← New search

2007 Volkswagen Passat

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

More warning signs than most Passat years

Owner complaints for the 2007 Volkswagen Passat are substantially higher than the model-year median of 110.

About this comparison →

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

166 reports with mileage · 96 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 106 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Electrical System. Review the 34 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Engine And Engine Cooling. Review the 32 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

4 crash reports6 fire reports2 injury reports

What owners actually said

262 reports
137,000 miles · Feb 11, 2020
Electrical SystemSteering

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE WOULD SUDDENLY SHUT OFF. THE MESSAGE "STEERING LOCK MODULE FAILURE" HAD DISPLAYED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED. THE VEHICLE WAS UNSAFE TO DRIVE DUE RANDOM STALLING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE WOULD SUDDENLY SHUT OFF AND ON SEV…

Read full complaint

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE WOULD SUDDENLY SHUT OFF. THE MESSAGE "STEERING LOCK MODULE FAILURE" HAD DISPLAYED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED. THE VEHICLE WAS UNSAFE TO DRIVE DUE RANDOM STALLING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE WOULD SUDDENLY SHUT OFF AND ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS THE VEHICLE COULD NOT BE STARTED. DURING THE FAILURES THE MESSAGE "STEERING LOCK MODULE FAILURE" HAD DISPLAYED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED THE LOCAL DEALER SERRA OF TRAVERSE CITY(1747 S GARFIELD TRAVERSE CITY MI.) WHO DIAGNOSE STEERING LOCK MODULE FAULTY. THE MODULE WAS REPLACED BUT THE FAILURES CONTINUED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 137,000. THE VIN WAS INVALID.

NHTSA ODI #11308570

104,000 miles · Feb 10, 2020
EngineFireInjury

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2007 VW PASSAT SEDAN. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, WHEN HE HEARD AN ABNORMAL NOISE AND SEEN FLAMES COMING FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THE CONTACT STATED IMMEDIATLEY STOPPED THE VEHICEL AND ATTEMPTED TO OPEN THE HOOD BUT WAS UNABLE DUE TO THE FLAMES. THE CONTACT STATED HE BURNT HIS HANDS.…

Read full complaint

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2007 VW PASSAT SEDAN. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, WHEN HE HEARD AN ABNORMAL NOISE AND SEEN FLAMES COMING FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THE CONTACT STATED IMMEDIATLEY STOPPED THE VEHICEL AND ATTEMPTED TO OPEN THE HOOD BUT WAS UNABLE DUE TO THE FLAMES. THE CONTACT STATED HE BURNT HIS HANDS. THE CONTACT STATED NO WARNING LIGHTS WERE ILLUMINATED. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED AND EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. THE CONTACT WAS UNSURE IF A FIRE DEPARTMENT REPORT WAS FILED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 104,000.

NHTSA ODI #11308240

74,000 miles · Jan 16, 2020
Power Train

THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION DOES NOT WANT TO DOWNSHIFT. PER THE MANUFACTURER INSTRUCTIONS/OWNER MANUAL WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS NEW, THE OIL CHANGE FOR THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION WAS NOT RECOMMENDED IN CONTRARY. THAT CHANGE IN FEW YEARS IN VW BOOKS BUT THE CONSUMERS WHERE NEVER INFORMED ABOUT IT. THE ISSUE STARTED WHEN THE VEHICLE …

Read full complaint

THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION DOES NOT WANT TO DOWNSHIFT. PER THE MANUFACTURER INSTRUCTIONS/OWNER MANUAL WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS NEW, THE OIL CHANGE FOR THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION WAS NOT RECOMMENDED IN CONTRARY. THAT CHANGE IN FEW YEARS IN VW BOOKS BUT THE CONSUMERS WHERE NEVER INFORMED ABOUT IT. THE ISSUE STARTED WHEN THE VEHICLE HAD ABOUT 74000 MILES BUT IT WAS PAST THE NUMBER OF YEARS FOR THE POWER-TRAIN WARRANTY (PROBABLY 8 OR MORE). THE ISSUE HAPPENS WHEN A BRISK ACCELERATION OR GOING UPHILL AND MAINTAINING SPEED IS REQUIRED. WHEN ACCELERATING THE TRANSMISSION SHOULD DOWN SHIFT TWO GEARS FROM SIXTH TO FOURTH FOR EXAMPLE, THE TRANSMISSION BOGS DOWN AND THE WHOLE CAR SHAKES VIOLENTLY AND LOSSES SPEED. I'VE TRIED TO FIX THE ISSUE BY CHANGING THE TRANSMISSION OIL AT THE DEALER AND THAT WAS WHEN I FOUND OUT THAT THEY REVERS COURSE ON CHANGING FLUID FOR THE AUTOMATIC, HOWEVER THAT DID NOT FIX THE ISSUE AND VW DID NOT WANT TO FIX IT OR TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ISSUE.

