2013 Volkswagen Passat engine problems

ENGINE

The contact owns a 2013 Volkswagen Passat. The contact stated while at a red light ,the vehicle intermittently stalled. No warning lights were illuminated. The failure had occurred on several occasions. The vehicle was taken to a dealer to be diagnosed; however, the cause of the failure was undetermined. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.

NHTSA complaint #11690973 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

The contact owns a 2013 Volkswagen Passat. The contact stated that the vehicle was purchased in 2024 from a Used Car Dealer. The contact stated that the check engine warning light illuminated after the vehicle was driven off the dealer lot. The contact drove to the destination and restarted the vehicle and the message "Distressed Vehicle Start" was illuminated. The contact drove the vehicle back to the dealer and the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and the contact was advised that there was an issue with the engine. The dealer advised the contact that parts had been ordered and she would be contacted to bring the vehicle in for the repair. The contact was not contacted, and calls were not returned. The contact contacted the warranty company for assistance with the repair. The contact stated that the timing belt was replaced, the vehicle was repaired; however, the vehicle had developed other failures. The contact stated that the vehicle lost motive power and was shaking abnormally while shifting gear. The contact stated that the failure recurred with several unknown warning lights illuminated. The warranty company was contacted, and the contact was advised to take the vehicle to an authorized dealer for assistance. The vehicle was towed to a dealer; however, a full diagnostic test was not completed, and the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 134,000.

NHTSA complaint #11689520 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

Timing chain issues, motor oil circulation problems, that Volkswagen has recalls out for 2.0 cc turbo 2013.

NHTSA complaint #11673096 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

I was on top of Beech Mountain NC working at a customer's house when it started to snow. I was at the bottom of their driveway and when I attempted to drive out, the traction control light would turn on, indicating I was losing traction. When this happened, I was unable to accelerate any more and the car started sliding backwards. So sitting in the car in the snow, I pulled up YouTube to figure out the "procedure" to disable traction control so I could get more speed. Turn the car off, ignition on, activate the flashers, push the brake pedal multiple times, then start the car. Traction control disabled, so "simple"! The only problem is once the car starts moving traction control gets enabled again and I'm sliding backwards again! Extremely dangerous on a mountain! Eventually I was able to clear the snow enough and just hold down the accelerator to power out. So now my GPS is telling me I have to drive up a hill to get off the mountain. Same problem: I start up the hill, traction control kicks on and I lose ALL power and begin to slide backwards! Luckily I am a good driver because I was able to control the slide and do a 180 in the middle of the road. So my GPS tries to reroute me and sends me up a different hill! Same exact result! I eventually had to just ignore my GPS entirely and just manually look for a road that was heading down hill. I thought for sure I was either going to wreck because of the traction control or be stuck up there in a snow storm! Not having the option to disable traction control and leave it off so that I could get uphill us very unsafe! The worst part is I didn't even realize my car didn't have the option to disable traction control until I was already stuck! If I'd known that, I would have taken my truck.

NHTSA complaint #11648878 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

Def system failed- cel came on w def light stating xxx miles to no start, codes p204f & 18097, now unable to start or drive car safely, 18097 code may cause abs & steering to shut off while driving & p204f renders the car unusable. EPA mod was never performed on my car per dieselgate settlement rules- & now the manufacturer(vw) is refusing to fix their mistake car has been in shop repeatedly for 30+ days at a time since 2022 for the def system and not once was the epa mod mentioned to me VW refuses to fix the def system or do the epa required mod- meaning I was sold a stop sale car. Also claiming I’m not entitled to warranty even though per their own warranty I am the first owner that I can see other then a dealership Am now told by other TDI owners that are still under warranty that vw is refusing to fix anything to do with the p204f code

NHTSA complaint #11639689 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

The contact owns a 2013 Volkswagen Passat. The contact stated that while driving at 55 MPH, there was an abnormal metallic sound coming from the vehicle. Additionally, there was an odor of smoke and burnt rubber. The contact was able to pull over safely. The contact stated that there was a hole in the engine. The contact stated that the transmission had exploded. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V182000 (Power Train); however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 87,000.

