2004 VOLKSWAGEN Passat Problems & Complaints
Real owner complaints and problems reported to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). View common issues by component.
283
Complaints Reported
Complaints by Component
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
49 complaints
POSSIBLE CAM TENSIONER THAT CAUSES THE CAR TO MAKE A LOUD CLICKING NOISE AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS ON AS A RESULT. TOOK IT TO 3 MECHANICS AND DID A DIAGNOSTIC BUT COULD NOT FIND THE PROBLEM. HELP ME PLEASE! *TR
Aug 22, 2014
2004 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO ENGINE FAILURE AND UNSATISFACTORY CUSTOMER SERVICE AT DEALERSHIP. *SMD THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED IT WOULD COST 8,000 TO REPLACE THE ENGINE. SHE DISCOVERED A RECALL WAS ISSUED FOR WAGONS FOR ENGINE OIL SLUDGE. THE DEALER THEN STATED, THEY WOULD REPLACE THE ENGINE FOR $4,000. THE CONSUMER STATED THE MILEAGE WAS WELL WITHIN RANGE, FOR THE ENGINE TO BE COVERED UNDER THE 65,000 MILE WARRANTY.
Aug 26, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, THERE WAS A COMPLETE LOSS OF ENGINE POWER. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS MANEUVERED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD SMOKE AND FLAMES BEGAN TO EMIT FROM UNDER THE HOOD. THE CONTACT IMMEDIATELY EXITED THE VEHICLE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE WHICH ORIGINATED WITHIN THE ENGINE AREA. THE VEHICLE WAS DECLARED AS DESTROYED AND TOWED TO SAVAGE FACILITY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 96,000. UPDATED 05/11/12*LJ UPDATED 06/01/12
Apr 06, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. THE CONTACT STATED WAS DRIVING 30 MPH WHEN THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A LOCAL MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING WHERE THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED THAT OIL SLUDGE CAUSED THE ENGINE TO STALL. THE MECHANIC ADVISED THAT THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MECHANIC REPLACED THE ENGINE BUT THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE OIL TANK FRACTURED, CAUSING OIL TO LEAK ONTO THE ENGINE ERRONEOUSLY. IN ADDITION, THE ENGINE COIL MISFIRED AND THE VEHICLE COULD NOT BE STARTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 107,068.
Jan 12, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS 2004 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE WHILE PARKED IN THE GARAGE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 105,000.
Nov 28, 2011
+ 44 more complaints for this component
SEATS
28 complaints
A COIL FOR HEATED SEATS HAS MELTED A HOLE IN THE DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT. THIS CAUSED PAIN AND CONFUSION WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY. THE SEAT NOW HAS AN UGLY MELTED HOLE IN IT.
Feb 11, 2021
WHILE DRIVING ON A HIGHWAY, THE DRIVER SEAT SUDDENLY OVERHEATED (THE SEAT WARMER WAS TURNED ON). IT STARTED WITH A BURNING SMELL. EXCESSIVE HEAT BURNED MY LEG A BIT (SOME SKIN REDNESS), BEFORE I REALIZED WHAT IS HAPPENING AND TURNED THE SEAT WARMER OFF. THE SEAT LEATHER NOW APPEARS STIFF AND WRINKLED (NOT SOFT AND SMOOTH LIKE THE REST OF THE LEATHER) IN THE AREA WHERE I FELT THE HEAT.
Nov 06, 2020
MY CAR WAS PART OF A RECALL BECAUSE THE DRIVERS SIDE SEAT HEATER WAS OVERHEATING AND MELTING THROUGH THE SEAT. I TOOK MY CAR IN FOR THE RECALL AND THIS ISSUE SHOULD HAVE BEEN RESOLVED. BUT YESTERDAY I HAD THAT EXACT ISSUE - WITHIN 4 TO 5 MINUTES OF TURNING ON MY DRIVERS SIDE SEAT HEATER IT BURNED/MELTED THROUGH THE SEAT AND BURNED ME.
Nov 08, 2016
HEATED SEATS ON DRIVER SIDE STOPPED WORKING ONLY TO FIND SEAT HAD SMOLDERED A FIRE BENEATH ME! WAS THERE A RECALL ON THESE SEATS!? *TR
Jan 06, 2014
WHILE DRIVING MY VEHICLE, THE DRIVER'S SEAT CAUGHT FIRE CAUSING A HOLE TO BE BURNT THROUGH THE LEATHER SEATS CAUSED SCORCHING TO PANTS AND A MINOR BURN TO THE BUTTOCKS. A MODERATE AMOUNT OF SMOKE WAS SEEN COMING FROM THE BURNING SEAT AND FILLED THE INTERIOR OF THE CAR. I IMMEDIATELY TURNED OFF THE SEAT WARMER, PULLED THE VEHICLE OVER, AND TURNED OFF THE ENGINE. THE SEAT CONTINUED TO SMOKE PROFUSELY; I SMOTHERED THE FIRE AND CONTACTED MY LOCAL VW DEALERSHIP IMMEDIATELY. THE LOCAL DEALERSHIP ADVISED ME TO CONTACT VW OF AMERICA; THE ENTIRE PROCESS HAS BEEN A COMPLETE HASSLE AND I AM NOW WITHOUT A VEHICLE WHILE VW OF AMERICA "INVESTIGATES" THE ISSUE. MY TWO YOUNG CHILDREN AND I WERE IN THE VEHICLE AT THE TIME; THEY BECAME EXTREMELY UPSET AND SCARED. FORTUNATELY, THIS INCIDENT HAPPENED PRIOR TO MY GETTING ON THE FREEWAY (I COMMUTE 45 MINUTES EACH WAY FOR SCHOOL). HAD MY SEAT CAUGHT FIRE WHILE DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS IN HEAVY TRAFFIC I DON'T KNOW THAT I WOULD BE ALIVE TO WRITE THIS COMPLAINT. WORDS CANNOT DESCRIBE THE SURPRISE AND PANIC I FELT WHEN THE SEAT BEGAN TO BURN ME; TO CALL THIS A SAFETY HAZARD WOULD BE A GROSS UNDERSTATEMENT. THIS MALFUNCTION/DEFECT IS ONE THAT HAS THE POTENTIAL TO CAUSE GREAT BODILY HARM AND/OR DEATH SHOULD IT HAPPEN UNDER THE ABOVE STATED CIRCUMSTANCES (HIGHWAY DRIVING, HIGHWAY SPEEDS, AND HEAVY TRAFFIC). IT IS MY OPINION THAT A RECALL SHOULD BE MADE TO PROTECT ADDITIONAL CONSUMERS FROM THIS HAZARD. I AM EXTREMELY UPSET WITH VW AND THE SEEMINGLY CASUAL ATTITUDE REGARDING THIS ISSUE; AS A CONSUMER I FEEL VW HAS A DUTY TO ENSURE THE SAFETY OF THEIR CONSUMERS-A SEAT THAT CAN CATCH FIRE AT ANY TIME IS A BREACH OF THAT DUTY. I FEEL THAT SOME WARNING, AT THE VERY LEAST, SHOULD HAVE BEEN ISSUED TO THE CONSUMER PERTAINING TO THIS ISSUE. *TR
Feb 28, 2013
+ 23 more complaints for this component
POWER TRAIN
28 complaints
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WATER HAS ACCUMULATED IN THE SUN ROOF AND OVER TIME THE WATER HAS LEAKED DOWN TO THE TRANSMISSION MODULE CAUSING THE TRANSMISSION TO MALFUNCTION. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A DEALER AND THE DEALER STATED THE TRANSMISSION MODULE NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT STATED THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE FOR THIS YEAR MAKE AND MODEL. THE CONTACT STATED THE MANUFACTURER SHOULD ISSUE A RECALL FOR THE SUN ROOF. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
Oct 06, 2010
TRANSMISSION ON 2004 VW PASSAT HARD DOWNSHIFTS FROM 5TH TO 4TH AT 30 MPH WHEN TRANSMISSION IS WARM. FIRST OCCURRED AT 90K MILES. TOOK TO TWO VW DEALERSHIPS BOTH INDICATED CATASTROPHIC TRANSMISSION FAILURE THAT THEY WOULD BE HAPPY TO REPAIR FOR $4000. DIDN'T FIX, RESEARCHED WEB AND FOUND THIS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH VW TRANSMISSIONS. CALLED VW, THEY KNEW ABOUT IT BUT DIDN'T CARE SINCE IT IS OUT OF WARRANTY. *TR
Jun 19, 2010
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION HARD DOWNSHIFTS FROM 5TH TO 4TH. TOOK TO DEALERSHIP TO INVESTIGATE. THEY CLAIMED TRANSMISSION NEEDED REPLACING. CALLED MANUFACTURER TO REQUEST THEY TAKE OWNERSHIP OF ISSUE. THEY DECLINED ANY RESPONSIBILITY BUT DID NOT DENY ISSUE. TRANSMISSIONS IN MODERN CARS RARELY BREAK POINTING TOWARDS A MANUFACTURING DEFECT OR DESIGN FLAW. SAFETY HAZARD IS THAT THE TRANSMISSION COULD BREAK, LOCK UP OR SEIZE AND CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. *TR
May 17, 2010
2004 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT: FAILURE OF TRANSMISSION CONTROL MODULE LOCATED UNDER PASSENGER SEAT IN FLOOR BOARD DUE TO MANUFACTURER DEFECT. CAUSED BY WATER INTO VEHICLE AFTER HEAVY RAIN. VOLKSWAGEN HAS KNOWN OF THIS PROBLEM SINCE 2000 AND HAS FAILED TO MAKE CHANGES. FAILURE OF THE CONTROL UNIT HAS THE POTENTIAL TO CAUSE A FATAL ACCIDENT SHOULD THE TRANSMISSION SHIFT GEARS DURING HIGHWAY DRIVING OR A HIGH RATE OF SPEED. *TR
Aug 17, 2009
1. MY WIFE WAS DRIVING THE CAR (2004 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT GLS, 1.8 L TURBO), AND IT FELT LIKE IT WAS HAVING TROUBLE SHIFTING FROM FIRST GEAR TO SUBSEQUENT GEARS. IT WAS SUDDEN, NOT GRADUAL BY ANY MEANS - THE CAR JUST STARTED TO HESITATE WHEN SHIFTING, AND THE MIL LAMP WAS LIT...THIS HAPPENED IN HEAVY TRAFFIC IN THE DETROIT SUBURBS - NOT AN IDEAL TIME TO NOT BE ABLE TO ACCELERATE. 2. THE TRANSMISSION WAS REPLACED UNDER MY POWERTRAIN WARRANTY (IT'S MY OPINION THAT THIS WAS AN UNNECESSARY REPLACEMENT). UPON FURTHER INVESTIGATION, IT WAS FOUND THAT THERE WAS A WATER LEAK IN THE VEHICLE, AND THE PASSENGER SIDE FLOORBOARD WAS FILLED WITH WATER, INUNDATING THE TRANSMISSION CONTROL MODULE. IT TURNS OUT THAT THIS DAMAGED THE MODULE, AND EFFECTIVELY RENDERED THE CAR IS NOT ABLE TO BE DRIVEN. 3. THE TRANSMISSION CONTROL MODULE IS BEING REPLACED, AS WELL AS A "SEAL" THAT CAUSED THE WATER INTRUSION (I HAVEN'T BEEN ABLE TO GET OUT OF THEM WHICH SEAL WAS REPLACED - THIS CAN BE ADDRESSED WITH A FOLLOW-UP). *TR
Mar 15, 2008
+ 23 more complaints for this component
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
25 complaints
The contact owns a 2004 Volkswagen Passat. The contact stated that there was gasoline leaking in his driveway where the vehicle was parked, after he had refueled the vehicle the day before. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and the mechanic informed the contact that it was a known failure related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 08V156000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The dealer and manufacturer were made aware of the failure but informed the contact that the failure was addressed in 2012 and the recall was closed on the VIN. The failure mileage was 97,361.
