2003 VOLKSWAGEN Passat Problems & Complaints
Real owner complaints and problems reported to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). View common issues by component.
641
Complaints Reported
Complaints by Component
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
109 complaints
The contact owns a 2003 Volkswagen Passat. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the fuel pump needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that the parts needed for the repair could not be found. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 07V375000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the VIN was included but the vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 133,000.
Nov 26, 2025
The contact owns a 2003 Volkswagen Passat. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 06V017000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Mar 19, 2025
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. WHILE REFUELING THE VEHICLE, IT STARTED TO LEAK FUEL FROM UNDERNEATH THE FUEL TANK. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 82,500. ...UPDATED 06-12-15 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED VW CUSTOMER SERVICE WAS ADVOCATING TO GET A NEW FUEL TANK INSTALLED FOR HIM AT NO COST. UPDATED 06/23/15*JB
Apr 29, 2015
AS I WAS PARKING MY CAR IN THE SCHOOL PARKING LOT, A STRONG ODOR OF GASOLINE STARTED TO COME THROUGH THE VENTS. I OPEN THE HOOD AN A LINE BEHIND THE ENGINE BAY WAS SQUIRTING OUT GASOLINE DIRECTLY ONTO THE HOT SURFACE OF THE ENGINE. I CHECK ONLINE AND I SEE THAT THERE WAS APREVIOUS RECALL THE R5 RECALL BUT MANY OWNERS WERE BEING TOLD BY VOLKSWAGEN THAT IT'S NO LONGER COVERED OR THAT THERE VIN WASN'T COVERED EVEN THOUGH THE CAR WAS THE SAME YEAR ON THE RECALL. I CALLED VOLKSWAGEN ASWELL AND THEY MENTIONED TO ME THAT THERE WAS A RECALL BUT NO LONGER ACTIVE OR HAD BEEN SERVICED ALREADY. IT LEAKS WHEN IT'S ON OR NOT. *TR
Dec 09, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER STARTING THE VEHICLE, IT WOULD STALL. THE FAILURE WAS INTERMITTENT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER, WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE FUEL PUMP NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 06V017000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE). THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 160,000.
May 28, 2014
+ 104 more complaints for this component
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
109 complaints
The contact owns a 2003 Volkswagen Passat. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, coolant leaked onto the front passenger’s side floorboard. The contact stated that the coolant leak was underneath the glove compartment area. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, and the contact was advised to have the vehicle taken to the Volkswagen dealer. The contact visited the dealer and discussed the reoccurring failure and was informed that the heater coil was designed incorrectly, and the failure was due to the design of the heater coil. The contact was informed that the heater coil needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 72,000.
Dec 21, 2023
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE FAILED TO RESTART. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE TIMING BELT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14E007000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.
May 08, 2015
ENGINE LIGHTS COME ON. CAR AT TIMES START SHAKING - NOT CONSISTENTLY THOUGH. TOOK IT TO SHOP: FOUND OUT IGNITION COILS MISFIRES. THIS HAS OCCURRED 4 TIMES IN A 2 YEAR TIME SPAN. THE MOST RECENT 2 BEING A MONTH APART. THE MOST RECENT INCIDENT BURNED ALMOST ALL OF THE SPARK PLUGS. DID RESEARCH AND THIS WEBSITE DESCRIBES MY SITUATION PERFECTLY: HTTP://WWW.VWPROBLEMS.COM/TRENDS/IGNITION-COIL/. *TR
Apr 26, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE VEHICLE EMITTED A NOISE IN WHICH IT SOUNDED LIKE IT WAS LOW ON FUEL. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT UNDER RECALL. THE MANUFACTURER ALSO STATED THAT THEY WERE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR REPAIRS. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 113,008.
May 08, 2012
AT A STOPLIGHT CAR BEGAN TO SHAKE AND SPUTTER, I MADE IT HOME WITH THE CAR SHAKING THE ENTIRE TIME. HAD TO REPLACE COILS. HAVE BROKEN DOWN TWICE AND HAD TO HAVE CAR TOWED SINCE THEN AND REPLACE COILS. NOT TOO MENTION THE OTHER SEVERAL TIMES COILS WERE REPLACED WITHOUT THE CAR ACTUALLY BREAKING DOWN. DUE TO THE COILS CONSTANTLY GOING BAD CAUSED THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER TO GO BAD, WHICH HAD TO BE REPLACED MAY 2011 ALONG WITH THE COILS AND O2 SENSOR. BUT TWO MONTHS LATER THE ENGINE LIGHT WAS ON AGAIN, ONCE AGAIN DUE TO THE COILS. THEY WERE REPLACED, AND ENGINE LIGHT ON AGAIN. THEY TOLD ME IT WOULD VOID THE WARRANTY ON THE CONVERTER DUE TO THE ISSUE WITH THE COIL PACKS! THE CAR NOW SMELLS LIKE IT IS BURNING WHEN ONLY DRIVING FOR 20-30 MINS. HAD TO GET A EMISSIONS WAIVER FROM THE DOT FOR 2 YEARS DUE TO THE PROBLEM SINCE IT WOULDN'T PASS INSPECTION. THERE IS OBVIOUSLY A PROBLEM WITH MORE THAN JUST THE COIL PACKS THEMSELVES. THEY HAVE BEEN REPLACED A DOZEN TIME, YET THERE IS STILL A PROBLEM. IT SEEMS TO ME THAT THE WHOLE HOUSING UNIT FOR THE COILS NEED TO BE REPLACED ALONG WITH THE WIRES, TOO PREVENT FIRE AND OTHER PROBLEMS WITH THE CARS. *TR
Jan 24, 2012
+ 104 more complaints for this component
SEATS
91 complaints
MY SON WAS DRIVING (IN MOTION) ON HWY 17 IN MILLER COUNTY MO WITH SEAT HEATER ON SATURDAY NOV. 28, 2020. SEAT CAUGHT ON FIRE. I HAD NOTICED WHEN I HAD SEAT HEATER ON PREVIOUSLY IT BECAME SO HOT AS TO BURN LEGS. THIS IS A SERIOUS PROBLEM. IT COULD HAVE BURNED MY CAR COMPLETELY. VERY DANGEROUS.
Nov 30, 2020
05/01/2019 CAR HAD A DEAD BATTERY---CHARGE OVER NIGHT STILL WOULD NOT START---HAD THE CAR TOWED TO AUTO SHOP--UPON ARRIVAL WITH KEY ON APPROX. 15 MIN DRIVE--SMOKE STARTED BILLOWING---DISCONNECTED BATTERY---DRIVERS SIDE SEAT WARMER COMPLETELY MELTED--MECHANIC SAYS UNIT PULLING 30 AMPS--THERE WAS A PREVIOUS RECALL--NOT SURE IF TOTALLY CORRECTED--DONOT WANT TO REPLACE IMMEDIATELY--PLEASE ADVISE
May 06, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE HEATED SEAT WAS ACTIVATED AND WITHIN TWO MINUTES, THE SEAT WAS UNBEARABLY HOT AND BURNED A HOLE THROUGH THE CONTACT'S PANTS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 117,000.
Jan 20, 2015
WHEN I TURN MY HEATED SEAT ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE PAST LEVEL 1, THERE IS ONE SPOT ON THE SEAT THAT GETS PAINFULLY HOT. I USUALLY TURN THE HEAT OFF AT THAT POINT. TODAY I WAS SO COLD THAT I DIDN'T WANT TO TURN THE SEAT OFF, SO I PUT MY HAND BETWEEN THE SEAT AND MY LEG. WHEN I TOOK MY HAND OUT, IT SMELLED LIKE SMOKE. I CALLED VOLKSWAGEN, AND THEY DON'T HAVE ANY RECALL ON THESE SEATS. I THOUGHT THEY MIGHT MAKE A CONCESSION SINCE IT IS A POSSIBLE SAFETY ISSUE, BUT THEY WOULDN'T DO ANYTHING FOR ME. *TR
Dec 14, 2012
HEATER STOPPED WORKING AND BLEW COLD AIR. BROUGHT CAR INTO VW DEALER BE SERVICED. HEATING SYSTEM WAS FLUSHED WITH CLEANER. A COUPLE OF DAYS AFTER "REPAIR," CAR WAS DRIVEN WITH THE PASSENGER SEAT HEATER ON AND A 1 1/4" HOLE BURNT THROUGH SEAT EXPOSING BURNT HEATING ELEMENT AND BURNT FOAM. HEATER STOPPED WORKING A COUPLE OF WEEKS AFTER ABOVE "REPAIR." RETURNED TO DEALER TO REDO REPAIR AND REQUESTED THE SEAT HEATER AND SEAT UPHOLSTERY LEATHER REPLACED. TOLD THAT IT WOULD COST $1000.00 AND THAT IT WOULD BE THE OWNER'S RESPONSIBILITY. CLEARLY THE SEAT HEATERS ON THIS CAR MODEL ARE DEFECTIVE GIVEN ALL THE COMPLAINTS AND PRIOR RECALLS. VW REPLACED THE DRIVER'S SEAT HEATER WITH A RECALL...WHICH LEADS TO THE OBVIOUS QUESTION: "WHY WEREN'T THE PASSENGER SIDE SEAT RECALLED AS WELL?" WAS THIS A CALCULATION ON THE PART OF VW CORPORATE....THAT THE COST OF REPLACING THE DRIVER SEATS THROUGH A RECALL WAS LESS THAT THE LIABILITY DUE TO BURNS/ACCIDENTS/LOSS OF LIFE...BUT THE COST OF REPLACING THE PASSENGER SEATS THROUGH A RECALL WAS CALCULATED TO BE MORE THAN THE LIABILITY THERE? THIS DOES NOT SMELL GOOD. CLASS ACTION SUIT SEEMS APPROPRIATE. *KB
Dec 29, 2011
+ 86 more complaints for this component
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
51 complaints
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY INCLUDED IN A RECALL THAT CALLED FOR THE IGNITION COIL TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED; HOWEVER, THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE IGNITION COIL NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. DUE TO THE FACT THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED PER THE RECALL, THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT ABLE TO ASSIST. THE NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER WAS UNKNOWN. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 144,604.
Dec 14, 2016
CYLINDERS MISFIRE CAUSING ACCELERATION HESITATION. SPARK PLUGS AND COIL WERE REPLACED FEB.2009, DEC. 2013, AUG. 2014, JUNE 2015. THE CONDITIONS ARE REPETITIVE AND IDENTICAL.
Jun 26, 2015
THE TURN SIGNAL WOULD CONTINUE TO MAKE A CLICKING NOISE EVEN AFTER THE SIGNAL HAD BEEN SHUT OFF. THIS CONTINUED TO HAPPEN FOR SEVERAL MINUTES AND THEN SMOKE BEGAN TO RISE FROM BEHIND MY STEERING WHEEL WHERE THE TURN SIGNAL ENTERS THE WHEEL CONSOLE. I BEGAN TO PULL OVER AT THE NEXT SAFE AREA AND BEFORE I COULD I NOTICED SMALL FLAMES COMING FROM THE SAME AREA WHERE THE TURN SIGNAL ENTERS THE WHEEL CONSOLE. WHEN I TURNED OFF THE CAR THE SMOKE/FIRE SLOWLY SUBSIDED. I ENDED UP REMOVING THE TURN SIGNAL FUSE IN ORDER TO DRIVE TO A REPAIR SHOP. AFTER SOME RESEARCH THIS SEEMS TO BE A COMMON ISSUE WITH NO RECALLS ISSUED YET. *TR
Nov 24, 2012
MY 2003 VOLKSWAGAN PASSAT WAGON HAS ROOF/CHASSIS DRAINS THAT ARE BACKING UP INSIDE THE VEHICLE CAUSING THE VEHICLE ELECTRONICS TO SHORT OUT AND FAIL. MY REAR DOOR WILL NOT OPEN. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE. *TR
Apr 14, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MALFUNCTION INDICATOR WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED INTERMITTENTLY, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO SHAKE EXCESSIVELY. THE DEALER MADE SIX ATTEMPTS TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE BUT TO NO AVAIL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED WHO CONTACTED THE LOCAL DEALER BUT OFFERED NO ADDITIONAL ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 91,252 AND THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 89,000.
Jan 19, 2011
+ 46 more complaints for this component
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
24 complaints
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 VOLKSWAGEN PASSED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY PLASTIC COVERS BECAME FOGGY DUE TO THE SUN LIGHT. WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH AT NIGHT THE HEADLIGHTS LOOKED AS THOUGH THEY WERE OFF AND IT WAS DIFFICULT TO SEE. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER WHO STATED THAT THE HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY WAS NOT REPLACED AND IS CONCERNED THAT THERE ARE NO RECALLS RELATED TO THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000.
Jul 21, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. WHILE EXAMINING THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE HEADLIGHT LENS WERE COVERED WITH A FOGGY MATERIAL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT THE HEADLIGHTS NEEDED TO BE SERVICED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 50,332. UPDATED 10/16/08. *LJ UPDATED 10/20/08. *JB
Sep 18, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED, THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO ACTIVATE THE TURN SIGNALS, BUT THEY DID NOT WORK. THE HAZARD LIGHTS ALSO STOPPED WORKING WHEN THE TURN SIGNALS FAILED. THE CONTACT DID NOT NOTICE ANY DIFFERENCES IN THE VEHICLE BEFOREHAND AND THE FAILURES WERE INTERMITTENT. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN DIAGNOSED BY THE DEALER SEVERAL TIMES; HOWEVER, THE FAILURES CONTINUE TO OCCUR. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 77,500 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 77,000.
Jul 10, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HIS VEHICLE IS EXPERIENCING THE SAME FAILURE AS NOTED IN RECALL NUMBER 07V063000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH). THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT HIS VEHICLE WAS EXCLUDED FROM THE RECALL. THE CONTACT PAID TO HAVE THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH REPLACED AND FEELS THAT HIS VEHICLE SHOULD BE INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 90,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 81,000. UPDATED 02/08/08. *LJ
Aug 06, 2007
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKE LIGHTS WOULD CONSTANTLY SHINE ON AND OFF AT RANDOM. THE LIGHT WOULD ILLUMINATE WHILE DRIVING AND WOULD DIM WHEN THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED. THE CONTACT DISCOVERED RECALL NUMBER 07V063000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH). HE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT HIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HIS VEHICLE IS EXPERIENCING THE SAME FAILURE AS NOTED IN THE RECALL. THE FAILURE SPEED WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 67,085. UPDATED 02/01/08. *LJ UPDATED 02/01/08 *TR
Aug 01, 2007
+ 19 more complaints for this component
POWER TRAIN
18 complaints
THE AD BLUE HEATER FAILURES ARE RAMPANT IS ALL PASSAT MODELS 2012 TO 2015. THE SAFETY ISSUE IS THAT IN THE WINTER TIME WHEN AD BLUE FREEZES THE CAR GOES INTO A NON RESTART COUNTDOWN. IF THE CAR STALLS DURING THIS TIME THE PERSON MAY BE STUCK IN SUB ZERO WEATHER WITHOUT HEAT. THE AD BLUE HEATER IS ONLY COVERED UNDER THE 3 YEAR 36,000 MILE WARRANTY BECAUSE THEY SAY IT DOES NOT QUALIFY AS EMISSIONS CONTROL SYSTEM. THE CAR WILL SHUT DOWN BECAUSE IF THE AD BLUE FREEZES THE EMISSIONS GOES UNEXPECTEDLY HIGH SO HOW CAN THIS NOT BE PART OF THE EMISSIONS SYSTEM? THE COST OF REPAIR IS $1,000 PLUS.
Aug 24, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE GEAR SHIFTER COULD INDEPENDENTLY SHIFT FROM PARK TO DRIVE WITHOUT THE CONTACT DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR INSPECTION BUT THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DETERMINED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 103,000. ..UPDATED 12-26-13 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED PROPERTY DAMAGED RESULTED, DUE TO THE BRAKE FAILURE. UPDATED 12/30/13
Nov 13, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 ACURA MDX. THE CONTACT STATED THE TRANSMISSION ON THE VEHICLE SHUTTERED WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH. THE CONTACT STATED THE SHUTTERED STOPPED WHEN HE TOOK HIS FOOT OFF OF THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL, BUT IT STARTED TO SHUTTER AGAIN WHEN IT WAS ENGAGED. THE SHUTTERING SEEMED TO OCCUR BETWEEN THIRD AND FORTH GEAR. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INSPECTED BY A DEALER. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 66,000. *TR
Jul 10, 2013
I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AROUND 47-50 MPH ALL OF A SUDDEN I HEARD A STRONG HIT,AS IF SOMEONE HIT ME FROM THE REAR... THEN MY DASHBOARD STARTED FLASHING AND ALL THE TRANSMISSION GEARS GOT LOCKED UP, I WAS ABLE TO STOP THE CAR AND TURN IT OFF, FUNNY THING IS THIS HAPPENS DURING SUMMER ONLY WHEN IT'S HOT OUTSIDE OTHERWISE, I DON'T SEE IT... THIS CAN BE DANGEROUS. *TR
Feb 15, 2013
POWER TRAIN LACK OF POWER WHEN PRESSING THE ACCELERATOR MAY HAVE CAUSED AN ACCIDENT, PULLING OUT IN TRAFFIC. THIS WAS DUE TO WATER LEAK IN POLLEN FILTER BOX (CRACKED) WHICH AFFECTED THE SHIFT LOCK SOLENOID, AFFECTING THE TRANSMISSION CONTROL MODULE. 2003 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT MILEAGE OF 121,000 MILES. NORMALLY GARAGED AND MAINTAINED ACCORDING TO SCHEDULE. AFTER RAIN, FOUND AN INCH OF WATER IN REAR PASSENGER FLOOR. TRANSMISSION NON-FUNCTIONAL, AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT AND OTHER WARNING LIGHTS ON. DEALER SAID THE POLLEN FILTER SEAL WAS NO GOOD AND THAT WATER LEAKED IN AND DESTROYED THE TRANSMISSION CONTROL UNIT WHICH IS LOCATED IN THE FLOOR BEHIND THE PASSENGER SEAT. I HAVE READ MANY ACCOUNTS ON THE INTERNET FROM MANY ANGRY OWNERS OF SIMILAR PROBLEMS WHERE LEAKS FROM THIS SEAL HAVE CAUSED CATASTROPHIC REPAIRS. THE SERVICE MANAGER AT THE VW DEALER TOLD ME THAT CHECKING THE POLLEN FILTER SEAL IS NOT PART OF ANY REGULAR MAINTENANCE AND THAT IN ORDER TO CHECK IT, YOU'D NEED TO DISASSEMBLE QUITE A FEW THINGS IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. WHEN I ASKED HIM HOW AN OWNER COULD POSSIBLY KNOW IF THE SEAL NEEDED REPLACEMENT AND HE REPLIED "YOU FOUND OUT HOW". I AM CLEARLY NOT ALONE IN HAVING EXPERIENCED A FAILURE FROM A PART THAT IS NOT IN ANY WAY MAINTAINABLE (THE POLLEN FILTER SEAL) AND THAT HAS CAUSED MAJOR DAMAGE TO THE CAR. I FEEL THIS IS A CONSUMER ISSUE AND THAT THIS IS A DESIGN DEFECT IN THE PASSAT THAT VW SHOULD COMPENSATE OWNERS FOR. THERE IS NO WAY FOR AN OWNER TO BE ABLE TO AVOID THIS SITUATION -- IT IS NOT A MATTER OF MAINTENANCE. IT GOT TO DO WITH THE PASSAT LEAKING WATER AND THE LOCATION OF AN EXTREMELY EXPENSIVE COMPONENT IN THE REAR PASSENGER FLOOR, THE AREA WHERE ANY WATER THAT LEAKS MIGRATES TO. IF THIS FAILURE HAD OCCURRED DURING DRIVING, I MIGHT. I HAVE BEEN TOLD TO REPLACE TRANSMISSION SPENT ANOTHER 2000$ AND ITS NOT EVEN THIS THE PROBLEM!!!! *TR
Mar 10, 2011
+ 13 more complaints for this component
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
17 complaints
RECALL 26E5 VOLKSWAGEN NOT COMPLETED
Apr 07, 2021
FUEL TANK LEAKING WHEN FULL ON DRIVERS SIDE DIRECTLY UNDER REAR PASSENGER SEAT. WHICH HAPPENS TO BE WHERE MY CHILDREN SIT. IT LEAKS UNTIL IT'S A LITTLE OVER HALF FULL THEN STOPS.
Jan 07, 2020
I NOTICED A STAIN UNDER MY CAR WHILE IT WAS PARKED IN THE STREET. I FIGURED OUT THAT VW HAD A RECALL ON THE FUEL TANK VENT WHICH REQUIRED REPLACING THE WHOLE FUEL TANK. THE TANK RUNS ABOUT $922 AND IT TAKES UP TO 11 HOURS LABOR TIME. I STARTED A CHAT WITH A VWOA REP TO LOOK INTO THIS ISSUE. SHE SAID THERE ARE NO CURRENT RECALLS OR CAMPAIGNS ON MY VEHICLE AT THIS TIME. SHE ALSO STATED THAT MY CAR'S 26E5/R5 RECALL, IT COVERS ALL 1999-2005 PASSAT AND PASSAT WAGON (5TH GEN) EQUIPPED WITH GAS ENGINES. INSTALL UNDERBODY HEAT SHIELD(S): INSPECT/REPLACE FUEL LINE, FUEL TANK: UPDATE SOFTWARE, IF NECESSARY, HAD BEEN PERFORMED ON 03/12/09 BUT HAS NO SERVICE RECORD TO TELL ME WHAT WAS DONE. IT MAY NOT HAVE ACTUALLY BEEN REPLACED. SHE ALSO SAID VWOA WILL NOT FIX NOR HELP ME FIX IT. I FEEL THAT IF A RECALL FOR AS HUGE SAFETY ISSUE THAT THIS IS, SHOULD NOT FAIL IN THE SAME MANOR AS THE ORIGINAL PART DID. THAT TELLS ME THEY JUST REPLACED IT WITH THE SAME PROBLEM PART IN HOPES THAT THE CAR WOULDN'T BE IN USE BY THE TIME IT FAILS AGAIN. I AM INCLUDING A FEW PICS FOR EVIDENCE. THE EXAMPLE TANK PIC HAS BEEN OUTLINED WHERE THE FUEL LEAK IS ON MY CAR. THANK YOU, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Aug 09, 2019
WHEN IN MOTION CAR DIED WHILE DRIVING
Jul 07, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, THE CONTACT NOTICED A FUEL LEAK FROM THE TOP OF THE TANK. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE TOP OF THE FUEL TANK WAS OLD AND A NEW TANK WAS NEEDED. THE CONTACT ALSO NOTICED PUDDLES OF FUEL WERE PRESENT APPROXIMATELY EIGHT TIMES SINCE SEPTEMBER. THE LEAK WORSENED TWO WEEKS AGO. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 139,000.
