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U.S. public vehicle records

2004 Volkswagen PASSAT problems and owner complaints

Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.

Key facts

279 owner complaints analyzed

3 distinct recall campaigns

69,800 mi median reported failure mileage

Scope: 2004 model year. Data updated: . 217 complaints include usable failure mileage. View data status.

Owner-reported patterns

Most common problems

Engine And Engine Cooling is the most frequently named component, appearing in 33 of 279 complaints (11.8%). A complaint can name multiple components.

Recurring terms in complaint narratives
TopicMatching reportsShare of complaints
Transmission and shifting4014.3%
Fuel system concerns4014.3%
Braking behavior269.3%
Engine operation186.5%
Electrical and battery issues93.2%
Steering behavior51.8%

Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.

Component breakdown

Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.

Engine And Engine Cooling
33
Fuel/Propulsion System
22
Power Train:Automatic Transmission
22
Fuel System, Gasoline
21
Seats:Front Assembly:Seat Heater/Cooler
20
Engine
18
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine
18
Electrical System
16
Component breakdown data
CategoryCount
Engine And Engine Cooling33
Fuel/Propulsion System22
Power Train:Automatic Transmission22
Fuel System, Gasoline21
Seats:Front Assembly:Seat Heater/Cooler20
Engine18
Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine18
Electrical System16

Engine And Engine Cooling: 33; Fuel/Propulsion System: 22; Power Train:Automatic Transmission: 22; Fuel System, Gasoline: 21; Seats:Front Assembly:Seat Heater/Cooler: 20; Engine: 18; Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine: 18; Electrical System: 16

Reported problems by failure mileage

Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.

Under 25,000
39
25,000 to 49,999
33
50,000 to 74,999
45
75,000 to 99,999
45
100,000 to 149,999
37
150,000 and above
18
Reported problems by failure mileage data
CategoryCount
Under 25,00039
25,000 to 49,99933
50,000 to 74,99945
75,000 to 99,99945
100,000 to 149,99937
150,000 and above18

Under 25,000: 39; 25,000 to 49,999: 33; 50,000 to 74,999: 45; 75,000 to 99,999: 45; 100,000 to 149,999: 37; 150,000 and above: 18

50,000 to 74,999 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (45). 62 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.

Complaints over time

Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.

2004
33
2005
19
2006
20
2007
29
2008
32
2009
31
2010
27
2011
14
2012
8
2013
12
2014
18
2015
7
2016
8
2017
4
2018
8
2019
2
2020
2
2021
3
2025
2
Complaints over time data
CategoryCount
200433
200519
200620
200729
200832
200931
201027
201114
20128
201312
201418
20157
20168
20174
20188
20192
20202
20213
20252

2004: 33; 2005: 19; 2006: 20; 2007: 29; 2008: 32; 2009: 31; 2010: 27; 2011: 14; 2012: 8; 2013: 12; 2014: 18; 2015: 7; 2016: 8; 2017: 4; 2018: 8; 2019: 2; 2020: 2; 2021: 3; 2025: 2

Pattern summary

Engine And Engine Cooling leads the component reports. Transmission and shifting appears in 40 complaint narratives. Fuel system concerns appears in 40 complaint narratives. Braking behavior appears in 26 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.

Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.

Complaint evidence

Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.

Owner report 10050028 · 2004-01-16 (January 16, 2004)

WHEN COMING TO A COMPLETE STOP OR WHILE CRUISING, THE VEHICLE LURCHES FORWARD. THE DEALER RECALIBRATED THE COMPUTER CHIP IN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL AND ALSO REPLACED THE TRANSMISSION CONTROL MODULE. AFTER THE REPAIRS, THE PROBLEM CONTINUED. *PH THE TRANSMISSION MADE A CLUNK NOISE, MALFUNCTIONED IN HEAVY TRAFFIC/HIGHWAY, AND A HARD SHIFT WAS PRESENT AT TIMES. *SC

Owner-reported narrative. 300 miles reported. Look up ODI 10050028 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10056484 · 2004-02-03 (February 3, 2004)

AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION LURCHED ON DOWNSHIFT WHEN COMING TO A STOP. DEALER REPLACED THE TRANSMISSION CONTROL MODULE...PROBLEM HAS NOT YET BEEN DUPLICATED AGAIN, BUT IT HAS ONLY BEEN A DAY. *AK

Owner-reported narrative. 200 miles reported. Look up ODI 10056484 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10163073 · 2006-07-21 (July 21, 2006)

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH THE VEHICLE STALLED AND HAD TO BE PUSHED OFF THE ROAD. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHO DETERMINED THE FUEL PUMP NEEDED TO BE REPLACED.

Owner-reported narrative. 74,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10163073 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10174021 · 2006-11-21 (November 21, 2006)

I HAVE A 2004 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT 2.0L TDI DIESEL CAR. THE HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP STARTED LEAKING DIESEL FUEL ALL OVER THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. I CHECKED ON-LINE TO DETERMINE IF THERE WAS A RECALL ON THIS PROBLEM. AFTER CHECKING ON-LINE I LEARNED THAT THERE WAS IN FACT A RECALL FOR THIS PROBLEM. I CONTACTED BOTH VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA AND A LOCAL DEALER. BOTH INDICATED THAT THERE WAS A RECALL, BUT THAT THE VIN NUMBER ON MY CAR WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THIS RECALL. I HAD TO HAVE THE PUMP REPLACED AT A COST OF $750.00. I BELIEVE THAT THE PROBLEM I…

Owner-reported narrative. 89,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10174021 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10066711 · 2004-04-07 (April 7, 2004)

WHEN BRAKING AFTER DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS INTO THE CITY VEHICLE BUCKED FORWARD. DEALER STATED THE PROCEDURE WAS WHAT THEY CALLED A HARD DRIVE. ALSO IT WAS NORMAL. *AK

Owner-reported narrative. 2,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10066711 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10083031 · 2004-07-30 (July 30, 2004)

REPORTED WHEN SLOWING DOWN TO 5-10MPH CARE HESITATED AND THEN JERKED AS IF SOMEONE HIT FROM BEHIND, ALSO WHEN BRAKING TO STOP,CAR LURCHES FORWARD. VW DEALERSHIP REPLACED BRAKES AND ROTORS AND DID SOFTWARE UPDATE AFTER 3 TIMES IN SHOP. NOW CAR HESITATES WHEN EITHER SLOWING DOWN OR FROM STOP THEN KICKS IN ALL OF A SUDDEN,WILL BE CALLING REGIONAL TECHNICIAN TO REPORT, STILL FEEL SLIGHT JERK AT SLOW SPEEDS. ALL HAPPENS WHEN ENGINE HOT OR COLD.*AK

Owner-reported narrative. 2,500 miles reported. Look up ODI 10083031 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10183157 · 2007-02-21 (February 21, 2007)

WHILE DRIVING AT APPROX 70 MPH ON THE INTERSTATE THE CAR STALLED OUR AND WOULD NOT START. IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE FUEL PUMP HAD GONE OUT. THE CAR HAD 58K MILES. THIS HAPPENED JUST THREE WEEKS AFTER AN ENGINE COIL HAD TO BE REPLACED. I NO LONGER OWN A VW.*JB

Owner-reported narrative. 58,310 miles reported. Look up ODI 10183157 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10104742 · 2004-12-29 (December 29, 2004)

I HAVE A BRAND NEW 2004 VW PASSAT TDI WAGON THAT HAS NO TAIL LIGHTS. SIGNALS WORK, BRAKE LIGHTS WORK BUT, LICENSE PLATE LIGHT AND REAR PARKING/DRIVING LIGHTS DON'T WORK. CAR HAS NO BURNED OUT BULBS OR FUSES. MY CONCERN IS IF THE CAR HAS WIRING HARNESS PROBLEMS, IS THIS SOMETHING THAT OTHERS HAVE HAPPENING. ALSO ON A RAINY DAY THE ANTI LOCK BRAKE AND ELECTRONIC STABILITY PROGRAM IN THE SAME CAR FAILED BUT, WHEN THE CAR WAS PARKED AND RESTARTED THE COMPUTER RESET AND PROBLEM DISAPPEARED. IS THIS GOING TO BE A PROBLEM? *NM

Owner-reported narrative. 16,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10104742 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10152333 · 2006-03-09 (March 9, 2006)

I HAVE A 2004 VW PASSAT WAGON. WE WERE IN THE LAKE TAHOE REGION LAST WEEK DURING A RAIN AND SNOW STORM. WE GOT IN THE CAR ONE MORNING TO FIND INCHES OF WATER IN THE REAR PASSENGER FLOOR AND TO DISCOVER OUR TRANSMISSION WAS SHORTED OUT. HAD IT TOWED 100 MILES TO SACRAMENTO, WHERE IT SAT FOR A WEEK BEFORE THEY WERE ABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM WHICH WAS PINE NEEDLES IN THE DRAIN BELOW THE BATTERY WHICH CAUSED WATER TO GET IN THROUGH THE VENTING SYSTEM. VOLKSWAGON CLAIMS THAT THIS ISSUE DOES NOT FALL UNDER WARRANTY BUT WAS A MATTER OF MAINTENANCE…

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10152333 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10073704 · 2004-05-17 (May 17, 2004)

UPON STARTING THE VEHICLE AND TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL CONSUMER HEARD A GRINDING SOUND. FOLLOWING THAT STEERING FAILED. DEALERSHIP SERVICED THE VEHICLE ON MAY 12, 2004, AND NOTICED THAT POWER STEERING NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE STEERING WAS REPAIRED THE FOLLOWING DAY ,AND WAS BACK AT THE DEALERSHIP MAY 14, 2004. *AK

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10073704 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10175463 · 2006-12-07 (December 7, 2006)

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE STEERING WHEEL VIBRATED. THIS OCCURRED ON THREE OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO THE DEALER EACH TIME, WHO DETERMINED THE PASSENGER FRONT AND BOTH REAR TIRES EXPERIENCED TREAD SEPARATION. THE TIRES WERE REPLACED. THE TIRES WERE COOPER DOMINATOR P195/65R15.

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10175463 at NHTSA ↗

Explore the data

Vehicle analysis explorer

Inspect model-year patterns, reported mileage, monthly activity and the evidence behind each signal.

Data completeness

279 unique complaints in this selection. Analysis snapshot: 2026-10-01.

77.8%Usable mileage217 / 279 records
98.9%Valid incident date276 / 279 records
100.0%Valid filing date279 / 279 records
98.9%Ordered incident and filing dates276 / 279 records

Missing, zero and invalid mileage is excluded. Dates after the snapshot are excluded. Examples are limited selections, not a representative sample.

Problems by model year

Model-wide comparison of the eight most reported components across the model. Cells show counts and shares within each model year. Open a cell for source examples.

Component complaint heatmap
Component200820092010201120122013201420152016201720182019202020212022
Air Bags
3219.0%
ODI 10559496 · 40,000 mi

ALL CONTROLS LOCATED ON THE STEERING WHEEL WENT DEAD, AND AIRBAG FAILURE INDICATOR CAME ON. TURNING VEHICLE OFF AND RESTARTING IT DID NOT SOLVE THE PROBLEM. DRIVERS SIDE AIRBAG SEEMS NOT TO BE FUNCTIONAL. *TR

Look up ODI 10559496 at NHTSA ↗

128.2%
ODI 10367752 · 15,500 mi

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. WHILE TURNING LEFT, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED AND CRASHED INTO A BRICK PILLAR HOLDING UP A BUILDING. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE ALSO ACCELERATED TWO ADDITIONAL TIMES. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER WHO ADVISED HER TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHO STATED THAT THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 15,500.

Look up ODI 10367752 at NHTSA ↗

4527.6%
ODI 10681801 · 71,000 mi

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN REVERSING AND TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL, THERE WAS A LOUD ABNORMAL NOISE AND THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHO REPLACED THE SPIRAL CABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 71,000.

Look up ODI 10681801 at NHTSA ↗

531.3%
ODI 10855043 · 93,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, ANOTHER VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE REAR DRIVER SIDE DOOR OF THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED PRIOR TO THE FAILURE. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, BUT THE TECHNICIAN WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 93,000.

Look up ODI 10855043 at NHTSA ↗

29160.2%
ODI 10552113 · 44 mi

PULLING INTO A PARKING SPACE, I FELT A CLICK VIBRATION ON THE STEERING COLUMN AND THEN A MESSAGE FLASHED ON THE DASH SCREEN: AIRBAG: ERROR NONE OF THE ELECTRONIC SWITCHES ON THE STEERING COLUMN FUNCTION, NO AIRBAG AVAILABILITY, NO HORN. I TOOK IT TO THE ONION CREEK DEALERSHIP IN AUSTIN, TX AND THEY QUICKLY FOUND WHAT WAS A QUICK, BUT EXPENSIVE FIX CAN BE DONE. $700 TO FIX. WHEN I INQUIRED THAT THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE AND REQUESTED THEY COVER THE COST, THEY BALKED. I CONTACTED VW USA, THEY EVENTUALLY AGREED TO COVER 75% OF THE COST, THEN L…

Look up ODI 10552113 at NHTSA ↗

37249.7%
ODI 10498037 · 1,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT (N/A). THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, A VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE. THE CRASH FORCED THE VEHICLE INTO A CONCRETE WALL. A SECOND VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO CRASH INTO THE WALL A SECOND TIME. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE POLICE REPORTED TO THE SCENE AND A REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE AWAY FROM THE SCENE AND SOUGHT MEDICAL ATTENTION AT THE HOSPITAL. T…

Look up ODI 10498037 at NHTSA ↗

34658.2%
ODI 10818403 · 57,500 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A CLICKING AND POPPING NOISE WHENEVER THE STEERING WHEEL WAS TURNED. THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED, WHICH NOTIFIED THE CONTACT OF AN AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT FAILURE; HOWEVER, THE CONTACT WAS NOT INVOLVED IN A COLLISION. THE CONTACT CONTINUED TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE WHEN THE CONTROLS ON THE STEERING WHEEL MALFUNCTIONED. THE CONTACT PARKED THE VEHICLE AND CALLED THE DEALER WHO INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS EXPERIENCING A FRACTURED CLOC…

Look up ODI 10818403 at NHTSA ↗

8635.4%
ODI 10744958

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. WHILE DRIVING AT A LOW SPEED, THE DRIVER SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED INADVERTENTLY. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE SPUN AND THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO A TREE. THE CONTACT WAS UNCONSCIOUS AT THE SCENE AND WAS UNABLE TO IDENTIFY THE INJURIES SUSTAINED. THE CONTACT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE CONTACT WAS UNSURE IF A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTO BODY REPAIR CENTER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.

