2013 VOLKSWAGEN Passat Problems & Complaints
Real owner complaints and problems reported to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). View common issues by component.
746
Complaints Reported
Complaints by Component
AIR BAGS
289 complaints
My airbag light is on, steering wheel controls don’t work, and my horn doesn’t work. Safety is put at risk because the airbag won’t deploy if needed, won’t be able to think in case someone can’t see me.
Oct 13, 2025
The contact owns a 2013 Volkswagen Passat. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V834000 (Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted several times. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.
Oct 09, 2025
My vehicle has an open Takata airbag recall with recall number 69E6. I have been placed on a waiting list at nearby dealerships for over 6 months. Each time I contact the dealerships, I am told to wait and call back in another month. No proactive communication has been provided and no remedy has been scheduled despite repeated follow-ups. The vehicle continues to display an airbag error light indicating an active safety hazard. The manufacturer has not provided a repair appointment, loaner vehicle, or any timeline for when the safety recall remedy will be available. This extended delay poses a serious risk given the known dangers of defective Takata airbags.
Oct 03, 2025
The contact owns a 2013 Volkswagen Passat. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V834000(Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had 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.
Sep 19, 2025
The contact owns a 2013 Volkswagen Passat. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V834000 (AIR BAGS). The contact stated that the dealer was contacted; however, the contact was informed that parts were not yet available. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted about parts availability. The contact had not experienced a failure.
Sep 18, 2025
+ 284 more complaints for this component
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
42 complaints
Vehicle's sunroof spontaneously imploded while driving on a 40° day going normal speeds ~60 MPH
Jan 17, 2025
The central locking system is malfunctioned as the car does not automatically or manually lock. This is a safety risk as anyone inside or outside the vehicle can open the doors. This issue has been ongoing for about a year & has been ignored from different auto shops during different service times. I addressed this issue again when bringing the vehicle to the auto shop on 5/4/24 for a separate concern & the diagnostic code has been confirmed but was told “we will clear the code & it should reboot itself”. This did not work as the locking system is still malfunctioned & still have to manually lock the vehicle through the driver door when leaving the car. When inside the car & attempting to lock the car inside, you can hear it trying to lock but does not fully click over to lock because when driving, anytime speed is accelerated from 0mph to 10mph, it continuously attempts to auto lock. The locking indicator light does not illuminate when inside the vehicle.
May 08, 2024
I am trying to trade in my car online and submitted to get an instant offer. The instant offer says my vehicle is reported to have 30,000 more miles on it than my odometer is showing. My title also states its a 2 Dr sedan.
Apr 02, 2024
The clock spring has broken and disables all steering wheel buttons, horn, and the driver airbag. I've replaced it and it broke again in less than a year.
Feb 29, 2024
While driving, the side right view mirror fell out due to failure of the adhesive. Just the mirror (not the backing or mirror assembly). I first checked at a junkyard, I could not use the mirrors I found there, because as soon as I started pulling the backing assembly off, the mirrors would pop off the adhesive backing. On looking for a replacement mirror online, I found that this problem was very common for VW side view mirrors. So much so that there are a TON of replacement mirrors being sold with comments in reviews about VW’s “weak” adhesive.
Feb 17, 2024
+ 37 more complaints for this component
ENGINE
36 complaints
The contact owns a 2013 Volkswagen Passat. The contact stated while at a red light ,the vehicle intermittently stalled. No warning lights were illuminated. The failure had occurred on several occasions. The vehicle was taken to a dealer to be diagnosed; however, the cause of the failure was undetermined. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
Oct 02, 2025
Speed was suddenly dropped and blinking glow plug light on when driving on highway. Had to carefully pull the car to the shoulder. Tow the car to the auto shop and confirmed that the turbocharger was failed. This TDI car was just over 120,000 miles
Aug 11, 2024
The timing belt are known to go out on the Volkswagen CC even though Volkswagen says they should last the entire life of the engine. Also the camshaft, cam bridge, and spool valve will need replacing when it goes out. The Volkswagen dealer also said that is a common issue.
Sep 17, 2023
I recently replaced the battery but noticed the car was still missing. I had similar issue in February and catalytic converter was replaced. Three days ago I noticed the car was misfiring and EPC light as well as check engine light came on. I had OBD code checked and my car is misfiring on pistons 2 and 3.
Jul 22, 2023
Vw cc r line burn alot oil 1.000 he burn 1 qr oil
Nov 25, 2021
+ 31 more complaints for this component
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
36 complaints
The component is the wiring harness leading to trunk light. The safety issue is low as it is just a trunk light although this is definately a defect because opening and closing the lid you can see the light works until the lid is opened past half way, then the light goes off. Where the harness is angled as the trunk arm swings, has caused this and is a common complaint on internet forums. I did not have vehicle inspected, no warnings and this problem did happen within a year of purchasing it used in 2019
Feb 20, 2025
The contact owns a 2013 Volkswagen Passat. The contact stated that the low-beam headlights failed to illuminate as needed. The contact stated that the driver’s side low-beam headlight had stopped functioning as designed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who replaced the bulb; however, the failure recurred. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 175,000.
Jan 21, 2025
The 2012-2013 VW Passat’s have a safety recall 94G8 for a defective headlight caused by a faulty electrical connect at the bulb clip. It is caused by hood closing vibrating the loosens the bulb clip causing a loss of electrical contact. This has been happening to my 2013 Passat for years and I have been able to fix it myself not knowing there was a safety recall. Anytime my hood is closed the bulb stopped working, I would bend up the electrical connections on the bulb holder, wiggle it around and it would work after several attempts. Now my fix no longer works. I went to purchase a new light housing unit and discovered the safety recall which fits exactly the circumstances with my cars light problem. I called VW and they said my 2013 Passat was out of the vin range for this safety recall and that they would not fix my car under the safety program. I downloaded the Campaign Data Sheet from your website and the affected vehicles are the 2012-2013 VW Passat with no vin range mentioned. What recourse besides paying for this replacement myself do I have? Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Aug 15, 2024
(2023) Low beam light warning. Bought new bulb but light still didn't work. Had bulb and fixture for bulb checked, both were fine. Had same problem in 2019. Had to replace bulb and then realized closing the hood too hard cause light to go out. Replaced bulb and the piece that holds bulb because it burned it. This time the other part isn't burnt but it doesn't seem to be working.
May 27, 2023
The headlights on this vehicle are constantly going out. I’ve had to repair, replace or pay someone to fix it multiple times since I had the vehicle. One repair shop told me that they needed to take the tire off in order to fix the light and charged me $130+ to replace the bulb. I don’t think that the bulbs are the issue, I think that the sockets are. I sent the car in last year because there was a recall on the headlights but they were working fine.
Mar 07, 2022
+ 31 more complaints for this component
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
30 complaints
High pressure fuel pump failed, causing the car to completely shut down on the Highway. Because of the systems design, it sends fragments into the fuel lines and fuel injectors clogging them. The Passat TDI uses the CP4 HPFP that has already been recalled by FCA and BMW. I was unaware how common it is for this fuel pump fail and the complete destruction it causes to the fuel system.
Aug 06, 2024
On [XXX] at 6 a.m. I was commuting NB on [XXX] , when engine lost power on 5 lane highway after driving over rough patch of road (~1 mile S of [XXX]). I barely got car onto right shoulder from middle lane when car shut off. Glow plug pigtails warning light came on right as I experienced significant decrease in engine power. AAA towed car to VW Dealer. Diagnostic performed on 7/5. I was informed of catastrophic failure of fuel pump, metal had gotten into fuel lines and tore up. My entire fuel system needs to be replaced. Dealer quoted $7K to repair. Car had never displayed signs of fuel issues. Car is well maintained and gets regular service at dealer. Upon investigation, I see VW had several years with high pressure fuel pumps failing. This needs to investigated/addressed as these failures are still occurring in cars that are 2013 and newer. I have requested dealer to send me pdf of repair estimate. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Jul 06, 2024
Took my car to Heritage.Volkswagen in 2022. They said the fuel tank needed replaced. Had engine light on and epc light on. They replaced the the upper and lower fuel tanks. When I picked up my car it still had the same problem. Still have the same lights on.I get hesitation when the car gets to the 2 ohms mark. I have to add fuel injection cleaner often.
Feb 23, 2024
Was driving on the freeway and the vehicle suddenly died. Leaving me stranded in the car left lane with no way to pull over
Jan 19, 2023
I TOOK MY CAR TO A LOCAL REPAIR MECHANIC THAT TOLD ME THAT HE HAD TO TROUBLESHOOT THE PROBLEM WITH VW PARTS EXPERTS I WENT TO FREMONT AUTO CENTER IN FREMONT CALIFORNIA, 94536 THEY HAVE A RECORD OF MY VISIT AND TROUBLESHOOTING THE PROBLEM. THEY IDENTIFIED WITH VW THAT THE FUEL PUMP MODULE WAS ACTUALLY RECALLED, NOW WHEN YOU LOOK UP THE VIN NUMBER THE RECALLED PART DOES NOT COME UP. SO I TOOK MY CAR TO THE VW DEALERSHIP LOCATED HERE: 39695 BALENTINE DR, NEWARK, CA 94560 THEY IDENTIFIED THAT THE PART IS RECALLED BUT SAID THEY WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO REPLACE THE PART BECAUSE IT DID NOT COME UP UNDER A RECALL WHEN YOU SEARCH THE VIN AND INSTEAD WANT ME TO PAY $180 TO RUN A DIAGNOSTIC TO "IDENTIFY THE PROBLEM" AND THEN "REPLACE THE PART" WOULD COST ITS OWN AMOUNT. WHO THE HELL SAYS SOMETHING LIKE THAT
Apr 29, 2021
+ 25 more complaints for this component
STEERING,AIR BAGS
19 complaints
The clock spring broke again only four years from being repaired with the last recall.
Jun 13, 2023
Unsure how this problem arose, but suddenly the airbag error light appeared and non of the controls on the steering wheel work. This also includes the horn, and airbag. From googling it appears there was a recall for the 2013 VW Passat for a faulty clock spring in the steering wheel which can cause the airbag light to appear and be faulty.
Dec 28, 2022
Per Volkswagon the vehicle is known to have a defective steering clock spring. When the part fails, the vehicle steering wheel looses all electronic function. the Airbag is deactivated and the horn does not work. This failure have happened with my vehicle. Volkswagon has initiated a recall; however, it has been 2 months and they can still not provide an eta of when the vehicle will be repaired and have instructed to drive the unsafe vehicle until the parts come in. The failure initially happened in Dec 2021. This week in Feb 2022 I was run off the road by an elderly drive in an SUV that changed lanes. I was unable to notify the other diver that I was next to her because the horn did not work!
Feb 07, 2022
CLOCK SPRING STOPPED WHILE PULING OUT MY PARKING LOT
Jan 18, 2021
MY STEERING WHEEL STARTED MAKING A SOFT CLICKING NOISE WHEN TURNING ON 9/24/2018 VEHICLE HAS 68,000 MILES ON IT. ON 10/30 WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION MAKIN GA SLIGHT TURN IN THE BEND OF A ROAD ON THE HIGHWAY, THE AIRBAG ALERT LIGHT CAME ON AND INDICATED THERE WAS AN AIR BAG ERROR AND THE WHEEL COMMAND CONTROLS STOPPED WORKING.
Oct 01, 2018
+ 14 more complaints for this component
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
18 complaints
The drives side door lock will not disengage. This condition will not allow the driver to exit the car. In the event of a medical emergency, accident, or fire the driver can not extricate themselves and first responders would be delayed in extricating the driver which could lead to serious injury or death.
Dec 28, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 Volkswagen Passat. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact noticed that the instrument panel became inoperable. The contact stated the multiple warning lights would inadvertently illuminate with no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the clock spring failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHSTA Hotline for assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 80,000.
Dec 26, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 Volkswagen Passat. The contact stated upon activating the A/C, the vehicle voltage dropped. No further information was available. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the alternator main fuse wiring was overheating. The dealer determined that the wiring needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not under recall. The failure mileage was approximately 131,100.
Dec 13, 2024
Like many other VW owners, one of the doors of my car would not close and the car was unsafe to operate. Some people reporting having been locked in the car (driver's side door will not open), requiring them to exit the passenger's side door. The problem relates to a design flaw in the door lock actuator. In the winter, if it rains for several days and then freezes, the physical workings of the actuator freeze. The fix in a plastic protective cover, however, it may cost up to $500 to repair this safety issue if the door failed in a locked state adn the door card has to be removed with the door closed. This issue started in the B4 platform and is still a problem in the B7 models. See this TSB [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Jan 21, 2024
The contact owns a 2013 Volkswagens Passat. The contact stated that on multiple occasions while driving at various speeds, the vehicle stalled and multiple unknown safety lights are illuminated on the dash. The vehicle was able to restart. On another occasion, while parked the vehicle stalled and multiple safety lights were illuminated again. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact believes that the failure is associated with NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V509000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE). The manufacturer was notified and a complaint was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 150,100.
Mar 28, 2023
+ 13 more complaints for this component
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS
17 complaints
The airbag light came on, the horn won't work, and none of the steering wheel controls work. I think it is the clockspring failure that wasn't fixed right.
Feb 13, 2023
AIR BAG AND ALL STEERING WHEEL CONTROLS FAILED. HAD SIMILAR ISSUE AND HAD CLOCK SPRING REPLACE 12/26/2016 AND APPEARS TO HAVE FAILED AGAIN 4 YEARS LATER.
Dec 21, 2020
TAKATA INFLATOR MAYBE. IN 2015 MY VEHICLE WAS TBONED BY ANOTHER VEHICLE, TO WHERE THE IMPACT EVEN CAUSED MY CAR TO SPIN, YET NO AIRBAG WAS DEPLOYED, EVEN THE POLICE AT THE SCENE WERE WONDERING WHY MY AIRBAGS DID NOT GO OFF... FAST FORWARD TO YRS LATER MY CAR READS AIRBAG ERROR.
Jun 24, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HORN WAS INOPERABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. HILTON HEAD VOLKSWAGEN (137 AUTO MALL BLVD, HARDYVILLE, SC) AND THE MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT INDICATED THAT THE FAILURE OCCURRED AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED PER AN UNKNOWN AIR BAG RECALL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 400.
May 28, 2019
MY VEHICLE WAS MAKING A TICKING SOUND WHEN TURNING, THEN OUT OF NOWHERE A ERROR MESSAGE CAME UP THAT SAID ERROR AIRBAG, AND THE AIR BAG LIGHT CAME ON. I LOOKED UP TO SEE IF IT WAS A RECALL, SINCE I BOUGHT THE VEHICLE USED, IT IS FOR THE CLOCKSPRING, WHEN I USED THE VIN SEARCH IT DID NOT SO AS AN ACTIVE RECALL FOR MY VEHICLE.
Apr 11, 2019
+ 12 more complaints for this component
STRUCTURE
17 complaints
The drivers door lock will stop working, in freezing temperatures and keep the interior door handle from unlocking the door. This morning I had to get out my passenger door, and that could be a problem in an emergency situation. The car/latch assembly is available for inspection. The problem has been reproduced and TSB# 57-14-01 documents it. No warning lamps, indicators, noises, etc that the latch will not happen. You pull the handle, and the door does not open.
Dec 19, 2022
2013 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO DEALERSHIP FRAUD. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED HE REQUESTED FOR REAR BUMPER SPOILER TO BE REPLACED. THE CONSUMER STATED THE DEALERSHIP CHARGED A DIAGNOSTIC FEE BUT, DID NOT COMPLETE THE REQUESTED WORK. *JS
Aug 19, 2020
THE DRIVER DOOR WILL NOT OPEN FROM THE OUTSIDE OR INSIDE. THERE ARE MANY REPORTS THAT HIS OCCURS IN COLD CLIMATES DUE TO WATER GETTING INTO THE LOCK ACTUATOR MECHANISM. IF YOU CANNOT OPEN A DOOR TO EXIT THE VEHICLE, THAT IS A SIGNIFICANT SAFETY CONCERN.
Jan 15, 2020
I ATTEMPTED TO ENTER MY VEHICLE, BUT THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR WOULD NOT OPEN. THE CAR WAS STATIONARY. THE TEMPERATURE WAS BELOW 30F. AFTER FINALLY GETTING IN THE CAR, I WAS NOT ABLE TO EXIT THE CAR THROUGH THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR BECAUSE IT WAS STILL STUCK. THE CAR HAD BEEN DRIVEN AROUND 40 MILES BEFORE GETTING TO MY DESTINATION. THE CAR WAS STATIONARY AND NOT RUNNING WHILE TRYING TO GET OUT. I COULD HAVE BECOME TRAPPED IN THIS VEHICLE IN AN EMERGENCY. I AM NOT EXTREMELY MOBILE AND HAD A LOT OF ISSUES EXITING THE CAR.
Dec 19, 2019
WE HAVE HAD TO REPLACE THE ACTUATORS ON THREE OF THE FOUR DOOR LOCKS OVER THE LAST TWO YEARS. THE LOCKS CEASED TO FUNCTION LEAVING US WITH A CAR WE COULD NOT LOCK. WHEN DRIVING THE ACTUATORS WOULD CONSTANTLY CLICK TRYING TO LOCK. THE LAST ONE WAS REPAIRED AT OUR EXPENSE ON 14 MAY 2019 ( WE PAID FOR ALL THREE REPAIRS )
May 29, 2019
+ 12 more complaints for this component
STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS
16 complaints
Failed clock spring. Airbag light was present and a rattling noise, when turning, was noticed. Less than 72 hours later, the buttons on the steering wheel, including horn, stopped working, and a louder crack/pop was heard.
Mar 28, 2025
I was turning into my driveway when I heard a strange clicking noise coming form the steering wheel column. As soon as I heard the clicking sound the airbag indicator light started flashing on my dashboard and the buttons on my steering wheel stopped working. Did some research on the airbag sensor which lead to learning about the clockspring malfunction. Not only I’m I at risk of my airbag not deploying, my HORN does not work. The horn malfunction came to knowledge when a car pulled out in front of me causing me to run off the road. I spoke with Volkswagen manufacturer about the malfunction recall. I was told since my car is over 120k miles it could not be replaced under the 10 year recall extended warranty. I purchased my 2013 VW CC in October of 2022. I have only owned the car for one year. Yes, the car is available to be inspected upon request.
Dec 05, 2023
My instrument cluster stopped working yday. I could hear something inside or behind the steering wheel when I turned it. Obviously my clock spring has failed. I am pretty sure my car had a recall on this in the past. I haven’t had another ride to Little Rock to take my car for repairs. I can not afford to fix this. The part alone is over 400$. I understand it is very dangerous to drive. I have no other way to get anywhere. I need this part replaced if possible at all by volkswagon. There were 6 recalls on my car last time I checked. This being one of them. It is very dangerous to drive for me and everyone on the roadways. Please help. Thank you.
Jul 18, 2023
While driving Airbag error flashed on dash and the Airbag light-lamp came on . Also my steering wheel horn and buttons do not work . I had no past indication . I am driving with no horn and most likely no Airbag deployment in case of accident. No inspection yet. Actually at risk if driven to the dealership
Mar 30, 2023
Records indicate clock spring recall service was performed at some time in the past. Same exact problem recurred last week. Clearly the recall service did not remedy the problem.
Nov 25, 2022
+ 11 more complaints for this component
VISIBILITY/WIPER
14 complaints
Plugged heater core. OBD code present P2457. Defroster was compromised. Confirmed by VW dealer. Advised by manufacturer to replace heater core and flush system per technical test and repair procedure.
Nov 26, 2021
NO HEAT COMING FROM BLOCKED HEATER CORE SO DEFROST SYSTEM INEFFECTIVE. RESULT IS OBSTRUCTED VISION BECAUSE THE DEFROST SYSTEM IS NOT WORKING EFFICIENTLY. KNOWN DEFECTIVE PART ON THIS MODEL CAR (INTERNET RESEARCH) BUT VW REFUSES TO RECALL. HAPPENS AT ALL TIMES, STATIONARY AND MOVING. NO HEAT IN PASSENGER CABIN AT ALL.
Feb 24, 2021
MY CONCERN FIRST OCCURRED IN NOVEMBER OF 2014, WHERE THE HEATER BLOWER MOTOR STOPPED WORKING CAUSING THE WINDOW TO BE COVERED WITH MOISTURE AND VISION OBSCURED. WHEN I BROUGHT TO VW DEALER THE BLOWER HAD STARTED AGAIN AND I WAS TOLD THEY COULD DO NOTHING AS IT WAS NOW OPERATING AS INTENDED. I HAVE SINCE LEARNED THAT IN 2015 TECH TIP WAS ISSUED CONCERNING SNOW OR MOISTURE ENTERING THE BLOWER COMPARTMENT WAS FOUND TO BE IMPAIRING THE BLOWER MOTOR. THEY ISSUED A REPAIR KIT DESIGNED TO SECURE FUTURE SNOW FROM ENTERING THIS AREA. FAST FORWARD TO FEBRUARY 2019, WHEN MY BLOWER AGAIN STOPPED WORKING. I HAD MY VEHICLE TOWED TO MY VW DEALERSHIP FOR REPAIR, HOPING IT WOULD BE COVERED UNDER THE EXTENDED WARRANTY I PURCHASED WHEN I BOUGHT THIS VEHICLE. I HAVE SINCE LEARNED THIS IS NOT COVERED BY WARRANTY AS IT IS A DESIGN FLAW AND NOT A PART FAILURE. MY DEALERSHIP SUGGESTED INSTALLING THE TECH FIX UPGRADE NOTED TO PREVENT FUTURE FAILURE. THIS COST ESTIMATE WAS $800.00. I MADE A CAL TO VW CUSTOMER CARE TO APPEAL FOR SOME REMEDIATION FOR THIS COST TO REPAIR A KNOW DEFECT. I WAS TOLD THAT NO RECALL HAD BEEN MADE FOR THIS CONDITION AND MY VEHICLE WAS OUT OF MILEAGE LIMITS AND AGE. THIS VEHICLE HAS 63000 MILES AND IS SIX MODEL YEARS OF AGE. MY CONTENTION IS THAT THIS WAS A KNOWN PROBLEM THAT HAD A KNOWN TECH FIX, IN 2015, WHEN MY FIRST CONCERN SHOULD HAVE BEEN ADDRESSED. I HAVE LEARNED FROM MY ONLINE RESEARCH THAT THIS IS NOT AN ISOLATED OCCURRENCE, WHERE SNOW HAS MIGRATED INTO THE BLOWER BOX, CAUSING THE BLOWER MOTOR TO SEIZE OR BECOME INOPERABLE. THANK YOU FOR ANY UPDATE THIS MAY INSPIRE.
Feb 14, 2019
DRIVING WHILE IN INCLEMENT WEATHER NOTICED PASSENGER SIDE WINDOW FOGGING UP AND DIDN'T THINK MUCH ABOUT IT SUCH AS HEAVY RAIN ETC. AND DIDN'T THINK MUCH ABOUT IT. FAST FORWARD TO SUB FREEZING TEMPERATURES IN A SNOWSTORM AND NOW NOTICED PASSENGER SIDE WINDSHIELD FROZEN AND WIPERS USELESS. START DIAGNOSTICS AND FIND COLD AIR BLOWING OUT AIR VENTS AND READ THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE HAVE THE SAME ISSUE AND VOLKSWAGEN KNOWS ABOUT IT. THEY ACTUALLY HAD AN ENXTENDED WARRANTY FOR SOME NOT OTHERS TO COVER THIS ISSUE AND A SERVICE BULLETIN TO BANDAID THE FIX. THIS IS AFFECTING THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE AND IS A SAFETY ISSUE AFFECTING THOUSANDS AND THE WORST THING ABOUT IT IS REPLACING THE HEATER CORE IS ONLY TEMPORARY AS IT WILL HAVE TO BE DONE AGAIN AS THEY HAVE NO PERMANENT FIX. I CAN DEAL WITH FOG ON THE WINDSHIELD BUT NOT A FROZEN WINDSHIELD ONLY TO HAVE NO MEANS OF GETTING HEAT TO THAW OUT. I READ ABOUT BMW HAVING ISSUES FOR BLOWER MOTOR RESISTORS WHY CAN VW BE HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR A CLOGGED HEATER CORE.
