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.
Vehicle has major fuel pump issue, currently at 132,000 and noticing loss of power, car shaking, and occasional stall. A code reader is unable able to detect the issue which is a major concern. I have contacted the volkswagen Manufacturer and I consistently keep getting ignored after bringing up the recall that was put out for the fuel pump. While driving on the highway my rear and front suspension failed and dropped suddenly while moving slowly during traffic. I whave only been able to repair the front shocks and struts so far, but the rear are needed as well. I would like to state that all the parts are original manufacturer parts.
I purchased a used 2003 VW Passat from a private dealer drove the car five months and the timing belt came off while I was driving. I almost got into an accident but avoided it. This particular vehicle and ones like it was recalled in 3/7/2014 for engine and engine cooling engine problems that causes the timing belt to come off while driving. Recall: 14E007000 because of the timing belt failure. I contacted a VW dealership and they said the recall didn't apply to my car. I find that insulting consider ing what I just experienced.
Fuel tank leaking when full on drivers side directly under rear passenger seat. Which happens to be where my children sit. It leaks until it's a little over half full then stops.
This car only has 65000 original one owner miles and has experienced all & more of the current recalls with same model yr, VW local dealerships (2) refuse to acknowledge the problems (one even tried to double charge me for Bosch ABS part last year before the recall to fix) and numerous emails to VW have gone unanswered. Most recent issues in last 1.5yrs have been fuel pump went out and I paid to replace (dealer scammed us by throwing out dead brand new aaa stamped and warranted battery, they sd we needed new one and old one already picked up from dealer to expose of, charged $200 for that as well. I paid for the ABS light repair which I have paid and diagnosed numerous times for last 10yrs to fix and finally just paid the over $1000. To get it fixed for safety reasons. 9 months ago rear brake lights would come on randomly when parked and locked killing the battery. I would drive it to charge it up but since it is a car we don't drive often or far, it continued to do the same for a few weeks until it dawned on me that the seat warmer on those cars could leave an open current, turned that off, good for a few weeks, then found out same for the trunk light, unplugged and capped that and it is far better, but something still. After reading online VW Passat forums and recalls I know 2 dealerships sd they performed the brake light sensor recall, but was it truly done and causing the issue...answer is no, VW dealers 2X after checking and billing VW for the repair falsified doing the recall. I know because I checked it and the part is original from 2002 stamped on it and I replaced it and have it along with most all other receipts from 2003 to today. Feb 11, 2019 I opened a case and supposed formal investigation with VW corporate customer care (very nice people), lied like the rest of the company and never heard a word... +++18 VW and Audi personally, since 1991...done!
- San Diego, CA, USA
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I noticed a stain under my car while it was parked in the street. I figured out that VW had a recall on the fuel tank vent which required replacing the whole fuel tank. The tank runs about $922 and it takes up to 11 hours labor time. I started a chat with a vwoa rep to look into this issue. She said there are no current recalls or campaigns on my vehicle at this time. She also stated that my car's 26E5/R5 recall, it covers all 1999-2005 Passat and Passat wagon (5th gen) equipped with gas engines. Install underbody heat shield(s): Inspect/replace fuel line, fuel tank: Update software, if necessary, had been performed on 03/12/09 but has no service record to tell me what was done. It may not have actually been replaced. She also said vwoa will not fix nor help me fix it. I feel that if a recall for as huge safety issue that this is, should not fail in the same manor as the original part did. That tells me they just replaced it with the same problem part in hopes that the car wouldn't be in use by the time it fails again. I am including a few pics for evidence. The example tank pic has been outlined where the fuel leak is on my car. Thank you, [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
The contact owns a 2003 Volkswagen Passat. The contact stated that the vehicle would not hold fuel and the tank had to constantly be refilled. Also, the check engine warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle was taken to ellis motorcars Inc (2235 E South blvd, montgomery, al 36116, (334) 280-1021) where it was diagnosed that the coolant system and the timing chain needed to be repaired. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and did not assist. The failure mileage was 78,000.
While driving the car power cuts off and stops in traffic. Have to restart. It is dangerous that the car just stops in traffic. The battery continues to drain even after totally recharging the battery. After a complete battery recharge and starting the car every day, the battery still drains again after about a week. This started happening in June 2016 and I have only driven the car about 30 total miles because afraid it is going to shut down while driving in traffic. Recently, I received a recall for this problem for my 2016 Volkswagen cc but I am not having the problem with the cc. I am having the described recall problem with my 2003 Passat but did not receive a recall notification for it. I am the original owner and my Passat needs this repair.
The contact owns a 2003 Volkswagen Passat. While the vehicle was parked, the contact noticed a fuel leak from the top of the tank. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the top of the fuel tank was old and a new tank was needed. The contact also noticed puddles of fuel were present approximately eight times since September. The leak worsened two weeks ago. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 139,000.
