Owners have filed 772 complaints
about the 2002 Volkswagen Passat with NHTSA between 2001 and 2026.
The largest single group is the electrical system.
Across this model's run it ranks 2 of 30 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 100
Against the median year of the Volkswagen Passat. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 58
11.3% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 70
41% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
How 2002 compares with every other Volkswagen Passat
NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a
system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and
knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.
Ignition
13453.8%
Engine
4518.1%
Headlights
176.8%
Module
156.0%
Seat Heater/Cooler
114.4%
Tank Assembly
104.0%
Gasoline
93.6%
Sun/Moon Roof Assembly
83.2%
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
162.9%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
8215.0%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
8816.1%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
8715.9%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
10118.4%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
7213.1%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
7613.9%
150,000+ miles
264.7%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Sep 2001peak 114Jan 2026
NHTSA investigations into the 2002 Volkswagen Passat
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
EA11002Opened 26 Jan 2011Closed 17 Feb 2012ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Engine Compartment Fire
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 report...
PE10027Opened 26 Jul 2010Closed 7 Feb 2011ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Engine Compartment Fire
ODI has received 11 complaints alleging that a fire started in the engine compartment of the vehicle that may be related to ignition coil failure, and 9 complaints of ignition coil failure that did not result in a fire.Reports state that the vehicle hesitated or lost power, and the check engine or dashboard lights illuminated.The vehicles were repaired by replacing the faulty ignition coil(s). Some of the complaints indicated that the ignition coils were replaced more than once.The scope of PE10-027 focused on Model Years (MY)2002-2003 Passat vehicles.Volkswagen provided data regarding their a...
PE08008Opened 31 Jan 2008Closed 30 May 2008FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY
FUEL TANK LEAK
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 COMPLA...
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 SY...
PE07024Opened 10 May 2007Closed 28 Sep 2007ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION
PASSENGER/ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES
MANY OF THE FIRE REPORTS ALLEGE THAT THE VEHICLE FIRE WAS ATTRIBUTED TO IGNITION COIL FAILURE.VW PROVIDED ADDITIONAL DATA REGARDING ITS ANALYSIS OF VEHICLE FIRES AND A DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE THREE DIFFERENT ENGINES AND IGNITION SYSTEMS FOR THE SUBJECT VEHICLES.ODIFINDS THE NEED TO FURTHER INVESTIGATE THIS ISSUE.TO FACILITATE ACQUISITION AND ANALYSIS OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, THIS INVESTIGATIONHAS BEEN UPGRADED TO AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS (EA07-014).
DURING THIS INVESTIGATION, VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA (VW) IDENTIFIED A PROBLEM WITH WATER ACCUMULATION IN THE FRESH AIR PLENUM THAT COULD, IN CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES, RESULT IN REDUCED BRAKE POWER ASSIST IN MODEL YEAR (MY) 2002 PASSAT VEHICLES.VW INDICATED THAT PROBLEM IS CAUSED BY LEAVES AND OTHER DEBRIS CLOGGING THE PLENUM DRAINS, WHICH MAY RESULT IN WATER FILLING THE PLENUM TO THE LEVEL OF THE BRAKE BOOSTER AIR INTAKE.THE BOOSTER AIR INTAKE IS LOCATED IN THE FRESH AIR PLENUM IN THE MY 2002 PASSAT VEHICLES, BUT NOT IN THE MY 2001 OR 2003 VEHICLES WHICH DRAW BOOSTER AIR FROM THE CABIN.VW TESTING SH...
DP05004Opened 11 Aug 2005Closed 8 Dec 2005ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:MODULE
ENGINE STALLING
BY LETTER RECEIVED ON JUNE 24, 2005, MR. RONALD M. STRICKLAND OF RALEIGH, NC, SUBMITTED A PETITION REQUESTING THAT THE AGENCY INVESTIGATE THE PERFORMANCE OF THE IGNITION COIL PLUGS ON MODEL YEAR (MY) 2000-2003 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA, GOLF AND PASSAT SEDANS.THE PETITIONER ALLEGES THAT HE HAD EXPERIENCED MULTIPLE STALLING EVENTS AS A RESULT OF ONE OR MORE IGNITION COIL PLUGS MALFUNCTIONING ON HIS 2002 VW JETTA SEDAN.AS A RESULT OF THE ENGINE STALLING, THE PETITIONER EXPERIENCED A LOSS OF POWER STEERING AND INCREASED BRAKING EFFORTS WHEN HE PULLED THE VEHICLE OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD TO CONTROL THE...
