NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Engine And Engine Cooling complaints
59 reportsClear category filter62,000 miles · Oct 26, 2007
Engine And Engine Cooling
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…
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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
NHTSA ODI #10207035
Mileage unknown · Oct 18, 2007
Engine And Engine CoolingFire
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
NHTSA ODI #10206235
55,955 miles · Jun 14, 2007
Engine And Engine CoolingFire
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THE ENGINE BEGAN TO SHUTTER. THE CONTACT SMELLED RUBBER BURNING AND THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A LOCAL MECHANIC. THE CAUSE OF FAILURE WAS DIAGNOSED AS A FAILED IGNITION COIL. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE…
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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THE ENGINE BEGAN TO SHUTTER. THE CONTACT SMELLED RUBBER BURNING AND THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A LOCAL MECHANIC. THE CAUSE OF FAILURE WAS DIAGNOSED AS A FAILED IGNITION COIL. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 56,010 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 55,955.
NHTSA ODI #10193378
35,787 miles · Feb 6, 2007
Engine And Engine CoolingPower Train
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 EXPERIENC…
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MY CAR, A 2004 VW PASSAT GLX AUTOMATIC, HAS HAD A TRANSMISSION PROBLEM SINCE THE DAY I BOUGHT IT, WHEN THE SALESPERSON TOLD ME IT JUST NEEDED TO ADJUST TO MY DRIVING STYLE. MONTHS LATER, IT WAS CLEAR THAT IT WASN'T ADJUSTING TO MY DRIVING STYLE. I TOOK IT IN AND IT WAS "FIXED." ABOUT MAY OR JUNE OF 2006, IT BEGAN TO EXPERIENCE PROBLEMS AGAIN, E.G., SLAMMING, SURGING, DELAYED ENGAGEMENT, ETC. I GAVE IT SOME TIME, HOPING IT WOULD "READJUST," THEN TOOK IT IN NOVEMBER OF 2006, WHEN THE PROBLEMS HAD BECOME MORE ACUTE. IN A 4-5 MINUTE TEST DRIVE WITHIN A MILE OF THE DEALER, THE MOST WORRISOME MALFUNCTIONS COULD NOT BE REPEATED. THE SERVICE MANAGER AT THE TIME SAID THE MINOR ISSUES WERE NORMAL, AND THAT I WOULD HAVE TO "WRITE A LETTER" TO GET THE PROBLEM ADDRESSED. ON SATURDAY, 2/3/07, A TRANSMISSION SURGE PROPELLED MY CAR OVER A SPEED BUMP AND INTO THE CONCRETE, CAUSING WHAT I PRESUMED WAS AN OIL LEAK. THIS TRANSMISSION ISSUE PRESENTS OBVIOUS HAZARDS TO PEOPLE, IN ADDITION TO PROPERTY. AS OF TODAY (2/6/07), THE DEALER IS REQUESTING THAT I PAY APPROXIMATELY $900 TO FIX THE OIL PAN SO THEY CAN DRIVE THE CAR AND ADDRESS THE TRANSMISSION MALFUNCTION. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10181819
45,000 miles · Jan 25, 2007
Engine And Engine Cooling
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…
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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 DEALERSHIP. THEY RECOMMENDED A NEW MOTOR. DEALERSHIP CONTENDS THAT WARRANTY WILL NOT COVER IT BECAUSE THEY REQUIRE SYNTHETIC OIL ONLY AND FOR OIL TO BE CHANGED AT THE DEALERSHIP. VW WARRANTY DENIED WARRANTY SERVICE. CAR IS STILL AT THE DEALERSHIP. *NM
NHTSA ODI #10180688
Mileage unknown · May 4, 2006
Engine And Engine Cooling
