL PUMP, AND THE COMPUTER. I EVENTUALLY FOUND OUT THAT THE COMPUTER FAILED DO TO A WATER LEAK ON THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE CAR, WHICH IS WHERE THE COMPUTER IS LOCATED. ROMANO VW SAID THERE WAS A WATER LEAK BUT IT WAS NOT CAUSED BY THE FILTER. I HAVE BEEN FIGHTING WITH VW CUSTOMER CARE AND THEY KEEP DENYING MY CLAIM. I EVENTUALLY HAD MY CAR FIXED AND PICKED THE CAR UP AND DROVE HOME. ONCE I GOT HOME THE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AGAIN. I TOOK THE CAR TO PRESTIGE VW IN TURNERSVILLE, NJ AND THEY STATED THAT THE PROBLEM IS CAUSE FROM THE POLLEN HOUSING FILTER. VW CUSTOMER CARE HAS STILL DENIED MY CLAIM. AFTER DOING MORE RESEARCH IT TURNS OUT THE POLLEN HOUSING FILTER IS A MAJOR ISSUE IN THE VOLKSWAGEN, BUT VW THEMSELVES DO NOT AGREE. *NM
Sep 28, 2005
POWER TRAIN,LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
1 complaint
FAILED OF BOTH LEFT AND RIGHT OUTER CV BOOTS.
May 17, 2005
SUSPENSION,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,STRUCTURE,SEATS,EQUIPMENT
1 complaint
2002 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT EXPERIENCING PROBLEMS WITH PASSENGER SEAT, DOOR PANELS, GLOVE COMPARTMENT, RADIO EQUIPMENT, BUTTONS FOR THE MIRROR EQUIPMENT AND THE VEHICLE KEPT CUTTING OFF.*MR THE CONSUMER STATED WHEN THE PASSENGER SEAT WENT FORWARD IT WOULD NOT STOP, THE HEATED SEATS BURNED THE CONSUMERS CHILDREN, HOWEVER HE DID NOT STATE HOW MANY CHILDREN. THE VEHICLE COULD NOT BE ALIGNED. THE DOOR PANELS AND ARM REST WERE PEELING. THE HEADLIGHTS WERE ALWAYS GOING OUT. THE BRAKES SQUEAKED. THE BATTERY, GENERATOR AND GROUND WIRE WERE REPLACED DUE TO VEHICLE STALLING. *JB
Apr 20, 2005
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VISIBILITY,STRUCTURE,LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1 complaint
THERE WERE NUMEROUS PROBLEMS WITH THIS VEHICLE. THE FILTER AND CARPET ON THE BACK PASSENGER SIDE WAS REPLACED. THE MLP LIGHT HAD COME ON AND THE DEALER INSTALLED A NEW VACUUM HOSE. THE RADIO DID NOT WORK, STANDING WATER WAS FOUND IN THE BACK RIGHT SIDE OF THE VEHICLE UNDER THE FRONT SEAT, THE POLLEN FILTER WAS CLOGGED AND THE AIR POLLEN FILTER WAS CRACKED DUE TO THE FACTORY, THE BACK DOOR LOCKS REFUSED TO OPEN AND COULD NOT BE OPENED FROM THE INSIDE OR OUT, A BUMPING NOISE WAS HEARD COMING FROM UNDER THE VEHICLE, THE ENGINE REVVED, THE VEHICLE LURCHED FORWARD AND ACCELERATED AT RAPID SPEED ALL WHILE THE BRAKES WERE PUMPED WITH NO RESPONSE. THE VEHICLE HIT A CURB DOING OVER 50 MPH ALL WHILE PUMPING THE BRAKES UNTIL IT FINALLY STOPPED 20-30 YARDS INTO A FIELD DAMAGING TIRES, RIMS AND THE BUMPER. *SC *JB
Nov 30, 2004
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,EQUIPMENT
1 complaint
