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2006 Volkswagen Passat

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

More warning signs than most Passat years

Owner complaints for the 2006 Volkswagen Passat are substantially higher than the model-year median of 110.

About this comparison →

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

411 reports with mileage · 165 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Air Bags. Review the 148 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Steering. Review the 112 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Electrical System. Review the 79 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

21 crash reports6 fire reports7 injury reports

Steering complaints

112 reports
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128,000 miles · May 10, 2020
Electrical SystemSteering

TRYING TO START CAR AND WON'T TURN ON WITH KEY ALL MY KEYS DON'T WORK SAYS STEERING WHEEL LOCK DEFECTIVE CAN'T GET MY CAR TO TURN MY RADIO ON I AM PARKED IN MY DRIVE WAY AND CAN'T EVEN TOW IT TO DEALER NOW BECAUSE IT WON'T GO INTO NEUTRAL. *TR

NHTSA ODI #11324052

212,000 miles · Sep 8, 2019
Steering

MY VW HAS BEEN HARD TO START AND GETTING THE STEERING LOCK FAULT WARNING. I UNDERSTAND THERE WAS A VOLUNTARY RECALL, BUT I WAS THE ORIGINAL OWNER AND DO NOT REMEMBER GETTING THE RECALL NOTICE.

NHTSA ODI #11253959

200,000 miles · Oct 26, 2018
Air BagsSteering

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED WHILE DRIVING. THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED THAT THE AIR BAG MIGHT DEPLOY WHILE DRIVING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO JOSEPH VOLKSWAGEN OF CINCINNATI (LOCATED AT 3813 MONTGOMERY RD, CINCINNATI, OH 45212, (513) 914-1785) WHER…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED WHILE DRIVING. THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED THAT THE AIR BAG MIGHT DEPLOY WHILE DRIVING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO JOSEPH VOLKSWAGEN OF CINCINNATI (LOCATED AT 3813 MONTGOMERY RD, CINCINNATI, OH 45212, (513) 914-1785) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE CURTAIN AIR BAGS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED PER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 18V247000 (AIR BAGS). IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED WHEN ATTEMPTING TO DRIVE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED BACK TO THE DEALER, BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED DUE TO THE REPAIR FEES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES AND PROVIDED CASE NUMBERS: 180151960, 181324957, AND 08125390. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 200,000.

NHTSA ODI #11142991

80,000 miles · Oct 16, 2017
EnginePower TrainSteering

HAVE BEEN GETTING STEERING LOCK MALFUNCTIONS WHEN TRYING TO START THE CAR FOR ABOUT TWO WEEKS. TODAY, THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED WHILE DRIVING. UNABLE TO STEER THE VEHICLE AT ALL. WAS ABLE TO STOP AND TURN THE VEHICLE OFF. SEEMS THIS IS/ WAS A COMMON PROBLEM FOR THIS MODEL VOLKSWAGEN AND A VOLUNTARY RECALL WAS AVAILABLE UNTIL …

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HAVE BEEN GETTING STEERING LOCK MALFUNCTIONS WHEN TRYING TO START THE CAR FOR ABOUT TWO WEEKS. TODAY, THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED WHILE DRIVING. UNABLE TO STEER THE VEHICLE AT ALL. WAS ABLE TO STOP AND TURN THE VEHICLE OFF. SEEMS THIS IS/ WAS A COMMON PROBLEM FOR THIS MODEL VOLKSWAGEN AND A VOLUNTARY RECALL WAS AVAILABLE UNTIL 2013. UNFORTUNATELY, THE PREVIOUS OWNERS OF THE CAR NEVER DID ANY RECALLS OR EVEN REMEMBERS EVER BEING NOTIFIED OF ANY RECALLS. THIS PROBLEM IS ONE OF MANY FOR THIS MODEL. I CALLED VOLKSWAGEN AND THEY WERE NO HELP. THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE. MY 17 YEAR OLD SON DRIVES THIS CAR. I CANT ALLOW HIM TO DRIVE IT NOW AFTER THIS. HOW CAN VOLKSWAGEN ALLOW THIS? THEY BASICALLY DONT CARE IF WE CRASHED AND HURT OTHERS BECAUSE OF THIS ISSUE. A VOLUNTARY RECALL FOR A STEERING ISSUE?? DOES THAT SOUND SAFE??