Feb 03, 2019
I WAS TRAVELING TO WORK ON INTERSTATE 85 (WHICH AS FOUR LANES) AND ALL OF A SUDDEN THERE WAS A GUN SHOT/EXPLOSION SOUND THAT RATTLED MY CAR. I FROZE AND CLOSED MY EYES (THANK GOD I WAS ON A STRAIGHT ROAD & DID NOT YANK MY STEERING WHEEL), WHEN I OPENED I WAS COVERED IN GLASS. FOR SOME REASON, MY SUN ROOF EXPLODED FOR NO APPARENT REASON. IT WAS NOT BELOW FREEZING OR EXTREME HEAT AND I HAD NOT BEEN UNDER AN OVERPASS. I HAD GLASS IN MY CLOTHES, MY MOUTH, MY HAIR, AND ALL IN MY CAR.
Jan 22, 2019
+ 9 more complaints for this component
FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL
11 complaints
The contact owns a 2013 Volkswagen Passat. The contact stated that shortly after refueling the vehicle and driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle experienced a loss of automotive power. The check engine warning light illuminated. The contact pulled over to the shoulder of the road and the vehicle was towed to the residence. The contact stated that the vehicle was diagnosed on scene by an independent mechanic with metal shavings inside the fuel lines. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that a high-pressure fuel pump and fuel system replacement was needed due to metal shavings. The vehicle was not repaired due to the costs. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 111,000.
Jun 09, 2025
The contact owns a 2013 Volkswagen Passat. The contact stated that while driving at 65 MPH, the "Glow Plug" warning light appeared on the instrument panel and the vehicle stalled. After several minutes, the contact was able to restart the vehicle and drove the vehicle home while in LIMP Mode. The contact used a code reader which showed that there was a defect with the high-pressure fuel pump. The dealer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the vehicle was out of warranty. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 135,000.
Mar 07, 2024
OUR 2013 VW PASSAT TDI HAD THE HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP FAIL AT 25,599 MILES. WHEN WE ASKED WHY THE PUMP WOULD BE FAILING SO SOON AND IF IT WAS COMMON, THE SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE SAID IT USUALLY HAPPENS AFTER SOMEONE PUTS GASOLINE IN THE TANK. I CAN ASSURE 100% THAT GASOLINE WAS NEVER PUT INTO THIS CAR'S TANK. THE REPAIRS WERE COVERED UNDER WARRANTY, BUT OBVIOUSLY THE VW TDI HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP HAS A DESIGN FLAW OR IT CANNOT WORK CORRECTLY WITH AMERICAN DIESEL. *TR
Nov 30, 2014
ENGINE LOST POWER, GLOW PLUG LIGHT STARTED BLINKING BARELY MADE IT TO THE DEALER. DEALER BLAMED BAD FUEL. IDENTICAL PROBLEM AT 26,480 MILES. DEALER REPLACED HPFP. *TR
Aug 20, 2014
THIS IS MY SECOND ENTRY ABOUT THIS INCIDENT; THIS CAR WAS A CERTIFIED 2013 PASSAT TDI SEL THAT I HAD OWNED FOR FOUR DAYS! I HAD NEVER EVEN REFUELED IT ONCE AND THE FUEL PUMP EXPLODED ON I-95 IN MARYLAND AND THE ENSUING INCIDENT ALMOST COST ME MY LIFE. I WAS AT THE ENTRY TO THE BALTIMORE I-95 TUNNEL WITH NEARLY NO WHERE TO PULL OVER ONCE THE CAR STOPPED--CARS AND TRUCKS WERE SWERVING AROUND ME TO AVOID HITTING ME. THE TUNNEL MOVING CREW CAME SHORTLY AFTER SINCE MY STOPPED CAR WAS AN EXTREME HAZARD--I AM HANDICAPPED AND HAD NO WHERE TO ESCAPE TO. I EVENTUALLY WAS TOWED BACK TO MY DEALER AND NOW THE CAR IS IN THE SHOP TO BE FIXED FOR 1&1/2 WEEKS. VW CLAIMS THAT THE REASON FOR THIS FAILURE IS THAT OWNERS ARE PUTTING GASOLINE IN WITH THE DIESEL. THIS IS NOT POSSIBLE IN MY CASE AS I ONLY HAD THE CARE FOR 4 DAYS PRIOR TO THE INCIDENT AND THE DEALER HAD TOPPED IT OFF WITH THEIR OWN FUEL! VW IS NOT BEIG HONEST ABOUT THE SEVERITY OF THIS PROBLEM AND NHTSA NEEDS TO ORDER A TOTAL RECALL. IT IS A NEAR MIRACLE THAT I WAS NOT KILLED. IF I HAD BEEN IN THE TUNNEL WHEN THIS HAPPENED, AND WITH NO PLACE TO PULL OVER AT ALL, THERE WOULD HAVE BEEN AN ACCIDENT AND MOST LIKELY A FATALITY (ME!) PLEASE CONTACT ME IF YOU NEED MORE INFO. *TR
Aug 07, 2014
+ 6 more complaints for this component
POWER TRAIN
11 complaints
I have had an issue with my transmission since I’ve got it. I got it with only 155,000 miles on it in Nov 2023. When i touch my brakes going slow or pull off from a red light my vehicle will make a Sharp noise and shook When i switch gears it will occasionally get stuck and shake when i pull off. I took it to Auto Plus Dealership service a couple times in 2023 where they assured me i had no transmission issue. I had other things like control arms and tires issues that i had fixed. But my car was still doing the same thing. So, i took it to various shops and Auto Plus Dealership service many times throughout the entire year of 2023. Then finally they told me there is a issue with my 02-sense kit and dual mass flywheel as well. During the time they found that issue it was only about 150, 000 miles on my vehicle. Auto Plus Dealership is known to have transmission issues so i was shocked when I was told about the recall. on the issue since my car had high miles on it and it is a known issue. It is progressively getting worse to where it is becoming a hazard and i can't continue to drive my vehicle. And now the Auto plus won't fix all this recall on my vehicle knowing how they sold the vehicle in the 1st place...
Feb 17, 2024
I have had an issue with my transmission since I’ve got it . I got it with only 38,000 miles on it in july 2021. When i touch my brakes going slow or pull off from a red light my vehicle will make a choppy noise and shake. When i switch gears it will occasionally get stuck and shake when i pull off. I took it to volkswagen service a couple times in 2021 where they assured me i had no transmission issue. I had other things like control arms and water pump issues that i had fixed. But my car was still doing the same thing. So i took it to various shops and volkswagen service many times throughout the entire year of 2022. Then finally they told me there is a issue with my whole clutch gearbox kit and dual mass flywheel as well. During the time they found that issue it was only about 45,000 miles on my vehicle. Volkswagen is known to have transmission issues so i was shocked there wasnt any recall on the issue since my car had very low miles on it and it is a known volkswagen issue. It is progressively getting worse to where it is becoming a hazard and i cant continue to drive my vehicle.
May 08, 2023
DSG transmission, yes it’s available for inspection. The vehicle lost power and it wouldn’t go any faster for a few minutes when accelerated. I’m talking it for inspection on 03/31/2023. No inspection yet. This problem has never happened before. This happened on March 29th, 2023. The transmission light came on and it said to park the vehicle and let the transmission cool because it was over heating. I parked it for a while and when I started it back up the light went out. I called the dealer and he said to bring it in but don’t drive it hard. My vehicle is a Volkswagen CC r line but on your website it’s showing a picture of a Volkswagen Passat with my vin number.
Mar 30, 2023
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE PARKING THE VEHICLE AT HIS RESIDENCE, THE VEHICLE WAS SHIFTED FROM REVERSE TO PARK HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE WAS REVERSING. THERE WAS NO WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED AND STOPPED WITH THE PARKING BRAKE. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO IMMEDIATELY REMOVE THE KEY FROM THE IGNITION SWITCH. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DRIVABLE. ALEXANDRIA VOLKSWAGEN LOCATED AT 107 W GLEBE RD, ALEXANDRIA, VA 22305, (703) 684-8888 WAS CONTACTED AND MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN INFORMED OF FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 120,000.
Nov 05, 2020
1/26/2018 - I WAS DRIVING MY 2013 VW PASSAT ON THE HIGHWAY AT A 60 MPH SPEED, AND IT SUDDENLY BEGAN FORCING ITSELF TO STOP, AS IF THE TRANSMISSION WAS GOING OUT. THE CAR BEGAN SLOWING DOWN JERKING ITSELF, AND THE CARS BEHIND ME HAD TO BRAKE ABRUPTLY, ALMOST HITTING ME. IT WAS A FRIGHTENING EXPERIENCE. I DID LOOK DOWN AT THE GEAR WHILE THIS WAS HAPPENING AND NOTICED THAT THE GEAR LIGHTS D & S WERE BOTH LIT IN RED AND THE - AND + WERE ALSO LIT IN RED. I WAS FINALLY ABLE TO STOP (ON THE HIGHWAY) AND PUT MY CAR GEAR ON PARK. I QUICKLY PUT IT ON PARK AND THEN TRIED TO DRIVE AGAIN, ALL WAS WELL UNTIL I EXITED THE FREEWAY, AND WHILE I WAS TRYING TO MAKE A LEFT TURN, THE CAR BEGIN SLOWLY JERKING AGAIN, NOT ALLOWING TO CONTINUE DRIVING. I FINALLY PULLED TO THE SIDE AND TURNED OFF THE CAR, RESTARTING IT AFTER A FEW MINUTES, AND THEN ALL WAS NORMAL AGAIN. TODAY, 1/27/2018, ON MY WAY TO WORK, THE SAME ISSUE HAPPENED. I'M TAKING MY CAR INTO SERVICE FIRS THING MONDAY MORNING. I JUST PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE ON OCTOBER 2017, AND NO RECALLS WERE ON THIS VEHICLE. SO TO BE HAVING THESE PROBLEMS JUST A FEW MONTHS AFTER THE INITIAL PURCHASE IS DISAPPOINTING. NO PERSONAL BELONGINGS WERE ANYWHERE NEAR THE GEAR, SO THAT WAS DEFINITELY NOT AN ISSUE. PLEASE ADVISE IF ANYONE HAS REPORTED THE SAME VEHICLE CONCERN. THANK YOU.
Jan 27, 2018
+ 6 more complaints for this component
ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
10 complaints
2013 PASSAT TDI SEL. EMISSION MODIFICATION AT 28,514 MILES. NOW 29,200 MILES ON ODOMETER. BOUGHT THE CAR LESS THAN A MONTH AGO. VEHICLE IS EQUIPPED WITH DIESEL MISFUELING GUARD. STOPPED AT GROCERY STORE AND ALSO FILLED UP DIESEL FROM SAM'S CLUB. DROVE 4 MILES DOWN THE ROAD AROUND 40 MPH AND ABOUT TO ENTER HIGHWAY WHEN GLOW PLUG INDICATOR STARTED FLASHING AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED. HEARD SOME RATTLING AND THE ENGINE SHUT DOWN WITHOUT WARNING. COASTED OVER TO SHOULDER. WOULD NOT START. ABANDONED THE CAR FOR THE NIGHT. NEXT DAY I HAD THE CAR TOWED TO VW. THEY TESTED THE FUEL AND IT TESTED FINE. DIAGNOSED AS A FAILED HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP. IT EXPLODED AND SENT SHRAPNEL THROUGH THE FUEL LINES AND FORWARD INTO THE ENGINE AND EXHAUST SYSTEM. ALSO SENT SHRAPNEL BACKWARDS INTO FUEL FILTER, FUEL TANK, AND LOW PRESSURE FUEL PUMP. $5500-$7500 REPAIR QUOTED IF NOT UNDER WARRANTY.
Apr 17, 2020
VEHICLE STRUCK A TREE AND CAUGHT ON FIRE. MY BROTHER IN LAW WAS KILLED.
Mar 19, 2020
MY 2013 VW PASSAT TDI HAS BEEN TO THE DEALERSHIP 3 TIMES FOR A CRANK BUT NO START CONDITION.FIRST TIME WHEN THE TOW TRUCK DRIVER DROPPED IT OFF IT STARTED RIGHT UP, SO WE PICKED IT UP AND WENT ON OUR WAY. THE SECOND TIME IT HAD A BAD FUEL LIFT PUMP THAT THEY REPLACED THE THIRD TIME A COMPLETE HPFP FAILURE THAT AT 151,000 MILES THEY WILL NOT TAKE CARE OF. AFTER LOOKING INTO THE PROBLEM I FIND OUT THAT THE FAULTY LIFT PUMP MAY HAVE CONTRIBUTED TO THE FAILURE AND IN CALIFORNIA THIS SEEMS TO BE A VERY COMMON PROBLEM. CAN YOU HELP IN ANY WAY? THANK YOU RON
Mar 10, 2020
MY VEHICLE FOR SOME REASON IS NOT UNDER THE RECALL FOR ALL OTHER MODELS WITH SAME DEFECT. I HAVE A INTAKE MANIFOLD MALFUNCTION THAT WAS RECALLED ON ALL CC'S OF MY YEAR AND PRIOR BUT FOR SOME REASON MY MODEL WASN'T COVERED AND SHOULD BE.
Nov 19, 2019
MY CAR IS A 2013 PASSAT PURCHASED BY ME IN 2014, I HAVE ALWAYS TAKEN MY CAR TO BE SERVICED WITH ALL REQUIRED SERVICE MAINTENANCES SINCE PURCHASE DATE (SERVICES DONE ALL AT VOLKSWAGEN DEALERSHIPS). THE NEXT SERVICE WAS NOT DUE. I HAVE THIS ALL DOCUMENTED BY THE DEALERSHIPS. MY CAR HAS APPROX. 94,000 MILES ON IT. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT STARTED TO COME ON INTERMITTENTLY. TODAY VOLKSWAGEN DEALER (FOLLOWING DIAGNOSTIC TESTING) TOLD ME THE HEAD GASKET NEEDS TO BE REPLACED BUT THAT THIS IS A RISKY REPAIR AS THE PRIMARY PROBLEM IS THE ENGINE. THE VOLKSWAGEN DEALERSHIP IS TELLING ME THE ENGINE NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. THE VOLKSWAGEN DEALER IS TELLING ME TODAY THAT THIS IS NOT A USUAL PROBLEM WITH THIS VEHICLE. I CALLED VOLKSWAGEN TO ASK FOR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE OR BUY BACK PLAN FOR THIS AND WAS TOLD THERE IS NOTHING THAT CAN BE DONE.
Jan 24, 2019
+ 5 more complaints for this component
SUSPENSION
9 complaints
The contact owns a 2013 Volkswagen Passat. The contact stated that while driving approximately 40-60 MPH and driving over the roadway, the rear coil spring fractured. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact called the local dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the VIN was not under recall. The approximate failure mileage was 177,000.
Mar 20, 2025
I noticed my car was sitting lower than normal all the way around. While driving, I heard some unusual noises coming from the rear. I took the car to a mechanic for evaluation. The mechanic said three of the four coil springs had broken (both rear and drivers side on the front. I did some research and found there is an existing recall for broken springs in Volkswagen automobiles. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 42J5. NHTSA’s campaign number: 19V188000.
Nov 02, 2022
SQUEAKING IF SUSPENSION WHEN I GO OVER BUMPS
Mar 07, 2020
BROKE REAR SPRING LAST AUGUST AND THE OTHER REAR SPRING LAST WEEK. NEVER BROKE A SPRING ON ANY CAR I OWNED UNTIL THIS PASSAT. LOVE THE PASSAT, BY THE WAY, JUST THINK THERE IS SOMETHING NOT MADE CORRECTLY WITH THESE SPRINGS.
May 22, 2019
WINTER OF 2019, MY REAR COIL SPRING BROKE. MY CAR WAS PARKED IN MY DRIVEWAY AND TURNED OFF. I WAS LOADING MY BACKSEAT WITH MY WORK SUPPLIES WHEN THE BREAK OCCURRED.
Mar 30, 2019
+ 4 more complaints for this component
POWER TRAIN,ENGINE
8 complaints
The contact owns a 2013 Volkswagen Passat. The contact stated that the vehicle was purchased in 2024 from a Used Car Dealer. The contact stated that the check engine warning light illuminated after the vehicle was driven off the dealer lot. The contact drove to the destination and restarted the vehicle and the message "Distressed Vehicle Start" was illuminated. The contact drove the vehicle back to the dealer and the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and the contact was advised that there was an issue with the engine. The dealer advised the contact that parts had been ordered and she would be contacted to bring the vehicle in for the repair. The contact was not contacted, and calls were not returned. The contact contacted the warranty company for assistance with the repair. The contact stated that the timing belt was replaced, the vehicle was repaired; however, the vehicle had developed other failures. The contact stated that the vehicle lost motive power and was shaking abnormally while shifting gear. The contact stated that the failure recurred with several unknown warning lights illuminated. The warranty company was contacted, and the contact was advised to take the vehicle to an authorized dealer for assistance. The vehicle was towed to a dealer; however, a full diagnostic test was not completed, and the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 134,000.
Sep 24, 2025
The contact owns a 2013 Volkswagen Passat. The contact stated that while driving at 55 MPH, there was an abnormal metallic sound coming from the vehicle. Additionally, there was an odor of smoke and burnt rubber. The contact was able to pull over safely. The contact stated that there was a hole in the engine. The contact stated that the transmission had exploded. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V182000 (Power Train); however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 87,000.
Jan 16, 2025
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, THE VEHICLE JERKED FORWARD WHILE DEPRESSING THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL. THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WENT INTO LIMP MODE WITH AN ABNORMAL KNOCKING SOUND COMING FROM THE ENGINE. THE CONTACT PULLED OVER AND INSPECTED THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ENGINE WAS RATTLING AND OVER HEATING. AT START-UP, THE RPM'S REVVED UP WHILE THE RATTLING PERSISTED, WITH THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. BERGSTROM VOLKSWAGEN OF APPLETON (3019 N VICTORY LN #102, APPLETON, WI 54913, (800) 398-6846) WAS CONTACTED AND AN APPOINTMENT WAS SCHEDULED FOR THE VEHICLE TO BE INSPECTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS PROMISED A CALL BACK WHICH WAS STILL PENDING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT YET REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 59,000. CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO BE REPAIRED AND PAID $300 BUT WARNING LIGHT IS STILL ON.*JB
May 07, 2021
DRIVING NORTHERLY ON I-95 AT HIGHWAY SPEED GOING UP THE INCLINE TO THE PISCATAQUA RIVER BRIDGE (THE BORDER BETWEEN NEW HAMPSHIRE AND MAINE), THE VEHICLE LOST FORWARD POWER ABOUT HALFWAY UP THE INCLINE OF THE BRIDGE APPROACH. THE ENGINE DID NOT STALL AT ANY TIME DURING OR AFTER THE EVENT. DRIVER WAS PREOCCUPIED WITH [1] TURNING ON HAZARD FLASHERS, [2] SAFELY NEGOTIATING ENTRY TO THE BREAKDOWN LANE, AND [3] NOT BRAKING IN AN ATTEMPT TO COAST TO THE TOP OF THE BRIDGE SUCH THAT THE CAR COULD COAST DOWN THE FAR SIDE OF THE BRIDGE AND ALLOW EXITING THE HIGHWAY AT THE NEARBY EXIT #1 IN MAINE. THE DRIVER'S PREOCCUPATION WITH SAFELY ADDRESSING THE POWER LOSS EVENT DID NOT ALLOW HIM TO SCAN ANY OF THE GAUGES OR INDICATORS ON THE FRONT PANEL. UPON REACHING THE TOP OF THE BRIDGE THE CAR WAS COASTING TO A STOP AND THE DRIVER SHIFTED BETWEEN DRIVE / SPORT / NEUTRAL TO SEE IF ANY POWER COULD BE RESTORED. WITHIN 30 SECONDS OR LESS THE CAR AGAIN RESUMED FORWARD MOTION IN THE DRIVE SHIFT SETTING. CAR WAS DRIVEN TO THE NEARBY VW DEALER WHERE IT WAS PURCHASED. SERVICE DEPARTMENT CHECKED (DIESEL) FUEL QUALITY WHICH WAS GOOD, AND FOUND NO ERROR CODES WHEN A SCAN WAS DONE. A VTA CASE WAS OPENED AND OWNER CONTACTED VW CUSTOMER CARE IN AUBURN HILLS, MI. SUBSEQUENT TESTING AT THE SAME DEALER'S SERVICE DEPARTMENT ON 9 APRIL 2015 ALSO RESULTED IN NO FINDINGS FOR A CAUSE. VW RECOMMENDS I CONTINUE DRIVING IT UNTIL THE POWER LOSS OCCURS AGAIN. I ASKED WHAT THEY WOULD THEN DO IF NO ERROR CODES WERE AGAIN FOUND. THEY INDICATED THEY WOULD ASK ME TO LEND THEM THE CAR TO DRIVE UNTIL THEY CAN GET THE PROBLEM TO REOCCUR. (= A NO-COST LEASE BACK TO VW!). OWNERS' OPINION IS THAT THERE IS A DESIGN FAULT IN THE VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT ENGINE/TRANSMISSION PAIRING THAT IS DIRECTLY RELATED TO A DEFICIENCY OF MEANINGFUL ERROR SENSORS AND FAULT / ERROR CODE READOUT VALUES DURING A POWER LOSS EVENT.. *TR
Apr 09, 2015
COMPLETE LOSS OF ENGINE POWER: VEHICLE ON THREE OCCASIONS HAS EXPERIENCED COMPLETE LOSS OF ENGINE POWER WHEN SHIFTING FROM REVERSE TO DRIVE. DISPLAY DEPICTS 'ALTERNATOR MALFUNCTION' BUT DEALERSHIP CLAIMS NO FAULT CODE STORED, THEREFORE NO REPAIR CAN BE MADE. I PROVIDED PHOTOS OF THE TROUBLE LIGHTS AND A VIDEO OF OTHER LIGHTS THAT COME ON AFTER THE POWER LOSS HAPPENS. DEALERSHIP VERBALLY ACKNOWLEDGED SOMETHING IS WRONG. VEHICLE TAKEN IN TWICE FOR THIS ISSUE, DEALERSHIP UNABLE TO REPLICATE PROBLEM. DEALERSHIP TROUBLESHOOTS ELECTRICAL SYSTEM.TECHNICIAN VERBALLY TOLD ME IT COULD BE A TRANSMISSION PROBLEM W/ THE INTERNAL CLUTCH FAILING TO RELEASE, STALLING THE VEHICLE. *TR
Oct 01, 2014
+ 3 more complaints for this component
STEERING
8 complaints
On 5/4/24 I was reverse parking & heard a clunk as I was turning my steering wheel then immediately noticed the airbag light come on. Attempted to check any error messages using the only menu control for the vehicle on the steering wheel that did not work. That led me to attempt to test all other controls on the steering wheel which also did not work. During these attempts, I identified that my horn was also not working. Due to the large safety concern this caused, I quickly searched on Google what the cause may be then immediately made an appointment at an auto shop (Greulich's Automotive Repair) with the first available I could find. I did not know this issue was previously recalled as I was too concerned with my safety on the road, specifically not trusting other drivers, not having enough time to research, & the auto shop did not mention the recall either. Spent $1,000 on labor, diagnostic, & the clock steering part. When researching the history of my vehicle, I do not find that this recall was performed. I will be calling VW customer service for reimbursement. After the part has been replaced, the next day, I come to find out that the menu setting control on the steering wheel continues to not work which I have brought attention to the auto shop. Waiting for a call back about why all other controls on the steering wheel works now except the vehicle menu which might be the most important control on the wheel. In addition, the cruise control option does not work either because of this replacement which I come to find out it’s a separate part that needs to be replaced, hence, additional out of pocket costs. Not okay.