NUMBEROUS PROBLEMS WITH VEHICLE. AFTER BUMPING NOISE, ENGINE REVVED, CAR LURCHED FORWARD AND ACCELERATED TO A RAPID SPEED. *BF THE MLP LIGHT CAM ON SEVERAL TIMES. THE RADIO DID NOT WORK. THE RADIO WAS REPAIRED AND BROKE AGAIN THEN WAS REPLACED. THE CONSUMER STATED THAT SHE FOUND STANDING WATER IN THE CAR ON THE BACK RIGHT SIDE UNDER THE FRONT SEAT. THE AIR POLLEN FILTER WAS CRACKED . FILTER AND CARPET WAS REPLACED. THE BACK DOOR LOCKS REFUSED TO UNLOCK THEREFORE THE CONSUMER COULD NOT OPEN EITHER BACK DOOR FROM INSIDE OR OUT. THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED OUT OF CONTROL OF THE DRIVER AND HIT A CURB AT 50 MILES AN HOUR. THE CONSUMER CONTINUED TO PUMP THE BRAKES FINALLY GETTING THE VEHICLE TO STOP. THE VEHICLE HAD 4 FLAT TIRES AS A RESULT OF HITTING THE CURB HEAD ON WITH RIMS BENT AS WELL. THE BUMPER CAME OFF. *TC
Nov 23, 2004
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1 complaint
WHILE DRIVING AT 40 MPH, THE VEHICLE VIBRATED UNCONTROLLABLY. WITHOUT WARNING THEN THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE DRIVER TRIED TO RESTART THE VEHICLE BUT WAS UNABLE TO DO SO. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. THE MECHANIC INFORMED THE DRIVER THAT THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *LA THE DEALER REPLACED THE MASS AIR FLOW SENSOR AND CLEANED THE FUEL PUMP RELAY TO RESOLVE THE STALLING PROBLEM. THE RADIO WAS INOPERATIVE DUE TO A SHORT IN THE WIRING. *NM*NM
Sep 14, 2004
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
I PURCHASED MY 2002 VOLKS PASSAT GLS. I HAVE HAD NOTHING BUT PROBLEMS WITH THIS VEHICLE. MY RADIO QUIT, I HAD THE SPEAKERS REPLACED TWICE, I HAD THE HEATER BLOWER MOTOR REPLACED, I HAD THE IGNITION COILS REPLACED 3 TIMES (RECALL), WV CAMPAIGN (RECALL), SLUDGE IN THE ENGINE (RECALL), THE RIGHT WHEEL TIRE HULL REINFORCED (RECALL). I HAVE TALKED WITH VOLKSWAGEN CORPORATE OFFICE AND HAVE AN ACTIVE COMPLAINT NUMBER. THEIR CUSTOMER SERVICE IS TERRIBLE BOTH AT THE CORPORATE AND DEALER LEVEL. THE VOLKSWAGEN DEALER IN AUBURN, WA IS INEPT AND HAS PUT THE WRONG OIL IN THE MY CAR 2 TIMES. I WOULD LIKE VOLKWAGEN TO BUY-BACK MY CAR OR GIVE ME A LIFE-TIME WARRANTY ON THE CAR. ANY IDEAS? THERE HAVE BEEN TOO MANY INCIDENTS TO LIST JUST ONE. IT HAS BEEN AN ONGOING PROBLEM.*AK
Aug 16, 2004
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EQUIPMENT
1 complaint
IGNITION COILS FAILED TWO TIMES, RESULTING IN LOSS OF POWER AND CAUSING VEHICLE TO SHUDDER. COILS WERE SUPPOSEDLY REPLACED. ON A SEPARATE OCCASION (FOLLOWING THE COIL REPAIR) VEHICLE COMPLETELY SHUT DOWN ON THE INTERSTATE- GOING FROM 80 TO 0 MPH IN THE MATTER OF SECONDS. I HAD ALREADY BEEN DRIVING THE VEHICLE FOR OVER AN HOUR. I LOST ALL POWER AND WAS BARELY ABLE TO GET THE CAR TO THE SHOULDER. PROBLEM WAS DIAGNOSED AS BAD GAS (NOT POSSIBLY THE COIL). IN ADDITION, MY REAR DOOR QUIT CLOSING, HEADLIGHTS HAVE BURNT OUT, FILTERS HAVE GONE BAD CAUSING FRONT OF CAR TO BECOME FLOODED, VACUUM HOSE DEFECTIVE, REAR BRAKES WENT BAD, AND RADIO QUIT WORKING. PARTS WERE REPLACED EITHER UNDER THE WARRANTY OR OUT OF MY POCKET. VW REFUSES TO ADMIT THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH THIS CAR. I HAVE APPROXIMATELY 40000 MILES ON IT. *AK
Jul 07, 2004
WHEELS
1 complaint
VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT 4 MOTION. PURCHASED TO USE IN SOMETIMES SNOWY UPSTATE NEW YORK. WHEELS RIMS FILL WITH ICE AND MUD AND THROW TIRE BALANCE OFF. THIS CAUSES EXCESSIVE VIBRATION WHILE DRIVING. THIS HAPPENED REPEATEDLY FOR TWO WINTERS. BOTH VW DEALER AND INDEPENDENT TIRE SHOP CONFIRM A DESIGN FLAW IN THE WHEEL/RIM ALLLOW FOR THE BUILDUP. THE TIRES HAVE TO BE TAKEN OFF AND THE BUILDUP REMOVED. VOLKSWAGON CUSTOMER SUPPORT CONTACTED FOR TWO YEARS BUT NO ACKNOWLEDGMENT THAT THEY HAVE A PROBLEM OR WILL DO ANYTHING.*AK
Mar 26, 2004
SERVICE BRAKES, AIR
1 complaint
RECURRENT BRAKE FAILURES. AT 10,000 MILES, BRAKE LIFE WAS MEASURED AT 12 MM FRONT AND 8 MM REAR, BUT THEN AT ABOUT 20,000 MILES, DEALER DETERMINED THAT VEHICLE NEEDED BRAKE PADS ALL AROUND AND REAR DISCS. AT 40,000, REAR BRAKE PADS WERE REPLACED. THIS TIME DEALER FOUND THAT THE REAR DRIVER SIDE CALIPHER HAD STUCK, CAUSING THE BRAKE PAD TO WEAR DOWN TO METAL ON THAT ONE SIDE. A LARGE PERCENTAGE OF MILEAGE ON THE VEHICLE IS HIGHWAY MILES, AND DRIVER DOES NOT RIDE THE BRAKES. OWNER BELIEVES VW TRIED TO HIDE AN INHERENT BRAKE DESIGN PROBLEM BY REPLACING ALL 4 BRAKE PADS AT 20,000 MILES. VEHICLE HAD TO BE TOWED TO DEALER ONE TIME DUE TO BRAKE FAULT & BRAKE FLUID WARNING LIGHTS.
Feb 12, 2004
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,VISIBILITY,WHEELS,EQUIPMENT,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
FOUR IGNITION COILS DEFECTIVE - REPLACED DEFECTIVE IGNITION - KEY STUCK IN CAR FOR OVER NINE DAYS DEFECTIVE STEREO - REPLACED TWICE TO DATE DEFECTIVE ELECTRICAL - WINDOWS AND LOCKS GO UP AND DOWN WHILE DRIVING, GAS CAP POPS OPEN UNEXPECTEDLY COMPUTER PROBLEM - COMPUTER BLACKS OUT AT TIMES DEFECTIVE WHEEL BEARING - REPLACED AT 17,952 MILES DEFECTIVE MOTOR BLOWER - REPLACED DEFECTIVE REAR WHEEL LINING - REPLACED
Jan 15, 2004
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,EQUIPMENT
1 complaint
MY VOLKSWAGEN 2002 PASSAT HAS BEEN HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE OIL PUMP FOR SOMETIME NOW. DEEL VW HAS NOT HONOR THE WARRANTY AND I HAVE HAD TO PAY FOR THE REPAIRS. I HAVE ALSO COMPLAINT TO VW OF AMERICA AND MY COMPLAINT HAS BEEN IGNORED. DEEL VW AND VW OF AMERICA HAS ALWAYS PASS ON THE PROBLEM ON ME (THE CONSUMER), INSTEAD OF TAKING RESPONSIBILITY UPON THEMSELVES FOR A LEMON. I HAVE SHOWED MAINTENANCE PROOF SEVERAL TIMES; ON THE VW 2002 PASSAT AND THEY ALWAYS BLAME SOMEONE ELSE. THE CAR WAS ALSO RECALL; FOR IGNITION COIL PROBLEM. THIS CONDITION MAY ALSO EFFECT THE EMISSIONS OF THE VEHICLE. THE PROBLEM HAS BEEN REPAIR; BUT I HAVE ABSOLUTELY NO TRUST ON DEEL VW AND VW OF AMERICA! THE CAR IS BACK IN THE DEALER; FOR PROBLEMS WITH THE TURBO AND THEY WONT HONOR THE WARRANTY ON THAT ETHER. THE COST TO REPLACE THE TURBO IS 3089.00; BRINGING THE TOTAL COST OF THE REPAIRS TO $8,536.80 OUT OF POCKET; NOT INCLUDING THE CAR RENTALS&THAT THEY REFUSE TO PAY ALSO. *AK
Dec 02, 2003
VISIBILITY,LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
1 complaint
