Owners have filed 172 complaints
about the 2005 Volkswagen Passat with NHTSA between 2005 and 2022.
The largest single group is the engine & cooling.
Across this model's run it ranks 20 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 — 25
Against the median year of the Volkswagen Passat. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 75
14.5% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 26
15% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
How 2005 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.
Engine
1947.5%
Seat Heater/Cooler
512.5%
Diesel
37.5%
Cooling System
37.5%
Body
37.5%
Latch
37.5%
Switch
25.0%
Sun/Moon Roof Assembly
25.0%
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
10.7%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
42.8%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
53.5%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
2719.0%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
3826.8%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
2316.2%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
3423.9%
150,000+ miles
107.0%
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.
Aug 2005peak 15Aug 2022
NHTSA investigations into the 2005 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...
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...
Recalls on the 2005 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.
United States — NHTSA
14E007000
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
The Gates Corporation (Gates) is recalling certain aftermarket Tru-Flow Water Pumps, part number TFW 41127, sold at certain NAPA Auto Parts and/or installed by automotive service technicians after November 1, 2013 (and manufactured August 2013 through October 2013) that have a black-colored pulley/sprocket or do not have 'US9377' stamped on the water pump housing. These service replacement parts were sold for use in model year 1999-2005 Audi A4, 2000-2006 Audi TT, 1998-2005 Volkswagen Beetle, 1999-2006 Golf, 1999-2008 and 2011-2013 Volkswagen Jetta, and 2000-2005 Volkswagen Passat. In the affected water pumps, the pulley or sprocket that turns the timing belt may develop microfractures causing the timing belt to fail.
Risk: A failure of the timing belt may cause the engine to shut down, potentially increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
08V156000
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY
VOLKSWAGEN IS RECALLING 412,000 MY 1999-2005 PASSAT (5TH GENERATION) VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS AND PRODUCED AFTER JUNE 14, 1999. THESE VEHICLES MAY HAVE AN UNDERBODY HEAT SHIELD THAT CAN BECOME DAMAGED. IN ADDITION, AFFECTED VEHICLES WITH AUTOMATIC OR MANUAL TRANSMISSIONS MAY HAVE A FUEL LINE (1.8T ENGINES ONLY) OR FUEL TANK VENTILATION VALVE (4MOTION/ALL WHEEL DRIVE ONLY) THAT CAN LEAK DUE TO FRACTURE.
Risk: A HEAT SHIELD THAT MAY CONTACT THE EXHAUST SYSTEM CAN RESULT IN A VEHICLE FIRE. IN ADDITION, A FUEL LEAK FROM A FUEL LINE OR FUEL TANK VENTILATION VALVE, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, CAN LEAD TO A VEHICLE FIRE.
07V063000
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER, WAGON, AND CONVERTIBLE VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH OR WITHOUT CRUISE CONTROL, A BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH MAY MALFUNCTION IF IT WAS INSTALLED INCORRECTLY.
Risk: THE BRAKE LIGHTS COULD BECOME INOPERATIVE, OR REMAIN ON. FAILURE TO PROVIDE THE PROPER SIGNAL WHEN BRAKING COULD LEAD TO A CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
04V586000
FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE HIGH PRESSURE DIESEL PUMPS WERE PRODUCED WITH AN IMPROPER FASTENER, WHICH COULD ALLOW DIESEL FUEL TO ESCAPE FROM THE PUMP.
Risk: FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE MAY LEAD TO A FIRE.
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 2006122244,526 units in Canada
Lights And Instruments
On certain Golf, GTI, Jetta, Jetta wagon, New Beetle, New Beetle convertible, Passat and Passat wagon, the brake lamp switch may malfunction. If this happens, the brake lamps could become inoperative; or could come on and stay on, even though the vehicle is parked. Correction: Dealers will replace the brake lamp switch with a newly revised version. This action includes vehicles previously affected by Transport Canada recall 03-184 and 04-075. The switch installed during this prior repair may not function properly. Note: parts available December 2006.