NHTSA ODI #11033960

66,100 miles · Sep 12, 2017
Steering

FOR A COUPLE OF WEEKS NOW THE CAR STARTS AND SUDDENLY TURN OFF. I WENT TO START THE CAR ON 09/10/2017 AND A MESSAGE APPEARED ON THE MFD: "STEERING COLUMN LOCK" AND THE KEY IS UNABLE TO BE REMOVED FROM THE IGNITION. I HAVE BEEN READING ABOUT THE STEERING COLUMN LOCK ON VARIOUS FORUMS AND FOUND THAT VW ISSUED A VOLUNTARY RECALL WH…

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FOR A COUPLE OF WEEKS NOW THE CAR STARTS AND SUDDENLY TURN OFF. I WENT TO START THE CAR ON 09/10/2017 AND A MESSAGE APPEARED ON THE MFD: "STEERING COLUMN LOCK" AND THE KEY IS UNABLE TO BE REMOVED FROM THE IGNITION. I HAVE BEEN READING ABOUT THE STEERING COLUMN LOCK ON VARIOUS FORUMS AND FOUND THAT VW ISSUED A VOLUNTARY RECALL WHICH EXPIRED SOMEWHERE AROUND FEBRUARY 28, 2013. SINCE IT WAS VOLUNTARY, AND MANY PEOPLE DID NOT HAVE THE PROBLEM MYSELF INCLUDED, IT WOULD SEEM THAT THIS SHOULD BE A MANDATORY RECALL. IT IS CERTAINLY A SAFETY CONCERN BECAUSE THE STEERING COLUMN CAN LOCK UP AND CAUSE A MAJOR ACCIDENT IF THIS SHOULD OCCUR WHILE DRIVING. IT HAS BEEN SEVERAL YEARS LATER AND I HAVE READ MANY OF THE NEWER VW MODELS ARE EXPIRIENCING THE SAME ISSUE. I CERTAINLY BELIEVE THAT THIS SHOULD MERIT A RECALL.

NHTSA ODI #11022930

Mileage unknown · Feb 16, 2017
Electrical SystemEngineSteering

CAR WILL NOT START AFTER FLASHING SIGN OR IT COULD STOP ANYWHERE WHICH COULD CAUSE CRASH: STEERING - INSPECT FOR STEERING CONCERN - COMFORT CONTROL MODULE NEED TO BE REPLACED AT NO COST TO THE OWNER OF THE CAR - STEERING COLUMN CONTROL MODULE: ELECTRONIC STEERING COLUMN LOCK, HARDWARE NEED TO BE REPLACED AND PROGRAM CORRECT…

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CAR WILL NOT START AFTER FLASHING SIGN OR IT COULD STOP ANYWHERE WHICH COULD CAUSE CRASH: STEERING - INSPECT FOR STEERING CONCERN - COMFORT CONTROL MODULE NEED TO BE REPLACED AT NO COST TO THE OWNER OF THE CAR - STEERING COLUMN CONTROL MODULE: ELECTRONIC STEERING COLUMN LOCK, HARDWARE NEED TO BE REPLACED AND PROGRAM CORRECTLY AT NO COST TO THE OWNER OF VEHICLE AS IT IS VW PROGRAMING IS DEFAULTED.

NHTSA ODI #10955067

194,000 miles · Dec 24, 2016
Steering

CAR IS IMMOBILIZED AT THIS TIME W/ KEY STUCK IN IGNITION, DEFECTIVE STEERING WHEEL APPEARS BEFORE THIS HAPPENS. CAR WAS STATIONARY IN MY DRIVE WAY, COLD WEATHER, FIRST START. IT'S INTERMEDIATE & HAS HAPPENED MULTIPLE TIMES. STEERING HAS BEEN FIXED A FEW YEARS AGO FOR ISSUES OF THE SAME SORT. CAR HAS APPROXIMATELY 194,000 ON IT B…

