NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Fuel System, Gasoline complaints
28 reportsClear category filter97,361 miles · Sep 20, 2021
Fuel System, Gasoline
The contact owns a 2004 Volkswagen Passat. The contact stated that there was gasoline leaking in his driveway where the vehicle was parked, after he had refueled the vehicle the day before. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and the mechanic informed the contact that it was a known failure related to NHTSA Campaign…
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The contact owns a 2004 Volkswagen Passat. The contact stated that there was gasoline leaking in his driveway where the vehicle was parked, after he had refueled the vehicle the day before. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and the mechanic informed the contact that it was a known failure related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 08V156000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The dealer and manufacturer were made aware of the failure but informed the contact that the failure was addressed in 2012 and the recall was closed on the VIN. The failure mileage was 97,361.
NHTSA ODI #11433670
92,000 miles · Feb 9, 2016
Fuel System, Gasoline
PURCHASED A USED 2004 VW PASSAT GLX 4MOTION WITH 91K MILES AND NO ACCIDENT OR DAMAGE HISTORY PER CARFAX.. FIRST FILL OF THE GAS TANK REVEALED A SEVERE LEAK OF GREATER THAN 180 DROPS PER MINUTE. THE LEAK OCCURRED AT ALL TIMES WITH THE CAR RUNNING OR TURNED OFF AND THE KEY REMOVED. THE LEAK STOPPED AFTER THE GAS GAUGE MOVED BEL…
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PURCHASED A USED 2004 VW PASSAT GLX 4MOTION WITH 91K MILES AND NO ACCIDENT OR DAMAGE HISTORY PER CARFAX.. FIRST FILL OF THE GAS TANK REVEALED A SEVERE LEAK OF GREATER THAN 180 DROPS PER MINUTE. THE LEAK OCCURRED AT ALL TIMES WITH THE CAR RUNNING OR TURNED OFF AND THE KEY REMOVED. THE LEAK STOPPED AFTER THE GAS GAUGE MOVED BELOW F. REMOVED REAR SEAT AND NOTICED FUEL WETTING ON THE EXTERIOR OF THE TANK ADJACENT TO THE FUEL LEVEL SENSOR. USING A MIRROR FUEL WAS VISIBLE COMING FROM THE VENT BOSS ADJACENT TO THE FUEL LEVEL SENSOR. THIS EXACT ISSUE IS COVERED UNDER VWOA RECALL 26E5/R5 NHTSA CAMPAIGN # 08V156000. I CONTACTED VW CUSTOMER SERVICE AND THEY INFORMED ME MY VEHICLE VIN [XXX] IS NOT ELIGIBLE HOWEVER THEY DID NOT SAY WHY. THE CARFAX REPORT STATES THAT A HEAT SHIELD WAS REPLACED 8/11/2008. RECALL 26E5/R5 INVOLVES A HEAT SHIELD AS WELL AS THE FUEL TANK. IT'S POSSIBLE THE TANK WAS OK AT THE TIME. IF THE VEHICLE HAS ALREADY HAD THE RECALL AND THE FUEL TANK DEVELOPED THE PROBLEM AFTER IS THERE ANY RECOURSE UNDER THIS RECALL? INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
NHTSA ODI #10825233
85,000 miles · Sep 22, 2015
EngineFuel System, GasolineStructureFire
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 …
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THE PASSAT IGNITED IN OUR DRIVEWAY AT 4:00 A.M. IT HAD NOT BEEN STARTED/DRIVEN IN A WEEK. WE WOKE TO THE SOUND OF THE TIRE BURSTING. THERE IS A HOUSTON POLICE DEPARTMENT /ARSON CASE # [XXX] - PHONE # [XXX]. INSPECTOR [XXX]. HE SAID THE IGNITION AREA OF THE CAR WAS THE START OF THE FIRE. I THINK HE WAS ARSON DEPARTMENT. THE CAR WAS TOTALED. WE ARE LUCKY WE DID NOT LOOSE OUR HOUSE AND NEIGHBOR'S IF WE HAD NOT HEARD THE TIRE BLOW. I AM NOT EXACTLY SURE OF THE MILEAGE BUT KNOW IT WAS LOW FOR THE YEAR AND THINK IT WAS BELOW 90,000...UPDATED 05/02/16 *BF INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
NHTSA ODI #10767576
104,000 miles · Feb 23, 2015
Fuel System, Gasoline
2004 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT 4MOTION, THE FUEL TANK ROLLOVER/VENT VALVE ON THE TOP OF THE TANK HAS CRACKED AND IS LEAKING GASOLINE ONTO THE EXHAUST SYSTEM. THE TANK WAS FILLED UP ON 2/22/2015 AND STARTED LEAKING LARGE AMOUNTS OF FUEL FROM THE TOP OF THE TANK OVER THE EXHAUST. THIS CONTINUED UNTIL THE TANK REACHED 3/4 FULL. IF THE FUEL…
