Owners have filed 211 complaints
about the 2009 Volkswagen Passat with NHTSA between 2009 and 2025.
The largest single group is the engine & cooling.
Across this model's run it ranks 18 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 — 31
Against the median year of the Volkswagen Passat. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 64
12.3% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 28
17% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
How 2009 compares with every other Volkswagen Passat
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
21.2%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
31.9%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
95.6%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
3119.1%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
3521.6%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
3421.0%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
4427.2%
150,000+ miles
42.5%
NHTSA crash tests
The agency crash-tested this model year itself. These are its own
photographs and star ratings.
These stars come from the pre-2011 crash test programme. NHTSA
rebuilt the programme for the 2011 model year and states that
ratings either side of that change are not comparable — so do
not read these against a 2011-or-newer car's stars.
Frontal crash test
Side barrier crash test
Photographs taken by NHTSA during its own New Car Assessment Program crash
tests of this model year. Public domain.
Configuration
Overall
Front
Side
Rollover
2009 Volkswagen Passat 4-DR. w/SAB
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2009 Volkswagen Passat Wagon w/SAB
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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.
Mar 2009peak 10Apr 2025
NHTSA investigations into the 2009 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.
PE09022Opened 4 May 2009Closed 9 Jul 2009POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:COOLING UNIT AND LINES
TRANSMISSION FLUID HOSE CHAFE
ON MAY 4, 2009, THE OFFICE OF DEFECTS INVESTIGATIONS (ODI) OPENED PRELIMINARY EVALUATION PE09-022 TO INVESTIGATE AN OWNER COMPLAINT (ODI NO. 10260517) ALLEGING CONTACT BETWEEN THE ATF COOLING LINE AND THE RADIATOR FAN BLADES.THE COMPLAINT INDICATED THAT THE CONTACT RESULTED IN RAPID ATF FLUID LOSS WHICH RENDERED THE VEHICLE UNDRIVEABLE.THE INCIDENT OCCURRED WITHIN THE FIRST 50 MILES OF SERVICE. IN ITS RESPONSE TO ODI'S INFORMATION REQUEST LETTER FOR PE09-062, VW INDICATED THAT THE INSTALLATION AND DESIGN OF THE ATF COOLING LINES ARE THE SAME FOR BOTH THE REGULAR PASSAT AND PASSAT CC MODELS.VW...
Recalls on the 2009 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
18V148000
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
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.
Risk: 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.
17V509000
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
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.
Risk: If the fuel pump fails, the engine will stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
16V078000
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
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.
Risk: 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.
08V577000
STEERING:GEAR BOX (OTHER THAN RACK AND PINION)
VW IS RECALLING 130 MY 2009 PASSAT, PASSAT WAGON, AND PASSAT CC VEHICLES. SOME VEHICLES MAY HAVE AN ELECTROMECHANICAL STEERING GEAR CONTROL UNIT THAT CAN MALFUNCTION DUE TO A DAMAGED CAPACITOR. IF THIS MALFUNCTION OCCURS, THE DRIVER'S STEERING INPUT IS NOT PROPERLY PROCESSED BY THE SYSTEM AND THE VEHICLE MAY NOT RESPOND AS THE DRIVER INTENDS. THIS DEFECT CAN ONLY OCCUR IMMEDIATELY AFTER VEHICLE START-UP WHEN THE STEERING WHEEL IS MOVED FOR THE FIRST TIME AND AT SPEEDS LESS THAN 5 MPH.
Risk: DRIVER ATTEMPTS TO OVERCOME THE SYSTEM DURING MALFUNCTION WILL CAUSE (1) VIBRATIONS IN THE STEERING WHEEL; (2) THE STEERING SYSTEM MOTOR TO TURN OFF; (3) THE RED STEERING SYSTEM MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LIGHT TO ILLUMINATE; AND (4) AUDIBLE WARNINGS TO CHIME. A MALFUNCTIONING STEERING SYSTEM COULD LEAD TO A CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 201811137,197 units in Canada
Airbag
On certain vehicles, long-term exposure to high absolute humidity and temperature, combined with high temperature cycling, could eventually degrade the propellant contained in the driver frontal airbag. This could cause the airbag to deploy with more force than normal. As a result, if the vehicle were involved in a collision that warrants airbag deployment, fragments could be propelled toward vehicle occupants, and the airbag assembly could be damaged, preventing proper function. These issues could increase the risk of injury. Correction: Dealers will replace the driver frontal airbag inflator. Note: Canadian climate results in the propellant degrading slowly. The recall is being conducted as a precaution to address future risk, and is expected to replace airbag inflators before their function would be affected. Additional Note: This recall supersedes the Volkswagen brand vehicles subject to recall 2016-064 (Volkswagen Recall 69M9). Volkswagen vehicles completed under the previous 2016-064 recall require repair under this recall, as the previous recall remedy was an interim repair. Interim repair parts must be replaced with final repair parts.
