NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Engine And Engine Cooling complaints
94 reportsClear category filter49,200 miles · Jan 30, 2006
Engine And Engine CoolingFire
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED FOR OVER AN HOUR, WHEN THE HEAT SHIELD ON THE TOP OF THE EXHAUST SYSTEM BEGAN TO SMOLDER. NO INDICATOR LAMP ILLUMINATED PRIOR TO THE PROBLEM. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS NOTIFIED AND CAME, ALTHOUGH NO FLAMES ERUPTED. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT COULD NOT DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE SMOKE. H…
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DT*: THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED FOR OVER AN HOUR, WHEN THE HEAT SHIELD ON THE TOP OF THE EXHAUST SYSTEM BEGAN TO SMOLDER. NO INDICATOR LAMP ILLUMINATED PRIOR TO THE PROBLEM. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS NOTIFIED AND CAME, ALTHOUGH NO FLAMES ERUPTED. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT COULD NOT DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE SMOKE. HOWEVER, AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND DISCOVERED THE CAUSE OF THE SMOKE WAS THE HEAT SHIELD.
NHTSA ODI #10148967
79,784 miles · Jan 23, 2006
Engine And Engine Cooling
PURCHASED A USED CAR FROM DAN PERKINS CHEVROLET, IN MILFORD, CT ON MARCH, 18, 2004.I WAS ADVISED BY THE SALESMAN, JOHN ALMEIDA, THAT THE CAR CAME IN AS A TRADE FROM A GIRL WHO BOUGHT CARS FROM HIM ALL THE TIME AT DAN PERKINS. UPON FURTHER INVESTIGATION I FOUND THE CAR WAS PURCHASED BRAND NEW FROM A COUPLE IN MASSACHUSETTS AND TH…
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PURCHASED A USED CAR FROM DAN PERKINS CHEVROLET, IN MILFORD, CT ON MARCH, 18, 2004.I WAS ADVISED BY THE SALESMAN, JOHN ALMEIDA, THAT THE CAR CAME IN AS A TRADE FROM A GIRL WHO BOUGHT CARS FROM HIM ALL THE TIME AT DAN PERKINS. UPON FURTHER INVESTIGATION I FOUND THE CAR WAS PURCHASED BRAND NEW FROM A COUPLE IN MASSACHUSETTS AND THAT DAN PERKINS PURCHASED IT AT AN AUCTION. WHEN I PICKED THE CAR UP AND DROVE IT HOME THE ENGINE LIGHT WAS ON/THE LIGHTER DID NOT WORK/THE TIRES WERE BALD, AND THE 6 DISC CD CHANGER WAS NOT IN THE CAR. WHEN I CONTACTED THE SALESPERSON, JOHN ALMEIDA, AND THE USED CAR MANAGER, THEY STATED THEY FIXED EVERYTHING, BUT THAT THEY WERE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR THE CD CHANGER, I WROTE A LETTER TO DAN PERKINS HIMSELF, AND HE GAVE ME A NEW ONE BECAUSE IT WAS ADVERTISED WITH THE CD CHANGER. WHEN MY OIL LIGHT CAME ON I BROUGHT IT TO CURRAN VOLKSWAGEN IN STRATFORD, CT. THEY ADVISED ME TO GET A COPY OF MY CONTRACT FROM DAN PERKINS AND ANY OTHER PAPERWORK FROM DAN PERKINS. I CONTACTED THE SALESMAN, JOHN ALMEIDA AND HIS MANAGER TOLD ME THAT THERE WAS NO WAY I WAS GETTING A COPY OF ANYTHING. THEY DO NOT KEEP COPIES OF CONTRACTS FROM THEIR CUSTOMERS. HE ALSO YELLED IN THE BACKGROUND THAT CURRAN VW WAS TRYING TO PASS THE BUCK AND THAT I WAS OUT OF LUCK!!!THE CAR IS NOW SITTING IN MY DRIVEWAY WITH NO ENGINE!I AM MAKING CAR PAYMENTS ON A CAR THAT DOES NOT WORK, ON A CAR THAT I HAVE HAD LESS THAN 2 YEARS!I CONTACTED CURRAN VW BECAUSE VW EXTENDED THE WARRANTY FOR THE ENGINE TO 8 YEARS, I ONLY FOUND THIS OUT BECAUSE I DID MY OWN RESEARCH ONLINE. VW OF AMERICA DENIED MY CLAIM BECAUSE ONE OF MY MECHANICS, WHO DOES NOT HAVE A COMPUTER, HANDWROTE RECEIPTS FOR THE OIL CHANGES.CURRAN VOLKSWAGEN GAVE ME AN ESTIMATE OF $12,074.60. THE KELLY BLUE BOOK VALUE IS $8,000!!!!!VW OF AMERICA ADVISES THEIR CONSUMERS TO HAVE OIL CHANGED EVERY 5,000 MILES OR EVERY 6 MONTHS. I HAD MINE CHANGED EVERY 3,000 MILES.DAN PERKINS SHOWED ME NO VEHICLE HISTORY REPORTS. *AK