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2004 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT 4MOTION, THE FUEL TANK ROLLOVER/VENT VALVE ON THE TOP OF THE TANK HAS CRACKED AND IS LEAKING GASOLINE ONTO THE EXHAUST SYSTEM. THE TANK WAS FILLED UP ON 2/22/2015 AND STARTED LEAKING LARGE AMOUNTS OF FUEL FROM THE TOP OF THE TANK OVER THE EXHAUST. THIS CONTINUED UNTIL THE TANK REACHED 3/4 FULL. IF THE FUEL TANK IS FILLED ABOVE 3/4 IT WILL LEAK FUEL UNTIL IT GETS TO 3/4. IF THE VEHICLE IS PARKED WITH THE FRONT DOWNHILL, IT CONTINUES TO LEAK BEYOND THE 3/4 POINT. THIS FAILURE WAS PART OF A PREVIOUS VW 2008 NHTSA MANDATED RECALL 08V156000, BUT ONLY REQUIRED DEALER INSPECTION OF THE ROLLOVER/VENT VALVE AND NOT REPLACEMENT OF THE FUEL TANK WITH A FUNCTIONAL PART, IF IT WAS NOT LEAKING WHEN INSPECTED THEN DO NOTHING. THE ROLLOVER/VENT IS INTEGRAL TO THE VW PASSAT AWD TANK, AND THE COMPLETE FUEL TANK HAS TO BE REPLACED. VW CLAIM AS THE CAR WAS INSPECTED IN 2008, THEY ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR THE SUBSEQUENT FAILURE OF THE ROLLOVER/VENT VALVE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10690159
143,000 miles · Oct 1, 2014
Fuel System, Gasoline
FUEL BEGAN LEAKING FROM THE TOP OF THE FUEL TANK AFTER FILL UP. MY DAUGHTER WAS HEADING BACK TO COLLEGE, AND AS SHE PULLED AWAY I NOTICED A LARGE PUDDLE OF GASOLINE IN THE STREET. NHTSA HAD PREVIOUSLY RECALLED THE VEHICLE IN 2008 (26E5/R5) ACTION NUMBER (PE08008). VW DEALER INSPECTED AND INSTALLED HEAT SHIELD. NO FUEL LEAK A…
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FUEL BEGAN LEAKING FROM THE TOP OF THE FUEL TANK AFTER FILL UP. MY DAUGHTER WAS HEADING BACK TO COLLEGE, AND AS SHE PULLED AWAY I NOTICED A LARGE PUDDLE OF GASOLINE IN THE STREET. NHTSA HAD PREVIOUSLY RECALLED THE VEHICLE IN 2008 (26E5/R5) ACTION NUMBER (PE08008). VW DEALER INSPECTED AND INSTALLED HEAT SHIELD. NO FUEL LEAK AT THIS TIME. IN SEPTEMBER 2012 FUEL TANK BEGAN LEAKING, VW DEALER REPLACED THE FUEL TANK, WASHER, GASKET AND CLAMP UNDER THE RECALL. IN SEPTEMBER 2014 I BROUGHT CAR BACK TO VW DEALER, AND THEY SAID THEY ARE ONLY RESPONSIBLE TO FIX THE CAR ONCE. FED UP WITH VW, I BROUGHT CAR TO MY LOCAL MECHANIC, AND UPON INSPECTION HE FOUND THE NIPPLES ON THE FUEL TANK ROLLOVER VALVE WERE AGAIN CRACKED. I HAD HIM REPLACE THE TANK. OBVIOUSLY VW DIDN'T PROPERLY FIX THE PROBLEM, AND OR REPLACED THE TANK WITH THE SAME DEFECTIVE DESIGN AND THE TANK CRACKED AGAIN. THIS IS A VERY SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE, AND I FEEL THAT VW SHOULD PAY FOR THIS REPAIR. IF IT WAS DONE RIGHT AND CORRECTED, THE TANK WOULD NOT BE LEAKING AGAIN AFTER LESS THAN 2 YEARS, AND 20,000 MILES. THIS COULD HAVE CAUSED A FIRE WITH MY DAUGHTER IN THE CAR, AND THAT IS VERY UPSETTING TO ME. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10640452
166,000 miles · Aug 21, 2014
Engine And Engine CoolingFuel System, Gasoline
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 EXHAUS…
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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
NHTSA ODI #10626953
145,000 miles · Jun 20, 2014
Fuel System, Gasoline
I FILLED MY GAS TANK UP ON A FRIDAY AND DROVE IT HOME AND PARKED IT IN THE DRIVEWAY AND THE NEXT DAY NOTICED A FAIRLY LARGE PUDDLE OF GASOLINE UNDER MY CAR. I TOOK IT TO MY LOCAL CAR SHOP AND THEY TOLD ME THAT IT WAS THE FUEL LINE THAT WAS LEAKING AND THAT HE CALLED A VOLKSWAGEN DEALERSHIP AND THEY HAD TOLD HIM THAT THERE WAS A …
