At just under 60K miles the clutch on my 1999 volkswagon gls V6 Passat blew. There was no sign of the impending difficulty. This car was towed to the volkswagon dealer where purchased. On the high end the cost of the repair has been estimated at $2,200 as the blown clutch may have also caused damage to the flywheel wich is a $750 plus part. The volkswagon dealer will offer a 20% discount on the repair as this vehicle was just purchased in 2/03 with less than 52K miles. Volkswagon of America will offer no assistance whatsoever as the clutch is deemed a wear-and- tear item.

- Middletown, CT, USA

I was heading home and barely on the turnpike, when I heard a big bang and I could not shift gears anymore. I had some trouble to get my car through the traffic from the high-speed left lane to a safe spot and called the towing service. I was about 140 miles away from home and the cost, after the roadside insurance paid its part, was $400. As it turns out, the pressure plate of the clutch broke into 3 pieces. I was very lucky, and so were the drivers around me, that the problem happened at low speed since the broken pieces could have easily turned into missiles, not to mention the inability to control the car in heavy traffic. Although the car is out of warranty, since the mileage is still very low, I believe that the defect is so unusual and the potential effects of such a failure are so dangerous that manufacturer does bear a continued responsibility. On 2/18/03 I informed the manufacturer that I expected them to confirm reimbursing me fully for the $400 towing cost and to bear at least half of the cost of $912 for replacing the clutch, $456. I also offered to send copies of the receipts. The broken parts can also be inspected if you whish at my residence or at a conveniently located place of your choice. Since I did not hear from the manufacturer since they acknowledged on 2/19/03 receipt of my email and promised action within 48 hrs., they do not seem to be taking responsibility. Therefore, I will have to conclude that this problem, rather than being a freak exception, is rather a frequent occurrence and therefore I feel that it is my obligation to go public with the case, so that as many consumers as possible can be protected from a similar dangerous event while driving a Volkswagen.

- Trumbull, CT, USA

Clutch pedal went to floor in very heavy traffic causing potential for an accident and severe injury. Upon inspection, found that clutch hydraulic hose on the V6 Passat is installed such that it rests on an adjacent hose. This causes abrasion to the hose and ultimately catastrophic failure. This in my opinion is a design / workmanship defect that needs to be corrected.

- Peachtree City, GA, USA

Consumer was traveling 5-10-mph, just moving out into traffic and clutch went out. There was no warning at all. Dealer determined that clutch was bad, but will not cover it.

- Greensboro, NC, USA

There was a catostrophic failure of the clutch with no sign of problems prior to failure.note car had routine service five days prior to failure.

- Montclair, NJ, USA

Clutch system utilizes a hydraulic system of pressure which is shared with the brake system reservoir, vehicle was built with a leaking slave cylinder and faulty pressure line resulting in loss of clutch operation and brake fluid loss. Mjs

- Denver, CO, USA

Clutch - the clutch remained depressed to floorboard even though the gear remained engaged! the car lurched forward into intersection! electrical fire - the car's electrical system under the hood caught fire burning the car to the ground.. this car is brand new and experienced these problems within 1 week of delivery to customer...

- Encino, CA, USA