Sep 20, 2021
PURCHASED A USED 2004 VW PASSAT GLX 4MOTION WITH 91K MILES AND NO ACCIDENT OR DAMAGE HISTORY PER CARFAX.. FIRST FILL OF THE GAS TANK REVEALED A SEVERE LEAK OF GREATER THAN 180 DROPS PER MINUTE. THE LEAK OCCURRED AT ALL TIMES WITH THE CAR RUNNING OR TURNED OFF AND THE KEY REMOVED. THE LEAK STOPPED AFTER THE GAS GAUGE MOVED BELOW F. REMOVED REAR SEAT AND NOTICED FUEL WETTING ON THE EXTERIOR OF THE TANK ADJACENT TO THE FUEL LEVEL SENSOR. USING A MIRROR FUEL WAS VISIBLE COMING FROM THE VENT BOSS ADJACENT TO THE FUEL LEVEL SENSOR. THIS EXACT ISSUE IS COVERED UNDER VWOA RECALL 26E5/R5 NHTSA CAMPAIGN # 08V156000. I CONTACTED VW CUSTOMER SERVICE AND THEY INFORMED ME MY VEHICLE VIN [XXX] IS NOT ELIGIBLE HOWEVER THEY DID NOT SAY WHY. THE CARFAX REPORT STATES THAT A HEAT SHIELD WAS REPLACED 8/11/2008. RECALL 26E5/R5 INVOLVES A HEAT SHIELD AS WELL AS THE FUEL TANK. IT'S POSSIBLE THE TANK WAS OK AT THE TIME. IF THE VEHICLE HAS ALREADY HAD THE RECALL AND THE FUEL TANK DEVELOPED THE PROBLEM AFTER IS THERE ANY RECOURSE UNDER THIS RECALL? INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Feb 09, 2016
2004 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT 4MOTION, THE FUEL TANK ROLLOVER/VENT VALVE ON THE TOP OF THE TANK HAS CRACKED AND IS LEAKING GASOLINE ONTO THE EXHAUST SYSTEM. THE TANK WAS FILLED UP ON 2/22/2015 AND STARTED LEAKING LARGE AMOUNTS OF FUEL FROM THE TOP OF THE TANK OVER THE EXHAUST. THIS CONTINUED UNTIL THE TANK REACHED 3/4 FULL. IF THE FUEL TANK IS FILLED ABOVE 3/4 IT WILL LEAK FUEL UNTIL IT GETS TO 3/4. IF THE VEHICLE IS PARKED WITH THE FRONT DOWNHILL, IT CONTINUES TO LEAK BEYOND THE 3/4 POINT. THIS FAILURE WAS PART OF A PREVIOUS VW 2008 NHTSA MANDATED RECALL 08V156000, BUT ONLY REQUIRED DEALER INSPECTION OF THE ROLLOVER/VENT VALVE AND NOT REPLACEMENT OF THE FUEL TANK WITH A FUNCTIONAL PART, IF IT WAS NOT LEAKING WHEN INSPECTED THEN DO NOTHING. THE ROLLOVER/VENT IS INTEGRAL TO THE VW PASSAT AWD TANK, AND THE COMPLETE FUEL TANK HAS TO BE REPLACED. VW CLAIM AS THE CAR WAS INSPECTED IN 2008, THEY ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR THE SUBSEQUENT FAILURE OF THE ROLLOVER/VENT VALVE. *TR
Feb 23, 2015
FUEL BEGAN LEAKING FROM THE TOP OF THE FUEL TANK AFTER FILL UP. MY DAUGHTER WAS HEADING BACK TO COLLEGE, AND AS SHE PULLED AWAY I NOTICED A LARGE PUDDLE OF GASOLINE IN THE STREET. NHTSA HAD PREVIOUSLY RECALLED THE VEHICLE IN 2008 (26E5/R5) ACTION NUMBER (PE08008). VW DEALER INSPECTED AND INSTALLED HEAT SHIELD. NO FUEL LEAK AT THIS TIME. IN SEPTEMBER 2012 FUEL TANK BEGAN LEAKING, VW DEALER REPLACED THE FUEL TANK, WASHER, GASKET AND CLAMP UNDER THE RECALL. IN SEPTEMBER 2014 I BROUGHT CAR BACK TO VW DEALER, AND THEY SAID THEY ARE ONLY RESPONSIBLE TO FIX THE CAR ONCE. FED UP WITH VW, I BROUGHT CAR TO MY LOCAL MECHANIC, AND UPON INSPECTION HE FOUND THE NIPPLES ON THE FUEL TANK ROLLOVER VALVE WERE AGAIN CRACKED. I HAD HIM REPLACE THE TANK. OBVIOUSLY VW DIDN'T PROPERLY FIX THE PROBLEM, AND OR REPLACED THE TANK WITH THE SAME DEFECTIVE DESIGN AND THE TANK CRACKED AGAIN. THIS IS A VERY SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE, AND I FEEL THAT VW SHOULD PAY FOR THIS REPAIR. IF IT WAS DONE RIGHT AND CORRECTED, THE TANK WOULD NOT BE LEAKING AGAIN AFTER LESS THAN 2 YEARS, AND 20,000 MILES. THIS COULD HAVE CAUSED A FIRE WITH MY DAUGHTER IN THE CAR, AND THAT IS VERY UPSETTING TO ME. *TR
Oct 01, 2014
I FILLED MY GAS TANK UP ON A FRIDAY AND DROVE IT HOME AND PARKED IT IN THE DRIVEWAY AND THE NEXT DAY NOTICED A FAIRLY LARGE PUDDLE OF GASOLINE UNDER MY CAR. I TOOK IT TO MY LOCAL CAR SHOP AND THEY TOLD ME THAT IT WAS THE FUEL LINE THAT WAS LEAKING AND THAT HE CALLED A VOLKSWAGEN DEALERSHIP AND THEY HAD TOLD HIM THAT THERE WAS A RECALL ON THAT EXACT PART OF THE CAR. I WAS TOLD TO CALL VOLKSWAGEN AND SEE IF THEY WOULD BE ABLE TO FIX THE ISSUE AND THEY TOLD ME THAT THE RECALL WAS ALREADY FIXED BY THE PREVIOUS OWNER OF MY CAR. IF IT WAS ALREADY FIXED THEN THE SAME PROBLEM SHOULDN'T BE HAPPENING AGAIN. *TR
Jun 20, 2014
+ 20 more complaints for this component
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
22 complaints
A fuel leak has developed from the top side of the fuel tank on the drivers side of me vehicle. A fuel leak in this manner is a serious critical and immediate safety risk. Recall 08V156000 was 'performed' on my vehicle back in 2008 but the exact same fuel system safety defect has returned. VW acknowledges the recall and claims it was completed while only an inspection to check for fuel leaks was performed at the time. VW Care and my local dealership refuse to address the ongoing issue. This poses a continued fire risk, and I am now being told to pay out of pocket for a known safety recall that clearly failed to remedy the original defect.
Aug 01, 2025
There was a recall reported by the manufacturer, Volkswagenm in 2008. There were multiple Fuel System issues: A Heat Shield that may contact the exhaust system and result in a vehicle fire; a fuel leak from a fuel line or fuel tank ventilation valve, in the presence of an ignition source, can lead to a vehicle fire. In 2008, my car was inspected and the recall was deemed "complete." However, the car was only 4 years old at the time and no repairs were made. Only a visual inspection was done. I bought the car used 6 years ago, and it has been diagnosed as having a defective fuel tank ventilation valve. VW should pay for the parts and labor to have this fixed because it was never fixed. I've been told there's no statue of limitations on recalls. VW claims that because the recall was deemed "Complete" that they "fixed" the issue but they didn't.
May 23, 2025
WHEN YOU FILL UP THE FUEL TANK IT LEAKS IT LEAKS A QUARTER OF A TANK OF FUEL ROUGHLY 4 TO 5 GALLONS OF FUEL DRIP OUT THERE'S A FACTORY RECALL ON THIS ISSUE I TOOK IT TO THE VOLKSWAGEN DEALER PAID MONEY TO HAVE THEM INSPECT IT AND THEY SAID YES IT'S LEAKING AT THE FACTORY RECALL I'VE HAD AN INDEPENDENT DEALER CONFIRM THAT! VOLKSWAGEN WILL NOT DO ANYTHING DUE TO WHAT THEY CLAIM A REMEDY WAS DONE BY MOVING FUEL LINES 10 YEARS AGO, OBVIOUSLY IT WAS NOT OR I WOULD NOT HAVE 4 GALLONS OF FUEL SPILL IN MY DRIVEWAY VEHICLE IS BASICALLY IN OPERABLE AND THEY WANT $3000 TO PUT A NEW FUEL TANK IN WHEN IT'S A FACTORY RECALL WHICH NEVER EXPIRES I HAVE TALK TO THE VOLKSWAGEN REP AND THE ONLY THING I HAVE FOUND IN FORUMS IS DO YOU HAVE TO GO TO VOLTS WAGON OF AMERICA AND FIGHT THEM AND THIS IS RIDICULOUS WHEN THEY KNOW THEY HAVE AN ISSUE!! TO DRIVE THIS VEHICLE WE NEVER FILL IT OVER A HALF A TANK OF FUEL SO WE DO NOT LEAK FUEL OR EXPLODE WHILE WE'RE DRIVING HOPEFULLY PLEASE HELP IN ANYWAY YOU CAN THANK YOU
Feb 16, 2021
STRONG ODOR OF FUEL IN THE CAR REGARDLESS OF BEING PARKED OR MOVING. NOTICED PUDDLE OF GAS ON THE GROUND UNDER THE FUEL TANK. FUEL WAS DRIPPING DOWN OFF THE FUEL TANK AND THE HEAT SHIELDS. FOLLOWED DRIP TO THE ROLLOVER VALVE NIPPLE WHICH IS ATTACHED TO THE GAS TANK.
Dec 09, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. AFTER REFUELING AND PARKING THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT LATER DISCOVERED FUEL HAD LEAKED OUT FROM THE VEHICLE ONTO THE FLOOR OF THE GARAGE. FUEL WAS ALSO VISIBLE UNDERNEATH THE REAR SEAT OF THE VEHICLE. UPON INSPECTION, THE CONTACT DISCOVERED THAT FUEL WAS LEAKING FROM THE FUEL VALVE. THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE, BUT THE LOCAL DEALER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 160,000.
Sep 24, 2018
+ 17 more complaints for this component
ENGINE
12 complaints
WHILE DRIVING THE CAR AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS IT STALLS AND THE EPC LIGHT COMES ON. THIS HAS HAPPENED MANY TIMES WHILE MERGING WITH OTHER TRAFFIC AND CAN BE VERY DANGEROUS. I HAVE SPENT WELL OVER $1000 TRYING TO GET THIS PROBLEM FIXED, AND THE PROBLEM STILL REMAINS. EVEN THE VW DEALERSHIP DOSE NOT HAVE AN ANSWER.
Jul 04, 2019
BOUGHT THIS CAR FROM ORIGINAL OWNER EXACTLY TWO YEARS AGO. ALL RECEIPTS FOR UPKEEP & MAINTENANCE WERE AVAILABLE. CAR RAN GREAT FOR 30,000 MILES. ONE DAY IT STARTING RUNNING BAD WITHIN 30 MINS WHOLE MOTOR SHUT DOWN. MOTOR JUST SHUT DOWN IN MIDDLE OF HIGHWAY. PIECE OF METAL FOUND UNDER VALVE COVER AND NOW FOR NO REASON NEEDS A WHOLE NEW MOTOR!!!! THIS IS A SERIOUS ISSUE! VERY DISSATISFIED! I HAVE OWNED THREE VEHICLES ALL FOR MORE THAN 10 YEARS UNTIL THIS VW AND NOW AM WITHOUT A CAR. NEVER WILL BUY OR MENTION ANYONE ELSE BUYING A VW. CANNOT AFFORD TO SPEND $3,000 FOR ANOTHER MOTOR AFTER ONLY OWNING FOR 2 YEARS! NOW THE CAR SITS AT A MECHANIC SHOP WITH NEW TIRES AND NEW VALVE COVER GASKETS AND A POS MOTOR.
May 15, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, THE ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED, AND "OIL PRESSURE" AND "STOP ENGINE" MESSAGES DISPLAYED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THERE WAS OIL SLUDGE IN THE ENGINE, BUT THE REPAIRS WERE UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN HOME AND INSPECTED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE ENGINE NEEDED REPLACEMENT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 44,000. ..UPDATED 06/27/17 *BF *CN
Apr 17, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. WHEN STARTING THE VEHICLE, IT JERKED AND THE ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED INTERMITTENTLY. THE FAILURE RECURRED NUMEROUS TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE ENGINE AND COOLING PUMP NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14E007000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
Dec 15, 2015
IGNITION COIL HAS FAILED 3 TIMES IN LAST 12 MONTHS.
Jul 13, 2015
+ 7 more complaints for this component
VISIBILITY
9 complaints
ON 1/28 12:30PM, AFTER AROUND 5 MINUTES AFTER DRIVING OUTSIDE MY GARAGE ONTO HIGHWAY WA-202, THE WINDOWS TURN VERY STEAMY. IN THE NEXT 10 MINUTES, WE TRIED HOT, AIR, AND AC. RECYCLED AND NOT. IT JUST BECAME WORSE AND WARM STEAM COMES OUT OF VENTS AND COMPLETELY BLOCKS SEEING INTO FRONT. AND MY WIFE ON THE PASSENGER SIDE AND YOUNG DAUGHTERS FROM THE CAR SEAT IN THE BACK SEE STEAM ALL AROUND AND CANNOT SEE THROUGH WINDOWS EITHER. THIS DAMAGE ALMOST TURNS INTO A DISASTER ACCIDENT FOR MY ENTIRE FAMILY ON THE STATE HIGH WAY. MY PASSAT GLS HAS BEEN CAREFULLY MAINTAINED AND PROTECTED IN THE FULL GATED GARAGE. NEVER WATER DAMAGE WITH IT. WE ARE GENUINELY LOOKING FORWARD A FAIR SOLUTION OR TREATMENT FROM VW. PLEASE FEEL FREE TO CONTACT US FOR ANY DOCUMENT YOU WANT. *TT
Jan 29, 2012
I OWN A 2004 VW PASSAT. THE WINDOW REGULATOR WENT OUT IN THE BACK PASSENGER SIDE DOOR. THE WINDOW DOES NOT GO DOWN WHEN THE BUTTON IS PUSHED. I HAVE A FRIEND WHO OWNS A 2002 PASSAT AND HER PASSENGER WINDOW REGULATORS KEEP BREAKING ALSO. SHE HAS HAD THEM FIXED SEVERAL TIMES, BUT THE PROBLEM STILL EXISTS. I HAVE NOT YET FIXED MINE. *TR
Feb 17, 2010
IN APRIL 2008 MY 2004 VW PASSAT SPONTANEOUSLY DEVELOPED A CRACK, GRADUALLY LENGTHENING, IN THE WINDSHIELD. I REPLACED IT WITH AN ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT WINDSHIELD, AND NOW, IN MARCH 2009, THE WINDSHIELD HAS AGAIN SPONTANEOUSLY DEVELOPED A LENGTHENING CRACK. IN NEITHER CASE WAS THERE ANY CHIP OR "DING" OR ANYTHING SUGGESTING ANY IMPACT OF ANYTHING INTO THE WINDSHIELD. *TR
Mar 13, 2009
MY LUGGAGE COMPARTMENT LIGHT KEPT CHIMING IN MY CAR EVEN THOUGH THE DOOR WAS SHUT. I RECENTLY TOOK MY VW PASSAT TO A DEALER AND WAS TOLD THE WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR NEEDS TO BE REPLACED AT A $400 COST. THE WIPER MOTOR THAT BROKE, WAS LEAKING FLUID INTO THE LOCK, WHICH I HAD TO REPLACE 2 MONTHS PRIOR TO THIS INCIDENT. I NOTICED RECALLS FOR THE SAME PART IN NEWER MODELS. MY CAR ONLY HAS 60,000 MILES ON IT. *TR
Dec 10, 2008
MY A/C BLOWER MOTOR WORKS WHEN IT WANTS TO AND MOST OF THE TIME WHEN IT'S HOT IT DOES NOT BLOW. THE BLOWER MOTOR WILL START ON IT'S OWN SOMETIMES DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD. OR IF I GO THROUGH A CAR WASH (DRYING CYCLE WITH THE BLOWER) IT WILL START UP. I HAD IT AT 2 VW SHOPS AND THEY COULD NOT FIND THE PROBLEM. *TR
Oct 21, 2008
+ 4 more complaints for this component
STRUCTURE
8 complaints
I NOTICED THERE WAS A CONSIDERABLE AMOUNT OF WATER ON THE PASSENGER SIDE CARPETING. I CHECKED ALL DRAINAGE LOCATIONS FOR BLOCKAGE (I.E. PLENUM, SUNROOF). ALL WERE CLEAR. THE WATER FOUND IT'S WAY INTO THE VEHICLE BY WAY OF A FAULTY (DISINTEGRATED) SEAL BENEATH THE POLLEN FILTER HOUSING. THE CAR HAD 92,000 AND WAS OUT OF WARRANTY. HOWEVER, I FOUND THAT THERE WAS A SERVICE ACTION P9/66C8 APPLICABLE TO MY VEHICLE FOR WHICH I WAS TO BE NOTIFIED BY VW IN 2008. I AM THE ORIGINAL OWNER OF THE CAR AND RESIDE IT THE SAME ADDRESS SINCE 1978. THE VEHICLE WAS SOLD DIRECTLY TO ME BY A VW DEALER BRAND NEW IN OCTOBER 2004 AND REGISTERED TO ME AT MY HOME ADDRESS. I NEVER RECEIVED ANY NOTIFICATION. THE CORRECTIVE ACTION NOTED ON THE P9/66C8 INCLUDED DIRECTING THE DEALER TO "INSTALL AN IMPROVED SEAL FOR THE POLLEN FILTER". I CONTACTED VW CUSTOMER CARE AND THEY DID NOT ACKNOWLEDGE THAT THE SERVICE ACTION EXISTED AND CONSEQUENTLY THERE WAS NO REASON FOR THEM TO CONTACT ME IN 2008. THEY LIED AND I HAVE A DAMAGE VEHICLE THAT GETS FLOODED WHENEVER IT RAINS. I WAS COMPELLED TO MAKE THE IMMEDIATE REPAIRS AT MY OWN EXPENSE SINCE THE TRANSMISSION CONTROL MODULE (TCM) IS LOCATED BENEATH THE PASSENGER SIDE FRONT SEAT OF THIS CAR. SHOULD THE WATER GET INSIDE, IT COULD CAUSE DAMAGE TO THE TRANSMISSION FUNCTION. IF THIS WERE TO OCCUR WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE, A POTENTIAL FOR PERSONAL INJURY TO THE VEHICLE OCCUPANTS EXISTS ALONG WITH ANY DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE ITSELF. VW HAS FAILED TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR A DEFECT KNOWN TO THEM. VW HAS INSTEAD CHOSEN NOT ONLY TO HOLD ME FINANCIALLY RESPONSIBLE FOR THE DEFECT OF THEIR PRODUCT BUT TO ALSO EXPOSE ME (AND OTHER VEHICLE OCCUPANTS OF THIS VEHICLE) TO POTENTIAL HAZARDS AS A RESULT OF THE FAILURE RISK ASSOCIATED WITH A FLOODED TCM. *TR
Mar 06, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. THE CONTACT STATED WHENEVER IT RAINED, WATER BEGAN TO BUILD UP ON THE FLOOR BOARD BEHIND THE DRIVERS BACK SEAT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL MECHANIC WHO WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 92,000.