NHTSA complaint #11636226 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

My vehicle was part of the emissions scandal that I knew nothing about when i purchased it. I was not told. I have had it in over 15 times at the dealership with ongoing problems that they say they fixed but isn't and because of its other Problems have occurred. The vehicle gets hot, and I am afraid to drive it out of fear of it exploding. It is a diesel and has stalled on me while driving after jerking on its own. Other issues are lights going out such as break lights, fog lights and doors locking up and not locking. Glow plugs, fan going out and now problems with the coolant system getting hot. I have taken it to Volkswagen Tracy where i bought it several times, but they only charge me more in diagnostic fees and repairs. I noticed when driving on the highway people stay far at a distance in back of me than normal. Now with a recall on the airbags after it gets hot, I am afraid to drive it out of fear of serious injury or death to me and my family. date is approximate and i have over 50 pages of repair invoices.

NHTSA complaint #11627364 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

Speed was suddenly dropped and blinking glow plug light on when driving on highway. Had to carefully pull the car to the shoulder. Tow the car to the auto shop and confirmed that the turbocharger was failed. This TDI car was just over 120,000 miles

NHTSA complaint #11607875 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

The vehicle cuts off while driving we’ve done numerous expensive replacements to water pump, control arm bushings, new battery, variable valve timing, celinoid, camshaft adjustment magnet, spark plugs and coils, ignition switch, fuel pump, gas cap. Oil filters And there is still a problem.

NHTSA complaint #11603379 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

Currently my reverse lights do not come on i have changed the bulbs and checked fuses. it started with one reverse light, however the warning light would come on and off on my dashboard. Next, the other reverse light so i attempted to change both bulbs and change fuses. still not working. Now it is also my low beam headlights again changed the bulbs and fuses with no fix. My vehicle flickers a light in my rear lights when vehicle is off. my engine is having cooling problems and now the fan is completely off. i have electrical problems. i bought this car a year ago and have had issues with the power of the vehicle and suspension is very unstable. i have not had a check engine light come on for any of these problems so mechanics don't have a solution. my headlights are now not in the right position when i do turn them on so it makes it extremely hard to see at all at night. my vehicle seems to overheat or just on and off drive with very little power. i have had the battery replaced recently. i have always felt extremely unsafe driving this vehicle since i bought it from a dealer. i believe these issues are related to recall 94L9, 94G8/7v, 23w5

NHTSA complaint #11588936 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

Stalling? Have to put in DRIVE in order to forward in order to get car to back up? Air bags Clock wheel has more connection to what wrong/Air bags connections is Connected to HORN (which stopped working) DRIVE? all the refuses are working fine. horn not work; Dangerous driving in CALIIFORNIA without a HORN** I just want ALL is for them to REPLACE the PARTS OF MY VW 2013 PASSAT WITHOUT ANY CHARGE Whatsoever; even an UNNECESSARY FEE** I am driving a car with DEFECTIVE AIR BAGS, TIRES HEADLIGHTS, Suspension, SEATBELTS PROBLEMS, TRANSMISSIONS PRBLEMS, steering, electrical, system THAT CAN EXPLODE LEADING TO A LETHAL SITUATION FOR MYSELF And/or my DISABLED SON NOT TO SAY SOMETIMES I HAVE MY GRANDKIDS here have been a lot of complaints other than for what these recalled products are allowed on this vehicle. I am not the only one dealing with this stalling issue/go forward. DANGEROUS what does SOMEONE have do suddenly put it in reverse to get out of another vehicle or another harmful?? Because these issues are really serious!! Especially when dealership like AUTO PLUS IN INDIO. CA. use car DEALERSHIP in vehicles like this and promising. people things about the vehicle and not true!!

NHTSA complaint #11572469 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

Stalling? Have to put in DRIVE in order to forward in order to get car to back up? Air bags Dealer will not fix wo $245.00 DX fee. Clock wheel has more connection to what is wrong/Air bags connections as well Connected to HORN (which stopped working) DRIVE? All fuses replaced with new ones; horn would still not work; Dangerous driving in FLORIDA without a HORN** I just want ALL of the DEEMED REPLACEMENT PART OF THIS VW 2013 PASSAT DONE WITHOUT ANY CHARGE Whatsover; even an UNNECESSARY DX FEE** I am driving a car with DEFECTIVE AIR BAGS THAT CAN EXPLODE LEADING TO A LETHAL SITUATION FOR MYSELF AND/or my DISABLED GRANDCHILD** There have been a lot of complaints online other than for what these recalled products are allowed on this vehicle. I am not the only one dealing with this stalling issue/go forward to go backwards issue** DANGEROUS*** what is I have to suddenly put it in reverse to get out of another vehicle or another harmful situation?????