Look up ODI 10744958 at NHTSA ↗

2220.8%
ODI 10993193 · 11,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH AND ATTEMPTING TO MAKE A LEFT TURN, ANOTHER VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE OF THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE PASSENGER IN THE REAR PASSENGER SEAT SUSTAINED WHIPLASH AND INJURIES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A COLLISION CENTER AND WAS CURRENTLY BEING REPAIRED FOR THE BODY DAMAGE. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE DRIVER'S SIDE VIEW MIRROR INDICATOR FAILED TO DETECT THE …

Look up ODI 10993193 at NHTSA ↗

2724.5%
ODI 11062894 · 20,000 mi

FAILED STEERING WHEEL CLOCK SPRING ON A 2017 VEHICLE THAT HAS BEEN DRIVEN 20,000 MILES OVER 14 MONTHS. AFTER BEING PARKED FOR APPROX 40 MINS, PULLING OUT OF A PARKING SPOT MY STEERING WHEEL MAKE POPPING/CLICKING SOUNDS AND IMMEDIATELY THE AIRBAG ERROR SENSORS WENT OFF ALONG WITH MY SERVICE VEHICLE WARNING. UPON TURNING OUT OF THE PARKING LOT THE STEERING WHEEL MADE A FEW ADDITIONAL POPS/CLICKS. IMMEDIATELY DROVE TO THE DEALERSHIP WHERE THEY DIAGNOSED THE STEERING WHEEL CLOCK SPRING ISSUE. THE DEALERSHIP DID NOT HAVE A PART ON HAND AND H…

Look up ODI 11062894 at NHTSA ↗

48.9%
ODI 11387703 · 49,900 mi

WHILE REVERSING IN MY DRIVEWAY, MY DASH LIGHTS UP WITH WARNING: ACC ERROR AND WARNING : AIRBAG ERROR AND STAYED WHILE I WAS PARKED AND KEPT MY CAR STATIONARY. THE NEXT DAY IT SHOWED UP AGAIN AND I AM WORRIED ABOUT MY AIRBAG DEPLOYING ON ME WHILE DRIVING AND CAUSING AN ACCIDENT. I AM WORRIED ALSO THAT MY AIRBAG MIGHT NEVER GO OFF AND THESE CODES DAMAGE SOMETHING ELSE INTERNALLY IN THE CAR.

Look up ODI 11387703 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

422.2%
ODI 11522933

HELLO MY DOUGHTER HAD A ACCIDENT CAR WAS TOTAL LOSS AND AIR BAGS DID NOT POP UP AND SEAT BELT WAS NOT TIGHT ENOUGH

Look up ODI 11522933 at NHTSA ↗

316.7%
ODI 11604412

The forward collision was not working on my car when someone pulled down in front of me and I hit the wall so I wouldn’t hit them.

Look up ODI 11604412 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Electrical System
2011.9%
ODI 10308290

2008 VW PASSAT WAGON. THIS CAR WHILE PARKED, RUNNING AND OCCUPIED, IN A GARAGE HAD A FIRE WHOSE POINT OF ORIGIN WAS THE AREA OF THE DRIVER'S SEAT. THE FIRE INVESTIGATION DETERMINED THE CAUSE TO BE ACCIDENTAL MECHANICAL. THE FIRE CAUSED SIGNIFICANT DAMAGE TO A SINGLE FAMILY HOME, DAMAGE ESTIMATED AT ABOUT $200,000 ALSO ONE OCCUPANT OF THE HOME HAD TO BE TRANSPORTED BY EMS FOR SMOKE INHALATION. THE DRIVER OF THE CAR STATED SHE TO LEAVE. SHE PLACED THE 5 YEAR OLD IN THE CHILD SEAT OF THE VOLKSWAGEN AND OPENED THE GARAGE DOOR. SHE STARTED…

Look up ODI 10308290 at NHTSA ↗

1711.6%
ODI 10293315 · 12,871 mi

FAILURE OF KEY (FOB OR WHAT EVER VW CALLS IT) TO START VEHICLE WHEN INSERTED IN IGNITION SWITCH. THIS FAILURE HAS OCCURRED TWICE AND RESULTED IN IGNITION SWITCH NEEDING TO BE REPLACED BY DEALER. ON THE SECOND OCCURRENCE THE KEY ITSELF SHORTED OUT AND WOULD NOT ALLOW ME TO OPEN POWER DOORS; HOWEVER, THE KEY WOULD ALLOW ME TO OPEN THE POWER REAR HATCH SO THAT I COULD CRAWL THROUGH CAR TO UNLOCK DOORS. TODAY THE OTHER KEY STARTED ACTING UP FOR MY WIFE AND WOULD NOT ALLOW HER TO UNLOCK DOORS AND SHE HAD TO CRAWL THROUGH CAR TO UNLOCK DOORS. THE…

Look up ODI 10293315 at NHTSA ↗

1811.0%
ODI 10371410 · 23,101 mi

DRIVING ON 267 EAST VIRGINIA IN MORNING PARKING BRAKE INDICATOR LIGHT CAME THEN CAR IMMEDIATELY WAS UNABLE TO ACCELERATE AND SHUT DOWN CAUSING NEAR LIFE ENDING ACCIDENT, NAVIGATED TO SIDE OF TOLL ROAD BASED ON FORWARD MOTION IN CAR AT WHICH TIME CAR COMPLETELY SHUT OFF AND WAS UNABLE TO START. VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO LOCAL DEALERSHIP. AT TIME OF PICK UP ASS SERVICE MANAGER AT VW INDICATED THEY ARE AWARE THIS IS OCCURRING BUT HAVE NOT ISSUED A FULL RECALL. WHILE ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AFTER ALMOST BEING IN A TRAGIC ACCIDENT CAR WAS ALMOST CLIPP…

Look up ODI 10371410 at NHTSA ↗

425.0%
ODI 10643842 · 77,000 mi

THE RCD-510 PREMIUM 8 RADIO WITH BLUETOOTH CELL PHONE CONNECTIVITY COMPLETELY FAILED IN MY 2011 JETTA SPORTWAGON TDI MANUFACTURES IN 2010 AT ABOUT 3 1/2 YEARS AND 77K MILES. RADIO WAS FINE ONE DAY AND BLACK SCREEN WITH NO FUNCTION AT ALL THE NEXT INCLUDING THE BLUETOOTH AND HANDS FREE CALLING CAPABILITIES WHICH ARE BUILT INTO THE RADIO. THIS FAILIURE RESULTS IN ANY USE OF A PHONE WHILE DRIVING REQUIRING THE USE OF HANDS, WHICH IS DANGEROUS AS WELL AS ILLEGAL IN MANY STATES THROUGHOUT THE US. OTHERWISE, PULLING OFF OF THE ROAD TO PLACE/RECEIVE…

Look up ODI 10643842 at NHTSA ↗

9319.3%
ODI 10446884 · 8 mi

VEHICLE DOE NOT SHOW THE TRUE SPEED OF THE CAR. SPEEDOMETER IS OFF BY 7-8 KMH. @ 100 KMS. VW DOES NOT ACCEPT THAT THERE IS ANY PROBLEM AND WILL NOT FIX THE PROBLEM. *TR

Look up ODI 10446884 at NHTSA ↗

9212.3%
ODI 10504475 · 200 mi

THE REAR VIEW CAMERA TAKES 10-15 SECONDS TO START UP NEGATING THE SAFETY IT IS SUPPOSED TO PROVIDE. VW USA NOTIFIED AND WERE NOT HELPFUL AND SAID THEY'VE NEVER HEARD OF THIS PROBLEM.

Look up ODI 10504475 at NHTSA ↗

7312.3%
ODI 10557701 · 250 mi

PURCHASED 2014 FULLY LOADED PASSAT ON 10/26/13, SAFETY ISSUE WITH CAR DUE TO MY 1.5 HR DAILY COMMUTE. EXTREMELY POOR QUALITY WHEN USING BLUETOOTH THROUGH CARE STEREO, NOT RECOGNIZING NAMES ON IPHONE 4S CAUSING DRIVER TO REMOVE EYES FROM ROAD TO LOOK UP NUMBER WHICH IS A MAJOR DISTRACTION ESPECIALLY DURING NIGHT DRIVING. *TR

Look up ODI 10557701 at NHTSA ↗

4418.1%
ODI 10713741

I HAVE PERSONALLY INSPECTED MANY 2015 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT'S AND FOUND AN ISSUE PERTAINING TO THE ALARM SYSTEM. WHEN THE VEHICLES ALARM IS SET OFF, THERE IS A SPLIT SECOND WAY TO BYPASS THIS AND AID MOTOR VEHICLE THEFT AS WELL AS THEFT OF PERSONAL ITEMS IN THE VEHICLE. WHEN THE ALARM HAS BEEN SOUNDED, AN INDIVIDUAL CAN DEPRESS THE FLASHER BUTTON IN THE CENTER OF THE DASH AND PRESS IT ONCE MORE TO SHUT THE EMERGENCY FLASHERS OFF, THIS WILL BYPASS AND DEACTIVATE THE VEHICLES FACTORY ALARM SYSTEM, THUS OPENING THE VEHICLE UP TO A HIGHER POTENTIAL OF …

Look up ODI 10713741 at NHTSA ↗

2220.8%
ODI 10850473 · 6,000 mi

TODAY, I HAVE A BIG PROBLEM WITH MY PASSAT, I ARRIVED TO MY OFFICE THIS MORNING , AND I WAS CALLING BY PHONE WITH OTHER, BEFORE CLOSE THE DOOR OF MY CAR, AND I FORGOT TO PUSH THE BOTTOM TO SWITCH OFF THE ENGINE, ALL DAY I WAS WORKING IN MY OFFICE, AND AFTER I LEFT FROM MY COMPANY, AND BACK AT HOME, THE CAR WAS WITHOUT GAS, BECAUSE ALL THIS TIME WAS ON ALL THIS TIME, I CAN BELIEVE THAT THE CAR ALARM SYSTEM NEVER SWITCH OFF THE ENGINE. I HAVE A BIG COMPLAIN OF THIS ONE, AND I WOULD LIKE TO RETURN MY CAR TO VW, THEY NEVER TOLD ME IN VW DEALER T…

Look up ODI 10850473 at NHTSA ↗

1816.4%
ODI 11012599 · 90,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT LEASES A 2017 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN REVERSE, THE REAR BACKUP CAMERA FAILED TO DISPLAY ON THE MONITOR. THE REARVIEW CAMERA SYSTEM WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO ESSERMAN INTERNATIONAL (LOCATED ON 10455 NW 12TH ST, MIAMI, FL 33172) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED AN ELECTRICAL FAILURE. THE BACKUP CAMERA WAS REPLACED AND THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE CASE WAS BEING REVIEWED AND AN UPDATE…

Look up ODI 11012599 at NHTSA ↗

817.8%
ODI 11258428

I HAD REPORTED THE ISSUE TO VW VERBALLY AND SERVICE DEPARTMENT BASICALLY ADVISED I WILL HAVE TO PLACE IT ON THE MACHINE TO RUN A DIAGNOSTIC TEST THAT IS NOT COVERED. I DID NOT HAVE THE FUNDS BUT THEY SAID IF IT HAPPENED AGAIN LET THEM KNOW. IT DID SEVERAL OCCASIONS AFTER THAT ALL THE WAY UP UNTIL 3 DAYS AGO AS OF 09.26.19. IT IS KINDA HARD TO REPORT THINGS TO WEST BROAD VOLKSWAGEN SERVICE DEPARTMENT WHEN THEY ARE RUDE AND UNFRIENDLY AND MAKE A CUSTOMER UNCOMFORTABLE. I LIKE ONLY SPEAKING TO MR. FRANK IN SALES WHEN I HAVE AN ISSUE BECAUSE HE GOE…

Look up ODI 11258428 at NHTSA ↗

433.3%
ODI 11228401 · 2,025 mi

SPEEDOMETER READS 2 MPH LOWER THAN ACTUAL SPEED AT 70 MPH AS MEASURED BY RADAR INSTRUMENTS ON ROAD AND MY GPS WHICH READS THE SAME AS THE RADAR. I ALSO AM DRINKING A LOANER VEHICLE OF THE SAME MAKE AND MODEL AND READS 1 MPH SLOWER AT 70 MPH. ALSO HAVE HAD MANY PROBLEMS WITH THE VEHICLE AIR CONDITIONING. THEY ALSO LIED ABOUT THE FUEL ECONOMY POSTED ON THE WINDSHIELD. IT IS CONSISTENTLY LOWER THAN THE MILEAGE LISTED BOTH FOR CITY, HIGHWAY, AND AVERAGE. THIS IS ALSO TRUE ON THE LOANER VEHICLE. ALMOST LIKE THE DIESEL EMISSIONS PROBLEM THEY HA…

Look up ODI 11228401 at NHTSA ↗

316.7%
ODI 11535970

My clock spring isn’t working after having my vehicle for barely a year. My air bag light is currently on. I can’t use my horn nor use any of the controls on my steering wheel. I’ve paid already 800 plus on previous car issues such as my harness hose. I’m still awaiting reimbursement. Further review and assistance needed.

Look up ODI 11535970 at NHTSA ↗

316.7%
ODI 11549058

I have encountered severe and unresolved issues with the vehicle, and despite multiple visits to Serramonte VW dealership, the problems persist. I leased this car from VW Serramonte on 8/29/2021, and their contact information is as follows: Serramonte Volkswagen 711 Serramonte Blvd. Colma, CA 94014 (650) 756- 9000 www.serramontevw.com To provide context, the vehicle began experiencing unresolved electrical problems at just 7,000 miles. Despite repeated attempts for repairs at the dealership, these issues persist. Additionally, at only 9,000…

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323.1%
ODI 11460642 · 90 mi

The contact owns a 2022 Volkswagen Passat. The contact stated that whenever the vehicle was parked, all 4 doors would automatically unlock. There were no warning lights on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer and diagnosed with no failure being found. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 90.

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Engine
4325.6%
ODI 10460693 · 40,000 mi

WHILE PARKED IN THE LOT, THE ENGINE AREA CAUGHT ON FIRE AND BURNED THE FRONT HALF OF THE CAR BEFORE THE FIRE DEPARTMENT PUT IT OUT. *TR

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6041.1%
ODI 10459290 · 25,000 mi

THIS WAS A VERY DANGEROUS EXPERIENCE. AFTER STOPPED AT ONE TRAFFIC LIGHT, THE ENGINE WAS TOTAL SHUT DOWN WHEN I PRESS THE ACCELERATION PEDAL. CAR STOPPED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD RIGHT AFTER THE CAR MADE THE LEFT TURN. THEN I RESTARTED THE ENGINE, IT SEEMED NORMAL, BUT AFTER ONLY 300 YARDS WHEN I HIT THE GAS PEDAL, THE ENGINE STALKED AGAIN. CAR JUST PARKED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD. I RESTARTED THE ENGINE AGAIN, THIS TIME THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS ON, AND SAME PROBLEM HAPPENED AFTER THE CAR BARELY RAN OVER 400 YARDS. I FINALLY DROVE TO HOME W…

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4125.2%
ODI 10490708 · 70,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT CC. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO JERK VIOLENTLY AND THE ENGINE STALLED WITHOUT ANY WARNING. UPON RESTARTING, THE VEHICLE RESUMED NORMALLY. THE FAILURE RECURRED CONTINUOUSLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHO WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE DEFECT. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.