Dec 21, 2016
+ 12 more complaints for this component
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
17 complaints
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ABS WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED WHEN THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED AND THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE VIBRATED VIOLENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE ABS MODULE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BUT THE VIBRATING CONTINUED. THERE WAS ALSO A LOUD DINGING NOISE FOLLOWED BY THE WARNING LIGHT WHEN THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER WHO OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 87,452. UPDATED 04/15/11*LJ UPDATED 12/19/2011 *LN
Oct 12, 2010
I PURCHASED A CERTIFIED USED VEHICLE FROM VOLKSWAGEN IN 2/07'. WITHIN THE FIRST MONTH I BEGAN HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THIS VEHICLE. THE LAUNDRY LIST, STARTING WITH THE BRAKES, INCLUDES A LEAK IN THE TRUNK, ENTIRE BRAKE REPLACEMENT WITHIN THE FIRST YEAR, SEVERAL RECALLS, BATTERY REPLACEMENT, CRACKED VALVE COVER, PROBLEMS WITH ENGINE COOLANT TEMP SENSOR, FAULTY IGNITION COILS CAUSING SERIOUS SAFETY HAZARDS AS A RESULT OF THE VEHICLE 'SHAKING' WHILE ON & POTENTIAL TO STALL AT ANY GIVEN TIME, A RECENT MASSIVE WATER LEAK INSIDE INTERIOR OF VEHICLE CAUSING INTERIOR WATER DAMAGE AS WELL AS A BUILD UP OF MILDEW AND POSSIBLY MOLD AS WELL AS NOW CAUSING THE WINDOWS TO FOG UP CONSTANTLY DUE TO MOISTURE UNDER FLOOR MATS, PROBLEMS WITH LEFT BLINKER, TROUBLE STARTING, SEVERAL CURRENT ENGINE LEAKS TO THE EXTENT OF A FEW THOUSAND DOLLARS, AUTOMATIC WINDOW PROBLEMS, WORN CV BOOTS CURRENTLY MAKING A CLICKING NOISE; THIS BEING THE MAJOR THINGS THAT HAVE OCCURRED TO DATE. IN GOOD FAITH, AFTER A VERY SCARY RIDE THIS LAST JANUARY, I CONTACTED VW OF AMERICA IN AN ATTEMPT TO NOTIFY THEM OF THE SITUATION AND WAS INFORMED THAT THEY WERE NOT GOING TO ACCEPT ANY RESPONSIBILITY FOR THEIR PRODUCT BECAUSE I WAS OUT OF A WARRANTY THAT I WAS ORIGINALLY TOLD (DURING TIME OF SALE) I DID NOT HAVE ANYWAY. IN ADDITION, HOWEVER, IT WAS STATED TO ME LATER BY THEIR REPRESENTATIVE THAT NONE OF THE ITEMS WOULD HAVE BEEN COVERED ANYWAY. I AM A SINGLE MOM IN NO FINANCIAL POSITION TO HIRE AN ATTORNEY OR EVEN PAY FOR THE COST THIS VEHICLE HAS INCURRED AND WHILE THIS IS MY ONLY MEANS OF TRANSPORTATION I HAVE NO OTHER OPTION THEN TO CONTINUE DRIVING IT. WITH THAT SAID HOWEVER I STRONGLY FEEL THAT GIVEN THE CURRENT CONDITION OF THIS VEHICLE AND THE POTENTIAL OF ANYONE OF THESE ITEMS TO FAIL THIS VEHICLE IS A SAFETY HAZARD AND GIVEN THAT I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE ONLY 3 YEARS AGO THIS IS AN EXCESSIVE AMOUNT OF PROBLEMS FOR IT TO HAVE. I STRONGLY FEEL AT THIS TIME THAT VW SOLD ME A LEMON. *TR
Mar 11, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HIS BRAKE LIGHTS REMAIN ILLUMINATED WHILE DRIVING AND FAIL TO DIM. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 66,346 FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 65,500.
Jun 11, 2007
I BROUGHT MY 2003 PASSAT GLX SEDAN INTO DEALERSHIP BECAUSE CAR WAS JERKY WHEN THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED. CAR HAS 41,214 MILES ON IT, 90% HIGHWAY. DEALER INFORMED ME THAT THE REAR BRAKE ROTORS WERE WARPED AND HAD TO BE REPLACED ALONG WITH PADS. DEALER INFORMED THAT PASSAT ROTORS COULD NOT BE TURNED IN LIEU OF REPLACEMENT. FROM OTHER COMPLAINTS I VIEW, IT APPEARS THIS IS A DEFECT IN THE ROTORS. *JB
Mar 04, 2007
MY 2003 PASSAT HAS APPROX. 34,000 MILES. THE BRAKE ROTORS HAD TO BE REPLACED TWICE -- ONCE AT SOMEWHAT OVER 12K MILES AGO, AND THE OTHER VERY RECENTLY. THE MOST RECENT TIME, WE WERE TOLD NOT TO DRIVE THE CAR ANY FURTHER (BY THE DEALER) BECAUSE IT WAS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. THE FIRST TIME, VW PAID FOR THE REPAIR, THIS TIME THEY WOULD NOT. I BELIEVE THERE IS A SAFETY PROBLEM, ONE WHICH I AM AFRAID WILL HAPPEN AGAIN. PLEASE NOTE...I DO NOT HAVE THE EXACT DATE IN THE FIELD BELOW. *NM
Sep 22, 2006
+ 12 more complaints for this component
ENGINE
14 complaints
The contact owns a 2003 Volkswagen Passat. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35 mph the vehicle's speed suddenly begin to reduce and smoke was present coming from the engine compartment. After stopping and exiting the vehicle became engulfed in flames. The fire department was called to the scene and extinguished the flames and the vehicle was towed away. During the incident, the vehicle was destroyed. The local dealer and manufacturer were notified of the incident but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 150,000.
Sep 20, 2021
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS AT A STAND STILL, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO INDEPENDENT MECHANIC TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE TIMING CHAIN ACTUATOR/SOLENOID NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT STATED A LOCAL DEALER WAS CONTACTED ABOUT OPEN RECALLS AND STATED THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL ON VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED AS OF YET. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 180,000.
Aug 31, 2020
DRIVING, LESS THAN 45. INTERMITTENT STOP ENGINE LOW OIL PRESSURE LIGHT. NO OTHER INDICATIONS. OIL LEVEL IS AT SPECIFICATIONS. SUSPECT LONG KNOWN PROBLEM OF SLUDGE IN THE OIL PICKUP TUBE.. VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED
Nov 04, 2015
MY FLOORBOARDS ARE SOAKED WITH COOLANT HAD NOTICED I HAD LEAK BUT HAD NO IDEA THAT IT WAS LEAKING INTO INSIDE CABINET, HEATER CORE WENT OUT AND EVERY TIME I ADDED FLUID IT WOULD BE GONE WASNT SURE WHERE ITWAS GOING I COULD SMELL ANTIFREEZE SMELL FOR SOMETIME BUT THOUGHT IF IT WERE OVERHEATING DASH WOULD GIVE SOME WARNING!..AGAIN NOW THAT I KNOW IT WAS UNHEALTHY TO BE BREATHING THE TOXIC SMELL.MY DAUGHTER STILL PUTTING UP WITH SMELL HARD TO GET RID OF IT EVEN AFTER SHAMPOOING {SORRY AFTER SHOPVAC SUCKED ATLEAST 2GALLONS OF COOLANT FROM MY FLOOR BOARDS...THIS REALLY MAKES ME ANGRY THAT I DIDNT KNOW I WAS FORCED TO BREATH IN THESE TOXIC FUMES FOR SEVERAL MONTHS AND CONTINUES,
Sep 28, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH, THE ENGINE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE ENGINE EXHIBITED SLUDGE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BUT THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE MECHANIC RECOMMENDED THAT THE ENGINE BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 83,000.
Jul 29, 2015
+ 9 more complaints for this component
AIR BAGS
13 complaints
TEENAGE SON LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE ON THE HIGHWAY. VEHICLE WAS THEN INVOLVED IN A FRONT IMPACT COLLISION AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS WITH THE SIDE OF A FLATBED TRUCK. BUMPER, HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLIES PUSHED UP INTO THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. DRIVERS SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAGS DEPLOYED. NEITHER DRIVER SIDE OR PASSENGER SIDE FRONT AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. VEHICLE WAS DECLARED A TOTAL LOSS.
Aug 17, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V483000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
Nov 05, 2015
1. FRONTAL COLLISION IMPACTING WITH SIDE OF PICK UP TRUCK MAKING ILL-TIMED LEFT TURN IN FRONT OF ME 2. DRIVER'S SIDE AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY. PASSENGER SIDE (WHERE NO ONE OR NOTHING WAS SEATED) DID DEPLOY. *TR 3. MY VEHICLE WAS DECLARED A TOTAL LOSS
May 18, 2009
FOLLOWING ROUTINE MAINTENANCE OF MY VEHICLE, (TUNE-UP, INCLUDING REPLACEMENT OF SPARK PLUGS AND IGNITION HARNESSES) MY REPAIR SHOP MECHANIC REPORTED THAT THE AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT CAME ON AND STAYED ON. HE SAID HE WAS UNABLE TO TURN IT OFF. I THEN TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A FACTORY-AUTHORIZED VW DEALER AND WAS TOLD THE PROBLEM WAS CAUSED BY LOW VOLTAGE TO THE AIRBAG UNIT, THAT THE BATTERY TESTED LOW AT 12.04 VOLTS AND THEY COULD NOT RESET THE CODE WITHOUT REPLACING THE BATTERY. I APPROVED NEW BATTERY PURCHASE, BUT DEALER WAS UNABLE TO MAKE WARNING LIGHT GO OUT, DESPITE RECODING THE CONTROLLER . DEALER CLAIMED FURTHER TESTING REVEALED AIRBAG UNIT CONTROLLER HAD FAILED AND WOULD REQUIRE REPLACEMENT AT PARTS COST OF $798.00. I DECLINED TO PAY THAT AMOUNT. IN REPLY TO MY QUESTION, SERVICE REP SAID HE WAS UNABLE TO CONFIRM THAT AIRBAG(S) WOULD DEPLOY IN CASE OF AN ACCIDENT. SINCE THEY I HAVE DRIVEN VEHICLE FOR ABOUT ONE MONTH, AND EACH TIME I START VEHICLE A WARNING SOUNDS, THE "AIRBAG FAILURE" NOTICE COMES UP ON THE DASHBOARD AND THE AIRBAG WARNING SIGNAL STAYS ON CONSTANTLY. I TELEPHONED VW CUSTOMER SERVICE TO COMPLAIN AND WAS TOLD THERE WAS NO RECALL ON THIS PROBLEM AND THAT SINCE VEHICLE WAS NEARLY 6 YEARS OLD AND OUT OF WARRANTY I WOULD NEED TO ASSUME COST OF REPAIR/UNIT REPLACEMENT. I SAID I THOUGHT THIS WAS A SAFETY FAILURE WITH VEHICLE BECOMING OUT OF COMPLIANCE WITH FEDERAL SAFETY REQUIREMENTS THROUGH NO FAULT OR MALPRACTICE OF THE OWNER (MYSELF) AND THAT VW SHOULD ASSUME COST OF REPAIRS. CUSTOMER SERVICE REP SAID THEY WOULD LOOK INTO IT AND REPLY. SO FAR NO RESPONSE. VEHICLE CONTINUES TO DISPLAY AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT. *TR
Feb 02, 2009
I HAVE AN AIR BAG FAILURE WHICH WILL PROHIBIT ME FROM PASSING THE STATE SAFETY INSPECTION. THE AIR BAG REPAIR IS OVER $1000. IS THERE A WAIVER OR A PROCESS TO DISPUTE THIS? ARE THERE RESOURCES TO HELP CONSUMERS IN THESE TYPE OF CASES? *TR
Nov 26, 2008
+ 8 more complaints for this component
VISIBILITY
13 complaints
REAR VIEW MIRROR WAS PULLED OFF WINDSHIELD BY A 2 YR OLD, MIRROR SEPARATED AT THE BALL-AND-SOCKET HINGE WITH THE BASE REMAINING GLUED TO THE WINDSHIELD. NO APPARENT DAMAGE TO THE MIRROR. PUSHING MIRROR BACK TOGETHER SHATTERED THE WINDSHIELD IN THE AREA OF THE MIRROR. IT IS POSSIBLE THAT PULLING THE MIRROR APART HAD ALREADY DAMAGED THE WINDSHIELD (NOT CHECKED BEFORE TRYING TO PUT THE MIRROR BACK TOGETHER). I WOULD HAVE EXPECTED THE MIRROR TO UNGLUE FROM THE WINDSHIELD OR BREAK BEFORE THE WINDSHIELD BROKE. *TR
May 28, 2011
FRONT WINDSHIELD DEFROST/DEFOGGER NOT OPERATING/BLOWING ON WINDSHIELD. IF WINDSHIELD BEGAN TO FOG OR FROST, THERE MAY NOT BE ENOUGH AIRFLOW TO CLEAR THE WINDSHIELD, RESULTING IN REDUCED DRIVER VISIBILITY AND A POSSIBLE CRASH WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING. MANUFACTURER REFUSING TO FIX UNDER SAFETY WARRANTY. *TR
Jan 06, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. ON MAY 28, 2007, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SUNROOF EXPLODED, SPLATTERING GLASS ALL OVER THE VEHICLE AND INTO THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT. THE FAILURE OCCURRED WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH. THE ENGINE SIZE WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 57,805 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 57,749.
May 31, 2007
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH ON THE HIGHWAY, WHITE STEAM ERUPTED FROM THE AIR CONDITIONING VENTS WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT INSPECTED UNDER THE HOOD, AND DETERMINED THE COOLANT WAS LOW. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR FURTHER INSPECTION, WHO DETERMINED THE HEATER CORE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS ALERTED.
Oct 26, 2006
WATER ISSUE - LEAKING DUE TO DESIGN FLAWS - LEAKING SUNROOF. *NM
Jul 01, 2006
+ 8 more complaints for this component
STRUCTURE
13 complaints
SUNROOF DRAINS/OR OTHER SOURCE ALLOWS WATER TO LEAK INTO CAR SATURATING THE INTERIOR CARPET UNDER LEFT DRIVERS SEAT AND FLOORBOARD AREA. CONVENIENCE MODULE WAS REPLACED ONCE UNDER WARRANTY IN 2006, BUT WATER LEAK HAS RETURNED. THIS IS A GARAGED VEHICLE AND THIS WATER LEAK OCCURS IF CAR IS PARKED OUTSIDE AT WORK (NO TREES OF LEAF DEBRIS) WITH ROOF CLOSED. DEALER WAS AWARE OF PROBLEM WHEN THE CAR WAS REPAIRED ORIGINALLY IN 2007 AND SAID THE DRAIN HOSE WAS COLLAPSING ON ITSELF. *TR
Jul 18, 2009
I HAVE A 2003 VW PASSAT THAT HAS LEAKED WATER FROM THE SUNROOF DRAIN TUBES AND POLLEN FILTER. THE WATER POOLED INTO THE FLOOR PANS UNDER THE CARPET ALL OVER THE CAR AND THREATENS ALL OF THE ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS STORED ON THE FLOOR OF THE VEHICLE. VW DEALER WANTS OVER $1000 TO FIX THIS ISSUE EVEN THOUGH THERE IS NOTHING STATED ANYWHERE IN THE OWNER MANUAL REGARDING DRAIN TUBE MAINTENANCE OR POLLEN FILTER LEAKS. THESE DRAINS ARE NEITHER EASILY ACCESSIBLE OR VISIBLE (ESPECIALLY THE REAR DRAIN CHANNELS). THESE PROBLEMS ARE CLEARLY ENGINEERING FLAWS AND THERE ARE TONS OF DOCUMENTED CASES ALL OVER THE INTERNET OF THE SAME PROBLEM OCCURRING. VW DOES NOT ACKNOWLEDGE THIS PROBLEM AND THE DEALERSHIP IS CHARGING HUGE AMOUNTS OF MONEY FOR PARTS AND LABOR TO CLEAN UP ALL OF THE WATER DAMAGE AND FRIED ELECTRONICS. THIS REALLY NEEDS TO BE LOOKED INTO AND CONSIDERED FOR ACTION. IN ADDITION TO WATER DAMAGE, MOLD AND MILDEW POSE SIGNIFICANT HEALTH RISKS. *TR
May 02, 2009
WATER LEAKED IN TO THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT OF THE VW PASSAT. THE TRANSMISSION ELECTRONIC CONTROLS ARE LOCATED UNDER THE FLOOR MAT OF THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE AUTO. THE WATER SHORTED OUT THE ELECTRONICS FOR THE TRANSMISSION DISABLING THE VEHICLE. A VW DEALER REPAIRED THE PASSAT BY REPLACING THE ELECTRONICS AT A COST OF $2250.00 TO US. THEY ALSO MODIFIED THE AIR INTAKE TO PREVENT FUTURE DAMAGE. THIS WAS THE SECOND TIME WE HAD THE AUTO IN FOR CABIN WATER. THE SERVICE REP. TOLD ME THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH THE CABIN AIR INTAKE AND THIS WAS REPLACED UNDER A RECALL ON THE 2000, 2001 AND 2002 YEARS OF THE PASSAT. HE TRIED VW FOR WARRANTY BUT THEY DECLINED. *TR
Jul 10, 2008
MY 2003 VW PASSAT WAGON FLOODED DURING A RAINSTORM BECAUSE THE POLLEN FILTER SEAL FAILED. FURTHERMORE, BECAUSE THE COMFORT CONTROL MODULE COMPUTER IS MOUNTED ON THE FLOOR, THAT WAS DAMAGED AND THE BILL IS SIGNIFICANT. *TR MY DEALER'S SERVICE DEPARTMENT REP (BOSTON VW) TOLD ME THAT HE RECOMMENDS CLEANING LEAVES OFF THE CAR 2 TO 3 TIMES PER DAY IN ORDER TO PREVENT THIS PROBLEM. THAT SEEMS LIKE AN UNREASONABLE MAINTENANCE REQUIREMENT TO PREVENT AN ISSUE THAT I'VE NEVER SEEN PREVIOUSLY WITH OTHER CARS.
Nov 19, 2007
AFTER RAINSTORM, OUR 2003 PASSAT WAGON BEGAN DEVELOPING A MUSTY ODOR WITH NO APPARENT WATER INSIDE THE VEHICLE. FOR A COUPLE OF DAYS, THE ALARM ALSO WOULD GO OFF FOR NO REASON. EVENTUALLY, THE ODOR SUBSIDED AND WE THOUGHT NOTHING OF IT UNTIL THE NEXT MAJOR RAINSTORM A FEW MONTHS LATER. AFTER THIS EVENT, WATER APPARENTLY LEAKED INTO THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE OF THE CAR THROUGH A SUNROOF DRAIN AND CAUSED THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM IN THE CAR TO GO HAYWIRE. MY WIFE HAD TO DRIVE THE CAR 20 MINUTES WITH OUR 4-MONTH OLD BABY WHILE THE ALARM SYSTEM WENT OFF, LIGHTS FLASHING ON AND OFF, AND ALL OF THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM GENERALLY GOING HAYWIRE. THE LOCKS CEASED TO WORK, THE WINDOWS COULD NOT BE PUT UP, AND THE TRUNK COULDN'T BE OPENED. THE DEALER TOLD US THAT THE LEAK WAS CAUSED BY CLOGGING IN THE SUNROOF DRAIN, WHICH THEY SAID IS VERY COMMON. WHILE MY WIFE WAS AT THE DEALER, 3 OTHER PEOPLE CAME IN WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. AS A RESULT OF THE WATER, THE COMFORT AND CONTROL MODULE IS BEING REPLACED. IT IS UNCLEAR YET WHETHER WE WILL ALSO NEED TO REPLACE THE CARPETING FOR ODOR ISSUES. THE TOTAL COST SO FAR IS ABOUT $1,000. *TR
Oct 26, 2007
+ 8 more complaints for this component
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
9 complaints
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL FUNCTION AT 72 MPH AND ATTEMPTING TO DECREASE SPEED, THE CRUISE CONTROL WOULD NOT DISENGAGE. SHE APPLIED PRESSURE TO THE BRAKES AND THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED. THE CONTACT WAS FORCED TO DRIVE INTO A MEDIAN; HOWEVER, THE BRAKES FAILED TO STOP THE VEHICLE WHICH CAUSED THE DRIVER TO CRASH INTO TWO METAL POLES CAUSING THE AIR BAGS TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED MINOR INJURIES OF POWDER BURN FROM THE AIR BAG. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY AN INSURANCE ADJUSTER WHO DETERMINED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE IS STILL UNDER INVESTIGATION. THE CONTACT IS IN THE PROCESS OF NOTIFYING THE MANUFACTURER. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 54,800.