NHTSA ODI #11299771

140,000 miles · Sep 9, 2019
Fuel/propulsion System

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL FUEL ODOR INSIDE THE VEHICLE. AFTER THE CONTACT INSPECTED UNDER AND AROUND THE VEHICLE, HE LIFTED UP THE REAR PASSENGER SEAT AND NOTICED THAT THE FUEL PUMP FLANGE ON THE TOP OF THE FUEL PUMP WAS FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE…

Read full complaint

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL FUEL ODOR INSIDE THE VEHICLE. AFTER THE CONTACT INSPECTED UNDER AND AROUND THE VEHICLE, HE LIFTED UP THE REAR PASSENGER SEAT AND NOTICED THAT THE FUEL PUMP FLANGE ON THE TOP OF THE FUEL PUMP WAS FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT CONTACTED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 140,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

NHTSA ODI #11254102

56,000 miles · Jun 27, 2019
EnginePower Train

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT PROPERLY ACCELERATE. UPON INSPECTION, THE CONTACT DISCOVERED OIL ON TOP OF THE ENGINE. CAMEL BACK VOLKSWAGEN (1499 E. CAMEL BACK RD, PHOENIX, AZ) AND THE MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR R…

Read full complaint

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT PROPERLY ACCELERATE. UPON INSPECTION, THE CONTACT DISCOVERED OIL ON TOP OF THE ENGINE. CAMEL BACK VOLKSWAGEN (1499 E. CAMEL BACK RD, PHOENIX, AZ) AND THE MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 56,000.

NHTSA ODI #11223004

171,700 miles · Jun 5, 2019
Air BagsElectrical SystemEngine And Engine Cooling

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG AND CATALYTIC CONVERTER MALFUNCTION INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. ALSO, A SPEED WARNING MESSAGE APPEARED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO HANLEES HILLTOP VOLKSWAGEN (LOCATED AT 3255 AUTO PLAZA, RICHMOND, CA 94806, (510) 283-6300), BUT W…

Read full complaint

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG AND CATALYTIC CONVERTER MALFUNCTION INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. ALSO, A SPEED WARNING MESSAGE APPEARED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO HANLEES HILLTOP VOLKSWAGEN (LOCATED AT 3255 AUTO PLAZA, RICHMOND, CA 94806, (510) 283-6300), BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 171,700. *BF CONSUMER STATED AIR BAG SIGN IS ON WAS TOLD NEEDS $2,000 REPAIRS CATALYTIC CONVERTER NOT ABLE RE PAIR $2500 REPAIRS THE BRAKE SYSTEM ALWAYS ON. NOT ABLE TO SUSTAIN REPAIRS ON THE CAR AND FEEL MY SAFETY IS IN DANGER.*JB

NHTSA ODI #11218032

211,000 miles · Apr 4, 2019
Fuel/propulsion System

ON A TUESDAY OR WEDNESDAY IN EARLY JUNE 2017, I WAS ACCELERATING FROM ABOUT 20 MILES/H TO 40 MILES/HOUR ON BRADDOCK ROAD EASTBOUND WHILE ON ITS BRIDGE CROSSING THE CAPITAL BELTWAY (I-495 IN VA) WHEN THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY JOLTED FORWARD. NO OTHER INDICATORS WENT ON AT THE TIME, BUT THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED THE NEXT TIME …

Read full complaint

ON A TUESDAY OR WEDNESDAY IN EARLY JUNE 2017, I WAS ACCELERATING FROM ABOUT 20 MILES/H TO 40 MILES/HOUR ON BRADDOCK ROAD EASTBOUND WHILE ON ITS BRIDGE CROSSING THE CAPITAL BELTWAY (I-495 IN VA) WHEN THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY JOLTED FORWARD. NO OTHER INDICATORS WENT ON AT THE TIME, BUT THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED THE NEXT TIME I STARTED THE VEHICLE. I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO VW OF FREDERICKSBURG (VA) FOR DIAGNOSIS AND REPAIR. AT THE TIME, IT WAS ON ITS FIRST REPLACEMENT LOW PRESSURE FUEL PUMP/CONTROL MODULE SET THAT WAS INSTALLED AT PRIORITY VW OF CHESTER, VA, IN LATE SEPTEMBER 2014. REPLICATION OF THE JUNE 2017 PROBLEM TOOK JUST A DAY IN THE SHOP, BUT DIAGNOSING THE CORE ISSUE AND REPLACING THE ASSOCIATED PARTS TOOK ANOTHER 5 WEEKS. THE FUEL PUMP AND CONTROL MODULE HAD TO BE REPLACED UNDER ANOTHER RECALL, PLUS A PORTION OF THE 1ST REPLACEMENT FUEL PUMP LODGED IN THE FUEL LINE RUNNING FROM THE FUEL TANK TO THE ENGINE. THAT REQUIRED REPLACEMENT OF SEVERAL FUEL LINES AND ASSOCIATED FUEL SYSTEM COMPONENTS. THE RELEVANT PORTION OF THE FINAL BILL TOTALED OVER $2000. THE $470 PORTION COVERING THE LOW PRESSURE FUEL PUMP AND ITS CONTROL MODULE WERE TAKEN CARE OF BY VW OF AMERICA, BUT THE $1500-1600 PORTION COVERING THE REST OF THE FUELING SYSTEM WAS NOT.