Recall 201739819,508 units in Canada
Fuel System
On certain vehicles, there could be an interruption in electrical power to the fuel pump control module. This could result in the fuel pump running continuously, resulting in a drained battery and/or a no start condition, or cause a loss of motive power while the vehicle is in motion, which could increase the risk of a crash causing injury and/or damage to property. Correction: Dealers will replace the fuel pump control module and relocate it within the vehicle.
Recall 201606464,660 units in Canada
Airbag
On certain vehicles, the driver frontal airbag inflator could produce excessive internal pressure during airbag deployment. Increased pressure may cause the inflator to rupture, which could allow fragments to be propelled toward vehicle occupants, increasing the risk of injury. This could also damage the airbag module, which could prevent proper deployment. Failure of the airbag to fully deploy during a crash (where deployment is warranted) could increase the risk of personal injury to the seat occupant. Correction: Dealers will replace the front driver airbag inflator. Note: This campaign only affects the Audi A5 and Audi S5 Cabriolet models.
Recall 2009087409 units in Canada
Seats And Restraints
On certain vehicles, the right front seatbelt buckle wiring harness may have been incorrectly routed during vehicle assembly. As such, the wires could become damaged when the seat is moved fully up and down or fore and aft. If this occurs, the airbag control module will switch to a fallback algorithm and deactivate the passenger's frontal airbag. Failure of the passenger frontal airbag to deploy during a vehicle crash could increase the risk of personal injuries or death to the seat occupant. Correction: Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, reroute the right front seatbelt wiring harness.
Recall 200839820 units in Canada
Steering
On certain Passat, Passat CC and Passat wagon, an electromechanical steering control unit may have a malfunction due to a damaged capacitor. If this malfunction occurs, the driver's steering input will not be properly processed by the system and the vehicle may not respond as driver intends. This defect can only occur immediately after vehicle start-up when steering wheel is moved for the first time and at a speed of less than 8 Km/h (5mph). Driver attempts to overcome the system during this situation will cause: Vibrations in the steering wheel, steering system motor to turn off, the red steering system malfunction indicator light to illuminate, and audible warnings to chime. These four events will alert the driver of a malfunction. A malfunction of the steering system could result in a vehicle crash causing injury or death. Correction: Dealers will replace the steering gear.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 120,000 milesGalena, OHFire
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN: I WANTED TO FOLLOW-UP AND DISCUSS A RECENT INCIDENT. ON APRIL 19TH 2019 OUR 2009 VW PASSAT WAS IN OUR GARAGE AS THIS IS THE USUAL LOCATION WE PARK OUR CARS. ON THE 18TH WE COMPLETED YARD WORK AND NOTHING OUT OF THE NORM WAS NOTED AS WE COMPLETED THE YARD WORK AT AROUND 8PM AND NOTHING WAS NOTED TO BE ABNORMAL. AROUND 4 AM ON THE 19TH MY SPOUSE AND I WERE AWOKEN TO A LOUD POP SOUND. THIS SOUND WAS UNUSUAL TO US. SHORTLY AFTER THE POP SOUND THERE PANIC ALARM COULD BE HEARD THAT WANED OUT IN ABOUT 30 SECONDS. MY HUSBAND WENT TO THE GARAGE AND WAS MET WITH BLACK