Sep 22, 2011
WATER INTRUSION IN PASSENGER SIDE REAR FOOTWELL. ANYTIME IT RAINS. I HAVE CLEANED SUNROOF DRAINS, BATTERY COMPARTMENT DRAINS, CABIN FILTER AREA AND PROBLEM STILL PERSISTS. *TR
Nov 30, 2008
HAVE A WATER LEAK IN MY 2004 VW PASSAT. AFTER A HEAVEY RAIN I WAS CLEANING THE INSIDE OF MY CAR AND NOTICED A LARGE AMOUNT OF WATER IN THE REAR FLOOR BEHIND PASSENGER'S SEAT. I THEN SOAKED UP ALL OF THE WATER AND AIR DRIED MY MAT. I HAVE SEARCHED THE INTERNET AND FOUND THAT THIS IS A COMMON OCCURANCE FOR VW OWNERS AND WOULD LIKE TO REPORT THIS IMMEDIATELY. THANKS FOR YOUR TIME. *NM
Jul 20, 2006
2004 VW PASSAT 4-MOTION PASSENGER VEHICLES ARE AT HIGH RISK FOR A DRAINAGE CLOG RELATED TO THE SUNROOF. THIS CAN OCCUR EVEN WHEN THE SUNROOF IS IN THE DOWN OR CLOSED POSITION. THE LEAK WILL CAUSE WATER TO POOL IN THE RIGHT FRONT PASSENGER SEAT FLOOR AND CAN CAUSE MOLD AND A VERY SMELLY AND POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS CONDITION FOR THE COMFORT AND BREATHING OF ALL PASSENGERS. HAVING ATTEMPTED REPAIRS, I DO NOT BELIEVE THAT VW IS ADEQUATELY ABLE TO ADDRESS THIS PROBLEM; IS ATTEMPTING TO MINIMIZE OR CONDUCT SUB-STANDARD REPAIRS; AND ARE RETURNING VEHICLES WITH MOLD TO CONSUMERS WHILE STATING THAT THERE IS NO MOLD. THIS APPEARS TO BE A DESIGN FLAW THAT CANNOT BE FIXED. *NM
Jun 14, 2006
+ 3 more complaints for this component
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
8 complaints
I WAS DRIVING MY CAR TO HAVE DINNER WITH MY DAUGHTER AND THE CAR STARTED LOSING POWER. IT WAS ONLY A 4 MINUTE TRIP AND BY THE TIME I GOT TO MY DAUGHTER'S DRIVEWAY, THE ENGINE WAS SMOKING. AFTER USING A HOSE TO COOL OFF THE HOOD, THE HOOD WAS POPPED AND THERE WAS A FIRE ON THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE ENGINE. AFTER WE GOT THE FIRE OUT, LOT OF HOSES AND THE WIRE ASSEMBLY WERE BURNED BADLY. *TR
Aug 21, 2014
FAULTY IGNITION COILS ON 2004 VW PASSAT, 4 CYLINDER TURBO ENGINE. WHILE DRIVING THE CAR, THE ENGINE LOSES POWER AND DASH BOARD WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATE. IGNITION COILS HAVE BEEN REPLACED NUMEROUS TIMES. *TR
May 11, 2011
VEHICLE HAS 80K MILES I'VE REPLACED 3 MASS AIR FLOW SENSORS, APPROX 12 COILS. THE LATEST ISSUE IS THE EPC - CAR STALLS WHILE DRIVING, EPC COMES ON. CAR WILL RESTART WITH SOME DIFFICULTY. *TR
Mar 30, 2011
ON AUGUST 22 ABOUT 2:45 I WAS RETURNING HOME FROM TAKING MY DAUGHTER TO WORK ABOUT3-MILES AWAY AND I NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM MY CAR I GET OUT TO LOOK UNDER THE HOOD AND I NOTICE FLAMES COMING FROM THE FRONT RIGHT END UNDER THE HOOD. I PANICKED GRABBED MY BELONGINGS AND CALLED 911 THE FIRE DEPT ARRIVED AND PUT THE FIRE OUT. *TR
Aug 23, 2009
I HAVE HAD PROBLEMS WITH MY 2004 PASSAT INSTRUMENT PANEL SINCE THE FIRST YEAR I BOUGHT IT. THE PANEL WOULD SHOW FALSE "DOOR AJAR" WARNINGS AND "TRUNK AJAR" WARNINGS. ABOUT A YEAR LATER IT STARTED SHOWING THE "GAS LID AJAR" WARNING LIGHT. I REPORTED IT TO THE DEALERSHIP AND WAS TOLD THAT THERE WAS NO SUCH LIGHT. IT CONTINUED TO HAPPEN, AND THE DEALERSHIP TOLD ME TO TAKE PICTURES OF THE WARNING NEXT TIME IT OCCURRED. THIS HAPPENED QUITE OFTEN, BUT THE WARRANTY RAN OUT BEFORE I COULD SHOW IT TO THEM AND THEY NOW SAY THAT IT'S NOT COVERED. THE INSTRUMENT WARNING PANEL NOW GETS SO DIM THAT YOU CAN'T READ IT WHEN THE CAR GETS TOO HOT SITTING IN THE SUN. ABOUT A YEAR AGO, THE ENGINE WARNING LIGHT CAME ON AND THE WARNING PANEL STATED, "STOP! TURN ENGINE OFF IMMEDIATELY." I WAS 320 MILES AWAY FROM HOME BY MYSELF AT THE TIME. I DISCOVERED THAT THERE WAS NO PROBLEM. IT WAS JUST A MALFUNCTIONING WARNING. TWO WEEKS AGO, THE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AGAIN, SO BECAUSE OF THE PAST FALSE SIGNALS, I IGNORED IT AND DROVE A 640 MILE ROUND TRIP BY MYSELF. A WEEK LATER, MY HUSBAND AND I WERE ON A TRIP AND THE ENGINE LIGHT WAS STILL ON. THE SECOND DAY OF THE TRIP, OUR CAR BATTERY WENT DEAD AND WE HAD TO REPLACE THE BATTERY. HAVING A FAULTY SYSTEM CAUSED ME TO DISREGARD THE WARNINGS AND, THEREFORE, HAD TO PURCHASE A NEW BATTERY. I AM THOROUGHLY DISGUSTED WITH VOLKSWAGENS PRODUCTS AND THE DEALERSHIPS SERVICE AND INTEGRITY. *TR
Aug 05, 2008
+ 3 more complaints for this component
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
8 complaints
CAR PARKED FRONT FACING WEST APPEARS TO HAVE CAUSED THE HEADLIGHTS TO FOG OVER ON THE INSIDE. DEALER SOLD ME A KIT FOR APPROXIMATELY $15 AND I WAS TOLD TO APPLY TO THE OUTSIDE. THAT WAS WHEN I REALIZED IT WAS ON THE INSIDE AND NOT THE OUTSIDE. I AM RETIRED AND ON A FIXED INCOME AND NOW THE DEALER WANTS $250 PER HEADLIGHT PLUS LABOR TO REPLACE THEM. *TR
Apr 25, 2008
I RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE REGARDING MY 2004 VW PASSAT (REPLACING THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH). I HAD MY REPAIRS COMPLETED AT AN AUTHORIZED VW SERVICE CENTER IN OCTOBER 2007 AND SENT MY FORM TO VW FOR REIMBURSEMENT. I RECEIVED A CALL ON 1/10/08 INFORMING ME THAT THE DEADLINE FOR THE REPAIR WAS 9/23/07. THE RECALL LETTER I RECEIVED WAS DATED SEPTEMBER 2007 AND DID NOT INDICATE THAT THERE WAS A DEADLINE FOR THE REPAIR. THE VW CUSTOMER CARE CENTER IS SAYING THAT THEY WILL NOT REIMBURSE ME FOR THIS REPAIR. *TR
Jan 10, 2008
KNOWN ISSUE "VIBRATING HEADLAMP ASSEMBLY", DESPITE NUMEROUS REPAIRS AT DEALERSHIP CONTINUES TO VIBRATE CAUSING REPEATED HEADLAMP BULB FAILURE. ESPECIALLY DANGEROUS WHEN FAILURE OCCURS WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT. *TR
Nov 09, 2007
6/30 I DROVE MY 2004 VW PASSAT WAGON. I HAD USED THE CRUISE CONTROL AND HAD TO SLOW DOWN, I ATTEMPTED TO RE-ACTIVATE THE CRUISE CONTROL, IT WOULD NOT RESPOND. I TRIED AGAIN THE FOLLOWING DAY AND IT WORKED. 7/3, I PARKED MY CAR FOR AN HOUR APPT. I RETURNED TO MY CAR TO FIND THE BRAKE LIGHTS WERE ON. I TURNED THE CAR ON, TAPPED THE BRAKES AND TURNED IT OFF. THE BRAKE LIGHTS STAYED ON. I HAD TO LEAVE TOWN FOR A FEW DAYS AND UPON RETURNING, CALLED MY DEALER, ONTARIO VW. 7/9 I MADE AN APPT TO SERVICE THE CAR. SYLVIA IN SERVICE MADE THE APPT. SHE MENTIONED THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH. AFTER MAKING THE APPT, I RESEARCHED THE RECALL. I FOUND THE NHTSA SITE. NHTSA HAD A CAMPAIGN ID # 07V063000 FOR 6 MAKES OF VOLKSWAGEN, VARYING YEARS, ALL FOR BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH MALFUNCTION. THE DESCRIPTION MATCHED MY PROBLEM EXACTLY. LATER ON THE 9TH, I WENT TO DROP OFF MY CAR FOR REPAIR. I WAS CHECKED IN AND TOLD MY CAR WAS NOT AFFECTED BY THE RECALL. JOSE MEZA, SENIOR SERVICE ADVISOR, TOLD ME MY VIN # HAD NO RECALL. I EXPLAINED ABOUT THE INFO I FOUND AND HE SAID I WAS INCORRECT. HE DID NOT OFFER TO RESEARCH ANYTHING ABOUT IT. MY CAR IS UNDER WARRANTY AND WILL BE REPAIRED. MY ISSUE IS WITH THE HANDLING OF THIS SITUATION AND THE LACK OF INTEREST ON THE PART OF ONTARIO VW AND VW CORP, WHOM I CALLED TO COMPLAIN AND WAS ALSO TOLD THAT MY VIN # DID NOT REFLECT A RECALL. IF 5 OTHER VW MAKES HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM AND ARE UNDER RECALL, WHY AM I BEING CHALLENGED ABOUT INCLUDING MY CAR IN THE RECALL? THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE AS THE BRAKE LIGHTS CAN BECOME INOPERABLE WITHOUT MY KNOWLEDGE. VEHICLE SAFETY SHOULD BE THE PRIORITY FOR ALL MANUFACTURERS AND DEALERSHIPS AND I AM SHOCKED AT THE LACK OF INTEREST I AM RECEIVING FROM ALL I CONTACT ABOUT THIS ISSUE. INCLUDING THE NHTSA THAT TOLD ME I COULD FILE A GENERAL COMPLAINT AND POSSIBLY BE INCLUDED IN A FUTURE RECALL BUT COULD NOT OFFER SPECIFIC HELP WITH ANYTHING ELSE. *TR
Jul 10, 2007
ON OCCASION THE BRAKE LIGHTS WILL STAY ON AFTER CAR HAS BEEN PARKED AND TURNED OFF. THE BRAKE LIGHTS WILL ALSO STAY ON WITH NO FOOT PRESSURE ON THE PEDAL WHILE DRIVING. *TR
Jul 02, 2007
+ 3 more complaints for this component
TIRES
7 complaints
TIRE BUBBLE, 2" WIDE, 2" LONG, 1/2" HIGH
Sep 07, 2016
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. THE VEHICLE HAS SPECTOR Z100 TIRES, TIRE SIZE P225/40/18(NA). THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED WHEN THE CONTACT OBSERVED THAT THE REAR DRIVER SIDE TIRE WAS FLAT AND EXHIBITED EXCESSIVE CRACKING. THE TIRE WAS CHANGED AND REPLACED WITH A SPARE TIRE. THE OTHER THREE TIRES ON THE VEHICLE ALSO EXHIBITED SEVERE CRACKS. THE FOUR DEFECTIVE TIRES WERE PURCHASED FOUR MONTHS PRIOR TO THE FAILURE. THE TIRE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE CONTACT HAS PHOTOGRAPHS OF THE DEFECTIVE TIRES. THERE WERE CONCERNS OF THE SAFETY RISKS INVOLVED. THE VIN AND DOT NUMBER WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 35,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS UNAVAILABLE.