NHTSA ODI #11193929

100,000 miles · Apr 2, 2019
Fuel/propulsion System

RECALL ID 280936 I HAVE CONTACTED VW ABOUT THE RECALL, I FILED A REIMBURSEMENT CLAIM, BUT THEY HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO APPROVED IT BECAUSE I FIXED MY CAR ON MY OWN, I TOOK MY CAR TO A MECHANIC WHEN THE PROBLEM OCCURRED, THEY COULD NOT FIX THE PROBLEM, THEN I TOOK TO ANOTHER MECHANIC, THE PROBLEM WAS NOT FOUND, SO I TOOK TO VOLKSW…

Read full complaint

RECALL ID 280936 I HAVE CONTACTED VW ABOUT THE RECALL, I FILED A REIMBURSEMENT CLAIM, BUT THEY HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO APPROVED IT BECAUSE I FIXED MY CAR ON MY OWN, I TOOK MY CAR TO A MECHANIC WHEN THE PROBLEM OCCURRED, THEY COULD NOT FIX THE PROBLEM, THEN I TOOK TO ANOTHER MECHANIC, THE PROBLEM WAS NOT FOUND, SO I TOOK TO VOLKSWAGEN WHERE THEY COULD NOT FIND THE PROBLEM. AFTER THAT I CONTACTED MY BROTHER'S MECHANIC SO CHECKED IT AND HE FOUND THE PROBLEM. HE WORKS ON HIS OWN SO BOUGHT THE PARTS AND PAID HIM CASH. I HAVE NOT PROOFS ABOUT THE PAYMENTS BECAUSE I PAID THE PARTS CASH. I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW WHAT CAN I DO ABOUT THIS CASE. ATTACHED IS A LETTER FROM THE VW WITH THE CASE # . I ALREADY TOLD VW THAT I CANNOT PROVIDE PROOFS.

NHTSA ODI #11193485

137,300 miles · Jan 26, 2019
Air BagsFuel/propulsion System

BOTH RECALLS WERE NOT CORRECTED WHEN THIS VEHICLE WAS SITTING AT THE EPIC MOTORSPORTS DEALERSHIP LOCATED IN ROSEMONT ILLINOIS

NHTSA ODI #11172289

79,000 miles · Dec 7, 2018
EngineUnknown Or Other

THE WELD BEADS ON THE DOWN PIPE FLANGE ADJACENT TO THE TURBO CHARGER FAILED AND RESULTED IN A HUGE EXHAUST LEAK. THE HEAT (COMING OUT FROM THE OPENING) GOT TRAPPED IN THE ENGINE BAY AND MELTED THE VACUUM HOSE CONNECTED WITH THE BRAKE BOOSTER. AS A RESULT, POWER DECREASED BUT MOST IMPORTANTLY, BREAKING POWER WAS LOST AS WELL. THI…

Read full complaint

THE WELD BEADS ON THE DOWN PIPE FLANGE ADJACENT TO THE TURBO CHARGER FAILED AND RESULTED IN A HUGE EXHAUST LEAK. THE HEAT (COMING OUT FROM THE OPENING) GOT TRAPPED IN THE ENGINE BAY AND MELTED THE VACUUM HOSE CONNECTED WITH THE BRAKE BOOSTER. AS A RESULT, POWER DECREASED BUT MOST IMPORTANTLY, BREAKING POWER WAS LOST AS WELL. THIS HAPPENED WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION. LUCKILY, I WAS NOT DRIVING FAST AND JUST EXITED THE HIGHWAY. VERY DANGEROUS AND THE DEFECT ON THIS MODEL IS ACTUALLY NOT UNCOMMON. LOW QUALITY FACTORY WELDS ON THE COMPONENTS SHOULD BE RE-WELDED AND THE CHEAP HARD PLASTIC HOSES SHOULD BE REPLACED WITH BETTER QUALITY AND MORE RELIABLE HOSES.

NHTSA ODI #11156846

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.

18V148000 · Air Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module

Mar 6, 2018

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2009-2014 Volkswagen CC, 2010-2014 Golf, 2010-2014 Eos, 2007-2010 Passat Sedan and Wagon, and 2012-2014 Passat 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 vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.

Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag inflator with an alternative inflator, free of charge. The recall began March 16, 2018. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69Q9. Note: This recall partially supersedes recall 16V-078.

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.

16V078000 · Air Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module

Feb 10, 2016

Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2010-2014 Golf, 2007-2010 Passat sedans and wagon, 2012-2014 Passat sedan and Eos, 2009-2014 CC, 2009-2012 Audi Q5, 2010-2012 S5 Cabriolet and 2010-2012 Audi A5 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 vehicle occupants potentially 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. Volkswagen issued an interim notification to owners on April 12, 2016, and will send a second notification when parts are available. Volkswagen will notify owners again once parts are available. 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.

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.