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637.5%
ODI 10928756 · 75,000 mi

AN EMAIL I SENT TO DARCARS/ SILVER SPRING: IN JUNE OF 2016, I NOTICED MY CAR "PUTTERING" AND ALMOST STALLING OUT. A FEW DAYS LATER, MY ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON. I IMMEDIATELY CHECK THE OIL LEVEL, WHICH WERE GOOD. I THEN BELIEVE THERE TO BE AN ISSUE WITH THE MUFFLER, OR MANIFOLD. IN JUNE OF 2016, I BROUGHT MY CAR IN TO DARCARS DUE TO THE ENGINE LIGHT BEING ON. WITHIN A COUPLE HOURS, I WAS TOLD THERE WAS AN ISSUE WITH A VALVE (UNCLEAR INFORMATION PROVIDED BY THE RECEPTIONIST) UNDER THE HOOD. THE ACTION PROVIDED WAS UNDER WARRANTY, SO I HAD T…

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408.3%
ODI 10466962 · 1,052 mi

IN THE MORNING, I WENT DOWNSTAIRS TO MY 2012 VW PASSAT S. I NOTICED A POOL OF FLUID THAT SMELLED LIKE GASOLINE ON THE ASPHALT UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE. I ENTERED THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE AND TURNED THE KEY FROM THE OFF TO ON POSITION. WHEN I TURNED THE KEY TO ON, A SOUND OF DRAINING FLUID COULD BE HEARD AND A STRONG ODOR OF GASOLINE COULD BE SMELLED. I ATTEMPTED TO START THE CAR, AND IT DOES TURN OVER, BUT WILL NOT START. I DECIDED NOT TO ATTEMPT TO START IT AGAIN, AFRAID THAT THE IGNITION WOULD START A FIRE. SINCE THIS OCCURRED ON A SUNDAY …

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10413.9%
ODI 10497969 · 6,703 mi

DRIVING MY PASSAT TURBO DIESEL ON I-81 NOTED A LOSS IN POWER; DROVE THE CAR HOME (ABOUT ANOTHER 3 MILES) AND NOTED A STRANGE HUMMING SOUND FROM UNDER THE HOOD. NEXT DAY THE SOUND WAS STILL THERE, WITH A BLINKING GLOW PLUG LIGHT AND THE ENGINE LIGHT WAS ON. SPOKE WITH DEALER AND CAR WAS TOWED IN; TWO WEEKS LATER THE CAR WAS BACK WITH A NEW TURBO IN IT. *TR

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7713.0%
ODI 10572573 · 10,500 mi

EXITING INTERSTATE AND MERGING ONTO STATE ROUTE, VEHICLE LOST POWER, COULD NOT MAINTAIN SPEED IN TRAFFIC. TOWED TO DEALER NEXT DAY, FOUND TURBOCHARGER HAD FAILED WITH NO WARNING. *TR

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5321.8%
ODI 10808430 · 35 mi

WHEN YOU ACCELERATE THE AUTOMOBILE THE CAR HESITATES UP TO 10 SECONDS AND LOOSES POWER, POWER RETURNS AFTER THE 1 THROUGH 10 SECONDS. THIS HAPPENS AT VARIOUS POINTS; ON ROLLING HIGHWAY WHILE MAKING A PASS OF ANOTHER CAR; CHANGING LANES ON THE HIGHWAY AND ACCELERATING, AT DEAD STOP FROM EITHER A STOP SIGN OR STOP LIGHT. I HAPPENS IN CITY DRIVING, LOCAL STREETS AND JUST ABOUT ANYWHERE ONE DRIVES AND OCCURS AS HESITATION FOR 1 TO 10 SECONDS, THE RPM'S DROP FROM WHERE EVER THEY ARE ORIGINALLY TO ALMOST ZERO, BUT THE CAR DOES NOT STALL, ONCE THE AC…

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1716.0%
ODI 10869926

2016 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO ATTEMPTS TO ACCELERATE IN TRAFFIC CAUSES VEHICLE TO PAUSE, FOLLOWED BY EXTREME SURGE OF POWER (THE TURBO PAUSE). *SMD

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76.4%
ODI 11123178 · 32,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE VEHICLE UNINTENTIONALLY LOST POWER AND SHUT OFF. AFTER WAITING A WHILE, THE VEHICLE RESTARTED AND OPERATED NORMALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO COMMONWEALTH VOLKSWAGEN (1 COMMONWEALTH DR, LAWRENCE, MA 01841, [phone removed]), BUT THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 32,000.

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1124.4%
ODI 11156844 · 6,700 mi

MY CAR IS UNDER 7000 MILES, DON'T EVEN HAVE THE FIRST SCHEDULE OIL CHANGE AND EXPERIENCE EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION. I HAVE TAKEN IT TO THE CAR DEALER AND JUST TOP OFF THE OIL. SOMETHING IS WRONG WITH THE ENGINE.

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216.7%
ODI 11289555 · 9 mi

VEHICLE WAS SOLD WITH REMOTE START FEATURE. DEALER AND SALESMAN KNEW THE REMOTE START DID NOT WORK. THIS WAS A SELLING POINT ON THE CAR. THEY KEEP PUTTING OFF FIXING THE ISSUE WITH THE CAR.

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422.2%
ODI 11360430 · 2,000 mi

PARK ASSIST NOT AVAILBLE. LOSS OF ENGINE POWER ON LEFT OR RIGHT TURN

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15.6%
ODI 11742775

I am requesting that Volkswagen open a formal case regarding a fire involving my 2021 Volkswagen Passat. On May 6, 2026, at approximately 9:30 PM, after driving about seven miles, I came to a complete stop and the vehicle began smoking before catching fire. The vehicle has been declared a total loss and is currently being stored at a salvage yard pending investigation. I am requesting that Volkswagen investigate the cause of the fire and advise whether an inspection of the vehicle will be conducted.

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323.1%
ODI 11566743

I keep adding oil and the dealership says there’s nothing wrong. For electric problems the speakers have static noise and the screen goes black and turns on hours later. I took in my recently they said there wasn’t any problems with the car but I literally deal with it everyday. I told them my car shakes when I brake on high speed they said they checked car but found no issues I personally do not feel safe driving my car at all.

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Fuel/Propulsion System
4426.2%
ODI 10473624 · 68,000 mi

COMING HOME FROM THE GROCERY STORE MY WIFE NOTICED A FUEL SMELL COMING FROM THE BACK SEAT. I REMOVED THE BACK SEAT TO SEE A ACCESS PANEL TO THE FUEL TANK. I REMOVED THE RUBBER CAP AND SAW THE TOP HOUSING OF THE FUEL PUMP, WHICH IS PLASTIC, HAD A CRACK AND FUEL WAS SPRAYING OUT OF THE CRACK. CALLED DEALERSHIPS IN AZ AND THEY ALL SAID THE SAME THING, NO FUEL PUMPS AVAILABLE IN THE UNITED STATES. THEY HAVE DISCONTINUED THE PART # 3C0919051AG AND REPLACED IT WITH 3C0919051AM. WHY DID THEY HAVE ALL DEALERSHIPS RETURN THAT PART AND NO RECALL WAS ISSU…

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4631.5%
ODI 10459290 · 25,000 mi

THIS WAS A VERY DANGEROUS EXPERIENCE. AFTER STOPPED AT ONE TRAFFIC LIGHT, THE ENGINE WAS TOTAL SHUT DOWN WHEN I PRESS THE ACCELERATION PEDAL. CAR STOPPED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD RIGHT AFTER THE CAR MADE THE LEFT TURN. THEN I RESTARTED THE ENGINE, IT SEEMED NORMAL, BUT AFTER ONLY 300 YARDS WHEN I HIT THE GAS PEDAL, THE ENGINE STALKED AGAIN. CAR JUST PARKED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD. I RESTARTED THE ENGINE AGAIN, THIS TIME THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS ON, AND SAME PROBLEM HAPPENED AFTER THE CAR BARELY RAN OVER 400 YARDS. I FINALLY DROVE TO HOME W…

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2515.3%
ODI 10495065 · 34,441 mi

WHEN DRIVING THE CAR IT SHUDDERS SLIGHTLY AND THEN STALLS (REGARDLESS OF SPEED). TWICE AT LOW SPEED (15MPH MAX) AND ONCE AT HIGHER SPEED (45MPH). IN TRAFFIC THIS COULD MEAN A REAR END COLLISION. *TR BEFORE THIS HAPPENED THERE WERE A FEW TIMES ON THE ROAD WHERE THE CAR SHUDDERED AS IS IT WAS ABOUT TO STALL.

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318.8%
ODI 10928756 · 75,000 mi

AN EMAIL I SENT TO DARCARS/ SILVER SPRING: IN JUNE OF 2016, I NOTICED MY CAR "PUTTERING" AND ALMOST STALLING OUT. A FEW DAYS LATER, MY ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON. I IMMEDIATELY CHECK THE OIL LEVEL, WHICH WERE GOOD. I THEN BELIEVE THERE TO BE AN ISSUE WITH THE MUFFLER, OR MANIFOLD. IN JUNE OF 2016, I BROUGHT MY CAR IN TO DARCARS DUE TO THE ENGINE LIGHT BEING ON. WITHIN A COUPLE HOURS, I WAS TOLD THERE WAS AN ISSUE WITH A VALVE (UNCLEAR INFORMATION PROVIDED BY THE RECEPTIONIST) UNDER THE HOOD. THE ACTION PROVIDED WAS UNDER WARRANTY, SO I HAD T…

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326.6%
ODI 10466962 · 1,052 mi

IN THE MORNING, I WENT DOWNSTAIRS TO MY 2012 VW PASSAT S. I NOTICED A POOL OF FLUID THAT SMELLED LIKE GASOLINE ON THE ASPHALT UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE. I ENTERED THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE AND TURNED THE KEY FROM THE OFF TO ON POSITION. WHEN I TURNED THE KEY TO ON, A SOUND OF DRAINING FLUID COULD BE HEARD AND A STRONG ODOR OF GASOLINE COULD BE SMELLED. I ATTEMPTED TO START THE CAR, AND IT DOES TURN OVER, BUT WILL NOT START. I DECIDED NOT TO ATTEMPT TO START IT AGAIN, AFRAID THAT THE IGNITION WOULD START A FIRE. SINCE THIS OCCURRED ON A SUNDAY …

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658.7%
ODI 10573876 · 43,000 mi

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

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477.9%
ODI 10678457 · 9,700 mi

WHEN DRIVING CAR LOSS OF POWER HAD TOWED TO VW DEALER TURBO FAILURE WITH JUST 9700 MILES. *TR

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218.6%
ODI 10775469 · 4,300 mi

VEHICLE LOST POWER AND STOPPED. WOULD NOT RESTART. MILLER OIL CO. TESTED FUEL IN TANK WITH NO ISSUE. VW OF AMERICA TESTED FUEL IN CAR AND FOUND LUBRICITY WEAR DIAMETER SCARING OF 557 MICRO METERS 37 MICRO METERS OUT OF SPEC. $10K TO REPLACE FUEL SYSTEM.

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1514.2%
ODI 11023647 · 5,000 mi

LIKE OTHER VOLKSWAGEN GROUP MODELS MY CAR HAS EXHIBITED A GASOLINE SMELL IN THE INTERIOR OF THE CAR. THE GASOLINE SMELL OCCURS BOTH WHEN THE CAR IS AT REST AND IN MOTION AND AT ALL TEMPERATURES. THE GASOLINE LEVEL DOES NOT SEEM TO EFFECT THE OCCURRENCE OF THE SMELL. THE LOCAL DEALER HAS BEEN UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THIS PROBLEM. I FIND THIS CURIOUS AS OTHER 2016 VOLKSWAGEN MODELS WITH THE SAME ENGINE HAVE BEEN RECALLED FOR THIS SAME ISSUE.

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65.5%
ODI 11112927 · 8,500 mi

ON FRIDAY THE 13 OF JULY 8 DAYS AFTER HAVING AN OIL CHANGE I STARTED MY CAR AND IT WAS MISS FIRING AND MY HUSBAND OPENED THE HOOD AND GAS AND COOLANT WAS SPRAYING ALL OVER. HE DISCONNECTED THE BATTERY..HAD IT TOWED TO DEALER AND THEY SAID IT WAS RODENT AND I WONDER IF THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM BECAUSE OUR OTHER VEHICLES HAVEN'T BEEN ATTACKED IN 18 YEARS OF LIVING HERE

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613.3%
ODI 11545705

First/only owner of a 2018 VW Passat GP r-line, scheduled maintenance intervals followed religiously and performed by VW; only filled with top tier fuel (mid/premium), no prev. indicator lights ever illuminated until ECM light (no accompanying warning lights) came on while driving at highway speed with Adaptive Cruise Control engaged. Immediate loss of power and shaking vibration upon any attempt to accelerate/change lanes to safely get off of roadway. Once off roadway, all systems shut down and engine turned off for several minutes. Restarted …

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18.3%
ODI 11307253 · 6,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2019 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE IDLED WITH THE EPC LIGHT AND THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. ADDITIONALLY, THE VEHICLE WAS BELABORED WHILE SHIFTING GEARS AND AT LOW SPEEDS. THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL SOUND COMING FROM THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER (HERITAGE VOLKSWAGEN CATONSVILLE 6624 BALTIMORE NATIONAL PIKE, BALTIMORE, MD 21228) FOR DIAGNOSIS AND REPAIRS. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE FUEL PUMP MODULE AND FUEL INJECTORS NEEDED TO BE REPL…

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211.1%
ODI 11571623

Car wasn’t pulling up the road the epc light came on had to have my vehicle rolled to the next dealer which was 36 miles from where I was. I was traveling from grapevine tx and it start acting up in Huntsville tx. Came out of pocket 1085.00 and that was with a discount for the fuel injector #3 My warranty expired 3000 miles ago. I am the first owner on my vehicle.