Recall 20044358,072 units in Canada
Fuel System
On certain vehicle equipped with TDI-PD (Pumpe-Düse) engines, the high-pressure diesel pumps were produced with improper fasteners. In rare cases, one of these improper fasteners may yield due to repeated cyclic loading and allow diesel fuel to escape from the high-pressure pump. Diesel fuel in the presence of an ignition source may lead to a fire. Additionally, due to the quantity of fuel that may be released, there is a crash risk posed to vehicles traveling behind the subject vehicle. Correction: Dealers will install a replacement diesel pump kit.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 95,900 milesTeaneck, NJFire
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
CAR WAS STARTED AT 9:30AM AT HOME- LAST DRIVEN NIGHT BEFORE LOCALLY. CAR WAS DRIVEN @ 1 MILE, PARKED, ENGINE TURNED OFF, DOORS LOCKED AND LEFT IN PARKING LOT. AT 9:49 THE LOCAL POLICE CALLED ME TO ALERT ME THAT MY CAR WAS ON FIRE. THERE IS FOOTAGE OF THE FIRE ON YOUTUBE. HTTPS://WWW.YOUTUBE.COM/WATCH?V=IQBNDFDJPAG THE ENGINE IGNITED FOR UNKNOWN REASON. THIS CAR IN UN-REPAIRABLE, THERE IS NO INSURANCE CLAIM. RECEIPTS FOR WORK PERFORMED ON THIS VEHICLE AT THE TIME OF PURCHASE AND RECENT REPAIR DOCUMENTATION IS AVAILABLE. CAR PURCHASE BILL OF SALE, RECEIPT FOR TITLE AND REGISTRATION AND COST FOR INSURING THIS VEHICLE SINCE TIME OF PURCHASE ARE ALL AVAILABLE.
NHTSA complaint #10839433 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 95,900 milesTeaneck, NJFire
ENGINE
CAR WAS STARTED AT 9:30AM AT HOME- LAST DRIVEN NIGHT BEFORE LOCALLY. CAR WAS DRIVEN @ 1 MILE, PARKED, ENGINE TURNED OFF, DOORS LOCKED AND LEFT IN PARKING LOT. AT 9:49 THE LOCAL POLICE CALLED ME TO ALERT ME THAT MY CAR WAS ON FIRE. THERE IS FOOTAGE OF THE FIRE ON YOUTUBE. HTTPS://WWW.YOUTUBE.COM/WATCH?V=IQBNDFDJPAG THE ENGINE IGNITED FOR UNKNOWN REASON. THIS CAR IN UN-REPAIRABLE, THERE IS NO INSURANCE CLAIM. RECEIPTS FOR WORK PERFORMED ON THIS VEHICLE AT THE TIME OF PURCHASE AND RECENT REPAIR DOCUMENTATION IS AVAILABLE. CAR PURCHASE BILL OF SALE, RECEIPT FOR TITLE AND REGISTRATION AND COST FOR INSURING THIS VEHICLE SINCE TIME OF PURCHASE ARE ALL AVAILABLE.
NHTSA complaint #10839433 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 189,000 milesW Springfield, MACrash
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKE PEDAL WOULD TRAVEL TO THE FLOOR WHEN DEPRESSED. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE BRAKE BOOSTER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR STATE INSPECTION AND NO FAILURE CODES WERE PRESENT AT THAT TIME. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE. A COUPLE OF WEEKS LATER, WHILE DRIVING 32 MPH, THE BRAKES FAILED AND THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE BUMPER OF THE PRECEDING VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 189,000.
NHTSA complaint #10637530 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 189,000 milesW Springfield, MACrash
SERVICE BRAKES
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKE PEDAL WOULD TRAVEL TO THE FLOOR WHEN DEPRESSED. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE BRAKE BOOSTER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR STATE INSPECTION AND NO FAILURE CODES WERE PRESENT AT THAT TIME. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE. A COUPLE OF WEEKS LATER, WHILE DRIVING 32 MPH, THE BRAKES FAILED AND THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE BUMPER OF THE PRECEDING VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 189,000.