NHTSA complaint #11563494 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

The timing belt are known to go out on the Volkswagen CC even though Volkswagen says they should last the entire life of the engine. Also the camshaft, cam bridge, and spool valve will need replacing when it goes out. The Volkswagen dealer also said that is a common issue.

NHTSA complaint #11544989 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

The contact owns a 2013 Volkswagen Passat. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle decelerated inadvertently, failed to respond upon depressing the brake pedal, and lost motive power. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact was unable to pull to the side of the road. The vehicle failed to restart and was towed to the dealer, where the EGR valve was replaced; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was towed several times, to a second dealer, Tracy Volkswagen (2605 Auto Plaza Way, Tracy, CA 95304), and an unknown turbocharger part, the fuel tank, and the battery were replaced; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure was approximately 40,000.

NHTSA complaint #11543941 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

I recently replaced the battery but noticed the car was still missing. I had similar issue in February and catalytic converter was replaced. Three days ago I noticed the car was misfiring and EPC light as well as check engine light came on. I had OBD code checked and my car is misfiring on pistons 2 and 3.

NHTSA complaint #11533804 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

I financed a car from a car place (mainline) auto in march, there’s been some lights on it, I mentioned this numberless times also, the steering wheel was completely out of commission and the horn did not work, or the mileage, I talk with him he said bring it in and he will fix it, he fixed the steering wheel 2 weeks later but there’s lights still on the vehicle, last Friday 06/16/2017 I got an email saying I need to make a payment of the months that I missed not intentionally, so I proceed to call the dealer and she said she would make note that I will come into the office Monday morning 06/19/2023 so that the car wouldn’t be repossessed, afterwards come sun I woke up around 11:30 and the car was gone, I called my insurance company pear holdings and they opened up a claim, I also called Jacksonville police department and they told me that it was repoed. Went up there Monday and payed tons of money that I had no idea I was being charged or responsible for, after I argued about the missing information and lack of communication so this would not happen, after I payed to get the car I walked to get inside and on the the front window it said (caught slipping) In white marker , I tried to get it off the a wet paper towel but it didn’t come off so I went inside the place and told her about the writing and she called someone from the back in a language I’m not fluent with and told me I would need to talk with them, that was already a red flag as well, when I got to the back of the dealer place outside I asked one of the mechanics could he come over and see if he could wipe it off,this is harassment, favoritism, Mis handled information, long waits for watever reason I’ve asked them numerous of times to just give me the money that I put down on the car back that I didn’t even give them personally same week I brought it, they got my card info from the insurance company that wasn’t authorized by me I would like to take further action because I’m still making payments

NHTSA complaint #11527995 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

The contact owns a 2013 Volkswagen Passat. The contact stated the vehicle was repaired in 2016 for an unknown failure. The contact reported that on multiple occasions, while driving at various speeds, the vehicle began to overheat, with a beeping sound. The contact stated that the temperature gauge started to rise and that an abnormal odor was coming through the vents. The vehicle was veered to the side of the road after smoke was seen coming from the engine compartment. The contact allowed the vehicle cool down before restarting. Additionally, on several occasions while stopped, the vehicle overheated. The vehicle was towed to two separate dealers where several parts were replaced however, the failure persisted. The contact stated that there was an abnormal odor inside the vehicle. The vehicle had been overheating. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case number was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 24,000.

NHTSA complaint #11514642 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

VW BCM unit causes vehicle to idle then shut off while driving making it impossible to steer or increase speed.

NHTSA complaint #11462147 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

my 2013 vw passat with only 61576 miles showed problems with heat on driver side and no heat for passenger side .brought car to dealer on 2/15/2022 and was told heater core was defective and should be changed because it could cause car to over heat and cause damage to engine if not taken care of. i had the car repaired at $1000.00 out of my pocket because they wouldnt cover it in their warrenty. Multiple vw forum members have the same experiance . i contacted vw customer care and they would not help.i believe this is a major recall that could cause someone to blowup their engine for a poor quality heatercore

NHTSA complaint #11452311 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

The contact owns a 2013 Volkswagen Passat. The contact stated that the vehicle had been parked in the driveway all night and as she was approaching the vehicle, she noticed that the driver’s side air bag had deployed. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V148000 (Air Bags). The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 17,000.