Sep 23, 2009
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE STEERING WHEEL VIBRATED. THIS OCCURRED ON THREE OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO THE DEALER EACH TIME, WHO DETERMINED THE PASSENGER FRONT AND BOTH REAR TIRES EXPERIENCED TREAD SEPARATION. THE TIRES WERE REPLACED. THE TIRES WERE COOPER DOMINATOR P195/65R15.
Dec 07, 2006
[XXX] THIS IS FILED ON BEHALF OF MY FIANCEE [XXX] (SAME ADDRESS,EVENING PHONE) OWNER OF THE VEHICLE. WE NOTICED A BUBBLE ON THE SIDE OF THE RIGHT FRONT TIRE A P205/55R16 CONTINENTAL TOURING CONTACT CH95 TIRE ON HER 2004 VW PASSAT (WHICH HAD ONLY 3,087 MILES ON IT) ON THE EVENING OF 7-10-5 . I BROUGHT IT TO THREE COUNTY VOLKSWAGEN, LYNDHURST, NJ ON THE MORNING OF 7-11-05 AT APPROX. 9:50 AM. THEY REPLACED THE TIRE AT A COST TO ME OF $126.28 SAYING IT WAS NOT COVERED BY VW AND THAT THE MATTER HAD TO BE TAKEN UP WITH CONTINENTAL TIRE. THEY SENT THE TIRE TO CONTINENTAL THE NEXT DAY FOR TESTING. AFTER REPEATED CALLS TO CONTINENTAL, I FINALLY RECEIVED THEIR RESPONSE ON 9-1-05 CLAIMING THE BUBBLE WAS DUE TO A ROAD HAZARD. [XXX] THIS CAR & TIRE WERE DRIVEN PREDOMINANTLY LOCAL! I SIMPLY DO NOT BELIEVE THEIR EXPLANATION ESPECIALLY SINCE MY COUSIN, THREE COUNTY'S FORMER SALES MANAGER,(WHO BY THE WAY HAS BEEN IN THE BUSINESS FOR DECADES) DIDN'T BUY IT EITHER! IF THE BUBBLE WAS NOT DETECTED, IT COULD HAVE BURST WHILE DRIVING CAUSING SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH TO ONE OR BOTH OF US! *NM UPDATED 07/18/2012 *JS INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Sep 19, 2005
ON TWO SEPARATE OCCASIONS WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH THE TIRE FAILED. DRIVER WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER AND INSPECTED THE VEHICLE. NOTICED THAT THE TREAD SEPARATED FROM THE SIDEWALL. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A TIRE DEALER FOR INSPECTION, AND MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT THE TIRES NEEDED TO BE REPLACED, AND REPLACED THEM. HOWEVER, PROBLEM RECURRED. *AK THE CONSUMER STATED THAT HE HAD TWO TIRE FAILURES IN LESS THAN 13000 MILES.
Mar 08, 2005
+ 2 more complaints for this component
AIR BAGS
6 complaints
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V078000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.
Feb 14, 2017
SIDE CURTAINS AIRBAG DEPLOYED FOR A NON-CRASH IMPACT WHILE DRIVING ON A ROAD AT CITY SPEED AFTER A SNOWSTORM. THERE WAS NO COLLISION. THERE IS EVIDENCE OF VERY MINOR UNDERCARRIAGE DAMAGE TO FRONT RIM OF LESS THAN $225. CONSEQUENCE IS OVER $2800 IN DAMAGE TO INTERIOR OF CAR FROM AIRBAG, AND SURCHARGE FROM INSURANCE TOTAL COST TO US WITH AIRBAG DAMAGE, SURCHARGES, AND CAR RENTAL WILL BE OVER $5000. THE CRASH SENSING ALGORITHM SEEMS TO BE TOO SENSITIVE AND MAY RECOGNIZE CERTAIN NON-CRASH IMPACTS (WHEEL, TIRE AND UNDERCARRIAGE IMPACTS) AS DEPLOYABLE EVENTS. *TR
Jan 06, 2008
DT: THE CONSUMER WAS DRIVING IN A PARKING LOT WHEN THE DRIVER'S SIDE AIRBAG DEPLOYED. THERE WAS NO CAUSE FOR THE AIRBAG TO DEPLOY. THERE WAS NO WARNING. THIS OCCURRED ON OCTOBER 2, 2005. THE CONSUMER SUSTAINED MINOR PAIN, CUTS, AND BRUISES. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN INSPECTED YET. *AK
Oct 03, 2005
DTL: LEASE A 2004 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT, HAD A HIGH SPEED (40 MPH) COLLISION. ONLY THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED. NO WARRING LIGHTS OR FAILURES WITH THE AIR BAGS BEFORE. TWO OTHER VEHICLE INVOLVED BUT THEY FLED SEEN. *NM
May 11, 2005
WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH DRIVER T-BONED ANOTHER VEHICLE ON THE PASSENGER'S SIDE AND THE AIR BAGS IN THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE FAILED TO DEPLOY. *AK THE DAMAGE WAS SO EXTENSIVE THE CAR WAS DEEMED A TOTAL LOSS. CONSUMER'S SON SUSTAINED A SPRAINED LOWER BACK, HYPER EXTENDED KNEES, MISALIGNED HIPS, ETC. *BF *NM
Mar 30, 2005
+ 1 more complaint for this component
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
6 complaints
FRONT DISC BRAKE ROTOR FAILED (SEPARATED FROM BOLTING HUB) IN HARD BRAKING AT ABOUT 35 MILES PER HOUR. BRAKES HAD BEEN REPLACED IN 2009 AND HAD APPROXIMATELY 37,000 MILES DRIVEN SINCE REPLACEMENT. NO OTHER SIGNS OF EXCESSIVE WEAR OR WARPAGE NOTED BY AUTO TECHNICIANS. FAILED PART NUMBER 4B0-615-301-B. *TR
May 06, 2012
I HAVE A 2004 PASSAT WAGON WITH 58,000 MILES. ABOUT 2 WEEKS AGO WE STARTED GETTING A "BRAKE FAULT" WARNING FOLLOWED BY A LARGE "STOP". IT LASTS FOR ABOUT 5 SECONDS AND THEN GOES AWAY. THIS ONLY HAPPENS IN THE MORNING, AND AFTER ABOUT 15 MINUTES OF DRIVING. AFTER THAT THERE WILL BE NO MORE WARNINGS UNTIL WE START THE CAR THE FOLLOWING MORNING. WE MAY GET ONE WARNING OR THREE DURING THE 15 MINUTES. WE TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALER AND THEY SAID THERE WAS NOTHING IN THE CODES SHOWING A FAULT. THEY KEEP THE CAR OVER NIGHT, AND THE NEXT MORNING TOOK THE CAR FOR A DRIVE AND CONFIRMED THE "BRAKE FAULT". THEY TOLD US WE NEED REPLACE THE ABS MODULE AT A COST OF $900. OUR CAR ONLY HAS 58,000 MILES ON IT, AND IT WAS GARAGED MOST OF ITS LIFE. WE PICKED THE CAR UP FROM THE DEALER AND HAVE NOT FIXED THE PROBLEM YET. WE ARE JUST OUT OF WARRANTY, AND FEEL THIS SHOULD BE COVERED. TODD KNOEPPEL *TR
Oct 11, 2008
THE ABS HAS BEEN FAULTY FOR SIX MONTHS FROM TIME OF PURCHASE A S BRAND NEW. THE ABS LIT UP AND WILL STAY LIT UNTIL SERVICE DEPARTMENT RESET IT. THE BRAKE LIT UP AND GOT STUCK WITHOUT PRESSING ON BRAKE PEDAL. DASHBOARD LIGHTS MALFUNCTIONED, AND DID NOT COME ON THROUGH THIS FAILURE. VEHICLE SAT PARKED IN THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT OF DEALERSHIP FOR 15 MONTHS WITHOUT ANYONE INVESTIGATING THE PROBLEM. SWITCH HAS BEEN REPLACED 5 TIMES WITHIN 1.5 YEARS. THE ABS FAILED AND CAUSED AN ACCIDENT. *AK
Jun 19, 2007
AT THE 20000 MAINTENANCE INSPECTION THERE WAS NO OBSERVATION DONE BY THE DEALER. AT ABOUT 22K THE BRAKE PROBLEM WARNING LIGHT CAME ON AND THEN OFF. I TOOK THE CAR AT THE DEALER AND THEY FOUND THAT THE BACK BRAKE PADS ARE ALMOST COMPLETELY WORN OFF AND THEY NEED TO BE REPLACED AND THE BRAKE FLUID NEEDS TO BE FLUSHED. THE ESTIMATED COST WAS MORE THAN 350$. I ASKED THEM TO GIVE ME AN EXPLANATION ON HOW THE BRAKES GOT WORN IN THE 2K BETWEEN THE 20K AND 22K SINCE THEY DID NOT TELL US ANYTHING ABOUT ANY BRAKES BEING WORN AT THE 20 MAINTENANCE INSPECTION. THEY HAD NO ANSWER ON THIS. I FINALLY DECIDED TO REPLACE THE BACK BRAKE PADS BECAUSE THE CAR WAS SHAKING ON BRAKING AND I FELT UNSAFE DRIVING IT. I DID NOT TRUST THE DEALER ANY MORE SO I DECIDED TO TAKE THE CAR TO A THIRD PARTY SHOP I TRUSTED, AND I HAD TO PAY 138$ TO REPLACE THE BACK BRAKE PADS.*AK
Apr 10, 2005
MY 2004 VW PASSAT HAD 13,823 WHEN THE REAR BRAKE PADS COMPLETELY WORE OUT. THE FRONT HAVE ONLY WORN OUT 8% TO THIS DAY (12/20/04). FIRST, THE CAR PULSATED WHEN THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED. SO, I PERSONALLY WENT TO THE DEALER TO FIND OUT WHAT THE PROBLEM WAS; WHICH WAS NO HELP. I WAS TOLD THERE WAS NOTHING WORNG. LATER, TO NO SUPRISE OF MINE; THERE WAS. THE BRAKE LAMPS TURNED ON AND DIDNT GO OFF. EVEN WITH THE CAR IN PARK AND TURNED OFF. WITH THIS, I WENT TO THE DEALER WHO TOLD ME MY REAR BRAKE PADS WERE WORN. AT THE DEALERS, THE REAR ROTORS WERE REPLACED FOR FREE, BUT THE PADS WERE NOT. THIS IS SIMPLY DISRESPECTFUL, AS I AM NOT A CRAZY DRIVER AND HAD TO PAY $220 TO REPLACE DEFECTIVE BRAKE PADS. *AK
Dec 20, 2004
+ 1 more complaint for this component
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
4 complaints
STANDING WATER IN DRIVER SIDE AND REAR DRIVER SIDE AREA.
Aug 01, 2018
TAKATA RECALL COOLANT FLENCH LEAKING, AIR VALVE COVER CAME OFF( LEAKING) AND WATER PUMP, TIMING BELT AND THERMOSTAT NOT WORKING, CANNOT SMOG CAR. ENGINE TROUBLESHOOTING LIGHT COMES BACK ON ALL THE TIME.