AND PRESSURE LIKE FORCE AGAINST THE GARAGE DOOR. WE IMMEDIATELY EVACUATED THE HOME AND CALLED THE FIRE DEPARTMENT. AT THE TIME WERE NOT SURE WHAT CAUSED THE SMOKE BUT ONCE THE FIRE FIGHTERS ARRIVED WERE TOLD THE VW PASSAT WAS ON FIRE. THE FIRE MARSHALL REPORTED TO US THAT IT WAS POSSIBLY ELECTRICAL IN NATURE. I WANTED TO TOUCH BASED WITH VW PERTAINING THIS MATTER IN AN EFFORT TO SAVE OTHERS LIVES. OUR GARAGE HAS BEEN DAMAGED AS WELL AS THE VW ATLAS WAS DAMAGE FROM THE FIRE. MY CONCERN IS THAT THE OUTCOME COULD HAVE BEEN FAR WORSE. MY VW PASSAT HAD WAS DRIVEN THE DAY OF THE 18TH WITH NO CONCERNS. I AM CONCERNED THAT ANOTHER PERSON COULD BE GRAVELY HARMED IF THIS ISSUE IS NOT ADDRESSED. I AM A VW CUSTOMER THAT ENJOYS THE OVERALL PRODUCT AND WISH EXCELLENCE AND QUALITY FOR THE PRODUCT. IF YOU NEED TO CONTACT ME FOR FURTHER INQUIRY PLEASE CALL (XXXXXX) PARTS OF THIS DOCUMENT HAVE BEEN REDACTED TO PROTECT PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE INFORMATION PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
NHTSA complaint #11202770 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 120,000 milesGalena, OHFire
ENGINE
TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN: I WANTED TO FOLLOW-UP AND DISCUSS A RECENT INCIDENT. ON APRIL 19TH 2019 OUR 2009 VW PASSAT WAS IN OUR GARAGE AS THIS IS THE USUAL LOCATION WE PARK OUR CARS. ON THE 18TH WE COMPLETED YARD WORK AND NOTHING OUT OF THE NORM WAS NOTED AS WE COMPLETED THE YARD WORK AT AROUND 8PM AND NOTHING WAS NOTED TO BE ABNORMAL. AROUND 4 AM ON THE 19TH MY SPOUSE AND I WERE AWOKEN TO A LOUD POP SOUND. THIS SOUND WAS UNUSUAL TO US. SHORTLY AFTER THE POP SOUND THERE PANIC ALARM COULD BE HEARD THAT WANED OUT IN ABOUT 30 SECONDS. MY HUSBAND WENT TO THE GARAGE AND WAS MET WITH BLACK AND PRESSURE LIKE FORCE AGAINST THE GARAGE DOOR. WE IMMEDIATELY EVACUATED THE HOME AND CALLED THE FIRE DEPARTMENT. AT THE TIME WERE NOT SURE WHAT CAUSED THE SMOKE BUT ONCE THE FIRE FIGHTERS ARRIVED WERE TOLD THE VW PASSAT WAS ON FIRE. THE FIRE MARSHALL REPORTED TO US THAT IT WAS POSSIBLY ELECTRICAL IN NATURE. I WANTED TO TOUCH BASED WITH VW PERTAINING THIS MATTER IN AN EFFORT TO SAVE OTHERS LIVES. OUR GARAGE HAS BEEN DAMAGED AS WELL AS THE VW ATLAS WAS DAMAGE FROM THE FIRE. MY CONCERN IS THAT THE OUTCOME COULD HAVE BEEN FAR WORSE. MY VW PASSAT HAD WAS DRIVEN THE DAY OF THE 18TH WITH NO CONCERNS. I AM CONCERNED THAT ANOTHER PERSON COULD BE GRAVELY HARMED IF THIS ISSUE IS NOT ADDRESSED. I AM A VW CUSTOMER THAT ENJOYS THE OVERALL PRODUCT AND WISH EXCELLENCE AND QUALITY FOR THE PRODUCT. IF YOU NEED TO CONTACT ME FOR FURTHER INQUIRY PLEASE CALL (XXXXXX) PARTS OF THIS DOCUMENT HAVE BEEN REDACTED TO PROTECT PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE INFORMATION PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
NHTSA complaint #11202770 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 62,000 milesGlen Leaf, NYCrash
STEERING
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE POWER STEERING FAILED AND THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A CRASH. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED PRIOR TO THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO GARVEY VOLKSWAGEN (483 QUAKER RD, QUEENSBURY, NY 12804, (518) 793-3488). THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER TWICE AFTER THE CRASH AND WAS INFORMED THAT PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE, AND FURTHER TESTING WAS NEEDED ON THE FUEL PUMP. THE CONTACT THEN TOOK THE VEHICLE TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE A NEW FUEL PUMP WAS INSTALLED. ONE MONTH LATER, THE VEHICLE STALLED AGAIN WITHOUT WARNING. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 62,000. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
