45 of the
816 complaints about the 2003 Volkswagen Passat are about the
lighting — 6% of everything
reported for this model year.
Half of the failures with a mileage on record happened before
47,000 miles.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS. THE FAILURE WAS EXPERIENCED NUMEROUS TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO PERFORMED DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE ENGINE OXYGEN SENSOR, COIL SPRING, SPARKS PLUGS, AND WIRES WERE REPLACED; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE WAS NOT CORRECTED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TAIL LIGHTS ALSO FAILED. THE TAIL LIGHTS WERE NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000.
NHTSA complaint #10794671 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 108,000 milesVirginia Beach, VA
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
DRIVING AT NIGHT, 65MPH, INTERSTATE HWY. LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS WENT OUT. HIGH BEAMS DID WORK. REPLACED BOTH HEADLIGHT BULBS. DID NOT FIX. COST $95. REPLACE HEADLIGHT RELAY. DID NOT FIX. COST IN EXCESS OF $200. RECALL FOR LATER YEAR PASSAT FOR SAME PROBLEM CAUSED BY "HOOD SLAM?"
NHTSA complaint #10788456 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 70,000 milesAlexandria, VA
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS:CONCEALMENT DEVICES
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 VOLKSWAGEN PASSED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY PLASTIC COVERS BECAME FOGGY DUE TO THE SUN LIGHT. WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH AT NIGHT THE HEADLIGHTS LOOKED AS THOUGH THEY WERE OFF AND IT WAS DIFFICULT TO SEE. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER WHO STATED THAT THE HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY WAS NOT REPLACED AND IS CONCERNED THAT THERE ARE NO RECALLS RELATED TO THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000.
NHTSA complaint #10344527 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 2,300 milesLaguna Niguel, CA2 injured
INTERIOR LIGHTING
BRAKE FAILURE LIGHT APPEARS EVEN AFTER MULTIPLE BRAKE REPAIRS. DRIVER?S SIDE REAR UPPER BRAKE LIGHT REPLACED FOR 29TH TIME IN LESS THAN 2 YRS. MULTIPLE COOLANT LEAKS STILL PRESENT EVEN AFTER REPAIR AND WATER PUMP REPLACEMENT. RADIO/AMPLIFIER NOT FUNCTIONING EVEN AFTER REPLACEMENT (RADIO WAS ONLY USED TWICE IN VEHICLE?S LIFETIME). DIAGNOSTICS SHOW AIRBAG MALFUNCTION. REGULATOR PIN ON REAR PASSENGER SIDE WINDOW KEEPS BREAKING (3RD REPLACEMENT SINCE 2003). ENGINE COVER BELOW CAR KEEPS FALLING OFF DUE TO RUSTED BOLTS. HOMELINK SYSTEM KEEPS MALFUNCTIONING. FUSES KEEP BLOWING OUT. DASHBOARD PANEL LIGHTS OUT (ODOMETER, FUEL GAUGE, ETC.). CCM MODULE KEEPS BREAKING DOWN. CAR NEEDS TO BE JUMPSTARTED WHEN NOT IN USE FOR OVER 48 HRS. CLIMATE CONTROL (A/C AND HEATER) WORKS ONLY SPORADICALLY. ALL REPAIRS PERFORMED BY VW DEALERSHIP, YET SAME ISSUES KEEP REAPPEARING JUST A FEW WEEKS AFTER REPAIRS. REPAIRS PERFORMED IN PAST 2 YEARS: ECU UNIT REPLACED, BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH REPLACED 3 TIMES, A/C COMPRESSOR UNIT REPLACED, ABS MODULE REPLACED, ALTERNATOR REPLACED, BRAKES REPLACED 3 TIMES.
