I own a 2001 Volkswagen Passat with a 1.8 liter turbo engine and 85,000 miles. My oil light came on so I took it to the VW dealer right away. The dealer claims my motor is "sludged". even though VW has extended the warranty for 8 years because of this problem it will not cover my vehicle repairs of over $2,000 and growing. I have kept excellent track of oil changes in my vehicle maintenance book and even changed every 3,000 when the service calls for only 5,000. I have use a good quality sae valvoline 5W-30 motor oil which my owners manual says is fine. VW will not cover my repairs simply because I did not keep every single purchase receipt for my oil changes. They claim, without receipts there is no way of knowing that I put in appropriate oil. My response is, you spend $30,000 for a vehicle, I have proven I changed oil every 3,000, why in the world would I put in an oil that did not conform to my owners manual. This is the last VW my family will purchase.

- Shakopee, MN, USA

I am the owner of a 2001 VW Passat with 65,000 miles. I have owned approx 6 - 7 cars in my lifetime and have taken care of them the same. Never have I experienced this with a dealer who requires all receipts. I was unable to locate 2 receipts and therefore was given the verdict of a $9000 bill to replace the 1.8 turbo engine. I am seriously appalled. My feeling that that the dealers are aware of this problem need to take some responsiblity rather than pour this in the lap of the owner. I would even think that they would consider 50 to 70% of the bill. I had to purchase another car thereby have two car payments because I cannot afford $9000 and needed to get to work and child to school, etc. I will never suggest this car to anyone!!

- Baltimore, MD, USA

'recall campaign' issued for Volkswagen Passat 2001, oil sludge warranty extension. The vehicle broke down on the highway without any prior indications of problems, the oil and engine lights illuminated and the engine began making a screeching sound. The vehicle was towed to the dealership where they determined the engine had locked up from lack of oil. The warranty department refused to authorize the warranty coverage for the repair, because the consumer could not provided receipts from an automobile service company documenting that he had the oil changed regularly. The warranty dept. Stated the consumer was not entitled to warranty coverage for the engine and the turbo charger repairs. (lawyer on behalf of consumer)

- Van, TX, USA