May 08, 2024
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START AND THE STEERING WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. AFTER WAITING TWENTY MINUTES, THE VEHICLE STARTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO GUNTHER VOLKSWAGEN OF FORT LAUDERDALE (1660 S STATE RD 7, FORT LAUDERDALE, FL 33317, (954) 420-7374) WHERE UNKNOWN REPAIRS WERE MADE TO THE STEERING WHEEL; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 42,401.
Sep 18, 2019
THE ELECTRICAL IN STERRING WHEEL IS COMPLETELY OUT. THE HORN AND BUTTONS ARE DEAD AND THE STEERING WHEEL MAKES A CLICKING NOISE WHEN IT TURNS
Jan 09, 2019
THE CLOCKSPRING WAS RECALLED AND REPLACED IN 2015. WHILE BACKING OUT OF A PARKING SPOT I HEARD A COUPLE OF POPS AND LOST ANY STEERING WHEEL CONTROLS, IE: VOLUME CONTROL ECT... THE AIRBAG LIGHT ALSO ILLUMINATED. THE NEXT DAY I TOOK IT TO VOLKSWAGEN SERVICE CENTER WHERE THEY ASSESSED THE ISSUE AND CONFIRMED IT WAS THE CLOCKSPRING AND IT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED.
Jun 12, 2018
CURRENTLY, I HAVE A FAILING (CLICKING NOISE WHILE TURNING) CLOCK SPRING MY 2013 PASSAT TDI THAT WENT IN FOR THE CLOCKSPRING COVER RECALL IN 2016 AND ALSO THE AIRBAG RECALL IN 8/2017 AND HAS BEEN DIAGNOSED AS A "FAILING CLOCKSPRING" 11/24/2017, PUT IN FOR GOODWILL REPAIR TO VW CORPORATE AND WAS IMMEDIATELY REJECTED AND THE DEALER CHARGES OVER $700 FOR REPLACEMENT. SERVICE TECH SAID SINCE I AM A LOYAL CUSTOMER OF A HEAVILY RECALLED TDI MODEL, THEY COULD REPAIR IT FOR $550 (12/10/2017). THIS IS DISAPPOINTING...I AM WAITING FOR IT TO FAIL COMPLETELY BEFORE I CHART MY NEXT COURSE OF ACTION.
Dec 20, 2017
+ 3 more complaints for this component
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING
6 complaints
Driver side low beam headlights failed. Bulb works. Bulb Holder works. Confirmed by moving bulb and bulb holder assembly to passenger side where it operates fine. Search on-line finds many people with same problem. It appears to be an electrical connection problem within the headlight assembly. There was a reportedly recall for this problem that did not cover all VINs. This is definitely a safety issue that also reportedly costs up to $600 to fix.
Oct 28, 2022
Both left and right low beam headlights became inoperable leave vehicle with only high beams. There has been a recall submitted by VW for the exact year/make/model/and production date. I have contacted closest dealership and have been given several reasons from the vehicle isn’t included in the recall but no explanation as to why it isn’t even though it meets every single criteria listed which vehicles it included and I was also told the recall was completed by another dealership but can not give the date or location of when the recall was supposedly done. If it was done, hypothetically speaking, then it obviously wasn’t done correctly because the same issue is still occurring, placing me and any passengers in extreme danger.
Dec 20, 2021
RECALL #94G8 ON 8/26/2014 I HAD MY VEHICLE IN FOR SERVICING AT THE DEALERSHIP FROM WHICH I HAD PURCHASED IT. THEY INFORMED ME THAT IN ADDITION TO THE ROUTINE SERVICING THEY WOULD BE ADDRESSING A RECALL ISSUE REGARDING THE "LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS". THE INVOICE I RECEIVED SHOWS THE WORK PERFORMED. FLASH FORWARD 4 YEARS ALMOST TO THE DATE, I WAKE IN THE MORNING TO LEAVE FOR WORK TO SEE THAT NEITHER OF MY LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS ARE WORKING. I CALLED THE DEALERSHIP TO GET THE ISSUE RESOLVED ASAP. WHILE AT THE DEALERSHIP LATER THAT DAY THEY LOOKED THE CAR OVER AND COME BACK WITH AN ESTIMATE OF $950 TO FULLY REPLACE BOTH HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLIES BASED OFF THE FACT THAT THERE IS POWER TO THE LIGHT SOCKETS, BUT NOT TO THE BULBS. THIS SEEMS TO BE AN ISSUE THAT WOULD BE VERY CLOSELY RELATED TO THE ISSUE THE RECALL WAS ISSUED FOR. YET BECAUSE THEY HAVE PERFORMED THE INITIAL SOLUTION MEET THE RECALL RESOLUTION SPECIFICATIONS, VOLKSWAGEN IS NOT REQUIRED TO DO ANYTHING FURTHER. HOW IS THIS POSSIBLE? IF A SPECIFIED RESOLUTION TO A SAFETY RECALL ISSUE FAILS, THE MANUFACTURER SHOULD BE MADE TO LOOK FURTHER INTO A BETTER RESOLUTION, AT NO CHARGE TO THE CONSUMER. IT MOST CERTAINLY IS NOTHING THAT I DID THAT CAUSED THE ISSUE. THE PROBLEM WOULDN'T EXIST AT ALL IF THE DESIGN BY THE MANUFACTURER WASN'T FLAWED.
Aug 12, 2018
I HAVE HAD ON AND OFF TROUBLE WITH MY LEFT LOW BEAM HEADLIGHT FOR THE LAST YEAR. I LOOKED TO SEE IF MY VEHICLE WAS COVERED UNDER THE RECALL 94G8/7V AND I WAS TOLD IT IS NOT COVERED. I HAD THE BULBS REPLACED AND STILL HAVE THE PROBLEM. THE LOW BEAM CONSISTENTLY GOES ON AND OFF ESPECIALLY IN THE COLDER MONTHS. I TOOK IT TO THE VW PLACE TO HAVE THEM CHECK IT AND THEY TOLD ME I JUST NEED A NEW LIGHT. I HAD JUST HAD THEM BOTH REPLACED SO I DON'T THINK THIS IS THE PROBLEM. I BELIEVE THE RECALL SHOULD BE OPENED UP TO MORE 2013 VEHICLES.
Dec 22, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY, THE PASSENGER SIDE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHT MALFUNCTIONED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HEADLIGHT WOULD NOT ILLUMINATE WHEN PROMPTED. IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE HARNESS CONNECTOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 102,000.
Oct 14, 2016
+ 1 more complaint for this component
AIR BAGS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
6 complaints
VOLKSWAGEN REPLACED MY VEHICLE STEERING WHEEL "CLOCKSPRING" UNDER A PREVIOUS SAFETY RECALL. MY CAR HAS NOW RECENTLY SUFFERED FROM A FAILED STEERING WHEEL "CLOCKSPRING". MY DRIVERS SIDE FRONT AIRBAG IS NOW INCAPACITATED, MY HORN NO LONGER WORKS AND MY STEERING WHEEL CONTROLS DO NOT WORK. THIS OCCURRED UPON MY MAKING A FULL LEFT HAND TURN, UPON MAKING THE TURN, I HEARD CRACKING SOUNDS COME FROM MY STEERING WHEEL AND ALL OF THE SUDDEN, I GOT AN AIRBAG ERROR WARNING LIGHT (I STILL DO), MY HORN DID NOT WORK (STILL DOES NOT) AND MY STEERING WHEEL CONTROLS DID NOT WORK (STILL DON'T). THIS SHOULD BE A SECOND RECALL TO COVER THIS ISSUE BECAUSE THE "CLOCKSPRING" WAS FORMALLY RECALLED FOR THE EXACT REASONS THAT I (AND APPARENTLY A LOT OF OTHER AUTO OWNERS) NOW SUFFER FROM AND THE SUPPOSED REPLACED CLOCKSPRING IS CAUSING THE SAME SAFETY ISSUES. VOLKSWAGEN IS CURRENTLY NOT TAKING RESPONSIBILITY FOR INSTALLING FAULTY "CLOCKSPRINGS" OR NEGLIGENT AUTO DESIGN FOR THIS ISSUE. A NEW SAFETY RECALL FOR THIS SHOULD BE ISSUED
Sep 12, 2019
CLOCK SPRING FAILURE AFTER MANUFACTURER RECALL "FIX". VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION, MAKING A ROUTINE TURN WHEN LOUD CLICKING SOUND WAS NOTED. IMMEDIATE FAILURE OF AIRBAGS, HORN, AND ALL STEERING WHEEL CONTROLS, INCLUDING HANDS-FREE SAFETY FEATURES.
Aug 06, 2019
WHILE I WAS HOME, I NOTICED MY AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON AND THE BUTTONS ON MY STEERING WHEEL DIDN'T WORK. A FEW DAYS LATER I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AND A CAR ALMOST CHANGED LANES ON TOP OF ME. I TRIED TO HONK MY HORN AND NOTHING CAME OUT. THANKFULLY THE CAR SWERVED BACK IN IT'S LANE BECAUSE I DIDN'T HAVE ANYWHERE TO GO. I TOOK MY CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY TOLD ME THE CLOCK SPRING NEEDED REPLACED. IN 2016 I HAD MY CLOCK SPRING REPLACED AS PART OF A RECALL (69L2). I'VE RECENTLY LEARNED THAT MANY OTHER PEOPLE ARE HAVING A SIMILAR ISSUE WITH THEIR RECALL-REPLACED CLOCK SPRING. VOLKSWAGEN IS NOT ACKNOWLEDGING THE PROBLEM WITH THE RECALL WORK AND CLOCK SPRING BEING FAULTY AND WILL ONLY REPLACE IT IF I SPEND OVER $700 FOR ANOTHER DIAGNOSTIC AND REPAIR.
Aug 15, 2018
IN OCT/6/2017 TOOK MY CAR TO RUDOLPH VW FOR THE AIR BAG RECALL, IN JUNE 29, 2018. I GOT THE SAME WARNING LIGHTS EXCEPT THIS TIME THEY ARE TELLING ME THAT THE PROBLEM IS THE CLOCK SPRING, THE PART UNDER NIT THE CUP AND AIRBAG AND THIS TIME I HAVE TO PAY FOR IT, A PROBLEM ORIGINATED BY THEM AND NOW THEY WANT TO COLLECT $ 610.00 DLLS. ALSO THEY SAID THAT THE WARRANTY EXPIRED, 1 YEAR OR 12,000 MILES, MY CAR ODOMETER RECORD INDICATE BACK THE 28086 IN 10/6/17 AND NOW 80,998 MILES IMPOSSIBLE TO BELIEVE.
Jul 05, 2018
AIRBAG LIGHT IS ON. CONTROL ON STEERING WHEEL DOESN'T WORK.
Oct 05, 2016
+ 1 more complaint for this component
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,AIR BAGS
5 complaints
In April 2025, my 2013 Volkswagen Passat developed serious issues: the steering wheel cover is lifted, horn and steering wheel controls stopped working, lights malfunctioned, and now the vehicle will not start. It also has an open Takata airbag recall with no parts available until “after june” I contacted the dealership by phone and Spoke to Lykoto at Molle dealership in Kansas City. they have refused to provide a tow or a loaner vehicle. Due to this I have not had an in-person inspection. I no longer feel safe driving the car. The Manufacturer has been notified of this via email due to their services being closed on the weekends but will contact over the phone Monday morning. Symptoms worsened over months and the no-start issue appeared recently. Will be taking to a private mechanic asap to have the no-start issue confirmed.
Apr 26, 2025
The Air Bag Inoperative Light illuminated in the dashboard display. All steering wheel electrical functions including horn, display control for items such as speed display stopped working, radio control, and phone control eased to function. There was a grinding noise coming from inside the steering wheel when I turned the wheel. I took the car to the dealer. The dealer said it is a known issue concerning the steering wheel clock spring and VW has known about this for years and has issued an extended warranty. However, VW has the parts on back order and is not supplying the parts to fix the problem in a timely fashion as it should with an emergency safety condition. I called VW of America to report this. They gave me a case number. They then sent me an email a week later saying they would get back to me in a month to let me know the status. This is negligent and unacceptable. This is not a dealership issue. VW is not supplying the part to fix the airbag system. This is a SAFETY ISSUE. Thousands of cars are affected, not just mine. THE AIRBAG SYSTEM IS INOPERATIVE AND IN THE CASE OF AN ACCIDENT THE AIRBAG WILL NOT DEPLOY. Just like the Takata airbag scenario, this should be acted on immediately before someone is seriously hurt or killed because VW will not fix a known safety issue with their air bag system. There is still no resolution from VW. This has been a known issue with VW for over 5 years.
Mar 31, 2022
THE REAR DRIVER SIDE TAILLIGHTS AND TURN SIGNAL QUIT WORKING, REPLACED BULBS STILL BROKE. AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT STAYS ON, THIS IS THE SAME PROBLEM THAT MANY OF THE VW HAVE. MY VIN SHOWS THAT 5 REPAIRS HAVE BEEN FIXED IF THESE ARE SUPPOSED TO BE FIXED IT DIDN'T WORK. RECALLS WERE OVER BEFORE I GOT THE CAR SO WHAT AM I SUPPOSED TO DO? THESE PROBLEMS OCCUR WHETHER I'M STATIONARY OR MOVING.
Oct 10, 2020
TWICE I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE THE HEADLIGHTS.
Feb 27, 2017
1. THE LIGHTING RECALL I HAVE HAD MY CAR SERVICED AT LEAST 4XS FOR LIGHT.. THE LIGHT IS STILL NOT FIXED, EVERY TIME THE HOOD IS OPEN AND CLOSED THE LIGHT GOES OUT. 2. I WAS SENT RECALL LETTER ABOUT AIRBAG, I WENT TO HAVE IT FIXED AND WAS TOLD THAT THE SENSOR GOT WET AND ITS MY RESPONSIBILITY AND WAS CHARGED ALOMOST 1K TO FIX IT.3. MY CAR WHILE DRIVING SAYS SETTINGS ARE NOT ACCESSIBLE, THIS IS CONSTANT AND ITS NOT AS THOUGH IM TRYING TO CHANGE THE SETTINGS, WHILE DRIVING. ALSO THE LAST TIME I TOOK MY CAR IN FOR SERVICE I PAID FOR MY AC FILTER TO BE CHANGED AND IT WASN'T THEY SAID MY TIRES WERE OK THEY WERE NOT. I HAVE BEEN KICKED OUT OF ONE DEALERSHIP BECAUSE THE SERVICE MANAGER WAS CLEARLY A RACIST. I HAVE HAD SO MANY PROBLEMS AND WHEN I CALL VW OF AMERICA IM PUT ON HOLD, JUST TO BE TOLD THAT THERE IS NOTHING THEY CAN DO. NOW THEY ARE CALLING ME OVER, AND OVER TO EXTEND MY WARRANTY, I PAID FOR MY CAR IN FULL.. I CANT GET ONE PERSON TO TAKE MY ISSUES SERIOUSLY, I CAN BARELY SEE THE ROAD WHEN DRIVING, THE CARS SETTINGS CONSTANTLY CHANGE. LAST BUT NOT LEAST I PAID FOR COSMETIC ISSUES AND HAD A NEW BATTERY PUT IN ALL WHILE UNDER WARRANTY. BECAUSE THE SERVICE MANAGER KICKED ME OUT OF DEALERSHIP.
Feb 14, 2017
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
5 complaints
The vehicle cuts off while driving we’ve done numerous expensive replacements to water pump, control arm bushings, new battery, variable valve timing, celinoid, camshaft adjustment magnet, spark plugs and coils, ignition switch, fuel pump, gas cap. Oil filters And there is still a problem.
Jul 19, 2024
MY 2013 VW PASSAT 2.5 S ONLY HAS 59K MILES AND I WAS DRIVING I NO DOWN ROAD ALL SUDDEN THE CAR JERKED FORWARD AND WENT INTO LIMP MODE. I HAD IT LOOKED AT THEN PARTS REPLACED AND STILL HAVING ISSUES AND THEY CAN'T FIGURE OUT ISSUE. AND NOW NEW CODES KEEP COMING UP AND KEEP GETTING NEW PARTS PUT IN BUT IT STILL FEELS LIKE ENGINE ABOUT SHAKE RIGHT OUT OF THE CAR. I TRIED CALLING VOLKSWAGEN AND THEY WERE SUPPOSED TO CALL ME BACK WITHING 2 DAYS AND I NEVER HEARD ANYTHING BACK. I TAKE REALLY GOOD CARE OF MY CAR AND HAD ALL THE PARTS REPLACED BUT ITS STILL HAVING THROTTLE AND ELECTRICAL ISSUES AND I CAN'T GET AHOLD OF ANYONE. MINES HAVING A LOT OF SAME ISSUES AS THESE PEOPLE TOO WHICH IS WEIRD ESPECIALLY AROUND SAME TIME.
May 06, 2021
MY 2013 VOLKWAGEN PASSAT I PURCHASED IN NOVEMBER OF 2019 HAS CONTINUED TO HAVE SO MANY PROBLEMS INVOLVING WHAT I HAVE BEEN TOLD THE MAJOR RECAL THE VOLKSWAGEN HAS FOR MY VEHICLE. HOW EVER I ONLY SEE THE RECAL FIX FOR MY VEHICLE BACK IN OCTOBER OF 2019 YET IT WAS BACK IN THE DEALER FOR THE SAME RECAL JUST 6 WEEKS AGO AND NOW I HAVE HAD IT IN ANOTHER MACHANIC SHOP FOR THE 2ND TIME NOW SAME RECAL ISSUES AND I CANT GET AN HONES ANSWER FROM ANY ONE. MY VEHICLE WAS ALSO SUPPOSED TO BE AT THE DEALER SHIP JUST ABOUT 6 WEEKS AGO BUT I WENT THERE AND MY VEHICLE WAS NOT THERE YET THEY WOULD NOT GIVE ME ANY INFORMATION AND MY GPS IS ON HOWEVER MY ACCOUNT INFORMATION IS INCORRECT.
Dec 10, 2020
2013 PASSAT TDI. 136000 MILES. VEHICLE WAS DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS AND THE GLOW PLUG LIGHT STARTED TO FLASH, NO OTHER INDICATOR LIGHTS OR CAR PERFORMANCE ISSUES WERE NOTED AT THIS TIME. CAR WAS PULLED OVER SAFETY TO A TOWN WITHIN 5 MILES, THE CAR WAS SHUT DOWN. JUST TO SEE IF IT WAS A GLITCH CAR WAS RESTARTED BRIEFLY AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT REMAINED ON. CAR WAS IMMEDIATELY TURNED OFF. WHILE ON THE PHONE RELAYING MY INFORMATION TO FAMILY, BYSTANDERS ADVISED ME THAT THE CAR WAS ON FIRE BELOW THE ENGINE BAY. THE FIRE WAS QUICKLY PUT OUT WITH WATER. THE DAMAGE SEEMS TO BE IN THE SAME AREA AS HAS BEEN NOTED BY RECALLS 17V309000 AND 16V171000, BOTH OF THESE RECALLS WERE COMPLIED WITH PRIOR TO THIS EVENT. DOCUMENTATION OF THIS IS MAINTAINED WITH THE OWNER. ALL SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE AND REPAIRS HAVE BEEN COMPLETED AT VOLKSWAGEN DEALERSHIPS SINCE PURCHASE, ALL RECORDS MAINTAINED.
Aug 21, 2020
MINOR FRONT END COLLISION CAUSING EXPLOSION OF CAR CAUSING MY SON TO BURN TO DEATH
Mar 31, 2020
TIRES
5 complaints
PRIMEWELL VALERA TOURING II 215/55R 17 TIRES. THE TIRES AFTER 5000 MILES HAVE DEVELOPED A ROARING SOUND AND THE SIDEWALLS ARE CRACKED. THE ROARING HAS BECOME SO LOUD I HAD THE WHEEL BEARINGS REPLACED BECAUSE OF THE NOISE. THE NOISE IS IN FACT COMING FROM THE TIRES. THE TIRES WERE BOUGHT BY THE DEALER WE PURCHASED THE CAR FROM. IN FACT, IT WAS PART OF THE DEAL THAT THE CAR HAD NEW TIRES PUT ON. BECAUSE OF THIS FACT, THE TIRES ARE NOT UNDER WARRANTY. I TOOK THE CAR TO MY LOCAL FIRESTONE DEALER, THEY HAVE PRIMEWELL TIRES MADE EXCLUSIVELY FOR THEM. THE DEALER WAS NICE ENOUGH AND TOLD ME ABOUT THE RECALL FOR THE TIRES, BUT MY SPECIFIC SIZE WAS NOT LISTED UNDER THE RECALL. THE NEXT SIZE UP AND DOWN WERE LISTED, BUT NOT OUR SPECIFIC SIZE. HE DID OFFER A DISCOUNT ON A NEW SET OF TIRES THOUGH. HE HONESTLY TRIED TO HELP US OUT. BEFORE I SPENT AN ADDITIONAL $500 PLUS DOLLARS I CALLED FIRESTONE CORPORATE. AFTER STATING MY CASE, HE SAID THERE WAS ABSOLUTELY NOTHING HE COULD DO. I ASKED HIM IF HE WOULD LET HIS WIFE DRIVE A CAR WITH CRACKED SIDEWALL TIRES, HE COMMENTED IF IT WAS HIS CAR, HE WOULD GET THEM REPLACED, BUT HE OFFERED ABSOLUTELY NO HELP TO DO SO AND WAS UNAPOLOGETIC TO SAY THE LEAST. I EXPECT MORE FROM FIRESTONE / BRIDGESTONE. YOU WOULD THINK AFTER ALL THE BAD PRESS FROM THE FORD EXPLORER TIRE INCIDENT THEY WOULD BACK THERE PRODUCTS UP BETTER, OR AT LEAST OFFER A PRODUCT THAT LASTS LONGER THAN 5000 MILES. PLEASE BE AWARE BEFORE BUYING THERE PRODUCTS, I KNOW I NEVER WILL AGAIN!
Sep 08, 2017
CONTINENTAL TIRE TYPE 235/45/R18. I HAD A SIDE WALL BLOWOUT ON I-95 WHILE DRIVING AT A SPEED OF 65MPH. THE TIRES CAME ON A 2013 VW PASSAT TDI SEL. THE DEALER IN HYANNIS, MA WHERE I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE SAID THAT IT MUST HAVE BEEN SOMETHING THAT I DID. THE TIRES HAD 16,500 MILES IN THEM WITH A TREAD WEAR OF 2/32 (ALMOST BRAND NEW). THE DEALER ALSO SAID THAT THEY WERE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR THE TIRES THAT COME ON THEIR VEHICLES. THIS WEBSITE HAS NUMEROUS POSTS HAVING TO DO WITH CONTINENTAL TIRE SIDE WALL BLOWOUTS. I BELIEVE THIS TO BE A POTENTIALLY SERIOUS ISSUE.
Aug 06, 2015
CONTINENTAL TIRE TYPE 235/45/R18. I HAD A SIDE WALL BLOWOUT ON I-95 WHILE DRIVING AT A SPEED OF 65MPH. THE TIRES CAME ON A 2013 VW PASSAT TDI SEL. THE DEALER IN HYANNIS, MA WHERE I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE SAID THAT IT MUST HAVE BEEN SOMETHING THAT I DID. THE TIRES HAD 16,500 MILES IN THEM WITH A TREAD WEAR OF 2/32 (ALMOST BRAND NEW). THE DEALER ALSO SAID THAT THEY WERE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR THE TIRES THAT COME ON THEIR VEHICLES. THIS WEBSITE HAS NUMEROUS POSTS HAVING TO DO WITH CONTINENTAL TIRE SIDE WALL BLOWOUTS. I BELIEVE THIS TO BE A POTENTIALLY SERIOUS ISSUE.
Aug 06, 2015
ON SEPT. 27, 2014 DURING A PRE-LONG TRIP SAFETY CHECK, AUTO MECHANIC NOTICED UNUSUAL BULGE ON REAR LEFT TIRE. I CALLED MANUFACTURER CUSTOMER SERVICE NUMBER.AND WAS DIRECTED TO MY NEAREST AUTHORIZED TIRE DEALER.WHO FOUND POSSIBLE DEFECT AND ORDERED A REPLACEMENT TIRE UNDER WARRANTY. TIRE DOT A35M 3WL 1113. CONTINENTAL PROCONTACT 215/60R16 CLAIM # [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Oct 06, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. THE VEHICLE IS EQUIPPED WITH HANKOOK OPTIMO H426 TIRES, SIZE 215/55R17 (NA). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AND THERE WAS A BUBBLE IN THE SIDEWALL OF THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE TIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE TIRE AND VEHICLE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 19,727.