NHTSA complaint #10256502 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 2,300 milesLaguna Niguel, CA2 injured
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
BRAKE FAILURE LIGHT APPEARS EVEN AFTER MULTIPLE BRAKE REPAIRS. DRIVER?S SIDE REAR UPPER BRAKE LIGHT REPLACED FOR 29TH TIME IN LESS THAN 2 YRS. MULTIPLE COOLANT LEAKS STILL PRESENT EVEN AFTER REPAIR AND WATER PUMP REPLACEMENT. RADIO/AMPLIFIER NOT FUNCTIONING EVEN AFTER REPLACEMENT (RADIO WAS ONLY USED TWICE IN VEHICLE?S LIFETIME). DIAGNOSTICS SHOW AIRBAG MALFUNCTION. REGULATOR PIN ON REAR PASSENGER SIDE WINDOW KEEPS BREAKING (3RD REPLACEMENT SINCE 2003). ENGINE COVER BELOW CAR KEEPS FALLING OFF DUE TO RUSTED BOLTS. HOMELINK SYSTEM KEEPS MALFUNCTIONING. FUSES KEEP BLOWING OUT. DASHBOARD PANEL LIGHTS OUT (ODOMETER, FUEL GAUGE, ETC.). CCM MODULE KEEPS BREAKING DOWN. CAR NEEDS TO BE JUMPSTARTED WHEN NOT IN USE FOR OVER 48 HRS. CLIMATE CONTROL (A/C AND HEATER) WORKS ONLY SPORADICALLY. ALL REPAIRS PERFORMED BY VW DEALERSHIP, YET SAME ISSUES KEEP REAPPEARING JUST A FEW WEEKS AFTER REPAIRS. REPAIRS PERFORMED IN PAST 2 YEARS: ECU UNIT REPLACED, BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH REPLACED 3 TIMES, A/C COMPRESSOR UNIT REPLACED, ABS MODULE REPLACED, ALTERNATOR REPLACED, BRAKES REPLACED 3 TIMES.
NHTSA complaint #10256502 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 50,332 milesPort Orange, FL
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. WHILE EXAMINING THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE HEADLIGHT LENS WERE COVERED WITH A FOGGY MATERIAL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT THE HEADLIGHTS NEEDED TO BE SERVICED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 50,332. UPDATED 10/16/08. *LJ UPDATED 10/20/08.
NHTSA complaint #10242804 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 77,000 milesMontgomery, AL
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED, THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO ACTIVATE THE TURN SIGNALS, BUT THEY DID NOT WORK. THE HAZARD LIGHTS ALSO STOPPED WORKING WHEN THE TURN SIGNALS FAILED. THE CONTACT DID NOT NOTICE ANY DIFFERENCES IN THE VEHICLE BEFOREHAND AND THE FAILURES WERE INTERMITTENT. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN DIAGNOSED BY THE DEALER SEVERAL TIMES; HOWEVER, THE FAILURES CONTINUE TO OCCUR. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 77,500 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 77,000.
NHTSA complaint #10233800 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 130,000 milesLaguna Niguel, CA
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
RADIO NOT FUNCTIONING, AIR CONDITIONING UNIT WORKS INTERMITTENTLY, AIRBAG MALFUNCTION RECOGNIZED, OPERATION UNIT IN STEERING WHEEL MALFUNCTIONS, NO COMMUNICATIONS WITH BRAKE CONTROL UNIT, BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH CAUSES DRIVERS SIDE BRAKE LIGHT TO MALFUNCTION. HORN NOT FUNCTIONING NEARLY CAUSED 2 ACCIDENTS WITHIN A MONTH. I DROVE OVER AN ISLAND TO AVOID ONE COLLISION FROM THE OTHER NON-ATTENTIVE DRIVER AND ENDED UP SCRAPING THE TRANSMISSION PAN. COST OF REPLACEMENT: $550. AFTER THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS IN REPAIRS AND DIAGNOSTICS, VW DEALERSHIPS STILL UNABLE TO FIX ANY OF THE ABOVE!
NHTSA complaint #10229048 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 72,000 milesBloomingdale, IL
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR ROUTINE MAINTENANCE WHEN THE DEALER NOTICED A FAILED EXTERIOR BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN RECALL NUMBER 07V063000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH). THE CONTACT FELT THAT THE RECALL SHOULD BE EXPANDED TO INCLUDE HIS VEHICLE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 72,000. UPDATED 02-01-08 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED THIS IS THE 3RD RECALL THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN DUE TO THE VIN NUMBER. THE CONSUMER STATED THE FUEL PUMP PROBLEM THE COMPANY FIXED BECAUSE THEY COULD NOT DISPUTE IT. UPDATED 02/01/08
NHTSA complaint #10200350 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 81,000 milesLavergene, TN
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HIS VEHICLE IS EXPERIENCING THE SAME FAILURE AS NOTED IN RECALL NUMBER 07V063000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH). THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT HIS VEHICLE WAS EXCLUDED FROM THE RECALL. THE CONTACT PAID TO HAVE THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH REPLACED AND FEELS THAT HIS VEHICLE SHOULD BE INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 90,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 81,000. UPDATED 02/08/08.