I HAVE A VW PASSAT WITH LESS THAN 30,000 MILES ON IT THAT HAS SLUDGE IN THE MOTOR AND HAVE BEEN FAITHFUL WITH MY OIL CHANGES BUT I AM MISSING ONE RECEIPT. VW OF AMERICA REFUSES TO COVER THE WORK UNDER WARRANTY STATING LACK OF MAINTENANCE ON MY BEHALF FOR THE PROBLEM. THEY ARE TAKING NO RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE DEFECTIVE ENGINES T…
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I HAVE A VW PASSAT WITH LESS THAN 30,000 MILES ON IT THAT HAS SLUDGE IN THE MOTOR AND HAVE BEEN FAITHFUL WITH MY OIL CHANGES BUT I AM MISSING ONE RECEIPT. VW OF AMERICA REFUSES TO COVER THE WORK UNDER WARRANTY STATING LACK OF MAINTENANCE ON MY BEHALF FOR THE PROBLEM. THEY ARE TAKING NO RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE DEFECTIVE ENGINES THEY ARE PUTTING IN THESE CARS BUT BLAMING IT ON THE CONSUMERS. I AM SORRY I EVER BOUGHT THIS CAR AND I AM NOW LEFT WITH NO TRANSPORTATION FOR MY KIDS TO GET TO SCHOOL AND FOR ME TO GET TO WORK AND I HAVE NO MONEY TO FIX THE CAR BECAUSE I AM A SINGLE MOTHER LIVING PAYCHECK TO PAYCHECK. IT IS VERY FRUSTRATING THAT I HAVE TO BE DRIVING DOWN THE FREEWAY WITH MY 3 DAUGHTERS IN THE CAR AND HAVE MY ENGINE FREEZE UP AND ALMOST CRASH INTO SEVERAL CARS TRYING TO GET OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. I THEN TAKE IT TO THE CLOSEST DEALER TO BE TREATED LIKE DIRT AND TOLD I DID NOT DO ENOUGH TO TAKE CARE OF MY CAR. THEY THEN SHUTTLE ME OFF TO SOME ADVOCATE FOR VW AND HE TREATS ME EVEN WORSE AND TELLS ME SORRY THE ANSWER IS NO HAVE A NICE DAY.. I HAVE NEVER BEEN TREATED SO POORLY IN MY LIFE AND I AM APPALLED THAT I EVER BOUGHT THIS CAR AND WILL TELL EVERYONE I KNOW ABOUT THIS ISSUE AND WARN EVERYONE I KNOW TO GET RID OF THEIR VWS. *NM
NHTSA ODI #10156812
23,700 miles · Dec 1, 2005
Engine And Engine Cooling
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…
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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
NHTSA ODI #10144165
10,075 miles · Nov 29, 2005
Engine And Engine Cooling
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 HA…
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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 TO MY DESTINATION AND THEN BACK HOME WITHOUT INCIDENT. THE NEXT TIME I USED MY CAR I NOTICED A LARGE PUDDLE OF OIL AND WAS SHOCKED TO FIND THAT THE OIL PAN, WHICH WAS STRATEGICALLY ENGINEERED TO RESIDE AT THE LOWEST AND MOST SUSCEPTIBLE PLACE ON THE ENGINE, HAD THE TINIEST CRACK AND WAS LEAKING OIL. I CALLED VW TO INQUIRE ABOUT A NEW PART WHERE THEY INFORMED ME THAT THE OIL PAN IS ALUMINUM AND COST $158 FOR A NEW ONE, BUT THAT BECAUSE IT IS BOLTED TO THE VEHICLES SUB-FRAME IT WILL COST ME $650 IN LABOR TO REPAIR THE PART. NEARLY $800 TO FIX AN OIL PAN? THIS IS CLEARLY AN ATTEMPT BY VW TO EXTORT MORE MONEY FROM ITS CUSTOMERS. WHO WOULD DESIGN A VEHICLE IN SUCH A MANNER AS THIS OTHERWISE? TO PLACE AN ALUMINUM OIL PAN AT THE LOWEST POINT OF THE ENGINE WITH NO PROTECTION IS CRIMINAL. LUCKILY I NOTICED THIS LEAK, BUT OTHERS WHO MAY BE LESS OBSERVANT COULD EASILY RUPTURE THIS OIL PAN AS INNOCUOUSLY AS I DID AND FAILING TO NOTICE THE LEAK, CONTINUE TO DRIVE THE CAR AS IT LEAKS OIL - POTENTIALLY BURNING UP THE MOTOR AND CAUSING DANGEROUS ENGINE FIRES OR WORSE, THE ENGINE SEIZING AT HIGH SPEEDS. I CONTACTED VW ABOUT THIS ISSUE AND THAT THEY WOULDN'T DO ANYTHING TO HELP ME RECOUP THE COSTS OF THIS REPAIR. THIS CAR HAS A MAJOR SAFETY FLAW THAT COULD MAKE MILLIONS OF MOTORISTS SUSCEPTIBLE TO SERIOUS HARM AND I HOPE THAT THE NHTSA WILL FURTHER INVESTIGATE THIS ISSUE AND HELP SAVE ANY FUTURE LOSS OF MONEY OR LIFE. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10143964