EA03020Opened 7 Oct 2003Closed 23 Apr 2004AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
PASSENGER AIR BAG LID FAILURE
THIS INVESTIGATION INVOLVES THE VOLKSWAGEN (VW) PASSENGER SUPPLEMENTAL INFLATABLE RESTRAINT (PSIR) LID UTILIZED IN MY 1998-2002 VW PASSAT.THE PSIR LID MAY DETACH FROM THE INSTRUMENT PANEL DURING AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT.THE OFFICE OF DEFECTS INVESTIGATION (ODI) OF THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION (NHTSA) OPENED THE PRELIMINARY EVALUATION ON MAY 23, 2003 TO DETERMINE WHETHER ALLEGED PSIR LID DETACHMENT PRESENTS AN UNREASONABLE SAFETY RISK TO PASSENGERS IN THE VEHICLE.ODI?S INVESTIGATION REVEALS THAT DETACHMENT OF THE PSIR LID DURING AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT MAY OCCUR FOR TWO REASONS: 1) T...
Recalls on the 2002 Volkswagen Passat
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 200811921,359 units in Canada
Fuel System
On certain Passat and Passat Four Motion vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission, an underbody heat shield may become damaged. If this occurs, the heat shield may contact the exhaust system, which can result in a vehicle fire. In addition, the affected vehicles may have a fuel line (1.8T engine only) or fuel tank ventilation valve (4motion / all-wheel drive vehicles only) that may leak due to fracture. Fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source can result in a vehicle fire. Correction: Dealers will affect repairs.
Recall 20031061 units in Canada
Tires
Does not comply with CMVSS 110. This vehicle is equipped with tires of the maximum load rating index 93H; however, it should have been equipped with tires with the load rating index 97H. Correction: Dealer will replace all four (4) tires.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 179,000 milesApex, NC1 injured
AIR BAGS
WHILE DRIVING INTO THE MALL PARKING LOT AT SPEED OF 20 MPH ALL AIRBAGS EXPLODED EXCEPT THE STEERING WHEEL AIRBAG AND MY DAUGHTER SUFFERED FROM ARM AND AIR INJURIES
NHTSA complaint #11266719 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 183,000 milesTopanga, CAFire
ENGINE
VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION, DRIVING UPHILL. NEEDLE ON THERMOSTAT GAUGE SUDDENLY PERKED REALLY FAST TOWARDS HOT. ENGINE LIGHT WENT ON. VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO SIDE OF ROAD AND ENGINE WAS SHUT OFF. SMOKE WAS COMING OUT OF FRONT OF ENGINE. DRIVER STEPPED OUT OF CAR. WHILE INSPECTING THE FRONT OF THE CAR, THE DRIVER SAW FLICKERING FLAMES UNDER RIGHT SIDE OF ENGINE (AS SEEN FROM INSIDE). DRIVER TOOK SLEEPING CHILD OUT OF CAR SEAT AND STEPPED AWAY FROM CAR. CAR WAS ENGULFED IN FIRE WITHIN MINUTES AND COMPLETELY BURNT UP.
NHTSA complaint #10808937 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 172,808 milesHayward, CAFire
ENGINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2002 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, AN EXTREMELY LOUD NOISE EMITTED FROM THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE WAS MANEUVERED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE CONTACT EXITED THE VEHICLE AND LARGE FLAMES IGNITED UNDERNEATH THE HOOD. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE AND STATED THAT THE FIRE ORIGINATED FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 172,808.
NHTSA complaint #10767523 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 134,000 milesSAN Diego, CAFire
ENGINE
MY CAR WAS TURNED OFF AND PARKED WHEN I ENTERED A CONVENIENCE STORE. NO SMOKE FROM UNDERNEATH THE HOOD OR ANY SIGN OF TROUBLE WHEN I ENTERED THE STORE. I EXITED THE STORE APPROXIMATELY 3 MINUTES AFTER ENTERING, AND THERE WAS A LARGE AMOUNT OF SMOKE BELLOWING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. SOMETHING UNDER THE HOOD HAD CAUGHT FIRE. THE FIRE ULTIMATELY GREW LARGE ENOUGH WHERE A STANDARD FIRE EXTINGUISHER COULD NOT PUT OUT THE FLAME AND A FIREFIGHTERS WERE REQUIRED. THE ENGINE WAS DAMAGED BEYOND REPAIR. THE FIREFIGHTERS ON THE SCENE AND A MECHANIC AFTERWARDS COULD NOT DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FIRE, BUT BELIEVED THAT IT WAS LIKELY MECHANICAL OF SOME SORT.