NHTSA complaint #10198640 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 55,150 milesBuffalo, NY
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH
WHILE DRIVING 2003 VW PASSAT THE ENGINE STALLED OUT (NO FUEL) CAUSING NEAR ACCIDENT BY PASSING VEHICLES. DRIFTED TO SIDE OF ROAD. AFTER 100 MILE TOW TO VINCENT VOLKSWAGEN DEALER IN ROCHESTER, THEY FOUND NO PROBLEM. CAR DID RUN TWO DAYS. THE SAME STALL-OUT OCCURRED THREE DAYS LATER. ANOTHER TOW TO A DEALER (SCHMITTS GARAGE) TO ATTEMPT TO REPAIR. NOT SURE WHAT THE PROBLEM IS BUT STRONGLY SUSPECT FUEL PUMP OR CONTROL SYSTEM FOR FUEL OR FUEL LINE SYSTEM. THERE HAVE BEEN PREVIOUS RECALLS ON SOME 2003 PASSAT FUEL SYSTEM ITEMS INCLUDING FUEL PUMPS (POTENTIAL TO CAUSE CRASH WHEN FAIL) . WAS TOLD MY PASSAT WAS NOT PART OF THE OTHER 2003 PASSAT FUEL PUMP/SYSTEM RECALL. HOWEVER, ARE MORE FUEL PUMP UNITS BAD THAT VW DOESN'T REALIZE WHICH COULD CAUSE MAJOR ACCIDENTS, HEAD ON COLLISIONS DURING PASSING. FILED THIS WITH VW CUSTOMER CARE. TWO WEEKS PRIOR BRAKE LIGHTS DID NOT WORK AND WAS NEARLY REAR ENDED. VW DEALER REPLACED DEFECTIVE BRAKE SWITCH WHICH INITIALLY WASN'T ON THE RECALL LIST BUT WAS RECENTLY ADDED. TWO NEAR MAJOR ACCIDENTS IN TWO WEEKS DUE TO EQUIPMENT FAILURES.
NHTSA complaint #10198287 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 67,085 milesFrederick, MD
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKE LIGHTS WOULD CONSTANTLY SHINE ON AND OFF AT RANDOM. THE LIGHT WOULD ILLUMINATE WHILE DRIVING AND WOULD DIM WHEN THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED. THE CONTACT DISCOVERED RECALL NUMBER 07V063000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH). HE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT HIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HIS VEHICLE IS EXPERIENCING THE SAME FAILURE AS NOTED IN THE RECALL. THE FAILURE SPEED WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 67,085. UPDATED 02/01/08. *LJ UPDATED 02/01/08
NHTSA complaint #10198151 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 67,085 milesFrederick, MD
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKE LIGHTS WOULD CONSTANTLY SHINE ON AND OFF AT RANDOM. THE LIGHT WOULD ILLUMINATE WHILE DRIVING AND WOULD DIM WHEN THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED. THE CONTACT DISCOVERED RECALL NUMBER 07V063000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH). HE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND THEY STATED THAT HIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HIS VEHICLE IS EXPERIENCING THE SAME FAILURE AS NOTED IN THE RECALL. THE FAILURE SPEED WAS UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 67,085. UPDATED 02/01/08. *LJ UPDATED 02/01/08
NHTSA complaint #10198151 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 47,000 milesHillsboro, OR
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH OR ATTEMPTING TO STOP, THE VEHICLE LOSES POWER AND SHUTS OFF WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER SEVERAL TIMES AND THE SPEED SENSOR WAS REPLACED. HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE CONTINUES TO SHUT OFF. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKE LIGHTS ALSO MALFUNCTION AND THE ELECTRICAL SWITCH WAS REPLACED. THE VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY AT THE DEALER AND THEY ARE UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF FAILURE. THE VEHICLE'S WARRANTY HAS BEEN CHARGED FOR EACH REPLACEMENT. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 57,006 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 47,000.
