The contact owns a 2000 Volkswagen Passat. While driving approximately 20 mph, smoke billowed from under the hood of the vehicle. The contact was able to safely leave the roadway, the hood was raised and flames appeared in the engine compartment. The fire department arrived and extinguished the fire. A fire report was filed. The vehicle was not towed and remained at the scene. There were no injuries. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. An unknown dealer was notified of the fire. The vehicle was included in NHTSA campaign number: 08V156000 (fuel system, gasoline). The manufacturer was not contacted. The insurance company was not made aware of the fire. The contact was unsure if the vehicle was destroyed. The failure mileage was unavailable.

- Palmdale, CA, USA

The contact owns a 2000 Volkswagen Passat. While driving at any speed, the vehicle would overheat and cause the engine to fail. The contact stated that the failure was recurring and the "emissions work" indicator illuminated sometimes during the failure. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the cooling system failed. The manufacturer and dealer were not notified of the failure. The contact believed the failure was related to NHTSA campaign number: 14E007000 (engine and engine cooling). The approximate failure mileage was 185,000. The VIN was not provided.

- District Heights, MD, USA

In approximately July of 2014 my Volkswagen Passat started experiencing on and off again problems with the engine firing. I had recently retired and was not driving the car daily, and so I was unable to associate the problem with any recent driving event. However, one morning when the hesitation was very pronounced I popped the hood to have a look. Water was standing almost level with the top of the battery in the area housing that part. I used my indoor/outdoor vacuum to pump out as much water as possible. When I thought the area was thoroughly dried out I took the car to my local Volkswagen certified mechanic for further investigation. He didn't take long to determine that drainage holes on both sides under the hood were clogged. He was able to unclog the hole on the passenger side immediately, but the hole on the driver side is located beneath parts that have to be moved for access. I recalled numerous times over the years when I was certain I was hearing the sound of water sloshing around under the hood. I had asked on more than one occasion at time of service for the sound to be investigated further. I was always told the same thing: There was nothing to explain the sound I was hearing. I now believe this has been a recurring problem over the years I've owned the car, and might have impacted more than just the battery at any time. I thought there should be more than one report of this problem on file.

- Deland, FL, USA

Engine mounts broke and I replaced them on May 10, 2014, then they broke again on July 6, and I again replaced them now they broke again today as I was pulling out of the gas station. Was there any type of recall relative to the mounts of the engine in this model which is the 200 Passat wagon with manual transmission. The windows also keep steaming up and strong smell of anti freeze.

- Cumberland, RI, USA

I have had my 2000 VW Passat since 2006 and have had only regular wear and tear unitl about 3 weeks ago. I was driving on 95 in fort lauderdale, fl moving at about 65-70 mph when the engine shut off, power steering was gone and pushing brakes took all I had to try and safely steer and come to a complete stop crossing over 5 lanes of traffic to the break-down lane. Once I was completely stopped I was able to turn the key to the off position and restart the vehicle. Aside from the engine, steering and brakes all other functions were or at least seemed to still be working (ie: Dash lights, radio, windows) the vehicle did this 4 more times while I attempted to drive to the nearest exit and call for assistance. I tested all the fuses and they all were in working order and the next set of symptoms occurred a week later. I was trying to unlock the car with the remote and there was not connection being made between the key and the car, I manually unlocked the doors and put the key in the ignition. The engine didnt start or even attempt to turn over. All dash lights were on as well as the radio, however, I had lost the power windows, locks, trunk, gas lid and all interior light functions. I currently have the vehicle being looked at and hope to give an update when I find out the issue. Updated 12/1/2014

- Coral Springs, FL, USA

A rainy night, 10:30 pm., on the freeway returning home from a symphony concert, the engine simply quit. I, husband/driver, tried three time to restart it before yelling to my wife to turn on emergency flashers which she did. As we slowed, I remember seeing all icons on dash blinking. Both of us were knocked unconscious and do not remember being hit by the car behind. Air bags did not deploy. Injuries sustained: A contusion and minor whiplash by husband; fractured C-7 and T-1 vertebrates and concussion by my wife. She has been in a neck-to-waist brace from Nov. 10, 2013 until present. We always maintained our Passat scrupulously according to VW standards at their service centers by their trained mechanics. One month earlier we had brought the car in to be checked because sometimes it would not start after driving it someplace. Twice had to wait for aaa towing. Aaa able to start it right up as though nothing was wrong. VW ran "fault codes" but found no problem.we bought a new battery at VW's suggestion. Something went horribly wrong with our car inspite of our responsible maintenance. We were extremely lucky not to be killed. We wish to know if there are other cases like ours. At the very least, we want others to know about this possible danger. I will appreciate your acknowledgment of this report.

- Kenmore, WA, USA

I am the second owner of this 00 VW Passat. This car has been a great running and driving car. I bought it in Feb 10 2012. On Sept 17 2012 my wife was driving this car to my sons football game with my mother in law. She was going about 50 mph when it shuttered and shut off. She was able to get it off the side of the road and stopped and when she opened the car door there were flames coming from under the hood she went to the other side of the car and helped her mother out of the car. The flames were spreading so fast they were not able to get anything out of the car. By the the time they got to the other side of the road away from the car the whole car was on fire. And when the fire department got there there was nothing left but some melted things in the trunk. I am just happy they made it out ok but what worries me is that it happened so fast and that there were no signs of anything wrong with the car.I have seen on the internet that this is not a isolated incident with this 00 Passat. I have seen pictures and video of the same car with the same results. So right now I am at a total loss this being a second car I only had liability insurance all I can do is hope that someone can stop this from happening to someone else and it should be Volkswagen's responsibility to find who owns these vehicles and fix the problem.....

- Kane, PA, USA

Check engine turned on. My car starts to lose power. There was a misfire at #2 cylinder according to the auto mechanic.. in a stopped position or when I turn car off, I smell something burning. Had new coil installed and did a road test. The car was still misfiring. Checked again, and all ignition coils needed to be replaced. In 01/2012, again, there was a misfire at the #2 cylinder. The burning smell returned. I had that repaired. In 05/2012, again, there was a misfire at the #3 cylinder. The burning smell returned. I had that repaired.

- Elk Grove, CA, USA