Fuel tank is leaking near driver side rear wheel. Advised by dealer VW of North scottsdale that there is a fuel leak on top of the tank at the fuel tank ventilation valve and that the tank must be removed to ascertain source of the leak. Dealer advises tank was replaced in 2010 under a recall campaign. It appears that this current leak is associated with recall #28417 and NHTSA PE8008 and 08V156000.
Less then >100K miles. Plastic fuel line that runs along firewall was damaged due to screw with thread facing engine bay, which sits right in between both fuel lines. I spoke to VW which said the recall had been fixed on my car in 2012 (I am second owner), but the screw that creates the problem was never replaced or removed. A local VW stealership is quoting me 500+ for the repair on a car who's kbb is 2000 in perfect condition (far from it ;)
The contact owns a 2003 Volkswagen Passat. The contact stated that the vehicle was leaking fuel from the fuel tank. The contact took the contact to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the fuel tank failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was not included in a recall. The approximate failure mileage was 120,000. Updated 05/11/16
The contact owns a 2003 Volkswagen Passat. The contact smelled fuel when the vehicle was started. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the fuel line was fractured and leaked fuel onto a portion of the engine. The contact stated that the technician was unable to determine the cause of the fracture. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and stated that the recall "expired". the vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 191,000.
My daughter drove this vehicle into my garage and reported to me that she smelled a strong odor of gas. I looked and noticed gas dripping onto the floor. I got down and inspected the area where it was coming from and noted that it was flowing from the top (out of sight) of the tank. Backed the car out onto the drive and placed a towel under the area. Called the dealership and scheduled an appointment. Betten imports (Volkswagen dealership) of grand rapids mi, inspected it and I was informed it had a crack in the plastic tank the length of a dime. The dealership recommended the tank be replaced at a estimated cost of $2,700. Due to the extensive cost I did not elect to have this done at this time. Only seems to be an issue when tank is filled to max capacity.
The contact owns a 2003 Volkswagen Passat. The contact stated that there was a fume odor emitted inside and around the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 180,000. The VIN was not available.
Every time I crank my car it smells like gas. I was driving down the road and smoke came out from under the hood when I stopped and lifted the hood it had a strong gas smell.
After a couple attempts to start the vehicle the engine turns over and runs for 2-3 seconds then dies. This happens multiple times before fully starting up and is able to be driven. While out of gear and car is running, pressing on the acceleration does nothing. Car is able to be driven short distances but stalled at one point going approx. 5 mph. I was told my specific VIN # is not covered under warranty for fuel pump/system malfunctions. If this is a known issue of 2003 Passat's already why would some not be covered?
Recently had the vehicle maintenance done, brought the car home and found that when it cooled and all fluids settled overnight, the fuel pump was having trouble- resulting in car not starting. After one hour of turning the key over-and-over, then giving it gas, it eventually started. Excited, I took the car out for a test drive, it stalled in the middle of a for way intersection. Thankfully I live in a very small town, if that had happened on a highway there would be potential for an accident. Considering I bought this car a couple years ago, I don't feel I'm at fault for not taking advantage of the dealerships recall and it's in my best interest to investigate further to see if I'm eligible for the free replacement by the dealer. I would appreciate someone getting back to me via E-mail or text message(cannot make or receive phone calls) top let me know as soon as possible. Thank you, very much [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
The contact owns a 2003 Volkswagen Passat. The contact was driving 60 mph when the vehicle stalled without warning. The vehicle was coasted off road into a nearby parking lot, and was not taken to a dealer or independent mechanic for inspection or repairs. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was not included in NHTSA campaign id number: 07V375000 (fuel system, gasoline). The approximate failure mileage was 200,000.
On or about Feb. 1, 2013, I started my manual-transmission 2003 Volkswagen Passat gls (V6) and shifted into reverse to back out of my driveway. As soon as I took my foot off the brake, the car lurched backward even though I was not depressing the accelerator pedal. I quickly shifted into neutral, engaged the parking brake and turned off the ignition. When I tried to restart the car, it would not start and did not start until about an hour later. My first thought was that the accelerator could have become lodged under the floormat, but that was not the case; nor was it the case in at least four other similar incidents. Two of these incidents took place as I was driving at a low speed in a residential area. Fortunately, there were no pedestrians or other cars around me and I had the presence of mind to recognize the issue, shift into neutral and park the car. However, I fear what could happen if this incident recurred when I was at an intersection, railroad crossing or crosswalk. Despite repeated attempts, my mechanic has been unable to replicate the incident or identify the cause.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Boyertown, PA, USA