NHTSA complaint #10197870 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 34,540 milesPittsburgh, PA
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH
TWICE, THE REAR BRAKE LIGHTS REMAINED ON UNCONTROLLABLY - INTERMITTENTLY AT FIRST, THEN PERMANENTLY. THIS FAILURE WAS TROUBLE-SHOT AND REPAIRED BY THE DEALER BOTH TIMES. IN EACH CASE, THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH HAD FAILED. FROM STUDYING THE SWITCH PART NUMBERS, IT APPEARS THE SUFFIX HAS ALSO TWICE CHANGED TO A LATER VERSION - ALTHOUGH I DON'T BELIEVE THEY WERE INSTALLED IN THAT ORDER IN MY CAR (SEE PN'S BELOW). I BELIEVE I HAVE THE LATEST VERSION CURRENTLY INSTALLED. THIS IS AN UNACCEPTABLE FAILURE MODE, AS IT NOT ONLY IS A SAFETY ISSUE (DRIVING AROUND WITH BRAKE LIGHTS CONTINUOUSLY ON, BUT IF LEFT ON FOR PROLONGED PERIOD, THE REAR BRAKE LIGHT BULB SOCKETS GET EXTREMELY HOT AND IN MY OPINION HAVE A GOOD CHANCE TO MELT THE PLASTIC SOCKET/REFLECTORS AND POSSIBLY CATCH FIRE. MORE IMPORTANTLY, THE ABS AND CRUISE CONTROL BECOME INOP, THE THROTTLE BODY ALIGNMENT IS DISTURBED CAUSING THE CAR TO BEHAVE TERRIBLY ON ACCELERATION AND MANY CEL-TYPE LIGHT ILLUMINATE ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. FAILURES OCCURRED: 1ST TIME: @ 34540MI, 4/7/2005. 2ND TIME: @ 49,746MI, 5/24/2006. ORIG S/W PN 3B094551A (FROM FACTORY). 2ND S/W/1ST REPLACEMENT PN 3B0945511_ (ASSUME BASIC PN), 3RD S/W/2ND REPLACEMENT PN 3B0945511B). I HAVE NEVER HAD TO CHANGE THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH ON MY 1984 VW SCIROCCO - I'M THE ORIGINAL OWNER AND HAD DRIVEN IT OVER 174K MILES! A FAILED BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH ON THIS PASSAT HAS MUCH GREATER IMPACT (LIGHTS, ABS, THROTTLE, CRUISE CONTROL) WHEN IT FAILS THAN IT WOULD ON THE SCIROCCO (JUST LIGHTS), AND IT WAS THE PASSAT BRAKE LIGHT S/W THAT FAILED TWICE - DUE TO POOR DESIGN/RELIABILITY. AMAZING AND UNACCEPTABLE.
NHTSA complaint #10197113 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 86,000 milesFT. Wright, KY
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH
WAS TOLD BY VOLKSWAGEN AMERICA THAT THE PASSAT 2003 DID NOT FALL UNDER THIS RECALL. THIS VEHICLE HAS THE EXACT SAME FAILURE. ANY HELP WOULD BE APPRICATED IN GETTING THIS COVERED. ESULTS : | ALL RECORDS DISPLAYED AKE : VOLKSWAGEN MODEL : PASSAT YEAR : 2003 MANUFACTURER : VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA, INC NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER : 07V063000 MFR'S REPORT DATE : FEB 15, 2007 COMPONENT: EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH POTENTIAL NUMBER OF UNITS AFFECTED : 1002000 .
NHTSA complaint #10196567 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Carlsbad, CA
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH
BREAK LIGHT SWITCH STOPPED WORKING UNKNOWINGLY.
NHTSA complaint #10196157 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 35,000 milesMine Hill, NJ
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. AFTER PARKING THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE BRAKE LIGHTS WERE ILLUMINATED. THE LIGHTS FAILED TO DIM. THE DEALER STATED THAT HER VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA RECALL # 07V063000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH). THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 35,000.