Mileage unknown · Dec 13, 2004
Engine And Engine Cooling
I HAVE SENT INFORMATION REGARDING TO NHTSA ABOUT THREE WEEKS AGO REGARDING MY 2003 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT AND ENGINE SEIZURE WHICH OCCURRED SEPTEMBER 25, 2004 ON A MAJOR BRIDGE IN NEWPORT NEWS VA. MY CAR IS UNDER WARRANTY. VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA IS AWARE THAT THEY HAVE ENGINE OIL SLUDGE PROBLEMS (2004 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT 1.8T ENGINES.…
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I HAVE SENT INFORMATION REGARDING TO NHTSA ABOUT THREE WEEKS AGO REGARDING MY 2003 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT AND ENGINE SEIZURE WHICH OCCURRED SEPTEMBER 25, 2004 ON A MAJOR BRIDGE IN NEWPORT NEWS VA. MY CAR IS UNDER WARRANTY. VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA IS AWARE THAT THEY HAVE ENGINE OIL SLUDGE PROBLEMS (2004 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT 1.8T ENGINES. HOWEVER, THERE POSITION IS THAT I NEGLECTED THE CAR. I HAVE HAD FOUR -FIVE OIL CHANGES. I TOOK MY CAR IN TO JOE PECHELES, GREENVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA, AUGUST 25 DUE TO THE ENGINE OIL PRESSURE LIGHT BEING ILLUMINATED. I WAS TOLD TO BRING THE CAR BACK AUGUST 26, 2004. I DID SO. I WAS GIVEN MY CAR BACK AND TOLD THE OIL HAD BEEN CHANGED. THEREFORE, I THOUGHT MY CAR WAS IN GOOD WORKING CONDITION. I HAVE TALKED TO THE AREA SERVICE REPRESEENTATIVES AND I WAS TOLD VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA WOULD NOT HONOR THE WARRANTY. I WILL BE HAPPY TO FORWARD YOU CORRESPONDENCES. HOWEVER, I HAVE SENT YOU INFORMATION AS STATED.*AK
NHTSA ODI #10102865
Official recalls
3Apr 7, 2008
VOLKSWAGEN IS RECALLING 412,000 MY 1999-2005 PASSAT (5TH GENERATION) VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS AND PRODUCED AFTER JUNE 14, 1999. THESE VEHICLES MAY HAVE AN UNDERBODY HEAT SHIELD THAT CAN BECOME DAMAGED. IN ADDITION, AFFECTED VEHICLES WITH AUTOMATIC OR MANUAL TRANSMISSIONS MAY HAVE A FUEL LINE (1.8T ENGINES ONLY) OR FUEL TANK VENTILATION VALVE (4MOTION/ALL WHEEL DRIVE ONLY) THAT CAN LEAK DUE TO FRACTURE.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A HEAT SHIELD THAT MAY CONTACT THE EXHAUST SYSTEM CAN RESULT IN A VEHICLE FIRE. IN ADDITION, 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.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL ADDITIONAL UNDERBODY HEAT SHIELDS ON VEHICLES WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS TO COVER THE POSSIBLY DAMAGED AREAS AND FLASH ALL 1.8T ENGINES WITH A PRECAUTIONARY SOFTWARE UPDATE. DEALERS WILL ALSO INSPECT AND ADJUST THE FUEL LINE ROUTING ON 1.8T VEHICLES AND THE FUEL TANK VENTILATION VALVE ON 4MOTION/ALL WHEEL DRIVE VEHICLES, AND REPLACE COMPONENTS IF NECESSARY FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 13, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VOLKSWAGEN AT 1-800-822-8987.