Jul 14, 2014
FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL,ENGINE
5 complaints
2013 VW PASSAT 89000 MILES FUEL PUMP BROKE SENDING METAL THROUGH SYSTEM $6500.00 TO FIX. I SEE THIS HAPPENS A LOT ON INTERNET. THIS IS COVERED FOR VEH UP TO 2012. IF THIS IS STILL HAPPENING WHY DON'T THEY COVER 2013 OR CHANGE FUEL PUMPS. BEING A 100% DISABLED VET. I DON'T HAVE THE $6500.00 TO FIX IT. SURELY YOU HAVE HEARD OF THIS BEFORE. DRIVING ON CITY STREET STOPPED AT STOP SIGN. *TR
Jan 17, 2017
TRAVELING ON THE HIGHWAY AT APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, THE VW PASSAT TDI SE (THE "VEHICLE") LOST POWER, CAUSING THE GLOW PLUG WARNING LIGHT TO ILLUMINATE. TO PREVENT ANY ADDITIONAL DAMAGE, THE VEHICLE ENTERED INTO LIMP MODE. WHILE IN LIMP MODE, THE AUTOMOBILE BECOMES UNABLE TO ACCELERATE, FORCING THE DRIVER TO PULL OVER AND PHONE FOR ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP, AT WHICH TIME NOTIFICATION WAS GIVEN THAT THE VEHICLE'S TURBO NEEDED REPLACEMENT AND THE REPAIR WOULD TAKE APPROXIMATELY A WEEK. DURING DISCUSSIONS WITH THE SERVICE CONSULTANT, THEY STATED THAT A SERVICE BULLETIN WAS ISSUED RECENTLY BY VW, ON TURBO FAILURES AND PROPER MODIFICATIONS OF THE INSTALLATION TO PREVENT FUTURE FAILURE. APPROXIMATELY 3-4 WEEKS AFTER THE INITIAL FAILURE, THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED A SECOND TURBO FAILURE. AT WHICH TIME, THE TURBO FAILED WHILE CROSSING INTO TRAFFIC, JEOPARDIZING LIVES OF MYSELF AND MY FAMILY. VW HAS ONCE AGAIN REPLACED THE TURBO. I HAVE LOST CONFIDENCE IN THE VEHICLE. THERE HAVE BEEN TWO OTHER INCIDENTS OF THE VEHICLE LOSING POWER INTERMITTENTLY, BUT NOTHING SUSTAINED. IF THE TURBO FAILS AGAIN, THAT WOULD BE A THIRD OCCURRENCE. VW'S RESPONSE TO THE ISSUE HAS BEEN RATHER INSIGNIFICANT. *TR
Jul 10, 2014
TURBO FAILED ON VEHICLE. BEGAN AS WHINING NOISE. VEHICLE THEN SHOWED CHECK ENGINE LIGHT AND WOULDN'T ACCELERATE ABOVE 1ST GEAR. *TR
May 15, 2014
WAS DRIVING 2013 PASSAT TDI SEL JUST FINE. TURNED AROUND IN A PARKING LOT AND WHEN I WENT TO PULL BACK INTO TRAFFIC, THE CAR HAD NO POWER. STEPPING ON THE GAS ALMOST MADE THE CAR STALL, BUT IT WOULD IDLE FINE. AFTER TRYING EVERYTHING AND EVEN SHUTTING THE CAR OFF AND RESTARTING, IT DID THE SAME, WOULD IDLE FINE BUT YOU COULD NOT STEP ON THE FUEL PEDAL, IT WOULD MAKE THE CAR STALL OUT. LOCAL MECHANIC DROVE TO HIS NEARBY SHOP BY JUST LEAVING IT AND DRIVE AND USED IDLE POWER ONLY TO GET IT THERE (YES IT TOOK A WHILE). THERE WERE NO INDICATOR LIGHTS ON THE DASH SO HE HOOKED IT UP TO HIS COMPUTER AND IT GAVE THREE ERRORS FOR INJECTOR FAILURES. VEHICLE WAS TOWED BY ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE TO DEALER 100 MILES AWAY. THE NEXT DAY, I WAS TOLD THE TURBO CHARGER HAD FAILED AND HAD TO BE REPLACED. TWO WEEKS LATER, I WAS TOLD THEY WERE STILL WAITING FOR A GASKET. FINALLY AFTER ALMOST 3 WEEKS TO THE DAY, THEY SAID MY CAR WAS FIXED. I AM GOING TO PICK IT UP TOMORROW BUT HAVE VERY LITTLE FAITH IN THIS CAR AFTER READING THE NUMEROUS THREADS OUT THERE ABOUT THE TURBO CHARGER FAILURE RATE IN THIS MODEL VEHICLE. I THINK ITS TIME FOR A RECALL. *TR
Apr 24, 2014
TURBO FAILED ON A LIMITED ACCESS HIGHWAY. TOTAL LOSS OF POWER. SEVERE DAMAGE TO ENGINE, INTAKE COMPONENTS AND EXHAUST DEVICES. WHILE THIS FAILURE DIDN'T CAUSE AN ACCIDENT IT PLACED US IN CONSIDERABLE DANGER. *TR
Mar 14, 2014
POWER TRAIN,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
4 complaints
Stalling? Have to put in DRIVE in order to forward in order to get car to back up? Air bags Dealer will not fix wo $245.00 DX fee. Clock wheel has more connection to what is wrong/Air bags connections as well Connected to HORN (which stopped working) DRIVE? All fuses replaced with new ones; horn would still not work; Dangerous driving in FLORIDA without a HORN** I just want ALL of the DEEMED REPLACEMENT PART OF THIS VW 2013 PASSAT DONE WITHOUT ANY CHARGE Whatsover; even an UNNECESSARY DX FEE** I am driving a car with DEFECTIVE AIR BAGS THAT CAN EXPLODE LEADING TO A LETHAL SITUATION FOR MYSELF AND/or my DISABLED GRANDCHILD** There have been a lot of complaints online other than for what these recalled products are allowed on this vehicle. I am not the only one dealing with this stalling issue/go forward to go backwards issue** DANGEROUS*** what is I have to suddenly put it in reverse to get out of another vehicle or another harmful situation?????
Jan 04, 2024
STALLING, SPUTTERING ERRATICALLY. IT SPUTTERS, BUMPS AND MAY STALL. WHEN IT STALLS IT IS NECESSARY TO TURN IGNITION COMPLETELY OFF AND START AGAIN IN PARK.
Jun 12, 2017
2013 PASSAT TDI DIESEL LOST POWER WHILE DRIVING IS DOWN A CITY STREET. ONCE I PULLED OFF THE ROAD ENGINE LIGHT AND SERVICE NOW LIGHT WERE ON. A CATASTROPHIC FAILURE OCCURRED IN THE HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP . THUS OCCURRED IN EULESS TEXAS. VW WILL NOT COVER MY INDECENT UNDER A WARRANTY EXTENSION. THEY WILL COVER 2012 MODELS MY CAR WAS MANUFACTURED BEFORE JULY 2012 BUT HAS A 2013 LISTING. AS OF 12/17 NO REPAIR SCHEDULED DUE TO $6,000 COST.
Dec 17, 2015
ON 11/9/14 THE TURBO FAILED ON MY 2013 VW PASSAT WITH THE TDI DIESEL ENGINE. VW KNOWS THEY ARE HAVING A SERIOUS ISSUE WITH THEIR TURBOS ON THE TDI ENGINE (EUROPE CURRENTLY HAS A CLASS ACTION LAW SUIT AGAINST THEM). IN AUGUST I RECEIVED A LETTER IN THE MAIL FROM VW EXTENDING MY WARRANTY ON THE TURBO TO 10 YEARS/120000 MILES. THEY ARE SIMPLY WAITING FOR THE TURBOS TO FAIL RATHER THAN REPLACING THEM ON ALL 2012 & 2013 PASSATS. THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY CONCERN, WHEN THE TURBO FAILS YOU LOOSE ALL ENGINE POWER (IE. GM IGNITION RECALL). THIS IS AN EXTREMELY DANGEROUS POSITION FOR VW TO PUT ITS CUSTOMERS IN WHO DON'T HAVE THE KNOWLEDGE OF WHAT TO DO IN A SITUATION WHEN YOU LOOSE ENGINE POWER AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. MINE DID JUST THAT, IT FAILED ON THE HIGHWAY RESULTING IN NO POWER. I WOULD LIKE TO SEE VW RECALL THESE TURBOS AND REPLACE THEM IN ALL THE AFFECTED CARS BEFORE IT CAUSES A FATALITY. *TR
Nov 11, 2014
SERVICE BRAKES
4 complaints
AS I WAS TURNING INTO THE APARTMENT COMPLEX I FELT MY BRAKES BEGIN TO LOCK UP. I PULLED INTO MY PARKING SPOT AND THE INSIDE OF THE CAB BEGAN TO SMOKE. MY CAR GAVE ME NO WARNING AND I COULD NOT LOCATE THE ISSUES OF THE SMOKE. I CALLED MY MECHANIC AND GOT THE VEHICLE TOWED OVER THERE. WHILE THE CAR WAS GETTING TOWED, OIL BEGAN TO FALL FROM BELOW THE ENGINE. MECHANIC REPORTED THE VACUUM PUMP WENT BAD. THAT IT ALSO LOCKED UP AND WAS LEAKING HEAVILY. HE ALSO STATED THIS WAS THE WORSE HE HAS EVER SEEN AS WELL AS TO REPORT THIS INCIDENT. I WILL INCLUDE PHOTOS WITH THIS REPORT.
Mar 02, 2021
THE VEHICLE LOST ALL BRAKING PERFORMANCE WHILE PULLING INTO DRIVEWAY AFTER COMMUTE HOME. THE PEDAL BECAME EXTREMELY HARD TO PUSH AND VEHICLE WOULD NOT SLOW NORMALLY. THE BRAKE VACUUM PUMP FAILED TO PRODUCE VACUUM AND ALSO PRODUCED A MASSIVE OIL LEAK. 2.75L OF OIL WAS GONE AFTER SECONDS. IT WAS PARKED AND TOWED TO REPAIR FACILITY.
Mar 01, 2021
THE BRAKE PADS AND ROTORS (FRONT AND REAR) ON MY 2013 VW PASSAT 3.6 SEL ARE RUSTING, AND MAKE A GRINDING NOISE WHEN I COME TO A STOP. VW SERVICE DEPARTMENT VERIFIED THAT I HAVE PLENTY OF PADS AND ROTORS ON MY BRAKES. THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE, AND FURTHER CONFIRMS A LACK OF BUILD QUALITY FOR PADS AND ROTORS THAT COST $1,100 TO REPLACE. IT'S QUITE OBVIOUS THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS, AND EXECUTIVE TEAM AT VOLKSWAGEN AREN'T INTERESTED IN QUALITY OR SAFETY. THEY ARE ONLY INTERESTED IN SACRIFICING QUALITY AND SAFETY TO SAVE A DOLLAR.
Dec 20, 2018
THE REAR BREAK CALIPER EXPLODED WITH ONLY 52,000 MILES WHILE DRIVING ON THE ROAD WITH TWO SMALL KIDS IN THE BACK SEAT. THE BRAKES BECAME UNUSABLE, AS THE FLUID WAS SPILLING OUT AND WE COASTED TO A STOP.
Nov 06, 2015
VISIBILITY
4 complaints
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DEFROST SYSTEM WAS INOPERABLE. THE CONTACT ALSO MENTIONED THAT THE HEAT WAS NOT WORKING INSIDE THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO BRUNSWICK AUTO MART (3031 CENTER RD, BRUNSWICK, OH 44212, (877) 815-7437) WHERE THE HEATER CORE WAS REPLACED THREE TIMES, BUT THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 110,000.
Feb 21, 2019
I DRIVE A 2013 VW PASSAT TDI SE. YESTERDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2014, THE SUNROOF EXPLODED UPWARD/OUTWARD FOR NO APPARENT REASON. THE WEATHER WAS NOT EXTREMELY HOT OR COLD. WE WERE ON A "LONELY" STRETCH OF INTERSTATE 40 JUST EAST OF WINSLOW, AZ. THIS OCCURRED LATE IN THE AFTERNOON, NOT DURING THE HOT, MIDDLE OF THE DAY. NO OBJECTS STRUCK OUR CAR/SUNROOF, IT JUST BLEW UPWARD LEAVING A LARGE HOLE IN THE GLASS. *TR
Oct 24, 2014
WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH ON INTERSTATE IN NICE WEATHER AND LOW TRAFFIC THE SUNROOF OF MY 2013 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT EXPLODED OUTWARDS CREATING A LARGE HOLE 18" - 20". IT WAS A LOUD GUNSHOT TYPE NOISE AND SOME GLASS ENDED UP ON OUR FACES AND ARMS CREATING MINOR CUTS. MOST OF THE GLASS WAS BLOWN OUTSIDE THE CAR AND DAMAGED THE ROOF AND TRUNK. WHEN THE EXPLOSION OCCURRED THE WINDOWS WERE CLOSED AND THE SUNROOF WAS ALSO CLOSED AND THE AIR CONDITIONER WAS ON. WE WERE NOT UNDER ANY OVERPASSES OR NEAR BUILDINGS OR ROAD DEBRIS. DEALERSHIP WILL NOT REPAIR UNDER WARRANTY SAYING IT IS AN OUTSIDE FORCE. VW CUSTOMER CARE WAS DIFFICULT TO REACH AND ALSO DENIED THE CLAIM AND I WILL HAVE TO FILE AN INSURANCE CLAIM DUE TO EXTENT OF DAMAGE. *TR
Oct 07, 2014
WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH AND WITHOUT WARNING THE SUNROOF OF MY 2013 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT EXPLODED OUTWARDS, CREATING AN APPROXIMATELY 18" HOLE. SOME GLASS FELL INSIDE BUT THE MAJORITY OF THE GLASS EXITED THE CAR. THE OUTSIDE TEMPERATURE WAS ~65 DEGREES, NO OTHER WINDOWS WERE OPEN AND THE SUNROOF WAS FULLY CLOSED; THE INTERIOR COVER OF THE SUNROOF WAS OPEN. NEITHER THE HEAT OR AIR CONDITION WERE ON. I WAS NOT ON MY CELL PHONE AND THE MUSIC VOLUME WAS ON LOW. I AM THE FIRST OWNER OF THIS CAR, HAVING TAKEN POSSESSION 87 DAYS AGO. THE DEALERSHIP WILL NOT ACCEPT CULPABILITY AND HAS STATED I WOULD HAVE TO PROVE A FACTORY DEFECT LED TO THE EXPLOSION OF THE SUNROOF. AN INTERNET SEARCH INDICATES THE EXPLODING SUNROOF IS NOT AN UNHEARD OF PROBLEM. WE CONTINUE TO ADDRESS THIS ISSUE WITH THE DEALER BUT AS OF THIS MOMENT, INDICATIONS ARE THEY WILL EXPECT OUR INSURANCE TO COVER THE COSTS OF REPAIR. *TR
Dec 20, 2013
POWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE
3 complaints
Timing chain issues, motor oil circulation problems, that Volkswagen has recalls out for 2.0 cc turbo 2013.
Jul 12, 2025
CAR WAS SET ON CRUISE CONTROL AND ENGINE REVVED UP , CRUISE CONTROL SHUT OFF AND LOSS OF POWER TO THE MOTOR. TRIED TO RESET CRUISE CONTROL TO A LESSER SPEED AND WOULD NOT SET. CAR FELT LIKE IT WOULD NOT SHIFT GEARS (ACTED LIKE IT WAS A MANUAL DRIVE BEING WOUND TO TIGHT). DROVE FOR SEVERAL MILES THEN THE WARNING LIGHT CAME ON (GLOWPLUG INDICATOR). PARKED IN A SAFE LOCATION AND STOPPED CAR. AFTER ABOUT 10 MINUTES I RESTARTED THE CAR AND NO WARNING FLASHED SO I BEGAN TO DRIVE CAR...WOULD NOT ACCELERATE. WARNING LIGHT CAME BACK ON. HAD CAR TOWED TO DEALERSHIP GOT REPAIRED (REPLACED TURBO CHARGER ALONG WITH OIL FEED AND RETURN LINES). PICKED CAR UP ON 11/26/14 DROVE FOR LESS THAN 30 MILES AND GOT A ENGINE OIL LIGHT AND WARNING MESSAGE: ENGINE OFF MANUAL. HAD CAR TOWED TO DEALERSHIP. DEALERSHIP STATED THAT THEY TALKED WITH MANUFACTURER AND THEY ARE GOING TO GIVE ME A NEW TURBOCHARGER AND NEW ENGINE. THE CAR IS STILL IN THE SHOP AND REPAIRS HAVE NOT BEEN COMPLETED AT THE TIME OF THIS WRITING. *JS
Dec 03, 2014
THIS INCIDENT HAD TO HAPPEN TWICE FOR THE DEALER TO SEE THE ISSUE. ACCELERATING FROM STOP AT A LIGHT WHEN I REACHED 3000 RPM THE ENGINE STALLED AND THE CAR WILL NOT ACCELERATE. I PULLED TO THE SIDE AND TURNED THE CAR OFF AND TURNED IT BACK ON PROBLEM WAS GONE. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER AND THEY COULD NOT SEE ANY ISSUE. COUPLE OF WEEKS LATER SAME THING HAPPENED AGAIN BUT INSTEAD OF TURNING THE CAR OFF OR EVEN SHIFTING OUT OF D. I DROVE THE CAR WITH THAT CONDITION DIRECTLY TO THE DEALER AND INSTRUCTED ONE OF THE SERVICE TECHNICIAN TO GET IN THE CAR AND TAKE A RIDE WITH ME. HE SAW THE ISSUE AND THIS TIME BELIEVED ME AND THEY INVESTIGATED FURTHER AND FOUND OUT THAT THE KNOCK SENSORS WERE MALFUNCTIONING. I HAVE HAD NOTHING BUT PROBLEMS WITH MY CAR. MY SEAT FRAME WAS FIXED INCORRECTLY TWICE. MY NAVIGATION UNIT REPLACED TWICE AND VW STILL IGNORING THE LAG AND FREEZING OF THE UNIT. WHY PAY 5000 MORE FOR A NAVIGATION AND CAMERA FOR THEM NOT TO FUNCTION RIGHT. A SECTION OF MY MUFFLER WAS MALFUNCTIONING AS WELL. ANOTHER ISSUE IS THE KEY FOB. I FOUND OUT IT IS EFFECTED VERY EASILY BY INTERFERENCE AND WHEN YOUR KEY FOB IS IN THE CAR IT CAN SAY KEY FOB NOT IN CLOSE PROXIMITY. I AM VERY DISAPPOINTED BY THIS VEHICLE, I THOUGHT VW HAD BETTER QUALITY STANDARDS. *TR
Jun 05, 2014
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
3 complaints
Day of purchase (Feb2020)Nox sensor went out on way home. Check engine light came on took back to VW dealership they fixed for free. Next component to go bad or become faulty was and still is the fuel door actuator when raining or washing off the car will get wet and fuel door will not open. Reported it to VW dealer after the issue arose at which time I was told it was not covered under the emissions warranty even though it’s listed. Next issue was clock spring broke and had to have VW repair the clock spring. This they did free of charge. Then issues arose with first blinkers bulbs blowing and randomly ceasing to work. It has progressed from blinkers ,to back up lights and tag lights. Recently the OBD displayed a Adblu Error 200 miles to no engine restart. Then it dropped to 50 miles. Then zero at which time the OBD flashed red and car would not start. Filled adblu waited few hours car started up no codes showing on dash. Get on interstate and with little time it flashes the same messages Adblu Error 200 miles to no engine restart. Then to 50 miles down to 10 miles turning red at 0 miles No engine Start. As of 6 days ago I have recently learned of a recall made by VW regarding the Approved Emissions Modification being faulty leading to the exact symptoms the car displays regarding the adblu(DEF system). VW dealer refuses to acknowledge that the recall fix needs fixing since they reported to have fixed it already. All of the issues that we have had with the NOx sensor, clock spring, exterior lighting , fuel door actuator, and the def system corrected approved modification, has been part of a recall that was supposedly already performed prior to the purchase. Now the def system is not working properly due to the malfunctioning of the AEM software. Def injector have clogged due to crystallization of adblu , a affect of inadequate injection from the faulty AEM. Emission mod decals under hood are not in proper locations nor properly filled.
Aug 01, 2023
I PURCHASED MY CAR NOVEMBER 20TH 2019 WITH 85,000 MILES AND 10 WEEKS LATER WHEN IT BROKE DOWN I WAS TOLD I HAD NO WARRANTY AND THEY SAY THEY ONLY SELL USED CERTIFIED WITH WARRANTY USED VEHICLES AND I WAS FORCED TO PAY 25,00 DOLLARS AND WHEN I PICKED MY CAR UP 11 DAYS LATER MY EXTRA KEY FOB WAS MISSING AND I WAS TREATED SO INCREDIBLY BAD.MY LOAN WAS SUPPOSED TO BE PROCESSED ASAP AND I SPOKE WITH THE BANK AND EVERYTHING WENT THRU AND THEN LITHIA MOTORS TOOK MY LOAN DOCS FROM WHEN I SIGNED ON NOVEMBER 20TH AND THEY COPIED THEM AND PUT THE DATE FOR NOVEMBER 21ST AND I DO HAVE THE DOCUMENTS FROM MY CAR INSURANCE COMPANY AND THE CALL WAS RECORDED WITH MY SELF THE EMPLOYEE AT LITHIA AND MY INSURANCE COMPANY AS WE GIVE INFORMATION ABOUT THE LOAN AND CAR I WAS PURCHASING AND CONSIDER LITHIA MOTORS DOES NOT ALLOW VEHICLES TO LEAVE THE LOT UNLESS A BINDER IS IN THERE POSITION. AND NOW THE FUEL SYSTEM HAS HAD ISSUES AND MY VEHICLES NOT RUNNING AND I FEAR THE LASH BACK FROM THEM SINCE THEY ABOUT TO BE SERVED WITH A LAWSUIT FROM MY LAWYER. *TR
Jun 22, 2020
ADBLUE HEATER ELEMENT SHOULD BE PART OF DIESEL RECALL PART #561198970A WITH WAR.FOR EMISSIONS TO 80000 MILES
Sep 06, 2016
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
3 complaints
The contact owns a 2013 Volkswagen Passat. The contact stated the vehicle was repaired in 2016 for an unknown failure. The contact reported that on multiple occasions, while driving at various speeds, the vehicle began to overheat, with a beeping sound. The contact stated that the temperature gauge started to rise and that an abnormal odor was coming through the vents. The vehicle was veered to the side of the road after smoke was seen coming from the engine compartment. The contact allowed the vehicle cool down before restarting. Additionally, on several occasions while stopped, the vehicle overheated. The vehicle was towed to two separate dealers where several parts were replaced however, the failure persisted. The contact stated that there was an abnormal odor inside the vehicle. The vehicle had been overheating. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case number was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 24,000.
Mar 30, 2023
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT TDI. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE ATTEMPTING TO REPLENISH THE DIESEL EXHAUST FLUID, THE FLUID OVERFLOWED AND DUE TO A DESIGN FLAW IT LEAKED INTO THE REAR PASSENGER FLOOR BOARD. AS A RESULT OF THE FAILURE, THE CONTACT EXPERIENCED LUNG PROBLEMS. THE FAILURE RECURRED THREE TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN CLEANED THE FLUID BUT WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE HOW TO PREVENT THE FAILURE FROM HAPPENING AGAIN. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 9,000.
