NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Structure complaints
10 reportsClear category filterMileage unknown · Jan 30, 2018
Air BagsElectrical SystemExterior Lighting
2006 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. ATTORNEY REPRESENTING CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO EMERGENCY/ SIGNAL LIGHTS MALFUNCTION, SUNROOF PROBLEMS AND OTHER VEHICLE ISSUES. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE INTERMITTENTLY FAILS TO RECOGNIZE THE ELECTRONIC KEY WHEN ATTEMPTING TO START THE VEHICLE. THE BLINKER/TURN SIGNALS FAIL TO TURN OF…
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2006 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. ATTORNEY REPRESENTING CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO EMERGENCY/ SIGNAL LIGHTS MALFUNCTION, SUNROOF PROBLEMS AND OTHER VEHICLE ISSUES. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE INTERMITTENTLY FAILS TO RECOGNIZE THE ELECTRONIC KEY WHEN ATTEMPTING TO START THE VEHICLE. THE BLINKER/TURN SIGNALS FAIL TO TURN OFF WHEN PROMPTED. THE CONSUMER WAS ADVISED THAT THE SIGNALS WOULD NOT TURN OFF UNLESS THE STEERING WHEEL WAS TURNED COMPLETELY STRAIGHT. THE SUNROOF OPENS UNPROMPTED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS ROTTED UNDERNEATH. THE EMERGENCY BRAKE LIGHTS FLASHED INCESSANTLY. *JS
NHTSA ODI #10929049
81,302 miles · Apr 3, 2014
StructureVisibility
DRIVING SOUTH ON THE 57 FREEWAY AT APPROXIMATELY 2:45 P.M. WITH MY GRANDDAUGHTER WHEN SUDDENLY FOR NO REASON THE SUNROOF POPPED OFF ONTO THE FREEWAY, WE DID NOT HAVE THE SUNROOF OPEN. WE ARE LUCKY IT DID HIT ANYONE AND CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. WE CALLED VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA & WAS TOLD TO TAKE CAR TO A VOLKSWAGEN DEALER, THE DEALER…
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DRIVING SOUTH ON THE 57 FREEWAY AT APPROXIMATELY 2:45 P.M. WITH MY GRANDDAUGHTER WHEN SUDDENLY FOR NO REASON THE SUNROOF POPPED OFF ONTO THE FREEWAY, WE DID NOT HAVE THE SUNROOF OPEN. WE ARE LUCKY IT DID HIT ANYONE AND CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. WE CALLED VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA & WAS TOLD TO TAKE CAR TO A VOLKSWAGEN DEALER, THE DEALER DETERMINED THAT IT WAS A MANUFACTURER DEFECT. SPOKE WITH [XXX] THE REGIONAL CARE MANAGER AND HE SAID THAT HE COULD ONLY OFFER $2000.00 TOWARDS A NEW CAR AND WOULD NOT OFFER ANYTHING TOWARDS A REPAIR. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
NHTSA ODI #10577106
96,000 miles · Sep 12, 2012
StructureVisibility/wiper
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE LOW AND HIGH BEAM HEADLIGHTS WOULD NOT ILLUMINATE. IN ADDITION, THE INTERIOR ROOF HEADLINER HAD BECOME SEPARATED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 96,000.