Jun 17, 2017
10-30-08(40,350 MILES) MY MECHANIC REPLACES #1 COIL DUE TO COMPUTER CODE ALERT 11-25-08(40,420 MILES) REPLACED #3 IGNITION COIL & TEMP SENSOR BY VW DEALER DUE TO ENGINE LIGHT ON. 3-12-09(44,965) REPLACE #4 IGNITION COIL AS MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LIGHT CAME ON, CAR CHUGGED/HESITATED. COMPLAINED TO VW CORPORATE, WAS REIMBURSED. 3-16-09(45,100 MILES) REPLACE # 2 COIL BY MY MECHANIC AT MY REQUEST AS GIVEN THE HISTORY I FEARED IT WOULD MALFUNCTION 11-28-09(53,631 MILES)ALL 4 COILS REPLACED BY VW WITH DIFFERENT MODEL COIL DUE TO RECALL 11-24-10(65,794) REPLACE ENGINE SPEED SENSOR AND #1 & #2 COILS BY VW DUE TO EPC LIGHT COMING ON. FAULT IN COMPUTER STATED # 1 & # 2 COILS MISFIRING. VW PAID FOR COIL REPLACEMENT. *LN
Feb 07, 2011
ODOR ENTERING THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT THROUGH THE VENTILATION SYSTEM WHEN THE RECIRCULATION BUTTON FOR THE A/C IS TURNED OFF. THE LOCAL DEALER ATTEMPTED, WITH OUR SUCCESS, 5 TIMES TO FIX THE PROBLEM. I AM CONCERNED THAT THE ODOR WILL HAVE HEALTH IMPLICATIONS. *JB
Dec 15, 2006
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SEATS
3 complaints
THE SEAT WARMER ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE STARTED A FIRE THAT BURNT THROUGH THE SEAT AND ONTO MY LEG. I HAD TO PULL OVER ON THE HIGHWAY AND TURN OFF THE CAR FOR IT TO STOP BURNING. *TR
Dec 28, 2013
I HAD BEEN DRIVING MY CAR FOR FEWER THAN 15 MINUTES WITH THE SEAT HEATING ELEMENT ON. I NOTICED AN ACUTE BURNING HEAT NEAR MY UPPER LEFT LEG, AND SHORTLY THEREAFTER NOTICED A HOT/BURNING/MELTING SMELL. I IMMEDIATELY TURNED OFF THE DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT AND PULLED INTO A PARKING SPOT. AFTER BEING TURNED OFF FOR 10 MINUTES, THE BURNING SMELL WAS STILL HANGING IN THE CAR AND MY SEAT WAS STILL EXTREMELY HOT TO THE TOUCH. THE GRAY LEATHER NEAR THE OUTER LEFT EDGE OF THE SEATING SURFACE IS EMBLAZONED WITH A SINGED, BROWNISH BURN MARK, AND A HOLE WAS BURNED COMPLETELY THROUGH THE LEATHER. I HAVE NOT TURNED ON THE SEAT HEATING ELEMENT SINCE THIS INCIDENT, BUT AM QUITE CONCERNED ABOUT THE FAILURE AND FIRE HAZARD. *TR
Mar 17, 2012
I OWN A VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT 2004 MODEL. ON NOVEMBER THE 11TH 2008 AFTER WORKING THE NIGHT SHIFT AT MBUSI IN VANCE, ALABAMA, I GOT IN MY CAR TO GO HOME. I TURNED ON THE HEATED SEAT JUST AS I HAVE DONE FOR THE PAST 4 YEARS ONLY THIS TIME I GOT MORE HEAT THAN I WANTED. MY HEATED SEAT CAUGHT FIRE AND BURNED MY LEG. IN ATTEMPT TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE, I WRENCHED MY BACK BY STOMPING OUT THE FIRE WITH MY FOOT. I DID NOT HAVE ANYTHING CLOSE TO ME TO USE WITH MY HANDS SO THEY WOULD NOT GET BURNED. I COULD NOT BELIEVE HOW FAST MY CAR FILLED WITH WORST SMELLING SMOKE I HAVE EVER SMELT. THE SEAT WAS ON FIRE BEFORE I EVEN LEFT THE PARKING LOT. IF I WOULD HAVE WAITED TWO MINUTES TO TURN ON MY SEAT, I WOULD HAVE BEEN ON INTERSTATE 20/59 DRIVING AT 70 MPH AND I CAN ONLY IMAGINE WHAT WOULD HAVE HAPPENED. THIS IS ONE OF THE WORST EXPERIENCES OF MY LIFE. VOLKSWAGEN HAS OFFERED TO REPLACE THE COVER ON THE CAR, REPLACE MY PANTS AND PAY MY MEDICAL BILLS, BUT WHAT ABOUT THE SEAT I WILL CONTINUE TO SIT ON, AND MY CONFIDENCE THAT THIS WILL NOT HAPPEN AGAIN. I AM HORRIFIED TO THINK ABOUT THE POTENTIAL FOR RECURRENCE AND I CANNOT OVERCOME MY ORDEAL I AM DEVASTATED AND HAVE LOST MY CONFIDENCE IN THE PROCESSES THAT ARE SUPPOSED TO PROTECT THE CONSUMER. *TR
Jan 06, 2009
FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL
3 complaints
RE: ODI 10288798 2004 PASSAT TDI WHILE MODERATELY ACCELERATING BETWEEN 60 AND 65 MPH YOU EXPERIENCE A BUMP TYPE OF ACTION, LIKE BEING BUMPED SLIGHTLY FROM THE REAR. I DO NOT GET THE SENSATION THAT THE TRANSMISSION IS HESITATING OR LURCHING. I TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALER AND THEIR DIAGNOSIS INDICATED A BAD MASS FLOW INDICATOR (MFI), SEE ODI 10288798. I STATED THAT THIS WAS SUPPOSE TO BE THE PROBLEM 6 MONTHS AGO WITH A PREVIOUS ISSUE. THE DEALER REPLACED THE MFI AND STATED THE TEST DROVE THE CAR AND THE PROBLEM DID NOT RECUR. UPON LEAVING THE DEALER AS I ACCELERATED ONTO THE INTERSTATE THE PROBLEM DID RECUR. I WAS ABLE TO REPLICATE THE PROBLEM NUMEROUS TIMES. THEY MUST HAVE TEST DROVE ANOTHER CAR. I NOTIFIED THE DEALER BEFORE I WAS 10 MILES AWAY THAT I WOULD BRING THE CAR BACK. BEFORE LEAVING THE DEALERSHIP AFTER THE SUPPOSED REPAIR I WENT OVER THE LIST OF VW PASSAT TDI COMPLAINTS. HE ASSURED ME I DO NOT HAVE THOSE PROBLEMS. HOWEVER, BASED ON MY PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE AND THIS REPAIR WORK SO FAR, I AM NOT SURE THEY REALLY UNDERSTAND WHAT THE PROBLEM IS LET ALONE TELL ME I HAVE NO CONCERN. THE MFI JUST CAN NOT BE THE DIAGNOSIS CURE ALL MY PROBLEMS AND EVIDENTLY IT HASN'T BEEN EITHER. *TR
May 12, 2010
I HAVE A 2004 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT 2.0L TDI DIESEL CAR. THE HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP STARTED LEAKING DIESEL FUEL ALL OVER THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. I CHECKED ON-LINE TO DETERMINE IF THERE WAS A RECALL ON THIS PROBLEM. AFTER CHECKING ON-LINE I LEARNED THAT THERE WAS IN FACT A RECALL FOR THIS PROBLEM. I CONTACTED BOTH VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA AND A LOCAL DEALER. BOTH INDICATED THAT THERE WAS A RECALL, BUT THAT THE VIN NUMBER ON MY CAR WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THIS RECALL. I HAD TO HAVE THE PUMP REPLACED AT A COST OF $750.00. I BELIEVE THAT THE PROBLEM INCURRED IS THE SAME PROBLEM FROM THE RECALL AND THAT THE DEFECTIVE PART INCLUDES MORE THAN JUST THE VIN NUMBER VEHICLES THAT VOLKSWAGEN ADMITS. WHEN I HAD THE HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP REPLACED, I ADVISED THAT I WANTED TO OLD PUMP. I HAVE THE OLD PUMP IN MY POSSESSION. I AM CONCERNED THAT THERE MAY BE MORE VEHICLES THAN INDICATED IN THE RECALL THAT MAY HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM AND THE POSSIBLE FIRE PROBLEMS THAT COULD BE CAUSED. I BELIEVE THAT THIS REPAIR SHOULD HAVE BEEN COVERED BY VOLKSWAGON. *NM
Nov 21, 2006
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED DIESEL FUEL LEAKS ONTO THE ENGINE AND THE EXHAUST SYSTEM. THE DEALERSHIP DETERMINED THE DIESEL PUMP NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THERE IS A NHTSA RECALL, # 04V586000, REGARDING THE FUEL SYSTEM DIESEL. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE MANUFACTURER HAS BEEN ALERTED.
Jun 19, 2006
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING
3 complaints
2004 VW PASSAT TDI. VW HAS A PROBLEM WITH THEIR TURN SIGNAL SWITCH. THE SWITCH CONTINUES TO OPEN AND CLOSE THE CIRCUIT AFTER THE TURN SIGNAL IS IN THE OFF POSITION. THIS IS A PROBLEM WITH MANY OF THEIR MODELS( JETTA, PASSAT BOTH GAS AND DIESEL). THE DEALERSHIP SERVICE PERSONNEL ARE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM AND ARE REPLACING THE DEFECTIVE SWITCH ONLY IF YOUR HAVE ALL YOUR MAINTENANCE DONE AT A AUTHORIZED VW DEALER. SO IF YOU DON"T HAVE ALL YOUR OIL CHANGES AND REPAIRS DONE BY A AUTHORIZED V W DEALER THERE IS NO ASSISTANCE FOR REPLACEMENT OF THIS DEFECTIVE SWITCH. THIS IS A COST OF $300.00 TO THE CONSUMER. THIS SURE IS SAFETY RELATED AND NEED TO BE RECALLED ASAP. THIS PROBLEM HAS CAUSED FIRES UNDER THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. *TR
Oct 19, 2009
OUR 2004 PASSAT'S BRAKE LIGHTS WENT OUT RECENTLY. THERE WAS NO WARNING LIGHT OR OTHER PROCESS THAT TOLD US THE LIGHTS WERE OUT. WE WERE ALMOST IN A CAR ACCIDENT BECAUSE THE DRIVER BEHIND US DIDN'T SEE OUR BRAKE LIGHTS. AFTER DOING RESEARCH I FOUND THAT VW ISSUED A RECALL FOR THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH IN 2007...BUT WE NEVER RECEIVED SUCH NOTICE. I THINK THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE THAT SHOULD BE COMMUNICATED TO THE PUBLIC. *TR
Jan 25, 2009
THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH KEEPS FAILING. IT CAUSES THE ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL TO BE DISABLED AND KEEPS THE STOP LIGHTS ON, EVEN WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL IS NOT DEPRESSED. I'VE HAD THE BRAKE LIKE SWITCH REPLACED 6 TIMES NOW OVER THE PAST 2.5 YEARS. *NM
Oct 23, 2006
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER
3 complaints
WE RECEIVE A RECALL LETTER FROM VW JUNE 2008, A WEEK AFTER WE SHIPPED OUR VW PASSAT TO GREECE FOR US TO USE WHILE WE ARE IN GREECE. WHEN I CAME HOME I OPEN MY MAIL AND FOUND THE RECALL LETTER. I IMMEDIATELY FAX IT TO GREECE FOR MY HUSBAND TO TAKE IT TO THE DEALERSHIP TO FIX THE RECALL PROBLEM. WHEN THE DEALERSHIP CORRECTED THE PROBLEM I RECEIVED AN INVOICE FROM THEM WITH AN ITEMIZED DESCRIPTION. ( I KNOW A FEW OF THE CORRECTED ITEM ARE NOT IN THE RECALL LETTER WHICH I DO NOT EXPECT THEM TO PAY). THEY CALL ME AND TOLD ME THAT IT WOULD TAKE 4 TO 6 WEEKS FOR THEM TO PROCESS THE INVOICE BECAUSE THEY HAD TO SEND IT FOR TRANSLATION. SEVERAL WEEKS GO BY AND THEY CALL ME AND SAID THAT SOME OF THE ITEMS IN THE INVOICE WERE NOT PART OF THE RECALL AND THEY WOULD NOT PAY ME WHICH I AGREE, BUT THE REST IT WOULD TAKE ABOUT ANOTHER 3 WEEKS. NOW IT IS 3 MONTHS AND I CALLED THEM, THEY SAID NON OF THE THINGS I HAD CORRECTED WERE IN THE RECALL LETTER ACCORDING TO THE TRANSLATOR. I TRIED TO TELL YES IT IS AND I ASK THEM TO CALL THE DEALERSHIP TO FIND OUT, BUT THEY REFUSE AND THEY REFUSE TO REIMBURSE ME FOR THE WORK. I FEEL THAT THIS IS OUTRAGEOUS. I WOULD SOMETHING TO BE DONE. THANK YOU *TR
Jan 19, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. THE CONTACT NOTICED RUST HAD FORMED IN THE FILLER NECK OF THE FUEL SYSTEM. THE DEALER STATED THAT THIS WAS NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY AND WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF FAILURE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 40,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 24,000.