Oct 31, 2014
JANUARY 2014: TURBOCHARGER FAILED ON MY 2013 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT TDI. THE CAR FAILED IN THE EVENING, BUT THAT MORNING WHEN LEAVING FOR WORK, THE TURBO MADE A SPLIT SECOND CHOO-CHOO TRAIN WHISTLE, BUT CONTINUED TO FUNCTION, ALTHOUGH IT FELT LIKE THE TURBO WAS FREE-WHEELING AND NOT REALLY IN SYNC WITH THE ACTUAL BOOST. WHEN IT FAILED, THERE WAS A MUFFLED BANG, FOLLOWED BY A LOCOMOTIVE TYPE BLACK OILY SMOKE ROLLING OUT OF THE EXHAUST. I WAS ONLY 2 MILES FROM THE DEALERSHIP, SO I DROVE IT THERE IMMEDIATELY. WHEN STANDING ON THE THROTTLE, IT SOUNDED LIKE A NUT RATTLING AROUND IN A CAN. DEALER REPLACED THE INTERCOOLER, EGR AND DPF. MARCH 24, 2014: TURBOCHARGER AGAIN FAILED AT 17,000 MILES. THIS TIME NO AUDIBLE WARNING THAT THE UNIT WAS FAILING, JUST INSTANT POWER LOSS. *TR
Mar 27, 2014
UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE
3 complaints
my 2013 vw passat with only 61576 miles showed problems with heat on driver side and no heat for passenger side .brought car to dealer on 2/15/2022 and was told heater core was defective and should be changed because it could cause car to over heat and cause damage to engine if not taken care of. i had the car repaired at $1000.00 out of my pocket because they wouldnt cover it in their warrenty. Multiple vw forum members have the same experiance . i contacted vw customer care and they would not help.i believe this is a major recall that could cause someone to blowup their engine for a poor quality heatercore
Feb 16, 2022
CHECK ENGINE LIGHT AND EPC LIGHT TURNED ON. SOMETIMES MY CAR WILL NOT START, BUT THEN OTHER TIME IT WITH START WITH ONE TURN. ALSO WHILE I AM DRIVING, IT LOOSES POWER SOMETIMES. ONE TIME THE CAR SHUT OFF COMPLETELY WHILE I WAS IN DRIVE. I TOOK IT TO THE MECHANIC AND HE DID A DIAGNOSTIC COMPUTER CODE CHECK. THE CODE WAS READING CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR MALFUNCTION. THE MECHANIC REPLACED THE SENSOR BUT NOTICED THAT THE METAL ON THE SENSOR IS SHEARING SIGNIFICANTLY.
Oct 21, 2019
CAR WOULD MAKE WHIRLING SOUNDS INTERMITTENTLY, DIFFICULTY GOING UP HILL, ROUGH IDLE SOMETIMES, CAR SHUT OFF WHILE DRIVING, CAR SHUT OFF WHILE IDLING AT A LIGHT, CAR HAD DIFFICULTY STARTING OR WOULD START THEN SHAKE AND LET OUT LOUD AND HARD BURSTS OF GAS FROM EXHAUST AND CUT OFF, CAR WILL START UP THEN LOSE POWER, SOMETIMES WILL START BACK UP. ONE TIME IT TOOK 3 TRIES AND WOULD NOT START. HAD AT VW DEALER MULTIPLE TIMES SINCE JAM 2017 TILL NOW. HAPPENED AGAIN TODAY AFTER I GOT GAS, SHUT OFF THEN TOOK A WHILE TO GAIN POWER AND EPC AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WERE ON THEN DISAPPEARED. EVERY OTHER TIME THE WNGINE LIGHT WOULD DISAPPEAR. THE LAST TIME IN MARCH THEY HAD THE CAR 10 OR SO DAY. TWO DAYS LATER IT IDLED ROUGH. THEY WERE BUSY TO CHECK THE CAR NOW THIS. JAN 2017 CHECK ENGINE LIGHT THEY SAID FAULT P0106/P2188- DID SOFTWARE UPDATE AND ADVISES FAULTS MAY COME BACK. FEB 2017 ENGINE LIGHT THEY SAID SAME FAULTS AND MANIFOLD PRESSURE SENSOR FAILED. GOT REPLACED. MARCH 2017 CAR STALLED IN TRAFFIC MULTIPLE TIMES. THEY CLEANED THROTTLE BODY. MARCH 2017 IN IDLE CAR SHAKING AND SHUT OFF RPMS UP AND DOWN REPLACED CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR. MAY 2017 SHUT OFF IN TRAFFIC- REPLACED N80 VALVE. 05/05/18 GOT SPARK PLUGS CHANGED. MARCH 7 CAR SHUT OFF THREE TIMES AFTER GETTING GAS. THEY HAD IT TILL MARCH 19 SAID CHARCOAL CANISTER NEED REPLACING THEN UPON PICK UP SAID N205 VALVE CAM ADJUSTER SOLENOID CLICKING LOUDLY. MARCH 29 NOTICED HEARING WHIRLING SOUNDS AND ROUGH IDLE. CALLED EALER NO ONE AVAILABLE OVER WEEKEND. BUSY. TODAY 04/08 CAR SHUT OFF AFTER 2ND GAS FILL UP. STARTED BACK SLOWLY EPC AND ENGINE LIGHT STEADY THEN IT GAINED POWER AND LIGHTS OFF. VW CORPORARE ADVISED IN 2017 I AM OUT OF WARRANTY AND HAVE HIGH MILEAGE. OPENED CLAIM AGAIN TODAY THEY SAID SAME THING BUT WILL SEE IF THE CORPORATE WOULD BE WILLING TO OFFER ASSISTANCE. ALL WORK HAS BEEN DONE VIA VW DEALERS
Apr 08, 2018
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
3 complaints
THE CAR CONSUMES TOO MUCH OIL. EVERY MONTH I HAVE TO GET AN OIL CHANGE BECAUSE IT'S ALWAYS RUNNING LOW BEFORE THE NEXT CHANGE DATE. THE CAR PERIODICALLY CUTS OFF WHILE I'M DRIVING IT OR WHEN I STOP.
Sep 29, 2020
AFTER YOU GUYS INSTALLED THE NEW EMISSION PROGRAM MY CAR NOW HAS PROBLEMS WITH THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM AND THE SENSOR FOR THE OIL LIGHT. IT HAS BEEN DOING THIS SINCE APRIL 8 AND BEFORE THAT WE NEVER HAD THIS PROBLEM.
Apr 29, 2019
WHILE DRIVING ON THE BELTWAY AT 60 MILES AN HOUR, THE CAR SUDDENLY LOST ALL ELECTRICAL POWER AND THE ENGINE SHUT DOWN. I WAS NOT ABLE TO STEER OR BRAKE OR ACCELERATE. I COASTED TO THE SIDE OF THE HIGHWAY, PUT THE CAR IN PARK AND RESTARTED IT AND DROVE IT HOME WITHOUT INCIDENT. DEALER COULD NOT FIND AN ERROR CODE. TWICE SINCE THEN, THE ELECTRICAL AND SYSTEM HAVE SHUT DOWN WITHOUT WARNING WHILE THE CAR WAS RUNNING WHILE IDLING AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT.
Apr 12, 2019
WHEELS
3 complaints
2014 PASSAT WITH CONTINETAL CONTIPRO TIRES. MY REAR TIRE SIDEWALL BLEW ON HIGHWAY. WITH 60K MILES. I TRACKED MY PATH DID NOT FIND ANY DEBRIS THAT COULD HAVE CAUSE THE BLOW OUT. IVE SEEN MANY CONPLAINTS ABOUT THIS TIRE FOR SAME THING. THEY SHOULD BE CHECKED WE DONT WANT FIRESTONE PART 2
Sep 20, 2020
CAR DEALER CLAIMED THEY HAD FIXED ALL NECESSARY REPAIRS TO CAR THAT I HAD SAID WERE NEEDED PRIOR TO ME PURCHASING. THE INDICATOR LIGHTS WENT OFF AS SOON AS CAR GOT MOVING. CONTACTED AUTO DEALER WHO SAID THEY WOULD TAKE IT BACK IN AND GET IT TAKEN CARE OF. THEN REFUSED TO WORK ON CAR, TOLD ME TO TAKE IT TO MECHANIC NEAR ME AND SEND THEM THE INFORMATION TO HAVE IT COVERED. THEN REFUSED TO PAY FOR REPAIRS TO CAR. DUE TO THEIR INCORPORATION AND REFUSALS NEARLY RESULTED IN ACCIDENT WHEN CAR TIRE BLEW OUT WHILE DRIVING THROUGH TOWN. CAR WAS GOING AT LOW ENOUGH SPEED TO STOP BEFORE MORE DAMAGES COULD TAKE PLACE. NOW DEALER REFUSING TO EVEN TALK TO ME.
May 01, 2020
I'VE HAD MY 2013 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT 3.6 SEL PREMIUM SINCE 6/2017, AND I HAVE BOUGHT 2 SETS OF VW WHEEL CENTER CAPS, BECAUSE THEY KEEP FAILING OFF. IT'S QUITE OBVIOUS THIS IS A MANUFACTURER'S DEFECT WITH VOLKSWAGEN. THIS IS AN EXPENSIVE VEHICLE, AND VOLKSWAGEN SHOULD DO A BETTER JOB AT ENGINEERING PARTS THAT DON'T FALL OFF OF THE CAR. THESE WHEEL CAPS ARE ROUGHLY $26 AT VOLKSWAGEN BEFORE TAX.
Aug 26, 2017
UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
3 complaints
THE CAR HAS COOLANT ISSUES, HAD POWER STEERING SYSTEM REPLACED, NOW THERE'S A GAS LEAK, REPLACED GAS CAP LOSS OF POWER SUSPENSION IS HORRIBLE NOW EVERYTIME I REFUEL THE CAR STRUGGLES TO TURN ON. *TR
Jun 18, 2020
VEHICLE SCHEDULE FOR 40000 MILE SERVICE. ENGINE WARNING LIGHT CAME ON CODE P2196. VOLKSWAGEN DID A COMPUTER UPDATE IN JANUARY 2015 FOR 30000 MILE SERVICE, 23N5 ECM SOFTWARE RECALL. OXYGEN SENSOR (FRONT) REPLACED WAS REPLACED BY VW WHEN I COMPLAINED IT SHOULD NOT HAVE FAILED. THE EMISSION SYSTEM IS IN QUESTION SINCE THE OXYGEN SENSOR IS RUNNING RICH. THIS YEAR MODEL SHOULD BE ADDED TO RECALL FOR POLLUTION SYSTEM NOT FUNCTION CORRECTLY. THIS MODEL IS DIESEL. TDI
Sep 22, 2015
TURBOCHARGER FAILED. DEALER IS FIXING UNDER WARRANTY. DEALER STATED THAT THERE HAVE BEEN ENOUGH TURBOCHARGER FAILURES ON THE DIESEL TDI THAT THEY ARE NOW STOCKING ALL TURBO PARTS FOR REPAIR. *TR
Mar 20, 2014
STRUCTURE,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
3 complaints
DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR FROZEN SHUT IN WINTER AND UPON OPENING HANDLE/LOCK BECAME INOPERABLE RESULTING IN FAILURE OF DOOR TO REMAIN CLOSED/LOCKED DURING OPERATION - DOOR WOULD SWING OPEN ON TURNS PRESENTING A SAFETY HAZARD. RESEARCH SUGGESTS THAT THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM.
Oct 24, 2019
DRIVER DOOR HANDLE STICKS IN COLD WEATHER AND WON'T OPEN FROM THE OUTSIDE. WHEN CRAWLING ACROSS FROM PASSENGER SIDE TO OPEN DRIVER DOOR FROM THE INSIDE, SOMETHING BROKE VERY EASILY. I WAS ABLE TO OPEN THE DOOR, BUT NOW MY DRIVERS DOOR WON'TLOCK IN PLACE TO STAY SHUT. VERY DANGEROUS TO TRY DRIVING WITH THE DOOR SWINGING OPEN AT EVERY CURVE.
Jan 17, 2018
IN LOW TEMPERATURES, DOORS OFTEN WILL NOT UNLOCK. IT HAS HAPPENED A FEW TIMES WHILE BEING INSIDE THE CAR. POSSIBLE SERIOUS HAZARD AFTER AN ACCIDENT.
Apr 14, 2016
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
3 complaints
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE HESITATED WHENEVER HE ATTEMPTED TO ACCELERATE. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE FAILURE RECCURED SEVERAL TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE OCCURRENCES WERE CONTRIBUTED TO THE WAY THAT THE VEHICLE WAS DESIGNED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 10,000.
Jun 17, 2014
I WAS STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT. THE LIGHT TURNED GREEN AND I BEGAN TO ACCELERATE TO MAKE A LEFT TURN. AS I WAS TURNING AND STILL IN THE INTERSECTION, THE CAR STALLED. I LUCKILY MADE IT THROUGH THE INTERSECTION AND CLEAR OF ONCOMING TRAFFIC. I HAD TO TAKE THE KEYS OUT OF THE IGNITION AND RESTART THE CAR. THIS HAS HAPPENED ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS EVEN AFTER BEING SEEN BY THE MAINTENANCE DEPARTMENT AT THE DEALERSHIP. *TR
Apr 08, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THE VEHICLE DECELERATED WITHOUT MANUAL FORCE WITH THE ILLUMINATION OF THE EPC LIGHT. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON SEVERAL SEPARATE OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS WHERE IT WAS STATED THAT THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL MALFUNCTIONED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BUT THE PROBLEM PERSISTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 5,700.
Aug 30, 2013
AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS
2 complaints
My 2013 VW Passat SE did have a recall on the airbag in the past. I brought it to the VW dealership & had it fixed. Now it suddenly came on again. Maybe they never fixed it properly.
Aug 29, 2025
PASSAT WAS TRAVELING SOUTH WHEN ANOTHER VEHICLE RAN A STOP SIGN, TURNED NORTH INTO THE SOUTHBOUND LANE, AND HIT PASSAT ON PASSENGERS SIDE FRONT CAUSING CAR TO SPIN AND COME TO A STOP WHEN IT HIT FRONT CENTER INTO A LIGHT POLE. SEATBELTS DID NOT LOCK, AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY, EVEN THOUGH ALL RECALLS HAD BEEN DONE IN SEPTEMBER. PASSAT WAS COMPLETELY TOTALED. INSURANCE ADJUSTER AND MECHANICS ADVISED US THAT AIRBAGS SHOULD HAVE DEPLOYED. DRIVER OF PASSAT WAS INJURED DUE TO FAILURE OF SAFETY FEATURES.
Mar 09, 2020
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
2 complaints
I was on top of Beech Mountain NC working at a customer's house when it started to snow. I was at the bottom of their driveway and when I attempted to drive out, the traction control light would turn on, indicating I was losing traction. When this happened, I was unable to accelerate any more and the car started sliding backwards. So sitting in the car in the snow, I pulled up YouTube to figure out the "procedure" to disable traction control so I could get more speed. Turn the car off, ignition on, activate the flashers, push the brake pedal multiple times, then start the car. Traction control disabled, so "simple"! The only problem is once the car starts moving traction control gets enabled again and I'm sliding backwards again! Extremely dangerous on a mountain! Eventually I was able to clear the snow enough and just hold down the accelerator to power out. So now my GPS is telling me I have to drive up a hill to get off the mountain. Same problem: I start up the hill, traction control kicks on and I lose ALL power and begin to slide backwards! Luckily I am a good driver because I was able to control the slide and do a 180 in the middle of the road. So my GPS tries to reroute me and sends me up a different hill! Same exact result! I eventually had to just ignore my GPS entirely and just manually look for a road that was heading down hill. I thought for sure I was either going to wreck because of the traction control or be stuck up there in a snow storm! Not having the option to disable traction control and leave it off so that I could get uphill us very unsafe! The worst part is I didn't even realize my car didn't have the option to disable traction control until I was already stuck! If I'd known that, I would have taken my truck.
Mar 17, 2025
WHILE STARTING FROM A STOP SIGN, VEHICLE SEEMED TO HAVE LOW POWER. VEHICLE WOULD ACCELERATE, BUT VERY SLOWLY. A FEW MILES LATER, I HAD TO STOP FOR ANOTHER CAR THAT HAD STOPPED TO TURN LEFT INTO A DRIVEWAY. WHEN I ATTEMPT TO ACCELERATE AFTER THAT CAR HAD TURNED, I HAD NO POWER (VEHICLE WAS STILL RUNNING). I WAS ABLE TO COAST TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, BUT A VEHICLE COMING UP FROM BEHIND ME HAD TO BRAKE QUICKLY TO AVOID HITTING MY CAR FROM BEHIND. I HAD THE CAR TOWED TO THE DEALER, WHICH CONFIRMED A FAILURE OF THE TURBOCHARGER SYSTEM AND THEN REPLACED THE TURBOCHARGER UNDER WARRANTY. REPLACEMENT OF TURBOCHARGER APPEARS TO HAVE FIXED THE PROBLEM. *TR
Mar 21, 2014
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE
2 complaints
Def system failed- cel came on w def light stating xxx miles to no start, codes p204f & 18097, now unable to start or drive car safely, 18097 code may cause abs & steering to shut off while driving & p204f renders the car unusable. EPA mod was never performed on my car per dieselgate settlement rules- & now the manufacturer(vw) is refusing to fix their mistake car has been in shop repeatedly for 30+ days at a time since 2022 for the def system and not once was the epa mod mentioned to me VW refuses to fix the def system or do the epa required mod- meaning I was sold a stop sale car. Also claiming I’m not entitled to warranty even though per their own warranty I am the first owner that I can see other then a dealership Am now told by other TDI owners that are still under warranty that vw is refusing to fix anything to do with the p204f code
Jan 30, 2025
ENGINE SHUTS OFF UNEXPLAINABLY. THIS HAS OCCURRED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY ON A CITY STREET AND IN MOTION ON THE HIGHWAY. THE COMPONENT PART/SYSTEM THAT IS CAUSING THE SAFETY RISK IS UNKNOWN TO ME AS WELL AS THE VOLKSWAGEN DEALERSHIP AND FOREIGN AUTO MECHANIC THAT I HAVE TAKEN THE VEHICLE TO, TO HAVE IT SERVICED.
Aug 04, 2019
UNKNOWN OR OTHER,VISIBILITY/WIPER
2 complaints
VW has replaced the heater core twice on this car. Yet less than 1 year later the heat will not work on just the passenger side which then foggs the windows and eliminates visablility rendering the car useless.
Jan 15, 2024
VEHICLE HAS 49000 MILES AND IS A GASOLINE ENGINE. PASSENGER SIDE HEAT ONLY BLOWS COLD AIR, WHICH PREVENTS THE WINDSHIELD FROM DEFROSTING/DEICING IN WINTERTIME, AFFECTING VISIBILITY AND SAFETY. DRIVER'S SIDE IS NOT AFFECTED. RESEARCH SUGGESTS THAT THE PROBLEM IS THE RESULT OF A DEFECTIVE HEATER CORE SIMILAR TO THAT FOUND WITH DIESEL VERSIONS OF THE VEHICLE. THIS ISSUE SHOULD NOT BE OCCURRING WITH A VEHICLE ONLY HAVING 49000 MILES.
Oct 24, 2019
STRUCTURE,ENGINE
2 complaints
TAKATA INFLATORS I GOT INTO A VEHICLE COLLISION WITH ANOTHER VEHICLE AND SUFFERED A CONCUSSION DUE TO MY AIRBAGS FAILING TO DEPLOY IN MY VEHICLE.
Aug 17, 2019
WE RECENTLY PURCHASED A BRAND NEW 2013 VW PASSAT FROM CRESTMONT VW, POMPTON PLAINS, NJ. THE CAR DROVE EXTREMELY WELL FOR THE FIRST FEW WEEKS. SHORTLY THEREAFTER, THERE WERE LOUD BEEPING AND WARNING SOUNDS FROM THE DASHBOARD CONTROL PANEL AND THE CAR STARTED TO LOSE SPEED. UPON VW SUGGESTION, WE TOOK IT TO CRESTMONT SERVICE DEPT. IT APPEARS THERE WAS MOTOR OIL SPEWING ALL OVER THE ENGINE. A WEEK LATER THERE WERE LOUD NOISES EMANATING FROM THE ROOF AREA EVERY TIME THE VEHICLE NEGOTIATED A BUMP IN THE ROAD. ONCE AGAIN CRESTMONT VW SERVICE DEPT. EXAMINED THE CAR AND THEY DETERMINED THE ENTIRE SUNROOF PANEL HAD TO BE DISMANTLED IN ORDER FOR ADDITIONAL INSULATION COULD BE ADDED TO THE ENTIRE ROOF, TO DAMPEN THE SOUNDS DURING NORMAL, CURSORY DRIVING CONDITIONS. BOB GROSS, THE SERVICE DEPT. MANAGER AT CRESTMONT VW HAS LEFT ME A DETAILED VOICEMAIL INFORMING ME THAT HE RECEIVED A TECH BULLETIN FROM VW, NOTIFYING ALL DEALERS THAT THERE WERE PLASTIC SHAVINGS LEFT BEHIND DURING THE MANUFACTURING PROCESS THAT CAUSED THE OIL TANK TO RUPTURE, RESULTING IN MOTOR OIL TO GUSH PROFUSELY, WHICH CAN LEAD THE CAR TO STALL AND POSSIBLY THE ENGINE TO CEASE. I HAVE WRITTEN TO [XXX], GM FOR VW NORTH AMERICA, AND TO [XXX], PRESIDENT AND CEO OF VW NORTH AMERICA. NEITHER OF THEM DENY THE CLAIMS. IT IS CLEARLY EVIDENT THIS VEHICLE NEED ADDITIONAL SCRUTINY TO RECTIFY THE INHERENT FLAWS, SHORTCOMINGS AND INADEQUACIES THAT ARE PREVALENT FROM THE LACK OF OVERSIGHT DURING THE MANUFACTURING PROCESS. THE SOLE OPERATOR OF THIS VEHICLE IS MY SON WHO RECENTLY TURNED 17. *TR
Aug 23, 2013
STEERING,AIR BAGS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
2 complaints
CLOCK SPRING IS NOT WORKING AFTER TAKATA RECALL IMPLEMENTED. NO CONTROLS ON STEERING WHEEL WORK. HORN DOES NOT WORK. AIRBAG WOULD LIKELY NOT INFLATE. AIRBAG LIGHT IS ON. THIS OCCURED WHILE THE CAR WAS NOT MOVING.
Jan 21, 2019
CLOCK SPRING FAILURE. DANGEROUS AS AIR BAG AND HORN DO NOT WORK.
Sep 12, 2018
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,STRUCTURE
2 complaints
I'VE FOUND THAT THE DOORS ON MY 2013 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT [TDI] HAVE ELECTRICAL/MECHANICAL ISSUES WHEN THEY ARE EXPOSED TO RAIN WATER OR EXTREME HUMIDITY. DURING THESE EXPOSURES THEY WILL NOT STAY LOCKED [THEY WILL LOCK AND UNLOCK]. TWO SPECIFIC PERIODS OF TIME REALLY STAND OUT WHERE THE DOORS HAVE BEEN PARTICULARLY TROUBLESOME. THE FIRST WAS AFTER A RAIN STORM WHILE VISITING FAMILY IN MT. I WENT TO MY CAR AND FOUND THAT I COULD NOT CLOSE MY PASSENGER DOOR AFTER I OPENED IT. IT WAS STATIONARY AT THE TIME. I LITERALLY HAD TO WRAP MY SEATBELT AROUND THE DOOR HANDLE TO KEEP THE DOOR FROM FLYING OPEN AS I TOOK IT IN FOR EVALUATION. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY COULD NOT RECREATE THE PROBLEM. WITHIN ONE WEEK IT HAPPENED AGAIN DURING ANOTHER RAIN SHOWER, THIS TIME I WAS DRIVING AND MY DAUGHTER WAS IN THE PASSENGER SEAT! THANKFULLY WE WERE DRIVING SLOW, IN TOWN, AND NO HARM CAME TO ANYONE. I TOOK IT BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP AND HAD THEM REPLACE THE MECHANICAL PART OF THE LOCKING MECHANISM THIS SEEMED TO SOLVE THE 'STAYING CLOSED' ISSUE. THE SECOND PERIOD OF TIME I WAS IN FL IN LATE AUGUST. I WAS THERE FOR THREE WEEKS AND THE ENTIRE TIME THE HUMIDITY WAS SUCH THAT EVERYTHING WAS SOAKING WET. ONCE AGAIN I HAD ISSUES WITH MY DOORS. THIS TIME IT WAS MORE ELECTRICAL THAN MECHANICAL. MY KEY FOB STOPPED ALLOWING ME TO LOCK/UNLOCK MY DOORS AND THE LOCKS SEEMED TO BE POSSESSED. I HAD TO PULL THE COVER OFF MY 'TOUCH' LOCK TO USE THE KEY TO LOCK AND UNLOCK THE DOORS. I ALSO EXPERIENCED MILE AFTER MILE OF MY DOORS LOCKING AND UNLOCKING WHILE DRIVING. THIS LASTED THE ENTIRE TIME I WAS THERE. WHEN I CAME BACK TO A DRYER CLIMATE THE PROBLEM STOPPED. OF THE TWO SERIES OF ISSUES I EXPERIENCED THE ONE THAT PUT MY CHILD'S LIFE IN DANGER IS THE MOST CONCERNING. THE REPAIRS COST ME NEARLY $1K AND THE PEACE-OF-MIND I LOST IS IMMEASURABLE.