Feb 20, 2007
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER, WAGON, AND CONVERTIBLE VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH OR WITHOUT CRUISE CONTROL, A BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH MAY MALFUNCTION IF IT WAS INSTALLED INCORRECTLY.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THE BRAKE LIGHTS COULD BECOME INOPERATIVE, OR REMAIN ON. FAILURE TO PROVIDE THE PROPER SIGNAL WHEN BRAKING COULD LEAD TO A CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL THE NEWLY DESIGNED BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 27, 2007, AND WILL BE CONDUCTED IN SEVERAL STAGGERED MAILINGS THROUGH SEPTEMBER 21, 2007. VEHICLES WITHIN THE MAKE, MODEL, AND MODEL YEAR OF THIS POPULATION MAY BE INVOLVED IN EITHER THIS RECALL OR 06V-183, BUT NOT BOTH. THE REMEDY IS THE SAME FOR EACH RECALL. VOLKSWAGEN DEALERS WILL APPLY THE REMEDY BASED ON THE VIN NUMBER OF THE VEHICLE. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VW AT 1-800-822-8987.
Dec 15, 2004
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE HIGH PRESSURE DIESEL PUMPS WERE PRODUCED WITH AN IMPROPER FASTENER, WHICH COULD ALLOW DIESEL FUEL TO ESCAPE FROM THE PUMP.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE MAY LEAD TO A FIRE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE DIESEL PUMP. THE RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 8, 2005. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT VOLKSWAGEN AT 1-800-822-8987.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
3EA11002 · Engine Compartment Fire
Opened Jan 26, 2011 · Closed Feb 17, 2012
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Electrical System; Engine And Engine Cooling
In July 2010, the Agency opened PE10-027 to investigate allegations of coil on plug (COP) ignition coil fires in MY2002-2003 VW Passat vehicles.The investigation was upgraded in January 2011 to include all MY2001-2007 4-cylinder VW Passat, gasoline, turbo-charged vehicles.Based on the analysis of VW's response, and including ODI's consumer complaints, ODI has since identified 135 unique engine fire reports attributable to the COP coils.After further review of the details as contained in each report, ODI determined that 43 of the 135 fire reports were actual fire/flame incidents, 83 fire reports were thermal events (smoke, spark, heat or wire melt), and another 9 fire reports were undetermined in severity due to the lack of information.These COP coil fires were characterized as initiated from within the COP coil circuit located at the top of the engine block and below the plastic engine cover.The fires observed were contained in the engine compartment and did not reach into the passenger compartment in contrast to those caused by an overheated catalytic converter examined in ODI?s investigation in 2007 and 2008.There were no reports of crashes or personal injury in this examination.A safety-related defect has not been identified at this time and further use of agency resources does not appear to be warranted.Accordingly, this investigation is closed.The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that a safety-related defect does not exist.The agency will monitor this issue and reserves the right to take further action if warranted by the circumstancesSee the Closing Report for additional details.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Electrical System
In July 2010, the Agency opened PE10-027 to investigate allegations of coil on plug (COP) ignition coil fires in MY2002-2003 VW Passat vehicles.The investigation was upgraded in January 2011 to include all MY2001-2007 4-cylinder VW Passat, gasoline, turbo-charged vehicles.Based on the analysis of VW's response, and including ODI's consumer complaints, ODI has since identified 135 unique engine fire reports attributable to the COP coils.After further review of the details as contained in each report, ODI determined that 43 of the 135 fire reports were actual fire/flame incidents, 83 fire reports were thermal events (smoke, spark, heat or wire melt), and another 9 fire reports were undetermined in severity due to the lack of information.These COP coil fires were characterized as initiated from within the COP coil circuit located at the top of the engine block and below the plastic engine cover.The fires observed were contained in the engine compartment and did not reach into the passenger compartment in contrast to those caused by an overheated catalytic converter examined in ODI?s investigation in 2007 and 2008.There were no reports of crashes or personal injury in this examination.A safety-related defect has not been identified at this time and further use of agency resources does not appear to be warranted.Accordingly, this investigation is closed.The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that a safety-related defect does not exist.The agency will monitor this issue and reserves the right to take further action if warranted by the circumstancesSee the Closing Report for additional details.
