The car was making a funny noise and then the engine stopped. We had it towed to minuteman VW in bedford, MA and they said that the oil pump had failed and that both the oil pump and the engine would have to be replaced at a cost of $6,320. The 2000 Passat has 60,586 miles on it and had been in for service at 55,478 miles. The service department told us that it should be covered under the 10 year/100,000 mile power train warranty, but when they submitted our claim to VW they refused to cover it because they said I needed to provide copies of every oil change receipt for the past 4 1/2 years. I was able to find 4 receipts, but I do not see anywhere in the owners manual where it clearly and explicitly states that warranty repairs will only be performed if all receipts for all services performed on the car are provided. I noticed that there have been several technical service bulletins issued on this car which relate to engine problems and would like this defect to be considered for a recall. Thank you.

- Carlisle, MA, USA

I have a 2000 VW Passat and have carbon build up on the valves due from premium gas use as required in manual. 2 seperate occasions I had to pay hundreds to repair this recurring problem. The dealer says they don't know what fuel I should use. VW headquarters first said a year ago to strictly use premium. Now they tell me to use regular but they will not do anything for me. I had to replace a re circulation valve and vacuums. I beleive there is a consumer issue here that someone has to address because I cannot get anybody to agree which fuel to use. They should repair my problem for free.

- Pittsburgh, PA, USA

While driving at moderate speeds of about 35 to 45 mph, car engine lost all power. Engine was still running and all accessories (lights, radio, etc.) were on, but pressing on the gas pedal lead to no movement by the car. Epc warning light came on at the time of power loss as did the asr warning light. Stopping the car and turning it off and then back on remedied situation, but it recurred on 9/2/2003 under same conditions. Dealer analysis showed a sticking turbo booster valve and a bad oxygen sensor (this is the 2nd O2 sensor to be replaced within a year). Dealer had to order parts and they will not be in until at least 9/9/2003. Meanwhile, I have to drive a 79 mile round trip commute daily in traffic, and fear that this will happen when I am at 75 mph on the interstate. This could lead to a crash with possible fatalities if it occurred.

- Murfreesboro, TN, USA