Apr 13, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE KEY FOB FAILED TO LOCK AND UNLOCK THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR IN COLD TEMPERATURES WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE FAILURE OCCURRED WHEN ATTEMPTING TO ENTER OR EXIT THE VEHICLE THROUGHOUT OUT THE WINTER MONTHS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, BUT THE FAILURE WAS UNABLE TO BE DETERMINED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 15,618.
Mar 17, 2016
BACK OVER PREVENTION
2 complaints
THE BACKUP CAMERA IN THIS VEHICLE FREQUENTLY FAILS TO ACTIVATE WHEN THE VEHICLE IS PLACED IN REVERSE. VW OFFICIALS ACKNOWLEDGE, IN A WRITTEN RESPONSE, A DELAY TIME OF ONE (1) TO TWO (2) MINUTES BEFORE THE CAMERA WILL ACTIVATE. IT IS AN UNREASONABLE EXPECTATION, FROM A CONSUMER / DRIVER STANDPOINT, TO WAIT 1 TO 2 MINUTES FOR A CAMERA TO ACTIVATE FOR A DRIVER TO DETERMINE IF IT IS SAFE TO BACKUP. VW CONTINUES TO IGNORE THIS DEFICIENCY DESPITE THE NUMBER OF DEATHS AND INJURIES EACH YEAR CAUSED BY BACKUP ACCIDENTS. *TR
Jul 15, 2014
AS MANY OTHERS HAVE STATED ON THIS SITE AND ALL OVER THE INTERNET, THE BACK-UP CAMERA IS RIDICULOUSLY SLOW TO COME ON. MOST TIMES, I CAN BACK OUT OF MY DRIVEWAY, STOP, AND BE GOING FORWARD DOWN THE STREET BEFORE THE BACK-UP CAMERA EVEN COMES ON. AT THAT POINT, I'M DRIVING UP TO A BLOCK AWAY WITH MY BACK-UP CAMERA STILL ON. WHILE MOST OF THE TIME THIS IS SIMPLY AN ANNOYING INCONVENIENCE, IT IS ALSO A VERY REAL SAFETY ISSUE. ONE OF THE REASONS I BUY CARS WITH BACK-UP CAMERAS IS TO MAKE SURE I'M ABLE TO SEE ANYTHING SMALL (LIKE A CHILD, BIKE, ETC.) BEHIND THE CAR WHILE BACKING THAT MY MIRRORS WON'T SHOW. MY LEXUS ALSO HAS THIS CAMERA (AS DID MY PRIUS THAT I TRADED FOR THE PASSAT) AND IT CAME ON WITHIN ONE SECOND OF PUTTING THE CAR IN REVERSE. THE PASSAT IS ROUTINELY TAKING 6-8 SECONDS, AND HAS TAKEN AS LONG AS 15 SECONDS TO TURN ON. I'VE NOTICED THAT IT IS NOT JUST THE CAMERA THAT IS SLOW. MANY OF THE OTHER FUNCTIONS OF THE TOUCH SCREEN ARE ALSO SLOW TO REACT. THE VW DEALER I BOUGHT THE CAR FROM SAYS THAT VW IS AWARE OF THE ISSUE BUT IT IS SIMPLY A SLOW PROCESSOR SO THERE IS NOTHING THEY CAN DO ABOUT IT. *TR
May 10, 2013
EXTERIOR LIGHTING,AIR BAGS
1 complaint
The contact owns a 2013 Volkswagen Passat. The contact stated that the air bag warning light was illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated that the front driver's side low beam light and the driver's side taillights were inoperable. The vehicle was taken to Auto Zone, where the contact was informed that the light bulbs did not need to be replaced. The contact was informed that the failure was related to the wiring. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000.
Feb 10, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS,ENGINE
1 complaint
My vehicle was part of the emissions scandal that I knew nothing about when i purchased it. I was not told. I have had it in over 15 times at the dealership with ongoing problems that they say they fixed but isn't and because of its other Problems have occurred. The vehicle gets hot, and I am afraid to drive it out of fear of it exploding. It is a diesel and has stalled on me while driving after jerking on its own. Other issues are lights going out such as break lights, fog lights and doors locking up and not locking. Glow plugs, fan going out and now problems with the coolant system getting hot. I have taken it to Volkswagen Tracy where i bought it several times, but they only charge me more in diagnostic fees and repairs. I noticed when driving on the highway people stay far at a distance in back of me than normal. Now with a recall on the airbags after it gets hot, I am afraid to drive it out of fear of serious injury or death to me and my family. date is approximate and i have over 50 pages of repair invoices.
Nov 25, 2024
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,ENGINE
1 complaint
Currently my reverse lights do not come on i have changed the bulbs and checked fuses. it started with one reverse light, however the warning light would come on and off on my dashboard. Next, the other reverse light so i attempted to change both bulbs and change fuses. still not working. Now it is also my low beam headlights again changed the bulbs and fuses with no fix. My vehicle flickers a light in my rear lights when vehicle is off. my engine is having cooling problems and now the fan is completely off. i have electrical problems. i bought this car a year ago and have had issues with the power of the vehicle and suspension is very unstable. i have not had a check engine light come on for any of these problems so mechanics don't have a solution. my headlights are now not in the right position when i do turn them on so it makes it extremely hard to see at all at night. my vehicle seems to overheat or just on and off drive with very little power. i have had the battery replaced recently. i have always felt extremely unsafe driving this vehicle since i bought it from a dealer. i believe these issues are related to recall 94L9, 94G8/7v, 23w5
May 15, 2024
SUSPENSION,ENGINE,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
1 complaint
Stalling? Have to put in DRIVE in order to forward in order to get car to back up? Air bags Clock wheel has more connection to what wrong/Air bags connections is Connected to HORN (which stopped working) DRIVE? all the refuses are working fine. horn not work; Dangerous driving in CALIIFORNIA without a HORN** I just want ALL is for them to REPLACE the PARTS OF MY VW 2013 PASSAT WITHOUT ANY CHARGE Whatsoever; even an UNNECESSARY FEE** I am driving a car with DEFECTIVE AIR BAGS, TIRES HEADLIGHTS, Suspension, SEATBELTS PROBLEMS, TRANSMISSIONS PRBLEMS, steering, electrical, system THAT CAN EXPLODE LEADING TO A LETHAL SITUATION FOR MYSELF And/or my DISABLED SON NOT TO SAY SOMETIMES I HAVE MY GRANDKIDS here have been a lot of complaints other than for what these recalled products are allowed on this vehicle. I am not the only one dealing with this stalling issue/go forward. DANGEROUS what does SOMEONE have do suddenly put it in reverse to get out of another vehicle or another harmful?? Because these issues are really serious!! Especially when dealership like AUTO PLUS IN INDIO. CA. use car DEALERSHIP in vehicles like this and promising. people things about the vehicle and not true!!
Feb 17, 2024
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
1 complaint
The contact owns a 2013 Volkswagen Passat. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal was depressed, but the vehicle failed to stop immediately. The brake pedal was depressed several times before the vehicle came to a complete stop. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 125,000.
Jan 18, 2024
POWER TRAIN,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
1 complaint
While making a right turn, i attempted to accelerate only to be met with intense juddering. i was able to pull of the road and shut off the engine, but it would not restart. I called the every dealership near me and the soonest appointment was 2 weeks out and they would not tell me if they had loaner cars. The appointment comes and the dealer not only tells me to rent a car out of pocket, but the high pressure fuel pump had failed meaning a $7000 replacement of the entire fuel system. My vehicle is still within the mileage limit on the extended warranty but i was 5 months out of the time limit. I brought up the warranty, and a TSB related to this failure and they still told me i was out of luck. I still owe thousands on this car, and another vw dealer tried to gouge me stating that the only way to get out of this was to buy a new car. absolute insanity all throughout this company. And to add insult to injury, every single maintenance item was followed to the exact mileage and the fuel level wasnt even below a quarter of a tank
Dec 07, 2023
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL
1 complaint
The contact owns a 2013 Volkswagen Passat. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle decelerated inadvertently, failed to respond upon depressing the brake pedal, and lost motive power. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact was unable to pull to the side of the road. The vehicle failed to restart and was towed to the dealer, where the EGR valve was replaced; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was towed several times, to a second dealer, Tracy Volkswagen (2605 Auto Plaza Way, Tracy, CA 95304), and an unknown turbocharger part, the fuel tank, and the battery were replaced; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure was approximately 40,000.
Sep 11, 2023
EXTERIOR LIGHTING,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
1 complaint
I financed a car from a car place (mainline) auto in march, there’s been some lights on it, I mentioned this numberless times also, the steering wheel was completely out of commission and the horn did not work, or the mileage, I talk with him he said bring it in and he will fix it, he fixed the steering wheel 2 weeks later but there’s lights still on the vehicle, last Friday 06/16/2017 I got an email saying I need to make a payment of the months that I missed not intentionally, so I proceed to call the dealer and she said she would make note that I will come into the office Monday morning 06/19/2023 so that the car wouldn’t be repossessed, afterwards come sun I woke up around 11:30 and the car was gone, I called my insurance company pear holdings and they opened up a claim, I also called Jacksonville police department and they told me that it was repoed. Went up there Monday and payed tons of money that I had no idea I was being charged or responsible for, after I argued about the missing information and lack of communication so this would not happen, after I payed to get the car I walked to get inside and on the the front window it said (caught slipping) In white marker , I tried to get it off the a wet paper towel but it didn’t come off so I went inside the place and told her about the writing and she called someone from the back in a language I’m not fluent with and told me I would need to talk with them, that was already a red flag as well, when I got to the back of the dealer place outside I asked one of the mechanics could he come over and see if he could wipe it off,this is harassment, favoritism, Mis handled information, long waits for watever reason I’ve asked them numerous of times to just give me the money that I put down on the car back that I didn’t even give them personally same week I brought it, they got my card info from the insurance company that wasn’t authorized by me I would like to take further action because I’m still making payments
Jun 20, 2023
AIR BAGS,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
* Driver air bag, horn, all controls in steering wheel. * Not having a horn or working air bag * Yes, defective clock switch has been confirmed-this was a recall, was replaced and failed again * No- dealer/recall repair center only * No, air bag light came on and that was it. At that moment nothing worked This occurred in March 2022. I was told it would take 1-2 months to get the part. The part is still unavailable. Called VM Customer Care-they instructed me to call the dealer. The dealer has no control over parts coming from VW. Now driving 8 months without an airbag or horn. All controls in the steering wheel are inoperable. Most are convenience items. Air bag and horn are safety issues.
Nov 06, 2022
EQUIPMENT
1 complaint
The infotainment screen and system have malfunctioned. The screen goes black and attempts to reboot repeatedly, never actually starting up. This prevents any access to the infotainment system and and use of the backup camera. Not only is this an inconvenience but a safety hazard as all cars are now required to have a backup camera. Upon further research, this is a common problem among many Volkswagen models and has cost Volkswagen customers thousands per incident/case.
Aug 03, 2022
AIR BAGS,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1 complaint
The contact owns a 2013 Volkswagen Passat. The contact stated the that while the vehicle was idling, there was an abnormal clicking sound detected. The contact stated that the air bag warning light illuminated and the horn became inoperable. The contact called the local dealer however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but no additional assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 236,000. The VIN was not available.
May 09, 2022
STEERING,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
1 complaint
VW BCM unit causes vehicle to idle then shut off while driving making it impossible to steer or increase speed.
Apr 25, 2022
AIR BAGS,ENGINE
1 complaint
The contact owns a 2013 Volkswagen Passat. The contact stated that the vehicle had been parked in the driveway all night and as she was approaching the vehicle, she noticed that the driver’s side air bag had deployed. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V148000 (Air Bags). The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 17,000.
Jan 14, 2022
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE
1 complaint
CHECK ENGINE LIGHT AND EPC LIGHT SUDDENLY CAME ON DURING ACCELERATION AROUND 40MPH. ACCELERATION DROPPED AND IDLE IS ROUGH. CHECK ENGINE AND EPC LIGHT AND ROUGH IDLE WITH NO ACCELERATION OCCURS EVERY TIME VEHICLE IS STARTED. OBDII CODES SHOW MISFIRE. ONLINE FORUMS SHOW SIMILAR CASES WITH NO CONSISTENT REASON OR FIX BETWEEN 30K AND 70K MILES.
Nov 07, 2020
POWER TRAIN,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
1 complaint
HELLO I PURCHASE MY PASSAT 2013 LAST YEAR IN DECEMBER IT NEVER GAVE ME A PROBLEM BUT THE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AN IT WOULDN GO OFF THAN THE ALL KIND OF DIFFERENT SYMBOLS CAME ACROSS MY DASHBOARD SO I TOOK IT TO THE MECHANIC THEY SAY I NEED NEW GLOW PIPES SO I GOT NEW GLOW PIPES AFTER THEY GOT REPLACED MY CAR STILL WOULDN'T WORK SO THEY SAYED I NEEDED A TURBO ACTUATOR BROUGHT THE TURBO ACTUATOR AN THE MECHANIC CHANGE IT MY CAR STILL WOULDN'T WORK IT WOULDN'T PICK UP SPEED OR NOTHING THE LIGHTS ON THE DASHBOARD HAS BEEN RESTED SEVERAL DIFFERENT TIMES STILL WOULDN'T GO AWAY SO I CALL A ANOTHER MECHANIC TO GET A SECOND OPINION AND HE TOLD ME IT WAS A ELECTRIC PROBLEM THAT MY CAR WAS HOLDING TO MUCH HEAT AFTER CHANGING EVERYTHING MY CAR BEEN PARKED FOR 3MONTHS AN I'M SO SAD I LOVE MY CAR BUT I SEE THAT THEY HAVE A RECALL ON MY CAR AND THE PROBLEM I'M EXPERIENCING SO BASICALLY ALL THE MONEY I SPEND TRYING TO GET IT FIXED WAS A WASTE OF MONEY AND TIME BUT IM GRATEFUL I'M OK AND MY CAR DIDN'T BLOW UP WHILE ME AND MY BABIES WERE IN IT CROSSING THE BRIDGE IT WAS SMOKING SO BAD FROM THE BACK THAN IT STARTED SMOKING FROM UNDER THE HOOD AFTER AGAIN EVERYTHING WAS FIX AN REPLACED THAT WHEN WE LEARN IT WAS A ELECTRICAL PROBLEM AND I WASN'T GOING TO BE ABLE TO DRIVE ANYMORE ALSO I TRY TO CHECK THE BOX FOR THE ELECTRICAL, AN ENGINE AS WELL SORRY ABOUT MY COMPLAINT I TRULY LOVE MY VW PASSAT I HAVE A VW TOURGE ALSO VW OR MY FAVORITE CARS LOOK FORWARD TO TALKING TO SOMEONE SOON
Oct 23, 2020
AIR BAGS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE
1 complaint
A. THE ENGINE. 1. MY VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT 2013 TDI CAN NOT PASS MASSACHUSETTS STATE INSPECTION, AFTER SEVERAL TIMES OF REPAIR THE PROBLEM WAS TRACKED TO EMISSION THAT THE REPAIR SHOP WAS NOT ABLE TO FIX IT (ALPHACARS & MOTORCYCLES, ALPHACARS, 649 MASSACHUSETTS AVE, BOXBOROUGH, MA 01719, PHONE: (978) 263-9000). (DATES OF REPAIRS: ~05/30/2020, ~06/29/2020) 2. DEALER DID THREE RECALLS AND REPAIRING FOR EMISSION, CHARGED $590 (07/31/2020). BUT EMISSION ISSUE PERSISTED (08/27/20), AND NEEDED TO BE RETURNED TO DEALER (08/28/20). 3. DEALER INTENDED TO CHARGE ANOTHER $650 FOR 'DIAGNOSIS' OF THE EMISSION ISSUE (09/09/2020). 4. THE DIESEL EMISSION ISSUE OF THIS VEHICLE IS NOT FIXED AFTER MANY REPAIRS, WHEN THIS ISSUE CAN BE FIXED IS UNKNOWN, WHETHER IT IS POSSIBLE TO HAVE THIS ISSUE FIXED IS UNKNOWN. GIVEN THAT THIS DIESEL EMISSION ISSUE COMES FROM VOLKSWAGEN'S WELL KNOWN SOFTWARE SCANDAL ON DIESEL EMISSIONS, AND LIKELY DUE TO DEFECTIVE MODIFICATION CONDUCTED LATER, THIS VEHICLE IMPOSES A MAJOR RISK TO DRIVER'S SAFETY. B. AIRBAG. EVERY TIME I START THE VEHICLE, I GOT WARNING MESSAGE ABOUT THE AIRBAG, EVEN THOUGH THE VEHICLE IS REGULARLY MAINTAINED BY VOLKSWAGEN DEALER. THE AIRBAG MAY BE DEFECTIVE, AND IMPOSES A MAJOR RISK TO DRIVER'S SAFETY. C. THE VEHICLE HAD MAJOR COOLANT LEAKING. AT REGULAR MAINTENANCE WITH DEALER, AFTER MY COMPLAINT, THE DEALER FOUND A HOLE AND FIXED IT. AROUND MIDDLE OF JUNE, 2020, THE LEAKING BECAME VERY SEVERE, I GOT WARNING LIGHT WHEN DRIVING ON HIGHWAY, AND THE ENGINE TEMPERATURE WAS VERY HIGH AND HAD A DANGER OF COMPLETE SHUTDOWN.
Sep 17, 2020
AIR BAGS,WHEELS
1 complaint
NO AIR BAG DETECTED IN THE CAR
Apr 28, 2020
AIR BAGS,STRUCTURE,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
MY FIANCE WAS TAKING A LEFT TURN CROSSING A BUSY ROAD DURING HOURS OF DUSK. HEADLIGHTS WERE ON. HE WAS NOT ABLE TO SEE THE OPENING OF THE ROAD WHEN TURNING AND DROVE OVER THE SIDE WALK AND CRASHED. FRONT AIR BAGS DEPLOYED AND WINDSHIELD CRACKED. 3 TIRED POPPED ALONG WITH OTHER FONT END BODY DAMAGE. I HAD JUST PURCHASED CAR FROM A DEALERSHIP A FEW MONTHS EARLIER. LATER I RESEARCHED ANY RECALLS ON MY VEHICLE AND A RECALL DEALING WITH HEADLIGHT ISSUES AND THE HEADLIGHTS ON MY VEHICLE NOT BEING ABLE TO BE ADJUSTED PROPERLY, CAME UP. IF THIS ISSUE WAS FIXED BEFORE I BOUGHT THE CAR, MY FIANCE WOULD HAVE NOT CRASHED.
Apr 20, 2020
EXTERIOR LIGHTING,AIR BAGS,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
1 complaint
I WAS SOLD A VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT NEVER WAS TOLD ABOUT ALL THE RECALLS IT HAD SO I HAD THE CAR ABOUT 3 MONTHS AND THE ADBLUE MESSSED UP AND ENGINE WOULDN'T START BUT THE DAY I TOOK MY CAR TO GET SERVICED THEY IGNORED ALL THE LIGHTS THAT WERE ON THE DASHBOARD SO I TOOK THE CAR BACK AND THEY ACTED LIKE THEY DIDN'T SEE THEM SAID THEY WOULD TURN OFF SO WE LEFT AND BEFORE WE GOT HOME THE CAR STARTED SMOKING I CALLED AND THEY SAID THEY WOULD HAVE TO LOOK AT IT T SEE WHAT WAS WRONG WHEN WE JUST LEFT THE DEALERSHIP THEY WOULD NOT TOW IT OR PAY FOR A TOW WE TOOK IT IN THEY FIXED THE FUEL INJECTOR AND THEN CALLED AND SAID THEY FOUND ANOTHER ISSUE AND EVER ISSUE THEY HAVE FOUND HAS AL BEEN ONE OF THE RECALLS AND I CALLED AND TOLD THEM I WAS WORRIED BOUT MINE N MY KIDS SAFETY CUZ ONE OF THE RECALLS COULD CAUSE A FIRE AND I DIDN'T WANT THAT TO HAPPEN AND THEY TOLD ME THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG IT WASN'T AN OPEN RECALL BUT YET EVERY RECALL IS WHAT'S MESSING UP AND I CALLED THERE COMPANY VW AT TOURNEY ADVOCATE FOR THE SETTLEMENT THEY GOT FOR THESE RECALLS AND MY CAR WAS INCLUDED IN THE SETTLEMENT FOR THE RECALL AND ALL THE RECALLS GOT THEIR MONEY BACK OR A NEW CAR AND THIS DEALERSHIP SAID IT'S NOT THEIR PROBLEM I BOUT IT WITH A WARRANTY BUT PRETTY MUCH THEY GOT PAID FOR MY PIECE OF SHOT CAR AND JUST SOLD IT WITH A WARRANTY I OWE 26000 AND HAD THE CAR 3 MONTHS AND THE WARRANTY IS ONLY GOOD ANOTHER 20000 MILES I'M CONCERNED ABOUT THEM FRAUDUNG PEOPLE INTO BUYING LEMONS AND THE SAFETY OF PEOPLE WHO GET THESE CARS
Sep 21, 2019
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC),ENGINE
1 complaint
MY 2013 VW PASSAT 3.6 SEL LACKS A ELEC STABILITY CONTROL SWITCH ON THE VEHICLE. AS A RESULT, THE TRACTION IS TERRIBLE ON THIS VEHICLE IN RAIN, SNOW, AND SLEET. THE ENGINE HAS A KNOCKING NOISE, EVEN THOUGH I SERVICE THE VEHICLE AT VW EVERY 10,000 MILES AS REQUIRED IN THE OWNER'S MANUAL. THIS VEHICLE HAS MAJOR ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS, SUCH AS THE SEAT BELT LIGHT ILLUMINATING, AND I LOSE TENSION IN MY DRIVER SEAT BELT. THAT IS A HUGE SAFETY FLAW FOR THIS $40,000 VEHICLE.
Dec 20, 2018
EXTERIOR LIGHTING,SEAT BELTS,STRUCTURE
1 complaint
MY 2013 VW PASSAT 3.6 SEL HAS MAJOR PROBLEMS WITH THE LIGHTING, SEAT BELTS, AND BODY. THE FOG LIGHTS, AND FRONT MARKER LIGHTS KEEP BLOWING OUT ON THE VEHICLE. THE SEAT BELTS LOSE TENSION WHILE DRIVING, AND THERE IS BODY ROLL ON THE VEHICLE DUE TO SUBSTANDARD BODY CONSTRUCTION. MY 2005 VW PASSAT V6 4MOTION HAD A MUCH SAFER, HIGHER QUALITY BODY CONSTRUCTION THAN MY 2013 VW PASSAT 3.6 SEL. IT'S QUITE OBVIOUS THE EXECUTIVES AT VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA, AND VOLKSWAGEN AG IN WOLFSBURG, GERMANY AREN'T INTERESTED IN BUILDING SAFE, QUALITY VW PASSAT'S. THEY ARE ONLY INTERESTED IN SACRIFICING QUALITY, AND SAFETY TO SAVE A DOLLAR.