NHTSA complaint #11447527 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

Vw cc r line burn alot oil 1.000 he burn 1 qr oil

NHTSA complaint #11441687 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

My car's engine performance weakened and it would not go past 40MPH. Two loops appeared on the dashboard flashing, pulled over turned off car then started it again. Two loop icon on dash went away. Started driving again and car would not drive past 20MPH and started making a weird loud noise. I was driving through Patterson Pass Road (very dangerous and super narrow road to even consider pulling over in) Pulled over again and parked my car and walked away from my car since that is too narrow to even consider waiting in the car. I called a towing company to have my car towed to VW dealership. I bought this car not even 2 years ago from VW with only 16k miles. Have done all maintenances on it and this is the second engine problem Ive had in less than 2 years. The first problem was replacing the EGR valve and now this.

NHTSA complaint #11436865 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, THE VEHICLE JERKED FORWARD WHILE DEPRESSING THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL. THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WENT INTO LIMP MODE WITH AN ABNORMAL KNOCKING SOUND COMING FROM THE ENGINE. THE CONTACT PULLED OVER AND INSPECTED THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ENGINE WAS RATTLING AND OVER HEATING. AT START-UP, THE RPM'S REVVED UP WHILE THE RATTLING PERSISTED, WITH THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. BERGSTROM VOLKSWAGEN OF APPLETON (3019 N VICTORY LN #102, APPLETON, WI 54913, (800) 398-6846) WAS CONTACTED AND AN APPOINTMENT WAS SCHEDULED FOR THE VEHICLE TO BE INSPECTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS PROMISED A CALL BACK WHICH WAS STILL PENDING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT YET REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 59,000. CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE TO BE REPAIRED AND PAID $300 BUT WARNING LIGHT IS STILL ON.

NHTSA complaint #11415550 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

MY 2013 VW PASSAT 2.5 S ONLY HAS 59K MILES AND I WAS DRIVING I NO DOWN ROAD ALL SUDDEN THE CAR JERKED FORWARD AND WENT INTO LIMP MODE. I HAD IT LOOKED AT THEN PARTS REPLACED AND STILL HAVING ISSUES AND THEY CAN'T FIGURE OUT ISSUE. AND NOW NEW CODES KEEP COMING UP AND KEEP GETTING NEW PARTS PUT IN BUT IT STILL FEELS LIKE ENGINE ABOUT SHAKE RIGHT OUT OF THE CAR. I TRIED CALLING VOLKSWAGEN AND THEY WERE SUPPOSED TO CALL ME BACK WITHING 2 DAYS AND I NEVER HEARD ANYTHING BACK. I TAKE REALLY GOOD CARE OF MY CAR AND HAD ALL THE PARTS REPLACED BUT ITS STILL HAVING THROTTLE AND ELECTRICAL ISSUES AND I CAN'T GET AHOLD OF ANYONE. MINES HAVING A LOT OF SAME ISSUES AS THESE PEOPLE TOO WHICH IS WEIRD ESPECIALLY AROUND SAME TIME.

NHTSA complaint #11415465 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

WHEN I WAS DRIVING ON A CITY STREET, THE ENGINE STARTED TO MISFIRE AND SHAKE. AS A RESULT, I HAVE TO STOP AND PARK MY CAR IN A PARKING LOT. AFTER A PROFESSIONAL CHECK OF THE CAR, THE REPORT STATED THAT THE TIMING CHAIN AND CAMSHAFT BROKE AND HAVE TO BE REPLACED, WHICH COST MORE THAN THE WORTH OF THE CAR ITSELF AT 83000 MILES.

NHTSA complaint #11400237 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

MY 2013 VOLKWAGEN PASSAT I PURCHASED IN NOVEMBER OF 2019 HAS CONTINUED TO HAVE SO MANY PROBLEMS INVOLVING WHAT I HAVE BEEN TOLD THE MAJOR RECAL THE VOLKSWAGEN HAS FOR MY VEHICLE. HOW EVER I ONLY SEE THE RECAL FIX FOR MY VEHICLE BACK IN OCTOBER OF 2019 YET IT WAS BACK IN THE DEALER FOR THE SAME RECAL JUST 6 WEEKS AGO AND NOW I HAVE HAD IT IN ANOTHER MACHANIC SHOP FOR THE 2ND TIME NOW SAME RECAL ISSUES AND I CANT GET AN HONES ANSWER FROM ANY ONE. MY VEHICLE WAS ALSO SUPPOSED TO BE AT THE DEALER SHIP JUST ABOUT 6 WEEKS AGO BUT I WENT THERE AND MY VEHICLE WAS NOT THERE YET THEY WOULD NOT GIVE ME ANY INFORMATION AND MY GPS IS ON HOWEVER MY ACCOUNT INFORMATION IS INCORRECT.