NHTSA ODI #10148415
90,494 miles · Jan 4, 2006
Engine And Engine Cooling
ALEXANDRIA VW DAMAGED MY ENGINE AND REFUSES TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR PROVING A REPLACEMENT ENGINE. ALSO, VW OF AMERICA WON'T REPLACE A DEFECTED ENGINE. *NM
NHTSA ODI #10146852
55,459 miles · Nov 21, 2005
Engine And Engine Cooling
WHEN I BROUGHT MY 2000 VW PASSAT (55K MILES) TO DEALER FOR SERVICE, THEY SAID THAT THE COOLING SYSTEM HAS SLUDGE. THE RADIATOR, HEATER CORE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AND NEED TO HAVE COOLANT FLUSH FOR 2 TIMES. THE TOTAL IS $2600!!! THE SERVICE ADVISOR SAID THE ONLY CAUSE WOULD BE WRONG TYPE OF COOLANT, BUT I HAVE NOT DONE SERVI…
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WHEN I BROUGHT MY 2000 VW PASSAT (55K MILES) TO DEALER FOR SERVICE, THEY SAID THAT THE COOLING SYSTEM HAS SLUDGE. THE RADIATOR, HEATER CORE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AND NEED TO HAVE COOLANT FLUSH FOR 2 TIMES. THE TOTAL IS $2600!!! THE SERVICE ADVISOR SAID THE ONLY CAUSE WOULD BE WRONG TYPE OF COOLANT, BUT I HAVE NOT DONE SERVICE OTHER THAN THE VW DEALER. SO, I SUSPECT THAT THAT IS DEFECT IN THE COOLING SYSTEM OF THE 2000 PASSAT. *NM
NHTSA ODI #10143402
107,075 miles · Aug 25, 2005
Engine And Engine Cooling
I RECENTLY HAD AN EXPERIENCE THAT I BELIEVE WOULD BE OF INTEREST TO YOUR ORGANIZATION. IN JULY OF 2000 MY WIFE AND I RESEARCHED FOR AN FINALLY PURCHASED A VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT [XXX]. WE WERE VERY PLEASED WITH OUR PURCHASE FOR A NUMBER OF YEARS, UNTIL WHAT WERE DESCRIBED TO US AS "NORMAL" REPAIRS BECAME NECESSARY. SOME OF THE…
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I RECENTLY HAD AN EXPERIENCE THAT I BELIEVE WOULD BE OF INTEREST TO YOUR ORGANIZATION. IN JULY OF 2000 MY WIFE AND I RESEARCHED FOR AN FINALLY PURCHASED A VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT [XXX]. WE WERE VERY PLEASED WITH OUR PURCHASE FOR A NUMBER OF YEARS, UNTIL WHAT WERE DESCRIBED TO US AS "NORMAL" REPAIRS BECAME NECESSARY. SOME OF THE MORE MEMORABLE NORMAL REPAIRS INCLUDED REAR BRAKES AT 40,000 MILES (FRONT BRAKES WERE IN VERY GOOD CONDITION) FOR APPROX. $700.00, AND THE OUTSIDE REAR VIEW MIRROR ADJUSTOR FOR $400.00. WE BEGAN TO SUSPECT THE PRICING STRUCTURE OF VW PARTS AND LABOR WAS SKEWED TOWARD THE EXPENSIVE. A BIG PART OF OF OUR DECISION TO BUY VW WAS THEIR REPUTATION FOR SOLID TRANSPORTATION OVER A LONG TIME. THE CAR WAS EVEN LISTED AS A RECOMMENDED PURCHASE ON A NUMBER OF CONSUMER MAGAZINES! THE MOST OUTRAGEOUS EXAMPLE OF THIS SITUATION OCCURED IN JULY 1ST 2005, WHEN THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON, AND WE TOOK THE CAR TO OUR DEALER FOR SERVICE. THE RESULT OF THE CHECK WAS THAT THE CATALYTIC CONVERTERS (2 OF THEM) NEEDED