Dec 20, 2018
EXTERIOR LIGHTING,ENGINE
1 complaint
VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA ENGINEERED LESS-THAN-SAFE HEADLAMPS ON MY 2013 VW PASSAT 3.6 SEL. MY HEADLAMPS ARE SUBSTANDARD, AND DO NOT SHINE BRIGHT A NIGHT AS THE XENON HEADLAMPS ON THE COMPETITORS OF VOLKSWAGEN. FOR A $40,000 VEHICLE, IT'S AN EXPECTATION TO HAVE XENON HEADLAMPS, WHICH ARE MUCH SAFER THAN THE EXISTING HEADLAMPS ON THE VW PASSAT. VOLKSWAGEN HAS BEEN INSTALLING 280 HP V6 ENGINES IN ITS PASSAT SINCE THE 2006 MODEL WHILE THEIR COMPETITORS HAVE BEEN INSTALLING 330HP AND UP IN THEIR V6 MODELS. THE VW PASSAT SHOULD HAVE AT LEAST 350HP/380 TORQUE WITH ALL WHEEL DRIVE, WITH A LONGITUDINAL ENGINE. IT'S QUITE OBVIOUS THAT THE EXECUTIVES AT VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA, AND VOLKSWAGEN AG ARE INTERESTED IN SACRIFICING QUALITY AND SAFETY TO SAVE A DOLLAR.
Dec 20, 2018
SUSPENSION,POWER TRAIN,ENGINE
1 complaint
MY 2013 VW PASSAT 3.6 SEL MAJOR ISSUES WITH THE TRANSMISSION, BURNING EXCESSIVE ENGINE OIL, AND SUBSTANDARD SUSPENSION. THE TRANSMISSION SLIPS IN 3RD GEAR, AND STRUGGLES TO SEARCH FOR A GEAR. VW ENGINEERED MY PASSAT FOR CASTROL OIL 5W40 SYNTHETIC OIL, 6-7 QUARTS EVERY OIL CHANGE (EVERY 10,000 MILES). I HAVE TO ADD 3 QUARTS OF OIL EVERY 4,000 MILES. THIS IS A CLEAR INDICATION THE OIL WEIGHT IS INSUFFICIENT FOR THIS VEHICLE, ENGINEERING ISSUES WITH THE OIL PUMP, AND/OR VALVE SEALS. THE PASSAT DOES NOT HANDLE WELL, AND FEELS UNSAFE IN RAIN, SNOW, AND SLEET, BECAUSE THERE IS NO TRACTION CONTROL BUTTON ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. IT'S QUITE OBVIOUS THAT THE EXECUTIVES AT VOLKSWAGEN AG ARE NOT INTERESTED IN SAFETY AND QUALITY. THEY ARE ONLY INTERESTED IN SACRIFICING A DOLLAR FOR SAFETY AND QUALITY.
Dec 20, 2018
AIR BAGS,STRUCTURE
1 complaint
WHILE SLIGHTLY TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL WHEN BACKING OUT OF A PARKING SPACE, AIR BAG LIGHT CAME. THERE IS NO COMMUNICATION FROM THE STEERING WHEEL CONTROLS LEAVING THE HORN IN-OPERATIONAL.GARVEY VOLKSWAGON ASSESSED VEHICLE AND CONCLUDED IT IS DUE TO THE CLOCK SPRING FAILING INTERNALLY. WHEN TEMPERATURE DROPS BELOW FREEZING, LOCKS WILL NOT UNLATCH. THE DOOR HANDLE WILL NOT MOVE AND THE DOORS CAN NOT BE OPENED UNTIL THE LATCHES UNFREEZE.
Oct 25, 2018
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
TAKATA RECALL: ON NOVEMBER 17, 2017, TOOK 2013 VW PASSAT TO CHAPMAN VOLKSWAGEN (4500 E 22ND ST; 85711) TO REPLACE AIRBAGS. CLOCK SPRING FAIL: ON AUGUST 29, 2018, TOOK 2013 VW PASSAT BACK TO CHAPMAN VOLKSWAGEN SINCE 'CHECK MAINTENANCE AIRBAG' LIGHT ON, HORN NOT WORKING, AND THE DIALS FOR RADIO/ BLUETOOTH NOT WORKING. INFORMED BY SERVICE TECH THAT CLOCK SPRING FAILED SO NEED TO REMOVE/REPLACE AND COULD NOT FIND RECALL RE:CLOCK SPRING BASED ON VIN. BILLED AND PAID $672.80.
Aug 29, 2018
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC),ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
1 complaint
PULLING OUT OF DRIVEWAY EPC LIGHT COMES ON. TOTAL LOSS OF POWER AND ENGINE SPEED SET TO 1800RPM IN "SAFE MODE" NO ONE KNOWS EXACTLY WHAT IS WRONG. MECHANICS CANNOT TTELL ME WHAT IS WRONG. DEALERSHIP VW HAS NO IDEA AND WANT TO START REPLACING ITEMS IN DESCRIMINATELY AND I DON'T HAVE THAT KIND OF MONEY TO THROW AROUND AND BESIDES. THE PEOPLE THAT BUILT THE CAR CAN'T FIGURE IT OUT. THIS IS A HUGE SAFETY ISSUE. COMPUTER FAULTS AND SHUTS DOWN THE POWER AT HIWAY SPEEDS AND SOMETIMES CAR STALLS OUT. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS AND HAPPENING TO HUNDREDS MAYBE THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE I'M READING ONLINE AND TALKING WITH OTHER OWNERS.
Aug 04, 2018
AIR BAGS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
1 complaint
THERE WAS A RECALL ON CLOCKSPRING, AND THE REPAIR WAS A CLOCKSPRING COVER THAT WAS REPAIRED ON MY VEHICLE IN MARCH OF 2016. JULY 2018 MY CLOCKSPRING HAD TO BE COMPLETELY REPLACED COSTING $650. THERE WAS ALSO AN AIRBAG RECALL THAT CAUSED MY HORN TO STOP WORKING, AIRBAG LIGHT TO COME ON, AT THE SAME EXACT TIME THE CLOCKSPRING STOPPED WORKING. I TOOK MY VEHICLE TO A DEALERSHIP 2 DAYS AGO TO HAVE THE CLOCKSPRING LOOKED AT AND THE RECALL ON THE AIRBAG REPAIRED. THE DEALERSHIP INFORMED ME THAT I WOULD HAVE TO PURCHASE A NEW CLOCKSPRING BECAUSE ONLY THE COVER WAS CONSIDERED A RECALL, HOWEVER OBVIOIUSLY THIS WAS NOT A SUFFICIENT CLOCKSPRING REPAIR.
Jul 09, 2018
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
1 complaint
MY VEHICLE WAS A PART OF THE VEHICLES THAT HAD THE CLOCKSPRING RECALL. I TOOK IT TO A VW DEALERSHIP TO HAVE THE RECALL FIXED AND EXACTLY ONE YEAR AFTER THEY 'FIXED' THE CLOCKSPRING, IT CEASED TO WORK AGAIN. NOW THE AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT IS ON, THE HORN DOES NOT WORK, AND NEITHER DO ANY OF THE STEERING WHEEL CONTROLS. VW REFUSES TO FIX THE ISSUE WITHOUT A CHARGE OF UPWARDS OF $500, STATING THAT BECAUSE IT IS NOT APART OF THE INITIAL RECALL IT IS NOT THEIR RESPONSIBILITY.
Jun 18, 2018
EXTERIOR LIGHTING,AIR BAGS,VISIBILITY/WIPER
1 complaint
THESE STEERING WHEEL COMPONENTS STOPPED WORKING: HORN, TURN SIGNALS, HIGH BEAMS, WINDSHIELD WIPERS, AND CRUISE CONTROL. NOT SURE IF AIR BAG WILL IN CASE OF A CAR WRECK. INSTRUMENT PANEL DISPLAYS THE FOLLOWING MESSAGE: "BUTTON FOR DRIVER ASSISTANT SYSTEM DEFECTIVE". BEEN AN ONGOING ISSUE FOR THE PAST SINCE BUYING THE CAR 2013, ROUGHLY 5 YEARS AGO. VOLKSWAGENS TECHNICIANS REPAIRED THE ISSUE MULTIPLE TIMES ON SEPERATE OCCASSIONS *WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STILL UNDER WARRANT.
May 24, 2018
SEATS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
I HAVE 51,000 MILES ON MY CAR AND THE AIR CONDITIONER UNIT WENT OUT. THE CAR IS TOO YOUNG TO HAVE THE A/C REPLACED AT THIS JUNCTURE...FAULTY PARTS. THE A/C UNIT IS LISTED IN A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT, ALONG THE WINDSHIELD WIPER SYSTEM AND THE BEARINGS. THE A/C PROBLEM WAS MENTIONED TO THE VW MCDANIELS SERVICE ADVISOR TWICE WHEN I WAS IN ON A SERVICE CALL, BUT SAID WAS NOT RECORDED ON MY PORTAL OF THE VEHICLE. THE DRIVER SEAT HAS SPLIT AND ON THE SIDE IT IS WARNED. THIS IS NOT GOOD.
May 21, 2018
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,VISIBILITY/WIPER
1 complaint
LEFT FRONT LOWBEAM WENT OUT, REPLACED BULB BUT STILL COMES ON INTERMITTENTLY. CONTACTED VW AND MY CAR WAS NOT PART OF ORIGINAL RECALL , HOWEVER MY VW DEALER HAS SAID HUNDREDS OF THIS MAKE AND MODEL NOT COVERED UNDER ORIGINAL RECALL HAVE HAD SAME ISSUE.
Jan 17, 2018
POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SEAT BELTS
1 complaint
PERIODICALLY WHILE DRIVING, THE SEAT BELT LIGHT WILL COME ON, THE THE DRIVER'S SEAT BELT WILL LOSE TENSION. THE PUSH START BUTTON HAS BE PRESSED MULTIPLE TIMES IN ORDER FOR THE VEHICLE TO START. I RECEIVE THE ERROR MESSAGE ON THE DASH, "KEY NOT IN RANGE" WHEN THE KEY FOB IS ON MY PERSON. THE BUILT-IN TRACTION DOES NOT HANDLE WELL, BECAUSE THE WEIGHT DISTRIBUTION IS NOT 50/50. THERE IS ENTIRELY TOO MUCH BODY ROLL FOR THIS VEHICLE. THE 2013 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT 3.6 SEL SHOULD HAVE BEEN MANUFACTURED AS AN ALL-WHEEL DRIVE, AND A HARD BODY. THE TRANSMISSION IS SLUGGISH BETWEEN 1ST AND 2ND GEARS. I USED TO OWN A 2005 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT GLX V6 4MOTION, AND IT WAS A MUCH BETTER BUILD QUALITY THAN THE 2013 PASSAT. THE QUALITY OF VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT IS IN MAJOR DECLINE, AND IS NOT THE SAME AS IT WAS IN THE EARLY 2000S.
Oct 14, 2017
POWER TRAIN,AIR BAGS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
I KEEP RECEIVING RECALL NOTICES FOR [XXX]. VOLKSWAGEN TOOK POSSESSION OF THIS CAR ON 11/29/2016 UNDER THE DIESEL EMISSIONS RECALL. VW BLAMES NHTSA FOR CONTINUED NOTICES ON A CAR THEY OWN.. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Oct 05, 2017
AIR BAGS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,VISIBILITY/WIPER
1 complaint
I WAS TOLD THAT MY AIRBAG ISSUE WAS DUE TO THE SENSOR GETTING WET AND I HAD TO PAY TO FIX IT, AND THEN I RECEIVE LETTER SAYING MY INFLATOR IS PART OF RECALL, THE FIRST RECALL ON MY CAR FOR THE DAYTIME DRIVING LIGHT STILL HAS NOT FIX, ITS BEEN IN THE SHOP AT LEAST THREE TIMES, ON TOP OF THAT YOU CAN MOVE THE GEARS IN MY CAR WITHOUT PRESSING ANYTHING OR BRAKING..
Aug 14, 2017
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1 complaint
THE REPAIRED CLOCK SPRING FAILED AGAIN PER DEALER. SO THE AIR BAG DOESN'T WORK AND NEITHER DOES THE HORN OR ANY OTHER STEERING WHEEL CONTROLS. SHE WAS DRIVING AND TURNED THE STEERING WHEEL AND HEARD A POP !
Jul 14, 2017
EXTERIOR LIGHTING,AIR BAGS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
"TAKATA RECALL" CAR WAS RECALLED FOR LIGHTS, AFTER BEING IN THE SHOP MY CAR WOULD NOT START, I WAS TOLD MY SERVICE MANAGER THAT IT WAS DUE TO THE WEATHER, I RESPONDED WITH IT CANT BE CAUSE THE BATTERY IS HOLDING A CHARGE, I WAS KICKED OUT OF SERVICE AREA, I HAVE ALSO PAID FOR MY AIRBAGS TO FIXED AND I COMPLAINED ABOUT THE WARNING LIGHT BEFORE RECALL HAPPENED, AND BEFORE 36K MILAGE EXPERATION.. MY DAY TIME RUNNING LIGHT RECALL, HAS BEEN SERVICED THREE TIMES STILL DOES WORK.. I CANT SEE THE ROAD AT NIGHT. MY CAR SOMETIMES STAHLS IWHILE DRIVING AND WILL NOT GO OVER2KRPM, OH YOU CAN ALSO MOVE THE GEAR SHIFT WITHOUT HOLDING BUTTON DOWN WHILE DRIVING..
Apr 08, 2017
UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
1 complaint
THE WIRE HARNESS BURNED THROUGH INSTALLATION REACHING TO COMPRESSOR
Mar 29, 2017
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
1 complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DOOR LATCH FAILED TO KEEP THE DOOR CLOSED. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE DOOR LATCH ASSEMBLY NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED (PART#5K1-837-015-E). THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 49,368.
Jan 31, 2017
AIR BAGS,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SERVICE BRAKES
1 complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2013 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. WHILE PROCEEDING TO STOP AT A RED LIGHT, THE VEHICLE INDEPENDENTLY ACCELERATED WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. THE VEHICLE FAILED TO STOP AND CRASHED INTO THE REAR OF ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED AND SCRAP METAL PASSED THROUGH THE REAR DRIVER SIDE PASSENGER. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED SEVERE INJURIES TO THE HAND AND THE PASSENGER SUSTAINED A BROKEN RIB. MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS REQUIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND TOWED. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V078000 (AIR BAGS). THE PARTS TO REMEDY THE VEHICLE WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 27,000. ....UPDATED 01/11/2017*CT CONSUMER STATED AIRBAG RECALL REPLACEMENT COULD NOT BE COMPLETED-PART NOT AVAILABLE- DEALER INSTALLED "CLOCK SPRING" AS TEMPORARY FIX UNTIL NEW AIRBAG AVAILABLE- RECALL SPRING OF 2016- PART NEVER MADE AVAILABLE. VW ENGINEERS WOULD EXAMINE THE CAR AT THE SALVAGE SITE, ENGINEERS DETERMINED CONSUMER FOOT WAS ON THE GAS, NOT BRAKE PEDAL AND THERE WERE NO TEARS IN THE AIRBAG AND THEREFORE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR MECHANICAL FAILURES OR PERSONAL INJURIES. CONSUMER STATED FOOT WAS ON THE BRAKE PEDAL AND NOT GAS PEDAL. UPDATED 66/22/18*JB
Oct 17, 2016
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
1 complaint
ADBLUE HEATER ELEMENT FAILURE WAS COVERED UNTIL JULY NOW NOT PART OF EMISSIONS OR SWITCH FAILURE NHTSA #16V171000 90DEGREES SHOULD NOT HAVE BEEN ON
Sep 07, 2016
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,AIR BAGS
1 complaint
2013 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO NO COMMUNICATION FROM CUSTOMER SERVICE REGARDING EMISSIONS ISSUES OR AIRBAG RECALL REPAIRS. CONSUMER STATES WANTS TO BE CONSIDERED FOR BUY-BACK PROGRAM. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED TWO WEEKS AGO, THE NITROGEN EMISSIONS SENSOR CAME ON DUE TO THE ONGOING ISSUE WITH THE EMISSIONS SYSTEM. *JB
Jun 15, 2016
AIR BAGS,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
1 complaint
BOUGHT CAR FROM ATLANTA LUXURY MOTORS OF UNION CITY GEORGIA AND THEY SAY THEY CAN SELL CAR WITH RECALLS IF THERE IS NO FIX STATUS.THE AIR BAGS SOUND AS IF THEY WANT TO JUMP OUT.
May 26, 2016
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON 2013 TDI PASSAT. CAR JUST OUT OF WARRANTY @ 41000MILES. TOOK TO DEALER. ADBLUE HEATER ELEMENT "BURNED UP." CAUSED DAMAGE TO ADBLUE CONTROL MODULE. COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS CAR (ALL OVER WEB) . $1200 TO REPAIR. CALLED VW ADVOCATE. THEY COVERED ENTIRE COST OF REPAIR
May 05, 2016
AIR BAGS,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
1 complaint
TAKATA RECALL.
Apr 10, 2016
STEERING,SUSPENSION
1 complaint
THE BOLTS WHICH ATTACHED THE FRONT SUSPENSION STRUTS TO THE VEHICLE RATTLE DUE TO FAILURE OF THE BOLT. THIS FAILURE EFFECTS THE HANDELING OF THE VEHICLE AT HIGH SPEEDS AND DURING CORNERING.
Sep 10, 2015
WHEELS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
ROUGHLY 2 WEEKS AGO, OUR PASSAT STARTING HAVING INCREASED NOISE AT HIGHER SPEEDS, TYPICALLY HIGHWAY SPEEDS. I TOOK THE CAR INTO THE DEALERSHIP TO HAVE IT LOOKED AT AND THEY DETERMINED THAT THE WHEEL BEARING WAS BAD. IT SEEMS VERY UNUSUAL TO HAVE A BAD WHEEL BEARING, PARTICULARLY WITH A SEDAN, GO BAD AT SUCH LOW MILEAGE.
Jul 15, 2015
STEERING,AIR BAGS,EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY
1 complaint
WAS TURNING IN A PARKING LOT AND HEARD A LOUD CRACKING SOUND. THE AIR BAG LIGHT CAME ON IMMEDIATELY AND NOTICED THE STEERING WHEEL CONTROLS AND THE HORN WERE NOT WORKING. CHECKED ONLINE AND APPARENTLY ISSUES WERE FOUND ON SAME MODEL. IT IS A BROKEN CLOCK SPRING. CONTACTED DEALER, THEY SAID TO BRING IT IN FOR DIAGNOSTICS WHICH WOULD COST $120. I INFORMED THEM OF THE BROKEN PART BUT THEY SAID THEY STILL WOULD HAVE TO DO THE DIAGNOSTIC. THE CLOCK SPRING ITSELF WOULD COST $485 IF THAT WAS BROKEN PLUS LABOR CHARGES. CAR HAS APPROXIMATELY 57250 MILES.
May 08, 2015
STRUCTURE,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
1 complaint
THIS IS MY THIRD COMPLAINT ABOUT THIS VEHICLE. DURING THE AUGUST FLOODING, WHILE DRIVING HOME FROM WORK AND PASSING THROUGH SOME WATER PILES MY CAR LOST THE BOTTOM ENGINE COVER, LOWER GRILL BROKE, GOT THEM REPLACED NO PROBLEM. WINTER COMES AND WHEN IT GETS COLD FRONT DOOR FREEZES SHUT, REMOTE START BARELY WORKS ONLY WHEN IT WANTS TOO. ALSO NO PROBLEM. WE GOT OUT FIRST WINTER STORM THANK GOD I HAD PUT NEW TIRES BEFORE THIS. HOWEVER DRIVING HOME SOME AREAS HAD A BIT OF SNOW FIRST I GET STUCK AND CANT TURN OFF TRACTION CONTROL. THEN MY LOWER GRILL BREAKS AGAIN. IS THE GRILL MADE OUT OF WATER BOTTLE PLASTIC. IF EVERY TIME THERE IS A STORM I NEED TO SPEND 250 DOLLARS ON A LOWER GRILL THAT IS JUST A WONDERFUL CAR EXPENSE. YOU TRY AND TRADE IN THE CAR AND THE VALUE JUST DROPPED. THIS IS MY FIRST AND LAST VW. HORRIBLE QUALITY THAT A BUMPER CAN'T WITH STAND SOME ACCUMULATION OF SNOW. I WILL FILE A COMPLAINT WITH VW AS WELL, LETS HOPE THEY DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT. PLUS THEY STILL DID NOT CORRECT THE NAVIGATION AND BLUETOOTH ISSUE. *TR
Feb 02, 2015
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS,SEATS
1 complaint
COMPANY IS CLAIMING THAT AN OUTSIDE INFLUENCE OF A SPILL ON PASSENGER SEAT HAS CAUSED THE AIR BAG FAULT THAT DISABLES THE AIRBAG. *TR
Jan 15, 2015
STRUCTURE,LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
1 complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE DOOR HANDLE WAS STUCK AND FAILED TO OPEN THE DOOR. AS A RESULT, THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE DOOR FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, WHO REPLACED THE DOOR HANDLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. IN ADDITION, THE CHILD SAFETY LOCK ON THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE DOOR FAILED AND THE DOOR COULD NOT BE LOCKED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE LOCK WAS REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 33,000.