NHTSA complaint #10637530 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 71,000 milesLAS Vegas, NVCrash
WHEELS
I WAS TRAVELING ON I-70 EAST 25 MILES EAST OF DENVER AT MILE MARKER 133, WITH THREE OF MY GRANDDAUGHTERS IN THE CAR WITH ME. I HEARD A NOISE AND IMMEDIATELY STARTED TO PULL TO THE RIGHT SHOULDER AND BRAKE WHEN THE CAR WENT OUT OF CONTROL, SPINNING ME OUT TO THE LEFT ACROSS BOTH TRAFFIC LANES, TOOK ME IN A 360 DEGREE CIRCLE AND THEN INTO THE DITCH ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE ROAD. IT WAS ONLY AN INSTANT FROM FIRST NOISE TO BEING SPUN OUT OF CONTROL - NO WARNING. BECAUSE I WAS SPUN OUT TO THE LEFT, I WAS NOT HIT BY THE SEMI DIRECTLY BEHIND ME. THE RIGHT REAR TIRE RAN AHEAD OF MY CAR FROM THE POINT WHERE I FIRST ATTEMPTED TO STOP. THERE WAS AN INCIDENT REPORT: COLORADO STATE PATROL #[XXX]. OFFICER ON SCENE EXAMINED TIRE AND SAID IT WAS AN "INSTANTANEOUS SEPARATION" OF TREAD FROM SIDEWALL AND POSSIBLY FAULTY TIRE MANUFACTURE. HE ALSO SAID WE SHOULD HAVE ROLLED BUT MY CAR'S LOW CENTER OF GRAVITY SAVED US. WE WERE UNHURT BUT TRAUMATIZED. THE TIRE WAS PURCHASED 1-30-14, 3-1/2 MONTHS PRIOR TO INCIDENT AND WAS IN LIKE-NEW CONDITION. PURCHASED FROM DISCOUNT TIRES ON LAKE MEAD IN LAS VEGAS, MANUFACTURED BY GT RADIAL, GITI TIRE (USA) LTD., 10404 SIXTH STREET, RANCHO CUCAMONGA, CA 91730-5831, PHONE (909) 980-0968. CAR HAD BEEN COMPLETELY GONE OVER TWO DAYS BEFORE WHEN I DEPARTED ON TRIP, TIRE PRESSURE WAS CHECKED THE DAY BEFORE, AND A VISUAL CHECK WAS DONE BEFORE I GOT ON THE ROAD THAT DAY. THERE WAS NO INDICATION THAT THE TIRE WAS DAMAGED OR UNDERINFLATED IN ANY WAY. I BELIEVE UTTERLY THAT THE TIRE WAS DEFECTIVE AND AM CONSIDERING A LAWSUIT DESPITE FACT THAT WE WERE UNINJURED. THIS WAS A TERRIFYING EVENT AND ONE WHICH COULD HAVE TAKEN THE LIVES OF MY GRANDDAUGHTERS THROUGH NO FAULT OF MY OWN. THIS IS HAPPENING MORE AND MORE AND MFGRS ARE USING OLD "DRY" RUBBER AND/OR INEFFECTIVE ADHESIVE. I TRUST YOU WILL PURSUE THIS VERY SERIOUS ISSUE. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
NHTSA complaint #10593955 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 71,000 milesLAS Vegas, NVCrash
TIRES
I WAS TRAVELING ON I-70 EAST 25 MILES EAST OF DENVER AT MILE MARKER 133, WITH THREE OF MY GRANDDAUGHTERS IN THE CAR WITH ME. I HEARD A NOISE AND IMMEDIATELY STARTED TO PULL TO THE RIGHT SHOULDER AND BRAKE WHEN THE CAR WENT OUT OF CONTROL, SPINNING ME OUT TO THE LEFT ACROSS BOTH TRAFFIC LANES, TOOK ME IN A 360 DEGREE CIRCLE AND THEN INTO THE DITCH ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE ROAD. IT WAS ONLY AN INSTANT FROM FIRST NOISE TO BEING SPUN OUT OF CONTROL - NO WARNING. BECAUSE I WAS SPUN OUT TO THE LEFT, I WAS NOT HIT BY THE SEMI DIRECTLY BEHIND ME. THE RIGHT REAR TIRE RAN AHEAD OF MY CAR FROM THE POINT WHERE I FIRST ATTEMPTED TO STOP. THERE WAS AN INCIDENT REPORT: COLORADO STATE PATROL #[XXX]. OFFICER ON SCENE EXAMINED TIRE AND SAID IT WAS AN "INSTANTANEOUS SEPARATION" OF TREAD FROM SIDEWALL AND POSSIBLY FAULTY TIRE MANUFACTURE. HE ALSO SAID WE SHOULD HAVE ROLLED BUT MY CAR'S LOW CENTER OF GRAVITY SAVED US. WE WERE UNHURT BUT TRAUMATIZED. THE TIRE WAS PURCHASED 1-30-14, 3-1/2 MONTHS PRIOR TO INCIDENT AND WAS IN LIKE-NEW CONDITION. PURCHASED FROM DISCOUNT TIRES ON LAKE MEAD IN LAS VEGAS, MANUFACTURED BY GT RADIAL, GITI TIRE (USA) LTD., 10404 SIXTH STREET, RANCHO CUCAMONGA, CA 91730-5831, PHONE (909) 980-0968. CAR HAD BEEN COMPLETELY GONE OVER TWO DAYS BEFORE WHEN I DEPARTED ON TRIP, TIRE PRESSURE WAS CHECKED THE DAY BEFORE, AND A VISUAL CHECK WAS DONE BEFORE I GOT ON THE ROAD THAT DAY. THERE WAS NO INDICATION THAT THE TIRE WAS DAMAGED OR UNDERINFLATED IN ANY WAY. I BELIEVE UTTERLY THAT THE TIRE WAS DEFECTIVE AND AM CONSIDERING A LAWSUIT DESPITE FACT THAT WE WERE UNINJURED. THIS WAS A TERRIFYING EVENT AND ONE WHICH COULD HAVE TAKEN THE LIVES OF MY GRANDDAUGHTERS THROUGH NO FAULT OF MY OWN. THIS IS HAPPENING MORE AND MORE AND MFGRS ARE USING OLD "DRY" RUBBER AND/OR INEFFECTIVE ADHESIVE. I TRUST YOU WILL PURSUE THIS VERY SERIOUS ISSUE. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
NHTSA complaint #10593955 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Wentworth, MO
STEERING
It just died and I lost brakes, power steering, and only know what else stopped working. Come to find out the splines wear off of the oil pump shift after the counter balance and chain goes out. This is so common a problem that when you Google what happened there are numerous videos and complaints about this issue, with ways to stop it from happening. Korea has already recalled them and Europe has recalled them, why are we so far behind on this. Not only is it expensive, but also a major safety issue because this stops the brakes from working and the car does not have stopping power with the motor dead. NOT EVERYONE KNOWS TO REPORT TO NHTSA!