Aug 21, 2009
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE ACCELERATING FROM A STOP, THE VEHICLE HESITATED INTERMITTENTLY WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED . THE DEALERSHIP AND MANUFACTURER DETERMINED THIS WAS HOW THE VEHICLE WAS MANUFACTURED.
Sep 14, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL IS DEPRESSED, IT FEELS AS THOUGH THERE IS SOMETHING FALLING OFF OF THE VEHICLE. THE DEALERSHIP IS UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE PROBLEM.
May 24, 2006
I WAS STOPPED AT A LIGHT WITH SEVERAL CARS IN FRONT OF ME. WHEN THE LIGHT CHANGED AND THE CAR AHEAD OF ME MOVED AND WAS ABOUT 15 FEET IN FRONT I TOOK MY FOOT OF THE BRAKE AND THE CAR ACCELERATED FORWARD WITH OUT ME TOUCHING THE GAS PEDAL. I WAS STARTLED AND I SLAMMED ON THE BRAKES. THE CAR DID NOT SLOW DOWN AT ALL AND ONLY THE REAR END OF THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME STOPPED MY CAR. I LOOKED DOWN AT MY FOOT TO MAKE SURE I HAD HIT THE BRAKES AND NOT THE ACCELERATOR. MY FOOT WAS SQUARELY IN THE MIDDLE OF THE BRAKE PEDAL. NORMALLY WHEN THE BRAKES ARE HIT HARD THE FRONT END OF THE CAR DIPS AND THE SUDDEN STOPPING OF THE CAR JERKS THE DRIVER FORWARD. NONE OF THIS HAPPENED UNTIL MY CAR HIT THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME. *JB
Feb 07, 2005
MANUAL FIVE SPEED 2003 PASSAT TURBO'S ENGINE SUDDENLY REVS UP TO 7500 RPM, AND THE CAR JUMPS FORWARD ABOUT 13 FEET AFTER STARTING FROM A STOP AT A LIGHT FORTUNATELY, I HAD ENOUGH DISTANCE FROM THE CAR IN FRONT NOT TO HAVE A COLLISION. *AK IT TOOK ABOUT 20 -30 SECONDS OF HARD BRAKING TO SLOW THE CAR DOWN. THE RPM DROPPED TO NORMAL AT THIS TIME.
Mar 11, 2004
+ 4 more complaints for this component
SERVICE BRAKES
7 complaints
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, THE BRAKES ENGAGED INDEPENDENTLY AND THE VEHICLE SHOOK VIOLENTLY WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 74,000.
Jun 17, 2016
PROBLEMS WITH THE ABS CONTROL UNIT FAILS AFTER FEW YEARS. THIS COULD LEAD TO AN ACCIDENT SINCE THE CAR CANNOT STOP IN THE TIME & DISTANCE ORIGINALLY SPECIFIED WHEN CAR WAS PURCHASED. ALSO, THE SMOG STATIONS ARE NOT ABLE TO READ THE OBD2 CONNECTOR DUE TO THIS ISSUE, WHICH FORCES YOU TO BUY A NEW MODULE FOR ALMOST $600.00. THE MOST IMPORTANT IN THIS ISSUE IS THE SAFETY IN STOPPING AND NOT HAVING YOUR BRAKES LOCK, WHICH ALSO CAUSES THE CAR TO SKID IN SUDDEN STOPS AND CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. THERE IS A BLINKING WARNING LIGHT THAT COMES ON THE DASHBOARD THAT POINTS TO THE DASHBOARD.
Jun 16, 2016
ABS LIGHT AND BRAKE LIGHT ON VOLKSWAGEN STATES FAULTY CONTROL MODULE.
Jan 13, 2016
MY DASH SHOWED 2 LIGHTS A RED BREAK LIGHT AND YELLOW ABS IT KEEPS BEEPING . IT STARTED RANDOMLY ONE MORNING WHEN I TURNED MY CAR ON ITS BEEN DOING IT FOR 6 MONTHS NOW
Jan 07, 2016
ABS CONTROL MODULE ON MY 2003 VW PASSAT FAILED. THIS APPEARS TO BE A COMMON FAILURE THAT DISABLES THE ABS. *TR
Sep 07, 2012
+ 2 more complaints for this component
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
6 complaints
CAR LOSES POWER AND STALLS OUT AFTER COMING TO A STOP. EPC LIGHT ILLUMINATES AND CAR MUST BE PUT IN PARK AND STARTED UP AGAIN TO MOVE. TODAY, IT STALLED AS I PULLED OUT TO MAKE A LEFT TURN AND I WAS STUCK IN THE MIDDLE OF ROAD WITH ONCOMING TRAFFIC COMING AT ME.
May 08, 2018
THE FRONT FLOOR GETS VERY HOT WHEN THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION EVEN WHEN THE AIRCONDITION IS RUNNING
Apr 04, 2016
COILS FOR CYLINDERS 2-4 INEXPLICABLY FAILED AS WELL AS THE PLUGS AND NEED TO BE REPLACED IN ORDER TO REPAIR MISFIRE CODE. ENGINE PURGE VALVE ALSO NEEDS TO BE REPLACED.
Aug 09, 2011
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE HAS RECEIVED TOO MANY RECALL NOTICES ON HER VEHICLE. SHE HAS RECEIVED A TOTAL OF THREE NOTICES WITHIN THE LAST MONTH. THE RECALL NUMBERS WERE UNAVAILABLE. THERE HAD BEEN NO FAILURE TO DATE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 59,000. UPDATED10/26/07.*JB
Oct 11, 2007
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE DID NOT RECEIVE RECALL NOTICE M-7 FOR OVER A YEAR AND A HALF. THERE HAD BEEN NO FAILURE TO DATE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 30,000.
Oct 09, 2007
+ 1 more complaint for this component
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
6 complaints
COILS FAILING RANDOMLY AND CAUSING THE CAR TO SHAKE VIOLENTLY AND LOSE POWER ON HIGHWAY. POTENTIAL DAMAGE TO BE CAUSED TO OTHER AREAS OF THE CAR BECAUSE OF THIS. IE OXYGEN SENSOR ETC. *TR
Feb 29, 2012
I WAS DRIVING MY VW PASSAT 1.8L TURBO STATIONWAGON AT A SPEED OF 40 MILES PER HOUR AND THE CAR SUDDENLY STALLED WITHOUT ANY WARNING. MY FOUR MONTH OLD BABY WAS IN THE BACK IN HIS CARSEAT AND HAD I BEEN IN A DIFFERENT SETTING WE BOTH COULD HAVE BEEN INJURED OR KILLED. THIS WAS THE FIRST TIME IT HAD OCCURRED AND ONCE I TOOK IT TO THE MECHANIC THE CAR STARTED AND DROVE FINE AND THEY COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. THEY INFORMED ME THAT IT WAS LIKELY A PARTS RECALL ISSUE: RECALL: 07V375000: FUEL PUMP REPLACEMENT. I CONTACTED VW AMERICA, INC. AND WAS INFORMED THAT WHILE IN FACT THERE WAS SUCH A RECALL FOR 2003 PASSATS, MY VIN NUMBER WAS NOT COVERED IN THE RECALL AND THUS THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD/WOULD DO TO HELP ME DESPITE THE FACT THAT THE PROBLEM APPEARS TO BE THE VERY ONE INDICATED IN THE RECALL NOTICE. THIS IS VERY FRUSTRATING AND SCARY. *TR
Jan 03, 2011
VEHICLE WOULD NOT START ON AUG. 26. STARTER CRANKED BUT ENGINE FAILED TO TURN OVER AND START. DEALER DIAGNOSED AS FUEL PUMP FAILURE. VEHICLE HAS APPROXIMATELY 88,000 MILES. WE WERE INFORMED MANUFACTURER VW HAS RECALLED FUEL PUMPS FOR THIS MAKE AND MODEL YEAR (2003) BUT NOT THIS PARTICULAR VIN. WE ALSO UNDERSTAND VW ORIGINALLY LIMITED RECALL TO AN EVEN SMALLER BATCH OF VINS. WE BELIEVE THE FUEL PUMP DEFECT IS MORE EXTENSIVE THAN VW IS WILLING TO ACKNOWLEDGE. THE REPAIR IS CURRENTLY NOT UNDER WARRANTY AND WILL COST OUR FAMILY APPROXIMATELY $655 TO REPAIR, PLUS TOWING AND CAR RENTAL COSTS. WE ARE LUCKY THE FAILURE OCCURRED DURING A COLD START AND NOT ON THE ROAD, WHERE WE COULD HAVE BEEN STRANDED IN A DESERT, A STORM, OR THE MIDDLE OF AN INTERSECTION WITH ONCOMING TRAFFIC. THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY CONCERN. AFTER DEALER CLAIMED TO HAVE FIXED PROBLEM ON AUG. 29,2007, WE TOOK THE VEHICLE HOME AND IT AGAIN FAILED TO START, OR EVEN CRANK. DEALER HAS TOWED IT BACK AND IS REVIEWING. *TR UPDATED 01-15-08. *KB THE CONSUMER STATED THE SECOND FAILURE WAS DIAGNOSED AS A FAILED BATTERY. UPDATED *JB
Aug 29, 2007
MY 2003 PASSAT WITH 46,000 MILES AND REGULAR 5,000 MILES SERVICE VISITS RECENTLY HAD TWO MAJOR PROBLEMS. THE ALTERNATOR WENT BAD AND WAS PRODUCING NEARLY TWICE THE VOLTAGE. THERE WERE NO SERVICE BULLETINS OR RECALLS ON THIS ITEM AND WAS FIXED AT A SIGNIFICANT COST TO ME. NEXT WAS THE FUEL TANK. I FIRST EXPERIENCED AN ODOR WHICH TURNED OUT TO BE A LEAK IN THE GAS TANK. I AM WORKING WITH AN EXCELLENT VOLKSWAGEN SERVICE BUSINESS WHICH IS NOT A DEALERSHIP. VW AMERICA WILL ONLY TAKE THE WORD OF A LICENSED DEALER. THE DEFECTIVE TANK IS CURRENTLY BEING REPLACED AT A VERY SIGNIFICANT COST TO ME. THERE ARE NO SERVICE BULLETINS OR RECALLS ON MY VIN. I UNDERSTAND THAT A LOCAL DEALERSHIP HAS HAD TO REPLACE A FEW OF THESE. THIS IS A VERY NICE CAR DEVELOPING A BAD REPUTATION. I HAVE SAFETY CONCERNS WITH THIS CAR AND WONDER WHAT WILL HAPPEN NEXT. *JB
Aug 01, 2007
BOUGHT A 2003 VW PASSAT 1.8T IN MAY 2005. SINCE THEN, I HAVE TAKEN THE CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR REPAIR 4 TIMES NOW. THE CAR WILL ALL OF THE SUDDEN START RUNNING VERY ROUGH AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. THE FIRST TIME, THEY REPLACED A "DEFECTIVE" SPARK PLUG. WITHIN A FEW DAYS OF GETTING IT BACK, IT HAPPENED AGAIN. THEY DECIDED TO REPLACE ALL THE SPARK PLUGS THAT TIME. IT HAPPENED A THIRD TIME AND THEY DID NOT TELL ME WHAT THEY HAD DONE TO THE CAR, BUT KEPT THE CAR FOR A WEEK. IT IS CURRENTLY IN THE SHOP AGAIN (NOW FOR A WEEK AGAIN) BECAUSE IT BEGAN TO RUN ROUGH, DEVELOPED A SLOW OIL LEAK, AND DOES NOT ALWAYS START ON THE FIRST ATTEMPT. I HAVE NOT YET HEARD FROM THE DEALERSHIP WHAT IS CAUSING THE PROBLEMS. I ASKED THEM TO CHECK EVERYTHING ON THE CAR. I HAVE ALSO LODGED A COMPLAINT WITH VW OF AMERICA. *JB
Jan 20, 2006
+ 1 more complaint for this component
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER
6 complaints
ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE NHTSA DEFECT INVESTIGATION #PE10027 1.AT ABOUT 2:45 IN CVS 2.WAITED ABOUT 10 MINUTES 3.I WAS PAGED BY IDENTIFICATION OF MY CAR 4.ADVISED CAR ON FIRE 5.A MAN IN A DEFFENBAUGH UNIFORM WAS TRYING TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE COMING OUT FROM UNDER THE FRONT OF THE CAR 6.THE FIRE EXTINGUISHER WAS AGGRAVATING THE FLAMES 7.I ADVISED HIM TO STAND BACK 8.I ASKED IF THE FIRE DEPARTMENT HAD BEEN CALLED 9.A CVS EMPLOYEE DID CONTACT FIRE DEPARTMENT TWO TIMES 10.CVS PHARMACY EMPLOYEE CAME OUT ' HER CAR WAS PARKED TWO SPACES TO THE PASSENGER SIDE OF MY CAR 11.THE MAN FROM DEFFENBAUGH MOVED HER CAR 12.AN OLDER MAN APPROACHED MAN AND SAID THAT HE WAS THE ONE WHO REPORTED THE FIRE 13.HE WAS WALKING IN FRONT OF MY CAT TO ENTER THE STORE AND SPARKS WHERE COMING OUT FROM UNDER THE HOOD 14.THE FIRE SPREAD RAPIDLY 15.WHAT LOOKED TO BE LIKE CARD BOARD SUBSTANCE WAS FALLING TO THE GROUND TOWARD THE FRONT OF THE CAR 16.THE PRODUCT WAS ENGULFED IN FLAME. CAR WAS DEEMED TOTALED. *TR
Nov 09, 2010
NOTICED A LEAKING GAS TANK ON MY 2003 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. THIS IS THE FIRST TIME THAT THIS HAS OCCURRED. HOWEVER, THERE HAS BEEN SEVERAL RECALLS ON THIS CAR THAT PERTAIN TO ISSUES WITH THE FUEL LINE, GAS TANK CAP, HEAT SHIELD AND GAS TANK. AFTER NOTICING THIS LEAK, I IMMEDIATELY TOOK THE CAR INTO THE VOLKSWAGEN DEALERSHIP FOR SERVICE BECAUSE THE AMOUNT OF GAS LEAKING FROM THE REAR END OF THE CAR WAS FAIRLY SUBSTANTIAL AND ENOUGH TO EASILY CAUSE A SERIOUS FIRE. ONCE AT THE DEALER, THEY SAID THAT THE ISSUE WAS THE GAS CAP/NOZZLE THAT IS CONNECTED TO THE GAS TANK. THIS NOZZLE IS VERY SMALL AND SEEMS TO BE VERY BRITTLE, EASY TO BREAK OFF. MY CONCERN IS THAT THERE ARE A NUMBER OF THESE CARS ON THE ROAD THAT SPONTANEOUSLY SEEM TO START LEAKING GASOLINE FROM THEIR FUEL TANKS. AS I WAS NEVER INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT, NEVER WENT DOWN A DIRT ROAD OR EVEN HIT A SPEED BUMP ALL OF WHICH MIGHT (IN A REMOTE CIRCUMSTANCE) CAUSE THE NOZZLE TO BREAK. *TR
Aug 21, 2010
ANALOG GAS GAUGE AND DIGITAL FEEDS FROM GAS TANK INACCURATE MOST OF TIME - SOMETIMES HALF A TANK OFF. TOOK MULTIPLE TIMES AND 5 WEEKS FOR DEALERSHIP TO REPAIR (GAVE UP ONCE - THEN TOOK TO ANOTHER DEALERSHIP). GAUGE ALSO SEEMS TO HAVE STICKING POINTS. SOMETIMES MOVES WHILE BEING WATCHED. *TR
Nov 10, 2008
ON AUGUST 25, 2007, I WAS DRIVING MY 2003 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT GLX WITH WIFE AND DAUGHTER ON THE MIDDLE LANE ON HWY 101. THE CAR WAS STALLED SUDDENLY AND NO SIGN OF ANYTHING WRONG. I FELT NO POWER ON THE PEDAL. I TURNED ON THE EMERGENCY LIGHT AND SLOWLY PULLED IT OVER TO THE RIGHT LANE. THE HWY TRAFFIC WAS PASSING WITH LIFE THREATENING NOISE. I STOPPED THE CAR AT THE RIGHT LANE AND BLOCK THE TRAFFIC. FINALLY A POLICE CAR PASSED BY AND CALLED FOR HELP. SEVERAL POLICE CARS CAME AND BLOCKED THE WHOLE TRAFFIC ON HWY101 AND ONE OF THEM PUSHED MY OFF THE NEXT EXIT. THE CAR WAS TOWED TO A VOLKSWAGEN SHOP AND FOUND THE FUEL PUMP WAS GONE. I CALLED THE VOLKSWAGEN USA AND WAS TOLD THERE WAS A RECALL FOR FUEL PUMP BUT MY VIN WAS NOT IN THE RANGE. THIS WAS A LIFE THREADING EVENT I WOULD REMEMBER IT WAS BY VOLKSWAGEN. I WAS A ROYAL CUSTOMER FOR VOLKSWAGEN AND AFTER THIS EVENT I COULD NOT BELIEVE I WOULD BE ONE. *TR
Sep 06, 2007
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. ON MARCH 05, 2005 AT 32,000 MILES, THE ENGINE FAILED AND THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER. THE DEALER FOUND A FAULTY ENGINE SPEED SENSOR AND FUEL PUMP. THE PARTS WERE REPAIRED UNDER WARRANTY. IN FEBRUARY OF 2007, WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE ENGINE FAILED AGAIN WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER AND THEY DISCOVERED A FAULTY FUEL PUMP. THE FUEL PUMP WAS REPLACED AT 90,000 MILES, BUT THE VEHICLE WAS NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY. CURRENTLY, THE ENGINE LIGHT IS STILL ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT RECALL NUMBER 06V017000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP) DOES NOT APPLY TO THE VIN. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 100,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000.
Aug 06, 2007
+ 1 more complaint for this component
SUSPENSION
4 complaints
FRONT CONTROL ARMS FAILURE. VERY COMMON IN THIS SUSPENSION DESIGN. THERE HAS BEEN A RECALL ISSUED IN EUROPE FOR THE SAME PROBLEM. LIKEWISE, THE AUDI A4 SHARES THE SAME CHASSIS AND SAME FRONT END SUSPENSION. THESE CONTROL ARMS ARE SERIOUSLY UNDER DESIGNED. THIS IS DANGEROUS! HAVING THIS FAIL WHILE DRIVING WILL RESULT IN DEATH OR SERIOUS INJURY. THIS IS A DESIGN FLAW, AND IS BEING OVERLOOKED. THE BUSHINGS ON MY CONTROL ARMS (ALL 4 FOR EACH OF MY FRONT WHEELS, EIGHT IN TOTAL) ARE SERIOUSLY CRACKED AND NEED REPLACEMENT. THIS IS NOT SOMETHING THAT SHOULD BE FAILING AT 50K AND 70K MILES. VOLKSWAGEN SHOULD BE HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR REPLACING FAILED CONTROL ARMS. *TR
Apr 26, 2012
CAR WENT IN FOR BRAKE JOB AT 39,000 MILES. MECHANIC FOUND THAT BOTH FRONT CV JOINTS WERE CRACKED AND FRONT AXLES AND CV BOOTS WOULD NEED REPLACEMENT. THIS WAS CLOSE TO A $1,000.00 REPAIR JOB ON A CAR WITH UNDER 40,000 MILES. APPARENTLY THIS IS A NOT UNCOMMON PROBLEM WITH 5TH GENERATION PASSAT VEHICLES. I FEEL VOLKSWAGEN SHOULD DO A RECALL ON THIS PROBLEM. *TR
Feb 14, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR A RECALL REPAIR. THE TECHNICIAN DISCOVERED THAT THE CV BOOT ON THE FRONT DRIVER AND PASSENGER WHEELS WERE CRACKED. THE TECHNICIAN STRONGLY ADVISED THAT THE FAILURES BE REPAIRED TO AVOID FURTHER DAMAGES WITHIN THE SUSPENSION SYSTEM. THE ESTIMATED REPAIR COST WAS $700. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 32,000.
Sep 18, 2008
I HAVE A 2003 VW PASSAT SW. ABOUT A YEAR AFTER I BOUGHT IT I NOTICED WHEN IT STARTED TO GET COLD IN THE WINTER THE RIGHT FRONT SUSPENSION WOULD MAKE NOISES AS IF SOMETHING WAS GRINDING OR BROKE IN THE SUSPENSION. I BROUGHT THE CAR TO VICTORY VW IN HARRISBURG, PA IN THE LATE FALL/EARLY WINTER OF 03'. THEY ENDED UP CHANGING THE CONTROL ARMS THAT TIME I BELIEVE. WELL, THIS YEAR WHEN IT STARTED GETTING COLD THE NOISES CAME BACK. I HAVE HAD THE CAR IN THE SAME DEALERSHIP TWICE TO HAVE THE PROBLEM CHECKED OUT. BOTH TIMES THE CAR HAS BEEN IN THE SHOP THE AIR TEMP HAS BEEN TOO WARM FOR THE NOISES TO BE REPRODUCED. I'VE LOOKED AROUND THE INTERNET ON VARIOUS VW BLOGS AND FOUND THAT THERE ARE OTHERS ALSO HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THEIR RIGHT FRONT SUSPENSION AS I AM. I ALSO FOUND THAT SOME ARE HAVING PROBLEMS WITH FRONT SUSPENSION IN GENERAL. MY DILEMMA IS THAT THIS CAR IS GETTING READY TO GO OUT OF WARRANTY IN ABOUT A THOUSAND MILES AND I DON'T FEEL IT'S MY RESPONSIBILITY TO FIX THIS PROBLEM WHEN IT HAS BEEN FIXED BY VW IN THE PAST AND WILL PROBABLY NEED TO BE FIXED AGAIN IN THE FUTURE. ANY HELP YOU CAN GIVE ON THIS ISSUE IS APPRECIATED.