Jun 21, 2007
ENGINE MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LIGHT STAYS ON, MUSFIRE IN CYLINDER # 3 SINCE JANUARY OF 2005, CAR AT DEALER FOR SERVICE REPEATEDLY FOR SAME PROBLEM. SO FAR NO RESOLUTION. CAR WILL NOT PASS INSPECTIOND DUE TO PROBLEM
Jun 03, 2005
VISIBILITY,STRUCTURE
2 complaints
THE PLASTIC CLIPS HOLDING THE WINDOW IN PLACE BROKE AND WINDOW FALLS DOWN. IT COSTS $350 TO REPLACE THE $1.50 CHEAP PLASTIC PART. *TR
Dec 28, 2013
THE DRAIN COMING DOWN FROM THE SUNROOF APPARENTLY BECAME CLOGGED CAUSING THIS VEHICLE TO SHORT OUT...HORN BLOWING, ALARM SYSTEM GOING OFF, ETC. THE WATERPROOF BLACK BOX, WHICH IS UNDERNEATH THE DRIVERS SEAT, WAS FULL OF WATER AND THE COMFORT CONTROL BOX WAS ALL BURNED. THE DRIVERS SIDE FLOOR IS SOAKING WET AND WE HAVE BEEN TRYING TO DRY IT OUT FOR 6 DAYS NOW. WE ARE VERY CONCERNED THAT THIS COULD HAVE CAUSED A FIRE WHILE OUR DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING HER CAR. PLEASE ADVISE..... *TR
May 29, 2012
POWER TRAIN,STRUCTURE
2 complaints
POWER TRAIN ISSUE: BAD TORQUE CONVERTER (TC). WHY A SAFETY ISSUE? IT CAN FAIL WHILE ON THE HIGHWAY SENDING DEBRIS INTO THE TRANSMISSION CAUSING A CATASTROPHIC FAILURE. CAUSED BY A BAD SEAL GASKET. TECHNICAL BULLETIN # 2011908 ADDRESS THE ISSUE IN 2007. BUT THE TDIS WERE NOT INCLUDED IN THE TB [SAME TC & TRANSMISSION], AND THIS IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM IN MANY VW, AUDI AND BMW VEHICLES, INCLUDING TDIS. E.G. VW & AUDI: HTTP://KANSASCITYTDI.COM/AUDIPASSAT-P0741-17125-CODE/ BMW: HTTP://FORUMS.BIMMERFORUMS.COM/FORUM/SHOWTHREAD.PHP?T=1601642 WITH A P0741 ERROR: DTC RESULTS: 17125 P0741 003 TORQUE CONVERTER CLUTCH CIRC. PERFORMANCE OR STUCK OFF INTERMITTENT IF YOU DO A WEB SEARCH FOR: P0741 ERROR CODE TRANSMISSION TORQUE CONVERTER THE RESULTS ARE STARTLING, IT SEEMS THAT VW, AUDI AND BMW ALL HAVE THE SAME ISSUE WITH TCS, "MY UNDERSTANDING IS THE INTERNAL TC SEALS WERE NOT UP TO THE TASK ON THE ORIGINAL TCS OF THAT ERA. ...INCLUDING AUDI". HTTP://FORUMS.TDICLUB.COM/SHOWPOST.PHP?P=3036384&POSTCOUNT=5 "IF THE PROBLEM IS NOT ADDRESSED THEN THE TRANSMISSION WILL OVER HEAT DUE TO THE SLIPPAGE AND YOU WILL NEED TO REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION." HTTP://FORUMS.TDICLUB.COM/SHOWPOST.PHP?P=3038540&POSTCOUNT=11 IT SEEMS THAT THIS SHOULD OF BEEN FIXED UNDER WARRANTY, THERE WAS A RECALL FOR NON-DIESEL VEHICLES SERVICE BULLETIN: 2011908. THE TC IS THE SAME IN ALL B5 MODELS. HTTP://WWW.IMPORTDRIVETRAIN.COM/AUTOTRANSCROSSREF.HTML#VOLKSWAGEN SO WHY WAS THE TDI S NOT COVERED? ------------------------------------ BODY: DOORS: WON'T UNLOCK FROM OUTSIDE BY REMOTE OR UNLOCK BUTTON FROM INSIDE. *TR
Nov 19, 2012
2005 PASSAT WAGON - 38000 MILES BLOCKED DRAINS AROUND THE SUNROOF CAUSED RAIN WATER TO LEAK INTO THE FLOOR BOARDS OF THE CAR. THE BUILD-UP OF WATER CAUSED THE TCM (TRANSMISSION CONTROL MODULE) TO MALFUNCTION. THE (AUTOMATIC) CAR WAS ABLE TO BE DRIVEN ONLY WITH HARD SHIFTS BETWEEN GEARS AND NOW WILL NOT MOVE OUT OF PARK. (UNDRIVABLE). REPLACEMENT OF THE TCM WILL COST $3210. THE CAR WAS A GARAGED CAR UP UNTIL A FEW MONTHS AGO. IT WAS AT THE DEALERSHIP FOR ALL SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE. I WAS TOLD BY THE DEALERSHIP THAT THE DRAIN TUBES CAN GET CLOGGED WITH "ONE LEAF" AND THE NEXT RAIN CAN CAUSE THIS PROBLEM. I WAS ADVISED TO PARK IN A COVERED AREA AND NEVER DRIVE IN THE RAIN. THIS SEEMS LIKE A SIGNIFICANT DESIGN FLAW THAT ONE LEAF FOLLOWED BY ANY RAIN CAN CAUSE THE TCM TO FAIL AND NEED REPLACING. *TR
Nov 16, 2009
POWER TRAIN,VISIBILITY
2 complaints
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE DISCOVERED WATER INSIDE THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL REPAIR FACILITY WHERE THE SUNROOF WAS DISENGAGED. THE MANUFACTURER ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THERE WAS AN OPEN RECALL ON THE VEHICLE UNDER AN UNKNOWN RECALL CAMPAIGN AND THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER FOR REPAIRS. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE WAS EXHIBITING AN ABNORMAL JERKING SENSATION WHEN DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS. THE DEALER REPLACED THE SOILED CARPETING AND NOTICED EXTENSIVE WATER DAMAGE TO THE TRANSMISSION MODULE, WHICH WAS ALSO REPLACED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE JERKING PERSISTED WHEN ATTEMPTING TO SWITCH GEARS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER HOWEVER, THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO LOCATE A FAILURE WITHIN THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE PERSISTED UNTIL THE TRANSMISSION FAILED. THE DEALER REFUSED TO REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION. THE MANUFACTURER OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED AT THE CONTACT'S EXPENSE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 95,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 102,000. UPDATED 1/19/2010 *CN UPDATED 01/27/11
Sep 27, 2010
SPORADICALLY THE REAR WINDOWS WOULD NOT RESPOND TO THE WINDOW UP/DOWN SWITCH, THEN LATER WITHOUT TOUCHING THE SWITCH THE WINDOWS WOULD OPEN OR CLOSE. THE DEALER FOUND A CHEAP PLASTIC COTTER PIN TYPE INSTRUMENT CAUSING THE PROBLEM. I HAVE NOT HAD THE CHANCE TO CHECK OUT THE REPAIR SINCE THE DEALER HAS MY CAR GOING ON 3 WEEKS FOR TWO OTHER ISSUES (TRANSMISSION SURGE AND ENGINE LIGHT/P0101) FOR WHICH THEY ARE HAVING PROBLEMS DIAGNOSING THE PROBLEM. *TR
Oct 17, 2009
EQUIPMENT
2 complaints
THIS INCIDENT HAPPENED TWICE IN DECEMBER 2009. AFTER LIFTING MY FOOT OFF OF THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL, THE VEHICLE KEPT ACCELERATING TO VERY HIGH SPEEDS. THE VEHICLE DID NOT STOP ACCELERATING WHEN I PUT MY FOOT UNDER THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL AND LIFTED UP. TO STOP, I HAD TO PUT THE VEHICLE IN NEUTRAL AND BRAKE. DEALER SAID IT WAS A STUCK FLOOR MAT AND REMOVED THE MAT FROM THE VEHICLE. THEY SAID THERE WAS NO MECHANICAL DEFECT. *TW
Jan 28, 2010
AM RADIO RECEPTION IS VERY POOR (STATIC) WITH THE ON STAR FEATURE.DEALER REPLACED THE RADIO TWISE & ANTENNA SYSTEM.... STILLS FAILS. *AK
Jun 23, 2004
SEATS,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
1 complaint
THE CAR STALLED IN THE ROAD. PULLED OVER. TURNED THE CAR OFF AND IT WOULD NOT RESTART FULL TANK OF GAS.
Mar 25, 2020
SEATS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
MY CAR 2004 VW PASSAT ALMOST GETT ON FIRE FRONT PASSANDER SEAT HAVE START TO BURN BUT WAS OK AFTER I SHUTT OFF THE CAR AFTER THAT NOW I CAN DRIVE BUT THE SEAT ITS DEMAGED
Oct 20, 2019
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1 complaint
HAD TO REPLACE THE COMFORT CONTROL MODULE ALONG WITH UNTOLD AMOUNT OF WIRES DUE TO WATER DAMAGE. AFTER BEING PARKED AND TURNED OFF THE WINDOWS ROLL. DOWN THE ALARM IS DISABLED, THE DOORS UNLOCK. WHILE DRIVING LIGHTS GO. ON AND OFF DOORS LOCK AND UNLOCK EMERGENCY FLASHERS GO OFF AND ALARM WILL GO OFF. CAN'T UNLOCK CAR WITHOUT SETTING ALARM OFF.
Mar 06, 2019
AIR BAGS,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
1 complaint
AIRBAG WARNING LIGHTS CAME ON WITH A STATEMENT ABOUT FAULTY AIRBAG ... EPC WARNING LIGHTS CAME ON FIRST WHEN VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION. VEHCLE WAS STOPPED. ON RE-START, AIR BAG WARNING LIGHTS CAME ON. VEHICLE WAS IDDLING AND STATIONARY.
Apr 08, 2017
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
1 complaint
I START THE CAR UP AND IT STARTED MAKING FUNNY NOISE MY CHECK ENGINE LIGH CAME ON THE ENGINE SHAKING ACT LIKE IT'S GOING TO CUT OFF
Aug 05, 2016
SERVICE BRAKES
1 complaint
THE PLASTIC UNDERDASH COWLING CAN BECOME WARPED OVER TIME AND FALL DOWN ON THE BRAKE PEDAL CAUSING THE CAR TO STOP OR TRIGGER THE ABS SYSTEM WHEN NOT NEEDED.
Jul 24, 2016
UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
1 complaint
MY VEHICLE HAS BEEN NOTHING BUT A NIGHTMARE! FIRST THE THERMOSTAT HOUSING BROKE GOT THAT FIXED AND THEN EVERYTHING ELSE WENT DOWN HILL! OIL PRESSURE LIGHT STARTED GOING AND THEN IT STARTED OVERHEATING. THE HOSES ALL BREAK AND LEAK THE COOLANT OUT PLUS THE TRANSMISSION CODE P742 WHICH THE TRANSMISSION IS STUCK OFF IS ON . I CAN'T AFFORD THE CAR WORST CAR EVER. IT IS FINE IF IDLE BUT ONCE YOUR DRIVING EVERYTHING STARTS BEEPING AND WHEN I'M TURNING YOU HEAR A NOISE ON THE SIDE THAT YOUR TURNING!
Feb 19, 2016
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,STRUCTURE,ENGINE
1 complaint
THE PASSAT IGNITED IN OUR DRIVEWAY AT 4:00 A.M. IT HAD NOT BEEN STARTED/DRIVEN IN A WEEK. WE WOKE TO THE SOUND OF THE TIRE BURSTING. THERE IS A HOUSTON POLICE DEPARTMENT /ARSON CASE # [XXX] - PHONE # [XXX]. INSPECTOR [XXX]. HE SAID THE IGNITION AREA OF THE CAR WAS THE START OF THE FIRE. I THINK HE WAS ARSON DEPARTMENT. THE CAR WAS TOTALED. WE ARE LUCKY WE DID NOT LOOSE OUR HOUSE AND NEIGHBOR'S IF WE HAD NOT HEARD THE TIRE BLOW. I AM NOT EXACTLY SURE OF THE MILEAGE BUT KNOW IT WAS LOW FOR THE YEAR AND THINK IT WAS BELOW 90,000...UPDATED 05/02/16 *BF INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Sep 22, 2015
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
1 complaint
I BEGAN NOTICING A VERY STRONG SMELL OF GASOLINE COMING THROUGH THE VENT WHILE DRIVING. WHEN I PULLED OVER TO CHECK UNDER THE HOOD, I NOTICED THAT THE RIGID FUEL LINE HAD CRACKED WHERE IT PASSED THROUGH A MOUNTING BRACKET ON THE UPPER REAR OF THE ENGINE BAY. THE CRACK WAS EMITTING A STEADY FLOW OF FUEL ONTO THE ENGINE AND EXHAUST MANIFOLD. WE DID NOT DRIVE THE CAR ANY FURTHER AND HAD THE LINE REPAIRED WITH A PATCH OF FLEXIBLE FUEL LINE MATERIAL. *TR
Aug 21, 2014
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC),SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE
1 complaint
THE VEHICLE HEATED UP DUE TO A FAULT IN VW'S PASSAT COOLING SYSTEM AND SMOKE STARTED TO COME OUT FROM ENGINE. I WAS DRIVING AT AROUND 25 MILES / KM ONLY. I TOWED THE CAR TO MECHANIC AND HAD TO DO A COSTLY REPAIR FOR WATER PUMP, TIMING BELT, ETC. I SEE THERE IS AN OPEN RECALL FOR THIS KIND OF ISSUE IN WATER PUMP IN PASSATS, SO I TRULY BELIEVE THE WATER PUMP WAS FAULTY FROM MANUFACTURER SIDE. I WOULD LIKE TO BE REPAID FOR THE MONEY I HAVE ALREADY SPENT ON THIS. *TR
Jul 18, 2014
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ENGINE
1 complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT LOW SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE WATER COOLANT SYSTEM AND THE TIMING BELT HAD MALFUNCTIONED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 114,000.