NHTSA complaint #10564284 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 120,345 milesAustin, TXFire
ENGINE
MY DAUGHTER PULLED INTO OUR NEIGHBORHOOD AND NOTICED A FAINT ODOR OF SMOKE. SHE PULLED INTO OUR GARAGE, GOT OUT OF THE CAR AND SAW SMOKE COMING FROM THE HOOD. SHE OPENED THE HOOD AND SAW FLAMES ON THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE ENGINE BLOCK. SHE WENT TO GET THE FIRE EXTINGUISHER AND UPON HER RETURN THE FLAME WAS OUT AND THE SMOKE SUBSIDED. I HAVE INSPECTED THE AREA AND I CAN'T IDENTIFY SIGNIFICANT DAMAGE FROM THE FIRE. I JUST LEARNED OF A RECENT INVESTIGATION BY NHTSA INTO MY2002 VW PASSAT FOR ENGINE FIRES CAUSED BY A FAULTY IGNITION COIL (NHTSA ACTION NUMBER EA11002 - REPORTED INITIAL AS PE10-027).
NHTSA complaint #10462798 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 62,000 milesMalaga, WAFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION
IGNITION COILS CAUGHT FIRE WHILE DRIVING. MECHANIC STATES THAT THEY "CATCH FIRE ALL THE TIME".
NHTSA complaint #10425618 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
New York, NY
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
To Whom It May Concern, I am submitting this letter as a formal complaint regarding an authorized automobile dealer’s refusal to perform an open safety recall on my vehicle. Vehicle information: * Year/Make/Model: 2002 Volkswagen Passat 1.8T GLS * VIN: [XXX] I contacted Platinum Volkswagen, of Hicksville, New York, an authorized Volkswagen dealer, on January 7, 2026, to schedule a repair for an open safety recall applicable to my vehicle. I was advised by the service manager that the owner of the dealership refused to perform the recall repair solely based on the age of the vehicle. He advised me to request service at another authorized dealership. The service manager confirmed that the parts for the recall were available or could have been ordered and that the decision was based solely on the individual VW franchise owner's discretion not to service older vehicles. My understanding of federal motor vehicle safety law is that open safety recalls do not expire due to vehicle age, and that manufacturers and their authorized dealers are required to remedy such recalls at no cost to the owner. The dealer did not cite recall closure, lack of available parts, or any condition that would make the repair unsafe or infeasible. I am requesting that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration review this matter and determine whether the dealer’s refusal is consistent with federal safety recall requirements. Please let me know if additional documentation or information is required. Thank you for your time and attention. Sincerely, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11709325 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Marietta, GA
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
I was letting my car run for a couple of minutes for the AC to cool down the car and I went into my house. When I came out about 2 minutes later, there was a large puddle of gas under the car in front of the right rear wheel and gas was running down the driveway all the way to the street. I immediately turned off the car and the gas stopped pouring out from under the car. I was lucky the car, my house or I did not go up in flames.
NHTSA complaint #11534556 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 179,000 milesApex, NC1 injured
AIR BAGS
WHILE DRIVING INTO THE MALL PARKING LOT AT SPEED OF 20 MPH ALL AIRBAGS EXPLODED EXCEPT THE STEERING WHEEL AIRBAG AND MY DAUGHTER SUFFERED FROM ARM AND AIR INJURIES
NHTSA complaint #11266719 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 200,000 milesKennewick, WA
POWER TRAIN
WHEN IT RAINS THE CAR GETS FLOODED CAUSING THE WHOLE WIRING SYSTEM THROUGH THE CAR TO GET DAMAGE. THE CAR WILL SUDDENLY LOSE POWER AND DIE AS YOUR DRIVING. SEEMS TO HAPPEN. WHEN ON HIGHWAY MOST. THE CAR WILL NOT START OR CRANK. I'VE HAD TO VACUUM THE FLOOR BOARDS AND TRUNK, SEARCH FOR DAMAGED WIRES, CHANGE RELAYS AS WELL AS CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR, AND FUEL PUMP.AS WELL AS SENSORS. TRYING TO GET IT RUNNING AGAIN. ALSO THE TRANSMISSION JERKS VERY HARD WHEN TRYING TO GO INTO REVERSE AND MOST OF THE TIME IN SLIPS OUT OF GEAR WITHIN1OR 2 SECONDS.