Feb 21, 2005
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,EQUIPMENT
4 complaints
CAR MISSING A GETTING BAD MILAGE ...SAME CAR DOES NOT RUN WELL AND CAUGHT FIRE BY TURBO 2003 PASSAT VW 1.8 LITER TURBO. *TR
Feb 01, 2010
THE HEATER CORE TUBING IN THE CAR DISINTEGRATED AT ABOUT 18,000 MILES. THIS RESULTED IN THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT APPEARING, COOLANT LEAKING INTO OTHER PARTS OF THE ENGINE DEPARTMENT,AND THE FUMES FROM THE COOLANT IN THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT. AT THIS TIME THE VEHICLE WAS UNDER WARRANTY, SO I TOOK IT TO THE VOLKSWAGEN DEALERSHIP. THEY REPLACED THE PURGE VALVE (ABOUT AN HOURS WORK) AND RETURNED THE CAR TO ME. I TOOK THE CAR BACK TWO MORE TIMES FOR THE SAME PROBLEM BEFORE THE WARRANTY RAN OUT AND THE DEALERSHIP PERFORMED THE SAME SERVICE. THE COOLANT LEAK BECAME SIGNIFICANTLY WORSE (I BEGAN ADDING COOLANT EVERY 3-4 DAYS) AT AROUND 82,000 MILES AND THE FUMES FROM THE COOLANT IN THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT BECAME VERY STRONG. I TOOK THE CAR TO ANOTHER REPAIR SHOP AND THE MECHANIC DISCOVERED THAT THE TUBING FROM THE HEATER CORE HAD COMPLETELY DISINTEGRATED AND THE HEATER CORE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED ALTOGETHER. I HAVE SEASONAL ASTHMA ASSOCIATED WITH ALLERGIES AND INHALING THE FUMES FROM THE COOLANT HAS MADE THE CONDITION WORSE. I AM CURRENTLY HAVING THE VEHICLE REPAIRED AT A COST OF APPROXIMATELY $1200. *TR
Aug 18, 2008
AFTER STARTING VEHICLE AND REVERSING OUT OF DRIVEWAY, OIL PRESSURE LIGHT CAME ON AFTER THE EGINE RPM'S REACHED 18000. 40000 MILES SERVICE WAS DONE 6 MTHS PRIOR. DEALER CLAIMS IT RESULTED FROM OIL OVERFILL. NOT THE CASE, OIL OVERFILL RESULTED AFTER THE FACT. VW AMERICA WILL NOT HONOR POWERTRAIN WARRANTY, SAYING MAINTENANCE RECORDS INCOMPLETE. *NLM
Apr 08, 2003
HEATER STOPPED WORKING-HEATER CORE CHECKED AND FOUND TO BE OKAY. THERMASTAT REPLACED. WATER PUMP FOUND TO BE NON-FUNCTIONAL AND REPLACED. PROBLEM NOT SOLVED. HEAD GASKETS REPLACED AND FOUND CRACKED HEAD. HEAD REPLACED -S STILL DID NOT SOLVE THE HEAT PROBLEM. HEATER CORE REPLACED-STILL DID NOT SOLVE THE PROBLEM. RADIATOR REPLACED - PROBLEM APPEARS TO BE SOLVED, HOWEVER CAR RUNS WORSE THAN IT DID BEFORE SPENDING $3,500-. TOTALL FRUSTRATED AND NO HELP FROM AUDI AFTER NUMEROUS PHONE CALLS. CAR WARRANTY RAN OUT IN DECEMBER-PROBLEM OCCURED IN JANUARY.
Feb 18, 2003
EQUIPMENT
4 complaints
SUN ROOF DRAIN DISCONECTS AND WATER FILLS PASSENGER COMPARTMENT CAUSING COMPUTER MALFUNCTION , AIR BAGS TO MALFUNCTION AND FIRE HAZZARD. THIS IS THE SECOND TIME 1ST TIME IN 2006
Aug 12, 2008
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE RADIO WAS MALFUNCTIONING. HE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND A TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE STEREO FAILED DUE TO UNKNOWN CAUSES, AND THE ENTIRE SYSTEM NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT HAS NOT HAD THE VEHICLE REPAIRED BECAUSE IT EXCEEDED ITS WARRANTY. THE MANUFACTURER DID NOT PROVIDE ANY ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 95,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 109,000.
May 22, 2008
MY AIR CONDITION HAS BEEN ON THE FRITZ SO TO SPEAK FOR THE LAST YEAR, I THOUGHT IT WAS MY IMAGINATION. THIS PASSED WEEK WHEN I TURNED IT ON FULL BLAST ALL THAT WAS COMING OUT IS WARM AIR. I TOOK THE CAR INTO VW DEALERSHIP THEY REPAIRED TWO LEAKS THEY SAID, WHEN TRYING IT OUT A FEW DAYS LATER THE AIR WAS BLASTING WARM AIR ONCE AGAIN. I TOOK IT BACK AND NOW THEY ARE TELLING ME THE EVAPORATOR NEEDS TO BE REPLACED COSTING ME $1,700.00. HOW COULD THIS HAPPEN TO A CAR THAT IS NOT EVEN 5 YEARS OLD YET. I AM VERY DISAPPOINTED. *TR
Apr 15, 2008
A/C DOESN'T ALWAYS COME ONE WENT THE ENGINE IS STARTED. IT BLOWS BUT NOT COOL AIR. I CAN PULL BACK OFF THE HIGHWAY, SHUT THE ENGINE OFF AND RESTART AND IT WORKS FINE. I HAVE HAD IT INTO THE DEALERSHIP REPEATEDLY. THE HAVE SEEN THE PROBLEM BUT CAN'T SEEM TO RESOLVE IT.*JB
Sep 14, 2005
TIRES
4 complaints
CONTINENTAL TIRES (ALL FOUR) ARE SEPARATING ALONG THE TREAD AND THEY CLAIM THE TIRES ARE NOT DEFECTIVE. *TR
Apr 25, 2008
ON OCTOBER 2ND, I WAS DRIVING ON INTERSTATE 85 IN DURHAM, NORTH CAROLINA WHEN I HEARD A FAINT POP AND THEN FELT MY CAR TRANSFER WEIGHT FROM THE LEFT TO THE RIGHT. AS I LOOKED IN MY REVIEW I SAW A TIRE WITHOUT A RIM ROLLING BEHIND ME. I MERGED TO THE LEFT SHOULDER AND STOPPED UNDER AN UNDERPASS. UPON FURTHER INVESTIGATION I DISCOVERED MY LEFT REAR TIRE TREAD BELT HAD BLOWN AWAY FROM BOTH THE INNER AND OUTER SIDE WALLS. THE TREAD BELT WAS STILL COMPLETELY INTACT, MAKING IT LOOK AS IF IT WERE A DONUT. THE INNER AND OUTER SIDE WALLS HAD REMAINED INTACT TO THE RIM. SOME MINOR DAMAGE TO THE WHEEL WELL OF THE VEHICLE HAD OCCURRED. SEEING AS THESE TIRES WERE PURCHASED IN DECEMBER OF 2005, AND HAD LESS THAN 40,000 AND THEY'RE RATED FOR 80,000 MILES, I BELIEVE THESE TIRES ARE DEFECTIVE AND DANGEROUS. THE TIRE BRAND IS GOODYEAR TRIPLE TREAD ASSURANCE. CURRENTLY THE CAR'S REAR TIRE HAS BEEN REPLACED WITH A FULL SIZE SPARE TIRE AND WILL BE BROUGHT BACK TO THE TIRE DEALER TOMORROW TO DEAL WITH THIS ISSUE. *JB
Oct 02, 2006
I HAVE OWNED MY PASSAT FOR 17 MONTHS, I HAVE REPLACED TIRES TWICE, AND HAVE HAD A TOTAL OF THREE FLAT TIRES, TWO OF WHICH WERE THE R REAR. I READ OTHER COMPLAINTS IN REGARDS TO THE R REAR TIRE. NOTIFIED MY DEALER, THEY WOULDN'T DO ANYTHING, STATED THAT I WOULD HAVE TO CONTACT THE TIRE COMPANY. WELL, TWO DIFFERENT BRAND TIRES, AND STILL THE SAME PROBLEMS. *JB
Dec 17, 2004
ONE CONTINENTAL CONTITOURING CONTACT TIRE (205 55R16) ON THE RIGHT REAR WHEEL WITH APPROXIMATELY 23,300 MILES FAILED UNEXPECTANTLY AT HIGHWAY SPEED (APPROX 65 MPH). TIRE TREAD SEPARATED FROM SIDEWALL AND DAMAGED BRAKE LINE AND WHEELWELL LINER. WAS ABLE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF VEHICLE WHICH IS A PASSAT GLX WITH THE 4 MOTION ALL WHEEL DRIVE SYSTEM. HAD ALL FOUR TIRES REPLACED WHEN TIRE TECHNICIAN COULD NOT FIND ANY CAUSE OF TIRE FAILURE (E.G. PUNCTURES, HOT SPOTS, TIRE NOT ROUND). KEPT OLD TIRE AND SIDEWALL PARTS.
May 11, 2004
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
3 complaints
DRIVING ON I-87 UPSTATE NY AROUND ALBANY IN THE FAST LANE ABOUT 80 MILES AN HOUR THE CAR COMPLETELY LOST POWER. WE PULLED OVER QUICKLY TO THE GRASSY AREA BETWEEN THE HIGHWAYS. WE HEARD A SOUND BUT IT MIGHT HAVE BEEN FROM THE ROAD WHEN WE PULLED OFF OR A BACKFIRE? THE CAR WAS COMPLETELY DEAD. WE CALLED 911 AND A SHERIFF ARRIVED SOON AND TOLD US HOW DIFFICULT IT WOULD BE TO GET BACK ON THE HIGHWAY WITH TRAFFIC GOING 90-95 MILES AN HOUR. WE HAD TO GET INTO THE FAST LANE. WE DROVE A LITTLE ON THE GRASSY AREA TO SEE IF THE CAR WOULD WORK. WITH GREAT DIFFICULT AND TREMENDOUS FEAR WE MANAGED TO GET ONTO THE HIGHWAY. WE WERE THEN ABLE TO DRIVE TO NYC WITHOUT PROBLEMS IN THE SLOWER LANES. NO LIGHTS OR SOUNDS CAME ON TO WARN US OF THE LOSS OF POWER. THIS HAPPENED ABOUT 6 WEEKS AGO AS WE WERE APPROACHING THE WILLIAMSBURG BRIDGE IN MANHATTAN BUT GOING AT A MUCH SLOWER SPEED. WE PULLED OVER AND HAD TO RESTART THE CAR. WE HAVE HAD THE RECALLS FROM VW BUT NOT A RECENT ONE THAT MAY HAVE COME OUT IN MAY. IT SEEMS LIKE IT COULD BE A FUEL TANK ISSUE. I WILL BE TAKING IT BACK TO VW IN BROOKLYN IN TWO WEEKS TO HAVE THEM LOOK AT IT. THEY HAVE TOLD ME THAT SINCE I DID COME IN AND GET ALL THE RECALLS THAT IT COULD NOT BE THAT. I AM AFRAID OF THIS CAR AND ONLY HAVE ABOUT 27,000 MILES AFTER 5 YEARS. IT IS A 2003 PASSAT TURBO WAGON. IT WAS A HOT DAY ON JUNE 8TH AND WHEN WE TURNED ON THE CAR THE TEMP OUT SIDE LIGHT SAID 101 DEGREES. *TR
Jun 15, 2008
DT: 2003 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE STALLED AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. THERE WAS NO WARNING LIGHTS THAT CAME ON BEFORE THIS OCCURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS PULLED OVER, AND IT STARTED UP IMMEDIATELY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP, AND THEY HAD IT FOR 77 DAYS. THE VEHICLE WAS RETURNED TO THE CONTACT TWICE. THE DEALERSHIP REPLACED A COIL PACK, SPARK PLUGS, AND FOUR BRAKE LIGHT BULBS. THE DEALERSHIP TOLD THE CONTACT THE VEHICLE WAS READY, HE PICKED IT UP AND DROVE 3 MILES AND THE VEHICLE STALLED. HE IMMEDIATELY TOOK THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP. THEY CONTACTED TECHNICAL SUPPORT, WHO TOLD THE DEALERSHIP TO CHECK FOR THE ELECTRICAL GROUNDS. THE DEALERSHIP THEN TOOK THE VEHICLE ON A TEST DRIVE AND IT STALLED AGAIN. THE FACTORY SERVICE ENGINEERS SAID TO PUT EVERY ELECTRICAL WIRE ON THE CAR THROUGH AN OHM TEST. ALL OF THE WIRES CHECKED OUT, AND NO OUT OF TOLERANCE RATINGS WERE FOUND. THEY TOLD THE DEALERSHIP TO CHECK THE IGNITION KEY ADAPTATION, AND THE SECURITY SYSTEM FOR PROPER FUNCTION. NO PROBLEMS WERE FOUND. THEY FOUND NOTHING DEFINITIVE AT THAT POINT. THE TECHNICIAN TOLD THE DEALERSHIP TO REPLACE THE ENGINE WIRE HARNESS THAT WAS REPLACED AUGUST 8, 2005. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN PICKED UP ON AUGUST 10, 2005. THE CONTACT WENT ON VACATION, AND 175 MILES LATER THE VEHICLE STALLED AGAIN ON THE INTERSTATE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP; THEY FOUND 20 FAULT CODES IN THE ENGINE COMPUTER. THEY REPLACED THE VACUUM PUMP ON AUGUST 25, 2005. THEY ROAD TESTED IT AND IT STALLED. THE CONTACT WAS TRYING TO GET VOLKSWAGEN TO TAKE THE VEHICLE BACK. THE VEHICLE IS STILL AT THE DEALERSHIP, AND THEY ARE STILL WORKING ON IT. THE DEALERSHIP IS NOW GOING TO REPLACE CYLINDER HEADS. *AK IT WAS FINALLY DETERMINED THAT THE FUEL PUMP RELAY WAS THE PROBLEM AND THE REASON WHY THE DEALER COULD NOT DETERMINE THE PROBLEM THE FIRST SEVEN TIMES WAS BECAUSE THEY WERE RELYING ON THE COMPUTER TO DISPLAY CODES. UPDATED 01/11/06.*JB
Oct 06, 2005
WHILE DRIVING AT LOW SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE DEALERSHIP INFORMED THE CONSUMER THAT THE PROBLEM PERTAINED TO THE ENGINE CYLINDER. *AK THE VEHICLE STALLED AT THE STOP SIGN 3-4 TIMES. THE IGNITION COIL WAS REPLACED BUT THE VEHICLE STALLED THE NEXT DAY. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED AND THE EC MODULE/FUEL PUMP RELAY WAS REPLACED. *SC *JB
Aug 31, 2004
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,STRUCTURE
3 complaints
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED RAIN WATER LEAKED INTO THE VEHICLE. THERE WERE CONCERNS EXPRESSED OF CABLES UNDER THE DASH BECOMING WET, THEREFORE CREATING AN ELECTRICAL HAZARD. THE RAIN WATER USUALLY ACCUMULATED IN THE DOORS, AND WHEN THE DOORS WAS OPENED THE WATER TRAVELED TO THE DASH BOARD.
Jul 07, 2006
I RECENTLY HAD MY 40K MILE SERVICE DONE AND WAS PREPARING TO GO ON VACATION. THE CAR MADE IT THERE WITHOUT INCIDENT HOWEVER THE SECOND DAY INTO OUT VACATION THE ASR LIGHT CAME ON AND THEN THE PRND432 ALL STAYED LIT. IT HAD BEEN BEAUTIFUL WEATHER FOR SEVERAL DAYS HOWEVER THERE WAS EASILY TWO INCHES OF WATER ON THE PASSENGER SIDE. THE VEHICLES CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND IT STOPPED AUTOMATICALLY SHIFTING. THE VEHICLE IS AT THE SHOP WAITING REPAIR. *NM
May 28, 2006
AFTER RAINY DAYS MY 2003 PASSAT WAGON (4 MOTION) HAS 1 -2 INCHES OF WATER ON FLOOR OF THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE. THIS HAS NOW BEEN TO THE DEALER TWICE (I JUST TOOK IT BACK TODAY) - THE FIRST TIME THEY TOLD US THAT IT WAS A DRAIN PROBLEM FROM THE SUN ROOF THAT WAS CLOGGED. THE CARPET SMELLS AND I AM AFRAID THAT THE ELECTRIC SEATS WILL SOON SHORT OUT.*AK
Nov 15, 2004
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EQUIPMENT
3 complaints
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
STARTER COIL FAILURE - FOR OVER A MONTH THE PROBLEM WOULD APPEAR AND DISAPPEAR. SOUNDED ALMOST LIKE THE MUFFLER FELL OFF, BUT WOULD BE ACCOMPANIED BY LOSS OF POWER TO THE VEHICLE. UNEXPLAINABLE AS TO WHY THIS HAPPENED.
Jan 13, 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,SEATS
2 complaints
MY FRONT DRIVER SEAT WARMER WAS TURNED ON LOW. I COULD FEEL THE SEAT GETTING WARMER AND CHECKED TO BE SURE THE SETTING WAS NOT ON HIGH WHICH IT WASN'T. I THOUGHT MAYBE I WAS BEING SENSITIVE AND STUCK MY MITTEN UNDER MY THIGH. I THEN NOTICED A FUNNY SMELL AND SUDDENLY THINGS GOT VERY HOT AND STARTED TO BURN MY LEG AS I WAS DRIVING. I LOOKED DOWN AND ACTUALLY STARTED TO SEE SMOKE. I WAS NOT ABLE TO JUST PULL OVER BUT QUICKLY TURNED THE SEAT OFF. I PULLED OUT MY MITTEN AND FLEECE WAS ACTUALLY MELTED. I WAS A BLOCK OR TWO FROM WORK AND TRIED TO KEEP FROM SITTING COMPLETELY DOWN AS IT BURNED. I ARRIVED AND JUMPED OUT TO SEE A BLACKENED AREA AND HOLE IN MY SEAT!! THE CAR WAS SMELLING AND I AM STILL IN SHOCK OVER THIS. I HAVE LOOKED AND CAN'T FIND A RECALL ON THE SEAT. THIS IS VERY DISTURBING AND DANGEROUS. THIS SHOULD NOT HAPPEN NO MATTER HOW OLD THE CAR IS.
Feb 17, 2016
HEATED SEAT COILS OVERHEATED AND BURNT SEAT ON DRIVER SIDE. 1 YEAR AFTER RECALL WAS DONE BY [XXX] VW BROCKTON MA, THEY TOLD ME THE HEATERS IN THE SEAT ARE NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY AND TOLD ME TO CALL VW USA WITH MY PROBLEM, INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Oct 05, 2011
AIR BAGS,SEATS
2 complaints
WE WERE JUST LEAVING OUR FRIENDS HOUSE IT WAS APPROX. 6AM IN MORNING LITTLE COLD OUT SO I TURNED ON THE SEAT WARMERS WHICH IS ALWAYS NICE TOUCH TO WARM YOU UP ON THOSE COLD MORNINGS, ANYHOW ABOUT 4-5MINUTES AFTER SEAT WARMERS WERE TURNED ON PASSENGER SIDE WHERE I WAS SITTING GOT RATHER WARM AND THEN HOT AND THEN ACTUALLY START SMOKING AND FLAMES CAME OUT THERE WAS FIRE RIGHT UNDER MY BOTTOM. I FREAKED OUT JUMPED OUT OF SEAT ..I WAS YELLING FIRE FIRE FIRE YOU COULD SMELL PLASTIC BURNING AS IT WAS SMOKING AND BURNING.MY BOYFRIEND POURED WATER ON AND SMOTHERED OUT THE FIRE WITH HIS JACKET I'M A BIT LEARY OF THE CAR BECAUSE I DON'T FEEL ITS SAFE. I HAD MY BOYFRIEND UNPLUG HARNESS UNDER SEAT AND NOW MY AIR BAG WARNING DEFAULT LIGHT AND BELL STAY ON. I AM SHOCKED TO SEE SEVERAL OTHER COMPLAINTS REGARDING THIS ISSUE AND THAT VW PEOPLE HAVEN'T ADDRESSED THIS. I FEEL THIS CAR IS A DEATH TRAP.VERY UNHAPPY WITH THIS VEHICLE.
Sep 28, 2015
ON SEPT 20 2013 MY WIFE SHOWED ME A SPRING THAT CAME FROM UNDER THE DRIVERS SEAT . IRONICALLY THE NEXT DAY THE AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON AND WONT GO OFF . ABOUT A MONTH LATER A 2ND SPRING APPEARED IN THE FLOORBOARD .CAR WILL NOT PASS INSPECTION . VW REALLY NEEDS TO ADDRESS THIS . *TR
Apr 19, 2014
STEERING
2 complaints
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED CAUSING THE DRIVER TO CRASH INTO A FENCE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE TECHNICIANS WERE UNABLE TO DUPLICATE OR DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 95,000. UPDATED 05/03/11*LJ UPDATED 06/20/11*JB
Mar 15, 2011
FRONT END NOISE WAS DIAGNOSED BY VW SERVICE AS MISSING AND LOOSE RACK AND PINION STEERING BOLTS, RENDERING THE VEHICLE UNSAFE TO DRIVE WITH 20,000 MILES ON THE ODOMETER AND NORMAL USE. THIS IS A HUGE SAFETY HAZARD, I COULD HAVE BEEN INJURED OR KILLED. I HAVE AN EXTENDED WARRANTY BUT THIS IS NOT COVERED. SUCH A FLAW IN STEERING INTEGRITY SHOULD GENERATE A RECALL - BEFORE SOMEONE IS KILLED. *TR
Nov 08, 2007
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
2 complaints
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR SUDDENLY FLEW OPEN. THE CONTACT INJURED HIS LEG WHILE ATTEMPTING TO CLOSE THE DOOR. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE DOOR LATCH WAS DEFECTIVE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 146,000.