NHTSA ODI #10475143
2,011 miles · Jun 26, 2012
Air BagsElectrical SystemEngine
TRUNK HAS DIFFICULTY CLOSING. SEAT BELT DON'T WORK PROPERLY. AIRBAG LIGHT ALONG WITH THE MOTOR LIGHT TURN ON. THESE LIGHTS WERE NEVER REALLY FIXED BY THE CAR DEALER. THE PASSENGER BACK DOOR DOES NOT LOCK MOST OF THE TIME LEAVING THE CAR WITHOUT THE ALARM WORKING. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10463098
36,000 miles · Dec 22, 2011
Structure
TRUNK WON'T LATCH WHEN COLD. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10440952
18,900 miles · Jul 14, 2011
EquipmentStructure
THERE ARE SEVERE TOXIC ODOR'S (VOC'S) COMING FROM THE BOTTOM OF THE CARPET INSULATION OF THE INTERIOR IF THE CAR. IT IS SO POTENT THAT I HAVE SORE THROATS , HEADACHES AND FEEL LIGHT HEADED DURING AND AFTER I DRIVE THE 2006 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. THIS ODOR/VOC HAS ALMOST CAUSED ME TO FAINT DUE TO THE SEVERE ALLERGIC REACTION I HAVE T…
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THERE ARE SEVERE TOXIC ODOR'S (VOC'S) COMING FROM THE BOTTOM OF THE CARPET INSULATION OF THE INTERIOR IF THE CAR. IT IS SO POTENT THAT I HAVE SORE THROATS , HEADACHES AND FEEL LIGHT HEADED DURING AND AFTER I DRIVE THE 2006 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. THIS ODOR/VOC HAS ALMOST CAUSED ME TO FAINT DUE TO THE SEVERE ALLERGIC REACTION I HAVE TO IT. I HAVE TO HAVE ALL WINDOWS OPEN TO EVEN DRIVE THE AUTOMOBILE. AFTER SEARCHING THE INTERNET UNDER "VOLKSWAGEN CRAYON SMELL" THERE ARE HUNDREDS ARE SIMILAR COMPLAINTS ABOUT VOLKSWAGEN CARS WHERE THEY HAVE FOUND THE INTERIOR SOUND INSULATION MAT UNDER THE CARPER FLOOR TO BE THE CAUSE. I NEED MY CAR AND I CAN'T DRIVE IT LIKE THIS AS IT IS UNSAFE FOR MY HEALTH AND I FEAR THIS "CRAYON ODOR" COULD CAUSE ME TO HAVE A CAR ACCIDENT. I HAVE TRIED TO ENLIST VW AMERICA AND THEY STATE THEY ARE NOT AWARE OF THE ISSUE , HOWEVER, THERE ARE HUNDREDS, IF NOT THOUSAND COMPLAINTS THAT THEY HAVE RECEIVED FROM THIS TOXIC ODOR THAT IS COMING INTO THE PASSENGER CABIN OF THEIR CARS ESPECIALLY THE 2006 PASSAT. THIS TOXIC CRAYON ODOR IS PRESENT AT ALL TIMES , IT IS NOT DEPENDENT ON THE CAR RUNNING (BEING ON) WHAT SO EVER.. PLEASE HELP!!! *TR
NHTSA ODI #10412290
10,000 miles · Mar 27, 2008
Structure
THE DISTANCE BETWEEN THE ACCELERATION PEDAL AND THE BRAKE PEDAL SEEMS MUCH SHORTER THAN IN OTHER CARS (IE, MY TOYOTA CAMRY)...I WILL NOT DRIVE OUR PASSAT 2006 2.0T BECAUSE THERE HAVE BEEN INSTANCES WHEN MY TENNIS SHOE HAS HIT BOTH PEDALS IN THE ATTEMPT TO APPLY THE BRAKES. THIS MUST BE A CONTINUATION OF THE AUDI5000 "SUDDEN ACC…
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THE DISTANCE BETWEEN THE ACCELERATION PEDAL AND THE BRAKE PEDAL SEEMS MUCH SHORTER THAN IN OTHER CARS (IE, MY TOYOTA CAMRY)...I WILL NOT DRIVE OUR PASSAT 2006 2.0T BECAUSE THERE HAVE BEEN INSTANCES WHEN MY TENNIS SHOE HAS HIT BOTH PEDALS IN THE ATTEMPT TO APPLY THE BRAKES. THIS MUST BE A CONTINUATION OF THE AUDI5000 "SUDDEN ACCELERATION" PROBLEMS OF THE EARLY 1980'S?,,,,,, *TR