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00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

17.7%
ODI 11757658

Fuel smell in cabin lingering, strong fuel odor around passenger rear side, fuel cap area as well

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Steering
127.1%
ODI 10283560 · 56,000 mi

EXHAUST PIPE BROKE AT THE FLEX PIPE. HOT EXHAUST GAS BURNED THROUGH THE WIRING OF THE ELECTRONIC STEERING RACK. LOST STEERING AND THEN ENGINE SHUT OFF COMPLETELY AND NOT ABLE TO BE RESTARTED. EXHAUST PIPE, STEERING RACK & STEERING WIRING WAS REPLACED (WIRING NEEDS A HEAT-SHIELD TO PROTECT THE WIRING). *TR

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2013.7%
ODI 10379968 · 24,000 mi

LOSS OF POWER STEERING. STEERING GAUGE LIGHT TURNS ON, ALONG WITH ABS LIGHT, TRACTION LIGHT. STEERING WHEEL HARDENS AND IT IS UNABLE TO STEER VEHICLE. SECOND TIME THAT HAS OCCURRED. CRASH AVERTED DUE TO LOW SPEEDS. HAD THE INCIDENT OCCURRED MINUTES BEFORE DURING HIGHWAY DRIVE, CERTAIN ACCIDENT WOULD'VE BEEN UNAVOIDABLE. INCIDENT HAPPENED AT APPROX. 7000 MILES FIRST AND NOW AGAIN AT APPROX. 24K MILES. VEHICLE BEING REVIEWED. *TR

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138.0%
ODI 10397670 · 9,587 mi

HEARD A LOUD "WHIRRING" NOISE WHEN THE STEERING WHEEL WAS TURNED LEFT OR RIGHT WHEN CAR WAS STATIONARY - LIKE IT NEEDED STEERING FLUID - BUT IT DOES NOT USE FLUID. ALSO HAVING SPORADIC TROUBLE WITH THE CAR NOT STARTING WHEN THE KEY FOB WAS PUT INTO THE IGNITION. VW REPLACED CLOCK SPRING, STEERING RACK & PINION, AS WELL AS THE STEERING RACK 3 TIMES SO FAR. THE SECOND TIME THEY REPLACED THESE PARTS, THEY OBVIOUSLY DIDN'T TEST DRIVE IT. CARS FRONT TIRES MADE LOUD NOISE - LIKE I HAD ON SNOW TIRES. I BROUGHT IT BACK IN FOR STEERING NOISE (STILL) A…

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212.5%
ODI 10956488 · 66,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. WHILE REVERSING IN A PARKING AREA, A CRACKING SOUND WAS HEARD FROM THE STEERING WHEEL. IN ADDITION, THE POWER STEERING LOST POWER AND THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THAT THE ISSUE WAS RELATED TO A CLOCK SPRING RECALL. THE DEALER RESOLVED THE RECALL ISSUE, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED SIX MONTHS LATER. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND WAS ADVISED THAT DUE TO THE PREVIOUS RECALL REPAIR, THE VEHICLE COULD NOT BE REPAIRED AGAIN PER THE RECALL AND THE CONTACT W…

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459.3%
ODI 10508435 · 31 mi

CAR HAS CONSTANT PULL TO THE RIGHT. DRIVING REQUIRES CONSTANT PRESSURE TO THE LEFT ON STEERING WHEEL. CAR HAS BEEN TO DEALER 4 TIMES FOR ALIGNMENT AND ALTHOUGH THEY ADJUST IT, RIGHT PULL PERSISTS. SOMETIMES, STEERING HAS A FEEL AS THOUGH CAR IS ERRATIC. CAR NEVER SETTLES INTO TACKING IN A STRAIGHT LINE WHICH SEEMS VERY ODD AND POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS. APPARENTLY THIS IS A COMMON ISSUE AND VOLKSWAGEN CANNOT RECTIFY THE PROBLEM. *TR

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506.7%
ODI 10523998 · 1,000 mi

CAR OWNER WAS DRIVING AT APPROX. 60MPH REACHED ACROSS THE SEAT THE CAR SWERVED SHE OVER CORRECTED TWICE DUE TO VERY "TOUCHY" STEERING. THE CAR THEN CAREENED ACROSS FOUR LANES OF TRAFFIC, AND DOWN A 30FT EMBANKMENT BOUNCING OFF SEVERAL TREES. THEN STRIKING ONE HEAD ON WITH ENOUGH FORCE AS TO BEND AND PUSH BACK THE FRAME. NONE OF THE FIVE AIR BAGS THIS CAR IS FACTORY EQUIPPED WITH DEPLOYED. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED MANY BUMPS AND BRUISES ALONG WITH A SHATTERED ANKLE WHICH REQUIRED SURGERY TO PLACE TWO STEEL PLATES IN HER ANKLE. RECOVERY IS EXPECTED…

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447.4%
ODI 10575227 · 7 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ENGINE WAS SLOW TO START UPON DEPRESSING THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL AND WOULD ACCELERATE WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WOULD ALSO DRIFT TO THE RIGHT WHEN TRAVELING VARIOUS SPEEDS. ADDITIONALLY, THE STEERING WHEEL WAS NOT CENTERED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER, WHO DIAGNOSED THAT AN ALIGNMENT WAS NEEDED. THE DEALER REPLACED FOUR TIRES BUT THE FAILURE STILL RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE AUTHORIZED DEALER, WHO WAS THEN UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE PROBLE…

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2610.7%
ODI 10745924 · 380 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE VEERED TO THE RIGHT WITHOUT WARNING AT 25 MPH. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THEY DIAGNOSED THAT THE VEHICLE ALIGNMENT WAS NOT PROPER. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED HOWEVER THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 380.

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1917.9%
ODI 10861638 · 4,300 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 25 MPH, THE POWER STEERING AND THE POWER BRAKES SUDDENLY MALFUNCTIONED AND THE DRIVER WAS UNABLE TO IMMEDIATELY STEER OR STOP THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO REPLACED THE CAMSHAFT. THE VEHICLE LATER EXPERIENCED THE SAME FAILURE AND THE DEALER REPLACED THE VACUUM PUMP. NO FURTHER INFORMATION WAS AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 4,300.

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1614.5%
ODI 11062894 · 20,000 mi

FAILED STEERING WHEEL CLOCK SPRING ON A 2017 VEHICLE THAT HAS BEEN DRIVEN 20,000 MILES OVER 14 MONTHS. AFTER BEING PARKED FOR APPROX 40 MINS, PULLING OUT OF A PARKING SPOT MY STEERING WHEEL MAKE POPPING/CLICKING SOUNDS AND IMMEDIATELY THE AIRBAG ERROR SENSORS WENT OFF ALONG WITH MY SERVICE VEHICLE WARNING. UPON TURNING OUT OF THE PARKING LOT THE STEERING WHEEL MADE A FEW ADDITIONAL POPS/CLICKS. IMMEDIATELY DROVE TO THE DEALERSHIP WHERE THEY DIAGNOSED THE STEERING WHEEL CLOCK SPRING ISSUE. THE DEALERSHIP DID NOT HAVE A PART ON HAND AND H…

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24.4%
ODI 11114454

MY VEHICLE ATTEMPTS TO STRAIGHTEN ITSELF OUT AS I'M GOING THROUGH A CURVE AND I ACTUALLY HAVE TO PUT MORE EFFORT THAN NECESSARY TO KEEP STEERING WHEEL APPROPRIATELY TURNED TO GO THROUGH THE CURVE ENTIRELY. ALSO WHILE GOING THROUGH A CURVE, IF ATTEMPT TO SLOW DOWN, MY BRAKES SEEM TO MAKE SOME TYPE OF SCRAPING SOUND AND I CAN FEEL THE SCRAPE OR VIBRATION OF THE PROBLEM THROUGH THE PEDAL. BOTH THESE ISSUES CAN AND HAVE OCCURRED WHILE TRAVELING AT A LOW SPEED SUCH AS 30 MPH OR AT HIGHER SPEED, SUCH AS 50-60 MPH. I HAVE HAD A FEW CLOSE CALLS WITH…

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18.3%
ODI 11278248 · 2,000 mi

CAR HESITATES ERRATICALLY AND UNPREDICTABLY WHEN ACCELERATING MOST NOTICEABLY FROM A DEAD STOP, AND AT SLOW SPEEDS WHILE TURNING. ATTEMPTING TO ACCELERATE FROM A STOP TO CROSS A STREET IN BUSY TRAFFIC THE CAR WILL JUST SIT UNRESPONSIVE FOR SECONDS AND BARELY ACCELERATE AND THEN UNPREDICTABLY ACCELERATE. DUE TO THE VEHICLE BEING THE R-LINE, IT DRIFTS ALL OVER THE ROAD. I HAVE HAD 4 WHEEL ALIGNMENTS ON THE CAR WITH ONLY 6400 MILES ON IT.

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211.1%
ODI 11535970

My clock spring isn’t working after having my vehicle for barely a year. My air bag light is currently on. I can’t use my horn nor use any of the controls on my steering wheel. I’ve paid already 800 plus on previous car issues such as my harness hose. I’m still awaiting reimbursement. Further review and assistance needed.

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211.1%
ODI 11427609

The assisted lane control is working terribly on my car and cannot be turned off permanently. The take over steering must be turned off before I drive the car every single time. It does not work properly. Last week I went to steer around a pothole and almost went in the ditch because the steering control was "fighting" with me to not let me steer where I needed to go. The previous incident I was trying to go around a cyclist and had to literally fight with my steering to keep it from hitting the biker. It is terrible. The dealer told me i…

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215.4%
ODI 11437106

The steering tightens up at times when decelerating between 30 - 42 mph. This has occurred three times now since purchase of the vehicle new. My vehicle database feedback notes no repairs needed; just check of vehicle at 20,000 miles and oil change at 10,000 miles. I am subscribed to the vehicle's car-net data monitoring system since purchase of the vehicle new from the dealership. The monitoring system notes GPS location, speed travelling, etc. When this steering condition occurs it is as if power to the steering is lost for about 0.7 -…

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Unknown Or Other
137.7%
ODI 10781388 · 36,000 mi

WATER IS ACCUMULATING ON THE CARPET OF THE PASSENGER SIDE...BOTH FRONT AND REAR... HAPPENS AFTER A RAINFALL. CARPETS GET SOAKED. NO OTHER VISIBLE WATER DAMAGE ON THE INTERIOR. VEHICLE DOES HAVE A MOON ROOF.

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96.2%
ODI 10583709 · 30,182 mi

FOR THE LAST 4 YEARS, I'VE BEEN DEALING WITH MAJOR MECHANICAL AND NON-MECHANICAL ISSUES WITH MY VOLKSWAGEN (VW) PASSAT 2009, WHICH I BOUGHT BRAND NEW IN 2008. VW'S MECHANICS FOUND THAT MY CAR HAD DEFECTIVE PARTS IN IT, WHICH WERE THERE FROM THE TIME I BOUGHT IT. I HAVE HAD SO MANY PROBLEMS WITH THE CAR THAT I DON'T TRUST IT, EVEN THOUGH VW'S MECHANICS SAID THEY'VE EITHER FIXED OR REPLACED THE BAD PARTS, BUT EACH TIME I'VE TAKEN IT IN FOR REPAIRS IN THE PAST, I'VE HAD THE SAME PARTS REPAIRED OR REPLACED OVER AND OVER. A SUMMARY OF THESE ISSUE…

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138.0%
ODI 10371410 · 23,101 mi

DRIVING ON 267 EAST VIRGINIA IN MORNING PARKING BRAKE INDICATOR LIGHT CAME THEN CAR IMMEDIATELY WAS UNABLE TO ACCELERATE AND SHUT DOWN CAUSING NEAR LIFE ENDING ACCIDENT, NAVIGATED TO SIDE OF TOLL ROAD BASED ON FORWARD MOTION IN CAR AT WHICH TIME CAR COMPLETELY SHUT OFF AND WAS UNABLE TO START. VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO LOCAL DEALERSHIP. AT TIME OF PICK UP ASS SERVICE MANAGER AT VW INDICATED THEY ARE AWARE THIS IS OCCURRING BUT HAVE NOT ISSUED A FULL RECALL. WHILE ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AFTER ALMOST BEING IN A TRAGIC ACCIDENT CAR WAS ALMOST CLIPP…

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212.5%
ODI 10984254

MY SENSOR LIGHTS KEEP COMING ON AS WELL AS OTHER LIGHTS. THIS CAR ALSO HAS TROUBLE WITH THE ABS BRAKE CONTROL. FOR IT TO BE AN 2011, I HAVE HAD MORE TROUBLE WITH IT AND ON TOP OF THAT, I'M STILL TRYING TO PAY IT OFF. I'M AM GOING TO UPLOAD WHAT THE MECHANIC STATES NEED TO BE REPAIRED. SOME OF THIS HAS TO BE A RECALL CALL ON FOR SAFETY REASONS

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316.4%
ODI 10746726

THE CAR WAS ON CRUISE CONTROL THEN ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND GLOW PLUG LIGHT STARTED FLASHING. ALSO A WINDING NOISE WAS HEARD WHEN ACCELERATING WHICH DID NOT ACCELERATE VERY WELL. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER AND THEY SAID IT WOULD NEED A TURBO WHICH WAS JUST REPLACED 20,000 MILES AGO, MECHATRONIC UNIT ,, AD BLUE HESTER KIT ,PARTICULATE FILTER PART . THE CAR IS 3 YEARS OLD I PUT ABOUT 35K MILES ON A YEAR. I SERVICE THE CAR RELIGIOUSLY NEVER HAVE MISSED REQUIRED SERVICE. OVER $6,000 DOLLAR REPAIR

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7710.3%
ODI 10573876 · 43,000 mi

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

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599.9%
ODI 10811216 · 15,000 mi

EXPLODING SUNROOF WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH IN NORMAL WEATHER CONDITIONS; GLASS WAS PUSHED OUTWARD.

Look up ODI 10811216 at NHTSA ↗

4016.5%
ODI 10764079 · 3,000 mi

ON THE 2015 VW PASSAT TDI THE HORN WILL NOT FUNCTION IF THE KEY ISN'T IN THE IGNITION. THEREFORE, IF A WOMAN OR CHILD IS IN DISTRESS AND NEED TO ALERT SOMEONE FOR HELP THAT PERSON CAN NOT DO SO IN THE MOST EFFICIENT MANNER WHICH WOULD BE TO BLOW THE HORN TO ALERT THE PUBLIC OR LAW ENFORCEMENT OF AN INCIDENT. EXAMPLE: IF A KID GETS LOCKED IN A CAR THEY CANT BLOW THE HORN TO NOTIFY SOMEONE. EXAMPLE: IF A WOMEN IS BEING ATTACKED OR THREATENED OF A ATTACK AND DROP HER KEYS OR IS STRUGGLING WITH SOMEONE IN HER CAR SHE CAN'T SOLICIT HELP.