NHTSA complaint #11080352 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 62,000 milesGlen Leaf, NYCrash
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE POWER STEERING FAILED AND THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A CRASH. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED PRIOR TO THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO GARVEY VOLKSWAGEN (483 QUAKER RD, QUEENSBURY, NY 12804, (518) 793-3488). THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER TWICE AFTER THE CRASH AND WAS INFORMED THAT PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE, AND FURTHER TESTING WAS NEEDED ON THE FUEL PUMP. THE CONTACT THEN TOOK THE VEHICLE TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE A NEW FUEL PUMP WAS INSTALLED. ONE MONTH LATER, THE VEHICLE STALLED AGAIN WITHOUT WARNING. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 62,000. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
NHTSA complaint #11080352 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 46,400 milesBridgewater, MACrash
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
ON 11/15/11 @33,125 MILES WHEN ACCELERATING INTERMITTENTLY SHIFT INTO NEUTRAL CORRECT BACK TO DRIVE "COULD NOT BE REPLICATED" BY VW SERVICE. THEN, CAR STARTED TO BECOME "HESITANT" ON ACCELERATION FROM A STOP OR WHEN ON DRIVING. 1/16/12, HESITATION MORE FREQUENT; VW SERVICE TOOK A SHORT DRIVE,COULD NOT REPLICATE "IT'S NOT AN ISSUE UNLESS MIL" (RECOMMENDED NEW WIPER BLADES). 3/6/12, @ 41,117 MILES, CONTINUED TO INTERMITTENTLY HESITATE/WANTED TO STALL/ NEUTRAL" NO ENGINE LIGHT (MIL); 3/14/12 @ 41,595 MILES, LEFT HEADLIGHT BULB REPLACED. 6/7/12, WHILE IN TRAFFIC ON EXPRESSWAY APPROXIMATE SPEED WAS 20MPH, CAR HESITATED TO MOVE WITH FLOW OF TRAFFIC THEN IMMEDIATELY AFTER HESITATION, 2 THINGS OCCURRED @SAME TIME, I WAS REAR-ENDED & ENGINE LIGHT (MIL) CAME ON. THEN CAR HESITATED AS I WENT TO PULL OVER. MIL WENT OFF THEN FLICKERED ON. I CALLED VW SERVICE THE MIL WAS OFF & WAS TOLD THAT REAR-ENDED CAUSED THE FLICKER. MIL CONT TO INTERMITTENTLY GO ON & OFF. ON 6/30/12 @47,098 MILES, MIL ON STEERING LOCKED UP CAR HESITATING; VW SERVICE WAS INFORMED THAT AUTO BODY SHOP STATED OBD CAR MISFIRING; REPLACED L HEADLIGHT AGAIN-CAR PASSED INSPECTION. ON 7/12/12 @ 48347 MILES, MIL VW SWAPPED WIRES AGAIN; MIL, HESITATION WHILE DRIVING, & SHIFTING ISSUE STILL INTERMITTENT; 3/2/13@ 64070 MILES MIL ON L HEADLIGHT BULB REPLACED; 3/30/13 MIL REPLACE SPARK PLUGS; 4/15/13 @ 65,689 MIL IGNITION COIL MANIFOLD FUEL INJECTORS REPLACED; RETURNED 4/16/13 HESITATION REBREATHER CORRECTED; SAFETY INSPECTION MIL ON FORCED CAR TO PASSED. MIL STAYS ON STILL HESITATES @78,942 WATER PUMP; @79000 CAR HESITATING STALLING MIL INTAKE VALVE FUEL INJECTOR NEED CLEANING - L HEADLIGHT AGAIN; @91,195, LEFT HEADLIGHT REPLACED VEHICLE RET TO ME BY VW WITH MIL & STEERING LOCK LIGHTS ON REFUSED TO REPAIR 100,191 MILES MIL STILL ON 107,290 VW FORCED FAIL SAFETY INSPECTION MIL CAME ON &HAS NEVER GONE OFF
NHTSA complaint #11063583 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 46,400 milesBridgewater, MACrash
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