Engine And Engine Cooling
In July 2010, the Agency opened PE10-027 to investigate allegations of coil on plug (COP) ignition coil fires in MY2002-2003 VW Passat vehicles.The investigation was upgraded in January 2011 to include all MY2001-2007 4-cylinder VW Passat, gasoline, turbo-charged vehicles.Based on the analysis of VW's response, and including ODI's consumer complaints, ODI has since identified 135 unique engine fire reports attributable to the COP coils.After further review of the details as contained in each report, ODI determined that 43 of the 135 fire reports were actual fire/flame incidents, 83 fire reports were thermal events (smoke, spark, heat or wire melt), and another 9 fire reports were undetermined in severity due to the lack of information.These COP coil fires were characterized as initiated from within the COP coil circuit located at the top of the engine block and below the plastic engine cover.The fires observed were contained in the engine compartment and did not reach into the passenger compartment in contrast to those caused by an overheated catalytic converter examined in ODI?s investigation in 2007 and 2008.There were no reports of crashes or personal injury in this examination.A safety-related defect has not been identified at this time and further use of agency resources does not appear to be warranted.Accordingly, this investigation is closed.The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that a safety-related defect does not exist.The agency will monitor this issue and reserves the right to take further action if warranted by the circumstancesSee the Closing Report for additional details.
PE08008 · Fuel Tank Leak
Opened Jan 31, 2008 · Closed May 30, 2008
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Fuel System, Gasoline:storage:tank Assembly; Fuel System, Other:storage:tank Assembly:pressure Relief Devices
VOLKSWAGEN (VW) IS RECALLING CERTAIN VW PASSAT 4MOTION AND AUDI A6 QUATTRO AND ALLROAD QUATTRO ALL-WHEEL DRIVE PASSENGER CARS.VW VEHICLES SUBJECT TO RECALL WERE MANUFACTURED FROM NOVEMBER 22, 2000 THROUGH MAY 31, 2005 AND AUDI VEHICLES SUBJECT TO RECALL WERE MANUFACTURED FROM JUNE 2, 2001 TO JUNE 1, 2005.THE NHTSA RECALL NUMBER FOR THE VW VEHICLES IS 08V-156 (VW ALSO IS CORRECTING DEFECTS RELATED TO HEAT SHIELD AND FUEL LINE HAZARDS FOR THESE VEHICLES AND FOR 1999-2000 PASSATS IN THIS RECALL ACTION.)THE NHTSA RECALL NUMBER FOR THE AUDI VEHICLES IS 08V-157.SINCE 2006, ODI HAS RECEIVED 17 COMPLAINTS OF FUEL LEAKING FROM THE SUBJECT VEHICLES' FUEL TANKS.THE 400 COMPLAINTS SHOWN ABOVE MAY INCLUDE DUPLICATE REPORTS TO ODI AND THE MANUFACTURER. WHILE THE CONSEQUENCE (FUEL LEAKS FROM THE TOP OF THE TANK) IS SIMILAR FOR BOTH THE PASSAT AND AUDI SUBJECT VEHICLES, DIFFERENCES IN DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION REQUIRE A DIFFERENT REMEDY FOR EACH VEHICLE.ON THE PASSATS, THE VENTILATION LINE COULD HAVE BEEN INSTALLED IMPROPERLY WITH TENSION AND WITH AN INCORRECTLY POSITIONED CABLE TIE.THE TENSION COULD CAUSE CRACKED OR BROKEN NIPPLES ON THE FUEL TANK ROLLOVER VALVE.ON THE AUDI VEHICLES, A MATERIAL CHANGE (EFFECTIVE JUNE 2, 2001) WITH DIFFERENT AGING CHARACTERISTICS USED FOR THE ROLLOVER VALVE AND THE USE OF AN INFLEXIBLE ALUMINUM VENTILATION LINE COULD CAUSE CRACKING OF THE NIPPLE ON THE ROLLOVER VALVE.VW IS RECALLING ALL VEHICLES SUBJECT TO THESE DEFECTS.IT WILL INSPECT PASSATS TO ENSURE THAT THE VENT LINE IS TENSION FREE AND CORRECT THE INSTALLATION IF TENSION IS FOUND.IF A CRACK OR FUEL LEAK IS FOUND, VW WILL REPLACE THE FUEL TANK.AUDI WILL REPAIR ALL SUBJECT VEHICLES BY REINFORCING THE FUEL TANK ROLLOVER VALVE WITH AN EPOXY ADHESIVE.THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.