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1312.3%
ODI 10864774 · 400 mi

I WAS SLOWING DOWN AND PULLING INTO A PARKING SPOT IN FRONT OF A RESTAURANT FOR LUNCH. MY 2016 VW PASST V6 SUDDENLY SWIRLED TO THE LEFT, JUMPED OVER CURBS, AND BUSTED ALL FOUR TIRES BECAUSE OF THE IMPACT. TOWED TO THE DEALER AND WAS TOLD THAT I COULD STEPPED ON GAS INSTEAD OF BREAK OT IT COULD BE THE PARKING ASSISTANCE TOOK OVER THE CONTROL OF THE CAR. WHEN THEY REPLACED MY TIRES,, THEY FOUND AN OPEN RECORD/CAMPAIGN AS DESCRIBED "96D6 2016-05-04 W-UPDATE - PARK ASSIST AND BLIND SPOT DETECTION (NVLW)." I AM NOT SURE WHAT THIS RECORD MEANS.…

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2119.1%
ODI 10994931 · 5,100 mi

I PREFACE THIS BY SAYING THIS IS MY FIRST KEYLESS CAR AND I DON'T LIKE IT. IT IS SOMETIMES CONFUSING AS TO WHETHER THE CAR IS RUNNING OR OFF AND THE IGNITION BUTTON LOOKS IDENTICAL IN BOTH SCENARIOS. ON JUNE 12, I PARKED MY CAR (IT WAS STATIONARY) AND TOOK MY DOG INTO HER DAY CARE CENTER. WHILE I WAS IN THERE, MY CAR APPARENTLY ROLLED OUT OF THE LOT AND CAME TO REST ON A SIDEWALK. THANKFULLY, NO ONE WAS INJURED AND ONLY THE BUMPER AND REAR LIGHT WERE IMPACTED. WHILE I THOUGHT I PUT THE CAR IN PARK, I MAY HAVE ACCIDENTALLY HAVE LEFT THE CAR I…

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36.7%
ODI 11299724

THE FRONT ASSIST DOES NOT WORK WHEN THERE IS BAD WEATHER WHETHER SNOW OR RAIN. IF WATER COVER THE VW EMBLEM. THIS IS WHEN YOU WOULD THIS FEATURE THE MOST

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18.3%
ODI 11289555 · 9 mi

VEHICLE WAS SOLD WITH REMOTE START FEATURE. DEALER AND SALESMAN KNEW THE REMOTE START DID NOT WORK. THIS WAS A SELLING POINT ON THE CAR. THEY KEEP PUTTING OFF FIXING THE ISSUE WITH THE CAR.

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422.2%
ODI 11360430 · 2,000 mi

PARK ASSIST NOT AVAILBLE. LOSS OF ENGINE POWER ON LEFT OR RIGHT TURN

Look up ODI 11360430 at NHTSA ↗

15.6%
ODI 11604412

The forward collision was not working on my car when someone pulled down in front of me and I hit the wall so I wouldn’t hit them.

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17.7%
ODI 11437106

The steering tightens up at times when decelerating between 30 - 42 mph. This has occurred three times now since purchase of the vehicle new. My vehicle database feedback notes no repairs needed; just check of vehicle at 20,000 miles and oil change at 10,000 miles. I am subscribed to the vehicle's car-net data monitoring system since purchase of the vehicle new from the dealership. The monitoring system notes GPS location, speed travelling, etc. When this steering condition occurs it is as if power to the steering is lost for about 0.7 -…

Look up ODI 11437106 at NHTSA ↗

Engine And Engine Cooling
84.8%
ODI 10254178 · 11,000 mi

1. SLOWING TO STOP AT RED LIGHT. 15 FEET BEHIND ANOTHER CAR THAT WAS STOPPED, AND WITH MY FOOT FIRMLY ON THE BRAKE, THE ENGINE REVVED TO TOP SPEED AND THE BRAKE DID NOT STOP THE CAR. I BUMPED THE STOPPED CAR, PUT THE CAR IN PARK AND TURNED OFF THE ENGINE. 2. NO DAMAGE TO EITHER CAR. POLICE WERE CALLED AND CAME OUT UNTIL TOW TRUCK ARRIVED. CAR TOWED TO DEALER WHERE THE CAR (9 MONTHS OLD AND 11000 MILES) WAS PURCHASED. 3. ONE WEEK LATER, THE DEALER SAID THEY COULD FIND NOTHING WRONG. THEY PAID FOR A RENTAL CAR FOR THE WEEK. I REFUSE TO DRI…

Look up ODI 10254178 at NHTSA ↗

32.1%
ODI 10357690 · 34,000 mi

PARKED CAR AND WENT INTO THE STORE TO SHOP AND APPROXIMATELY 10 MINUTES LATER SOMEONE SAID A CAR WAS ON FIRE AND THAT IT WAS A SILVER VW. MY HUSBAND WENT OUT AND FOUND THE WHOLE FRONT END ENGULFED IN FLAMES. *TR

Look up ODI 10357690 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

30.6%
ODI 10459414 · 32 mi

OUR NEW PASSAT HAS PROBLEM CONTROLLING THE CAR WHILE USING REVERSE ON A HILL. IT APPEARS THAT VW HAS TIED THE ACCELERATOR AND BRAKING FUNCTION TOGETHER IN A WAY THAT THE DRIVER MAY LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE WHILE IN REVERSE. IF THE BRAKE IS PRESSED, THE ACCELERATOR IS DISENGAGED THUS ALLOWING THE ENGINE FALL TO AN IDLE AND NOT DEVELOP ANY THRUST. IF THE DRIVER IS USING BOTH FEET TO CONTROL THE VEHICLE, LEFT FOOT ON THE BRAKE, RIGHT FOOT ON THE ACCELERATOR WHILE DEPRESSING THE BRAKE, THE ENGINE DEVELOPS NO POWER EVEN IF THE ACCELERATOR IS D…

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30.4%
ODI 10575113 · 15,150 mi

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 …

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20.3%
ODI 11487321 · 32,103 mi

The contact owns 2014 Volkswagen Passat. The contact stated that puddles of oil could be found on the ground after parking the vehicle. The contact also stated that while making a turn in either direction the vehicle would wobble causing him to lose control of the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated that the tread in the driver’s and passenger’s side front tires were wearing excessively. The contact stated that the front tires had been replaced multiple times; however, the failure persisted. The con…

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20.8%
ODI 10824180 · 3,800 mi

2015 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT ERRATIC SHIFTING AND BRAKES EITHER TOO SOFT AND WON'T STOP QUICKLY OR THEY LOCK UP AND I CAN'T MOVE THE VEHICLE. THE PROBLEMS ARE MOSTLY IN TOWN DRIVING, BUT ONCE OCCURRED IN HIGHWAY DRIVING GOING UP A HILL WHILE PASSING. IN THAT INCIDENT THE TACHOMETER WENT FROM 2 TO 5 AS THE CAR LURCHED FORWARD. WHILE AT A STOP LIGHT, THE ENGINE REVVED UP AS IF I WERE PRESSING THE ACCELERATOR, ALTHOUGH I WAS NOT. AFTER THE CAMSHAFT WAS REPLACED, PER THE RECALL, THE VEHICLE PERFORMED EVEN MORE POORLY THAN BEFORE. THE VEHICLE BEGAN SHAK…

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10.9%
ODI 11397873 · 45,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE CONTACT OVERHEARD AND ABNORMAL NOISE AS THE OIL WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT WAS APPROACHING A HILL AND ATTEMPTED TO DEPRESS THE BRAKE PEDAL WHICH FAILED TO ENGAGE PROPERLY. THE CONTACT APPLIED THE PARKING BRAKE TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE PASSENGER'S SIDE BRAKE PADS AND ROTOR WERE REPLACED. PRIOR TO THE FAILURE, THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN TAKEN TO HILEY VOLKSWAGEN OF HUNTSVILLE (694…

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00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

15.6%
ODI 11528305 · 7,000 mi

The contact owns a 2020 Volkswagen Passat. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle made abnormal sounds. The contact stated that the vehicle started independently, and the Driver Assist function engaged independently. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle was swerving unintendedly and would vibrate while driving. The vehicle was taken to the dealer several times; however, the dealer informed the contact that they could not duplicate the failure. The dealer later replaced the brake rotors; however, the failure…

Look up ODI 11528305 at NHTSA ↗

15.6%
ODI 11678501 · 37,995 mi

The contact owns a 2021 Volkswagen Passat. The contact stated that while stopped at a red traffic light, the engine stalled. The low oil pressure and the battery warning lights were illuminated. The contact was able to restart the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a local independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the piston ring and engine had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 37,995.

Look up ODI 11678501 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine
00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

10.7%
ODI 10327258 · 10,430 mi

THE VEHICLES MOTOR BEGAN MAKING AN IRREGULAR NOISE ( SOUNDED LIKE AN AIRPLANE ENGINE) BETWEEN 2-3RPMS AND THERE WAS SERIOUS VIBRATION THROUGH THE ENTIRE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE CHUGGED ALONG AT LOW SPEEDS AND THE STEERING WAS DIFFICULT AND NOT THAT RESPONSIVE. THERE WAS SERIOUS VIBRATION THROUGH THE VEHICLE WAS LEFT AT THE SERVICE CENTER ON FRIDAY AS IT WAS LATE IN THE DAY. UPON RETURNING ON MONDAY MORNING, THE TECHNICIAN INFORMED ME THAT THE MOTOR MOUNT BOLTS (TWO) WERE MISSING AND THE THREADS FOR EACH WAS COMPLETELY STRIPPED. THE MOTOR WAS …

Look up ODI 10327258 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Darker cells indicate a larger share of submitted complaints. Components overlap. This measures complaint composition, not failure probability.

Failure mileage by component

Median and middle 50% of usable owner-reported mileages. Ranges require at least five records.

Component failure mileage distribution
ComponentMileage range (25th–75th percentile)MedianUsable recordsExamples
Engine And Engine Cooling53,583–102,000 mi75,000 mi28
ODI 10143964 · 10,075 mi

I OWN A 2004 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT, WHICH I LEASE FROM VW. I WAS BACKING OUT OF MY DRIVEWAY AT NO MORE THAN THREE MILES PER HOUR INTO THE STREET. AS I CUT THE WHEEL TO KEEP THE VEHICLE ON MY SIDE OF THE TRAFFIC LANES, I RAN ASKEW OF THE DRIVEWAY AND OVER THE RISING EDGE WHERE THE DRIVEWAY RISES TO MEET THE CURB - A MERE 6". I HAVE PICTURES. I HEARD A FAINT SCRAPING NOISE AND LAMENTED THE FACT I SCRAPED THE BOTTOM OF THE CAR, BUT GIVEN THE MINISCULE HEIGHT OF THE DROP FROM MID-CURB EDGE TO THE STREET, I DIDN'T THINK ANYTHING OF IT AND PROCEEDED…

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ODI 10207035 · 62,000 mi

THE SLUDGE PROBLEM THAT IS COMMON IN VOLKSWAGEN 1.8 4 CYLINDER ENGINES HAS HAPPENED TO OUR CAR. THE DEALER HAS REPAIRED THE PROBLEM BUT VOLKSWAGEN REFUSES TO HONOR THE WARRANTY EVEN THOUGH WE HAVE JUMPED THROUGH EVERY HOOP THEY CAN THINK OF. THE LAST ONE IS THAT THEY WANTED THE VIN NUMBER PRINTED OUT ON EVERY OIL CHANGE RECEIPT. *TR

Look up ODI 10207035 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10216738 · 10,000 mi

1. NEW 2004 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT, V6 SEDAN. RETURNED CAR SEVERAL TIMES UNDER WARRANTY FOR MANY TYPES OF REPAIRS. VOLKSWAGEN UNABLE TO REPAIR CAR. BOTH THE DEALER AND VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA WERE MADE AWARE OF THE PROBLEMS. 2. SEVERAL FAILURES INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO: EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION, LOSS OF POWER AND ACCELERATION, TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS, FAILURE TO START, MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP CONSTANTLY ON, BRAKING PROBLEMS, CLIMATE CONTROL PROBLEMS, AND SEVERAL ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS INCLUDING FAILED BRAKE LIGHTS. 3. SEVERAL ATTEMPTS BY…

Look up ODI 10216738 at NHTSA ↗

Fuel/Propulsion System88,382–160,580 mi130,000 mi16
ODI 10464748 · 83,529 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE HE WAS AWAY, HE LEFT THE VEHICLE PARKED IN AN AIRPORT PARKING GARAGE. THE VEHICLE WAS LATER IMPOUNDED BY THE POLICE DUE TO FUEL LEAKAGE IN WHILE IT WAS PARKED. THE POLICE REPORTED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT SAFE TO BE PARKED IN THE GARAGE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THAT A HEAT SHIELD THAT MAY CONTACT THE EXHAUST SYSTEM COULD RESULT IN A VEHICLE FIRE. IN ADDITION, A FUEL LEAK FROM A FUEL LINE OR THE FUEL TANK VENTILATION VALVE IN THE PRESEN…

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ODI 10496613 · 103,000 mi

WE HAVE BEGUN TO NOTICE THE SMELL OF FUEL IN THE CABIN OF OUR CAR. THE SMELL OCCURS WHEN THE CAR IS FULL OF GAS; OTHERWISE, WITH A HALF TANK OF GAS, THERE ARE NO ODORS. THE CAR IS A 2004 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT GLS 1.8T 4MOTION WITH THE 5 SPEED AUTOMATIC. VW HAS MADE NO PROMISES TO REMEDY THIS ISSUE. *TR

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ODI 10497621 · 152,000 mi

FLASHING ENGINE LAMP/MIL LIGHT, VIOLENT SHAKING, LOSS OF ENGINE POWER, FOUL ODOR, MISFIRING, PINGING. *TR

Look up ODI 10497621 at NHTSA ↗

Power Train:Automatic Transmission1,238–83,525 mi22,500 mi18
ODI 10050028 · 300 mi

WHEN COMING TO A COMPLETE STOP OR WHILE CRUISING, THE VEHICLE LURCHES FORWARD. THE DEALER RECALIBRATED THE COMPUTER CHIP IN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL AND ALSO REPLACED THE TRANSMISSION CONTROL MODULE. AFTER THE REPAIRS, THE PROBLEM CONTINUED. *PH THE TRANSMISSION MADE A CLUNK NOISE, MALFUNCTIONED IN HEAVY TRAFFIC/HIGHWAY, AND A HARD SHIFT WAS PRESENT AT TIMES. *SC

Look up ODI 10050028 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10059936 · 30 mi

I HAVE A 2004 VW PASSAT WITH A SAFETY ISSUE IN TRANSMISSION. WHEN ACCELERATING FROM A STOP OR LOW SPEED THE CAR HESITATES AND THEN JUMPS. THE PROBLEM IS MOST SEVERE IN REVERSE GEAR. THE DEALERSHIP HAS NO RESOLUTION. AFTER CHANGING MULTIPLE PARTS THE PROBLEM STILL OCCURS. I HAVE TALKED WITH OTHER 2004 PASSAT AND TOUAREG OWNERS AND THEY HAVE THE SAME COMPLAINT, SO IT APPEARS TO BE AFFECTING MORE THAN A SINGLE VEHICLE. CAN THE NHTSA DO SOMTHING TO HELP VW OWNERS BY FORCING VW TO ACKNOWLEDGE THIS ISSUE AND FIND A RESOLUTION BEFORE SOMEONE GETS HUR…

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ODI 10074344 · 60 mi

WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS BEING SLOWED DOWN THE GEARS WOULD SLAM INTO PLACE. ALSO WHEN TRYING TO ACCELERATE, THE VEHICLE DIDNT RESPOND IMMEDIATELY. THIS PROBLEM HAS OCCURRED AT LEAST THIRTY TIMES SINCE BUYING THE VEHICLE IN MARCH. THE DEALER IS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM AND VW AMERICA IS WORKING ON A SOLUTION. *NM

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Fuel System, Gasoline77,750–102,500 mi95,000 mi20
ODI 10236359 · 65,000 mi

WHILE STOPPED AT LIGHT, CAR STALLED AND WOULD NOT START. FUEL PUMP FAILED. DEALER REPLACED FUEL PUMP TO FIX PROBLEM. VERY SIMILAR TO 07V375000 BUT FOR 2004 MODEL PASSAT. *TR