TO BE REPLACED, AT A TOTAL COST OF $3,400.00! SINCE OUR STATE HAS VEHICLE TESTING, THIS IS A REQUIRED REPAIR TO BE ABLE TO CONTINUE TO DRIVE THE CAR. WE HAVE OWNED THE CAR FOR 5 YEARS AND HAVE 108,000 MILES ON THE ODOMETER. CONTACTING VW GAVE NO RELIEF, AS THEIR STATED WARRANTY WAS FOR 5 YEARS, BUT ONLY FOR 80,000 MILES. NEEDLESS TO SAY, I WILL NEVER PURCHASE A VOLKSWAGEN PRODUCT AGAIN, AND WOULD LIKE TO INFORM POTENTIAL PURCHASERS OF THIS TYPE OF UNEXPECTED COST. UPDATED 07/19/2012 *JS INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA ODI #10134157
25,000 miles · Aug 9, 2005
Engine And Engine Cooling
PROBLEM EXTENDED OVER THE PERIOD OF ABOUT 2 YEARS. THE CHECK EMISSIONS LIGHT CAME ON SPORADICALLY, THEN STAYED ON AT ALL TIMES. THE SENSOR WAS WORKED ON BY 3 MECHANICS : 1ST TIME- DIAGNOSIS UNSEALED GAS CAP - STAYED OFF FOR 6 MONTHS; 2ND TIME - 4TH TIME- "JUST HAPPENS ON VWS" AND COMPUTER RESET - STAYED OFF ABOUT AVERAGE OF 2-4…
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PROBLEM EXTENDED OVER THE PERIOD OF ABOUT 2 YEARS. THE CHECK EMISSIONS LIGHT CAME ON SPORADICALLY, THEN STAYED ON AT ALL TIMES. THE SENSOR WAS WORKED ON BY 3 MECHANICS : 1ST TIME- DIAGNOSIS UNSEALED GAS CAP - STAYED OFF FOR 6 MONTHS; 2ND TIME - 4TH TIME- "JUST HAPPENS ON VWS" AND COMPUTER RESET - STAYED OFF ABOUT AVERAGE OF 2-4 WEEKS BEFORE LIGHTING UP AGAIN; 5TH TIME - ON ALL THE TIME, MECHANIC WOULD RESET, WOULD TAKE ON TEST DRIVE AND IT WOULD COME ON AGAIN. AT THIS POINT I HAD MOVED TO NC WHERE THE CAR PROCEEDED TO FAIL INSPECTION DUE TO THIS ISSUE. THE SECOND LOCAL MECHANIC MANAGED TO FIX PROBLEM; CAR PASSED EMISSIONS INSPECTION AND LIGHT HAS BEEN OFF FOR 6 MONTHS. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10132065
58,000 miles · Jul 27, 2005
Engine And Engine Cooling
AT 58,000 MILES MY OIL PRESSURE LIGHT CAME ON AND THE STOP DEMAND LIGHT CAME ON. I CONTACTED THE DEALER AND THE SERVICE MAN INDICATED TO ME THAT THE 2000 PASSATS' WHERE HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE OIL PUMPS. HE FURTHER EXPLAINED TO ME THAT WHAT WAS HAPPENING WAS THAT THE PUMPS THAT WERE MANUFRACTURED WERE NOT BUILT STRONG ENOUGH…
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AT 58,000 MILES MY OIL PRESSURE LIGHT CAME ON AND THE STOP DEMAND LIGHT CAME ON. I CONTACTED THE DEALER AND THE SERVICE MAN INDICATED TO ME THAT THE 2000 PASSATS' WHERE HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE OIL PUMPS. HE FURTHER EXPLAINED TO ME THAT WHAT WAS HAPPENING WAS THAT THE PUMPS THAT WERE MANUFRACTURED WERE NOT BUILT STRONG ENOUGH TO UP HOLD CERTAIN SYTHETIC OILS. HE FURTHER STATED THAT WHEN THE OIL GETS TO HOT THE OIL CYRSTALIZES AND THEN TURNSS TO SLUDGE. GIVEN THAT INFORMATION I THEN PROCEEDED TO GET MY CAR SERVICED. HOWEVER UPON THE DATE OF SERVICE ( EVEN KNOWING THE PROBLEM) MY CAR WAS DIAGNOSED AT A COST TO ME FOR $75.00. AT THE TIME OF SERVICE I LEARNED THAT THE PUMP WAS ONLY COVERED UNDER THE WARRENTY IF I COULD PRODUCE 5 YEARS OF OIL SLIPS. I HAVE SEVERAL CONCERNS REGARDING THIS MATTER. THE FIRST, THE OWNERS MANNUAL DOES NOT INDICATE THAT THE PUMPS ARE SENSATIVE TO CERTAIN TYPES OF OILS (SYNTHETIC). SECONDLY, THE MANNUAL DOES NOT STATE THAT THE WARRENTY REPAIRS WILL ONLY