The contact owns a 2006 Volkswagen Passat. The contact stated that the steering column locks up on her vehicle and prevents it from being driven. She attempted to start the engine and an indicator illuminated, which stated that the steering column was locked. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and they stated that the steering column was defective and needed a module. The repair would cost $1,300. The failure mileage was 63,000. Updated 05/27/09 updated 06/08/09 updated 6/16/09 the left rear caliper needed to be replaced, the check engine light illuminated, the transmission was making a loud noise, the tire pressure light illuminated, the left turn signal did not work, the left wheel bearing needed to be replaced, the hood release lever inside the vehicle was inoperative. Updated 06/17/09.

- Fredericksburg, VA, USA

I have a 2006 Volkswagen 2.0T & on the 18th of April as I crossed over a railroad track the car exhaust got very loud. I had to pull over & shut car off. This happened on a Saturday late afternoon so I had my mechanic (not Volkswagen dealer) looked & found the flange that bolts the whole exhaust to the manifold had broke (clean break all the way around ) @ the factory weld, almost like it had never been "tig" welded completely @ the factory. This is something that should not have happened in any circumstance.

- Summerfield, FL, USA

Events leading up to failure: None - sudden failure. Was on interstate at highway speed. Power suddenly dropped and dashboard lights lit up. Speed dropped very quickly but was able to avoid incident and go the car to the side of the road. Failure: Oil pump drive gear bolt broken. Car was at dealer for 15 days to replace oil pump, timing chain, sprockets, adjuster tensioners. Parts are not available. Car was at second dealer for additional 19 days to correct problems created by first dealer while fixing the engine. (received apology by phone from service manager of first dealer.) issues: 1.sudden loss of power at highway speeds could cause an accident. 2.following instructions in manual, I drove car to nearest dealer " a distance of 10 miles ? with reduced or zero oil circulation. Longevity of the engine may be significantly impacted. 3.VW of America declined to inspect the engine in more detail or to replace engine. 4.this is a moderately common failure of this engine. I found 38 almost identical failures at: A.forums.vwvortex.com/zerothread?id=3462993 B.forums.vwvortex.com/zerothread"id=3193697 summary & requested actions: 1.recall issued for affected engines. 2.my engine replaced / vehicle replaced.

- Bellevue, WA, USA

My vehicle had 19K on it and from a cold start sounded like a diesel. I made an appointment at the dealership and the day of that appointment my check engine light came on. The dealership has now had my car for 9 days and have still not diagnosed it. Apparently there is a major defect with certain year Passat engines. The bolt that holds the oil pump in place backs out and shears off, thus requiring an engine replacement. I am very dissatisfied with VW service and unhappy that my vehicle had such a fatal problem so early.

- Ladson, SC, USA

High idle during high ambient temperatures. Idle is raised to 1000-1050rpms during temperatures above 90F. This causes loading of the transmission and additional brake pressure is needed to keep the car at a stop. This can occur suddenly and randomly presenting a safety issue. I have almost ran into several cars at various times when stopped at a light or in traffic. It has happened countless times during the high ambient temperatures.

- House Springs , MO, USA

Issues with hesitation when a rolling stop, and when completely stopped. There is a 2-3 second delay before the car responds to the gas pedal. I have almost been hit 3 times now when pulling out into traffic. That 2-3 delay in acceleration could cause an accident. This is an issue known to VW, they say they are workig on a fix. What are they waiting for, someone to get killed! numerous V6 owners have the same issues! also seond issue is, when I am stopped in heavy stop and go traffic and extreme heat my car idles at 1000rpms. This is corrected by me putting the car in park, stepping on the gas till 3000 RPM and it will go back to normal. It feels like the car in ready to lunge forward unexpectedly. Again well known issue to VW, several internet forums discuss this VW has don't nothing.

- Limerick, PA, USA

- the contact stated that while driving a 2006 Volkswagen Passat it stalled in a turn. He had been driving along steadily for 2 hours with out incident prior to the vehicle losing power. The contact took the vehicle to be serviced, and was informed that they could not find the cause of the problem. The passenger side headlight was inoperable, the work was completed, however 2 hours later the headlight failed again. The vehicle exhibits a one to three second lag in the accelerator, most noticeable when the consumer is truing to accelerator. There was a rattle coming from the headliner/sunroof assembly. There was a rubbing noise coming from the brakes. There was a rattling noise coming from the rear view mirror trim pieces. The windshield wipers were inoperative. The fog lights were inoperative. Updated 01/31/07.

- Roseville, MN, USA

2006 Volkswagen Passat delay in acceleration, while accelerator was depressed. The consumer was told there was no fix for the hesitation. The consumer was told the problem was know as the California 5 mph start hesitation. The dealer stated it was a software issue that would be corrected in the near future.

- South Plainfield, NJ, USA