Look up ODI 10236359 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10236924 · 58,000 mi

IDENTICAL TO 07V375000, BUT 2004 NOT 2003 MODEL YEAR 1. NONE 2. FIRST TIME. 3. TOWED CAR TO DEALER, IDENTIFIED BROKEN FUEL PUMP. 3A. REPLACING FUEL PUMP. *TR

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ODI 10238321 · 52,663 mi

OUR 2004 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT FUEL PUMP FAILED AT AROUND 52,000 MILES WHICH CAUSED OUR CAR TO STOP DEAD IN THE ROAD. LUCKILY IT WASN'T ON A HIGH TRAFFIC ROAD. SINCE THERE WAS A FUEL PUMP RECALL IN 2003 FOR PASSATS, HOW DO I KNOW THAT ONE OF THOSE FUEL PUMPS DID NOT END UP IN OUR CAR? WHEN WE HAD THE DEALERSHIP REPLACE THE FUEL PUMP, THE FIRST ONE THEY PUT IN WAS DEFECTIVE. I ASKED THE DEALERSHIP FOR THE ORIGINAL PART , WHICH I HAVE. THE PART NUMBER IS 8E0 906 087E . PLEASE ADVISE. THANK YOU. *TR

Look up ODI 10238321 at NHTSA ↗

Seats:Front Assembly:Seat Heater/Cooler33,125–71,963 mi47,500 mi14
ODI 10114670 · 47,000 mi

AN INCIDENT OCCURED TODAY, MARCH 24TH, 2004 WHERE THE SEAT HEATER IN MY 2004 VW PASSAT BURNED THROUGH MY SEAT. I NOTICED IT WAS HOT AND TURNED IT OFF, AND THEN SMELT A BURING SMELL. WHEN I GOT TO WORK I SAW THE SMALL BURN HOLE IN MY SEAT, WHICH LOOKED LIKE A CIGARETTE BURN. AFTER CONTACTING THE DEALER THEY SAID THAT IF IT HAPPENS ON THE PASSENGER SEAT AFTER MY WARRANTY HAS EXPIRED THAT I WOULD BE LIABLE FOR THE COST OF THE REPLACEMENT SEAT. WHILE MY CLOTHES WERE NOT BURNED, MY SKIN DID HAVE A SUNBURN LIKE BURN IN THAT AREA.

Look up ODI 10114670 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10137176 · 32,500 mi

THE HEATED DRIVERS SEAT IN MY 2004 VW PASSAT CAUGHT ON FIRE AND BURNED THROUGH MY WIFE'S JEANS. THIS OCCURRED AFTER DRIVING ONLY 1/4 MILE. SHE FELT SOMETHING ON HER LEG AND WHEN SHE LOOKED DOWN THERE WAS SMOKE COMING OUT OF THE SEAT. SHE STOPPED AND GOT THE FIRE OUT, BUT IT HAD BURNED HER(LEFT A RED MARKON HER LEG),HER JEANS AND PUT A HOLE IN THE SEAT. THE LOCAL VW DEALER WAS CONTACTED AND MADE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM AND THEY ARE REPLACING THE DEFECTIVE PARTS ON THE DRIVER SEAT. HOWEVER, WHEN QUESTIONED ABOUT THE PASSENGER SEAT BEING DEFECT…

Look up ODI 10137176 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10153287 · 46,000 mi

AFTER STARTING MY 2004 VW PASSAT WITH THE HEATED SEAT TURNED TO 2 (ON A 1-5 DIAL) I STARTED TO SMELL A BURNING SMELL ALMOST IMMEDIATELY. AFTER DRIVING ABOUT 30 SECONDS I STARTED TO FEEL A SHARP PAIN IN THE BOTTOM OF MY UPPER LEG. AFTER DRIVING ABOUT 45 MORE SECONDS SMOKE STARTED TO SURROUND ME COMING UP FROM THE SEAT. AT THIS POINT I PULLED THE VEHICLE OVER AND GOT OUT. I COULD SEE A SPOT ON MY SEAT SMOLDERING AND SMOKING. I TURNED OFF MY HEATED SEAT AND THE SMOKING STOPPED AND THE SEAT COOLED OFF IN ABOUT ANOTHER 1-2 MINUTES. THERE REMAINED A …

Look up ODI 10153287 at NHTSA ↗

Engine83,000–142,500 mi117,000 mi15
ODI 10497621 · 152,000 mi

FLASHING ENGINE LAMP/MIL LIGHT, VIOLENT SHAKING, LOSS OF ENGINE POWER, FOUL ODOR, MISFIRING, PINGING. *TR

Look up ODI 10497621 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10497983 · 117,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH WHEN THE OIL PRESSURE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE MECHANIC STATED THERE WAS PRESSURE BUILDING UP IN THE OIL, CAUSING THE ENGINE TO SEIZE. THE MECHANIC ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE ENGINE WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 117,000.

Look up ODI 10497983 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10564317 · 74,934 mi

I NOTICED MY COOLANT RESERVOIR WAS LOW AND ADDED COOLANT. I HAD ALSO NOTICED THE SMELL OF COOLANT IN THE CAR. THE NEXT DAY I CHECK COOLANT LEVEL AGAIN IT WAS LOW WITH NO LEAKS NOTICED UNDER CAR. I OPENED REAR PASSENGER DOOR AND FOUND AT LEAST 1" OF COOLANT ON TOP OF THE CARPET. I STARTED LOOKING ONLINE FOR THIS ISSUE AND FOUND HUNDREDS OF PEOPLE THAT HAVE EXPERIENCED THIS ON VOLKSWAGEN. I THINK THEY SHOULD HAVE RECALLED THESE OR AT LEAST HAVE TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM CASE BY CASE. MY GRANDDAUGHTER HAS TO RIDE IN THE BACK OF THIS CAR AND I DON'T …

Look up ODI 10564317 at NHTSA ↗

Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine42,500–98,122 mi72,000 mi15
ODI 10144165 · 23,700 mi

MY 2004 VW PASSAT HAS 23,700 MILES ON IT WHEN THE STOP ENGINE LIGHT WENT ON. I HAD IT TOWED TO EAST COAST VW WHERE I HAD LEASED IT. THEY TOLD ME I HAVE THE WELL KNOWN 'ENGINE SLUDGE' PROBLEM AND IT WILL COST BETWEEN $2700 AND $5000 TO REPAIR IT. I WAS TOLD THAT I NEEDED MY OIL CHANGE HISTORY DOCUMENTATION. I PRODUCED 5 INVOICES FOR THE TIME I HAD THE CAR (DEC. 3, 2003). I WAS TOLD MY INVOICES WERE NOT GOOD ENOUGH AND VW WILL NOT HONOR MY WARRANTY. *JB

Look up ODI 10144165 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10180688 · 45,000 mi

VW PASSAT 2004 PURCHASED NEW FROM DEALER IN JAN. OF 2005. WE DID OUR OWN OIL CHANGES FOLLOWING THE MANUAL RECOMMENDED SCHEDULE AND OIL SPECIFICATIONS (EVERY 5,000 MILES 5W-30 OR 5W-40 REGULAR OR SYNTHETIC OIL). WE NEVER RECEIVED A LETTER FROM VW NOR THE DEALERSHIP ABOUT THE EXTENDED WARRANTY FOR THE KNOWN OIL SLUDGE PROBLEM NOR ANY NEW REQUIREMENTS FOR OIL CHANGES. MOST OF THE OIL CHANGES WERE DONE AT HOME AND RECORDED IN THE MANUAL; TWO WERE DONE OUTSIDE AND HAVE RECEIPTS. OIL PRESSURE LIGHT WENT ON AT ABOUT 45,000 MILES, CAR WAS TOWED TO D…

Look up ODI 10180688 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10181819 · 35,787 mi

MY CAR, A 2004 VW PASSAT GLX AUTOMATIC, HAS HAD A TRANSMISSION PROBLEM SINCE THE DAY I BOUGHT IT, WHEN THE SALESPERSON TOLD ME IT JUST NEEDED TO ADJUST TO MY DRIVING STYLE. MONTHS LATER, IT WAS CLEAR THAT IT WASN'T ADJUSTING TO MY DRIVING STYLE. I TOOK IT IN AND IT WAS "FIXED." ABOUT MAY OR JUNE OF 2006, IT BEGAN TO EXPERIENCE PROBLEMS AGAIN, E.G., SLAMMING, SURGING, DELAYED ENGAGEMENT, ETC. I GAVE IT SOME TIME, HOPING IT WOULD "READJUST," THEN TOOK IT IN NOVEMBER OF 2006, WHEN THE PROBLEMS HAD BECOME MORE ACUTE. IN A 4-5 MINUTE TEST DRIV…

Look up ODI 10181819 at NHTSA ↗

Electrical System51,420–80,500 mi65,000 mi12
ODI 10104742 · 16,000 mi

I HAVE A BRAND NEW 2004 VW PASSAT TDI WAGON THAT HAS NO TAIL LIGHTS. SIGNALS WORK, BRAKE LIGHTS WORK BUT, LICENSE PLATE LIGHT AND REAR PARKING/DRIVING LIGHTS DON'T WORK. CAR HAS NO BURNED OUT BULBS OR FUSES. MY CONCERN IS IF THE CAR HAS WIRING HARNESS PROBLEMS, IS THIS SOMETHING THAT OTHERS HAVE HAPPENING. ALSO ON A RAINY DAY THE ANTI LOCK BRAKE AND ELECTRONIC STABILITY PROGRAM IN THE SAME CAR FAILED BUT, WHEN THE CAR WAS PARKED AND RESTARTED THE COMPUTER RESET AND PROBLEM DISAPPEARED. IS THIS GOING TO BE A PROBLEM? *NM

Look up ODI 10104742 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10216738 · 10,000 mi

1. NEW 2004 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT, V6 SEDAN. RETURNED CAR SEVERAL TIMES UNDER WARRANTY FOR MANY TYPES OF REPAIRS. VOLKSWAGEN UNABLE TO REPAIR CAR. BOTH THE DEALER AND VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA WERE MADE AWARE OF THE PROBLEMS. 2. SEVERAL FAILURES INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO: EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION, LOSS OF POWER AND ACCELERATION, TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS, FAILURE TO START, MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP CONSTANTLY ON, BRAKING PROBLEMS, CLIMATE CONTROL PROBLEMS, AND SEVERAL ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS INCLUDING FAILED BRAKE LIGHTS. 3. SEVERAL ATTEMPTS BY…

Look up ODI 10216738 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10235533 · 53,560 mi

I HAVE A 2004 VW PASSAT 4MOTION 1.8 TURBO. I HAVE JUST RECENTLY (WITHIN THE LAST MONTH) REPLACED THE #2 COIL. NOW TODAY EITHER ANOTHER COIL IS GONE OR THE SAME ONE. I HAVEN'T GOTTEN IT TO MY MECHANIC YET TO DETERMINE WHICH ONE IS BAD. BUT AFTER TALKING TO HIM HE RELATED TO ME THAT HE HAS REPLACED SEVERAL # 2 COILS THIS YEAR ON THIS MAKE OF VEHICLE.. SO I AM JUST GUESSING THAT THIS IS THE PROBLEM THIS TIME AROUND. MY VEHICLE HAS 52,000 MILES ON IT. IT WASN'T THE #2 COIL IT WAS THE #1 COIL. I AM GETTING REALLY DISGUSTED WITH THIS CAR AS…

Look up ODI 10235533 at NHTSA ↗

Complaint and recall timeline

Explore monthly filing activity alongside recall announcements. Up to ten years of monthly history is available.

1 reports2024-112026-10

Solid line: filed complaints. Dashed amber lines: recall announcement dates for this vehicle selection; markers include all recall components. The latest month is partial. Temporal proximity does not establish causation.

Monthly counts, recall campaigns and complaint examples
Monthly complaint and recall timeline
MonthComplaintsCampaigns announcedExamples
2024-110None

No examples available for this selection.

2024-120None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-010None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-020None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-030None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-040None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-051None
ODI 11662869

There was a recall reported by the manufacturer, Volkswagenm in 2008. There were multiple Fuel System issues: A Heat Shield that may contact the exhaust system and result in a vehicle fire; a fuel leak from a fuel line or fuel tank ventilation valve, in the presence of an ignition source, can lead to a vehicle fire. In 2008, my car was inspected and the recall was deemed "complete." However, the car was only 4 years old at the time and no repairs were made. Only a visual inspection was done. I bought the car used 6 years ago, and it has been d…

Look up ODI 11662869 at NHTSA ↗

2025-060None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-070None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-081None
ODI 11677910

A fuel leak has developed from the top side of the fuel tank on the drivers side of me vehicle. A fuel leak in this manner is a serious critical and immediate safety risk. Recall 08V156000 was 'performed' on my vehicle back in 2008 but the exact same fuel system safety defect has returned. VW acknowledges the recall and claims it was completed while only an inspection to check for fuel leaks was performed at the time. VW Care and my local dealership refuse to address the ongoing issue. This poses a continued fire risk, and I am now being told t…

Look up ODI 11677910 at NHTSA ↗

2025-090None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-100None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-110None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-120None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-010None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-020None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-030None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-040None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-050None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-060None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-070None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-080None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-090None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-10 (partial)0None

No examples available for this selection.

Emerging complaint spikes

Complete months in the latest six months with at least 10 complaints, at least twice the preceding 12-month average, and at least three square-root deviations above that average.

This is a descriptive screening rule, not a statistical defect finding. Publicity and reporting changes can increase submissions.

No complete months meet the spike thresholds for this selection.

Equal-age model-year comparison

Model-wide cumulative reports during the first three or five calendar years, starting with the model year (age 0). Only fully elapsed windows are compared.

Age 0Age 1Age 29 reports

2021: 9 complaints · 2022: 5 complaints

Equal observation windows
Model yearThrough age 0Through age 1Through age 2
2021469
2022035
Date coverage across each selected cohort
Date basis for all complaints in selected model years
YearIncident dates usedFiling date fallbacksExcluded dates
20211800
20221102

Incident date is preferred when valid and no later than filing; otherwise filing date is used. Model year approximates age. Equal observation time does not adjust for sales, distance driven or reporting delays. One complaint linked to multiple model years can appear in each cohort.

Components reported together

Each cell counts unique complaints naming both components. Open a nonzero cell for examples.