ON 11/15/11 @33,125 MILES WHEN ACCELERATING INTERMITTENTLY SHIFT INTO NEUTRAL CORRECT BACK TO DRIVE "COULD NOT BE REPLICATED" BY VW SERVICE. THEN, CAR STARTED TO BECOME "HESITANT" ON ACCELERATION FROM A STOP OR WHEN ON DRIVING. 1/16/12, HESITATION MORE FREQUENT; VW SERVICE TOOK A SHORT DRIVE,COULD NOT REPLICATE "IT'S NOT AN ISSUE UNLESS MIL" (RECOMMENDED NEW WIPER BLADES). 3/6/12, @ 41,117 MILES, CONTINUED TO INTERMITTENTLY HESITATE/WANTED TO STALL/ NEUTRAL" NO ENGINE LIGHT (MIL); 3/14/12 @ 41,595 MILES, LEFT HEADLIGHT BULB REPLACED. 6/7/12, WHILE IN TRAFFIC ON EXPRESSWAY APPROXIMATE SPEED WAS 20MPH, CAR HESITATED TO MOVE WITH FLOW OF TRAFFIC THEN IMMEDIATELY AFTER HESITATION, 2 THINGS OCCURRED @SAME TIME, I WAS REAR-ENDED & ENGINE LIGHT (MIL) CAME ON. THEN CAR HESITATED AS I WENT TO PULL OVER. MIL WENT OFF THEN FLICKERED ON. I CALLED VW SERVICE THE MIL WAS OFF & WAS TOLD THAT REAR-ENDED CAUSED THE FLICKER. MIL CONT TO INTERMITTENTLY GO ON & OFF. ON 6/30/12 @47,098 MILES, MIL ON STEERING LOCKED UP CAR HESITATING; VW SERVICE WAS INFORMED THAT AUTO BODY SHOP STATED OBD CAR MISFIRING; REPLACED L HEADLIGHT AGAIN-CAR PASSED INSPECTION. ON 7/12/12 @ 48347 MILES, MIL VW SWAPPED WIRES AGAIN; MIL, HESITATION WHILE DRIVING, & SHIFTING ISSUE STILL INTERMITTENT; 3/2/13@ 64070 MILES MIL ON L HEADLIGHT BULB REPLACED; 3/30/13 MIL REPLACE SPARK PLUGS; 4/15/13 @ 65,689 MIL IGNITION COIL MANIFOLD FUEL INJECTORS REPLACED; RETURNED 4/16/13 HESITATION REBREATHER CORRECTED; SAFETY INSPECTION MIL ON FORCED CAR TO PASSED. MIL STAYS ON STILL HESITATES @78,942 WATER PUMP; @79000 CAR HESITATING STALLING MIL INTAKE VALVE FUEL INJECTOR NEED CLEANING - L HEADLIGHT AGAIN; @91,195, LEFT HEADLIGHT REPLACED VEHICLE RET TO ME BY VW WITH MIL & STEERING LOCK LIGHTS ON REFUSED TO REPAIR 100,191 MILES MIL STILL ON 107,290 VW FORCED FAIL SAFETY INSPECTION MIL CAME ON &HAS NEVER GONE OFF
NHTSA complaint #11063583 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 112,322 milesGreenville, SC
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2009 Volkswagen Passat. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35 MPH, the check engine and oil warning lights started flashing on the instrument panel. The contact took the vehicle to a certified mechanic, who attempted to start the vehicle; however, the engine skipped, and the vehicle failed to start. The contact stated that the timing chain had failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact learned of the Volkswagen Timing Chain Settlement, ID Number: 16/2765 for the timing chain; however, the campaign ended in 2019. The VIN was not under recall, and the vehicle was not included in the Volkswagen Timing Chain Settlement. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 112,322.
NHTSA complaint #11652474 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Greenville, SC
ENGINE
The check engine light and oil pressure light appeared on my dash screen as I was driving home from work. I pulled over to the nearest repair shop to have the vehicle diagnosed. Upon arriving, the mechanic noticed my oil was low and filled the car with oil. Once that was completed, the car would not start. I noticed it made unusual noises after several more failed attempts. I had the vehicle towed to an authorized dealership to further troubleshoot and they were able to confirm that the engine jumped time due to a failed timing chain tensioner, which requires a new engine since mine is an interference engine. Due to the timing chain tensioner failing, there was catastrophic damage done to the engine leaving the vehicle inoperable.