AUTOMATIC LOCK AND POWER WINDOW ON REAR PASSENGER SIDE DOOR ARE INOPERATIVE. DEALER TOOK TWO ATTEMPTS TO FIX IT. ON THE FIRST, THEY APPLIED SOME ELECTROLYTIC GREASE IN THE HOPE THAT IT WOULD BE ENOUGH. THE NEXT TIME THEY REPLACED THE MOTOR AND LOCK UNIT. *AK
Oct 27, 2003
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,TIRES
1 complaint
WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY RIGHT REAR MICHELIN MXV4 TIRE DISINTEGRATED. PARTS OF THE TIRE RUPTURED THE GAS TANK. ON 6/18/2003 THE CONSUMER CONTACTED THE MANUFACTURER, WHO STATED THAT VEHICLE WAS NOT INVOLVED IN THE RECALL# 02V026000. ON 6/20/2003 THE DEALER CALLED AND INFORMED THE CONSUMER ALL DAMAGES TO THE VEHICLE WOULD BE FIXED PER THE RECALL. A RECALL NOTICE WAS RECEIVED AFTER THE CALL FROM THE DEALER WAS MADE. *AK *PH
Sep 02, 2003
PARKING BRAKE
1 complaint
THE BRAKE PADS MADE A GRINDING NOISE WHEN THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO INDICATED THAT THE EMERGENCY BRAKE MAY HAVE BEEN ENGAGED. *NLM
Apr 18, 2003
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1 complaint
CAN'T GET ANY PARTS OF CAR WARRANTED SINCE I HAD FILED A COMPLAINT WITH BBB. INCLUDING NO HORN, BOTH HEADLIGHTS WENT OUT WITH IN 4 DAYS OF EACH OTHER, THE ENGINE HAS ERRATIC SHIFT POINTS ESPECIALLY WHEN COLD. THE PROBLEM IS VW SAYS NOT TO LET THE ENGINE WARM UP BUT MY ENGINE OIL HEATER IS BROKEN. TAKES ABOUT 10 MINUTES AT FREEWAY SPEED TO WARM UP. AND THE SUPPOSED ABS ARE NOT REALLY ABS BRAKES WHEN EMERGENCY BRAKING FROM 75 MPH. AND MANY LITTLE INTERIOR MECHANICAL ISSUES.*JB
Apr 11, 2003
SUSPENSION,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VISIBILITY,EQUIPMENT
1 complaint
NAR 3-10-03 WITH THE CONSUMER VEHICLE HAVING LESS THAN 7000 MILES, MANY PROBLEMS OCCURRED, THE FRONT AND REAR WINDOWS FROZE FROM THE INSIDE, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO STALL, THE IGNITION COIL NEEDED TO BE REPLACED, THE GLOVE COMPARTMENT FLOODED WHEN IT RAINED OR SNOWED, ALSO THE CARPETS AND POLLEN FILTER WERE DAMAGED DUE TO THE FLOOD. THE CONSUMERS WAS VERY DISAPPOINTED AND SUGGESTED THAT A FULL REFUND BE GIVEN OR HAVE VOLVO TO GIVE THEM A NEW 2003 PASSAT, EQUALLY EQUIPPED AS THE 2002 AT THE SAME PURCHASE PRICE. *CB *JB
Mar 06, 2003
STEERING
1 complaint
THERE IS A MILD TO SEVERE SHAKING IN THE STEERING WHEEL OF MY 2002 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT 1.8 TURBO 4 DOOR SEDAN. I HAVE HAD THE VEHICAL AT THE DEALERSHIP 5 TIMES AND THEY HAVE YET TO DETERMINE WHAT THE CAUSE IS. THE DEALERSHIP HAS HAD A REPRESENTATIVE FROM VOLKSWAGEN AT THEIR FACILITY ON AT LEAST TWO OCCATIONS AND HAVE PERFORMED A NUMBER OF TEST AND ADJUSTMENTS INCLUDING A FOUR WHEEL ALIGNMENT AND DRAINING THE POWER STEARING FLUID AND REFILLING IT. TO THIS DAY THEY ARE STILL UNABLE TO DETERMINE WHAT THE CAUSE OF THIS ISSUE IS. THE DEALERSHIP HAS TOLD ME THAT THEY HAVE EXCEEDED THEIR KNOWLEDGE ON THIS MATTER AND HAVE ASKED VOLKSWAGEN TO TAKE OVER. VOLKSWAGEN HAS TOLD THE DEALERSHIP THAT THEY WILL NOT BE AVAILABLE UNTIL AT LEAST MARCH 2003. HOWEVER THERE IS NO GUARANTEE THAT THEY WILL BE AVAILABLE THEN EITHER.
