10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 3
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
11,169 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2002 Volkswagen Passat electrical problems

electrical problem

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2002 Volkswagen Passat Owner Comments (Page 2 of 7)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #114

Jan 132003

Passat 4-cyl

  • 29,388 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The ignition coil failed twice without warning.

- Cortlandt Manor, NY, USA

problem #113

Mar 092003

Passat 4-cyl

  • Manual transmission
  • 39,922 miles
Ignition coil is defective, leaving automobile inoperative. Second time this has happened in 3 months. Car was just in for 40K warranty service 4 days ago.

- Chicago, IL, USA

problem #112

Mar 042003

(reported on)

Passat

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
The ignition coil pack failed. The dealer and manufacturer were contacted and stated that there is a back order on the parts.

- Union, NJ, USA

problem #111

Dec 152003

Passat 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 7,548 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The ignition coils on my 2002 VW Passat 1.8T ar about to fail for the third time. The car was bought in may of 2002. The first incident occured in December, the second in January, and now it is about to happen again now in February. Each incident is preluded by a slight jolt in the car upon start up followed bu rough idleing. Every time we take it and and are told it is fixed and then sure enough a month later I am back there again. I do not see this problem getting any better. In addition the mach rstereo system has been fixed, then replaced. The replacement unit's qulaity is poor in comparison to the original. This car has been a nightmare.

- Pittsburgh, PA, USA

problem #110

Feb 072003

Passat 4-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
I received a ltr from volkswagon stating that they are experiencing problems with the ignition recoils, that could possibly cause the vehicle to lose power. So, I immediately scheduled an appointment for my vehicle. Only to find out that they are only going to replace the iginition recoils if the vehicle experiences this malfunction. My concern is that why would I want to drive a vehiclethat could possibly lose power at anytime?? evidenutally, this is a concern to volkswagon because they sent a ltr to their customers. As a customer, I am very concerned knowing my vehicle has a possible problem and the dealer(volkswagon) will not take action! why then was I even notified about the problem?

- Lawrenceburg, IN, USA

problem #109

Jan 312003

Passat 8-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Volkswagen vehicle is unsafe because ignition coils on 4,6,8 cyl. Engines may fail at any time, causing car to limp along on reduced power in possibly perilous traffic conditions. VW refuses to take proactive measures to correct the problem and avoid possible life-threatening situations. I beg you, force them to do a recall.

- Ridgefield, CT, USA

problem #108

Dec 032002

Passat

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Vehicle hesitated to start, when it finally started, there was a loud noise. Dealership indicated that 1 of the ignition coil spring had went bad. They replaced it, then the another 3 went bad.

- Ocean Bluff, MA, USA

problem #107

Feb 032003

Passat

  • miles
Defect is a faulty engine coil pack. Dealer has been notified.

- Union, NJ, USA

problem #106

Dec 242002

Passat 4-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 15,000 miles
The check engine light had illuminated. The vehicle started to misfire and shake. The dealer replaced one of the ignition coils. Mr scc

- Manchester, NH, USA

problem #105

Jan 312003

Passat

  • miles
Ignition coil on 2002 Passat--luckily, this did not happen on thruway. Car bucked, unable to get over 45 mph. This happening at a high speed would be a definite safety hazard. Car was towed to dealership; parts will not be available for at least another week--even then only one of four will be replaced. Talked to VW customer relations==indicated manufacturer in germany is now on 3 shift basis struggling to meet demand. I don't understand why owners were not notified, why this is not a safety recall, why we don't know when or if all coils will be replaced. I would not trust this car on the road.

- Westboro, MA, USA

problem #104

Dec 262002

Passat 4-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 15,400 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

2 ignition coils failed in less than 3 weeks. One on the road. We had to pull over, the second time on a parking lot. What's next?

- Quincy, MA, USA

problem #103

Jan 302003

Passat 4-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 10,500 miles
I am having the same ignition coil problem as so many other people. Even after 3 months, VW is not interested in replacing defective coils, except when they actually fail.