Additional source detail variants (4)
Fuel System, Gasoline:storage:tank Assembly
VOLKSWAGEN (VW) IS RECALLING CERTAIN VW PASSAT 4MOTION AND AUDI A6 QUATTRO AND ALLROAD QUATTRO ALL-WHEEL DRIVE PASSENGER CARS.VW VEHICLES SUBJECT TO RECALL WERE MANUFACTURED FROM NOVEMBER 22, 2000 THROUGH MAY 31, 2005 AND AUDI VEHICLES SUBJECT TO RECALL WERE MANUFACTURED FROM JUNE 2, 2001 TO JUNE 1, 2005.THE NHTSA RECALL NUMBER FOR THE VW VEHICLES IS 08V-156 (VW ALSO IS CORRECTING DEFECTS RELATED TO HEAT SHIELD AND FUEL LINE HAZARDS FOR THESE VEHICLES AND FOR 1999-2000 PASSATS IN THIS RECALL ACTION.)THE NHTSA RECALL NUMBER FOR THE AUDI VEHICLES IS 08V-157.SINCE 2006, ODI HAS RECEIVED 17 COMPLAINTS OF FUEL LEAKING FROM THE SUBJECT VEHICLES' FUEL TANKS.THE 400 COMPLAINTS SHOWN ABOVE MAY INCLUDE DUPLICATE REPORTS TO ODI AND THE MANUFACTURER. WHILE THE CONSEQUENCE (FUEL LEAKS FROM THE TOP OF THE TANK) IS SIMILAR FOR BOTH THE PASSAT AND AUDI SUBJECT VEHICLES, DIFFERENCES IN DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION REQUIRE A DIFFERENT REMEDY FOR EACH VEHICLE.ON THE PASSATS, THE VENTILATION LINE COULD HAVE BEEN INSTALLED IMPROPERLY WITH TENSION AND WITH AN INCORRECTLY POSITIONED CABLE TIE.THE TENSION COULD CAUSE CRACKED OR BROKEN NIPPLES ON THE FUEL TANK ROLLOVER VALVE.ON THE AUDI VEHICLES, A MATERIAL CHANGE (EFFECTIVE JUNE 2, 2001) WITH DIFFERENT AGING CHARACTERISTICS USED FOR THE ROLLOVER VALVE AND THE USE OF AN INFLEXIBLE ALUMINUM VENTILATION LINE COULD CAUSE CRACKING OF THE NIPPLE ON THE ROLLOVER VALVE.VW IS RECALLING ALL VEHICLES SUBJECT TO THESE DEFECTS.IT WILL INSPECT PASSATS TO ENSURE THAT THE VENT LINE IS TENSION FREE AND CORRECT THE INSTALLATION IF TENSION IS FOUND.IF A CRACK OR FUEL LEAK IS FOUND, VW WILL REPLACE THE FUEL TANK.AUDI WILL REPAIR ALL SUBJECT VEHICLES BY REINFORCING THE FUEL TANK ROLLOVER VALVE WITH AN EPOXY ADHESIVE.THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.