NHTSA complaint #11180192 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 200,000 milesKennewick, WA
STRUCTURE:BODY
WHEN IT RAINS THE CAR GETS FLOODED CAUSING THE WHOLE WIRING SYSTEM THROUGH THE CAR TO GET DAMAGE. THE CAR WILL SUDDENLY LOSE POWER AND DIE AS YOUR DRIVING. SEEMS TO HAPPEN. WHEN ON HIGHWAY MOST. THE CAR WILL NOT START OR CRANK. I'VE HAD TO VACUUM THE FLOOR BOARDS AND TRUNK, SEARCH FOR DAMAGED WIRES, CHANGE RELAYS AS WELL AS CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR, AND FUEL PUMP.AS WELL AS SENSORS. TRYING TO GET IT RUNNING AGAIN. ALSO THE TRANSMISSION JERKS VERY HARD WHEN TRYING TO GO INTO REVERSE AND MOST OF THE TIME IN SLIPS OUT OF GEAR WITHIN1OR 2 SECONDS.
NHTSA complaint #11180192 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 200,000 milesKennewick, WA
ENGINE
WHEN IT RAINS THE CAR GETS FLOODED CAUSING THE WHOLE WIRING SYSTEM THROUGH THE CAR TO GET DAMAGE. THE CAR WILL SUDDENLY LOSE POWER AND DIE AS YOUR DRIVING. SEEMS TO HAPPEN. WHEN ON HIGHWAY MOST. THE CAR WILL NOT START OR CRANK. I'VE HAD TO VACUUM THE FLOOR BOARDS AND TRUNK, SEARCH FOR DAMAGED WIRES, CHANGE RELAYS AS WELL AS CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR, AND FUEL PUMP.AS WELL AS SENSORS. TRYING TO GET IT RUNNING AGAIN. ALSO THE TRANSMISSION JERKS VERY HARD WHEN TRYING TO GO INTO REVERSE AND MOST OF THE TIME IN SLIPS OUT OF GEAR WITHIN1OR 2 SECONDS.
NHTSA complaint #11180192 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 174,000 milesMyrtle Beach, SC
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
HEADLIGHT PIGTAILS HAVE MELTED ,FUEL PUMP HAS GONE ,AND THE PLASTIC RESERVOIR PEICE FROM MY COOLANT PUMP HAS MELTED OFF DRIVER SIDE WIPER ARM BAR HAS MALFUNCTIONED
NHTSA complaint #11122958 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 174,000 milesMyrtle Beach, SC
SUSPENSION
HEADLIGHT PIGTAILS HAVE MELTED ,FUEL PUMP HAS GONE ,AND THE PLASTIC RESERVOIR PEICE FROM MY COOLANT PUMP HAS MELTED OFF DRIVER SIDE WIPER ARM BAR HAS MALFUNCTIONED
NHTSA complaint #11122958 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 174,000 milesMyrtle Beach, SC
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
HEADLIGHT PIGTAILS HAVE MELTED ,FUEL PUMP HAS GONE ,AND THE PLASTIC RESERVOIR PEICE FROM MY COOLANT PUMP HAS MELTED OFF DRIVER SIDE WIPER ARM BAR HAS MALFUNCTIONED
NHTSA complaint #11122958 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 120,000 milesSouthington, CT
SERVICE BRAKES
THE ABS LIGHT CAME ON AND BRAKE LIGHT IS FLASHING RED. THE ABS MODULE SEEMS TO BE BAD. THE VEHICLE HAS THESE LIGHTS WHEN ITS MOVING AND STATIONARY
NHTSA complaint #11112841 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 126,000 milesHagerstown, MD
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