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CAR IS IMMOBILIZED AT THIS TIME W/ KEY STUCK IN IGNITION, DEFECTIVE STEERING WHEEL APPEARS BEFORE THIS HAPPENS. CAR WAS STATIONARY IN MY DRIVE WAY, COLD WEATHER, FIRST START. IT'S INTERMEDIATE & HAS HAPPENED MULTIPLE TIMES. STEERING HAS BEEN FIXED A FEW YEARS AGO FOR ISSUES OF THE SAME SORT. CAR HAS APPROXIMATELY 194,000 ON IT BUT THE ISSUE IS THERE HAS BEEN MULTIPLE PROBLEMS, CAM (REPLACED 2 X'S; ONCE UNDER WARRANTY OTHER TIME HAD TO PAY OUT OF POCKET), TURBO, SENSORS, PVC, STEERING, CONVERTER (OUT OF POCKET), REAR AXLE (OUT OF POCKET), ETC. HAVE ALL DOCUMENTS BUT DO NOT HAVE A WAY TO PROVIDE THEM IN THIS FORUM. PROBLEMS STARTED UNDER CERTIFIED WARRANTY BUT CONTINUED AFTER. BOUGHT CAR W/ APPROXIMATELY 23,000 MILES ON IT. BEEN NOTHING BUT A BIG HEADACHE. CAR IS WELL TAKEN CARE OF BUT CONTINUES TO HAVE ISSUES.

NHTSA ODI #10937329

130,000 miles · Oct 27, 2016
Electrical SystemSteeringVisibility/wiper

TAKATA RECALL FIRST I WOULD LIKE TO SAY MY SUNROOF OPENS AND CLOSES IT SELF THEN. SOMETIMES WHEN I TURN CAR ON IT SHUTS OFF SAYS STEERING DEFECTED THEN ITS TAKES A COUPLE SECONDS TO COME ON. MY WIND SHIELD WIPERS KEEP SAYIN I NEED WATER BUT ITS FULL THEN MY DAYTIME LIGHTS ARE OFF THIS CAR HAS MANY PROBLEMS I KEEP GETTING THE SAM…

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TAKATA RECALL FIRST I WOULD LIKE TO SAY MY SUNROOF OPENS AND CLOSES IT SELF THEN. SOMETIMES WHEN I TURN CAR ON IT SHUTS OFF SAYS STEERING DEFECTED THEN ITS TAKES A COUPLE SECONDS TO COME ON. MY WIND SHIELD WIPERS KEEP SAYIN I NEED WATER BUT ITS FULL THEN MY DAYTIME LIGHTS ARE OFF THIS CAR HAS MANY PROBLEMS I KEEP GETTING THE SAME PARTS FIXED OVER AND OVER. AND THEN I HAVE NO RECALLS WHAT THE ONLY WAY IF WE CRASH AND DIE THEN WE WILL GET IT FIXED IM PUTTING SO MUCH MONEY INTO CAR SO CAN YOU PLEASE HELP THANK YOU. THIS HAPPEN IN DIFFERENT PLACES THE CAR SHUTS OFF DIFFERENT TIMES. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10919353

106,000 miles · Jun 30, 2016
Steering

WE HAVE HAD TROUBLE FOR THE PAST WEEK WITH OUR CAR NOT CRANKING IN THE AFTERNOON. WE FIGURED IT WAS THE ALTERNATOR CAUSING THE BATTERY TO DIE. WE REPLACED THE ALTERNATOR. SO THE CAR DID GREAT FOR ONLY A FEW MINUTES, THEN WHEN BACKING OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY, THE STEERING COLUMN LIGHT CAME ON, THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP, AND THE CA…

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WE HAVE HAD TROUBLE FOR THE PAST WEEK WITH OUR CAR NOT CRANKING IN THE AFTERNOON. WE FIGURED IT WAS THE ALTERNATOR CAUSING THE BATTERY TO DIE. WE REPLACED THE ALTERNATOR. SO THE CAR DID GREAT FOR ONLY A FEW MINUTES, THEN WHEN BACKING OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY, THE STEERING COLUMN LIGHT CAME ON, THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP, AND THE CAR CONTINUED TO RUN. IF WE HAD BEEN GOING DOWN THE ROAD LIKE I HAVE READ HUNDREDS OF OTHER COMPLAINTS FOR THIS, WE COULD HAVE BEEN KILLED. WHY HAS THIS NOT BEEN RECALLED AS MANY COMPLAINTS HAVE BEEN MADE? THE STEERING COLUMN LIGHT COMES ON GOING DOWN THE ROAD AND EVERYTHING LOCKS UP FOR SOMEONE TO DIE. WILL VOLKSWAGEN THEN DECIDE ITS TIME TO RECALL IT? NOW THE KEY WILL NOT COME OUT OF THE IGNITION AND IT WILL NOT CRANK AT ALL.