Fuel System, Gasoline:storage:tank Assembly
VOLKSWAGEN (VW) IS RECALLING CERTAIN VW PASSAT 4MOTION AND AUDI A6 QUATTRO AND ALLROAD QUATTRO ALL-WHEEL DRIVE PASSENGER CARS.VW VEHICLES SUBJECT TO RECALL WERE MANUFACTURED FROM NOVEMBER 22, 2000 THROUGH MAY 31, 2005 AND AUDI VEHICLES SUBJECT TO RECALL WERE MANUFACTURED FROM JUNE 2, 2001 TO JUNE 1, 2005.THE NHTSA RECALL NUMBER FOR THE VW VEHICLES IS 08V-156 (VW ALSO IS CORRECTING DEFECTS RELATED TO HEAT SHIELD AND FUEL LINE HAZARDS FOR THESE VEHICLES AND FOR 1999-2000 PASSATS IN THIS RECALL ACTION.)THE NHTSA RECALL NUMBER FOR THE AUDI VEHICLES IS 08V-157.SINCE 2006, ODI HAS RECEIVED 17 COMPLAINTS OF FUEL LEAKING FROM THE SUBJECT VEHICLES' FUEL TANKS.THE 400 COMPLAINTS SHOWN ABOVE MAY INCLUDE DUPLICATE REPORTS TO ODI AND THE MANUFACTURER. WHILE THE CONSEQUENCE (FUEL LEAKS FROM THE TOP OF THE TANK) IS SIMILAR FOR BOTH THE PASSAT AND AUDI SUBJECT VEHICLES, DIFFERENCES IN DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION REQUIRE A DIFFERENT REMEDY FOR EACH VEHICLE.ON THE PASSATS, THE VENTILATION LINE COULD HAVE BEEN INSTALLED IMPROPERLY WITH TENSION AND WITH AN INCORRECTLY POSITIONED CABLE TIE.THE TENSION COULD CAUSE CRACKED OR BROKEN NIPPLES ON THE FUEL TANK ROLLOVER VALVE.ON THE AUDI VEHICLES, A MATERIAL CHANGE (EFFECTIVE JUNE 2, 2001) WITH DIFFERENT AGING CHARACTERISTICS USED FOR THE ROLLOVER VALVE AND THE USE OF AN INFLEXIBLE ALUMINUM VENTILATION LINE COULD CAUSE CRACKING OF THE NIPPLE ON THE ROLLOVER VALVE.VW IS RECALLING ALL VEHICLES SUBJECT TO THESE DEFECTS.IT WILL INSPECT PASSATS TO ENSURE THAT THE VENT LINE IS TENSION FREE AND CORRECT THE INSTALLATION IF TENSION IS FOUND.IF A CRACK OR FUEL LEAK IS FOUND, VW WILL REPLACE THE FUEL TANK.AUDI WILL REPAIR ALL SUBJECT VEHICLES BY REINFORCING THE FUEL TANK ROLLOVER VALVE WITH AN EPOXY ADHESIVE.THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.
Fuel System, Other:storage:tank Assembly:pressure Relief Devices
VOLKSWAGEN (VW) IS RECALLING CERTAIN VW PASSAT 4MOTION AND AUDI A6 QUATTRO AND ALLROAD QUATTRO ALL-WHEEL DRIVE PASSENGER CARS.VW VEHICLES SUBJECT TO RECALL WERE MANUFACTURED FROM NOVEMBER 22, 2000 THROUGH MAY 31, 2005 AND AUDI VEHICLES SUBJECT TO RECALL WERE MANUFACTURED FROM JUNE 2, 2001 TO JUNE 1, 2005.THE NHTSA RECALL NUMBER FOR THE VW VEHICLES IS 08V-156 (VW ALSO IS CORRECTING DEFECTS RELATED TO HEAT SHIELD AND FUEL LINE HAZARDS FOR THESE VEHICLES AND FOR 1999-2000 PASSATS IN THIS RECALL ACTION.)THE NHTSA RECALL NUMBER FOR THE AUDI VEHICLES IS 08V-157.SINCE 2006, ODI HAS RECEIVED 17 COMPLAINTS OF FUEL LEAKING FROM THE SUBJECT VEHICLES' FUEL TANKS.THE 400 COMPLAINTS SHOWN ABOVE MAY INCLUDE DUPLICATE REPORTS TO ODI AND THE MANUFACTURER. WHILE THE CONSEQUENCE (FUEL LEAKS FROM THE TOP OF THE TANK) IS SIMILAR FOR BOTH THE PASSAT AND AUDI SUBJECT VEHICLES, DIFFERENCES IN DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION REQUIRE A DIFFERENT REMEDY FOR EACH VEHICLE.ON THE PASSATS, THE VENTILATION LINE COULD HAVE BEEN INSTALLED IMPROPERLY WITH TENSION AND WITH AN INCORRECTLY POSITIONED CABLE TIE.THE TENSION COULD CAUSE CRACKED OR BROKEN NIPPLES ON THE FUEL TANK ROLLOVER VALVE.ON THE AUDI VEHICLES, A MATERIAL CHANGE (EFFECTIVE JUNE 2, 2001) WITH DIFFERENT AGING CHARACTERISTICS USED FOR THE ROLLOVER VALVE AND THE USE OF AN INFLEXIBLE ALUMINUM VENTILATION LINE COULD CAUSE CRACKING OF THE NIPPLE ON THE ROLLOVER VALVE.VW IS RECALLING ALL VEHICLES SUBJECT TO THESE DEFECTS.IT WILL INSPECT PASSATS TO ENSURE THAT THE VENT LINE IS TENSION FREE AND CORRECT THE INSTALLATION IF TENSION IS FOUND.IF A CRACK OR FUEL LEAK IS FOUND, VW WILL REPLACE THE FUEL TANK.AUDI WILL REPAIR ALL SUBJECT VEHICLES BY REINFORCING THE FUEL TANK ROLLOVER VALVE WITH AN EPOXY ADHESIVE.THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.