May 11, 2009
WHILE OPENING MY TRUNK LID, THE PASSENGER SIDE HINGE BROKE. THE LID, DROPPED, DOWN AND I CAUGHT IT, WITH OUT HARM. BUT IT COULD HAVE EASILY HURT MY HAND OR HEAD. I CALLED THE DEALER TO ORDER A REPLACEMENT PART, HE INDICATED IT WAS VERY POPULAR. *TR
Mar 30, 2009
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
2 complaints
I HAVE HAD MY 2003 VW PASSAT FOR 7 MONTHS NOW AND HAVE ALREADY HAD IT IN THE SHOP 3 TIMES. RIGHT AFTER I BOUGHT IT USED FROM A VW DEALERSHIP THE TURBO WENT OUT. I HAD TO PAY FOR THAT. I THEN DROVE THE CAR ABOUT 150 MILES FOR A TOURNAMENT AND WHEN ALMOST THERE A LIGHT CAME ON SAYING TO STOP AND TURN OFF THE ENGINE. TOOK IT TO VW DEALERSHIP AND IT WAS COVERED BY VW. IT HAD SOMETHING TO DO WITH SLUDGE FROM OIL. GOT IT BACK AND 3 DAYS LATER A LIGHT CAME ON. IT WAS THE MIL LIGHT. I TOOK IT IN TO THE VW DEALERSHIP. STILL WAITING TO HEAR WHAT THE PROBLEM IS THIS TIME. I HAVE NOW HAD MY OIL CHANGED 3 TIMES IN 5 THOUSAND MILES DUE TO REPAIRS. IT HAS BEEN ONE THING AFTER ANOTHER WITH THIS CAR SO FAR. *TR
Mar 16, 2009
DEFECTIVE COILS ON EACH CYLINDER
Jan 08, 2003
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
2 complaints
I OWN A 2003 VW PASSAT. RECENTLY. I TOOK MY CAR FOR REPAIR AS MY BRAKES WERE NOT RESPONDING ON TURNS. THE VW DEALER INVESTIGATED THE ISSUE AND I WAS TOLD THAT THE "ABS CONTROL MODULE" IS NOT COMMUNICATING FOR SOME REASON. THEY SUGGESTED I REPLACE THE ABS CONTROL MODULE FOR AROUND $2,216 I CALLED VW AND ASKED THEM TO LOOK INTO THE ISSUE AND SEE IF THEY CAN COVER THE EXPENSES OF THE REPAIR SINCE THIS IS NOT A NORMAL TEAR AND WEAR ISSUE. THEY RESPONDED BY SAYING THAT SINCE THE CAR IS NOT WITHIN THE WARRANTY PERIOD, THEY CANNOT COVER THE EXPENSES OF THIS REPAIR. I FEEL THAT IS A SAFETY ISSUE THAT VW OF AMERICA NEEDS TO COVER THE REPAIR FOR. IN FACT I THINK THEY SHOULD HAVE BEEN MORE PRO-ACTIVE AND INVESTIGATE THE ABS CONTROL MODULE IN MY CARE AFTER THEY REPLACE IT TO SEE IF THERE IS A MAJOR ISSUE THAT CAN RESULT IN A RECALL. I UNDERSTAND THAT MY CAR IS NOT WITHIN WARRANTY; BUT GIVEN THE FACT THAT THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE, I THINK VW SHOULD COVER IT AND PAY THE REPAIR COST. *TR
Jan 21, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT WAGON. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO ACCELERATE FROM 5 MPH, THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT MOVE FORWARD AND BEGAN TO VIBRATE. THE CONTACT PULLED OVER AND NOTICED A BURNING ODOR COMING FROM THE BRAKES. WHEN HE TOUCHED THE WHEELS, THEY WERE EXTREMELY HOT. THE VEHICLE HAD STABILITY CONTROL, TRACTION CONTROL, AND ABS. ALL FOUR BRAKES WERE APPLIED WHEN HE ATTEMPTED TO ACCELERATE. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO RESTART THE VEHICLE. THE ABS LIGHT ILLUMINATED ALONG WITH ANOTHER LIGHT (HE DID NOT REMEMBER WHICH LIGHT). AFTER HE ALLOWED THE VEHICLE TO COOL DOWN AND ATTEMPTED TO START THE ENGINE, ALL OF THE LIGHTS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. HE CONTINUED TO DRIVE, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. HE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A VOLKSWAGEN DEALER IN INDIANA AND WAS INSTRUCTED ON WHERE TO FIND THE FUSE TO DEACTIVATE THE ABS, TRACTION CONTROL, AND STABILITY CONTROL. THE SERVICE MANAGER STATED THAT THEY HAD SEEN AUDIS EXPERIENCE THE SAME FAILURE WITH THE SAME ENGINE AND FEATURES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 62,000.
Apr 29, 2008
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,SEATS
2 complaints
2003 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT WITH COOLANT SYSTEM AND HEATED SEAT RECALL. CONSUMER STATES THAT THE COOLANT SYSTEM WAS UNDER WARRANTY. THE HEATED SEATS WERE REPAIRED BUT NOW DON'T WORK AT ALL. SHE ALSO STATES THAT THE GAS HAS BEEN BURNING OUT VERY FAST. *KB THE CONSUMER STATED SHE WAS SMELLING FUMES INSIDE THE VEHICLE. *JB
Jun 26, 2008
I HAD TAKEN MY CAR TO THE DEALER TO REPLACE A FUEL PUMP. WHEN THE CAR WAS RETURNED TO ME THERE WAS A HOLE BURNED INTO THE DRIVER SIDE SEAT. THE REP AT THE DEALER SAID THE SEAT WARMER IN THE DRIVER SIDE SEAT HAD BURNED COMPLETELY THROUGH THE SEAT. HE HAD SEEN IT HAPPEN BEFORE. BUT MY SEAT WARMER WAS NOT ON AT THE TIME. I DON'T NEED TO USE IT IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA WEATHER. THE PROBLEM WILL NEED TO BE FIXED BUT THE MANUFACTURER SHOULD BE MADE TO COVER THE COST. *JB
Apr 25, 2007
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,EXTERIOR LIGHTING
2 complaints
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR ROUTINE MAINTENANCE WHEN THE DEALER NOTICED A FAILED EXTERIOR BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN RECALL NUMBER 07V063000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH). THE CONTACT FELT THAT THE RECALL SHOULD BE EXPANDED TO INCLUDE HIS VEHICLE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 72,000. UPDATED 02-01-08 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED THIS IS THE 3RD RECALL THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN DUE TO THE VIN NUMBER. THE CONSUMER STATED THE FUEL PUMP PROBLEM THE COMPANY FIXED BECAUSE THEY COULD NOT DISPUTE IT. UPDATED 02/01/08 *TR
Aug 21, 2007
WHILE DRIVING 2003 VW PASSAT THE ENGINE STALLED OUT (NO FUEL) CAUSING NEAR ACCIDENT BY PASSING VEHICLES. DRIFTED TO SIDE OF ROAD. AFTER 100 MILE TOW TO VINCENT VOLKSWAGEN DEALER IN ROCHESTER, THEY FOUND NO PROBLEM. CAR DID RUN TWO DAYS. THE SAME STALL-OUT OCCURRED THREE DAYS LATER. ANOTHER TOW TO A DEALER (SCHMITTS GARAGE) TO ATTEMPT TO REPAIR. NOT SURE WHAT THE PROBLEM IS BUT STRONGLY SUSPECT FUEL PUMP OR CONTROL SYSTEM FOR FUEL OR FUEL LINE SYSTEM. THERE HAVE BEEN PREVIOUS RECALLS ON SOME 2003 PASSAT FUEL SYSTEM ITEMS INCLUDING FUEL PUMPS (POTENTIAL TO CAUSE CRASH WHEN FAIL) . WAS TOLD MY PASSAT WAS NOT PART OF THE OTHER 2003 PASSAT FUEL PUMP/SYSTEM RECALL. HOWEVER, ARE MORE FUEL PUMP UNITS BAD THAT VW DOESN'T REALIZE WHICH COULD CAUSE MAJOR ACCIDENTS, HEAD ON COLLISIONS DURING PASSING. FILED THIS WITH VW CUSTOMER CARE. TWO WEEKS PRIOR BRAKE LIGHTS DID NOT WORK AND WAS NEARLY REAR ENDED. VW DEALER REPLACED DEFECTIVE BRAKE SWITCH WHICH INITIALLY WASN'T ON THE RECALL LIST BUT WAS RECENTLY ADDED. TWO NEAR MAJOR ACCIDENTS IN TWO WEEKS DUE TO EQUIPMENT FAILURES. *TR
Aug 02, 2007
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,EXTERIOR LIGHTING
2 complaints
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH OR ATTEMPTING TO STOP, THE VEHICLE LOSES POWER AND SHUTS OFF WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER SEVERAL TIMES AND THE SPEED SENSOR WAS REPLACED. HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE CONTINUES TO SHUT OFF. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKE LIGHTS ALSO MALFUNCTION AND THE ELECTRICAL SWITCH WAS REPLACED. THE VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY AT THE DEALER AND THEY ARE UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF FAILURE. THE VEHICLE'S WARRANTY HAS BEEN CHARGED FOR EACH REPLACEMENT. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 57,006 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 47,000.
Jul 30, 2007
MY 2003 VW PASSAT 4-DOOR SEDAN HAS EXPERIENCED MULTIPLE OCCURRENCES WHERE THE BRAKE LIGHTS CONTINUE TO REMAIN ON WHILE DRIVING AND EVEN AFTER THE ENGINE IS SHUT OFF. THIS HAPPENED AGAIN TODAY AND I NOTICED THIS TIME THAT THE EMERGENCY ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON WHILE DRIVING EARLIER IN THE DAY - THIS IS ALSO ANOTHER ISSUE THAT ALSO COMES ON/OFF FOR NO REASON. I'VE REPORTED THE WARNING LIGHT A COUPLE OF TIMES AS WELL TO THE VW SERVICE AND THEY DON'T KNOW WHY THAT HAPPENS EITHER. THE WARNING LIGHT WILL AT LEAST SHUT OFF WHEN THE CAR IS TURNED OFF, UNLIKE MY BRAKE LIGHTS. SINCE TODAY IS SATURDAY, LEAVING MY BRAKE LIGHTS ON UNTIL THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT REOPENS ON A MONDAY IS PROBABLY GOING TO RUN MY BATTERY DEAD. WITH THAT CONCERN IN MIND, I IMMEDIATELY CALLED THE VW ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE HOTLINE, 800-822-8987, TO SEE IF THEY HAD ANY REPAIR INSTRUCTIONS I CAN LOOK INTO AND THE OPERATOR SAID SHE WAS UNABLE TO FIND ANY DOCUMENTATION. SHE ADVISED THAT VW ROADSIDE CAN COME TOW MY VEHICLE TO A DEALERSHIP (THAT WON'T REOPEN UNTIL MONDAY) OR THEY CAN COME TO JUMP-START MY CAR (WHICH CAN TAKE UP TO 45-60 MIN. AFTER DISPATCH). THIS SEEMS A TERRIBLY LONG TIME TO WAIT & A HUGE INCONVENIENCE ESP. SINCE IT ALSO TOOK 30 MIN. JUST TO REACH THE LIVE OPERATOR IN THE FIRST PLACE. I LOVE DRIVING MY PASSAT; I BOUGHT IT BRAND NEW DIRECT FROM THE DEALERSHIP IN 2003. CAR SAFETY IS VERY IMPORTANT TO ME WHICH IS WHY I'M ADAMANT ABOUT FOLLOWING SERVICE GUIDELINES AND BRING MY CAR IN FOR REGULAR MAINTENANCE & OIL CHANGES. I ONLY BRING IT INTO A VW DEALERSHIP SERVICE, NEVER A LOCAL GARAGE MECHANIC. CAN NHTSA PLEASE LOOK INTO BOTH ISSUES: 1. SPORADIC CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WARNING WHILE DRIVING 2. BRAKE LIGHTS REMAINING ON WHILE DRIVING AND AFTER THE CAR IS SHUT OFF. I AM VERY CONCERNED AS BOTH ARE MAJOR CAUSES FOR SAFETY CONCERN, IN ADDITION TO FURTHER EXPENSIVE REPAIRS WHICH MAY BE DEFECTS THAT THE MANUFACTURER SHOULD COVER INSTEAD. THANKS. *NM
Jan 06, 2007
STRUCTURE,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
2 complaints
MY PASSAT HAD TWO PREVIOUS INSTANCES OF WATER LEAKAGE IN THE FLOOR OF THE BACK SEAT, WHERE THE COMPUTER IS HOUSED. THIS RESULTED IN A SHORT-CIRCUIT IN THE CARS COMPUTER IN THE FALL OF 2005, CAUSING THE CAR TO SLOW IN TRAFFIC AND ULTIMATELY STOP WHEN I REACHED DEALERSHIP. MAROONE VOLKSWAGEN OF DELRAY BEACH ADDRESSED THESE TWO INSTANCES UNDER WARRANTY BY FOCUSING ON THE POLLEN FILTER AND POLLEN FILTER CAGING. ON THE THIRD OCCASION, I AGAIN TOOK IT TO MAROONE VOLKSWAGEN ON SEPTEMBER 6, 2006 SINCE THIS SEEMED TO BE ANOTHER RECURRENCE OF THE SAME PROBLEM. DEALER WOULD NOT FIX UNDER WARRANTY. SERVICE ADVISOR SAID COWL HAD A HAIRLINE FRACTURE, WHICH WAS ALLOWING WATER UNDER MY HOOD AND INTO THE CAR. HOWEVER, COWL WAS INTACT ON PREVIOUS VISITS FOR SAME PROBLEM. CONTACTED VW OF AMERICA WHO ACCEPTED DEALERS DIAGNOSIS. THIS IS ESPECIALLY TROUBLING GIVEN THERE IS A WEALTH OF INFORMATION ONLINE POSTED BY PASSAT OWNERS EXPERIENCING THE SAME LEAKAGE PROBLEM THAT I DESCRIBE ABOVE, AND IT IS NOT DUE TO COWL. PLEASE REFER TO AUTOBAHN.COM. *JB
Oct 12, 2006
NOTICED RUST COMING THROUGH THE UPPER AND LOWER MOLDINGS SURROUNDING FRONT DOOR WINDOWS...UNIT STILL UNDER WARRANTY, LESS THAN 2 YRS OFF LOT, BOUGHT BRAND NEW...A 2003 VW PASSAT
May 16, 2005
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
2 complaints
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 5 MPH, THE VEHICLE MADE A CLANGING NOISE WHILE PULLING INTO A GARAGE. WHEN THE BRAKE WAS DEPRESSED, THE PEDAL WENT ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR, AND DID NOT ENGAGE COMPLETELY. THERE WAS NO INDICATION OF A PROBLEM PRIOR TO THE INCIDENT. A PRIVATE REPAIR SHOP WAS CONSULTED, AND DETERMINED THE REAR BRAKES NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE BRAKE PADS WERE REPLACED, THE TIRES WERE ROTATED, AND THE OIL WAS CHANGED. DURING THE SUBSEQUENT TEST DRIVE, THE VEHICLE STALLED COMPLETELY WHILE TRAVELING 25 MPH. A SERVICE DEALER WAS CONSULTED BY THE PRIVATE REPAIR SHOP, AND DETERMINED THAT THE FUEL PUMP HAD FAILED. THE FUEL PUMP WAS REPLACED. THERE WAS A NHTSA RECALL # 06V017000 WHICH PERTAINED TO THE FUEL PUMP. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO THE VIN.
Sep 21, 2006
AT 44,400 MILES AND JUST 4,000 MILES AFTER FUEL PUMP REPLACED THE NEW FUEL PUMP FAILED ON MY 2003 PASSAT WAGON. BOTH INCIDENTS OCCURRED WHILE DRIVING THE CAR ON HIGH TRAFFIC SUBURBAN WASHINGTON DC STREETS. THERE WAS NO WARNING AND CAR CAME TO AN ABRUPT STOP WITHOUT TIME FOR ME TO SIGNAL THE CARS BEHIND ME. THIS IS IN ADDITION TO HAVING TO REPLACE BOTH FRONT AND REAR ROTORS AT ABOUT 20,00 MILES AS WELL AS CONTROL ARMS. THIS SEEMS TO BE AN INORDINATE AMOUNT OF SERVICE IN ONLY 3 YEARS AND 44,000 MILES! *JB
Aug 03, 2006
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,EXTERIOR LIGHTING
2 complaints
2003 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT SW DEVELOPED PROBLEMS REAR BRAKE PADS AND ROTORS.***NO ANSWER REQUIRED***.*MR THE CONSUMER STATED 8,493 MILES LATER THE BRAKES BEGAN TO SQUEAK. THE CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP WHERE IT WAS DISCOVERED THE REAR BRAKE PADS AND ROTORS WERE DAMAGED AGAIN. THE HEAD LIGHT BULB WAS REPLACED.*JB
Aug 30, 2005
CONSUMER DISAPPOINTED IN THE QUALITY AND PERFORMANCE WITH BRAKING SYSTEM ON 2003 PASSAT. *BF THE PROBLEM WAS WITH THE FRONT BRAKE PADS AND ROTORS. THERE WAS ALSO GRINDING IN THE REAR BRAKES. THE RIGHT HEADLIGHT HAD GONE OUT TWICE. *SC *JB
Jan 31, 2005
SEAT BELTS
2 complaints
DRIVER'S SEAT BELT LATCH FAILED AT 4200 MILES. SEAT BELT WOULD NOT BUCKLE. *JB
Apr 04, 2003
ON THE MORNING OF FEBRUARY 25TH, AS I WAS LEAVING HOME AND ATTEMPTED TO BUCKLE THE DRIVER'S SIDE SEATBELT ON A 2003 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT GLS. THE LATCH DID NOT HOLD THE METAL BELT TONGUE. I DROVE DIRECTLY TO THE DEALER WHERE THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED AND LEFT IT FOR REPAIRS. WHEN ARRIVING TO PICK UP THE VEHICLE LATE IN THE AFTERNOON, I WAS ADVISED THE REPAIRS WERE NOT COMPLETED DUE TO THE NEED TO ORDER A PART, WHICH WAS TO ARRIVE IN 4-7 DAYS. WHEN ASKING FOR A REPLACEMENT VEHICLE, THE RESPONSE WAS NEGATIVE AND THEY SEEMED UNCONCERNED WITH THE FACT A CRITICAL SAFETY FEATURE WAS NOT OPERABLE. MY HOME STATE, TENNESSEE, HAS A LAW CLEARLY REQUIRING SEATBELT USE, AND I AM A FIRM BELIEVER IN THE ABILITY OF A SEATBELT TO REDUCE THE PORTENTIAL OF A CRITICAL INJURY OR DEATH. THIS IS CONFIRMED BY YOUR AGENCY AND BY THE OWNER'S MANUAL PROVIDED BY VOLKSWAGEN. AT THIS POINT, I AM USING THE BUCKLE ON THE PASSENGER SIDE, WHICH CAUSED THE BELT TO RIDE JUST BELOW MY NECK AND OBSTRUCTS MY ARM WHEN SHIFTS THE MANUAL TRANSMISSION.*JB IT APPEARS THE SEATBELT LATCH SERIOUSLY LACKS QUALITY AND IS POORLY CONSTRUCTED. CONSIDERING THE LATCH HAS NOT BEEN ABUSED, HAS NEVER BEEN INVOLVED IN A ACCIDENT AND THERE IS NO VISIBLE SIGN OF EXTERNAL DAMAGE, IT COULD EASILY BE CONCLUDED TO EITHER POOR WORKMANSHIP OR MATERIALS. IN ADDITION, CONSIDERING THIS FAILURE OCCURRED UNDER NORMAL USE AND WITH LIMITED MILES (8,899) ON THE VEHICLE, IT IS ALARMING TO CONSIDER WHAT COULD HAVE BEEN THE RESULTS IF THE FAILURE BECAME EVIDENT IN AN ACCIDENT. *JB
Feb 25, 2003
SUSPENSION,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
1 complaint
Vehicle has major fuel pump issue, currently at 132,000 and noticing loss of power, car shaking, and occasional stall. A code reader is unable able to detect the issue which is a major concern. I have contacted the volkswagen Manufacturer and I consistently keep getting ignored after bringing up the recall that was put out for the fuel pump. While driving on the highway my rear and front suspension failed and dropped suddenly while moving slowly during traffic. I whave only been able to repair the front shocks and struts so far, but the rear are needed as well. I would like to state that all the parts are original manufacturer parts.
Dec 28, 2022
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
1 complaint
I PURCHASED A USED 2003 VW PASSAT FROM A PRIVATE DEALER DROVE THE CAR FIVE MONTHS AND THE TIMING BELT CAME OFF WHILE I WAS DRIVING. I ALMOST GOT INTO AN ACCIDENT BUT AVOIDED IT. THIS PARTICULAR VEHICLE AND ONES LIKE IT WAS RECALLED IN 3/7/2014 FOR ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING ENGINE PROBLEMS THAT CAUSES THE TIMING BELT TO COME OFF WHILE DRIVING. RECALL: 14E007000 BECAUSE OF THE TIMING BELT FAILURE. I CONTACTED A VW DEALERSHIP AND THEY SAID THE RECALL DIDN'T APPLY TO MY CAR. I FIND THAT INSULTING CONSIDER ING WHAT I JUST EXPERIENCED.