NHTSA complaint #11479966 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Wentworth, MO
STRUCTURE:BODY
Electronic control module, electronic body module starts going out, it will not let you open the doors from the outside without rolling the windows down and sometimes won't even let you open them with the inside door handles. This is a major safety issue in a wreck or fire especially if you cannot get out of the car. Sometimes they work and sometimes they don't. For a vehicle that everyone complains about with this, and as expensive as it is to fix, are you going to wait until someone dies to make them fix it? When people complain if someone would just Google these issues you would find out just because not everyone knows about NHTSA, that these are extremely common issues that need to be fixed by Volkswagon!
NHTSA complaint #11479970 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Wentworth, MO
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Electronic control module, electronic body module starts going out, it will not let you open the doors from the outside without rolling the windows down and sometimes won't even let you open them with the inside door handles. This is a major safety issue in a wreck or fire especially if you cannot get out of the car. Sometimes they work and sometimes they don't. For a vehicle that everyone complains about with this, and as expensive as it is to fix, are you going to wait until someone dies to make them fix it? When people complain if someone would just Google these issues you would find out just because not everyone knows about NHTSA, that these are extremely common issues that need to be fixed by Volkswagon!
NHTSA complaint #11479970 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Wentworth, MO
ENGINE
It just died and I lost brakes, power steering, and only know what else stopped working. Come to find out the splines wear off of the oil pump shift after the counter balance and chain goes out. This is so common a problem that when you Google what happened there are numerous videos and complaints about this issue, with ways to stop it from happening. Korea has already recalled them and Europe has recalled them, why are we so far behind on this. Not only is it expensive, but also a major safety issue because this stops the brakes from working and the car does not have stopping power with the motor dead. NOT EVERYONE KNOWS TO REPORT TO NHTSA!
NHTSA complaint #11479966 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Wentworth, MO
SERVICE BRAKES
It just died and I lost brakes, power steering, and only know what else stopped working. Come to find out the splines wear off of the oil pump shift after the counter balance and chain goes out. This is so common a problem that when you Google what happened there are numerous videos and complaints about this issue, with ways to stop it from happening. Korea has already recalled them and Europe has recalled them, why are we so far behind on this. Not only is it expensive, but also a major safety issue because this stops the brakes from working and the car does not have stopping power with the motor dead. NOT EVERYONE KNOWS TO REPORT TO NHTSA!