BE COVERDED IF ALL RECEIPTS FOR SERVICES PERFORMED ON THE VEHICLE ARE PROVIDED. THRIDLY, IT IS CLEAR IN MY MIND THAT IF A MANUFRACTURER PLACES A DEFAULT OR DEFECTIVE OIL PUMP IN A CAR THAT IT SHOULD BE A RECALL? I HAVE READ IN THE MOST RECENT COMSUMER REPORT MAGAZINE AND IT SEEMS TO BE A REOCCURING PROBLEM WITH VW PASSATS. FOURTHLY, WHEN CONTACTING VOLKESWAGON DIRECTLY I SPOKE TO CUSTOMER "CARE" THE ATTIDUDE WAS APPAULING. THE RESPONSE I RECEIVED WAS "OH WELL" " THAT IS OUR POLICY" DID NOT GET THAT RECEPTION WHEN BUYING THE CAR! I BOUGHT MY PASSAT JULY 13, 2000 AND BY JULY 13, 2005 I HAVE A SERIOUS ENGINE PROBLEM. FINALLY, THE DEALER STATED THAT THE COST TO ME WOULD START ANYWERE AT 1,000. CAN ANYONE TELL ME WHY THIS IS MY PROBLEM? I AM A THERAPIST AND I COME ACROSS MANY PATHS IN MY TRAVEL. MY PATHS INCLUDE PHYSIATRIST, TEACHERS,DOCTORS, CLIENTS ETC I WILL BE SURE TO SHARE WITH THEM MY DISSATIFICATION WITH VOLKESWAGON. THIS SHOULD BE A RECALL ISSUE. THANK YOU
NHTSA ODI #10130299
50,000 miles · Jul 12, 2005
Engine And Engine Cooling
THE SECONDARY AIR FILTER ON MY 2000 VW PASSAT FAILED AT 14,000 MILES. IT WAS REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY. MY CAR NOW HAS 50,000 MILES ON IT AND IT HAS FAILED AGAIN. REPLACEMENT PRICE IS $1,000. THE VW REPAIRSHOP STATED THAT THIS NOT A NECESSARY PART AND REALLY DOESN'T NEED TO BE REPLACED. BUT WITHOUT REPLACEMENT THE ENGINE LIGH…
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THE SECONDARY AIR FILTER ON MY 2000 VW PASSAT FAILED AT 14,000 MILES. IT WAS REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY. MY CAR NOW HAS 50,000 MILES ON IT AND IT HAS FAILED AGAIN. REPLACEMENT PRICE IS $1,000. THE VW REPAIRSHOP STATED THAT THIS NOT A NECESSARY PART AND REALLY DOESN'T NEED TO BE REPLACED. BUT WITHOUT REPLACEMENT THE ENGINE LIGHT GOES ON EVERYTIME THE CAR IS STARTED. I CONTACTED VW DIRECTLY AND FILED A COMPLAINT. THEY REFUSED TO FIX THE PART. I SEE THAT TWO OTHER PEOPLE HAVE FILED A COMPLAINT ABOUT THE SECONDARY AIR FILTER.
NHTSA ODI #10128415
Mileage unknown · Mar 19, 2005
Engine And Engine CoolingVehicle Speed Control
2000 4-CYL VW PASSAT, 64000 MILES: 2 EMISSIONS FAILURES WITHIN 48 HRS: 1.) REPLACED DEFECTIVE EVAPORATOR CHECK VALVE AND HOSE, REPLACED FUEL REG TO MANIFOLD LINE AND N249 VALVE LINE TO MANIFOLD, REPLACED VACUUM LINES ($331); 2.) CLEANED CARBONATED THROTTLE BODY, REPLACED JET VALVE, REPALCED AIR FILTER. REPLACED MASS AIR FLOW ME…
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2000 4-CYL VW PASSAT, 64000 MILES: 2 EMISSIONS FAILURES WITHIN 48 HRS: 1.) REPLACED DEFECTIVE EVAPORATOR CHECK VALVE AND HOSE, REPLACED FUEL REG TO MANIFOLD LINE AND N249 VALVE LINE TO MANIFOLD, REPLACED VACUUM LINES ($331); 2.) CLEANED CARBONATED THROTTLE BODY, REPLACED JET VALVE, REPALCED AIR FILTER. REPLACED MASS AIR FLOW METER (UNDER EXTENDED WARRANTY) ($236). AT 50,000 MILES: REPLACED 2ND PUMP, N112 VALVE, COBI VALVE, CRACKED PIPE, FUSE SET CODES. *AK
NHTSA ODI #10114337
59,775 miles · Mar 13, 2005
Engine And Engine Cooling
EMISSIONS WORKSHOP LIGHT IS ON. *AK
NHTSA ODI #10114031
NHTSA investigations
7EA07014 · Passenger Engine Compartment Fires
Opened Sep 28, 2007 · Closed Jul 7, 2008