NHTSA complaint #11652540 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Glendale, AZ
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
On [XXX], a MIDAS shop found an alleged crack in the front part of the gas tank on the upper part of the tank by the floor board. The manager also stated that it could be a plastic seal from the fuel pump on the top part of the tank. The tank is located next to the exhaust system. My 2009 VW CC 4-Motion only has 122,xxx miles on it. I could see a wet spot and presumed I smelled gas but was not sure. He gave me a printout of what the cost would be to repair the system. I told him I would be filing a report with NHTSA. I then called Lunde's VW, W. Bell Rd., Peoria, AZ. I talked to a Tyler Rodriquez and he said there were no recalls and VW could not warrant the problem. I told him I would be filing a report with NHTSA and he did not respond to me. Both places were quite fast to elicit repairs from their business. Only MIDAS pointed out the exhaust pipes being near the gas tank. Approximately six years ago I had been to another VW dealership in Phoenix about my gas gauge needle not working properly and I was sold a gas cap to fix the problem. The problem has been a recurring one and my gas mileage fluctuates. This situation reminds me of the mid-1970s problem with the Ford Pinto gas tanks, which I believe was never resolved. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11630553 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Norfolk, VA
STEERING
The power steering system failed. At first I thought the steering wheel was locked. I started the car and could not turn the wheel. The power steering light illuminated in red and there was a loud beeping sound when the car is turned on. It was not until the car was towed that I realized that the wheel was not locked. The tow truck driver was able to turn the wheel to steer the vehicle on to the truck bed. I had someone plug in a diagnostic machine. I do not recall the exact code but he said the power steering system was not getting a signal. He replaced the steering angle sensor but that did not fix the issue. I had passenger at the time and was concerned for my safety. Luckily, the system failed while the car was parked, but we were left stranded. I have come across the following information on the Kelley Blue Book website: Steering: gear box (other than rack and pinion) NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID: 08V577000 Report Date: Oct 31 2008 Vehicles Affected: 130 Consequence: DRIVER ATTEMPTS TO OVERCOME THE SYSTEM DURING MALFUNCTION WILL CAUSE (1) VIBRATIONS IN THE STEERING WHEEL; (2) THE STEERING SYSTEM MOTOR TO TURN OFF; (3) THE RED STEERING SYSTEM MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LIGHT TO ILLUMINATE; AND (4) AUDIBLE WARNINGS TO CHIME. A MALFUNCTIONING STEERING SYSTEM COULD LEAD TO A CRASH WITHOUT WARNING. What You Should Do: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE STEERING GEAR IN THE AFFECTED VEHICLES. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR ABOUT DECEMBER 5, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VW AT 1-800-4822-8987. Summary: VW IS RECALLING 130 2009 PASSAT, PASSAT WAGON, AND PASSAT CC VEHICLES. SOME VEHICLES MAY HAVE AN ELECTROMECHANICAL STEERING GEAR CONTROL UNIT THAT CAN MALFUNCTION DUE TO A DAMAGED CAPACITOR. IF THIS MALFUNCTION OCCURS, THE DRIVER'S STEERING INPUT IS NOT PROPERLY PROCESSED BY THE SYSTEM AND THE VEHICLE MAY NOT RESPOND AS THE DRIVER INTENDS. THIS DEFECT CAN ONLY OCCUR IMMEDIATELY AFTER VEHICLE START-UP WHEN THE STEERING WHEEL IS MOVED FOR THE FIRST TIME AND AT SPEEDS LESS THAN 5 MPH.
NHTSA complaint #11495014 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Norfolk, VA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The power steering system failed. At first I thought the steering wheel was locked. I started the car and could not turn the wheel. The power steering light illuminated in red and there was a loud beeping sound when the car is turned on. It was not until the car was towed that I realized that the wheel was not locked. The tow truck driver was able to turn the wheel to steer the vehicle on to the truck bed. I had someone plug in a diagnostic machine. I do not recall the exact code but he said the power steering system was not getting a signal. He replaced the steering angle sensor but that did not fix the issue. I had passenger at the time and was concerned for my safety. Luckily, the system failed while the car was parked, but we were left stranded. I have come across the following information on the Kelley Blue Book website: Steering: gear box (other than rack and pinion) NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID: 08V577000 Report Date: Oct 31 2008 Vehicles Affected: 130 Consequence: DRIVER ATTEMPTS TO OVERCOME THE SYSTEM DURING MALFUNCTION WILL CAUSE (1) VIBRATIONS IN THE STEERING WHEEL; (2) THE STEERING SYSTEM MOTOR TO TURN OFF; (3) THE RED STEERING SYSTEM MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LIGHT TO ILLUMINATE; AND (4) AUDIBLE WARNINGS TO CHIME. A MALFUNCTIONING STEERING SYSTEM COULD LEAD TO A CRASH WITHOUT WARNING. What You Should Do: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE STEERING GEAR IN THE AFFECTED VEHICLES. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR ABOUT DECEMBER 5, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VW AT 1-800-4822-8987. Summary: VW IS RECALLING 130 2009 PASSAT, PASSAT WAGON, AND PASSAT CC VEHICLES. SOME VEHICLES MAY HAVE AN ELECTROMECHANICAL STEERING GEAR CONTROL UNIT THAT CAN MALFUNCTION DUE TO A DAMAGED CAPACITOR. IF THIS MALFUNCTION OCCURS, THE DRIVER'S STEERING INPUT IS NOT PROPERLY PROCESSED BY THE SYSTEM AND THE VEHICLE MAY NOT RESPOND AS THE DRIVER INTENDS. THIS DEFECT CAN ONLY OCCUR IMMEDIATELY AFTER VEHICLE START-UP WHEN THE STEERING WHEEL IS MOVED FOR THE FIRST TIME AND AT SPEEDS LESS THAN 5 MPH.