Jan 13, 2015
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
1 complaint
I FEEL THERE IS A SAFETY ISSUE WITH MY 2013 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. THERE IS KNOW WAY TO BYPASS THE ELECTRONIC TRACTION CONTROL. EVERY OTHER CAR I'VE OWNED INCLUDING MY 2005 PASSAT HAS A BUTTON THAT ALLOW YOU TO BYPASS THE TRACTION CONTROL. THE PASSAT IS DESIGNED TO SHUT THE ENGINE DOWN WHEN THE TIRES BEGIN TO SPIN. THIS MAY HELP A NOVICE DRIVER OR BE HELPFUL IN THE RAIN, BUT WHEN YOUR IN THE SNOW OR ICE AND ON A HILL OR INCLINE IT IS DANGEROUS TO HAVE THE ENGINE CUT OFF AND LEAVE YOU STOPPED. IT IS ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE TO GET TRACTION ON A HILL OR TO GET ANY MOMENTUM WHEN THE CAR SHUTS THE ENGINE DOWN WHEN THE TIRES SPIN. THIS LEAVES YOU AT A STAND STILL AND VULNERABLE TO CARS OR TRUCKS BEHIND YOU. THE PASSAT SHOULD BE DESIGNED TO BYPASS THE TRACTION CONTROL UNDER THESE CIRCUMSTANCES,SO YOU CAN SPIN THE TIRES TO GET MOMENTUM, SO YOU CAN AT LEAST MOVE OFF THE ROADWAY. IT IS NECESSARY TO SPIN THE TIRES UNDER CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES SO AT LEAST YOU CAN MOVE THE CAR TO A SAFE LOCATION. I WOULD HATE TO SEE SOMEONE GET HURT BECAUSE THE PASSAT BECOMES IMMOBILE WHEN THE TIRES SPIN. *TR
Dec 10, 2014
AIR BAGS,STRUCTURE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
1 complaint
ON NOVEMBER 19TH AT APPROXIMATELY 4:30 PM, AS I WAS PULLING INTO MY GARAGE, THE CAR JUST ACCELERATED UNCONTROLLABLY AND CRASHED INTO MY HUSBANDS WORK BENCH WHICH WAS AGAINST A CONCRETE WALL. DAMAGING FRONT OF CAR,WINDSHIELD, WORKBENCH,STEEL STORAGE CABINET,ETC. *JS
Dec 02, 2014
EXTERIOR LIGHTING,STRUCTURE,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1 complaint
I WAS PULLING SLOWLY INTO A PARKING SPACE, AND THE CAR SUDDENLY SURGED AND HIT A PARKING METER POLE. THE SAME THING HAPPENED AGAIN SIX AND A HALF WEEKS LATER, AGAIN AT VERY LOW SPEED. THIS TIME THE CAR HIT THE WALL OF THE PARKING RAMP, AND THE DRIVER'S AIRBAG DEPLOYED. IN BOTH CASES, IT WAS THE FIRST TIME THE CAR HAD BEEN DRIVEN THAT MORNING, A DISTANCE OF ABOUT THREE MILES. *TR
Aug 28, 2014
STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES
1 complaint
OUR 2013 VW PASSAT'S ELECTRICAL SYSTEM SUDDENTLY WENT DEAD WHILE DRIVING AT 35 MPH ON A BUSY ROAD. WE PULLED THE CAR TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND FIVE MINUTES LATER, THE CAR STARTED UP AGAIN. AFTER DRIVING FOR ABOUT TWO MILES, THE VEHICLE'S ELECTRICAL SYSTEM SHUT OFF AND AGAIN WE PULLED IT TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD WHERE WE CALLED FOR ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE. THE CAR CURRENTLY IS AT A LOCAL DEALERSHIP'S SERVICE CENTER BEING REPAIRED. APPARENTLY, OTHER VW OWNERS HAVE EXPERIENCED SIMILAR PROBLEMS WITH THEIR VEHICLES. NHTSA, PLEASE INVESTIGATE. THANK YOU. *JS
Jul 07, 2014
FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL,POWER TRAIN,ENGINE
1 complaint
TURBO FAILED FOR SECOND TIME AND AFTER ONLY 4,000 MILES. BEGAN AS WHINING NOISE. VEHICLE THEN SHOWED CHECK ENGINE LIGHT AND WOULDN'T ACCELERATE ABOVE 1ST GEAR. *TR
May 15, 2014
FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
1 complaint
STARTED HEARING A WHISTLING TYPE OF SOUND AND NOTICING THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT ACCELERATING WHEN I PUSHED ON THE PEDAL. AS I TRIED TO PULL OFF THE ROAD THE VEHICLE STALLED AND I COULD NOT GET IT STARTED TO GET OUT OF THE ROAD. VERY SCARY. IT FINALLY STARTED LONG ENOUGH TO GET TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND IT STALLED OUT AGAIN. THERE WAS SMOKE COMING OUT OF THE EXHAUST PIPE. THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START AGAIN. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP WHERE I PURCHASED IT AND HAVE IT SERVICED. THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT CALLED TO TELL ME IT WAS THE TURBO AND THAT THE VEHICLE NEEDED A NEW ENGINE. I WILL BE GOING TO THE DEALERSHIP ON MONDAY TO PICK UP THE VEHICLE BUT WILL HAVE A LIST OF QUESTIONS ON WHAT EXACTLY HAS BEEN REPLACED AND WHAT TYPE OF WARRANTY THIS NEW ENGINE HAS. *TR
May 02, 2014
SUSPENSION,ENGINE
1 complaint
1. THERE IS A NOTICEABLE HESITATION AFTER A COLD START (TDI, DIESEL ENGINE) GOING FROM 2ND TO 3RD GEAR. THIS HAS OCCURRED EVERYDAY SINCE PURCHASED. 2. THIS CAR HAS ALWAYS AND STILL HAS A HARD RIGHT PULL SINCE PURCHASE (CAR WILL PULL INTO ADJACENT LANE WITHIN 200-250 FEET). MY PREVIOUS 2012 PASSAT TDI SEL STEERED STAIGHT. MY CAR HAS BEEN TO THE LOCAL DEALERSHIP TO FIX THIS ISSUE ON FOUR SEPARATE OCCASIONS, TO NO AVAIL. *TR
Apr 23, 2014
FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE
1 complaint
DRIVING FROM ON FREEWAY AT 60 MPH SUDDENLY LOST ANY ABILITY TO ACCELERATE AND POWER STARTED DROPPING RAPIDLY AND THE ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ON THE DASH STARTED FLASHING. IT PUT ME IMMEDIATELY INTO A VERY VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION IN WHICH IT WAS VERY DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER IN RAPIDLY-MOVING, HEAVY TRAFFIC. FORTUNATELY I WAS ABLE TO EXIT THE FREEWAY AND CALL THE DEALER'S VW SERVICE. I WAS TOLD THAT IT WAS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE THE CAR, AND THAT I WOULD HAVE TO HAVE IT TOWED TO SERVICE. I WAS STRANDED JUST OFF THE FREEWAY IN THE NEXT TOWN, AND AFTER SEVERAL HOURS WAS TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP. THE TURBO WAS BAD (THIS PART HAD ALREADY BEEN REPLACED ONCE, ABOUT 100 OR SO MILES EARLIER). HOWEVER, THAT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED BY VW PROPERLY, AND WHEN I PICKED UP THE CAR IT FAILED AGAIN WITHIN 10 MINUTES. FORTUNATELY THIS TIME I WAS NOT AT HIGH SPEED, AND WAS ABLE TO MANEUVER THE CAR TO A SAFE LOCATION. THIS SITUATION WITH THE TURBO COULD EASILY HAVE RESULTED IN AN ACCIDENT, POTENTIALLY VERY SERIOUS OR EVEN DEADLY IF AT HIGH SPEED. *TR
Apr 04, 2014
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY,BACK OVER PREVENTION
1 complaint
BACKUP CAMERA IS SLOW TO START. MAY TAKE FROM 5 TO 20 SECONDS TO BECOME OPERATIONAL AFTER START UP. THIS IS HAZARD WITH RESPECT TO RELIANCE ON BACKUP CAMERAS BY DRIVERS TO SEE OBSTRUCTIONS BEHIND THE CAR. FAILURE OF CAMERA TO START UP QUICKLY RESULTS IN REDUCED SAFETY BECAUSE DRIVERS WILL BACK UP WITHOUT CAMERA OPERATIONAL. I CAN START MY CAR AND BACK OUT OF DRIVEWAY AND REACH THE CORNER OF MY BLOCK BEFORE THE CAMERA STARTS UP AND SHOWS ME THE ROAD DISAPPEARING BEHIND ME. A CAMERA DOES NOT REPLACE DRIVER OBLIGATIONS TO MAKE SURE THAT OBSTRUCTIONS ARE NOT BEHIND THEIR CAR, BUT THE CAMERA IS ALSO THERE TO BE A SAFETY FEATURE AND IT IS NOT RELIABLE AS A SAFETY FEATURE DO TO ITS EXTREMELY SLOW START UP. INDIVIDUALS DO NOT LIKE TO WAIT 30 SECONDS AT A STOP LIGHT MUCH LESS 20 JUST TO BACK OUT OF THEIR DRIVEWAY. THIS IS A DESIGN OR MANUFACTURING ISSUE THAT SHOULD BE CORRECTED TO ENSURE THAT THE BACKUP CAMERA IS A RELIABLE SAFETY FEATURE AS IT WAS INTENDED. *TR
Mar 31, 2014
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE
1 complaint
VEHICLE WAS ACCELERATING AWAY FROM A STOP LIGHT WHEN A LOUD "CRACK" WAS HEARD FOLLOWED BY A LOUD GRINDING AND WHISTLING SOUND, THE CAR LOST POWER. MY WIFE FORTUNATELY WAS ABLE TO COAST TO THE SHOULDER OF THE ROAD AND TURN INTO A RESIDENTIAL STREET. AFTER COMING TO A STOP THE ENGINE WAS STILL RUNNING SHE WAS ABLE TO MOVE THE CAR AT A VERY SLOW SPEED (CAR WOULD GO NO FASTER THAN ABOUT 10 MPH) TO A BUSINESS PARKING LOT AND CALL VOLKSWAGEN ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE AND WAITED FOR A TOW TRUCK TO TAKE OUR CAR TO THE NEAREST VOLKSWAGEN DEALER. THE FOLLOWING DAY THE DEALER SERVICE ADVISER INFORMED US OF THE TURBO FAILURE. *TR
Feb 27, 2014
FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL,POWER TRAIN
1 complaint
I HAVE THE TURBO DIESEL VERSION. I WAS DRIVING ON HWY 695 IN BALTIMORE, MARYLAND DURING RUSH HOUR (0800ISH) WHEN I BEGAN TO ACCELERATE ONLY TO LOSE POWER. THE CAR HAD JUST ENOUGH POWER TO GET ME OFF THE ROAD AND BECOME STRANDED ON THE SIDE OF THIS MAJOR HIGHWAY FOR 80+ MINUTES. DEALERSHIP REPORTED FAILED TURBO. THIS WAS NOT A PLEASANT EXPERIENCE AND ONE THAT I HOPE OTHERS DO NOT HAVE TO EXPERIENCE. *TR
Feb 20, 2014
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,WHEELS,ENGINE
1 complaint
MY FIRST WEEK WITH THIS CAR AND THE BRAKES START TO MAKE THE NASTIEST SOUND. IT WAS AS IF IT HAD NO BRAKE PADS. I IMMEDIATELY CALLED THE DEALERSHIP AND ASKED THEM WHAT WAS WRONG WITH THE CAR I SUSPECTED THE BRAKES FROM THE START. I HAD TO TAKE IT IN AND THEY CHECKED THEIR SITE AND IT REPORTED THAT ON THIS MODEL AND YEAR THE CARS CAME WITH A DEFECT IN THE BRAKES. THEY HAD TO REPLACE THEM WITH NEW ONES. 2 MONTHS LATER IT STARTS UP AGAIN. THE BAD THING IS THAT VW NEVER ADMITS TO THEIR FAULTY CARS. THEY SET ME UP WITH HIGH PAYMENTS AND WONT HELP ME WITH ANY OF MY CONCERNS. THE CAR IS NICE NO DOUBT ABOUT IT BUT WHY WOULD I WANT TO STAY WITH A FAULTY CAR AND HIGH PAYMENTS? MAKES NO SENSE! *TR
Feb 03, 2014
WHEELS,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
1 complaint
OUR NEW 2013 TDI PASSAT, FROM DAY ONE HAS HAD THE ISSUE OF INTERMITTENTLY DRAGGING, PULLING CRUNCHING NOISE COASTING THROUGH A CORNER IN THE FRONT LEFT WHEEL. IT VARIES FROM A SOFT TUG AND CRUNCH NOISE, TO SO HARD IT PULLS YOU INTO ONCOMING TRAFFIC! IT SEEMS TO BE WHILE MAINTAINING SPEED OR COASTING, NEVER WHILE BRAKING. AFTER ABOUT 3-4TH TIME INTO THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT AND EVERYTHING CHECKING OUT FINE, WE FINALLY GOT THEM TO COME UP AND RIDE WITH ME ON OUR ROAD. (WE DO LIVE ON A MOUNTAIN ROAD THAT IS A POSTED 55MPH WITH SOME 40MPH CURVES) THE CAR DID IT AND THE SERVICE MANAGER SAID, "HMMM." HE SAID ITS THEIR TOP OF THE LINE CAR AND THINKS ITS THE STABILITY CONTROL SYSTEM. I ASKED IF IT WAS ONLY IN THE FRONT LEFT WHEEL? HE SAID "NO." I ASKED HOW COME IT DRAGS AND PULLS THE FRONT LEFT NO MATTER IF IT'S A LEFT OR RIGHT TURN, AND IS IT SUPPOSED TO DO IT SO HARD SOME TIMES THAT IT PULLS YOU INTO ONCOMING TRAFFIC? HE SAID "NO."HE SAID IT SOUNDS LIKE A SYSTEMS ISSUE BECAUSE WE HAVE KNOWN OTHER PEOPLE THAT HAVE TAKEN THEIR TDI'S IN FOR THIS EXACT SAME ISSUE SO IT'S NOT JUST A SENSOR IN THIS PARTICULAR CAR. WE CALLED 3 DAYS LATER TO SEE IF THEY HAD A RESOLVE AND THEY SAID THE CAR IS "FINE AND FUNCTIONING NORMAL, THAT I TOOK THE CORNER 8 MPH TOO FAST AND THE CAR DID IT'S JOB"!! I AM CONCERNED FOR MY FAMILY'S SAFETY AS WE HAVE STATED NUMEROUS TIMES AND GIVEN THEM EVERY OPPORTUNITY TO ADDRESS THIS AND YET TO NO AVAIL. THIS CAR DOES THIS EVERYDAY. IT'S NOT NORMAL TO SAY TO YOUR SPOUSE THAT IF I'M INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT ON OUR ROAD, ESPECIALLY A HEAD-ON, IT WAS THE FRONT LEFT WHEEL THAT DID IT. THESE CARS HAVE A SAFETY DEFECT IN THIS SYSTEM AND I WANT EVERYONE TO KNOW. I DON'T KNOW WHERE TO GO FROM HERE. *TR
Jan 20, 2014
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
1 complaint
OUR 2013 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT LEAKED GASOLINE ON TO OUR GARAGE FLOOR WHILE SITTING IN THE GARAGE. THE GARAGE FLOOR WAS COVERED AND YOU COULD VISIBLY SEE THE FUEL DRIPPING FROM THE GAS TANK. THE FUMES FILLED OUR GARAGE AND HOME AND RESULTED IN EXTENSIVE CLEAN UP AND VENTILATION. THE VOLKSWAGEN DEALERSHIP ARRIVED WITH A FLAT BED AND TOWED THE CAR BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP. THE MAN WHO TOWED THE CAR EVEN COMMENTED ABOUT THE ODOR AND YOU COULD VISIBLY SEE THE GASOLINE RUNNING FROM THE CAR AS IT WAS LOADED ON TO THE FLATBED. THE VOLKSWAGEN DEALERSHIP SAYS THERE IS NOTHING WRONG AND NO CHANGES TO THE VEHICLE ARE NECESSARY! *TR
Oct 01, 2013
STEERING,WHEELS
1 complaint
THIS CAR HAS AN ISSUE WITH STABILITY ABOVE 65 MPH. (YES THEY ARE INFLATED TO PROPER PRESSURE) I TOOK A 550 MILE TRIP RIGHT AFTER I BOUGHT IT AND THE CAR WAS EXTREMELY UNSTABLE AT 65MPH+ ON ALL SURFACES INCLUDING: SMOOTH CONCRETE, GROOVED CONCRETE, OLD PAVEMENT, BRAND NEW PAVEMENT, PAVEMENT WITH NO TIRE WEAR OR TIRE GROOVES, IN WIND OR NO WIND. THE PROBLEM IS WHEN YOU TRY TO KEEP THE CAR IN A STRAIGHT LINE. IT WILL NOT TRACK STRAIGHT. IT WILL GO LEFT OR RIGHT, BUT NOT STRAIGHT. HAD ALIGNMENT CHECKED AND IT WAS CORRECT. THE CAR ALSO TENDS TO DRIFT TO THE RIGHT A LITTLE NO MATTER IF YOUR ON THE DOWN OR UPSLOPE OF THE CREST ON THE ROAD. IT IS BORDERLINE DANGEROUS BECAUSE IN TRAFFIC I FOUND THE CAR WANTING TO DART TOWARDS THE LEFT AND RIGHT LANE. IF YOU DON'T CONSTANTLY FIGHT THE STEERING EVERY SECOND, YOU WILL HIT A CAR NEXT TO YOU. I HIGHLY SUSPECT IT IS THE 17" HANKOOK TIRES THAT COME ON THE CAR AS MANY HAVE REPORTED THE SAME PROBLEMS WITH THESE TIRES AND HAVE HAD ISSUES FROM BEING DANGEROUS IN SNOW AND WATER TO THE WANDERING LEFT AND RIGHT WHEN TRYING TO DRIVE STRAIGHT. SOME HAVE EVEN REPORTED THE SIDEWALLS RUPTURING. THIS IS AN ISSUE THAT PUTS ME IN FEAR FOR THE SAFETY OF MY FAMILY AND I WILL BE REPLACING THE TIRES AS SOON AS I CAN AFFORD IT. HOPEFULLY MORE PEOPLE WILL COMPLAIN HERE INSTEAD OF JUST ON FORUMS. I URGE YOU TO RESEARCH THESE TIRES AND THE VW PASSAT FORUMS AND YOU WILL FIND TONS OF COMPLAINTS ABOUT THESE TIRES. ANOTHER NOTE: I HAVE DRIVEN TRUCKS, FAMILY SEDANS, SPORTS CARS, SUV'S, AUDIS, VW, MERCEDES, BMW, FORD, CHEVY, DODGE, AND I HAVE NEVER FELT THE STEERING REFUSING TO STAY ON THE CENTER LINE UNTIL THIS CAR. *TR
Sep 17, 2013
STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING
1 complaint
STEERING: VEHICLE PULLS TO AN EXCESSIVE AMOUNT POTENTIALLY LEADING TO INJURY OR DEATH. IT DOES NOT TRACK STRAIGHT AT ALL, NO MATTER IF IT'S ON THE LEFT LANE OF THE ROAD, CENTER CROWN OF THE ROAD OR IN THE RIGHT LANE (NO CURVES. I TOOK THE VEHICLE IN TO THE DEALERSHIP OVER 4 TIMES THINKING IT MAY BE AN ALIGNMENT PROBLEM. I WAS TOLD THE SECOND TIME THAT IT PULLS HARD TO THE RIGHT AS A "SAFETY MEASURE", TO LEAD THE CAR TO THE RIGHT SHOULDER TO GET OFF THE ROAD ON TO THE SHOULDER. ASKED THE SERVICE ADVISOR TO SHOW ME WHERE VW HAD DISCLOSED THIS AS A "SAFETY" MEASURE. THERE WAS NO SUCH DOCUMENTATION. I TOOK IT IN TO ANOTHER VW DEALERSHIP IN MY SAME CITY. THEY DID WHAT THEY SAID WAS THE 'BEST THEY COULD DO WITHOUT EXCEEDING VW'S SPECIFICATIONS. THIS IS A DANGEROUS DEFECT AND THE SECOND DEALERSHIP ADMITTED TO ME THAT VW WAS HAVING SOME PROBLEMS WITH THIS ISSUE. LIGHTS/ELECTRICAL: THE LOW BEAM LIGHT WENT OUT ON THE DRIVERS SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. I TOOK IT TO ONE OF THE DEALERSHIPS IN MY CITY. I THOUGHT IT WENT OUT TOO SOON BUT SUSPECT IT WAS AN ISSUE. IT TURNED OUT TO BE MORE THEN A SIMPLE BURNT OUT BULB. THE WHOLE LIGHT ASSEMBLY HAD TO BE REPLACED BECAUSE OF WHAT THE SERVICE ADVISOR TOLD ME WAS INDEED A PROBLEM VW WAS HAVING WITH THE ELECTRICAL CONNECTION MAKING CONTINUOUS CONTACT (LIKE A PLUG & RECEPTACLE). HE STATED THAT THEY HAD CHANGED THE DESIGN IN THE 2014 MODELS BECAUSE OF THIS DEFECT IN THE 2013 MODELS. I REQUESTED THAT SINCE IT WAS A KNOWN ISSUE, I WOULD LIKE THEM TO RETROFIT OR CHANGE OUT THE PASSENGER SIDE LIGHT. HE STATED TO ME HE WAS NOT AUTHORIZED TO CHANGE THE DEFECTIVE UNIT UNTIL IT ACTUALLY FAILS. THIS IS POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS AS IT CAN HAPPEN AT NIGHT WHEN LIGHTS ARE REALLY NEEDED, AND DURING THE DAY IF LIGHTS NEED TO BE ON FOR SAFETY WHERE IT IS REQUIRED ON SOME OF THE MORE DANGEROUS ROADS. GET IT IN WRITING WHAT IS WRONG-NO GLOSSING OVER. *TR
Aug 12, 2013
SEATS,EQUIPMENT
1 complaint
I PURCHASED THE VW PASSAT IN DECEMBER 2012. I NOTICED WITHIN THE FIRST WEEK THE SLOW RESPONSE OF THE NAVIGATION BUT I THOUGHT MAYBE BECAUSE OF THE COLD WEATHER. I LIVE IN MICHIGAN. WHEN SPRING CAME AROUND I STILL SAW THE SLOW RESPONSE AND IT WAS AGITATING ME. I PUT THE CAR IN REVERSE AND BACK OUT OF MY DRIVE WAY AND THE CAMERA STILL DOESN'T COME ON TILL AFTER. AT THE SAME TIME MY SEAT WAS SQUEAKING. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER AND THEY SAID THE SEAT IS FINE AND THEY WILL ASK ABOUT THE NAVI UNIT. AT ONE POINT THE NAVI RESTARTED WHILE I WAS DRIVING. I TOOK IT BACK TO THE DEALER AND SHOWED THEM HOW SLOW IT RESPONDS AND THEY GOT APPROVAL TO REPLACE IT. I ALSO SHOWED THEM THE SEAT THEY LOOKED AND SAW THAT IT WAS CRACKED. HOW CAN A SEAT CRACK? THE SECOND NAVI UNIT HAD THE SAME RESPONSE TIME. IT ALSO RESTARTED WHILE I WAS DRIVING. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER AND THEY CALLED VW AND THE TECHNICIAN ON THE PHONE TOLD THEM THAT THE SD CARD I AM USING FOR MY MUSIC IS TO LARGE OF MEMORY PROBABLY THAT'S WHY ITS SLOW. NOW I AM AN ENGINEER AND THAT IS JUST ABSURD. I CALLED VW AND THEY SAID I CANT TALK TO A TECHNICAL EXPERT THEY WILL HAVE TO CALL THE DEALER SHIP. HAVE NOT HEARD ANYTHING AND THE DEALER HAS NOT AS WELL. I THEN MOVED ALL MY MUSIC TO THE INTERNAL HARD DRIVE AND TOOK IT TO THE DEALER AND THEY SAID WILL CALL THEM AND EXPLAIN TO THEM WHAT IS HAPPENING. THE MUSIC IS NOT THE PROBLEM EVEN WITH OUT ANY MUSIC THE UNIT IS VERY LAGGING. IF THE NAVIGATION UNIT BOOT UP IS SLOW THAT IS FINE. WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF THE CAMERA IF I CAN BACK OUT OF MY DRIVE WAY OR ANY PARKING SPOT START TO DRIVE THEN SEE THE CAMERA. NOW SOMETIMES IT WORKS BUT MOST OF THE TIME THE UNIT TAKES CLOSE TO A MINUTE OR SO TO BOOT UP. ALSO THE NEW SEAT THEY PUT IN IS BEGINNING TO SQUEAK AGAIN. *TR
May 21, 2013
EQUIPMENT,BACK OVER PREVENTION
1 complaint
THE BACKUP CAMERA IS VERY SLOW TO RESPOND WHEN PLACING THE VEHICLE INTO REVERSE (15-25 SECONDS). FREQUENTLY, THE CAMERA WILL NOT ACTIVATE UNTIL THE VEHICLE HAS COMPLETED BACKING UP AND THE VEHICLE IS PLACED INTO DRIVE. VOLKSWAGEN IS AWARE OF THE ISSUE, HAVING IDENTIFIED IT IN A VW TECHNICAL BULLETIN. I CONTACTED VOLKSWAGEN CUSTOMER CARE IN AUBURN, MI, ABOUT RESOLVING THE ISSUE. I RECEIVED A LETTER FROM[XXX], DATED 22 APRIL 2013, WHICH STATED: ". . . YOUR VEHICLE IS OPERATING AS PER ITS DESIGNED INTENT. AS SUCH, WE WILL NOT BE ABLE TO MAKE A REPAIR TO [THE] SYSTEM." INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR UPDATED 05/05/14.*JB
May 02, 2013
Frequently Asked Questions
How many problems does the 2013 VOLKSWAGEN Passat have?
The 2013 VOLKSWAGEN Passat currently has 746 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 2013 VOLKSWAGEN Passat?
The most common problems reported for the 2013 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 2013 VOLKSWAGEN Passat problem data come from?
All problem and complaint data for the 2013 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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