May 13, 2021
AIR BAGS,SERVICE BRAKES,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
1 complaint
THIS CAR ONLY HAS 65000 ORIGINAL ONE OWNER MILES AND HAS EXPERIENCED ALL & MORE OF THE CURRENT RECALLS WITH SAME MODEL YR, VW LOCAL DEALERSHIPS (2) REFUSE TO ACKNOWLEDGE THE PROBLEMS (ONE EVEN TRIED TO DOUBLE CHARGE ME FOR BOSCH ABS PART LAST YEAR BEFORE THE RECALL TO FIX) AND NUMEROUS EMAILS TO VW HAVE GONE UNANSWERED. MOST RECENT ISSUES IN LAST 1.5YRS HAVE BEEN FUEL PUMP WENT OUT AND I PAID TO REPLACE (DEALER SCAMMED US BY THROWING OUT DEAD BRAND NEW AAA STAMPED AND WARRANTED BATTERY, THEY SD WE NEEDED NEW ONE AND OLD ONE ALREADY PICKED UP FROM DEALER TO EXPOSE OF, CHARGED $200 FOR THAT AS WELL. I PAID FOR THE ABS LIGHT REPAIR WHICH I HAVE PAID AND DIAGNOSED NUMEROUS TIMES FOR LAST 10YRS TO FIX AND FINALLY JUST PAID THE OVER $1000. TO GET IT FIXED FOR SAFETY REASONS. 9 MONTHS AGO REAR BRAKE LIGHTS WOULD COME ON RANDOMLY WHEN PARKED AND LOCKED KILLING THE BATTERY. I WOULD DRIVE IT TO CHARGE IT UP BUT SINCE IT IS A CAR WE DON'T DRIVE OFTEN OR FAR, IT CONTINUED TO DO THE SAME FOR A FEW WEEKS UNTIL IT DAWNED ON ME THAT THE SEAT WARMER ON THOSE CARS COULD LEAVE AN OPEN CURRENT, TURNED THAT OFF, GOOD FOR A FEW WEEKS, THEN FOUND OUT SAME FOR THE TRUNK LIGHT, UNPLUGGED AND CAPPED THAT AND IT IS FAR BETTER, BUT SOMETHING STILL. AFTER READING ONLINE VW PASSAT FORUMS AND RECALLS I KNOW 2 DEALERSHIPS SD THEY PERFORMED THE BRAKE LIGHT SENSOR RECALL, BUT WAS IT TRULY DONE AND CAUSING THE ISSUE...ANSWER IS NO, VW DEALERS 2X AFTER CHECKING AND BILLING VW FOR THE REPAIR FALSIFIED DOING THE RECALL. I KNOW BECAUSE I CHECKED IT AND THE PART IS ORIGINAL FROM 2002 STAMPED ON IT AND I REPLACED IT AND HAVE IT ALONG WITH MOST ALL OTHER RECEIPTS FROM 2003 TO TODAY. FEB 11, 2019 I OPENED A CASE AND SUPPOSED FORMAL INVESTIGATION WITH VW CORPORATE CUSTOMER CARE (VERY NICE PEOPLE), LIED LIKE THE REST OF THE COMPANY AND NEVER HEARD A WORD... +++18 VW AND AUDIS PERSONALLY, SINCE 1991...DONE!
Nov 19, 2019
ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
1 complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT HOLD FUEL AND THE TANK HAD TO CONSTANTLY BE REFILLED. ALSO, THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO ELLIS MOTORCARS INC (2235 E SOUTH BLVD, MONTGOMERY, AL 36116, (334) 280-1021) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE COOLANT SYSTEM AND THE TIMING CHAIN NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 78,000.
Feb 04, 2019
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ENGINE
1 complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. WHILE PULLING OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY, THE CONTACT STATED THAT COOLANT WAS LEAKING FROM THE VEHICLE. THE LOW COOLANT WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AND AN ABNORMAL BEEPING SOUND WAS HEARD WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE COOLANT LEAK WAS DUE TO AN ENGINE FAILURE THAT WAS NOT REPAIRABLE. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING OR REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 124,675. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Jun 07, 2018
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
1 complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT IT TOOK MULTIPLE ATTEMPTS FOR THE VEHICLE TO BECOME OPERABLE EVEN WHEN THE STARTER WAS ENGAGED. THE VEHICLE ALSO EXPERIENCED AN INTERIOR WATER LEAK AND THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR LATCH WOULD NOT PROPERLY LATCH. IN ADDITION, THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED A COMPLETE LOSS OF ENGINE POWER AND THE CHECK ENGINE, BRAKE, AND VARIOUS OTHER WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED AS A SOFTWARE FAILURE, AND THE IGNITION COIL SPRINGS WERE DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE IGNITION COIL SPRINGS WERE REPLACE HOWEVER THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER AND DEALER WERE NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 190,000.
Mar 07, 2018
POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES
1 complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE VEHICLE JERKED AND STALLED. THE VEHICLE INADVERTENTLY SHIFTED IN REVERSE AND THE BRAKES STOPPED WORKING. THE CONTACT HAD TO APPLY THE PARKING BRAKE. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE GEAR SHIFTER WAS STUCK IN PARK. ALSO, THE CHECK ENGINE, TIRE PRESSURE, AND EPC INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO HERITAGE VOLKSWAGEN OF SOUTH ATLANTA AT (678) 263-3711 (4305 JONESBORO RD, UNION CITY, GA 30291) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE IGNITION CONTROL MODULE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND CONFIRMED THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS ASSOCIATED WITH THE VIN. THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED TO CALL NHTSA. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 172,000.
Dec 01, 2017
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC),FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
1 complaint
WHILE DRIVING THE CAR POWER CUTS OFF AND STOPS IN TRAFFIC. HAVE TO RESTART. IT IS DANGEROUS THAT THE CAR JUST STOPS IN TRAFFIC. THE BATTERY CONTINUES TO DRAIN EVEN AFTER TOTALLY RECHARGING THE BATTERY. AFTER A COMPLETE BATTERY RECHARGE AND STARTING THE CAR EVERY DAY, THE BATTERY STILL DRAINS AGAIN AFTER ABOUT A WEEK. THIS STARTED HAPPENING IN JUNE 2016 AND I HAVE ONLY DRIVEN THE CAR ABOUT 30 TOTAL MILES BECAUSE AFRAID IT IS GOING TO SHUT DOWN WHILE DRIVING IN TRAFFIC. RECENTLY, I RECEIVED A RECALL FOR THIS PROBLEM FOR MY 2016 VOLKSWAGEN CC BUT I AM NOT HAVING THE PROBLEM WITH THE CC. I AM HAVING THE DESCRIBED RECALL PROBLEM WITH MY 2003 PASSAT BUT DID NOT RECEIVE A RECALL NOTIFICATION FOR IT. I AM THE ORIGINAL OWNER AND MY PASSAT NEEDS THIS REPAIR.
Oct 25, 2017
UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE
1 complaint
IGNITION COILS KEEP FAILING. JUST REPLACED IN FEBRUARY AGAIN IN MAY AND WILL HAVE TO AGAIN HERE ANY DAY.
Jun 13, 2017
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,ENGINE
1 complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS. THE FAILURE WAS EXPERIENCED NUMEROUS TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO PERFORMED DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE ENGINE OXYGEN SENSOR, COIL SPRING, SPARKS PLUGS, AND WIRES WERE REPLACED; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE WAS NOT CORRECTED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TAIL LIGHTS ALSO FAILED. THE TAIL LIGHTS WERE NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000.
Nov 18, 2015
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING
1 complaint
DRIVING AT NIGHT, 65MPH, INTERSTATE HWY. LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS WENT OUT. HIGH BEAMS DID WORK. REPLACED BOTH HEADLIGHT BULBS. DID NOT FIX. COST $95. REPLACE HEADLIGHT RELAY. DID NOT FIX. COST IN EXCESS OF $200. RECALL FOR LATER YEAR PASSAT FOR SAME PROBLEM CAUSED BY "HOOD SLAM?"
Nov 04, 2015
STRUCTURE,ENGINE
1 complaint
I HAVE HAD MY 2003 VW PASSAT A YEAR NOW I HAVE JUST NOTICED IN THE PAST WEEK THAT IT HAD A LEAK I THOUGHT IT WAS FROM THE WINDOW OR SUN ROOF I WENT TO VACUUM THE CAR OUT ON A NICE DAY AND SEEN THAT IT STILL HAD VERY WET CARPET AND THEN NOTICED THE CARPET WAS A GREEN COLOR LIKE IT WAS COOLANT I THEN HAD MY BF CHECK IT AND IT IS. I RUN A DAYCARE AND USE THIS CAR DAILY WITH MY CHILDREN WE HAVE BEEN BREATHING IN THIS COOLANT FOR WEEKS NOW AND THAT PROBABLY EXPLAINS MY DAUGHTER SAYING SHE GETS HEADACHES WHEN WE DRIVE THE CAR. I HAVE DONE SOME RESEARCH AND SEE IT IS A VERY COMMON AND RECALLED THING WITH THE HEATER CORE AND I HAD NO IDEA I HOPE US BREATHING THIS IN HASN'T DONE ANY DAMAGE I HAVE A ONE YEAR OLD WHO HAS BEEN IN IT THIS WHOLE TIME AS WELL.IM VERY UNPLEASED WITH THIS CAR. *TR
Apr 23, 2015
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
1 complaint
AFTER A COUPLE ATTEMPTS TO START THE VEHICLE THE ENGINE TURNS OVER AND RUNS FOR 2-3 SECONDS THEN DIES. THIS HAPPENS MULTIPLE TIMES BEFORE FULLY STARTING UP AND IS ABLE TO BE DRIVEN. WHILE OUT OF GEAR AND CAR IS RUNNING, PRESSING ON THE ACCELERATION DOES NOTHING. CAR IS ABLE TO BE DRIVEN SHORT DISTANCES BUT STALLED AT ONE POINT GOING APPROX. 5 MPH. I WAS TOLD MY SPECIFIC VIN # IS NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY FOR FUEL PUMP/SYSTEM MALFUNCTIONS. IF THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE OF 2003 PASSAT'S ALREADY WHY WOULD SOME NOT BE COVERED? *TR
Mar 16, 2015
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER
1 complaint
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 08V156000 "FUEL TANK VENTILATION VALVE (4MOTION/ALL WHEEL DRIVE ONLY) THAT CAN LEAK DUE TO FRACTURE." NHTSA ACTION NUMBER: PE08008 THE CAR IS OOZING GASOLINE FROM TOP LEFT (DRIVER'S) SIDE OF GAS TANK. THERE IS A STRONG SMELL OF GASOLINE INSIDE AND OUTSIDE (OUTSIDE DUE TO A GAS PUDDLE). VW DEALER (VW DOWNTOWN LOS ANGELES) REFUSES TO GRANT THE REPAIR, ASKING FOR $140 INSPECTION FEE. VWOA REPRESENTATIVE SITES THE RECALL PERFORMED IN 2009. THE RECALL ( PE08008 ) ISSUED HAS 2 PARTS: 1) UNDERBODY HEAT SHIELD INSTALLATION. 2) "DEALERS WILL ALSO INSPECT AND ADJUST THE FUEL LINE ROUTING ON 1.8T VEHICLES AND THE FUEL TANK VENTILATION VALVE ON 4MOTION/ALL WHEEL DRIVE VEHICLES, AND REPLACE COMPONENTS IF NECESSARY FREE OF CHARGE." I SUSPECT THE SECOND PART WAS NOT FULFILLED, GIVEN THE EXACT NATURE OF MECHANIC FAILURE DESCRIBED. *TR
Mar 05, 2015
POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,STRUCTURE,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
1 complaint
CAR WAS CONSTANTLY GETTING THE PASSENGER SIDE (FRONT AND BACK) FLOODED W WATER DURING A RAIN STORM. HAD TO GET NEW BATTERY CLEANED OUT SUNROOF DRAINAGE. IT DIDN'T MATTER. WHENEVER IT RAINED THE BATTERY WOULD BE DEAD BECAUSE THE CONTROL MODULE WHICH IS THERE IS ALL MESSED UP SENDING MIXED MESSAGES. FINELY JUST DIED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD. NOT WORTH PUTTING MONEY INTO THE CAR. I PURCHASED THIS CAR LESS THEN A YEAR AGO AND HAD THIS PROBLEM AFTER THE FIRST RAIN AND WENT DOWN FROM THEIR. IM SO DISAPPOINTED HOPING BUYING A USED VW I WAS GOING TO BE SATISFIED BUT HAD NOTHING TROUBLE FROM DAY ONE. *TR
Jul 17, 2014
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,ENGINE
1 complaint
SINCE AFTER THE DAY ONE OF THE PURCHASE MY CAR STARTED SHAKING, VIBRATING. I HAD TO HAVE COILS REPLACED. THE CAR STARTED RUNNING FOR 2 WEEKS THEN WHEN I WAS IN THE TRAFFIC IT STARTED SHAKING THEN STALLED. I WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER IN THE PARKING LOT. I HAD WIRING HARNESS AND COILS REPLACED AGAIN THIS TIME. THE CAR HAD STARTUP ISSUES AND THEN MECHANIC REPLACED CAMSHAFT SENSOR. AFTER 3 WEEKS SAME PROBLEM!!!! I WAS ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD HAD TO BE TOWED. CHANGED SPARK PLUGS AND COILS BUT AFTER 2 MONTHS OH MY GOODNESS SAME PROBLEM NOW THEY THINK ECU IS FRIED COILS ARE BAD MAYBE FUEL PUMP NO ONE IS ABLE TO FIGURE OUT AND I CANT SPEND ANY MORE THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS ON A CAR IM STILL FINANCING. VERY DISAPPOINTED! I DON'T FEEL SAFE AT ALL ON THE ROAD AND IM SCARED TO CAUSE AN ACCIDENT BECAUSE OF THE STALLS ON THE ROAD. PLEASE HELP! FEEL VERY UNSAFE! *TR
Apr 03, 2014
STEERING,SUSPENSION,SERVICE BRAKES
1 complaint
I TOOK MY CAR TO VOLKSWAGEN DEALERSHIP TO FIND OUT WHY MY BRAKE LIGHT WAS ON AND WHY MY BRAKES WOULD FLUTTER AT TIMES WHEN USING THEM. I GOT ESTIMATE THAT MY BRAKE RESERVOIR WAS BAD AND THE SENSOR THAT IT WOULD BE OKAY TO DRIVE TILL I GOT FIXED IN A WEEK. I FAXED MY WARRANTY PAPERS TO DEALERSHIP TO FIND OUT TO SEE WHAT WAS COVERED..ON SATURDAY 5 DAYS LATER WHEN I WAS DRIVING 35 MILES AN HOUR TRIED TO STOP AND BRAKE PEDAL WENT TO FLOOR HAD NOTHING TO STOP ME BUT THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME. I WAS ISSUED A TICKET HAD MY CAR TOWED AND I. AM HAVING HEADACHES AND NECK PAIN WHICH I'M GETTING TREATED..I DON'T FEEL AS IF THAT CAR WAS SAFE TO NE DRIVING.. *TR
Mar 19, 2014
STEERING,WHEELS
1 complaint
ON FRIDAY, JANUARY 10, 2014 I WAS ON MY WAY HOME ON BRADDOCK ROAD. IT WAS A RAINY DARK NIGHT AND SO THE TRAFFIC WAS MOVING AT LESS THAN THE SPEED LIMIT. AS I CAME ROUND THE BEND JUST PAST T.J. HIGH SCHOOL, I WENT OVER A DEEP POTHOLE THAT CAUSED DAMAGE TO MY CAR. MY STEERING WHEEL BEGAN TO RATTLE AND SHAKE AND I KNEW MY CAR WAS DAMAGED. I MANAGED TO GET HOME AND MY HUSBAND DECIDED WE NEEDED TO HAVE THE CAR CHECKED. THE MECHANIC AT VOLKS WERKS DISCOVERED THAT THE LEFT FRONT RIM WAS DAMAGED AND THE WHEEL ALIGNMENT WAS OFF. AFTER ALL THE WORKS WAS DONE TO GET MY CAR IN WORKING CONDITION IT COST US $997. THE POTHOLE WAS RECENTLY FILLED BECAUSE IT WAS A ROAD HAZARD. I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW HOW VA DOT CAN HELP US WITH THIS LARGE BILL. I AM WILLING TO PROVIDE YOU WITH THE NECESSARY DOCUMENTATION OR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION IF REQUESTED. THANK YOU. *TR
Jan 25, 2014
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC),SERVICE BRAKES
1 complaint
ABS MODULE FAILURE, ABS LIGHT ON BRAKE LIGHT BLINKING AND THEN ASR LIGHT ON, HAPPENS RANDOMLY, NO SPECIFIC REASON, DRY WEATHER, HUMID, DAY OR NIGHT. STILL COMES ON RANDOMLY, NO SPEEDING, PROBLEM GOES AWAY WHEN CAR IS TURNED OFF. *TR
May 23, 2013
POWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
1 complaint
ON OR ABOUT FEB. 1, 2013, I STARTED MY MANUAL-TRANSMISSION 2003 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT GLS (V6) AND SHIFTED INTO REVERSE TO BACK OUT OF MY DRIVEWAY. AS SOON AS I TOOK MY FOOT OFF THE BRAKE, THE CAR LURCHED BACKWARD EVEN THOUGH I WAS NOT DEPRESSING THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL. I QUICKLY SHIFTED INTO NEUTRAL, ENGAGED THE PARKING BRAKE AND TURNED OFF THE IGNITION. WHEN I TRIED TO RESTART THE CAR, IT WOULD NOT START AND DID NOT START UNTIL ABOUT AN HOUR LATER. MY FIRST THOUGHT WAS THAT THE ACCELERATOR COULD HAVE BECOME LODGED UNDER THE FLOORMAT, BUT THAT WAS NOT THE CASE; NOR WAS IT THE CASE IN AT LEAST FOUR OTHER SIMILAR INCIDENTS. TWO OF THESE INCIDENTS TOOK PLACE AS I WAS DRIVING AT A LOW SPEED IN A RESIDENTIAL AREA. FORTUNATELY, THERE WERE NO PEDESTRIANS OR OTHER CARS AROUND ME AND I HAD THE PRESENCE OF MIND TO RECOGNIZE THE ISSUE, SHIFT INTO NEUTRAL AND PARK THE CAR. HOWEVER, I FEAR WHAT COULD HAPPEN IF THIS INCIDENT RECURRED WHEN I WAS AT AN INTERSECTION, RAILROAD CROSSING OR CROSSWALK. DESPITE REPEATED ATTEMPTS, MY MECHANIC HAS BEEN UNABLE TO REPLICATE THE INCIDENT OR IDENTIFY THE CAUSE. *TR
Apr 03, 2013
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
1 complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH, THE CONTACT NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD AND POURING INSIDE THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT FOUND WATER AND COOLANT LEAKING FROM THE DASHBOARD AND ONTO THE DRIVER'S SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS ALSO OVERHEATING. AFTER EXITING THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT NOTICED FLAMES COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE HOWEVER, THE CONTACT SUSTAINED BURNS TO HER LEGS DUE TO THE HOT LEAKING COOLANT. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE ENGINE BLEW AND THE INSTRUMENT PANEL CLUSTER WAS DAMAGED. THE CONTACT WAS UNAWARE OF WHAT CAUSED THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 174,256.
Oct 02, 2012
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
1 complaint
FUEL TANK VENTILATION VALVE IS CRACKED AND LEAKING ON 2003 VW PASSAT 4MOTION/AWD (UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN # 08V156000). CONTACTED MULTIPLE DEALERS AND VW DIRECTLY AND DEALERSHIP/VW WILL NOT REPLACE FUEL TANK UNDER RECALL. BOTH STATED THIS RECALL WAS COMPLETED IN 2009 HOWEVER WORK COMPLETED WAS ONLY ONE PART OF THE RECALL THAT INCLUDED ADDING ADDITIONAL HEAT SHIELDS. VW CUSTOMER CARE STATED VEHICLE WAS OUT OF WARRANTY AND THEY COULD NOT ASSIST. CUSTOMER OBJECTED STATING THIS IS A SAFETY CONCERN NOT A WARRANTY ISSUE. *TR *JS
Sep 13, 2012
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC),ENGINE
1 complaint
I WAS DRIVING 45MILES ON THE ROAD WHEN MY 2003 VW PASSAT 1.8T STARTED TO SHAKE LIKE CRAZY. THEN THE ENGINE STARTED TO FEEL LIKE IT WAS GOING OUT..SMOKE CAME FROM MY HOOD. MY CAR STOPPED AND THE DRIVER BEHIND ME SWERVED OUT THE WAY BUT CLIPPED ME ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF MY VEHICLE. NO DAMAGE TO THE CAR OR MY OWN. *TR
Aug 30, 2012
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
1 complaint
FUEL SUPPLY LINE BEGAN LEAKING AT MOUNTING POINT ON FIREWALL ABOVE CATALYTIC CONVERTER. BREAK/CRACK IN LINE WAS SIGNIFICANT AND POSED A HIGH PROBABILITY OF FIRE, AS ANY FUEL LEAK, BUT SUBSTANTIALLY MORE SO DUE TO THE LOCATION ABOVE THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER. *TR
Jul 14, 2012
SUSPENSION,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
1 complaint
I HAVE A 2003 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT WITH 77,650 MILES WITH PROBLEMS WITH THE OILPUMP AND ENGINE PROBLEMS THAT IS UNKNOWN. THE AUTOMOBILE WILL STALL NOT START IT HASN'T BEEN DRIVEN IN OVER 6 MONTHS DUE TO THE RATTLING NOISE IN THE ENGINE AND I BELIEVE SLUGGED IS BUILD UP IN THE ENGINE BUT SINCE THEN I HAVE REPLACED TWO OILPUMPS IN THE VEHICLE AND THE SENSORS. ENGINE OIL PRESSURE FAILURE AND DEFECTIVE COILS ON EACH CYLINDER. *TR
Sep 09, 2011
POWER TRAIN,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
DUE TO A DESIGN FLAW WITH ALL PASSATS 1998 AND UP THEY ARE PRONE TO HAVING MAJOR FAILURE OF TCM TRANSMISSION CONTROL MODULE AS IN CASES OF HEAVY RAIN WATER WILL LEAK INTO PASSENGER FLOOR AREA AND FILL THE TCM WITH WATER HENCE LOCKING TRANSMISSION INTO PARK AND NO LONGER ALLOWING VEHICLE TO BE SHIFTED...