NHTSA ODI #10222471
9,491 miles · Jan 13, 2008
Electrical SystemService Brakes, HydraulicStructure
ABS BRAKES HAVE BEEN PUMPING WITHOUT INCLEMENT WEATHER. IT PUMPS RANDOMLY AT ANY SPEED AND ANY WEATHER. NOTHING HAS BEEN RESOLVED FROM THE DEALER. THE BRAKES ALSO MAKE EXCESSIVE NOISE, GRINDING OR METAL TO METAL TYPE OF SOUNDS OR CONTACT. IN ADDITION, MULTIPLE ELECTRICAL OR MALFUNCTIONS WITHIN THE YEAR I HAVE OWNED THE CAR- ONLY…
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ABS BRAKES HAVE BEEN PUMPING WITHOUT INCLEMENT WEATHER. IT PUMPS RANDOMLY AT ANY SPEED AND ANY WEATHER. NOTHING HAS BEEN RESOLVED FROM THE DEALER. THE BRAKES ALSO MAKE EXCESSIVE NOISE, GRINDING OR METAL TO METAL TYPE OF SOUNDS OR CONTACT. IN ADDITION, MULTIPLE ELECTRICAL OR MALFUNCTIONS WITHIN THE YEAR I HAVE OWNED THE CAR- ONLY 9491 MILES. A. AIR BAG LIGHT WENT ON AND STAYED ON UNTIL I BROUGHT IT TO THE DEALER. B. THE DRIVER SUN VISOR SHORTED AND WAS INOPERATIVE. C. IGNITION WAS WEAK AND WOULD NOT START AFTER SEVERAL TIMES. CAR WOULD DIE. BROUGHT THE CAR TO THE DEALER, NO RESOLVE. THE COMPUTER COULD NOT DUPLICATE PROBLEM. FINALLY AS I AM DRIVING THE OTHER DAY, A MALFUNCITON LIGHT APPEARS AND THE CAR DIES. I HAD THE CAR TOWED TO THE DEALER. D. AFTER 5,000 MILES CHECK UP, THE SERVICE LIGHT APPEARED AND STAYED ON UNTIL I BROUGHT IT INTO THE DEALER TO TURN OFF. E. AT THIS TIME, THE CAR IS IN THE DEALER. THEY FOUND THAT THE IGNITION SWITCH FAULTY AND WILL BE REPLACING IT. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10214679
5,400 miles · Jan 5, 2007
Engine And Engine CoolingExterior LightingService Brakes, Hydraulic
TL* - THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING A 2006 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT IT STALLED IN A TURN. HE HAD BEEN DRIVING ALONG STEADILY FOR 2 HOURS WITH OUT INCIDENT PRIOR TO THE VEHICLE LOSING POWER. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO BE SERVICED, AND WAS INFORMED THAT THEY COULD NOT FIND THE CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM. *AK THE PASSENGER SIDE …
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TL* - THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING A 2006 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT IT STALLED IN A TURN. HE HAD BEEN DRIVING ALONG STEADILY FOR 2 HOURS WITH OUT INCIDENT PRIOR TO THE VEHICLE LOSING POWER. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO BE SERVICED, AND WAS INFORMED THAT THEY COULD NOT FIND THE CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM. *AK THE PASSENGER SIDE HEADLIGHT WAS INOPERABLE, THE WORK WAS COMPLETED, HOWEVER 2 HOURS LATER THE HEADLIGHT FAILED AGAIN. THE VEHICLE EXHIBITS A ONE TO THREE SECOND LAG IN THE ACCELERATOR, MOST NOTICEABLE WHEN THE CONSUMER IS TRUING TO ACCELERATOR. THERE WAS A RATTLE COMING FROM THE HEADLINER/SUNROOF ASSEMBLY. THERE WAS A RUBBING NOISE COMING FROM THE BRAKES. THERE WAS A RATTLING NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR VIEW MIRROR TRIM PIECES. THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS WERE INOPERATIVE. THE FOG LIGHTS WERE INOPERATIVE. UPDATED 01/31/07. *JB