NHTSA complaint #11479966 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Port St. Lucie, FL
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Approximately back in June 2021, I noticed the smell of diesel fuel coming from the rear of the vehicle, noticed hours and days after the vehicle was parked. The smell is partially present from the interior in the trunk area, but mostly evident when standing near the vicinity of the fuel tank when outside of the vehicle. After driving the vehicle, I occasionally notice small puddles of diesel fuel (as evidenced by the oily texture and smell) coming from below the fuel tank. On occasion, I can also spot actual drops of diesel fuel on the lower car frame from underneath the vicinity of the fuel pump. These puddles usually evaporate or dissipate within an hour or two after appearing. Given that these puddles only appear after driving, and not after extended periods of the vehicle sitting in my driveway, I suspect that there is a leak in the fuel pump. A more recent VCDS scan of the ECU on 29 October 2021 results in a Gateway and Dashboard fault code in the fuel pump, which may or may not be related to the fuel pump leak. The fault code is 00476, relating to the fuel pump control module, indicating "no communication"; the code is marked as "static". This fault code may not be related to the underlying fuel leak, but since it relates to the fuel pump, I thought it would be worth mentioning. Last but not least, a recall notice was issued on the diesel fuel pump assembly that impacted the make and model of my vehicle, issued in December 2004, just a couple months before the manufacture date of my vehicle (February 2005). As a result of this cut-off date, my vehicle's VIN number was not included in the official recall notice (NHTSA # 04V586000); see: https://www.vindecoderz.com/EN/Volkswagen/PASSAT/2005/fuel%20system,%20diesel/recall/04V586000. Due to the commonality of my vehicle's components with the 2004 Volkswagen Passat TDI and close temporal proximity to the recall notice, I highly suspect that my vehicle's fuel pump is impacted by this latent recall.
NHTSA complaint #11440781 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 128,892 milesBountiful, UT
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
2005 VW PASSAT WAGON, 4 MOTION, 128,000 MILES, W/ INTENSE ODOR OF GAS IN THE CABIN OF THE CAR; AFTER DRIVING 15 MILES TO WORK, I DEVELOPED A HEADACHE AND ILLNESS SYMPTOMS WHICH LASTED FOR 2 -3 DAYS. CAR WAS TOWED TO LOCAL VW DEALER. I CONTACTED VW OF AMERICA, WHO AGREED TO DIAGNOSTICS. LARGE FUEL TANK FRACTURE CONFIRMED. AFTER MANY DISCUSSIONS WITH CUSTOMER SERVICE AT VW OF AMERICA, THEY REFUSED TO COVER REPAIRS, THOUGH THEY DID CONFIRM THAT THIS FAILURE WAS THE SAME FAILURE WHICH HAD LED TO A PREVIOUS RECALL CAMPAIGN OF THE FUEL TANK/SYSTEM, BUT SINCE MY CAR HAD ALREADY BEEN REPAIRED (2015) W/ A SUPERSEDED PART AND IT WAS PAST THE 12 MONTH WARRANTY PERIOD, I DID NOT QUALIFY, NOR WOULD THEY OFFER GOODWILL SERVICE. THEY DID ACKNOWLEDGE, HOWEVER, THAT IT WAS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE AND THE CAR SHOULD NOT BE DRIVEN. I VERBALIZED IN MANY CONVERSATIONS THE SAFETY CONCERN THIS POSED NOT ONLY FOR MYSELF AND MY FAMILY BUT FOR OTHERS WHO HAD THE POTENTIAL TO FACE THE SAME SITUATION. I ASKED WHAT PROCESS VW HAD FOR DOCUMENTING AND REPORTING THESE CONSUMER SAFETY CONCERNS OF SUCH A SERIOUS NATURE AND WAS TOLD THAT IT IS REPORTED INTERNALLY BUT THERE WAS NO ONE I COULD SPEAK WITH TO DISCUSS FURTHER ANY ASPECT OF THE CASE, NOR WOULD VW REPORT THIS TO NHTSA, AS IT HAD BEEN REPORTED UNDER THE PREVIOUS CAMPAIGN. I FEEL VERY STRONGLY THAT THIS REPEATED FAILURE SHOULD BE REPORTED AND THEREFORE AM DOCUMENTING HERE. THE CAR HAS NOW BEEN TOWED TO MY HOME WHERE IT SITS IN MY DRIVEWAY D/T THE FUMES BEING AT A TOXIC LEVEL WHEN THE CAR IS IN THE CLOSED GARAGE. THE CABIN OF THE CAR ALSO REMAINS WITH A HIGH LEVEL OF GAS FUMES. I HAVE ASKED FOR WRITTEN DOCUMENTATION FROM VW OF AMERICA RELATED TO MY CASE, BUT AS OF YET HAVE NOT BEEN PROVIDED WITH SUCH.
NHTSA complaint #11258665 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 71,000 milesEssex Junction, VT
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
MY 2005 PASSAT HAS DEVELOPED A FUEL LEAK UNDER THE TANK. MY VEHICLE LOOKS LIKE NEW AND ONLY HAS 72000 MILES ON IT. THIS LEAK/SMELL OCCURS AFTER WHEN THE CAR IS MOVING AS WELL AS WHEN THE CAR IS SITTING IN THE DRIVEWAY. SEEMS VERY DANGEROUS TO ME AND I'VE READ MANY COMPLAINTS DESCRIBING THIS EXACT SCENARIO. WHY IS VW NOT FORCED TO RECALL AND INSPECT FOR THIS SITUATION.