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Electrical System:ignition; Engine And Engine Cooling:exhaust System
THE MANUFACTURER NOTIFIED NHTSA ON 04-APR-08 THAT A SAFETY RECALL ACTION WOULD BE INITIATED TO REMEDY THE ISSUE.IN JUNE 2008, THE MANUFACTURER ISSUED A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN (CODE 26E5/R5) REGARDING THE SPECIFIC PROCEDURES TO BE EMPLOYED IN THIS CAMPAIGN.VEHICLE OWNER NOTIFICATION LETTERS WERE SENT BEGINNING APPROXIMATELY JUNE 13, 2008.THE CAMPAIGN WAS ASSIGNED NHTSA NO. 08V-156.THIS RECALL AFFECTS ALL MY 1999-2005, 5TH GENERATION GASOLINE-POWERED PASSAT SEDANS AND STATION WAGONS.APPROXIMATELY 412,000 VEHICLES ARE AFFECTED.CORRECTIVE ACTION WILL CONSIST OF INSTALLING ADDITIONAL EXHAUST SYSTEM HEAT SHIELDING TO MITIGATE THE POTENTIAL THERMAL EFFECTS OF ENGINE IGNITION PROBLEMS.BASED ON THIS ACTION, THE SUBJECT EA HAS BEEN CLOSED.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Electrical System:ignition
THE MANUFACTURER NOTIFIED NHTSA ON 04-APR-08 THAT A SAFETY RECALL ACTION WOULD BE INITIATED TO REMEDY THE ISSUE.IN JUNE 2008, THE MANUFACTURER ISSUED A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN (CODE 26E5/R5) REGARDING THE SPECIFIC PROCEDURES TO BE EMPLOYED IN THIS CAMPAIGN.VEHICLE OWNER NOTIFICATION LETTERS WERE SENT BEGINNING APPROXIMATELY JUNE 13, 2008.THE CAMPAIGN WAS ASSIGNED NHTSA NO. 08V-156.THIS RECALL AFFECTS ALL MY 1999-2005, 5TH GENERATION GASOLINE-POWERED PASSAT SEDANS AND STATION WAGONS.APPROXIMATELY 412,000 VEHICLES ARE AFFECTED.CORRECTIVE ACTION WILL CONSIST OF INSTALLING ADDITIONAL EXHAUST SYSTEM HEAT SHIELDING TO MITIGATE THE POTENTIAL THERMAL EFFECTS OF ENGINE IGNITION PROBLEMS.BASED ON THIS ACTION, THE SUBJECT EA HAS BEEN CLOSED.
Engine And Engine Cooling:exhaust System
THE MANUFACTURER NOTIFIED NHTSA ON 04-APR-08 THAT A SAFETY RECALL ACTION WOULD BE INITIATED TO REMEDY THE ISSUE.IN JUNE 2008, THE MANUFACTURER ISSUED A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN (CODE 26E5/R5) REGARDING THE SPECIFIC PROCEDURES TO BE EMPLOYED IN THIS CAMPAIGN.VEHICLE OWNER NOTIFICATION LETTERS WERE SENT BEGINNING APPROXIMATELY JUNE 13, 2008.THE CAMPAIGN WAS ASSIGNED NHTSA NO. 08V-156.THIS RECALL AFFECTS ALL MY 1999-2005, 5TH GENERATION GASOLINE-POWERED PASSAT SEDANS AND STATION WAGONS.APPROXIMATELY 412,000 VEHICLES ARE AFFECTED.CORRECTIVE ACTION WILL CONSIST OF INSTALLING ADDITIONAL EXHAUST SYSTEM HEAT SHIELDING TO MITIGATE THE POTENTIAL THERMAL EFFECTS OF ENGINE IGNITION PROBLEMS.BASED ON THIS ACTION, THE SUBJECT EA HAS BEEN CLOSED.
PE07024 · Passenger/engine Compartment Fires
Opened May 10, 2007 · Closed Sep 28, 2007
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Electrical System:ignition
MANY OF THE FIRE REPORTS ALLEGE THAT THE VEHICLE FIRE WAS ATTRIBUTED TO IGNITION COIL FAILURE.VW PROVIDED ADDITIONAL DATA REGARDING ITS ANALYSIS OF VEHICLE FIRES AND A DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE THREE DIFFERENT ENGINES AND IGNITION SYSTEMS FOR THE SUBJECT VEHICLES.ODIFINDS THE NEED TO FURTHER INVESTIGATE THIS ISSUE.TO FACILITATE ACQUISITION AND ANALYSIS OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, THIS INVESTIGATIONHAS BEEN UPGRADED TO AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS (EA07-014).