NHTSA ODI #10177930
25 miles · Jul 24, 2006
StructureSuspensionVehicle Speed Control
ON 7/13/06 I PURCHASED A NEW 2006 VW PASSAT FROM BERT SMITH VW IN ST. PETERSBURG, FLORIDA. I TOOK DELIVERY AT 5PM ON FRIDAY 7/14/2006. I HAVE 4 MAJOR PROBLEMS. BERT SMITH VW SERVICE PERSON (NOEL APONTE AND HIS SERVICE MANAGER MICHAEL) AND THEY SAY THAT THEY HAVE NEVER HEARD OF THE BELOW ISSUES. FIRST ISSUE: I HAVE EXTREME I…
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ON 7/13/06 I PURCHASED A NEW 2006 VW PASSAT FROM BERT SMITH VW IN ST. PETERSBURG, FLORIDA. I TOOK DELIVERY AT 5PM ON FRIDAY 7/14/2006. I HAVE 4 MAJOR PROBLEMS. BERT SMITH VW SERVICE PERSON (NOEL APONTE AND HIS SERVICE MANAGER MICHAEL) AND THEY SAY THAT THEY HAVE NEVER HEARD OF THE BELOW ISSUES. FIRST ISSUE: I HAVE EXTREME IDLE SHAKING OF THE ENGINE. THIS IS CONSTANT - MEANING YOU WOULD HAVE TO TURN OFF THE IGNITION TO STOP IT. I CAN SHIFT THE TRANSMISSION INTO NEUTRAL AND STILL FEEL THE SHAKING. I CAN PUT THE GEAR IN PARK OR IN DRIVE AND IT IS STILL SHAKING. SOMETIMES THE SHAKING IS MILD (LIKE THE SHAKING WHILE BRAKING) OTHER TIMES IT IS SEVERE...SO SEVERE YOU CAN SEE THE ENTIRE CAR SHAKE. SECOND MAJOR ISSUE: I DRIVE MY CAR OF A PARKED POSITION (OR AFTER COMING TO A ROLLING STOP AT A LIGHT) AND THE CAR FEELS LIKE IT IS TRYING TO PULL OR LUNGE FORWARD WHILE MY FOOT WAS PREVIOUSLY ON THE BRAKE. AT THIS TIME I HAVE TO PUT EXTREME PRESSURE ON THE BRAKES TO KEEP IT FROM MOVING FORWARD. THE LIGHT TURNS GREEN AND I AM OFF. I COME TO ANOTHER LIGHT, THE SAME THING HAPPENS. REGARDING THESE 2 ISSUES, HERE IS A THREADED DISCUSSION ON THE WEBSITE VWVORTEX.COM. HTTP://FORUMS.VWVORTEX.COM/ZEROTHREAD?ID=2619540 ALL OF THESE OWNERS HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM. ALL FEEL VW IS GIVING THEM THE RUN AROUND. I AM NOT HAPPY ABOUT THIS. IS THERE A TSB ON THIS PROBLEM? THESE ISSUES ARE ON-GOING THE MOMENT I LEFT THE BERT SMITH DEALERSHIP ON FRIDAY 7/14/06. THIRD ISSUE: THE CAR SEEMS TO HAVE SEVERE THROTTLE LAG WHILE DRIVING AND AT A STAND STILL. I AM AT A LIGHT, I PRESS THE GAS PEDAL AND THERE'S SIGNIFICANT LAG TIME BETWEEN THE TIME THE CAR BEGINS TO ROLL. FOURTH ISSUE: THE FRONT END SQUEAKING REALLY BAD. IT BECAME PROGRESSIVELY WORSE AND BERT SMITH REPLACED THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE STRUT BEARING ON THURSDAY 7/21. IT'S HAPPENING AGAIN. THE 2ND FRONT BEARING HAS TO BE REPLACED, AND MAYBE THE ONE THAT WAS ALREADY REPLACED HAS TO BE FIXED AGAIN. *NM
NHTSA ODI #10163311
Official recalls
7Oct 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
1EA11002 · 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.