I PURCHASED A 2002 PASSAT W8 4-MOTION, HAVING ONLY 126,000 MILES ON THE ODOMETER, IN OCTOBER 2017 OFTEN AFTER REFUELING THE VEHICLE, I WOULD NOTICE THE FAINT SCENT OF GASOLINE. UPON INVESTIGATING WHERE THE GASOLINE SMELL WAS ORIGINATING, I FOUND IT HAD DEVELOPED A VERY LARGE FUEL LEAK FROM WHICH FUEL COULD BE SEEN DRIPPING ON THE FORWARD, LEFT SIDE OF THE FUEL TANK. AFTER PERFORMING SOME BRIEF RESEARCH, I FOUND THAT THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE PASSAT 4-MOTIONS, DATED APRIL 2008, IN REGARDS TO A VENTILATION VALVE ON THE FUEL TANK. I PROMPTLY MADE A APPOINTMENT WITH MY LOCAL VW DEALER FOR DEC 4TH. ON DECEMBER 6, 2017, I CONTACTED THE DEALERSHIP ASKING JAY, THE SERVICE MANAGER AT THE VW DEALERSHIP, IF THEY FOUND THE VENT VALVE TO BE LEAKING. I WAS TOLD THAT THE VALVE WAS IN FACT LEAKING AT THE BONDED VALVE POINT. AFTER HEARING NOTHING THE NEXT TWO DAYS, I RECEIVED A PHONE CALL FROM VW STATING THAT THEY FOUND THE UNDER-BODY DAMAGE TO BE THE CAUSE OF THE LEAK. I REQUESTED TO SEE THE PICTURES OF THE DAMAGE SO THAT I COULD EXAMINE THEM MYSELF. ON DECEMBER 11, 2017, I RECEIVED THE PICTURES FROM THE SERVICE MANAGER SHOWING THE HEAT SHIELDS SURROUNDING THE TANK TO HAVE SOME BRUSH MARKS AND TO BE DISFIGURED A BIT. PLEASE KEEP IN MIND, THIS WAS A KNOWN ISSUE IN THE EARLY 2000'S, AND THE VEHICLE IS NOW 15 YEARS OLD WITH 127,000 MILES ON IT AND THE RECALL HAD BEEN COMPLETED. THIS "DAMAGE" WOULD NOT LEAD TO A FUEL TANK LEAK AS THE FUEL TANK ITSELF WAS NOT DAMAGED. VERY UPSET, I WROTE TO THE REGIONAL CASE MANAGER ON DEC 11, 2017 WITH MY THOUGHTS ON THE DAMAGE AND TO GET MORE DETAILS ON THE CASE. I HAVE YET TO RECEIVE A RESPONSE.
NHTSA complaint #11055454 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Colorado Springs, CO
SERVICE BRAKES
THE ABS BRAKES ARE FAULTY....THEY WORK RANDOMLY. FROM WHAT I HAVE RESEARCH THIS PARTICULAR MODULAR SHOULD HAVE BEEN A FACTORY RECALL.....
NHTSA complaint #11055122 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 75,000 milesLOS Altos, CA
SERVICE BRAKES
I GET AN AUDIO AND VISUAL ALERT ON MY DASH STATING TO 'STOP, BRAKE FAILURE' IT HAS OCCURRED MANY TIMES WHILE DRIVING, TURNING, AND PARKED WITH THE CAR ON. THE CAR'S BRAKES HAVE NEVER FAILED TO BRAKE APPROPRIATELY. I BROUGHT THE CAR INTO MY MECHANIC. THE OBD 2 SCAN SHOWS NO FAULTS AND MY MECHANIC SAYS THE BRAKES ARE FINE AND THESE CARS ARE KNOWN TO HAVE A FAULTY ELECTRONIC BOARD WHICH FALSELY ALERTS OF A BRAKE FAILURE.
NHTSA complaint #11053751 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Kansas City, MO
SERVICE BRAKES
ABS LIGHT IS ON
NHTSA complaint #11019890 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 115,000 milesGrand Prairie, TX
AIR BAGS
AIR BAG FAULT MESSAGE WHEN STARTING MY CAR EVERYTIME.
NHTSA complaint #11001525 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 118,000 milesKEY Largo, FL
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
WHEN FUEL TANK HAS APPROXIMATELY 8 GALLONS OR MORE, FUEL POURS OUT FROM UNDER THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE ABOUT TWO FEET FROM THE OUTER KICK PANEL. NOTICED THERE WAS A RECALL AND VWOA SAID THAT MY VIN DOES NOT QUALIFY FOR THE RECALL DESPITE MY EXPLAINING THAT THE PROBLEM IS IDENTICAL TO OTHER COMPLAINTS ON VEHICLES THAT WERE RECALLED. THIS WAS AT 118K MILES AND IT HAPPENED TO THE PREVIOUS OWNER ARROUND 80K.
NHTSA complaint #10993059 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 104,750 milesStockbridge, MA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
THE GAS TANK IS LEAKING ON THE UPPER SIDE BEHIND THE REAR SEATS WHEN IS FULL. I THINK VOLKSWAGEN RECALLED SOME VEHICLES FOR THE SAME PROBLEM IN THE PAST.