NHTSA complaint #10195958 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Gahanna, OH
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BACK UP LIGHTS:SWITCH
REGARDING RECALL 07V063000. I OWN A 2003 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT THAT HAD THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM WITH THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH. THE BRAKE LIGHTS CAME ON AND STAYED ON ALL DAY. I HAD NO IDEA THERE WAS A PROBLEM. I PARKED THE CAR, AND THE BRAKE LIGHTS STAYED ON ALL NIGHT AND DRAINED THE BATTERY. THE DEALERSHIP REFUSED TO HONOR THE RECALL, STAYING VEHICLE WAS EXCLUDED FROM THE RECALL DUE TO THE VIN. I HAD TO PAY THE REPAIR COSTS OUT OF POCKET AND VOLKSWAGEN CORPORATE REFUSED TO REIMBURSE ME.
NHTSA complaint #10194220 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Water Mill, NY
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH
THE BRAKE LIGHT STAYS ON EVEN AFTER I SHUT OFF THE CAR, GET OUT, AND LOCK THE DOOR. THERE HAS BEEN A JETTA RECALL FOR THIS PROBLEM, BUT WHEN I CALLED THE MANUFACTURER TO ASK ABOUT THE ISSUE IN REGARD TO PASSATS, I WAS ASKED FOR MY VIN, THEN TOLD THAT THERE WAS "NO CAMPAIGN" (I.E. NO RECALL) FOR MY CAR AT THIS TIME. FURTHER, I WAS TOLD THAT THEY DID NOT KNOW OF THIS BEING AN ISSUE FOR PASSATS. YET I JUST RAN A GOOGLE SEARCH ON THE PROBLEM AND SAW BULLETIN BOARD POSTINGS FROM OTHER PASSAT OWNERS WHO HAVE HAD THIS PROBLEM. IF IT'S DANGEROUS FOR JETTAS, IT'S ALSO DANGEROUS FOR PASSATS. VW DID THIS BEFORE WITH ANOTHER SAFETY RECALL--SAME KIND OF CORPORATE IRRESPONSIBILITY, WAITING UNTIL THE NHTSA GOT INVOLVED. THIS IS UNCONSCIONABLE! AGAIN, IF THE SITUATION IS DANGEROUS FOR JETTA OWNERS, THEN IT'S DANGEROUS FOR PASSAT OWNERS WHO ARE CLEARLY HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM!!
NHTSA complaint #10193032 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 76,000 milesAugusta, GA
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH
BRAKE LIGHTS WILL NOT GO OUT EVEN AFTER CAR IS OFF.
NHTSA complaint #10189880 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 67,700 milesNorman, OK
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH
THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH ON MY 2003 VOLSWAGEN PASSAT HAD FAILED SOMETIME BEFORE I PURCHASED THE CAR. IT WAS PURCHASED ON APRIL 23, 2007. THIS FAILURE CAUSED THE BRAKE LIGHTS NOT TO LIGHT WHEN THE BRAKE WAS PRESSED AND THE CRUISE CONTROL NOT TO FUNCTION. THE CAR WAS REPAIRED AT A COST OF $129.00 USING A REPLACEMENT BRAKE SWITCH.
NHTSA complaint #10189831 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Philadelphia, PA
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH
2003 VW PASSAT GLX 4 MOTION BRAKE LIGHTS STUCK ON, DRAINS BATTERY WHEN PARKED, UNSAFE TO DRIVE AS NO INDICATION OF BRAKING TO OTHERS. RECALL FOR THIS COMPONENT ON OTHER MODELS, NOT THIS ONE. CLEARLY DEFECTIVE--MANY OTHER OWNERS AFFECTED. SEE MULTIPLE ONLINE SOURCES INCLUDING: HTTP://FORUMS.VWVORTEX.COM/ZEROTHREAD?ID=3196572
NHTSA complaint #10188591 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Poughkeepsie, NY
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH
CAR BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH FAILURE.