Feb 06, 2003
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,TIRES
1 complaint
THE CONSUMERS RIGHT REAR TIRE OF THE VEHICLE BECAME FLAT SO THE CONSUMER IMMEDIATELY PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE HIGHWAY. THERE WERE FLAMES SHOOTING OUT FROM UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE. (CAUSE WAS UNKNOWN) BUT THE FIRE REPORT MENTIONED THAT THERE WERE FIREWORKS IN THE TRUNK, BUT THE CONSUMERS DAUGHTER SAYS THAT THERE WAS KITTY LITTER IN THE TRUNK. *SCC
Sep 30, 2002
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,EQUIPMENT,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
ONLY 1 MONTH AFTER FIXING THE SAME PROBLEM, THE SYSTEM SHORTED OUT AGAIN, LEAVING THE CLIMATE CONTROL SYSTEM, THE CRUISE CONTROL, GARAGE DOOR OPENER, AND OTHER ITEMS INOPERATIVE.*AK
Aug 10, 2002
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,EQUIPMENT
1 complaint
AFTER STARTING CAR, THE CLIMATE CONTROL SYSTEM WAS INOPERATIVE. IT WAS A HOT SUMMER DAY. NO AIR CONDITIONING OR FAN. ALSO FOUND THE CRUISE CONTROL WOULD NOT "SET". DROVE IMMEDIATELY TO DEALER WHO WOULD NOT EVEN LOOK AT THE 8 MONTH OLD CAR FOR 2 WEEKS.*AK
Jun 23, 2002
Frequently Asked Questions
How many problems does the 2002 VOLKSWAGEN Passat have?
The 2002 VOLKSWAGEN Passat currently has 651 owner-reported complaints according to NHTSA database. These complaints are organized by component to help identify common issues.
What are the most common problems with 2002 VOLKSWAGEN Passat?
The most common problems reported for the 2002 VOLKSWAGEN Passat are organized by component above. Each component section shows owner-reported issues, crash reports, and fire incidents to help identify patterns and problem areas.
Where does this 2002 VOLKSWAGEN Passat problem data come from?
All problem and complaint data for the 2002 VOLKSWAGEN Passat comes directly from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) database. These are real complaints submitted by actual vehicle owners.
Other Years - VOLKSWAGEN Passat
2025 Problems
2024 Problems
2023 Problems
2022 Problems
2021 Problems
2020 Problems
2019 Problems
2018 Problems
2017 Problems
2016 Problems
2015 Problems
2014 Problems
2013 Problems
2012 Problems
2011 Problems
2010 Problems
2009 Problems
2008 Problems
2007 Problems
2006 Problems
2005 Problems
2004 Problems
2003 Problems
2001 Problems
2000 Problems
Other VOLKSWAGEN Models
Similar Brands
ST
3,555 models
RS
3,484 models
NC
2,822 models
ND
2,385 models
Z
1,951 models
MOTO
1,583 models
NU
1,189 models
RC
1,122 models