NHTSA complaint #11231766 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 140,000 milesBerwyn Heights, MD
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
I COMPLETELY FILLED THE FUEL TANK OF MY CAR IN THE MORNING ON 4/22/2019. I THEN DROVE HOME AND PARKED THE CAR IN MY DRIVEWAY (SO IT WAS STATIONARY AT THIS TIME). THAT AFTERNOON I SMELLED A STRONG ODOR OF GASOLINE AND SAW A PUDDLE ON THE GROUND UNDERNEATH THE CAR BY THE DRIVER'S SIDE REAR WHEEL. I THOUGHT THAT MAYBE I OVERFILLED THE FUEL TANK SO I WAITED TO SEE IF THE ISSUE WOULD GO AWAY AFTER I DROVE A BIT. ON 4/23/2019 I STILL SMELLED GASOLINE AND SAW A PUDDLE UNDER THE CAR AFTER PARKING. I DETERMINED THE FUEL WAS ONLY LEAKING WHILE THE CAR WAS IN MOTION AND IT BECAME APPARENT THERE WAS A LARGER ISSUE. ON 4/24/2019 I TOOK THE CAR TO A MECHANIC TO DIAGNOSIS WHERE THE LEAK WAS COMING FROM. THE MECHANIC COULD SMELL GAS AND FOUND FUEL RESIDUE, BUT NOTHING FRESH. IT WAS RECOMMENDED THAT I FILL THE FUEL TANK AND RETURN TO SEE IF A LEAK COULD BE FOUND. SO ON 4/26/2019 I COMPLETELY FILLED THE FUEL TANK AND RETURNED TO THE MECHANIC. AND THEY FOUND THAT FUEL IS LEAKING FROM THE SEAM OF THE FUEL TANK.
NHTSA complaint #11203992 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 85,000 milesTorrance, CA
ENGINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, THE ENGINE BEGAN TO OVERHEAT AND DRAIN THE COOLANT. THE FAILURE OCCURRED MULTIPLE TIMES AND THE CONTACT HAD TO CONTINUOUSLY REPLACE THE COOLANT OVER A COUPLE OF WEEKS. THE CHECK ENGINE INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE THERMOSTAT AND HOUSING NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 85,000.
NHTSA complaint #11180103 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 219,500 milesGardena, CA
SEAT BELTS
INERTIA REEL WILL NOT PAYOUT WEBBING. CAR WAS IN A SCHOOL PARKING LOT, CAR WAS LEVEL
NHTSA complaint #11170184 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Muskegon, MI
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
OVER HEATED AND TIMING BELT
NHTSA complaint #11092000 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Muskegon, MI
ENGINE
OVER HEATED AND TIMING BELT
NHTSA complaint #11092000 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 91,628 milesBaytown, TX
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. UPON STARTING THE VEHICLE OR DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE CONTACT NOTICED A FUEL ODOR INSIDE THE VEHICLE. IN ADDITION, THE CHECK ENGINE AND ANTI-SLIP REGULATOR WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT CALLED MOMENTUM VOLKSWAGEN OF CLEAR LAKE AT (844) 894-5461 (15100 GULF FWY, HOUSTON, TX 77034) AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 08V156000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE). THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 91,628.
NHTSA complaint #11088378 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 155,000 milesGladstone, MI
POWER TRAIN
I DECIDED TO CHANGE THE OIL MYSELF IN MY CAR, SINCE I WANTED TO SAVE MONEY AND I KNEW WHAT I WAS DOING. INSTEAD OF DRAINING THE OIL, I ACCIDENTALLY DRAINED THE TRANSMISSION FLUID. I DIDN'T FIGURE OUT THAT IT WAS TRANSMISSION FLUID BECAUSE IT LOOKED LIKE OIL! SO, THIS IS WHAT HAPPENED AFTER; I DROVE HOME (NOT KNOWING THERE WAS NO TRANNY FLUID IN IT) AND I NOTICED THAT THE CAR WANTED TO TAKE OFF BY ITSELF. IT KEPT DOING TIS TWO OR THREE MORE TIMES WHEN IT BECAME STUCK IN 4TH GEAR. I MANAGED TO SAFELY GET HOME, AND FIGURED OUT WHAT HAPPENED. I AM REPORTING THIS BECAUSE THIS IS A DESIGN FLAW!!! THE TRANSMISSION FLUID DRAIN HOLE IS WHERE THE ENGINE OIL DRAIN HOLE SHOULD BE! LUCKILY, AFTER I PUT FRESH TRANNY FLUID IN IT, THE CAR WAS FINE. I WONDER HOW MANY OTHER PEOPLE THIS HAPPENED TO.