NHTSA complaint #10188593 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 52,000 milesWest Hills, CA
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH
TL* - THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT WITH A CURRENT MILEAGE OF 52,000 MILES. THE BRAKE LIGHTS WERE NOT FUNCTIONING, AFTER CHECKING THE FUSE THE CONTACT FOUND NO FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN TAKEN TO THE DEALER, LIVINGSTON VOLKSWAGEN, AND THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH WAS REPLACED. THE CONTACT HAD TO PAY FOR THE REPAIR, BUT WAS TOLD BY THE MANUFACTURER BEFORE GOING TO THE DEALER, THAT IT WOULD BE FREE. WHEN THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER BACK HE WAS TOLD THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT UNDER RECALL.
NHTSA complaint #10188132 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 7,000 milesLaguna Niguel, CA
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH
TL*- THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING THE 2003 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT WITH 7000 FAILURE MILEAGE THE BRAKE LIGHTS INTERMITTENTLY TURNED OFF. ALSO, THE DRIVER'S SIDE FRONT HEADLIGHT TURNS OFF, THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE WINDOW, AND THE HORN DID NOT OPERATE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER SEVERAL TIMES, BUT THEY STILL COULD NOT DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE PROBLEMS. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 105,944.
NHTSA complaint #10187663 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 7,000 milesLaguna Niguel, CA
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
TL*- THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING THE 2003 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT WITH 7000 FAILURE MILEAGE THE BRAKE LIGHTS INTERMITTENTLY TURNED OFF. ALSO, THE DRIVER'S SIDE FRONT HEADLIGHT TURNS OFF, THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE WINDOW, AND THE HORN DID NOT OPERATE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER SEVERAL TIMES, BUT THEY STILL COULD NOT DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE PROBLEMS. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 105,944.
NHTSA complaint #10187663 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 45,000 milesManassas, VA
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH
MY VEHICLE, A 2003 VW PASSAT IS NOT CURRENTLY INCLUDED IN YOUR CAMPAIGN 07V063000. IT SHOULD HAVE BEEN. I HAVE HAD THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH REPLACED (AND CHARGED TO HAVE IT REPLACED) TWICE OVER THE LAST YEAR AND A HALF. I EXPERIENCED ALL OF THE CONSEQUENCES IDENTIFIED IN YOUR SUMMARY DESCRIPTION. MOST FREQUENTLY THE BRAKE LIGHTS WOULD STAY ON WHILE DRIVING, AS WELL AS WOULD REMAIN ON ONCE PARKED IN MY GARAGE. HOW DO I GET THE PASSAT'S INCLUDED?
NHTSA complaint #10186951 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Porto, 00
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
HEADLIGHTS FAILS PROPER FUNCTION. THEY HAVE BEEN REPLACED. SEAT BELTS AND SUN ROOF DO NOT WORK PROPERLY. ENGINE REPLACED; STEERING WHEELS - CAR PULLS TO THE RIGHT EVERYTIME AN ALIGNMENT WAS DONE AND THEY CALIBRATED THE WHEELS. - PROBLEM CONTINUED - THIS PROBLEM CAUSED THE TIRES TO BE DESTROYED IN A FEW KMS - LESS 20 000; WATER INFILTRATION - FOR NOW IT IS FIXED; TRUNK WAS HARD TO OPEN AND CLOSE - PROBLEM FIXED. FRONT DOORS VIBRATED - THE RUBBER OF THE DOORS ARE BEING EXHIBITING SIGNS OF DAMAGE; THE FRONT GLASS ( WINDSCREEN ) ISN'T FROM THE SAME YEAR OF ALL THE OTHERS.
NHTSA complaint #10184288 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 40,000 milesMarietta, GA
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS
MY 2003 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT WAGON GLX HAD A BRAKE LIGHT PROBLEM IDENTICAL TO THAT FOUND ON THE NEW (FEB 07) VW RECALL FOR SEVERAL OTHER MODELS. HOWEVER, THE PASSAT WAS NOT ON THE RECALL LIST. THE BRAKE LIGHTS WOULD REMAIN ON AT RANDOM TIMES AND WITHOUT WARNING, OVER SEVERAL MONTHS. NHTSA AND VW SHOULD STRONGLY CONSIDER RECALLING THE PASSAT ALONG WITH THE OTHER VW MODELS BECAUSE THE PASSAT HAS THE SAME SAFETY CONCERNS. I TRADED MY CAR IN BUT OFFER THIS INFO TO HELP OTHER VW OWNERS.
NHTSA complaint #10183611 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.