Mar 05, 2011
AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS
1 complaint
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT ANOTHER VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE FRONT END OF HER VEHICLE AND THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. SHE ALSO MENTIONED THAT THE SEATBELTS DID NOT RETRACT ON IMPACT. AS A RESULT, HER HEAD HIT THE STEERING WHEEL, CAUSING A CONCUSSION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 86,000. UPDATED 4/11/2011 *CN THE CONSUMER ALSO STATED THE SEAT BELTS DID NOT LOCK IN TO PLACE. UPDATED 04/22/11
Feb 22, 2011
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC),TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM
1 complaint
AT AROUND 85,000 MILES ABS/TRACTION CONTROL LIGHTS TURNED ON AND PARKING BRAKE LIGHT STARTED FLASHING. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP AND WAS TOLD THAT THE ABS MODULE FAULTED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *TR
Jan 13, 2011
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1 complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL BECAME STUCK IN THE DEPRESSED POSITION. THE VEHICLE WAS PULLED OVER AND SHUT OFF. UPON RESTARTING, THE VEHICLE OPERATED AS NORMAL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THEY WERE UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE AND THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE RECURRED INTERMITTENTLY. IN ADDITION, WHEN DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH THE OIL PRESSURE LIGHT BEGAN ILLUMINATING ON THE DASHBOARD. THE VEHICLE WAS PULLED OVER AND TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE PERSISTED SO THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE HEAD GASKET WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS IN THE PROCESS OF BEING REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 96,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 105,000.
Oct 27, 2010
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VISIBILITY,STRUCTURE
1 complaint
I PURCHASED AN 03 VW PASSAT FROM A VW DEALER AS A CERTIFIED PRE-OWNED VEHICLE BACK IN 2/07. WITHIN THE FIRST WEEK OF PURCHASE I HAD BRAKE PROBLEMS. THE NEXT COUPLE YEARS WERE FOLLOWED BY VALVE COVER LEAKS, ENGINE LEAKS, AUTO WINDOW PROBLEMS, BATTERY PROBLEMS, RECALL ISSUES, WATER INTRUSION ISSUES, IGNITION COIL RECALL AND THE LIST GOES ON. AFTER A WATER INTRUSION JUST DAYS AFTER THE REPLACEMENT OF FAULTY IGNITION COILS I CONTACTED THE MANUFACTURE NOTIFYING THEM OF THE PROBLEMS. THE MANUFACTURE HAD HELD THEIR FOOT TO THE GROUND THAT MY CAR IS OUT OF WARRANTY (THAT I WAS TOLD AT TIME OF SALE I DID NOT HAVE) AND SO THEY ARE ABLE TO DO NOTHING ABOUT ANY OF THE PROBLEMS WITH THIS VEHICLE. HOWEVER AS IT STANDS I HAVE NEARLY $3000 IN REPAIRS NEEDED TO THIS VEHICLE. NOT TO MENTION THE WATER LEAK/DAMAGE FROM WHAT I UNDERSTAND MAY ACTUALLY MEAN MY VEHICLE IS CONSIDERED A TOTAL LOSS AT THIS POINT. I HAVE EXPRESSED TO THE MANUFACTURE THAT I AM CONCERNED FOR THE SAFETY OF MYSELF BUT MY SMALL CHILDREN AS WELL EVER TIME WE ARE IN THIS VEHICLE. AMONG THE SEVERAL THINGS THAT ARE POTENTIAL TO OCCUR WHILE I AM DRIVING I ALSO WORRY ABOUT THE POTENTIAL FOR MOLD EXPOSURE FROM THE WATER DAMAGE. DUE TO COST I AM UNABLE TO GET ANY OF THIS CORRECTED AND CAN NOT AFFORD TO GO THRU MY INSURANCE ONLY TO BE TOLD THAT IT IS A MANUFACTURE ISSUE AND SO I AM STUCK. I FEEL THAT AT THIS POINT I AM DRIVING AROUND IN A SAFETY HAZARD AND DON'T KNOW WHAT TO DO. EVERY TIME I RECEIVE A REPLAY FROM ANYONE I JUST END UP BACK AT THE SAME PLACE....CONTACT THE BBB, ETC. I AM GETTING NO WHERE AND DON'T KNOW WHAT TO DO THEREFORE AM LOOKING INTO ANY AND ALL RESOURCES SO ANY INFORMATION WOULD BE USEFUL. THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME. *TR
May 13, 2010
STEERING,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
1 complaint
INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6) 2003, VW, PASSAT: A.)TIE ROD AND B.)BRAKE VACUUM VIN: [XXX] 2006 VW RECALLS 06V472000 & 05V540000 ARE SUSPICIOUSLY THE SAME PROBLEM AS MY 2003 PASSAT. LAST TRIP TO SERVICE DEPT REVEALED BOTH PROBLEMS. THERE HAS BEEN NO ACCIDENT OR INJURY TO DATE. *TR
Apr 07, 2010
SUSPENSION,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
1 complaint
2003 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT FIRE*CW THE CONSUMER STATED WHILE DRIVING A LIGHT BLINKED ON THE DASHBOARD. ACCORDING TO THE OWNER'S MANUAL, IT WAS A LIGHT FOR THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER. WHEN THE CONSUMER ARRIVED TO THE DEALER, THE LIGHT WENT OUT, AND THEY COULD NOT FIND A PROBLEM. THE LIGHT RETURNED SHORTLY THEREAFTER AND STAYED ON. THE DEALER REPAIRED THE LIGHT. THE BALL JOINTS FAILED, BUT THEY WERE NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. SOON, THE LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE DASHBOARD AGAIN, THAT WAS SUPPOSED TO HAVE BEEN FIXED BY THE DEALER EARLIER IN THE YEAR. THE CONSUMER CONTINUED DRIVING, WHEN SUDDENLY ANOTHER MOTORIST INFORMED HER THE VEHICLE WAS ON FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT STATED THE FIRE WAS CAUSED BY THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER. THE CONSUMER'S INSURANCE AGENT CONTACTED HER AND ADVISED HER VOLKSWAGEN WAS COVERING ALL THE COST RELATED TO THE INCIDENT, BECAUSE THE FIRE WAS A RESULT OF A RECALL THAT HAD NOT BEEN TAKEN CARE OF BY THE AUTHORIZED DEALER FROM WHERE THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED. *JB
Apr 01, 2010
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1 complaint
RECALLED VW COIL FAILURE. *TR
Feb 04, 2010
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VISIBILITY,STRUCTURE
1 complaint
POLLEN FILTER AND/ OR SUNROOF DRAINS BECOME BLOCKED AND WATER LEAKS BEHIND BATTERY AND INTO CABIN OF CAR. THE WATER THEN POOLS UNDER AND BEHIND THE DRIVERS SEAT WHERE THE CONVENIENCE MODULE IS STORED. I AM CONCERNED BECAUSE IT CAUSED MY CAR TO BE UNABLE TO START BECAUSE IT IS AFFECTING THE ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS OF THE CAR. IN ADDITION, THE POOLING UNDER THE DRIVERS SEAT IS TROUBLING SINCE IT IS A HUB FOR INTERIOR ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT. THE CONVENIENCE MODULE IN MY CAR NOW HAS TO BE REPLACED. *TR
Jul 01, 2009
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN,EQUIPMENT
1 complaint
PURCHASE CAR IN FL, NOW LIVE IN IOWA DUE TO JOB TRANSFER. A/C UNIT CONTINUES TO NOT BLOW COLD AIR IN A DEPENDABLE METHOD. HAVE TO SHUT OFF VEHICLE AND RESTART TO SOMETIMES GET IT STARTED AGAIN. NOW TORQUE CONVERTER LIGHT CAME ON JUST AFTER POWERTRAIN WARRANTY EXPIRED 1 MONTH OUTSIDE OF WARRANTY. GOT IN CONTACT WITH VW OF AMERICA. WOULD NOT ASIST, BUT INSTEAD SENT $2,000 GOOD FAITH VOUCHER TOWARDS TO PURCHASE OF A NEW VEHICLE TO MAKE AN ATTEMPT TO HELP ME WITH THE PROBLEMS. PLEASE HELP. *TR
Mar 29, 2009
SERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRIC
1 complaint
ABS CONTROL MODULE FOR A 2003 VW PASSAT. *TR
Mar 05, 2009
STEERING,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN,STRUCTURE
1 complaint
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT A NEW PAIR OF RARE BRAKES FAILED ON HER VEHICLE AFTER 14,952 MILES. SHE USUALLY GETS OVER 36,000 MILES ON A PAIR OF BRAKES. SHE STATED THAT THE BRAKE PADS FAILED AND DAMAGED THE ROTORS. THE CONTACT FEELS THAT THE PADS ARE DEFECTIVE AND SHOULD HAVE LASTED LONGER THAN 14,000 MILES. SHE ALSO FEELS THAT THE DEALER SHOULD COVER THE COST OF THE NEW PADS. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 95,100. UPDATED 04/21/09. *LJ THE SERPENTINE BELT WAS CRACKED, THE POWER STEERING FLUID WAS LOW, THE VC BOOT AND HOOD STRUT WAS REPLACED.. UPDATED 04/21/09.*JB
Feb 13, 2009
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,AIR BAGS,LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES,INTERIOR LIGHTING,EQUIPMENT
1 complaint
BRAKE FAILURE LIGHT APPEARS EVEN AFTER MULTIPLE BRAKE REPAIRS. DRIVER?S SIDE REAR UPPER BRAKE LIGHT REPLACED FOR 29TH TIME IN LESS THAN 2 YRS. MULTIPLE COOLANT LEAKS STILL PRESENT EVEN AFTER REPAIR AND WATER PUMP REPLACEMENT. RADIO/AMPLIFIER NOT FUNCTIONING EVEN AFTER REPLACEMENT (RADIO WAS ONLY USED TWICE IN VEHICLE?S LIFETIME). DIAGNOSTICS SHOW AIRBAG MALFUNCTION. REGULATOR PIN ON REAR PASSENGER SIDE WINDOW KEEPS BREAKING (3RD REPLACEMENT SINCE 2003). ENGINE COVER BELOW CAR KEEPS FALLING OFF DUE TO RUSTED BOLTS. HOMELINK SYSTEM KEEPS MALFUNCTIONING. FUSES KEEP BLOWING OUT. DASHBOARD PANEL LIGHTS OUT (ODOMETER, FUEL GAUGE, ETC.). CCM MODULE KEEPS BREAKING DOWN. CAR NEEDS TO BE JUMPSTARTED WHEN NOT IN USE FOR OVER 48 HRS. CLIMATE CONTROL (A/C AND HEATER) WORKS ONLY SPORADICALLY. ALL REPAIRS PERFORMED BY VW DEALERSHIP, YET SAME ISSUES KEEP REAPPEARING JUST A FEW WEEKS AFTER REPAIRS. REPAIRS PERFORMED IN PAST 2 YEARS: ECU UNIT REPLACED, BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH REPLACED 3 TIMES, A/C COMPRESSOR UNIT REPLACED, ABS MODULE REPLACED, ALTERNATOR REPLACED, BRAKES REPLACED 3 TIMES. *TR
Jan 27, 2009
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,STRUCTURE,EQUIPMENT
1 complaint
THIS CAR WAS NEVER INSPECTED FOR RECALLS, OR SAFETY ISSUES. THE MOMENT THE CAR WAS HANDED TO US THE BATTERY DIED. THE DEALERSHIP QUICKLY CHANGE THE BATTERY. THE CAR WAS HESITATING ON ACCELERATION EVER SINCE. IT WAS ON JULY 27 2008 THAT FINALLY THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. TOOK THE CAR TO A GARAGE AND IT HAS COAST US 270 DOLLARS TO FIX IT SO FAR. WE HAVE NOT HAD THIS CAR FOR MORE THAN A MONTH. THERE ARE TWO RECALLS ON THIS CAR THAT WERE NEVER LOOK AT OR FIXED BY PRECISION TOYOTA OF TUCSON . ONE OF THESE RECALLS CAN CAUSE FIRE. *TR
Jul 28, 2008
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,VISIBILITY
1 complaint
2003 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT WITH RECALL FOR FAULTY SEAL AND HEAT SHIELD. CONSUMER HAD THE PROBLEM REPAIRED AND THEN RECEIVED THE RECALLS. HE WOULD LIKE REIMBURSEMENT FOR THESE REPAIRS. *KB THE CONSUMER STATED THERE WAS A BURNING SMELL COMING FROM THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER DISCOVERED OIL LEAKING FROM THE VALVE COVER AND CLEANED IT. THE SUNROOF TUBES AND DRAIN PLUG WERE REPLACED. *JB
Jul 03, 2008
POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,STRUCTURE
1 complaint
MY 2003 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT IS HOLDING 6INCHES OR MORE OF WATER ON THE PASSENGER SIDE IN THE FLOOR BOARD AND HAS SHORTED OUT THE COMPUTER UNDERNEATH, IN SERVICING THE CAR THE TECHNICIAN ADVISED HE FOUND 3 OTHER VOLKSWAGEN PASSATS OF THE SAME YEAR TO HAVE THE SAME DEFECT. I HAVE ALSO BEEN ADVISED THAT A SERIOUS CRASH COULD HAVE RESULTED BECAUSE THE COMPUTER UNDERNEATH REGULATES THE TRANSMISSION. *TR
Jun 29, 2008
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,AIR BAGS
1 complaint
RADIO NOT FUNCTIONING, AIR CONDITIONING UNIT WORKS INTERMITTENTLY, AIRBAG MALFUNCTION RECOGNIZED, OPERATION UNIT IN STEERING WHEEL MALFUNCTIONS, NO COMMUNICATIONS WITH BRAKE CONTROL UNIT, BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH CAUSES DRIVERS SIDE BRAKE LIGHT TO MALFUNCTION. HORN NOT FUNCTIONING NEARLY CAUSED 2 ACCIDENTS WITHIN A MONTH. I DROVE OVER AN ISLAND TO AVOID ONE COLLISION FROM THE OTHER NON-ATTENTIVE DRIVER AND ENDED UP SCRAPING THE TRANSMISSION PAN. COST OF REPLACEMENT: $550. AFTER THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS IN REPAIRS AND DIAGNOSTICS, VW DEALERSHIPS STILL UNABLE TO FIX ANY OF THE ABOVE! *TR
May 27, 2008
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,POWER TRAIN
1 complaint
I OWN A 2003 PASSAT 4-MOTION. I PURCHASED IT FROM THE DEALER IN JULY OF 2005 WHEN IT HAD 42,000 MILES ON IT. ALMOST IMMEDIATELY I NOTICED TWO THINGS ABOUT THE CAR: FIRST, IT SOMETIMES HESITATES WHEN TRYING TO ACCELERATE AND THEN WHEN IT DOES FINALLY TAKE OFF, IT "LEAPS" FORWARD. SECOND, WHEN SHIFTING DOWN SOMETIMES, IT DOES NOT DO SO NORMALLY BUT WILL ACTUALLY JERK THE CAR BADLY AND MAKE A "CLUNKY" SOUND, LIKE THE TRANSMISSION IS FAILING. THIS SEEMS TO HAPPEN WHEN YOU DON'T COME TO A COMPLETE STOP AND THEN TRY AND ACCELERATE AGAIN, LIKE STOP AND GO TRAFFIC. I HAVE HAD THE CAR BACK TO THE DEALER MANY TIMES AND HAVE BEEN TOLD THAT THIS IS JUST A "CHARACTERISTIC" OF THE CAR AND THAT THERE IS NOTHING THEY CAN DO ABOUT IT. OVERALL I AM VERY DISAPPOINTED IN THE CAR. *TR
May 21, 2008
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,POWER TRAIN,SEATS
1 complaint
2003 VOLKSWAGEN GLS PASSAT WITH SEVERAL PROBLEMS. CONSUMER STATES THAT THEY HAVE HAD PROBLEMS WITH THE FUEL PUMP, CAM SHAFT SENSOR AND MORE. *KB THE VEHICLE STALLED ON 2 OCCASIONS DUE TO A FAULTY FUEL PUMP. THE CONSUMER SOON DISCOVERED THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE FUEL PUMP, HOWEVER THE CONSUMERS VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE FRONT CV BOOT AND TIMING BELT WERE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE ALSO HAD A TRANSMISSION LEAK. THE DRIVERS HEATED SEAT MALFUNCTIONED. *JB
May 01, 2008
SERVICE BRAKES, AIR,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,POWER TRAIN,VISIBILITY,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1 complaint
FUEL PUMP FAILURE WHILE DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY THE CAR QUITE RUNNING. 1.8 LITER TURBO IN O3 VW PASSAT. DEALER CALLS AND TELLS US OUR VIN NUMBER IS NOT PART OF THE RECALL. TO CALL VW OF NORTH AMERICA AND THEY SHOULD COVER IT. I TALK TO A WOMEN TELL HER THE SAME THING AS ABOVE AND SHE ASK ME TO HOLD WHILE SHE SUBMITS THE CLAIM. SHE COMES BACK ON THE LINE AFTER 45 SECONDS OR SO AND SAYS THAT THEY WON'T COVER IT. THE VIN NUMBER IS NOT PART OF THE RECALL. I ASK TO SPEAK TO A SUPERVISOR. I AM TOLD THERE IS NO ONE ELSE I CAN SPEAK TO AND THIS IS THE FINALLY DECISION OF VW OF NORTH AMERICA. THIS IS NOT THE FIRST FAILURE FOR THIS CAR. TEMPERATURE SENSOR REPLACED, BRAKE MODULE REPLACED TWICE, THE HEATER CORE REPLACE, THE TRIP TRONIC SHIFT REPLACED, INSTRUMENT PANEL REPLACED, THE ENGINE FLUSHED FOR SLUDGE. CV BOOTS REPLACED. THEY'RE CRACKED AGAIN AFTER 3 MONTHS. *TR
Apr 01, 2008
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VISIBILITY,AIR BAGS,LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES,TIRES,EQUIPMENT
1 complaint
I'VE SPENT OVER $8000 TOWARDS VW DEALERSHIP ATTEMPTS AT FIXING THE HORN, RADIO, HOMELINK, CLIMATE CONTROL (A/C AND HEAT) REAR PASSENGER SIDE WINDOW, HEATED SEATS, DASHBOARD PANEL LIGHTS, AND DEFROSTER FLAP. VW REPLACED ABS AND BRAKE LIGHT MODULE, BUT ONLY FIXED THE HORN. VW STATED THEY ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE EVEN AFTER I PAID FOR THEM TO FIX THE ABOVE PROBLEMS AND THEY ARE STILL UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE PROBLEMS. I REQUEST REIMBURSEMENT FROM VOLKSWAGEN FOR THE REPAIR ATTEMPTS AND RELATED EXPENSES. CURRENT VEHICLE MILEAGE: 127,000. *TR
Dec 06, 2007
AIR BAGS,STRUCTURE
1 complaint
I HAVE A 2003 VW PASSAT. I'VE HAD TWO LEAKS INTO THE FRONT RIGHT FLOORBOARD IN THE PAST SIX MONTHS FROM EITHER A SUNROOF DRAIN LINE OR A AIR CONDITIONER. THE LEAKS HAVE PRODUCED SO MUCH WATER THAT IT HAS GONE TO RIGHT BACK FLOORBOARD. THE PLASTIC ON THE INTERIOR IS WORN OFF. THE ASHTRAY FELL APART. THEY CAN'T SEEM TO GET THE ALIGNMENT RIGHT SO I KEEP GOING THROUGH TIRES AND THE TIRES I DO HAVE SOUND UNEVEN WHEN I ROTATE THEM, MAKING ME THINK THERE'S A PROBLEM. HOVE REPLACED THE HEADLIGHTS THREE TIMES IN 1 AND 1/2 YEARS. THERE'S A DEFECT INVESTIGATION INTO FIRES IN THE ENGINE AND A RECALL ON OIL SLUDGE. THIS CAR IS AN ACCIDENT WAITING TO HAPPEN AND IT'S VERY POORLY ENGINEERED. ONE THING AFTER ANOTHER. VW HAS ON A BUNCH OF RECALLS ALREADY ON THIS MODEL, TO MANY FOR ME TO FEEL SAFE WITH. I'M ABANDONING THE CAR TODAY, TRADING IT IN FOR SOMETHING ELSE. WILL NEVER BUY A VW AGAIN. NO CAR SHOULD HAVE THIS MANY ISSUES. AND THE ISSUES CONTINUE TO ROLL IN. NOW THE AIRBAG LIGHT JUST CAME ON...ANOTHER THING TO HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT!!! *TR
Nov 29, 2007
POWER TRAIN,VISIBILITY
1 complaint
2003 VW PASSAT WITH A SUDDEN DOWNSHIFT IN THE TRANSMISSION. CUSTOMER STATES THE PROBLEM OCCURRED THROUGH A LEAK IN THE SUNROOF. DEALER ALSO STATED HE WOULD HAVE TO PAY FOR THE REPAIRS, BECAUSE IT WOULDN'T BE COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. *KB THE DEALER STATED THAT A CLOGGED SUNROOF DRAIN HAD CAUSED WATER TO OVERFLOW DOWN THE PASSENGER FRONT WINDSHIELD. A PILLAR CAUSING CORROSION IN THE TRANSMISSION CONTROL MODULE HARNESS WHICH WAS LOCATED AT THE PASSENGER SIDE FOOTWELL. THE DEALER STATED THE LEAK WAS CONSIDERED AN OUTSIDE INFLUENCE AND THAT'S WHY IT WASN'T COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. THE CONSUMER APPROVED THE REPAIRS, HOWEVER AS HE WAS PULLING OUT OF THE DEALERS LOT, THE SAME PROBLEM HAPPENED. THE CONSUMER CALLED THE CONSUMER AND INFORMED HIM, THIS TIME THE PROBLEM WAS A FAULTY TRANSMISSION CONTROL MODULE AND THAT THE REPAIR WAS COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. THE CONSUMER BELIEVED THE PROBLEM MAY HAVE BEEN WITH THE TCM THE ENTIRE TIME.*JB
Sep 25, 2007
EXTERIOR LIGHTING,EQUIPMENT
1 complaint
TWICE, THE REAR BRAKE LIGHTS REMAINED ON UNCONTROLLABLY - INTERMITTENTLY AT FIRST, THEN PERMANENTLY. THIS FAILURE WAS TROUBLE-SHOT AND REPAIRED BY THE DEALER BOTH TIMES. IN EACH CASE, THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH HAD FAILED. FROM STUDYING THE SWITCH PART NUMBERS, IT APPEARS THE SUFFIX HAS ALSO TWICE CHANGED TO A LATER VERSION - ALTHOUGH I DON'T BELIEVE THEY WERE INSTALLED IN THAT ORDER IN MY CAR (SEE PN'S BELOW). I BELIEVE I HAVE THE LATEST VERSION CURRENTLY INSTALLED. THIS IS AN UNACCEPTABLE FAILURE MODE, AS IT NOT ONLY IS A SAFETY ISSUE (DRIVING AROUND WITH BRAKE LIGHTS CONTINUOUSLY ON, BUT IF LEFT ON FOR PROLONGED PERIOD, THE REAR BRAKE LIGHT BULB SOCKETS GET EXTREMELY HOT AND IN MY OPINION HAVE A GOOD CHANCE TO MELT THE PLASTIC SOCKET/REFLECTORS AND POSSIBLY CATCH FIRE. MORE IMPORTANTLY, THE ABS AND CRUISE CONTROL BECOME INOP, THE THROTTLE BODY ALIGNMENT IS DISTURBED CAUSING THE CAR TO BEHAVE TERRIBLY ON ACCELERATION AND MANY CEL-TYPE LIGHT ILLUMINATE ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. FAILURES OCCURRED: 1ST TIME: @ 34540MI, 4/7/2005. 2ND TIME: @ 49,746MI, 5/24/2006. ORIG S/W PN 3B094551A (FROM FACTORY). 2ND S/W/1ST REPLACEMENT PN 3B0945511_ (ASSUME BASIC PN), 3RD S/W/2ND REPLACEMENT PN 3B0945511B). I HAVE NEVER HAD TO CHANGE THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH ON MY 1984 VW SCIROCCO - I'M THE ORIGINAL OWNER AND HAD DRIVEN IT OVER 174K MILES! A FAILED BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH ON THIS PASSAT HAS MUCH GREATER IMPACT (LIGHTS, ABS, THROTTLE, CRUISE CONTROL) WHEN IT FAILS THAN IT WOULD ON THE SCIROCCO (JUST LIGHTS), AND IT WAS THE PASSAT BRAKE LIGHT S/W THAT FAILED TWICE - DUE TO POOR DESIGN/RELIABILITY. AMAZING AND UNACCEPTABLE. *TR
Jul 21, 2007
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. THE CONTACT HAS HAD THE VEHICLE REPAIRED, HOWEVER, SEVERAL FAILURES CONTINUE TO RECUR. THE FAILURES INCLUDE THE INSTRUMENT PANEL LIGHTS, CRUISE CONTROL, HEATED SEATS, THE REGULATOR PIN IN THE PASSENGER SIDE REAR WINDOW, THE GLOVE COMPARTMENT, AND THE HEAD LIGHTS. THE FAILURES WERE NOTICED WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 109,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000.