NHTSA ODI #10881822

Mileage unknown · Jun 1, 2016
Steering

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V613000 (STEERING) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE.…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V613000 (STEERING) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.

NHTSA ODI #10871864

Official recalls

7

24V834000 · Air Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module

Oct 30, 2024

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Beetle, Beetle Convertible, 2012-2014 Passat, 2017 Passat Wagon, and 2006-2007 Passat Sedan vehicles. The driver's side frontal air bag inflator may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Remedy: Dealers will replace the driver's side front air bag module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 4, 2024. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's numbers for this recall are 69EG, 69GQ, and 69E6.

18V247000 · Air Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module

Apr 18, 2018

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2006-2007 Volkswagen Passat sedan and wagon vehicles. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to explode.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could explode with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front driver air bag inflator with an alternate inflator, free of charge. The recall began on April 30, 2018. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69Q8. Note: This recall partially supersedes recall 16V-079.

17V509000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:fuel Pump

Aug 16, 2017

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2009-2016 Volkswagen CC, 2006-2010 Passat and Passat Wagon vehicles. Interruption of electrical power to the fuel pump control module may cause the fuel pump to fail.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: If the fuel pump fails, the engine will stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump control module, free of charge. The recall began June 26, 2018. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 20AE.

16V079000 · Air Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module

Feb 10, 2016

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2006 Volkswagen Passat sedans and wagons, 2005-2013 Audi A3, and 2006-2009 Audi A4 Cabriolet vehicles. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag inflators, free of charge. The recall began March 2017. Volkswagen owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Audi owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834.

06V470000 · Visibility:windshield Wiper/washer:motor

Dec 12, 2006

ON CERTAIN '6' GENERATION PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE WIPER MOTOR MAY FAIL DURING HEAVY RAIN DUE TO EXCESSIVE MOISTURE ENTERING THE WIPER MOTOR. IF THIS HAPPENS, THE WIPERS CAN BECOME INOPERATIVE.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: THIS COULD LEAD TO REDUCED VISIBILITY INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A SPECIAL COVER AND SEALING KIT. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JANUARY 12, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VOLKSWAGEN AT 1-800-893-5298.

06V472000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:power Assist:vacuum

Dec 12, 2006

CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A 2.0L ENGINE WITH 147 KW MAY HAVE A VACUUM LINE THAT MAY FRACTURE AND BECOME DISCONNECTED AT LOW AMBIENT TEMPERATURES.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: IF THIS HAPPENS, THE BRAKE POWER ASSIST CAN BECOME INOPERATIVE, AND THE DRIVER WILL EXPERIENCE INCREASED EFFORT TO APPLY THE BRAKES POSSIBLY INCREASING VEHICLE STOPPING DISTANCE. THIS COULD LEAD TO A CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL THE NEWLY DESIGNED VACUUM LINE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JANUARY 12, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VOLKSWAGEN AT 1-800-893-5298.

05V540000 · Steering:linkages:tie Rod Assembly

Nov 30, 2005

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE LEFT AND RIGHT TIE ROD SECURING NUT MAY BE INSUFFICIENTLY TORQUED.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: AN INSUFFICIENTLY TIGHTENED TIE ROD NUT MAY LOOSEN, RESULTING IN SEPARATION OF A TIE ROD. THIS CAN CAUSE A LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL, WHICH COULD CAUSE A CRASH.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND INSTALL NEW LEFT AND RIGHT TIE ROD SECURING NUTS AT THE PROPER TORQUED SPECIFICATION. THE RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMBER 7, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VOLKSWAGEN AT 1-800-893-5298.

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

1

EA11002 · 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.