Component co-occurrence matrix
ComponentEngine And Engine CoolingFuel/Propulsion SystemPower Train:Automatic TransmissionFuel System, GasolineSeats:Front Assembly:Seat Heater/CoolerEngineEngine And Engine Cooling:EngineElectrical System
Engine And Engine Cooling—0
1
ODI 10216738 · 10,000 mi

1. NEW 2004 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT, V6 SEDAN. RETURNED CAR SEVERAL TIMES UNDER WARRANTY FOR MANY TYPES OF REPAIRS. VOLKSWAGEN UNABLE TO REPAIR CAR. BOTH THE DEALER AND VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA WERE MADE AWARE OF THE PROBLEMS. 2. SEVERAL FAILURES INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO: EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION, LOSS OF POWER AND ACCELERATION, TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS, FAILURE TO START, MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP CONSTANTLY ON, BRAKING PROBLEMS, CLIMATE CONTROL PROBLEMS, AND SEVERAL ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS INCLUDING FAILED BRAKE LIGHTS. 3. SEVERAL ATTEMPTS BY…

Look up ODI 10216738 at NHTSA ↗

1
ODI 10626953 · 166,000 mi

I BEGAN NOTICING A VERY STRONG SMELL OF GASOLINE COMING THROUGH THE VENT WHILE DRIVING. WHEN I PULLED OVER TO CHECK UNDER THE HOOD, I NOTICED THAT THE RIGID FUEL LINE HAD CRACKED WHERE IT PASSED THROUGH A MOUNTING BRACKET ON THE UPPER REAR OF THE ENGINE BAY. THE CRACK WAS EMITTING A STEADY FLOW OF FUEL ONTO THE ENGINE AND EXHAUST MANIFOLD. WE DID NOT DRIVE THE CAR ANY FURTHER AND HAD THE LINE REPAIRED WITH A PATCH OF FLEXIBLE FUEL LINE MATERIAL. *TR

Look up ODI 10626953 at NHTSA ↗

0
1
ODI 10595853 · 114,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT LOW SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE WATER COOLANT SYSTEM AND THE TIMING BELT HAD MALFUNCTIONED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 114,000.

Look up ODI 10595853 at NHTSA ↗

2
ODI 10211928

OIL SLUDGE PROBLEM WITH MY 2004 VW PASSAT 1.8L TURBO HAS CAUSED IRREVERSIBLE ENGINE PROBLEMS. *TR

Look up ODI 10211928 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10272831 · 35,000 mi

IT NEVER OCCURRED TO ME THAT THERE WAS A PROBLEM WITH THE ENGINE...EVERYTIME I HAVE THE OIL CHANGED BUT IT SEEMS TO BE LOSING A LITTLE BIT OF OIL. I NEED TO ADD OIL EVERY 200 TO 300 MILES TO THE ENGINE....I'VE CHECKED FOR OIL LEAKS..CANT FIND ANY...PLEASE ADVISE...REAR SEALS? MAYBE *TR

Look up ODI 10272831 at NHTSA ↗

1
ODI 10216738 · 10,000 mi

1. NEW 2004 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT, V6 SEDAN. RETURNED CAR SEVERAL TIMES UNDER WARRANTY FOR MANY TYPES OF REPAIRS. VOLKSWAGEN UNABLE TO REPAIR CAR. BOTH THE DEALER AND VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA WERE MADE AWARE OF THE PROBLEMS. 2. SEVERAL FAILURES INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO: EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION, LOSS OF POWER AND ACCELERATION, TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS, FAILURE TO START, MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP CONSTANTLY ON, BRAKING PROBLEMS, CLIMATE CONTROL PROBLEMS, AND SEVERAL ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS INCLUDING FAILED BRAKE LIGHTS. 3. SEVERAL ATTEMPTS BY…

Look up ODI 10216738 at NHTSA ↗

Fuel/Propulsion System0—000
2
ODI 10497621 · 152,000 mi

FLASHING ENGINE LAMP/MIL LIGHT, VIOLENT SHAKING, LOSS OF ENGINE POWER, FOUL ODOR, MISFIRING, PINGING. *TR

Look up ODI 10497621 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10837269

MY VEHICLE HAS BEEN NOTHING BUT A NIGHTMARE! FIRST THE THERMOSTAT HOUSING BROKE GOT THAT FIXED AND THEN EVERYTHING ELSE WENT DOWN HILL! OIL PRESSURE LIGHT STARTED GOING AND THEN IT STARTED OVERHEATING. THE HOSES ALL BREAK AND LEAK THE COOLANT OUT PLUS THE TRANSMISSION CODE P742 WHICH THE TRANSMISSION IS STUCK OFF IS ON . I CAN'T AFFORD THE CAR WORST CAR EVER. IT IS FINE IF IDLE BUT ONCE YOUR DRIVING EVERYTHING STARTS BEEPING AND WHEN I'M TURNING YOU HEAR A NOISE ON THE SIDE THAT YOUR TURNING!

Look up ODI 10837269 at NHTSA ↗

00
Power Train:Automatic Transmission
1
ODI 10216738 · 10,000 mi

1. NEW 2004 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT, V6 SEDAN. RETURNED CAR SEVERAL TIMES UNDER WARRANTY FOR MANY TYPES OF REPAIRS. VOLKSWAGEN UNABLE TO REPAIR CAR. BOTH THE DEALER AND VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA WERE MADE AWARE OF THE PROBLEMS. 2. SEVERAL FAILURES INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO: EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION, LOSS OF POWER AND ACCELERATION, TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS, FAILURE TO START, MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP CONSTANTLY ON, BRAKING PROBLEMS, CLIMATE CONTROL PROBLEMS, AND SEVERAL ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS INCLUDING FAILED BRAKE LIGHTS. 3. SEVERAL ATTEMPTS BY…

Look up ODI 10216738 at NHTSA ↗

0—0
1
ODI 10181988 · 82,100 mi

TL* - THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HEATING SEAT MALFUNCTIONED. THE HEATING COIL BURNED A HOLE IN THE SEAT, AND BURNED THE CONTACT'S LEG. THE DRIVER'S FRONT SEAT HAD A SILVER DOLLAR SIZE HOLE IN IT, WITH A WIRE STICKING OUT OF THE SEAT. THE VEHICLE'S SEAT BEGAN SMOKING AND SHE TURNED OFF THE CAR IMMEDIATELY. THE CONTACT PLANNED TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER ON 02-09-07. ALSO, THE CONTACT HAD A RECURRING PROBLEM WITH THE TRANSMISSION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT USUALLY WHEN DRIVING AT 55 MPH…

Look up ODI 10181988 at NHTSA ↗

0
1
ODI 10181819 · 35,787 mi

MY CAR, A 2004 VW PASSAT GLX AUTOMATIC, HAS HAD A TRANSMISSION PROBLEM SINCE THE DAY I BOUGHT IT, WHEN THE SALESPERSON TOLD ME IT JUST NEEDED TO ADJUST TO MY DRIVING STYLE. MONTHS LATER, IT WAS CLEAR THAT IT WASN'T ADJUSTING TO MY DRIVING STYLE. I TOOK IT IN AND IT WAS "FIXED." ABOUT MAY OR JUNE OF 2006, IT BEGAN TO EXPERIENCE PROBLEMS AGAIN, E.G., SLAMMING, SURGING, DELAYED ENGAGEMENT, ETC. I GAVE IT SOME TIME, HOPING IT WOULD "READJUST," THEN TOOK IT IN NOVEMBER OF 2006, WHEN THE PROBLEMS HAD BECOME MORE ACUTE. IN A 4-5 MINUTE TEST DRIV…

Look up ODI 10181819 at NHTSA ↗

1
ODI 10216738 · 10,000 mi

1. NEW 2004 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT, V6 SEDAN. RETURNED CAR SEVERAL TIMES UNDER WARRANTY FOR MANY TYPES OF REPAIRS. VOLKSWAGEN UNABLE TO REPAIR CAR. BOTH THE DEALER AND VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA WERE MADE AWARE OF THE PROBLEMS. 2. SEVERAL FAILURES INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO: EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION, LOSS OF POWER AND ACCELERATION, TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS, FAILURE TO START, MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP CONSTANTLY ON, BRAKING PROBLEMS, CLIMATE CONTROL PROBLEMS, AND SEVERAL ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS INCLUDING FAILED BRAKE LIGHTS. 3. SEVERAL ATTEMPTS BY…

Look up ODI 10216738 at NHTSA ↗

Fuel System, Gasoline
1
ODI 10626953 · 166,000 mi

I BEGAN NOTICING A VERY STRONG SMELL OF GASOLINE COMING THROUGH THE VENT WHILE DRIVING. WHEN I PULLED OVER TO CHECK UNDER THE HOOD, I NOTICED THAT THE RIGID FUEL LINE HAD CRACKED WHERE IT PASSED THROUGH A MOUNTING BRACKET ON THE UPPER REAR OF THE ENGINE BAY. THE CRACK WAS EMITTING A STEADY FLOW OF FUEL ONTO THE ENGINE AND EXHAUST MANIFOLD. WE DID NOT DRIVE THE CAR ANY FURTHER AND HAD THE LINE REPAIRED WITH A PATCH OF FLEXIBLE FUEL LINE MATERIAL. *TR

Look up ODI 10626953 at NHTSA ↗

00—0
1
ODI 10767576 · 85,000 mi

THE PASSAT IGNITED IN OUR DRIVEWAY AT 4:00 A.M. IT HAD NOT BEEN STARTED/DRIVEN IN A WEEK. WE WOKE TO THE SOUND OF THE TIRE BURSTING. THERE IS A HOUSTON POLICE DEPARTMENT /ARSON CASE # [XXX] - PHONE # [XXX]. INSPECTOR [XXX]. HE SAID THE IGNITION AREA OF THE CAR WAS THE START OF THE FIRE. I THINK HE WAS ARSON DEPARTMENT. THE CAR WAS TOTALED. WE ARE LUCKY WE DID NOT LOOSE OUR HOUSE AND NEIGHBOR'S IF WE HAD NOT HEARD THE TIRE BLOW. I AM NOT EXACTLY SURE OF THE MILEAGE BUT KNOW IT WAS LOW FOR THE YEAR AND THINK IT WAS BELOW 90,000...UPDATED 0…

Look up ODI 10767576 at NHTSA ↗

00
Seats:Front Assembly:Seat Heater/Cooler00
1
ODI 10181988 · 82,100 mi

TL* - THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HEATING SEAT MALFUNCTIONED. THE HEATING COIL BURNED A HOLE IN THE SEAT, AND BURNED THE CONTACT'S LEG. THE DRIVER'S FRONT SEAT HAD A SILVER DOLLAR SIZE HOLE IN IT, WITH A WIRE STICKING OUT OF THE SEAT. THE VEHICLE'S SEAT BEGAN SMOKING AND SHE TURNED OFF THE CAR IMMEDIATELY. THE CONTACT PLANNED TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER ON 02-09-07. ALSO, THE CONTACT HAD A RECURRING PROBLEM WITH THE TRANSMISSION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT USUALLY WHEN DRIVING AT 55 MPH…

Look up ODI 10181988 at NHTSA ↗

0—000
Engine
1
ODI 10595853 · 114,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT LOW SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE WATER COOLANT SYSTEM AND THE TIMING BELT HAD MALFUNCTIONED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 114,000.

Look up ODI 10595853 at NHTSA ↗

2
ODI 10497621 · 152,000 mi

FLASHING ENGINE LAMP/MIL LIGHT, VIOLENT SHAKING, LOSS OF ENGINE POWER, FOUL ODOR, MISFIRING, PINGING. *TR

Look up ODI 10497621 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10837269

MY VEHICLE HAS BEEN NOTHING BUT A NIGHTMARE! FIRST THE THERMOSTAT HOUSING BROKE GOT THAT FIXED AND THEN EVERYTHING ELSE WENT DOWN HILL! OIL PRESSURE LIGHT STARTED GOING AND THEN IT STARTED OVERHEATING. THE HOSES ALL BREAK AND LEAK THE COOLANT OUT PLUS THE TRANSMISSION CODE P742 WHICH THE TRANSMISSION IS STUCK OFF IS ON . I CAN'T AFFORD THE CAR WORST CAR EVER. IT IS FINE IF IDLE BUT ONCE YOUR DRIVING EVERYTHING STARTS BEEPING AND WHEN I'M TURNING YOU HEAR A NOISE ON THE SIDE THAT YOUR TURNING!

Look up ODI 10837269 at NHTSA ↗

0
1
ODI 10767576 · 85,000 mi

THE PASSAT IGNITED IN OUR DRIVEWAY AT 4:00 A.M. IT HAD NOT BEEN STARTED/DRIVEN IN A WEEK. WE WOKE TO THE SOUND OF THE TIRE BURSTING. THERE IS A HOUSTON POLICE DEPARTMENT /ARSON CASE # [XXX] - PHONE # [XXX]. INSPECTOR [XXX]. HE SAID THE IGNITION AREA OF THE CAR WAS THE START OF THE FIRE. I THINK HE WAS ARSON DEPARTMENT. THE CAR WAS TOTALED. WE ARE LUCKY WE DID NOT LOOSE OUR HOUSE AND NEIGHBOR'S IF WE HAD NOT HEARD THE TIRE BLOW. I AM NOT EXACTLY SURE OF THE MILEAGE BUT KNOW IT WAS LOW FOR THE YEAR AND THINK IT WAS BELOW 90,000...UPDATED 0…

Look up ODI 10767576 at NHTSA ↗

0—0
1
ODI 10893347

I START THE CAR UP AND IT STARTED MAKING FUNNY NOISE MY CHECK ENGINE LIGH CAME ON THE ENGINE SHAKING ACT LIKE IT'S GOING TO CUT OFF

Look up ODI 10893347 at NHTSA ↗

Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine
2
ODI 10211928

OIL SLUDGE PROBLEM WITH MY 2004 VW PASSAT 1.8L TURBO HAS CAUSED IRREVERSIBLE ENGINE PROBLEMS. *TR

Look up ODI 10211928 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10272831 · 35,000 mi

IT NEVER OCCURRED TO ME THAT THERE WAS A PROBLEM WITH THE ENGINE...EVERYTIME I HAVE THE OIL CHANGED BUT IT SEEMS TO BE LOSING A LITTLE BIT OF OIL. I NEED TO ADD OIL EVERY 200 TO 300 MILES TO THE ENGINE....I'VE CHECKED FOR OIL LEAKS..CANT FIND ANY...PLEASE ADVISE...REAR SEALS? MAYBE *TR

Look up ODI 10272831 at NHTSA ↗

0
1
ODI 10181819 · 35,787 mi

MY CAR, A 2004 VW PASSAT GLX AUTOMATIC, HAS HAD A TRANSMISSION PROBLEM SINCE THE DAY I BOUGHT IT, WHEN THE SALESPERSON TOLD ME IT JUST NEEDED TO ADJUST TO MY DRIVING STYLE. MONTHS LATER, IT WAS CLEAR THAT IT WASN'T ADJUSTING TO MY DRIVING STYLE. I TOOK IT IN AND IT WAS "FIXED." ABOUT MAY OR JUNE OF 2006, IT BEGAN TO EXPERIENCE PROBLEMS AGAIN, E.G., SLAMMING, SURGING, DELAYED ENGAGEMENT, ETC. I GAVE IT SOME TIME, HOPING IT WOULD "READJUST," THEN TOOK IT IN NOVEMBER OF 2006, WHEN THE PROBLEMS HAD BECOME MORE ACUTE. IN A 4-5 MINUTE TEST DRIV…

Look up ODI 10181819 at NHTSA ↗

000—0
Electrical System
1
ODI 10216738 · 10,000 mi

1. NEW 2004 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT, V6 SEDAN. RETURNED CAR SEVERAL TIMES UNDER WARRANTY FOR MANY TYPES OF REPAIRS. VOLKSWAGEN UNABLE TO REPAIR CAR. BOTH THE DEALER AND VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA WERE MADE AWARE OF THE PROBLEMS. 2. SEVERAL FAILURES INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO: EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION, LOSS OF POWER AND ACCELERATION, TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS, FAILURE TO START, MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP CONSTANTLY ON, BRAKING PROBLEMS, CLIMATE CONTROL PROBLEMS, AND SEVERAL ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS INCLUDING FAILED BRAKE LIGHTS. 3. SEVERAL ATTEMPTS BY…

Look up ODI 10216738 at NHTSA ↗

0
1
ODI 10216738 · 10,000 mi

1. NEW 2004 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT, V6 SEDAN. RETURNED CAR SEVERAL TIMES UNDER WARRANTY FOR MANY TYPES OF REPAIRS. VOLKSWAGEN UNABLE TO REPAIR CAR. BOTH THE DEALER AND VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA WERE MADE AWARE OF THE PROBLEMS. 2. SEVERAL FAILURES INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO: EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION, LOSS OF POWER AND ACCELERATION, TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS, FAILURE TO START, MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP CONSTANTLY ON, BRAKING PROBLEMS, CLIMATE CONTROL PROBLEMS, AND SEVERAL ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS INCLUDING FAILED BRAKE LIGHTS. 3. SEVERAL ATTEMPTS BY…

Look up ODI 10216738 at NHTSA ↗

00
1
ODI 10893347

I START THE CAR UP AND IT STARTED MAKING FUNNY NOISE MY CHECK ENGINE LIGH CAME ON THE ENGINE SHAKING ACT LIKE IT'S GOING TO CUT OFF

Look up ODI 10893347 at NHTSA ↗

0—

Co-reporting does not establish that one component caused another concern.