Jun 25, 2007
EXTERIOR LIGHTING,VISIBILITY,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1 complaint
TL*- THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING THE 2003 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT WITH 7000 FAILURE MILEAGE THE BRAKE LIGHTS INTERMITTENTLY TURNED OFF. ALSO, THE DRIVER'S SIDE FRONT HEADLIGHT TURNS OFF, THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE WINDOW, AND THE HORN DID NOT OPERATE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER SEVERAL TIMES, BUT THEY STILL COULD NOT DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE PROBLEMS. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 105,944. *AK
Apr 12, 2007
STEERING,SUSPENSION,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,SEAT BELTS,LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
HEADLIGHTS FAILS PROPER FUNCTION. THEY HAVE BEEN REPLACED. SEAT BELTS AND SUN ROOF DO NOT WORK PROPERLY. ENGINE REPLACED; STEERING WHEELS - CAR PULLS TO THE RIGHT EVERYTIME AN ALIGNMENT WAS DONE AND THEY CALIBRATED THE WHEELS. - PROBLEM CONTINUED - THIS PROBLEM CAUSED THE TIRES TO BE DESTROYED IN A FEW KMS - LESS 20 000; WATER INFILTRATION - FOR NOW IT IS FIXED; TRUNK WAS HARD TO OPEN AND CLOSE - PROBLEM FIXED. FRONT DOORS VIBRATED - THE RUBBER OF THE DOORS ARE BEING EXHIBITING SIGNS OF DAMAGE; THE FRONT GLASS ( WINDSCREEN ) ISN'T FROM THE SAME YEAR OF ALL THE OTHERS. *JB
Mar 06, 2007
STEERING,FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,VISIBILITY,SEAT BELTS,STRUCTURE,EQUIPMENT
1 complaint
FRONT HEADLIGHTS MALFUNCTIONED - REPLACED THEM BUT THEY COULDN'T MAKE THE ALIGNMENT OF THE BEAM. THE CAR RUNS TO THE RIGHT BUT THE WHEELS ARE CALIBRATED AND THE DIRECTION ALIGNMENT IS DONE. THE CAR INFILTRATED WATER INSIDE THE CAR AND TRUNK. SUNROOF MALFUNCTION - OPENS IN ALL POSITIONS BUT DON'T CLOSE. THE CAR AS THE FRONT GLASS IS FROM 2005 AND ALL THE OTHERS ARE FROM 2002, CONSTRUCTION OF THE CAR 2003. DIESEL ESCAPED FROM THE PUMP. CD CHANGER - 6 CDS AS MALFUNCTION THE RADIO DOESN'T EJECT THE CD'S. THE MOTOR GAG VARIOUS TIMES A CONSTANT ROTATION. THE TRUNK WAS HARD TO OPEN AND CLOSE. THERE ARE OTHER COMPLAINTS.... THE COMPLAINTS BEGIN 15 DAYS FROM THE PURCHASE. *JB
Feb 15, 2007
POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1 complaint
I AM INVESTIGATING AND GATHERING INCIDENT INFORMATION ABOUT THE FLOODING PROBLEMS THAT VOLKSWAGENS, ESPECIALLY THE PASSAT, EXHIBIT FROM MODEL YEARS 1998 TO THE PRESENT. THERE IS A CHANCE OF A CLASS ACTION SUIT FOR WHICH THIS INFORMATION IS BEING GATHERED. IF INTERESTED, PLEASE RESPOND TO [email protected] FOR MORE INFORMATION. *NM
Nov 29, 2006
POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS
1 complaint
CAR HAD TROUBLE STARTING, ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS, LURCHING WHILE DRIVING AND ULTIMATELY TRANSMISSION AND AIR BAG FAILURE. *NM
Apr 04, 2006
POWER TRAIN,STRUCTURE
1 complaint
THIS IS A 2003 VW PASSAT WITH 27,000 MILES. IT IS KEPT OUTSIDE IN NORTHERN CALIFORNIA. THERE HAVE BEEN RAINS HERE RECENTLY, EXPECTED THIS TIME OF YEAR. THE REAR FOOTWELL WAS FOUND TO HAVE WATER IN IT RECENTLY. NEITHER THE SUNROOF NOR WINDOWS HAD BEEN LEFT OPEN. ALTHOUGH THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN MAINTAINED BY VW DEALERS ACCORDING TO SCHEDULE, THE BOTTOM OF THE SUNROOF DRAIN TUBE WAS CLOGGED, BACKING WATER UP. THE RESULTING DAMAGE INCLUDED CARPET, DAMPENED TRANSMISSION CONTROL UNIT, WIRING HARNESS AND A SAFETY RELAY AMOUNTING TO OVER $3,000 TO REPAIR. THE DEALER IS REPLACING THE DAMAGED PARTS AND UNCLOGGING THE DRAIN TUBE. THERE IS NO GUARANTEE THAT THIS WILL FIX THE PROBLEM PERMANENTLY. THE TRANSMISSION CONTROL MODULE HAD AN INTERNAL SHORT
Mar 10, 2006
SUSPENSION,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER
1 complaint
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE TRAVELING UP HILL AT 25MPH THE VEHICLE SPUTTERED AND STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DETERMINED THE FUEL PUMP NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. PREVIOUSLY THE CONTACT EXPERIENCED BRAKING PROBLEMS WHILE TRAVELING AT HIGH SPEEDS. THERE WAS VIBRATION AND GRABBING IN FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE WHEN BRAKING. THE VEHICLE WAS SEEN BY THE SERVICE DEALER FOUR TIMES. THE FRONT ROTORS, THE REAR ROTORS AND BOTH CONTROL ARMS WERE REPLACED. THE PROBLEM WAS CORRECTED BY THE REPLACEMENT OF THESE PARTS FOR TWENTY THOUSAND MILES AND HAS NOW RETURNED.
Jan 23, 2006
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1 complaint
2003 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT CONSUMER REQUEST FOR EARLY TERMINATION OF THE LEASE.***NO ANSWER REQUIRED***. *MR THE CONSUMER MADE THE REQUEST DUE TO THE NUMEROUS MECHANICAL PROBLEMS SUCH AS A DEFECTIVE PURGE VALVE, RIGHT FRONT HEAD LIGHT, THE VEHICLE OVERHEATED AND STARTED T O SMOKE DUE TO A FAULTY WATER PUMP. THE BRAKE LIGHT WOULD NOT SHUT OFF AND THE RIGHT HEAD LIGHT WENT OUT FOR THE SECOND TIME. THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH WAS REPLACED. THE CRUISE CONTROL WOULD NOT DISENGAGE. THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START AT TIMES. *JB
Aug 30, 2005
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1 complaint
HAVE HAD NOTHING BUT PROBLEMS WITH THIS LEMON. * 500 MILES CRUISE CONTROL FAILS, HAS TO BE REPLACED. * 16,000 MILES IGNITION COIL FAILS, REPLACED COIL AND MASS AIR FLOW SENSOR. * 28,000 MILES FAN IN DASH DIAGNOSED AS FAULTY AND NEEDING TO BE REPLACED. PARTS ORDERED, NEVER INSTALLED. * 40,000 MILES OIL PUMP AND OIL HOSES ARE REPLACED DUE TO OIL PRESSURE FAILURES. CAR BROKE DOWN ON ROAD. * 44,159 MILES OIL PRESSURE SWITCH REPLACED DUE TO OIL PRESSURE FAILURES. * 46,000 MILES FUEL PUMP FAILURE, REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY. CAR BROKE DOWN ON ROAD. VOLKSWAGEN HAS A PROBLEM WITH THESE CARS AND "OIL SLUDGE". VW REFUSES TO FIX MY CAR UNDER WARRANTY. LAST WORD WAS "WE RESERVE THE RIGHT TO REFUSE ANY WARRANY CLAIM, REGARDLESS OF DOCUMENTATION OF OIL CHANGES." I'VE TALKED TO SEVERAL DEALERSHIPS AND IT'S A #1 PROBLEM WITH THESE CARS COMMING IN FOR RUINED ENGINES AND OIL SLUDGE. VW IS REFUSING TO PAY FOR FIXING THE PROBLEMS IN MOST CASES. I'VE GOT ALL DOCUMENTATION, ORIGINAL PAPERWORK WHEN PURCHASED, ETC. *JB
Aug 26, 2005
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS,TIRES,WHEELS
1 complaint
I PURCHASE A NEW 2003 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT FROM BURLINGTON VOLKSWAGEN 2 YEARS AGO AND HAVE TAKEN IT BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP AT LEAST 7 TIMES SINCE THEN FOR A MYRIAD OF PROBLEMS, FROM AIRBAG LIGHTS COMING ON TO CHECK ENGINGE LIGHT TO THE LATEST OF THE CAR SHUTTING OFF IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD.
Jul 25, 2005
SERVICE BRAKES, AIR
1 complaint
AT 35005 MILES I WAS TOLD BY VW THAT I NEEDED REAR BRAKES PADS AND ROTORS SO I HAD THEM INSTALLED AT 35005 MILES. LAST WEEK WITH THE CAR AT 52275 MILE I WAS AGAIN TOLD BY VW THAT MY REAR BRAKE PADS AND ROTORS NEED TO BE REPLACED. I FIND THAT 17270 MILES IS VERY QUICK WEAR FOR BRAKES. VW BRAKE PADS AND ROTORS SHOULD NOT HAVE TO BE REPLACED EVERY 18,000 MILES AND IF THEY DUE THEN THERE IS A DESIGN PROBLEM.
May 06, 2005
STEERING,EQUIPMENT
1 complaint
NEW '03 PASSAT PURCHASED IN DEC. '02. FEB. '03 I NOTICED DIFFICULTY WITH STEERING WHEN THE WHEEL WAS TURNED TO THE EXTREME LEFT OR RIGHT. AFTER SEVERAL TRIPS TO THE DEALERSHIP IN WHICH POWER STEERING FLUID WAS FOUND TO BE LOW AND REFILLED, IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE POWER STEERING RACK NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. IN MAR '03, THE POWER STEERING RACK WAS REPLACED BY VOLKSWAGEN UNDER WARRANTY. NOV. '04, I AGAIN NOTICED DIFFICULTY WITH THE STEERING IN EXTREME LEFT OR RIGHT WHEEL POSITIONS. DEC. '04, VW DETERMINES THAT THE POWER STEERING RACK AGAIN NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. THEY CLAIM THAT THERE IS NO LARGER PROBLEM WITH THE CAR LEADING TO REPEATED FAILURE OF THE POWER STEERING RACK. LIKEWISE, THEY INSIST THAT THERE IS NO INTRINSIC PROBLEM WITH VW POWER STEERING RACKS. HOWEVER, I FIND IT DIFFICULT TO BELIEVE THAT TWO POWER STEERING RACKS FROM VW PLACED IN THE SAME CAR IN A TWO YEAR PERIOD JUST HAPPENED TO BE FAULTY. *JB
Dec 22, 2004
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1 complaint
PROBLEMS WITH ENGINE SHUT DOWN ON 2003 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. *MR THERE WAS A PROBLEM WITH THE ODOMETER READING. THE ECP LIGHT WOULD CONSTANTLY COME ON, THE ENGINE WOULD GO OUT INTERMITTENTLY, AND THERE WAS ROUGH IDLING. *SC *JB
Sep 13, 2004
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN
1 complaint
VARIOUS PROBLEMS WITH 2003 GLX. *MR THE CONSUMER EXPERIENCED PROBLEMS WITH THE TRANSMISSION. THE MECHANICS SUGGESTED THAT NOTHING WAS WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE. THERE WAS AN INCIDENT WHERE THE ENGINE LIGHT HAD COME ON, THE VEHICLE STARTED SPUTTERING AND THE TRANSMISSION STARTING SHIRTING ERRATICALLY. AFTER THREE ATTEMPTS TO FIX THE PROBLEM, THE VEHICLE STILL DID NOT WORK PROPERLY. THE TRANSMISSION WOULD ERRATICALLY MIS-SHIFT AND OR BUCK. (MODEL/GLX) *SC
Aug 09, 2004
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,VISIBILITY,WHEELS
1 complaint
WE PURCHASED A NEW VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT STATION WAGON FROM LIVONIA VOLKSWAGEN AUTOPLEX (NOW THAYER AUTOMOTIVE LIVONIA, INC.) IN JULY, 2003. AT 18,500 MILES, THE CAR DEVELOPED A RATTLE IN THE UNDER CARRIAGE AND THE BRAKES WERE SQUEAKY. WE TOOK IT TO THE DEALER AND THEIR SERVICE DEPARTMENT STATED THAT THE CAR HAS AFTERMARKET BRAKES THAT FIT DIFFERENTLY FROM VW BRAKES, HENCE THE RATTLE. HOWEVER, THESE ARE THE BRAKES THAT WERE ON THE CAR WHEN THEY SOLD IT TO US. WE HAVE CONTACTED VW OF AMERICA CUSTOMER SERVICE ON THREE OCCASIONS REGARDING THIS ISSUE. THEY CONTACTED THE DEALERSHIP AND WERE TOLD BY THE SERVICE DEPT. THAT THE BRAKE PADS APPEARED "TOO NEW" TO HAVE 18,500 MILES ON THEM (IMPLYING THAT WE HAVE HAD THE BRAKES REPLACED). BASED ON THIS, VW OF AMERICA STATES THEY WILL NOT AUTHORIZE VW BRAKES TO BE PUT ON THE CAR. WE HAVE NOT HAD THE BRAKES ON THIS CAR REPLACED OR SERVICED IN ANY WAY, AND HAVE NEVER HAD THE CAR SERVICED ANYWHERE BUT THIS DEALERSHIP. INCIDENTALLY, THE DAY AFTER THE 10,000 MILE SERVICE, THE WINDSHIELD FLUID RESERVOIR WAS EMPTY, AND THE DAY AFTER THE BRAKE INSPECTION A HUBCAP FLEW OFF. THIS MAY SPEAK TO THE SKILL AND INTEGRITY OF THIS SERVICE DEPARTMENT. WE FILED A COMPLAINT WITH THE MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF STATE BUREAU OF REGULATORY SERVICES WHO STATE THAT THIS MATTER WAS NOT IN THEIR JURISDICTION BECAUSE THE DEALERSHIP IS NO LONGER LICENSED BY THE STATE, AND SUGGESTED WE CONTACT YOU. WE BOUGHT THIS CAR IN GOOD FAITH, ASSUMING, OF COURSE, THAT IT WAS MADE OF ALL VW PARTS. APPARENTLY IT IS NOT. CURRENTLY, OUR NEW CAR HAS SQUEAKY BRAKES, AN INCREASINGLY LOUD RATTLE IN THE UNDERCARRIAGE, AND A MISSING HUBCAP. VW OF AMERICA WILL NOT HELP US. THE SALES MANAGER AND OWNER OF THE DEALERSHIP DO NOT RETURN OUR CALLS. WE WOULD LIKE VW BRAKES ON OUR VW CAR, ASSURANCE THAT EVERYTHING ELSE ON THE CAR IS, IN FACT, A VW PRODUCT, AND A HUBCAP REPLACED. A FAMILY WHO BUYS A NEW CAR ABOUT ONCE EVERY TWELVE YEARS WOULD APPRECIATE HELP. *JB
Jun 03, 2004
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,EQUIPMENT
1 complaint
MULTIPLE PROBLEMS WITH THE 2001 VW PASSAT. PROBLEMS BEGAN AT 16000 MILES AND HAVE CONTINUED UP TO THE CURRENT DATE AND MILEAGE OF 33000 MILES. CAR HAS BEEN SEEN IN VW SERVICE DEPARTMENT 11 TIMES SINCE NOVEMBER 2001. LAWSUIT HAS BEEN FILED AGAINST VW AMERICA.
Jan 20, 2003
STEERING,POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,STRUCTURE,SEATS,EQUIPMENT
1 complaint
I RECENTLY LEASED A VW PASSATT STATION WAGON AND THINGS HAVE GONE WRONG WITH IT EVEN BEFORE THE CAR HAD 300 MILES ON IT. THE CAR HAS LESS THAN 5000 MILES ON IT AND IT HAS SPENT SOME 10 DAYS AT THE REPAIR SHOP. DEFECTS HAVE INCLUDED A TRANSMISSION THAT WOULD DISENGAGE, HEATED SEATS THAT WOULD NOT TURN OFF, A/C AND SIDE MIRRORS THAT WOULD NOT WORK, A MODULE HAD TO BE REPLACED, THE CAR HAD TO BE ALIGNED, THE FRONT SPOILER FELL OFF, A SPEAKER HAD TO BE REPLACED, PART OF THE TRIM ON THE BACK WAS FALLING OFF, THE MEMORY SETTINGS ON THE DRIVER'S SEAT WERE NOT WORKING, AND THE SUN ROOF WAS RATTLING. THE SALES DEPARTMENT HAS RESPONDED TO ALL MY CALLS BY SAYING THAT I NEED TO TALK TO THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT OR TO VW CORPORATE DIRECTLY. I HAVE DONE BOTH, WHEN I CALLED VW CORPORATE THEY RESPONDED THAT AS LONG AS THE CAR WAS DRIVEABLE THEY WOULD COVER IT UNDER WARRANTY AND WOULD NOT REPLACE THE CAR. THEY OFFERED ME A LUBE JOB AS A SETTLEMENT!
Dec 27, 2002
Frequently Asked Questions
How many problems does the 2003 VOLKSWAGEN Passat have?
The 2003 VOLKSWAGEN Passat currently has 641 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 2003 VOLKSWAGEN Passat?
The most common problems reported for the 2003 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 2003 VOLKSWAGEN Passat problem data come from?
All problem and complaint data for the 2003 VOLKSWAGEN Passat comes directly from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) database. These are real complaints submitted by actual vehicle owners.
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