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I FILLED MY GAS TANK UP ON A FRIDAY AND DROVE IT HOME AND PARKED IT IN THE DRIVEWAY AND THE NEXT DAY NOTICED A FAIRLY LARGE PUDDLE OF GASOLINE UNDER MY CAR. I TOOK IT TO MY LOCAL CAR SHOP AND THEY TOLD ME THAT IT WAS THE FUEL LINE THAT WAS LEAKING AND THAT HE CALLED A VOLKSWAGEN DEALERSHIP AND THEY HAD TOLD HIM THAT THERE WAS A RECALL ON THAT EXACT PART OF THE CAR. I WAS TOLD TO CALL VOLKSWAGEN AND SEE IF THEY WOULD BE ABLE TO FIX THE ISSUE AND THEY TOLD ME THAT THE RECALL WAS ALREADY FIXED BY THE PREVIOUS OWNER OF MY CAR. IF IT WAS ALREADY FIXED THEN THE SAME PROBLEM SHOULDN'T BE HAPPENING AGAIN. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10604780
154,500 miles · Apr 24, 2014
Fuel System, Gasoline
I HAVE A 2004 VW PASSAT W8 4-MOTION AND I FILLED THE TANK THE OTHER DAY AND PARKED THE CAR IN THE GARAGE OVERNIGHT AND WHEN I OPENED THE INTERIOR GARAGE DOOR IN THE MORNING THE FUMES WERE SO STRONG I EVACUATED MY WIFE AND 4 MONTH OLD BABY FORM THE HOUSE. THIS HAS HAPPENED 2 TIMES, BOTH WERE WHEN I FILLED THE FUEL TANK. I CALLED…
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I HAVE A 2004 VW PASSAT W8 4-MOTION AND I FILLED THE TANK THE OTHER DAY AND PARKED THE CAR IN THE GARAGE OVERNIGHT AND WHEN I OPENED THE INTERIOR GARAGE DOOR IN THE MORNING THE FUMES WERE SO STRONG I EVACUATED MY WIFE AND 4 MONTH OLD BABY FORM THE HOUSE. THIS HAS HAPPENED 2 TIMES, BOTH WERE WHEN I FILLED THE FUEL TANK. I CALLED THE DEALER AND THEY SAID THERE WAS A RECALL THAT ADDED A HEAT SHIELD AND INSPECTED THE 4 MOTION VW PASSAT PURGE/ROLLOVER VALVE. THEY STATED THAT THE HEAT SHIELD WAS REPLACED BUT DID NOT SHOW THE VALVE BEING REPLACED. I CALLED VW AND THEY STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS OUT OF WARRANTY AND IS NO LONGER COVERED. I AM VERY CONCERNED FOR MY FAMILY'S SAFETY ESPECIALLY SINCE I LIVE IN A 3 STORY TOWN-HOME AND THE GARAGE IS AT THE BOTTOM OF OUR MAIN FLOOR. I WOULD LIKE THE CAR INSPECTED ASAP. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10584694
80,000 miles · Jan 3, 2014
Fuel System, Gasoline
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AN ABNORMAL DRAGGING NOISE WAS HEARD FROM THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE WHILE DRIVING THROUGH SNOW. THE CONTACT IN INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND DISCOVERED THAT A FRACTURED PLASTIC COMPONENT AND THE ZIP TIE HOLDING THE FUEL TANK AND FUEL WAS CONSUMING PREMATURELY. TH…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AN ABNORMAL DRAGGING NOISE WAS HEARD FROM THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE WHILE DRIVING THROUGH SNOW. THE CONTACT IN INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND DISCOVERED THAT A FRACTURED PLASTIC COMPONENT AND THE ZIP TIE HOLDING THE FUEL TANK AND FUEL WAS CONSUMING PREMATURELY. THE MANUFACTURER ADVISED THAT NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER 08V156000 (FUEL) WAS PERFORMED HOWEVER THE FAILURE WAS NOT CORRECTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 80,000. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10558304
102,000 miles · Oct 3, 2013
Fuel System, Gasoline
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS BEING SERVICED FOR MAINTENANCE WHEN HE WAS INFORMED THAT THE FUEL SYSTEM WAS LEAKING. THE CONTACT WAS UNSURE IF THE VEHICLE WAS LISTED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 08V156000 (FUEL SYSTEM). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS BEING SERVICED FOR MAINTENANCE WHEN HE WAS INFORMED THAT THE FUEL SYSTEM WAS LEAKING. THE CONTACT WAS UNSURE IF THE VEHICLE WAS LISTED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 08V156000 (FUEL SYSTEM). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 102,000. VOLKSWAGEN INFORMED THE CONSUMER IT WAS NO LONGER AN OPEN RECALL IN THEIR SYSTEM, AND THEY WOULD NOT HONOR IT. UPDATED 12/04/13
NHTSA ODI #10546654
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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