Recurring narrative patterns

Specific keyword mentions beyond broad component labels. Matching includes negations and comparisons and does not confirm a diagnosis.

8 patterns with matching reports.

Warning lights and dashboard alerts

24 mentions · 8.6% of complaints

Median mileage: 64,000 mi (16 usable records).

ODI 10086787

WHILE TEST DRIVING A VOLKSWAGON PASSAT GLX SEDAN, TOUCHING THE WINDOW CONTROL CAUSED THE ABS BRAKING MECHANISM TO ENGAGE. THE CAR LURCHED AS IF THE BRAKES WERE QUICKLY APPLIED AND ABS FAILURE WARNING LIGHTS AND TONES WENT OFF IN THE CAR. THE INSTRUMENT LIGHTS FLICKERED AS WELL. THE WARNINGS SHUT OFF IN A FEW SECONDS AND THE CAR APPEARED TO RETURN TO NORMAL. THIS HAPPENED ON TWO SEPERATE OCCASIONS IN THE SPAN OF 10 MINUTES BOTH TIMES WHILE TRAVELING ON A LEVEL ROAD AT A CONSTANT SPEED WITH MY FOOT ON THE ACCELERATOR AT THE TIME. THE SITUATION WA…

Look up ODI 10086787 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10116696 · 22,000 mi

AT THE 20000 MAINTENANCE INSPECTION THERE WAS NO OBSERVATION DONE BY THE DEALER. AT ABOUT 22K THE BRAKE PROBLEM WARNING LIGHT CAME ON AND THEN OFF. I TOOK THE CAR AT THE DEALER AND THEY FOUND THAT THE BACK BRAKE PADS ARE ALMOST COMPLETELY WORN OFF AND THEY NEED TO BE REPLACED AND THE BRAKE FLUID NEEDS TO BE FLUSHED. THE ESTIMATED COST WAS MORE THAN 350$. I ASKED THEM TO GIVE ME AN EXPLANATION ON HOW THE BRAKES GOT WORN IN THE 2K BETWEEN THE 20K AND 22K SINCE THEY DID NOT TELL US ANYTHING ABOUT ANY BRAKES BEING WORN AT THE 20 MAINTENANCE INSPEC…

Look up ODI 10116696 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10124157

ENGINE MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LIGHT STAYS ON, MUSFIRE IN CYLINDER # 3 SINCE JANUARY OF 2005, CAR AT DEALER FOR SERVICE REPEATEDLY FOR SAME PROBLEM. SO FAR NO RESOLUTION. CAR WILL NOT PASS INSPECTIOND DUE TO PROBLEM

Look up ODI 10124157 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule\b(warning light\w*|check engine|dashboard warning\w*|malfunction indicator)\b

Hard or delayed shifting

20 mentions · 7.2% of complaints

Median mileage: 3,050 mi (12 usable records).

ODI 10050028 · 300 mi

WHEN COMING TO A COMPLETE STOP OR WHILE CRUISING, THE VEHICLE LURCHES FORWARD. THE DEALER RECALIBRATED THE COMPUTER CHIP IN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL AND ALSO REPLACED THE TRANSMISSION CONTROL MODULE. AFTER THE REPAIRS, THE PROBLEM CONTINUED. *PH THE TRANSMISSION MADE A CLUNK NOISE, MALFUNCTIONED IN HEAVY TRAFFIC/HIGHWAY, AND A HARD SHIFT WAS PRESENT AT TIMES. *SC

Look up ODI 10050028 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10056484 · 200 mi

AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION LURCHED ON DOWNSHIFT WHEN COMING TO A STOP. DEALER REPLACED THE TRANSMISSION CONTROL MODULE...PROBLEM HAS NOT YET BEEN DUPLICATED AGAIN, BUT IT HAS ONLY BEEN A DAY. *AK

Look up ODI 10056484 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10062194

I HAVE A 2004 PASSAT GLX 4MOTION STATION WAGON WITH 2000 MILES ON IT. LIKE OTHER OWNERS I FREQUENTLY EXPERIENCE A "CLUNK" FROM THE TRANSMISSION WHEN I SLOW DOWN AND THEN ACCELERATE FROM A STOP. IT OCCASIONALLY LURCHES FORWARD AT THE SAME TIME. THE DEALER HAS BEEN UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. NOT VERY SATISFACTORY FOR A CAR THAT COSTS OVER $30,000

Look up ODI 10062194 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule\b(hard shift\w*|rough shift\w*|delay\w* shift\w*|shift\w* hard|jerk\w*|lurch\w*)\b

Stalling or loss of power

20 mentions · 7.2% of complaints

Median mileage: 81,000 mi (17 usable records).

ODI 10099650 · 4,940 mi

WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH CLUTCH FAILED. VEHICLE LOST POWER. DEALERSHIP WAS NOTIFIED, BUT DID NOT RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. *AK

Look up ODI 10099650 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10163073 · 74,000 mi

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH THE VEHICLE STALLED AND HAD TO BE PUSHED OFF THE ROAD. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHO DETERMINED THE FUEL PUMP NEEDED TO BE REPLACED.

Look up ODI 10163073 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10183157 · 58,310 mi

WHILE DRIVING AT APPROX 70 MPH ON THE INTERSTATE THE CAR STALLED OUR AND WOULD NOT START. IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE FUEL PUMP HAD GONE OUT. THE CAR HAD 58K MILES. THIS HAPPENED JUST THREE WEEKS AFTER AN ENGINE COIL HAD TO BE REPLACED. I NO LONGER OWN A VW.*JB

Look up ODI 10183157 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule\b(stall\w*|loss of power|lost power|engine shut\w* off)\b

Fuel smell or leak mentions

12 mentions · 4.3% of complaints

Median mileage: 103,000 mi (9 usable records).

ODI 10160201 · 77,724 mi

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED DIESEL FUEL LEAKS ONTO THE ENGINE AND THE EXHAUST SYSTEM. THE DEALERSHIP DETERMINED THE DIESEL PUMP NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THERE IS A NHTSA RECALL, # 04V586000, REGARDING THE FUEL SYSTEM DIESEL. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE MANUFACTURER HAS BEEN ALERTED.

Look up ODI 10160201 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10206235

MY 2004 VW PASSAT: WAS DRIVING WHEN NOTICED A GASOLINE SMELL IN THE CAR. THE CAR STALLED, HEARD A POP SOUND FROM UNDER THE HOOD AND IMMEDIATELY SAW SMOKE/ORANGE FLAME -THE ENGINE WAS ON FIRE. *TR

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ODI 10399165 · 100,000 mi

FUEL LINE LEAK IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. FUEL LINE MATERIAL WAS DEFORMED AND RESULTED IN A SMALL HOLE WHERE FUEL WAS SPRAYING DIRECTLY ON THE TURBO, CAT AND RELATED EXHAUST COMPONENTS. VEHICLE CONTINUED TO RUN AND DID NOT SHUT DOWN OR SHOW SIGNS OF A FUEL LEAK. *TR

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Matching rule\b(fuel leak\w*|gas leak\w*|gas(?:oline)? smell|smell\w* (?:of )?(?:fuel|gas))\b

Brake response concerns

6 mentions · 2.2% of complaints

Median mileage: 35,880 mi (5 usable records).

ODI 10086787

WHILE TEST DRIVING A VOLKSWAGON PASSAT GLX SEDAN, TOUCHING THE WINDOW CONTROL CAUSED THE ABS BRAKING MECHANISM TO ENGAGE. THE CAR LURCHED AS IF THE BRAKES WERE QUICKLY APPLIED AND ABS FAILURE WARNING LIGHTS AND TONES WENT OFF IN THE CAR. THE INSTRUMENT LIGHTS FLICKERED AS WELL. THE WARNINGS SHUT OFF IN A FEW SECONDS AND THE CAR APPEARED TO RETURN TO NORMAL. THIS HAPPENED ON TWO SEPERATE OCCASIONS IN THE SPAN OF 10 MINUTES BOTH TIMES WHILE TRAVELING ON A LEVEL ROAD AT A CONSTANT SPEED WITH MY FOOT ON THE ACCELERATOR AT THE TIME. THE SITUATION WA…

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ODI 10171622 · 7,875 mi

THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH KEEPS FAILING. IT CAUSES THE ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL TO BE DISABLED AND KEEPS THE STOP LIGHTS ON, EVEN WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL IS NOT DEPRESSED. I'VE HAD THE BRAKE LIKE SWITCH REPLACED 6 TIMES NOW OVER THE PAST 2.5 YEARS. *NM

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ODI 10183592 · 35,880 mi

1. WHEN CAR IN FRONT OF THE PASSAT SLOWED, THE DRIVER APPLIED THE BRAKES AND THE ABS LIGHT AND ASR LIGHTS CAME ON BUT THE BRAKES DID NOT WORK. THE PASSAT WAS NOT GOING QUICKLY AND HAD SAFE STOPPING DISTANCE SO THE CAR HAD PLENTY OF TIME TO STOP. THE PASSAT DID NOT STOP, HITTING THE CAR AHEAD OF IT. 2. THE BRAKES FAILED, CAUSING THE PASSAT TO REAR-END THE CAR IN FRONT OF IT. THE DRIVER OF THE OTHER CAR SUSTAINED WHIPLASH INJURIES AND 600 USD TO HIS CAR. HE IS IN TREATMENT WITH THE COST OF TREATMENT UNDETERMINED AT THIS TIME. THE PASSAT SUSTAINE…

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Matching rule\b(brake fail\w*|brakes fail\w*|brake pedal|braking distance|unintended braking|phantom braking)\b

Battery drain and no-start mentions

2 mentions · 0.7% of complaints

Median mileage: 61,655 mi (2 usable records).

ODI 10183157 · 58,310 mi

WHILE DRIVING AT APPROX 70 MPH ON THE INTERSTATE THE CAR STALLED OUR AND WOULD NOT START. IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE FUEL PUMP HAD GONE OUT. THE CAR HAD 58K MILES. THIS HAPPENED JUST THREE WEEKS AFTER AN ENGINE COIL HAD TO BE REPLACED. I NO LONGER OWN A VW.*JB

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ODI 10236359 · 65,000 mi

WHILE STOPPED AT LIGHT, CAR STALLED AND WOULD NOT START. FUEL PUMP FAILED. DEALER REPLACED FUEL PUMP TO FIX PROBLEM. VERY SIMILAR TO 07V375000 BUT FOR 2004 MODEL PASSAT. *TR

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Matching rule\b(parasitic drain|battery drain\w*|dead battery|won.t start|would not start|no.start)\b

Steering assistance concerns

2 mentions · 0.7% of complaints

Median mileage: Unavailable (0 usable records).

ODI 10073704

UPON STARTING THE VEHICLE AND TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL CONSUMER HEARD A GRINDING SOUND. FOLLOWING THAT STEERING FAILED. DEALERSHIP SERVICED THE VEHICLE ON MAY 12, 2004, AND NOTICED THAT POWER STEERING NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE STEERING WAS REPAIRED THE FOLLOWING DAY ,AND WAS BACK AT THE DEALERSHIP MAY 14, 2004. *AK

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ODI 10260499

WHILE UNDER WARRANTY COMPLAINED TO DEALER OF NOISE FROM ENGINE AREA. DEALER COULD NOT DETERMINE WHERE NOISE WAS COMING FROM BUT SAID NOT TO WORRY PROBLEM WAS NOTED AND WOULD BE COVERED IF/WHEN SOMETHING FAILED. OUT OF WARRANTY NOW, DEALER STATES POWER STEERING PUMP NEEDS REPLACING, NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. HAD THE POWER STEERING PUMP REPLACED, NOT BY DEALER BUT SEVERE WINE REMAINS. WAS TOLD IT IS PROBABLY AC PUMP. HAD BELT TENSIONER REPLACED ALSO WITH NO RESOLVE. NOISE IS A LOUD WINE, CONSTANT VARIES SLIGHTLY WHEN AC IS ON. HAVE HEARD SEVERA…

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Matching rule\b(power steer\w*|steering assist\w*|steering lock\w*|steering wheel lock\w*)\b

Oil consumption or dilution

1 mentions · 0.4% of complaints

Median mileage: 10,000 mi (1 usable records).

ODI 10216738 · 10,000 mi

1. NEW 2004 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT, V6 SEDAN. RETURNED CAR SEVERAL TIMES UNDER WARRANTY FOR MANY TYPES OF REPAIRS. VOLKSWAGEN UNABLE TO REPAIR CAR. BOTH THE DEALER AND VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA WERE MADE AWARE OF THE PROBLEMS. 2. SEVERAL FAILURES INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO: EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION, LOSS OF POWER AND ACCELERATION, TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS, FAILURE TO START, MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP CONSTANTLY ON, BRAKING PROBLEMS, CLIMATE CONTROL PROBLEMS, AND SEVERAL ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS INCLUDING FAILED BRAKE LIGHTS. 3. SEVERAL ATTEMPTS BY…

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Matching rule\b(oil consumption|burn\w* oil|consum\w* oil|oil dilution|gas(?:oline)? in (?:the )?oil)\b