DP05004 · Engine Stalling
Opened Aug 11, 2005 · Closed Dec 8, 2005
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Electrical System:ignition:module
BY LETTER RECEIVED ON JUNE 24, 2005, MR. RONALD M. STRICKLAND OF RALEIGH, NC, SUBMITTED A PETITION REQUESTING THAT THE AGENCY INVESTIGATE THE PERFORMANCE OF THE IGNITION COIL PLUGS ON MODEL YEAR (MY) 2000-2003 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA, GOLF AND PASSAT SEDANS.THE PETITIONER ALLEGES THAT HE HAD EXPERIENCED MULTIPLE STALLING EVENTS AS A RESULT OF ONE OR MORE IGNITION COIL PLUGS MALFUNCTIONING ON HIS 2002 VW JETTA SEDAN.AS A RESULT OF THE ENGINE STALLING, THE PETITIONER EXPERIENCED A LOSS OF POWER STEERING AND INCREASED BRAKING EFFORTS WHEN HE PULLED THE VEHICLE OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD TO CONTROL THE VEHICLE.AFTER A FEW MINUTES PARKED ON THE SHOULDER HE WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE ALTHOUGH THE ENGINE OPERATED AT REDUCED POWER.VW ISSUED A CUSTOMER SATISFACTION CAMPAIGN (CSC) ON JANUARY 31, 2003 TO INSTRUCT THEIR DEALERSHIPS TO INSPECT THE VEHICLES FOR ANY MALFUNCTIONING IGNITION COIL PACKS AND TO REPLACE THEM AT NO COST TO THE CONSUMER.CONSUMERS WERE NOTIFIED TO BRING THEIR VEHICLES TO THEIR DEALERSHIPS VIA OWNER LETTERS MAILED OUT ON JUNE 6, 2003.WHILE VW INITIALLY INSTRUCTED THE DEALERSHIPS TO ONLY REPLACE THE MALFUNCTIONING IGNITION COIL PACKS, A REVISED CSC WAS ISSUED TO DEALERSHIPS IN DECEMBER 2003 AND JANUARY 2004, INSTRUCTING DEALERSHIPS TO REPLACE ALL IGNITION COIL PACKS REGARDLESS OF THEIR PERFORMANCE.A REMINDER TO THE DEALERSHIPS WAS SENT BY VW ON APRIL OF 2004.ALTHOUGH THE CONCERNS OF THE PETITIONER COULD THEORETICALLY CREATE A SAFETY PROBLEM, THE RISK IS VERY SMALL, DUE TO THE ENGINE STILL RUNNING ON EITHER 3, 5, OR 7 CYLINDERS.THERE ARE NO REPORTED CRASHES OR INJURIES DUE TO THE ALLEGED DEFECT.ONCE DRIVERS ARE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM (LOSS OF POWER DUE TO ONE OF THE IGNITION COIL PACKS MALFUNCTIONING), DRIVERS ARE ABLE TO TAKE PRECAUTIONARY AND COMPENSATORY MEASURES AND STILL MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THEIR VEHICLES.IN ADDITION, FOUR FIRES WERE REPORTED TO ODI.THESE WERE IGNITION COIL BURNOUTS WITH NO ADDITIONAL DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE AND WERE LOCALIZED ON TOP OF THE ENGINE. DURING THE LAST 24 MONTHS THE NUMBER OF STALL AND DRIVABILITY COMPLAINTS REPORTED TO ODI HAS GREATLY DIMINISHED FROM A PEAK OF 195 IN JANUARY OF 2003 TO ONLY 3 IN AUGUST OF 2005.THIS COINCIDES WITH THE CSC RELEASED BY VW.A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT TREND HAS NOT BEEN IDENTIFIED AT THIS TIME AND FURTHER USE OF AGENCY RESOURCES DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE WARRANTED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT NO SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT EXISTS.THE AGENCY RESERVES THE RIGHT TO TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.
EA03020 · Passenger Air Bag Lid Failure
Opened Oct 7, 2003 · Closed Apr 23, 2004
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Air Bags; Air Bags:frontal
THIS INVESTIGATION INVOLVES THE VOLKSWAGEN (VW) PASSENGER SUPPLEMENTAL INFLATABLE RESTRAINT (PSIR) LID UTILIZED IN MY 1998-2002 VW PASSAT.THE PSIR LID MAY DETACH FROM THE INSTRUMENT PANEL DURING AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT.THE OFFICE OF DEFECTS INVESTIGATION (ODI) OF THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION (NHTSA) OPENED THE PRELIMINARY EVALUATION ON MAY 23, 2003 TO DETERMINE WHETHER ALLEGED PSIR LID DETACHMENT PRESENTS AN UNREASONABLE SAFETY RISK TO PASSENGERS IN THE VEHICLE.ODI?S INVESTIGATION REVEALS THAT DETACHMENT OF THE PSIR LID DURING AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT MAY OCCUR FOR TWO REASONS: 1) THE SHAPE OF THE PSIR LID, AND THE LENGTH OF THE ATTACHING TETHER, MAY SNAG THE AIR BAG DURING DEPLOYMENT APPLYING ADDITIONAL PRESSURE ON BOLTS THAT FASTEN THE LID TO THE INSTRUMENT PANEL (IP); AND/OR 2) THE ORIGINAL PSIR LID DESIGN (SUBJECT VEHICLES) UTILIZED SIX GRADE 4.8 MM CARBON STEEL TACK WELD BOLTS WHICH MAY NOT BE AS STRONG AS THE NEW DESIGN PSIR LID CONSISTING OF SIX GRADE 8.8 MM CARBON STEEL PRESS BOLTS THAT ARE HEAT TREATED.ODI CONCLUDES THAT DETACHMENT OF THE PSIR LID IS A DEFECT BECAUSE THE LID SHOULD REMAIN ATTACHED TO THE IP AFTER DEPLOYMENT OF THE AIRBAG.HOWEVER, AFTER ANALYZING VW?S RESPONSES, AND TEST DATA COLLECTED BY VW AND FAURECIA, THE PSIR LID SUPPLIER, ODI BELIEVES THAT FURTHER INVESTIGATION WOULD NOT LIKELY IDENTIFY A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT TREND BECAUSE A DETACHED PSIR LID AND PARTS DO NOT PROJECT TOWARDS A PASSENGER DURING DEPLOYMENT OF THE AIRBAG.THE TEST DATA SHOWS THAT THE AIRBAG PUSHES A DETACHED PSIR LID UPWARDS INTO THE WINDSHIELD DURING DEPLOYMENT, AND AWAY FROM THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT.IT IS HIGHLY UNLIKELY THAT A PASSENGER WOULD CONTACT THE PSIR LID OR ASSOCIATED PARTS DURING AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT.THEREFORE THIS ENGINEERING ANALYSIS (EA 03-020) IS CLOSED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT DOES NOT EXIST. FOR A DETAILED DISCUSSION OF THE PSIR LID AND TESTING, SEE THE ATTACHED REPORT.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Air Bags:frontal
THIS INVESTIGATION INVOLVES THE VOLKSWAGEN (VW) PASSENGER SUPPLEMENTAL INFLATABLE RESTRAINT (PSIR) LID UTILIZED IN MY 1998-2002 VW PASSAT.THE PSIR LID MAY DETACH FROM THE INSTRUMENT PANEL DURING AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT.THE OFFICE OF DEFECTS INVESTIGATION (ODI) OF THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION (NHTSA) OPENED THE PRELIMINARY EVALUATION ON MAY 23, 2003 TO DETERMINE WHETHER ALLEGED PSIR LID DETACHMENT PRESENTS AN UNREASONABLE SAFETY RISK TO PASSENGERS IN THE VEHICLE.ODI?S INVESTIGATION REVEALS THAT DETACHMENT OF THE PSIR LID DURING AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT MAY OCCUR FOR TWO REASONS: 1) THE SHAPE OF THE PSIR LID, AND THE LENGTH OF THE ATTACHING TETHER, MAY SNAG THE AIR BAG DURING DEPLOYMENT APPLYING ADDITIONAL PRESSURE ON BOLTS THAT FASTEN THE LID TO THE INSTRUMENT PANEL (IP); AND/OR 2) THE ORIGINAL PSIR LID DESIGN (SUBJECT VEHICLES) UTILIZED SIX GRADE 4.8 MM CARBON STEEL TACK WELD BOLTS WHICH MAY NOT BE AS STRONG AS THE NEW DESIGN PSIR LID CONSISTING OF SIX GRADE 8.8 MM CARBON STEEL PRESS BOLTS THAT ARE HEAT TREATED.ODI CONCLUDES THAT DETACHMENT OF THE PSIR LID IS A DEFECT BECAUSE THE LID SHOULD REMAIN ATTACHED TO THE IP AFTER DEPLOYMENT OF THE AIRBAG.HOWEVER, AFTER ANALYZING VW?S RESPONSES, AND TEST DATA COLLECTED BY VW AND FAURECIA, THE PSIR LID SUPPLIER, ODI BELIEVES THAT FURTHER INVESTIGATION WOULD NOT LIKELY IDENTIFY A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT TREND BECAUSE A DETACHED PSIR LID AND PARTS DO NOT PROJECT TOWARDS A PASSENGER DURING DEPLOYMENT OF THE AIRBAG.THE TEST DATA SHOWS THAT THE AIRBAG PUSHES A DETACHED PSIR LID UPWARDS INTO THE WINDSHIELD DURING DEPLOYMENT, AND AWAY FROM THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT.IT IS HIGHLY UNLIKELY THAT A PASSENGER WOULD CONTACT THE PSIR LID OR ASSOCIATED PARTS DURING AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT.THEREFORE THIS ENGINEERING ANALYSIS (EA 03-020) IS CLOSED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT DOES NOT EXIST. FOR A DETAILED DISCUSSION OF THE PSIR LID AND TESTING, SEE THE ATTACHED REPORT.