NHTSA complaint #10871277 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 155,000 milesGladstone, MI
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
I DECIDED TO CHANGE THE OIL MYSELF IN MY CAR, SINCE I WANTED TO SAVE MONEY AND I KNEW WHAT I WAS DOING. INSTEAD OF DRAINING THE OIL, I ACCIDENTALLY DRAINED THE TRANSMISSION FLUID. I DIDN'T FIGURE OUT THAT IT WAS TRANSMISSION FLUID BECAUSE IT LOOKED LIKE OIL! SO, THIS IS WHAT HAPPENED AFTER; I DROVE HOME (NOT KNOWING THERE WAS NO TRANNY FLUID IN IT) AND I NOTICED THAT THE CAR WANTED TO TAKE OFF BY ITSELF. IT KEPT DOING TIS TWO OR THREE MORE TIMES WHEN IT BECAME STUCK IN 4TH GEAR. I MANAGED TO SAFELY GET HOME, AND FIGURED OUT WHAT HAPPENED. I AM REPORTING THIS BECAUSE THIS IS A DESIGN FLAW!!! THE TRANSMISSION FLUID DRAIN HOLE IS WHERE THE ENGINE OIL DRAIN HOLE SHOULD BE! LUCKILY, AFTER I PUT FRESH TRANNY FLUID IN IT, THE CAR WAS FINE. I WONDER HOW MANY OTHER PEOPLE THIS HAPPENED TO.
NHTSA complaint #10871277 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 185,000 milesWichita, KS
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
CAR HAD INTERMITTENT STARTING ISSUES FOR ABOUT 6 MONTHS. ENGINE CRANKS BUT DOES NOT TURN OVER. WILL EVENTUALLY RESTART ANYWHERE FROM 15MIN - 5 HRS LATER. LENGTH SEEMS TO BE DEPENDENT ON HOW LONG WAS DRIVEN BEFORE TURNING OFF. CODE SAID THE CPS WAS FAULTY. REPLACED IT. BUT STILL HAVING RANDOM PROBLEMS AND CODE STILL SAYS CPS IS FAULTY. CANNOT GET IT FIXED BECAUSE CAN'T RECREATE PROBLEM AT MECHANICS. CAR DOES NOT DIE WHEN DRIVING. THERE DOES SEEM TO BE FLUCTUATIONS IN SPEED WHILE DRIVING. AND DOES SEEM TO BE WORSE IN RAINY WEATHER. CAR DOESN'T RUN HOT. ANYBODY ELSE HAVE THE SAME PROBS? HOW DID YOU FIX?
NHTSA complaint #10862284 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 95,900 milesTeaneck, NJFire
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
CAR WAS STARTED AT 9:30AM AT HOME- LAST DRIVEN NIGHT BEFORE LOCALLY. CAR WAS DRIVEN @ 1 MILE, PARKED, ENGINE TURNED OFF, DOORS LOCKED AND LEFT IN PARKING LOT. AT 9:49 THE LOCAL POLICE CALLED ME TO ALERT ME THAT MY CAR WAS ON FIRE. THERE IS FOOTAGE OF THE FIRE ON YOUTUBE. HTTPS://WWW.YOUTUBE.COM/WATCH?V=IQBNDFDJPAG THE ENGINE IGNITED FOR UNKNOWN REASON. THIS CAR IN UN-REPAIRABLE, THERE IS NO INSURANCE CLAIM. RECEIPTS FOR WORK PERFORMED ON THIS VEHICLE AT THE TIME OF PURCHASE AND RECENT REPAIR DOCUMENTATION IS AVAILABLE. CAR PURCHASE BILL OF SALE, RECEIPT FOR TITLE AND REGISTRATION AND COST FOR INSURING THIS VEHICLE SINCE TIME OF PURCHASE ARE ALL AVAILABLE.