NHTSA complaint #11495014 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Roseland, NJ
SERVICE BRAKES
The abs sensors are not functioning although they have been replaced. The dashboard has multiple failure lights. The vehicle is a VW CC not covered by the ABS recall although it exhibits identical issues.
NHTSA complaint #11473302 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Queens, NY
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I put fuel in the car and about to start the car and it won’t start. Lights flickering.
NHTSA complaint #11433936 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Queens, NY
ENGINE
I put fuel in the car and about to start the car and it won’t start. Lights flickering.
NHTSA complaint #11433936 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Queens, NY
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
I put fuel in the car and about to start the car and it won’t start. Lights flickering.
NHTSA complaint #11433936 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Kennesaw, GA
STEERING
The power steering system fails when the engine/engine compartment gets hot. The problem has appeared after the car has been shut down (such as when refueling or a quick run into a store) and then restarted. When the key is pushed in to start the car, there is a loud grinding noise, a visible shimmy of the steering wheel, followed by the red steering wheel icon indicating there is a problem and 3 chimes. The steering wheel is locked in position with very limited turning ability and ability to control the direction of the car.
NHTSA complaint #11425287 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 190,000 milesVickery, OH
SEAT BELTS
2009 VW CC PULLING OUT INTO CROSS TRAFFIC THE ELECTRIC CONTROLLED PARKING BRAKE LOCKS UP. I HAVE HAD THIS HAPPEN SEVERAL TIMES NOW. I REFUSE TO SELL THE CAR LIKE IT IS OR LET ANYONE DRIVE IT. IT APPEARS TO BE RELATED TO THE SEATBELT. IF IT HAPPENS I UNDO MY SEATBELT AND REINSERT IT TO GET IT TO WORK AGAIN. IT SEEMS LIKE IT'S NOT PROGRAMMED TO BE A FAIL SAFE SYSTEM. [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
NHTSA complaint #11399319 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 190,000 milesVickery, OH
SERVICE BRAKES
2009 VW CC PULLING OUT INTO CROSS TRAFFIC THE ELECTRIC CONTROLLED PARKING BRAKE LOCKS UP. I HAVE HAD THIS HAPPEN SEVERAL TIMES NOW. I REFUSE TO SELL THE CAR LIKE IT IS OR LET ANYONE DRIVE IT. IT APPEARS TO BE RELATED TO THE SEATBELT. IF IT HAPPENS I UNDO MY SEATBELT AND REINSERT IT TO GET IT TO WORK AGAIN. IT SEEMS LIKE IT'S NOT PROGRAMMED TO BE A FAIL SAFE SYSTEM. [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
NHTSA complaint #11399319 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 95,000 milesRound Rock, TX
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
ENGINE STALLED WHILE DRIVING. I BELIEVE MY VEHICLE SHOULD BE INCLUDED IN NHTSA RECALL NO. : 17V-509 MANUFACTURER RECALL NO. : 20AE
NHTSA complaint #11342104 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 101,000 milesRound Rock, TX
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
FUEL PUMP HAS GONE OUT. VOLKSWAGEN INDICATES MY PARTICULAR CAR DOESN'T QUALIFY UNDER THE RECALL FOR THE RECALL REPORT 17V-509. THIS IS AN OBVIOUS ISSUE WITH THE 2009 PASSAT.
NHTSA complaint #11331767 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Tucson, AZ
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I GOT 09 4 MOTION CC 3.6. I HAD READ SPENT CLOSE TO 6G AND NOBODY CAN FIX THE ACCELERATION WHEN START. VERY FRUSTRATED CHANGE CATALYTIC CONVERTERS CHANGE OTHER THINGS I BAD.
NHTSA complaint #11324812 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Tucson, AZ
ENGINE
I GOT 09 4 MOTION CC 3.6. I HAD READ SPENT CLOSE TO 6G AND NOBODY CAN FIX THE ACCELERATION WHEN START. VERY FRUSTRATED CHANGE CATALYTIC CONVERTERS CHANGE OTHER THINGS I BAD.
NHTSA complaint #11324812 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 167,000 milesForest, VA
ENGINE
LOUD SOUND WHEN VEHICLE IS IN IDLE. TOOK IT TO LOCAL MECHANIC AND THEY ARE SAYING IT NEEDS A TIMING CHAIN REPLACEMENT BECAUSE IT SKIPS.