NHTSA complaint #11382804 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

CHECK ENGINE LIGHT AND EPC LIGHT SUDDENLY CAME ON DURING ACCELERATION AROUND 40MPH. ACCELERATION DROPPED AND IDLE IS ROUGH. CHECK ENGINE AND EPC LIGHT AND ROUGH IDLE WITH NO ACCELERATION OCCURS EVERY TIME VEHICLE IS STARTED. OBDII CODES SHOW MISFIRE. ONLINE FORUMS SHOW SIMILAR CASES WITH NO CONSISTENT REASON OR FIX BETWEEN 30K AND 70K MILES.

NHTSA complaint #11373584 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

THE CAR CONSUMES TOO MUCH OIL. EVERY MONTH I HAVE TO GET AN OIL CHANGE BECAUSE IT'S ALWAYS RUNNING LOW BEFORE THE NEXT CHANGE DATE. THE CAR PERIODICALLY CUTS OFF WHILE I'M DRIVING IT OR WHEN I STOP.

NHTSA complaint #11361926 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

A. THE ENGINE. 1. MY VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT 2013 TDI CAN NOT PASS MASSACHUSETTS STATE INSPECTION, AFTER SEVERAL TIMES OF REPAIR THE PROBLEM WAS TRACKED TO EMISSION THAT THE REPAIR SHOP WAS NOT ABLE TO FIX IT (ALPHACARS & MOTORCYCLES, ALPHACARS, 649 MASSACHUSETTS AVE, BOXBOROUGH, MA 01719, PHONE: (978) 263-9000). (DATES OF REPAIRS: ~05/30/2020, ~06/29/2020) 2. DEALER DID THREE RECALLS AND REPAIRING FOR EMISSION, CHARGED $590 (07/31/2020). BUT EMISSION ISSUE PERSISTED (08/27/20), AND NEEDED TO BE RETURNED TO DEALER (08/28/20). 3. DEALER INTENDED TO CHARGE ANOTHER $650 FOR 'DIAGNOSIS' OF THE EMISSION ISSUE (09/09/2020). 4. THE DIESEL EMISSION ISSUE OF THIS VEHICLE IS NOT FIXED AFTER MANY REPAIRS, WHEN THIS ISSUE CAN BE FIXED IS UNKNOWN, WHETHER IT IS POSSIBLE TO HAVE THIS ISSUE FIXED IS UNKNOWN. GIVEN THAT THIS DIESEL EMISSION ISSUE COMES FROM VOLKSWAGEN'S WELL KNOWN SOFTWARE SCANDAL ON DIESEL EMISSIONS, AND LIKELY DUE TO DEFECTIVE MODIFICATION CONDUCTED LATER, THIS VEHICLE IMPOSES A MAJOR RISK TO DRIVER'S SAFETY. B. AIRBAG. EVERY TIME I START THE VEHICLE, I GOT WARNING MESSAGE ABOUT THE AIRBAG, EVEN THOUGH THE VEHICLE IS REGULARLY MAINTAINED BY VOLKSWAGEN DEALER. THE AIRBAG MAY BE DEFECTIVE, AND IMPOSES A MAJOR RISK TO DRIVER'S SAFETY. C. THE VEHICLE HAD MAJOR COOLANT LEAKING. AT REGULAR MAINTENANCE WITH DEALER, AFTER MY COMPLAINT, THE DEALER FOUND A HOLE AND FIXED IT. AROUND MIDDLE OF JUNE, 2020, THE LEAKING BECAME VERY SEVERE, I GOT WARNING LIGHT WHEN DRIVING ON HIGHWAY, AND THE ENGINE TEMPERATURE WAS VERY HIGH AND HAD A DANGER OF COMPLETE SHUTDOWN.

NHTSA complaint #11355597 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

FOUR DAYS FROM HAVING MY OIL CHANGED, THE ENGINE SEIZED WHILE DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE.

NHTSA complaint #11353113 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.