NHTSA complaint #10839433 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 95,900 milesTeaneck, NJFire
ENGINE
CAR WAS STARTED AT 9:30AM AT HOME- LAST DRIVEN NIGHT BEFORE LOCALLY. CAR WAS DRIVEN @ 1 MILE, PARKED, ENGINE TURNED OFF, DOORS LOCKED AND LEFT IN PARKING LOT. AT 9:49 THE LOCAL POLICE CALLED ME TO ALERT ME THAT MY CAR WAS ON FIRE. THERE IS FOOTAGE OF THE FIRE ON YOUTUBE. HTTPS://WWW.YOUTUBE.COM/WATCH?V=IQBNDFDJPAG THE ENGINE IGNITED FOR UNKNOWN REASON. THIS CAR IN UN-REPAIRABLE, THERE IS NO INSURANCE CLAIM. RECEIPTS FOR WORK PERFORMED ON THIS VEHICLE AT THE TIME OF PURCHASE AND RECENT REPAIR DOCUMENTATION IS AVAILABLE. CAR PURCHASE BILL OF SALE, RECEIPT FOR TITLE AND REGISTRATION AND COST FOR INSURING THIS VEHICLE SINCE TIME OF PURCHASE ARE ALL AVAILABLE.
NHTSA complaint #10839433 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 143,000 milesEureka, CA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
THIS IS THE 4 TH TIME I HAVE HAD THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COME ON ALONG WITH MISFIRE ISSUES. EACH TIME COSTING ME AT LEAST 2000.00 TO CORRECT ONLY FOR A SHORT TIME. HAVE CHANGED OIL PUMP, PLUGS, INJECTORS JUST TO NAME A FEW. I LOVE MY CAR BUT THIS HAS BEEN A MONEY PIT FROM DAY ONE. VW NEEDS TO BE HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR THESE ISSUES. OIL SLUDGE, IS A BIG PROBLEM TOO. I JUST HAD THE TIMING BELT REPLACED WITH INJECTORS AND A NEW GASKET SET UP AND RAN GOOD FOR TWO MONTHS AND NOW I'M BACK IN THE SAME POSITION OF NEEDING THE SAME REPAIRS ONCE AGAIN. CAR WAS DRIVING BEGAN TO SHUTTER TRYING TO STALL. HELP!
NHTSA complaint #10817201 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 143,000 milesEureka, CA
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
THIS IS THE 4 TH TIME I HAVE HAD THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COME ON ALONG WITH MISFIRE ISSUES. EACH TIME COSTING ME AT LEAST 2000.00 TO CORRECT ONLY FOR A SHORT TIME. HAVE CHANGED OIL PUMP, PLUGS, INJECTORS JUST TO NAME A FEW. I LOVE MY CAR BUT THIS HAS BEEN A MONEY PIT FROM DAY ONE. VW NEEDS TO BE HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR THESE ISSUES. OIL SLUDGE, IS A BIG PROBLEM TOO. I JUST HAD THE TIMING BELT REPLACED WITH INJECTORS AND A NEW GASKET SET UP AND RAN GOOD FOR TWO MONTHS AND NOW I'M BACK IN THE SAME POSITION OF NEEDING THE SAME REPAIRS ONCE AGAIN. CAR WAS DRIVING BEGAN TO SHUTTER TRYING TO STALL. HELP!
NHTSA complaint #10817201 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 200,000 milesOwenton, KY
SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:SEAT HEATER/COOLER
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH, THE SEAT HEATER BURNED A HOLE IN THE PASSENGER SEAT AND THE PASSENGER'S COAT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 200,000. UPDATED 02/23/16*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. UPDATED 03/30/16.
NHTSA complaint #10811662 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 114,909 milesSAN Jose, CA
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
DRIVING HOME FROM WORK AND SMELL GAS COMEING FROM VENT INSIDE CAB NEXT DAY DROVE IT AGAIN AND STILL SMELL GAS EVEN ON OUTSIDE OF DRIVERSIDE.
NHTSA complaint #10705983 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 142,000 milesLongview, TX
STEERING
VEHICLE ENGINE MADE UNUSUAL NOISE AND STOPPED RUNNING. STEERING AND BRAKES BECAME VERY DIFFICULT. COULD NOT RESTART ENGINE AND HEARD LOUD BANGING FROM ENGINE WHEN STARTER WAS TURNING ENGINE. HAD TO HAVE VEHICLE PUSHED OUT OF ROADWAY. INSPECTION OF ENGINE REVEALED THAT THE CRANKSHAFT HAD BROKEN.
NHTSA complaint #10641279 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 142,000 milesLongview, TX
ENGINE
VEHICLE ENGINE MADE UNUSUAL NOISE AND STOPPED RUNNING. STEERING AND BRAKES BECAME VERY DIFFICULT. COULD NOT RESTART ENGINE AND HEARD LOUD BANGING FROM ENGINE WHEN STARTER WAS TURNING ENGINE. HAD TO HAVE VEHICLE PUSHED OUT OF ROADWAY. INSPECTION OF ENGINE REVEALED THAT THE CRANKSHAFT HAD BROKEN.
NHTSA complaint #10641279 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.