Jun 03, 2014
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
1 complaint
I WAS DRIVING INSIDE TOWN APPROXIMATELY AT 35 MPH AND WAS STOPPING IN THE STOP LIGHT. WHEN I APPLIED THE BRAKE THE CAR WAS SHAKING AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT STARTED FLASHING. AFTER THE STOP LIGHT TURNED GREEN I RELEASED BRAKE AND THE SHAKE WAS NOT THERE AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS GONE. I WENT FEW MILES TO PICK MY DAUGHTER AND AFTER PICKING MY DAUGHTER AND LESS THAN A MILE ON ROAD THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AGAIN AND THERE IS A SLIGHT VIBRATION OF THE VEHICLE WHEN THE ENGINE IS TURNED ON. I'M YET TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO THE REPAIR SHOP. NOT SURE IF THERE IS ANY FACTORY RECALL FOR THIS PROBLEM. *TR
Oct 05, 2013
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER
1 complaint
FUEL TANK VENTILATION VALVE IS LEAKING FUEL. VW DEALER REFUSED TO FIX IT UNDER THE EXISTING RECALL: NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 08V156000 NHTSA ACTION NUMBER: PE08008 I HAVE VW PASSAT 2004 GLS 4 MOTION W/MANUAL TRANSMISSION. *TR
Jul 17, 2013
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
1 complaint
FLASHING ENGINE LAMP/MIL LIGHT, VIOLENT SHAKING, LOSS OF ENGINE POWER, FOUL ODOR, MISFIRING, PINGING. *TR
Feb 10, 2013
AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS
1 complaint
I WAS DRIVING MY PASSAT ON THE HIGHWAY GOING 60MPH, SUDDENLY AN OTHER DRIVER CUT ME OFF. TO AVOID HIM I SWITCHED LANE BUT THE TRAFFIC WAS MOVING SLOW AS I WAS APPROACHING A CONSTRUCTING SITE. I HIT A CAR IN FRONT OF ME WHICH CAUSED OTHER 2 CARS AHEAD TO BE INVOLVED IN THE ACCIDENT. THE DAMAGE WAS SEVERE AS THE WHOLE FRONT OF THE CAR WAS CRASHED INCLUDING THE ENGINE AND THE PASSENGER WAS FATALLY INJURED, HE HAD A SHOULDER DISLOCATION. WHAT SURPRISED ME ARE THE AIRBAGS, THEY NEVER DEPLOYED EVEN THOUGH I WAS DRIVING 60 MPH. AFTER FEW DAYS VOLKSWAGEN AMERICA SENT AN ENGINEER TO INSPECT THE CAR. AFTER HE LEFT I NOTICED THE SEAT BELTS ARE LOOSE AND THE BOTTOM COVER IS OPENED, IT SEEMS LIKE HE DID IT IN PURPOSE. BEFORE HE CAME THE SEAT BELTS WERE FINE. WHAT MOST SURPRISED ME IS HIS DECISION THAT THE AIRBAGS CAN'T DEPLOYED IN THIS CASE. I SHOWED HIM THE BOTTOM OF THE CAR WHERE IS THE CHASSIS, IT WAS BENT FROM THE DIRECT IMPACT OF THE FORCES THAT CAME THROUGH THE BUMPER WHICH ALSO CAUSE THE FRONT BEAM TO TWIST, BUT NEVER GAVE ME A SATISFIED EXPLANATION. PEOPLE WHO TRY TO BUY THIS CAR AND HAVE KIDS PLEASE BE AWARE OF THIS SAFETY ISSUE, MY FAMILY WAS BLESSED TO GET OUT OF THIS ACCIDENT JUST WITH A SHOULDER DISLOCATION, WHICH COULD BE WORST. MY NEXT STEP IS LAWSUIT AGAINST VW. *TR
Oct 18, 2012
POWER TRAIN,EQUIPMENT
1 complaint
I OWN 2004 PASSAT AND RECENTLY HAVE HAD TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS. MY BIGGEST CONCERN IS THAT ON FREEWAY TRANSMISSION BECAME UNRESPONSIVE,AND ALMOST GOT ME WIPED OUT BY TWO TRAILER TRUCK GOING ABOUT 60! I WAS TOLD TO REPAIR IT WOULD BE 1200.00 TO 3000.00 DOLLARS. BUT FOR VOLKSWAGEN TO KNOW OF PROBLEM AND REFUSE TO FIX IS OUTRAGEOUS AND YOU PEOPLE NEED TO DO SOMETHING BEFORE INJURY;S OR MORE HAPPEN! IS THERE SOMEONE I CAN CONTACT TO GET HELP,I CANNOT AFFORD THAT,AND VW NEEDS TO REPAIR IF THEY ARE KNOWLEDGEABLE ABOUT IT!! *TR
Aug 04, 2011
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,STRUCTURE
1 complaint
2004 VW PASSAT, VIN [XXX] JULY 2010 - SUNROOF DRAINS FAILED TO DRAIN; WATER ENTERED COCKPIT; WATER DESTROYED CONVENIENCE MODULE UNDER DRIVER'S SEAT. REPAIRED $769 JULY 2011 - SUNROOF DRAINS, ALTHOUGH OPEN, COULD NOT HANDLE FLOW OF WATER, AND AGAIN CONVENIENCE MODULE WAS DESTROYED. WILL BE REPAIRED SOON. THIS CURRENT FAILURE NOW HAS A 'AIRBAG FAULT' WARNING ON THE DASH. WILL NOT ALLOW MY WIFE TO DRIVE CAR. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Jul 29, 2011
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING
1 complaint
2004 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO CLASS ACTION SETTLEMENT AGAINST VOLKSWAGEN, STATING A SERIES OF ISSUES SUCH AS OIL SLUDGE, ENGINE MALFUNCTION ISSUES, ANTI-FREEZE AND COOLANT ISSUES AND IGNITION COIL ISSUES WITH VOLKSWAGENS *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED SHE LEARNED THERE WAS A SPECIFIC TYPE OF COOLANT THAT ONLY BE USED FOR HER MODEL VEHICLE. SHE STATED EACH SUMMER SHE DROVE AROUND WITH 2 CONTAINERS OF ANTI-FREEZE BECAUSE THE VEHICLE WOULD CONSUME SO MUCH ANTI-FREEZE. ALSO, THE BRAKE LIGHT BULBS WERE REPLACED. *JB
Feb 24, 2011
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,AIR BAGS
1 complaint
I WAS DRIVING THE CAR AROUND 40 MPH IN DOWNTOWN LOS ANGELES IN THE AFTERNOON AND I WAS THE ONLY OCCUPANT. THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME SUDDENLY SLOWED DOWN. I PRESSED THE BRAKES HARD BUT THE CAR DID NOT STOP AND I TRIED TO SWERVE TO THE SHOULDER BUT THERE WAS NOT ENOUGH ROOM. I REAR-ENDED THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME. I WAS PUZZLED AND BEWILDERED WHY THE CAR WAS NOT STOPPING EVEN THOUGH I WAS PRESSING ON THE BRAKES. I COULD SEE MYSELF APPROACHING THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME AND WONDERING WHY I AM NOT STOPPING BUT AT THE SAME TIME TRYING TO SWERVE TOWARDS THE SHOULDER. THE AIRBAG ON THE DRIVER SIDE DID NOT DEPLOY BUT THE AIRBAG ON THE PASSENGER SIDE DEPLOYED EVEN THOUGH THERE WAS NO PASSENGER. *TR
Nov 18, 2010
SERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRIC
1 complaint
ABS UNIT FAILURE OF 2004 VW PASSAT MY ABS MODULE KEEPS FLASHING A BRAKE FAILURE ON MY DASHBOARD. I DON'T KNOW HOW SAFE IT IS TO DRIVE THE CAR WITH A FLASHING BRAKE LIGHT ON THE DASH. SEEING HOW THIS SHOULD BE A SAFETY ISSUE SHOULDN'T THE MANUFACTURE FIX THIS BRAKE PROBLEM UNDER A RECALL? *TR
Nov 16, 2010
EXTERIOR LIGHTING,EQUIPMENT
1 complaint
THE LOW-BEAM PORTION OF MY HEADLIGHT BULBS ON MY 2004 VW BEETLE CONVERTIBLE SEEM TO LAST ONLY ABOUT SIX MONTHS. I'VE BECOME AN EXPERT AT REPLACING THEM. I DRIVE THREE MILES TO WORK, SO THE LIGHTS ARE NOT LIT AN EXTRAORDINARY NUMBER OF HOURS/MILES. *TR
Aug 28, 2010
STEERING,SUSPENSION
1 complaint
PASSAT 2004 ID [XXX] WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 55MPH - THE CAR PULLED TO THE RIGHT SIMILAR TO A POSSIBLE FLAT TIRE. I PULLED TO THE SHOULDER AND CHECKED EACH TIRE WITH A FLASHLIGHT ' THEY WERE FINE. I RETURNED TO THE ROAD AND CONTINUED. THE STEERING QUICKLY BECAME STIFF, LESS RESPONSIVE, WITH A SHIMMY IN THE STEERING WHEEL. I DECREASED MY SPEED, PUT ON FLASHERS, AND VERY SLOWLY CONTINUED THE LAST MILE TO MY HOME WHEN A LOUD METAL-ON-METAL SCRAPING SOUND STARTED. THE VEHICLE BECAME HARD TO CONTROL BECAUSE THE STEERING WAS UNRESPONSIVE. HAD MY WIFE OR DAUGHTER BEEN DRIVING, THEY WOULD NOT HAVE BEEN ABLE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL. THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS, POTENTIALLY LIFE-THREATENING PROBLEM. THIS IS INCONCEIVABLE. WE HAD THE CAR TOWED TO OUR VOLKSWAGEN DEALER TO BE EVALUATED AND WERE TOLD ' BOTH AXLES NEED TO BE REPLACED AS WELL THE STEERING PUMP. THIS IS NOT 'NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR'. THIS VEHICLE HAS 96,000 MILES, HAS NEVER BEEN IN ANY TYPE OF ACCIDENT, IS DRIVEN ONLY ON PAVED ROADS, AND IS KEPT IN THE GARAGE. MY SERVICEMAN REPORTED HE'D NEVER SEEN ANYTHING LIKE THIS. PLEASE CHECK TO DETERMINE IF ANYONE ELSE HAS EXPERIENCED THIS PROBLEM. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
May 17, 2010
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
1 complaint
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. THE CONTACT STARTED THE IGNITION. SUDDENLY, THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE DOOR UNLATCHED WITHOUT ASSISTANCE. THE DOOR FAILED TO SECURE IN A CLOSED POSITION. WHENEVER THE POWER LOCK WAS ENGAGED THE DOOR OPENED. THE FAILURE OCCURRED INTERMITTENT. THE AUTHORIZED DEALER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE MALFUNCTION. THE VEHICLE IS IN THE PROCESS OF BEING REPAIRED. THE CONTACT HAD CONCERN OF THE SAFETY RISK INVOLVED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 120,000. THE VIN WAS REJECTED FROM THE SYSTEM WHICH WILL BE UPDATED UPON RECEIPT OF THE SAFETY COMPLAINT FILING.
Dec 04, 2009
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,INTERIOR LIGHTING,EQUIPMENT
1 complaint
2004 VW PASSAT 4 SEDAN REAR CIGARETTE LIGHTER AND ASH TRAY ARE NOT SAFELY AND FUNCTIONAL INSTALLED WELL. HAVE THE TENDENCY TO KEEP COMING APART ENTIRELY EXPOSING ELECTRICAL WIRES LEADING TO BURN AND ELECTRICAL SHOCK OR POPPING OR BURNING OF WIRES. HAVE HAD THE PROBLEM REPAIRED ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS BY DEALER AS WELL AS BY MYSELF TO FURTHER PREVENT THE MISHAP SINCE OUT OF WARRANTY. MY CHILDREN BUMP THE CIGARETTE LIGHTER AND IT CAUSED SPARKS AND BURNING SMELL. I WAS ABLE TO REPAIR THE ENCLOSURE AGAIN FOR THE 13TH OR SO TIME AND SINCE IT'S NOT UNDER WARRANTY IT'S NOT COVERED. CHILDREN SIT IN THE REAR MORE THAN ADULTS BUT THERE HAS BEEN TIME WHERE THE ADULTS HAVE CAUSD THE SAME ISSUE. IT'S THAT MY 9 YR OLD SON TRY TO REPAIR OR PUT BACK IN WHERE THE ENTIRE ENCLOSURE FELL OUT AGAIN. *TR
Sep 29, 2009
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,STRUCTURE
1 complaint
WE HAVE A 2002 AND A 2004 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT SEDAN AND WAGON. BOTH HAVE SUFFERED MOTOR MOUNT LEAKAGE AND BOTH HAVE BROKEN WATER PUMP DISPELLERS. WE HAVE REPLACED THE WATER PUMP PARTS AND ARE SAVING UP TO REPLACE MOUNTS ON BOTH VEHICLES. THIS SEEMS TO BE A WEAK PART FOR VOLKSWAGEN. WE ARE CONSTANTLY GOING TO GET SOMETHING FIXED WHICH IS NOT A TYPICAL REPAIR FOR AUTOMOBILES FROM OTHER COMPANIES. *TR
Dec 16, 2008
CHILD SEAT
1 complaint
WEBBING INSTALLED INCORRECTLY THROUGH ADJUSTOR ON LATCH ON BOTH SIDES, WEBBING INSTALLED TWISTED MAKING ADJUSTMENT OF LATCH DIFFICULT (RELATED VEHICLE INFORMATION: MODEL YEAR=2004, MAKE=VOLKSWAGEN, MODEL=PASSAT). *TR
Oct 27, 2008
SUSPENSION,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,TIRES,INTERIOR LIGHTING,EQUIPMENT
1 complaint
INCIDENT DESCRIPTION = 2004 VW PASSAT HAD BEEN PREVIOUSLY REPORT SEVERAL FUEL CONSUMPTIONS PROBLEMS AT HOY FOX VW AND GAS ENDED UP LEAKING OUT OF FUEL TANK AND CAUSE A SPILL IN MY GARAGE AND DRIVE. HAZARD WAS INHALATION GAS IN A CLOSED IN AREA CAUSED HEAD ACHES/ NAUSEA/DIZZINESS/ FOR MY FAMILY AND I I HAVE HAD MUTIPLE PROBLEMS WITH VEHICLE SINCE THEN HAS BROKE DOWN ON ME TWICE IN LESS THAN 1 DAY'S TIME. ON 01 SEP 08 MY WIFE NOTICED AND OIL SPOT IN DRIVEWAY AFTER I LEFT TO GO OUT OF TOWN GRANTED WE HAVE BRAND NEW HOME AND THE VW WAS ONLY VEHICLE PARKED IN THAT SPOT SHE COULD REACH ME BECAUSE NO SERVICE WITH MY CELL PHONE BUT I ENDED UP BROKE DOWN OUTSIDE BIG SPRING ,TX THE CARE WAS SLUGGISH AND LEAKING OIL THIS TIME AND ON 03 SEP08 IN /TEXARKANA AFTER BEING IN SHOP ALLDAY 2SEP08 IT BROKE DOWN FOR A PREVIOUS CONDITION WITH IGNITION COILS. HOY FOXVW NOT ADMITTING THAT MAY HAVE PUT THE NEW OIL FILTER TO TIGHT TO CAUSE TO BREAKDOWN AFTER HAVING THE OIL CHANGE ON 28AUG08/29AUG08 FOR OTHER NEGLECTED MAINTENANCE. PLEASE LOOK INTO THIS MATTER I'M SURE IT'S NOT JUST MY VEHICLE THEY TRYING TO ASSUME BECAUSE IT JUST HAD WENT OUT WARRANTY. THE ENGINE OIL COOLER WAS DAMAGED AND BURSTED WHEN PUT ON AT HOY-FOX VW BY A VW TECHNICIAN AFTER PUTTING THE OIL FILTER ON ENTIRELY TO TIGHT. LEAKED IN YARD AND I WAS NOT AWARE OF IT AND THE SPILLED OUT ALL OVER THE GROUND AT A HIGH TEMPERATURE VEHICLE (OVERHEATED) WHICH MAKE IT HARD FOR ME STOP WHILE DRIVE BECAUSE OF THE SLICKNESS OF MIXTURE BETWEEN THE COOLANT AND OIL. ALMOST RAN OFF THE ROAD BUT ENDED UP SHIFTING TO NEUTRAL AND LETTING COAST OVER TO MEDIAN. *TR
Oct 07, 2008
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EQUIPMENT
1 complaint