Air Bags
THIS INVESTIGATION INVOLVES THE VOLKSWAGEN (VW) PASSENGER SUPPLEMENTAL INFLATABLE RESTRAINT (PSIR) LID UTILIZED IN MY 1998-2002 VW PASSAT.THE PSIR LID MAY DETACH FROM THE INSTRUMENT PANEL DURING AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT.THE OFFICE OF DEFECTS INVESTIGATION (ODI) OF THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION (NHTSA) OPENED THE PRELIMINARY EVALUATION ON MAY 23, 2003 TO DETERMINE WHETHER ALLEGED PSIR LID DETACHMENT PRESENTS AN UNREASONABLE SAFETY RISK TO PASSENGERS IN THE VEHICLE.ODI?S INVESTIGATION REVEALS THAT DETACHMENT OF THE PSIR LID DURING AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT MAY OCCUR FOR TWO REASONS: 1) THE SHAPE OF THE PSIR LID, AND THE LENGTH OF THE ATTACHING TETHER, MAY SNAG THE AIR BAG DURING DEPLOYMENT APPLYING ADDITIONAL PRESSURE ON BOLTS THAT FASTEN THE LID TO THE INSTRUMENT PANEL (IP); AND/OR 2) THE ORIGINAL PSIR LID DESIGN (SUBJECT VEHICLES) UTILIZED SIX GRADE 4.8 MM CARBON STEEL TACK WELD BOLTS WHICH MAY NOT BE AS STRONG AS THE NEW DESIGN PSIR LID CONSISTING OF SIX GRADE 8.8 MM CARBON STEEL PRESS BOLTS THAT ARE HEAT TREATED.ODI CONCLUDES THAT DETACHMENT OF THE PSIR LID IS A DEFECT BECAUSE THE LID SHOULD REMAIN ATTACHED TO THE IP AFTER DEPLOYMENT OF THE AIRBAG.HOWEVER, AFTER ANALYZING VW?S RESPONSES, AND TEST DATA COLLECTED BY VW AND FAURECIA, THE PSIR LID SUPPLIER, ODI BELIEVES THAT FURTHER INVESTIGATION WOULD NOT LIKELY IDENTIFY A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT TREND BECAUSE A DETACHED PSIR LID AND PARTS DO NOT PROJECT TOWARDS A PASSENGER DURING DEPLOYMENT OF THE AIRBAG.THE TEST DATA SHOWS THAT THE AIRBAG PUSHES A DETACHED PSIR LID UPWARDS INTO THE WINDSHIELD DURING DEPLOYMENT, AND AWAY FROM THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT.IT IS HIGHLY UNLIKELY THAT A PASSENGER WOULD CONTACT THE PSIR LID OR ASSOCIATED PARTS DURING AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT.THEREFORE THIS ENGINEERING ANALYSIS (EA 03-020) IS CLOSED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT DOES NOT EXIST. FOR A DETAILED DISCUSSION OF THE PSIR LID AND TESTING, SEE THE ATTACHED REPORT.
PE03021 · Passenger Sir Door Mounting Stud Failure
Opened May 23, 2003 · Closed Oct 7, 2003
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Air Bags:frontal
ODI OPENED A PRELIMINARY EVALUATION (PE03-021) BASED ON TWO REPORTS OF FAILED BOLT STUDS THAT ATTACH THE PASSENGER SUPPLEMENTAL INFLATABLE RESTRAINT (PSIR) DOOR COVER TO THE INSTRUMENT PANEL (IP) ON THE VOLKSWAGEN (VW) PASSAT (MODEL YEARS 2000, 2002).VW HAS INDICATED TO ODI THAT IT HAS NO ADDITIONAL REPORTS.VW IMPLEMENTED A PROCESS CHANGE ON MARCH 1, 2002.THIS PROCESS CHANGE CONSISTED OF CHANGING THE BOLT APPLICATION THAT FASTENS THE PSIR DOOR TO THE IP FROM A WELD ON APPLICATION TO A PRESS ON APPLICATION.VW ALSO CHANGED THE MATERIAL OF THE BOLT.VW STATED THAT THE CHANGES WERE MADE TO EASE PRODUCTION BY ELIMINATING A WELDING PROCESS.ODI HAS UPGRADED ITS INVESTIGATION TO ENGINEERING ANALYSIS (EA03-020).
EA00028 · Fuel Tank Puncture
Opened Dec 28, 2000 · Closed Jan 29, 2002
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Vehicle Speed Control:linkages
No summary supplied.
PE00033 · Fuel Tank Puncture
Opened Aug 10, 2000 · Closed Dec 28, 2000
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Vehicle Speed Control:linkages
THE OFFICE OF DEFECTS INVESTIGATION OPENED THIS INVESTIGATION ON AUGUST 10, 2000 BASED ON 9 REPORTS REGARDING PUNCTURED FUEL TANKS INVOLVING THE JETTA, PASSAT, AND CABRIO MODELS.THE REPORTS INDICATE ADDITIONAL REPORTS IN ITS RESPONSE TO THE PRELIMINARY EVALUATION.THIS INVESTIGATION HAS BEEN UPGRADED FOR FURTHER STUDY.
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