NHTSA complaint #10984777 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 104,750 milesStockbridge, MA
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
THE GAS TANK IS LEAKING ON THE UPPER SIDE BEHIND THE REAR SEATS WHEN IS FULL. I THINK VOLKSWAGEN RECALLED SOME VEHICLES FOR THE SAME PROBLEM IN THE PAST.
NHTSA complaint #10984777 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 93,000 milesClearwater, FL
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
FUEL LEAK AFTER FILLING GAS TANK. LEAK ON DRIVER SIDE UNDER REAR DOOR. STOPS AFTER GAGE IS BELOW 3/4 FULL.
NHTSA complaint #10937893 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 150,000 milesPort Orchard, WA
SERVICE BRAKES
PERIODICALLY, WHEN DRIVING, THE "ABS", "BRAKE", AND THE "ANTI SLIP REGULATION" LIGHTS WILL FLASH WITH AN ALARM SOUND THAT LASTS AROUND THREE SECONDS AND THE LIGHTS GO OFF. THIS HAPPENS WHEN THE CAR IS RUNNING AND HAS HAPPENED ON THE HIGHWAY AND WHILE STOPPED. THERE IS NO DIFFERENCE IN THE WAY THE CAR HANDLES, DRIVES, OR BRAKES DURING AND AFTER THIS OCCURS. ON ONE INSTANCE THE "ANTI SLIP REGULATION" LIGHT STAYED ON AND I HAD TO STOP AND SHUT THE CAR OFF. WHEN I STARTED IT AGAIN, THE LIGHT WAS EXTINGUISHED. THIS HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR 3-4 MONTHS AND ONLY HAPPENS ABOUT ONCE A WEEK.
NHTSA complaint #10924446 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 189,000 milesColumbia, MO
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
ABS LIGHT COMES ON WHILE DRIVING BRAKES LIGHT FLASHES ON AND OFF WITH NOISE
NHTSA complaint #10914410 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 110,000 milesSaddle Brook, NJ
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE LEAKED FUEL WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED PER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 08V156000 (FUEL SYSTEM), BUT THE REMEDY FAILED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VENTILATION VALVE WAS FRACTURED AND CAUSED FUEL TO LEAK. ALSO, THE TANK ONLY LEAKED WHEN IT WAS MORE THAN HALF FULL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 110,000. UPDATED 01/25/17*LJ
NHTSA complaint #10896086 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 130,000 milesSaddle Brook, NJ
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED A FUEL LEAK. UPON FURTHER INSPECTION, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE FUEL LEAK ORIGINATED NEAR THE REAR OF THE EXHAUST. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT THERE WAS A FUEL LEAK IN THE VEHICLE COMING FROM THE TOP OF THE FUEL TANK. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 08V156000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE); HOWEVER, THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 130,000.
NHTSA complaint #10893944 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 128,000 milesBassett, VA
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
REPORT RECEIPT DATE: APR 07, 2008 NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 08V156000 COMPONENT(S): FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE WHEN FUEL TANK IS MORE THAN 3/4 FUEL A FUEL SMELL APPEARS INSIDE THE VEHICLE. A PRIOR RECALL WAS DONE FOR A HEAT SHIELD, FUEL LINE AND 4MOTION FUEL TANK VENT VALVE FOR INSPECTION AND REPLACE AS NEEDED. THESE SEEM TO FAIL AGAIN. MOST DEALERS MARK RECALL AS PERFORMED WITHOUT A LEAK AND WHEN THE LEAK ACTUALLY OCCURS THEY TRY TO DENY THE ISSUE AS PERFORMED ALREADY. THIS NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED SO THAT OWNERS OF LOWER MILEAGE VEHICLES ( UNDER 150000) CAN GET THE REPAIR FIXED UNDER A RECALL THAT HAS BEEN ON THE VEHICLE PRIOR.
NHTSA complaint #10889140 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Menomonie, WI
ENGINE
LOW OIL PRESSURE LIGHT CAME ON FOR THE FIRST TIME AND NOW ENGINE MAKES A TICKING NOISE. THERE WAS A RECALL FOR THIS ISSUE. NOW I'M STUCK WITH A CAR I CAN'T GET FIXED. FOR AN ISSUE THAT HAD A LAW SUIT.
NHTSA complaint #10851998 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.