I HAVE A 2004 VW PASSAT 4MOTION 1.8 TURBO. I HAVE JUST RECENTLY (WITHIN THE LAST MONTH) REPLACED THE #2 COIL. NOW TODAY EITHER ANOTHER COIL IS GONE OR THE SAME ONE. I HAVEN'T GOTTEN IT TO MY MECHANIC YET TO DETERMINE WHICH ONE IS BAD. BUT AFTER TALKING TO HIM HE RELATED TO ME THAT HE HAS REPLACED SEVERAL # 2 COILS THIS YEAR ON THIS MAKE OF VEHICLE.. SO I AM JUST GUESSING THAT THIS IS THE PROBLEM THIS TIME AROUND. MY VEHICLE HAS 52,000 MILES ON IT. IT WASN'T THE #2 COIL IT WAS THE #1 COIL. I AM GETTING REALLY DISGUSTED WITH THIS CAR AS FAR AS RELIABILITY IS CONCERNED. I AM PLANNING ON A TRIP TO FLORIDA IN THE FALL AND AM WONDERING IF I SHOULD TAKE A CASE OF COILS WITH ME. I WAS AT THE DEALERS THE FIRST TIME THIS HAPPENED & ASKED ABOUT RECALLS ON THIS ITEM. THEY SAID THEY DIDN'T HAVE ANY.. I THOUGHT IT A BIT ODD BECAUSE MY MECHANIC TOLD ME HE HAS HAD SEVERAL COME THROUGH THIS YEAR WITH BAD COILS. *TR
Jul 23, 2008
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL
1 complaint
ENGINE STARTED FINE, AND LET IT RAN FOR A MINUTE OR TWO ON DRIVE WAY. THEN SUDDENLY IT DIED. COMPUTER SCREEN DISPLAYED "STOP", OILS PRESSURE CAN, AND LOW OIL PRESSURE WARNING LIGHTS CAME ON. *TR
Jun 02, 2008
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING
1 complaint
1. NEW 2004 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT, V6 SEDAN. RETURNED CAR SEVERAL TIMES UNDER WARRANTY FOR MANY TYPES OF REPAIRS. VOLKSWAGEN UNABLE TO REPAIR CAR. BOTH THE DEALER AND VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA WERE MADE AWARE OF THE PROBLEMS. 2. SEVERAL FAILURES INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO: EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION, LOSS OF POWER AND ACCELERATION, TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS, FAILURE TO START, MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP CONSTANTLY ON, BRAKING PROBLEMS, CLIMATE CONTROL PROBLEMS, AND SEVERAL ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS INCLUDING FAILED BRAKE LIGHTS. 3. SEVERAL ATTEMPTS BY VOLKSWAGEN HAS FAILED TO FIX THE PROBLEMS. THEY ARE UNWILLING TO RESOLVE THE PROBLEMS ADEQUATELY. *TR
Feb 01, 2008
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1 complaint
2004 PASSAT 1.8T CAUGHT FIRE AFTER A COIL PACK FAILED AND THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER OVERHEATED. I ONLY DROVE 5 MILES AFTER THE COIL PACK FAILED TRYING TO LIMP BACK TO THE DEALER WHEN THE FIRE STARTED. I PUT THE FIRE OUT MYSELF. *TR
Nov 17, 2007
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
1 complaint
ABS LIGHT AND TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT STAY ON ALL THE TIME IN INSTRUMENT CLUSTER. *JB
Oct 18, 2007
EXTERIOR LIGHTING,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1 complaint
BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH FAILED INTERMITTENTLY OVER A PERIOD OF TWO YEARS, FINALLY FAILED COMPLETELY. WHENEVER THE SWITCH WAS OPERATING POORLY IT KICKED OUT THE CRUISE CONTROL. *AK
May 09, 2007
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,EXTERIOR LIGHTING
1 complaint
1. WHEN CAR IN FRONT OF THE PASSAT SLOWED, THE DRIVER APPLIED THE BRAKES AND THE ABS LIGHT AND ASR LIGHTS CAME ON BUT THE BRAKES DID NOT WORK. THE PASSAT WAS NOT GOING QUICKLY AND HAD SAFE STOPPING DISTANCE SO THE CAR HAD PLENTY OF TIME TO STOP. THE PASSAT DID NOT STOP, HITTING THE CAR AHEAD OF IT. 2. THE BRAKES FAILED, CAUSING THE PASSAT TO REAR-END THE CAR IN FRONT OF IT. THE DRIVER OF THE OTHER CAR SUSTAINED WHIPLASH INJURIES AND 600 USD TO HIS CAR. HE IS IN TREATMENT WITH THE COST OF TREATMENT UNDETERMINED AT THIS TIME. THE PASSAT SUSTAINED 3000 USD IN DAMAGE. THE DRIVER OF THE PASSAT WAS NOT INJURED, WAS TICKETED, LOST HALF A DAY'S WAGES IN COURT, AND DOES NOT TRUST HIS VEHICLE. 3. THE CAR WAS TAKEN TO THE VW DEALERSHIP, WHERE IT WAS DETERMINED THAT A BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH WAS DETERMINED TO BE ELECTRICALLY FAULTY. MALFUNCTIONS WERE STORED IN THE ABS CONTROL MODULE. THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH GAVE AN IMPLAUSIBLE SIGNAL, SPORADIC. THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH WAS DIAGNOSED AND REPLACED. THE FAULT MEMORY OF THE ABS CONTROL MODULE WAS ERASED AND RESET. THE DRIVER OF THE PASSAT CONTACTED VW ASKING ABOUT THE FAULT(S) AND EXPRESSING HIS DOUBT IN THE SAFETY AND RELIABILITY OF THE VEHICLE. THE DRIVER OF THE PASSAT FELT VW'S DEFECTIVE PARTS CAUSED THE ACCIDENT AND VW SHOULD COVER THE COST. VW'S ANSWER IS THAT THE DEFECTIVE PARTS COULD NOT HAVE CAUSED THE ACCIDENT. TONIGHT'S PAPER HAS ISSUED INFORMATION ABOUT A RECALL OF THIS PART HOWEVER, IT DOES NOT INCLUDE INFORMATION ABOUT PASSATS IN THIS RECALL. PASSATS HAVE THIS PROBLEM, TOO. WE DID NOT KNOW ABOUT YOUR ORGANIZATION OR WE WOULD HAVE CONTACTED YOU MONTHS AGO. *JB
Feb 26, 2007
POWER TRAIN,SEATS
1 complaint
TL* - THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HEATING SEAT MALFUNCTIONED. THE HEATING COIL BURNED A HOLE IN THE SEAT, AND BURNED THE CONTACT'S LEG. THE DRIVER'S FRONT SEAT HAD A SILVER DOLLAR SIZE HOLE IN IT, WITH A WIRE STICKING OUT OF THE SEAT. THE VEHICLE'S SEAT BEGAN SMOKING AND SHE TURNED OFF THE CAR IMMEDIATELY. THE CONTACT PLANNED TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER ON 02-09-07. ALSO, THE CONTACT HAD A RECURRING PROBLEM WITH THE TRANSMISSION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT USUALLY WHEN DRIVING AT 55 MPH ON THE HIGHWAY, AND AS SHE BEGAN BRAKING THE CAR JERKED OR THREW THE CONTACT AS IF SOMEONE HAAD REAR ENDED HER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THIS HAPPENED AT LEAST ONCE A WEEK. SHE HAD TAKEN THE CAR TO THE DEALER BECAUSE THEY WERE NOT DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY THEY WERE NOT ABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. IN BOTH INSTANCES NEITHER WEATHER NOR SPEED WERE FACTORS. *AK
Feb 08, 2007
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN
1 complaint
MY CAR, A 2004 VW PASSAT GLX AUTOMATIC, HAS HAD A TRANSMISSION PROBLEM SINCE THE DAY I BOUGHT IT, WHEN THE SALESPERSON TOLD ME IT JUST NEEDED TO ADJUST TO MY DRIVING STYLE. MONTHS LATER, IT WAS CLEAR THAT IT WASN'T ADJUSTING TO MY DRIVING STYLE. I TOOK IT IN AND IT WAS "FIXED." ABOUT MAY OR JUNE OF 2006, IT BEGAN TO EXPERIENCE PROBLEMS AGAIN, E.G., SLAMMING, SURGING, DELAYED ENGAGEMENT, ETC. I GAVE IT SOME TIME, HOPING IT WOULD "READJUST," THEN TOOK IT IN NOVEMBER OF 2006, WHEN THE PROBLEMS HAD BECOME MORE ACUTE. IN A 4-5 MINUTE TEST DRIVE WITHIN A MILE OF THE DEALER, THE MOST WORRISOME MALFUNCTIONS COULD NOT BE REPEATED. THE SERVICE MANAGER AT THE TIME SAID THE MINOR ISSUES WERE NORMAL, AND THAT I WOULD HAVE TO "WRITE A LETTER" TO GET THE PROBLEM ADDRESSED. ON SATURDAY, 2/3/07, A TRANSMISSION SURGE PROPELLED MY CAR OVER A SPEED BUMP AND INTO THE CONCRETE, CAUSING WHAT I PRESUMED WAS AN OIL LEAK. THIS TRANSMISSION ISSUE PRESENTS OBVIOUS HAZARDS TO PEOPLE, IN ADDITION TO PROPERTY. AS OF TODAY (2/6/07), THE DEALER IS REQUESTING THAT I PAY APPROXIMATELY $900 TO FIX THE OIL PAN SO THEY CAN DRIVE THE CAR AND ADDRESS THE TRANSMISSION MALFUNCTION. *JB
Feb 06, 2007
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1 complaint
2004 VW PASSAT---I HAVE HAD NUMEROUS OCCASIONS WHERE MY CAR LURCHED AND RATTLED TO A STOP OR WOULD HESITATE MULTIPLE TIMES DURING ACCELERATION. AT IDLE, THE ENTIRE CAR SHAKES. I HAVE TAKEN IT IN TO THE DEALER AT LEAST 5 TIMES. AT FIRST, THE PROBLEM WAS ONLY HAPPENING EVERY MONTH OR SO. NOW IT IS A CONSTANT PROBLEM. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS ON, THE CAR SHAKES IN DRIVE, REVERSE, AND NEUTRAL. ACCELERATION IS ESPECIALLY A PROBLEM WHEN ON THE FREEWAY...IT IS BOTH DANGEROUS AND SCARY. I HAVE BEEN TOLD MULTIPLE TIMES THAT THE DEALER IS "WAITING FOR A SOFTWARE UPDATE." I HAVE ALSO BEEN TOLD TO GO AHEAD AND DRIVE THE CAR BECAUSE IT IS NOT DANGEROUS. NOW I HAVE BEEN WAITING FOR MONTHS! I ALSO HAVE HAD ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS. ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS THE RED CONTROL PANEL LIGHTS HAVE GONE OUT COMPLETELY WHILE I WAS DRIVING. I WAS TOLD THIS IS PART OF THE SAME PROBLEM. *NM
Jul 07, 2006
POWER TRAIN,STRUCTURE,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1 complaint
WATER COMING INTO FRONT PASSENGER SEAT RESULTING IN DAMAGES TO THE TCM (TRANSMISSION CONTROL MODULE), WET CARPETING, AND RUST UNDER THE PASSENGER SEAT. THE TRANSMISSION MODULE FAILURE RESULTED IN VEHICLE NOT ABLE TO SHIFT INTO HIGHER GEAR, AND DELAY ACCELERATION. THE TCM AND CARPETING WAS REPLACED.
Jul 12, 2005
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1 complaint
I HAVE A BRAND NEW 2004 VW PASSAT TDI WAGON THAT HAS NO TAIL LIGHTS. SIGNALS WORK, BRAKE LIGHTS WORK BUT, LICENSE PLATE LIGHT AND REAR PARKING/DRIVING LIGHTS DON'T WORK. CAR HAS NO BURNED OUT BULBS OR FUSES. MY CONCERN IS IF THE CAR HAS WIRING HARNESS PROBLEMS, IS THIS SOMETHING THAT OTHERS HAVE HAPPENING. ALSO ON A RAINY DAY THE ANTI LOCK BRAKE AND ELECTRONIC STABILITY PROGRAM IN THE SAME CAR FAILED BUT, WHEN THE CAR WAS PARKED AND RESTARTED THE COMPUTER RESET AND PROBLEM DISAPPEARED. IS THIS GOING TO BE A PROBLEM? *NM
Dec 29, 2004
SERVICE BRAKES, AIR,INTERIOR LIGHTING
1 complaint
WHILE TEST DRIVING A VOLKSWAGON PASSAT GLX SEDAN, TOUCHING THE WINDOW CONTROL CAUSED THE ABS BRAKING MECHANISM TO ENGAGE. THE CAR LURCHED AS IF THE BRAKES WERE QUICKLY APPLIED AND ABS FAILURE WARNING LIGHTS AND TONES WENT OFF IN THE CAR. THE INSTRUMENT LIGHTS FLICKERED AS WELL. THE WARNINGS SHUT OFF IN A FEW SECONDS AND THE CAR APPEARED TO RETURN TO NORMAL. THIS HAPPENED ON TWO SEPERATE OCCASIONS IN THE SPAN OF 10 MINUTES BOTH TIMES WHILE TRAVELING ON A LEVEL ROAD AT A CONSTANT SPEED WITH MY FOOT ON THE ACCELERATOR AT THE TIME. THE SITUATION WAS DANGEROUS BECAUSE OF THE UNINTENDED BRAKING AND THE STARTLING EFFECT OF THE WARNINGS OCCURING SIMULTANIOUSLY. *AK
Aug 13, 2004
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1 complaint
REPORTED WHEN SLOWING DOWN TO 5-10MPH CARE HESITATED AND THEN JERKED AS IF SOMEONE HIT FROM BEHIND, ALSO WHEN BRAKING TO STOP,CAR LURCHES FORWARD. VW DEALERSHIP REPLACED BRAKES AND ROTORS AND DID SOFTWARE UPDATE AFTER 3 TIMES IN SHOP. NOW CAR HESITATES WHEN EITHER SLOWING DOWN OR FROM STOP THEN KICKS IN ALL OF A SUDDEN,WILL BE CALLING REGIONAL TECHNICIAN TO REPORT, STILL FEEL SLIGHT JERK AT SLOW SPEEDS. ALL HAPPENS WHEN ENGINE HOT OR COLD.*AK
Jul 30, 2004
STEERING
1 complaint
UPON STARTING THE VEHICLE AND TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL CONSUMER HEARD A GRINDING SOUND. FOLLOWING THAT STEERING FAILED. DEALERSHIP SERVICED THE VEHICLE ON MAY 12, 2004, AND NOTICED THAT POWER STEERING NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE STEERING WAS REPAIRED THE FOLLOWING DAY ,AND WAS BACK AT THE DEALERSHIP MAY 14, 2004. *AK
May 17, 2004
POWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1 complaint
WHEN COMING TO A COMPLETE STOP OR WHILE CRUISING, THE VEHICLE LURCHES FORWARD. THE DEALER RECALIBRATED THE COMPUTER CHIP IN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL AND ALSO REPLACED THE TRANSMISSION CONTROL MODULE. AFTER THE REPAIRS, THE PROBLEM CONTINUED. *PH THE TRANSMISSION MADE A CLUNK NOISE, MALFUNCTIONED IN HEAVY TRAFFIC/HIGHWAY, AND A HARD SHIFT WAS PRESENT AT TIMES. *SC
Jan 16, 2004
Frequently Asked Questions
How many problems does the 2004 VOLKSWAGEN Passat have?
The 2004 VOLKSWAGEN Passat currently has 283 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 2004 VOLKSWAGEN Passat?
The most common problems reported for the 2004 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 2004 VOLKSWAGEN Passat problem data come from?
All problem and complaint data for the 2004 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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