NHTSA complaint #11315935 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 75,000 milesElgin, SC
AIR BAGS
RECALL UPDATE: CURRENTLY, INTAKE MANIFOLD NEEDS TO BE REPAIRED-ENGINE LIGHT ON-COST $1400.00. TOOK CAR TO DEALERSHIP FOR FUEL PUMP WAS TOLD IT WAS REPLACED BUT WOULD NOT GIVE EVIDENCE THAT IT WAS. SIDE FRONTAL AIR BAG NEVER REPLACED-WAS TOLD BY DEALERSHIP DID NOT NEED IT.
NHTSA complaint #11309378 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 75,000 milesElgin, SC
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
RECALL UPDATE: CURRENTLY, INTAKE MANIFOLD NEEDS TO BE REPAIRED-ENGINE LIGHT ON-COST $1400.00. TOOK CAR TO DEALERSHIP FOR FUEL PUMP WAS TOLD IT WAS REPLACED BUT WOULD NOT GIVE EVIDENCE THAT IT WAS. SIDE FRONTAL AIR BAG NEVER REPLACED-WAS TOLD BY DEALERSHIP DID NOT NEED IT.
NHTSA complaint #11309378 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 75,000 milesElgin, SC
ENGINE
RECALL UPDATE: CURRENTLY, INTAKE MANIFOLD NEEDS TO BE REPAIRED-ENGINE LIGHT ON-COST $1400.00. TOOK CAR TO DEALERSHIP FOR FUEL PUMP WAS TOLD IT WAS REPLACED BUT WOULD NOT GIVE EVIDENCE THAT IT WAS. SIDE FRONTAL AIR BAG NEVER REPLACED-WAS TOLD BY DEALERSHIP DID NOT NEED IT.
NHTSA complaint #11309378 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 118,500 milesSarasota, FL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
THE CAR HAS STALLED MULTIPLE TIMES WHILE DRIVING. LIGHTS POP ON AND THE FUEL PUMP IS THE ERROR CODE, ALONG WITH MISFIRES. I HAVE HAD AT LEAST A DOZEN OR MORE CLOSE CALLS WITH THE STALL OUT AND FAILURE TO START UP, AND AT LEAST 2-3 TIMES I HAVE ALMOST BEEN SERIOUSLY INJURED OR KILLED DUE TO THE STALL OUT. IT STALLS WHEN ITS IN MOTION OR EVEN WHEN IT IS PARKED AND IS STARTING UP.
NHTSA complaint #11302680 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 118,500 milesSarasota, FL
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
THE CAR HAS STALLED MULTIPLE TIMES WHILE DRIVING. LIGHTS POP ON AND THE FUEL PUMP IS THE ERROR CODE, ALONG WITH MISFIRES. I HAVE HAD AT LEAST A DOZEN OR MORE CLOSE CALLS WITH THE STALL OUT AND FAILURE TO START UP, AND AT LEAST 2-3 TIMES I HAVE ALMOST BEEN SERIOUSLY INJURED OR KILLED DUE TO THE STALL OUT. IT STALLS WHEN ITS IN MOTION OR EVEN WHEN IT IS PARKED AND IS STARTING UP.
NHTSA complaint #11302680 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 118,500 milesSarasota, FL
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
THE CAR HAS STALLED MULTIPLE TIMES WHILE DRIVING. LIGHTS POP ON AND THE FUEL PUMP IS THE ERROR CODE, ALONG WITH MISFIRES. I HAVE HAD AT LEAST A DOZEN OR MORE CLOSE CALLS WITH THE STALL OUT AND FAILURE TO START UP, AND AT LEAST 2-3 TIMES I HAVE ALMOST BEEN SERIOUSLY INJURED OR KILLED DUE TO THE STALL OUT. IT STALLS WHEN ITS IN MOTION OR EVEN WHEN IT IS PARKED AND IS STARTING UP.
NHTSA complaint #11302680 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Riverside, CA
ENGINE
THE VEHICLE HAS ISSUES WITH THE FUEL PUMP , INTAKE & CYLINDERS . I WAS ABLE TO CHANGE THE FUEL PUMP BUT NOTICED ONLINE THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN RECALLED FOR THESE SAME ISSUES . WHEN TURNING THE CAR ON AND DRIVING IT TURNS OFF AND HARDENING THE STEERING WHEEL
NHTSA complaint #11297252 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Riverside, CA
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
THE VEHICLE HAS ISSUES WITH THE FUEL PUMP , INTAKE & CYLINDERS . I WAS ABLE TO CHANGE THE FUEL PUMP BUT NOTICED ONLINE THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN RECALLED FOR THESE SAME ISSUES . WHEN TURNING THE CAR ON AND DRIVING IT TURNS OFF AND HARDENING THE STEERING WHEEL
NHTSA complaint #11297252 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