- Silver Spring, MD, USA

problem #102

Jan 312003

Passat 4-cyl

  • Manual transmission
  • 6,500 miles
I had a 2002 Volkswagen Passat for less than six months now. I had the check engine light go on three times now. 1) the first time they told me it was a loose hose on my engine. 2) the next time it was one of my ignition coils. The car sputtered and was undriveable. We had it towed to the dealer on christmas eve and we were without our car for 3 days. 3) next the check engine light went on it was another ignition coil. Again the car sputtered and hesitated unless it was given a lot of gas. I felt the car was unsafe to drive and took it to the dealer immediately. Luckily I was only a mile away. This time it was a different ignition coil. Both times the ignition coil went bad it was a different one. I have four of these in my care which means I will have this problem at least two more times. The service manager told me that VW was not replacing all of them because they weren't able to produce enough of them to keep the cars on the road. This is an unacceptable excuse in my book. This is a brand new car with a known problem that VW is getting away with. I also expressed my concern about being stranded with this car somewhere the next time this happens and the service manager just dismissed me. We called VW and they gave us the same lack of concern about the problem. We told them all the issues we have had and they showed their concern by assigning us a case number and telling us to call back when it happens again. I guess after they make a sale all I am is data to them. They don't feel obligated to make my car work correctly.

- Maumee, OH, USA

problem #101

Jan 102003

Passat 4-cyl

  • Manual transmission
  • 17,300 miles
The ignition coils in my 2002 VW Passat, with a 1.8T engine, are failing. You lose power and then have to try to get over to the side of the road.

- S. Dartmouth, MA, USA

problem #100

Nov 252002

Passat 4-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 19,400 miles
Volkswagen 2002 Passat turbo, ignition coils are bad and Volkswagen won't replace them until they start to go bad, which means that you have to wait for your car to break down 4 times and get towed four times before they will fix it. I have read reviews where people have had all 4 coils replaced and then had to have those replaced. I am terrified to drive my car that I pay over $300 dollars a month on and I do not want it anymore!

- Jacksonville, NC, USA

problem #99

Sep 122002

Passat 4-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 5,500 miles
Car started idling very hard with noticeable loss of power. Engine light started to flash. Dealership said to have it towed. Determined that ignition coil #2 had failed. Said VW was aware of the problem. Replaced failed coil and had VW rep. Reset the computer. They said a VW rep. Was coming down at least 1-2 times per week because of all the cars that needed resets due to this problem. They said if they didn't reset the computer it would happen again almost immediately. Car only had about 5,500 miles on it. Waiting for other coils to fail so I don't feel safe taking it on long trips. I'm hoping with enough complaints and bad publicity, VW will be forced into a recall. Does only one supplier manufacture these ignition coils?

- Winchester, MA, USA

problem #98

Dec 192002

Passat 4-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 45 miles
Having the same ignition coil pack issues as other VW 1.8T Passat owners. Dealer had 10+ cars in to be repaired. Estimated 2 wks. To fix. Dealer says VW is aware of issue, but they will only repair the coil that's broken.this is costing them more money in the long run as they have to provide rentals to users, and will be liable should a coil failure cause an accident or even death. Have tried to address with VW but it's been dismissed (their case number 30003124). This is a huge safety issue that needs NHTSA support. Another concern is that my windshield wipers are deffective and the local dealer has had them on backorder for over a month. Apparently there is a nationwide shortage and there are no other replacements for the Passat blades. The dealer asked that I come so they could replace it with those off a new car.

- Potomac Falls, VA, USA

problem #97

Jan 272002

Passat 4-cyl

  • 4,950 miles
Ingnition coils failed on my Passat with 5000 miles on

- Trumbull, CT, USA

problem #96

Dec 242002

Passat

  • 17,000 miles
Two ignition coils failed causing vehicle to stall. Dealer replaced and advised that remaining coils will likely fail, but will not replace until they do.

- New York, NY, USA

problem #95

Jan 012003

Passat

  • miles
While traveling on the highway without warning, the vehicle will shut down and will not restart. Please provide additional information dealer is aware of the problem.

- Nyack, NY, USA

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