Fuel System, Other:storage:tank Assembly:pressure Relief Devices
VOLKSWAGEN (VW) IS RECALLING CERTAIN VW PASSAT 4MOTION AND AUDI A6 QUATTRO AND ALLROAD QUATTRO ALL-WHEEL DRIVE PASSENGER CARS.VW VEHICLES SUBJECT TO RECALL WERE MANUFACTURED FROM NOVEMBER 22, 2000 THROUGH MAY 31, 2005 AND AUDI VEHICLES SUBJECT TO RECALL WERE MANUFACTURED FROM JUNE 2, 2001 TO JUNE 1, 2005.THE NHTSA RECALL NUMBER FOR THE VW VEHICLES IS 08V-156 (VW ALSO IS CORRECTING DEFECTS RELATED TO HEAT SHIELD AND FUEL LINE HAZARDS FOR THESE VEHICLES AND FOR 1999-2000 PASSATS IN THIS RECALL ACTION.)THE NHTSA RECALL NUMBER FOR THE AUDI VEHICLES IS 08V-157.SINCE 2006, ODI HAS RECEIVED 17 COMPLAINTS OF FUEL LEAKING FROM THE SUBJECT VEHICLES' FUEL TANKS.THE 400 COMPLAINTS SHOWN ABOVE MAY INCLUDE DUPLICATE REPORTS TO ODI AND THE MANUFACTURER. WHILE THE CONSEQUENCE (FUEL LEAKS FROM THE TOP OF THE TANK) IS SIMILAR FOR BOTH THE PASSAT AND AUDI SUBJECT VEHICLES, DIFFERENCES IN DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION REQUIRE A DIFFERENT REMEDY FOR EACH VEHICLE.ON THE PASSATS, THE VENTILATION LINE COULD HAVE BEEN INSTALLED IMPROPERLY WITH TENSION AND WITH AN INCORRECTLY POSITIONED CABLE TIE.THE TENSION COULD CAUSE CRACKED OR BROKEN NIPPLES ON THE FUEL TANK ROLLOVER VALVE.ON THE AUDI VEHICLES, A MATERIAL CHANGE (EFFECTIVE JUNE 2, 2001) WITH DIFFERENT AGING CHARACTERISTICS USED FOR THE ROLLOVER VALVE AND THE USE OF AN INFLEXIBLE ALUMINUM VENTILATION LINE COULD CAUSE CRACKING OF THE NIPPLE ON THE ROLLOVER VALVE.VW IS RECALLING ALL VEHICLES SUBJECT TO THESE DEFECTS.IT WILL INSPECT PASSATS TO ENSURE THAT THE VENT LINE IS TENSION FREE AND CORRECT THE INSTALLATION IF TENSION IS FOUND.IF A CRACK OR FUEL LEAK IS FOUND, VW WILL REPLACE THE FUEL TANK.AUDI WILL REPAIR ALL SUBJECT VEHICLES BY REINFORCING THE FUEL TANK ROLLOVER VALVE WITH AN EPOXY ADHESIVE.THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.
EA07014 · 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.
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