RoadVitals

2003 Volkswagen Passat Electrical Problems

Owner-reported complaints naming the electrical system, filed with NHTSA

Data refreshed

Electrical reportsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
93
Latest May 13, 2021
Share of all reportsThis category as a share of every owner report on file for this model year. One report can name more than one component, so the categories overlap.
15%
of 634 total
Crash or fire reportedReports in this category whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. The reporter's own answer on the NHTSA form, not a verified finding.
13
Injuries or deaths reportedTotals the submitters entered on their own reports in this category. Not verified by NHTSA and not a casualty statistic.
4

What this page shows

Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories. Every record below is an owner-reported complaint about the 2003 Volkswagen Passat submitted to NHTSA — not a confirmed defect, not a recall and not a manufacturer bulletin. 93 reports on file name it.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

Owner reports naming electrical

The 25 most recent of 93, in the owner's own words

ElectricalEngineFuel system
Filed May 13, 2021

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.

NHTSA ID
11416513
Incident
May 11, 2021
Mileage
180,000 mi
ElectricalInterior & seats
Filed Mar 7, 2018

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT IT TOOK MULTIPLE ATTEMPTS FOR THE VEHICLE TO BECOME OPERABLE EVEN WHEN THE STARTER WAS ENGAGED. THE VEHICLE ALSO EXPERIENCED AN INTERIOR WATER LEAK AND THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR LATCH WOULD NOT PROPERLY LATCH. IN ADDITION, THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED A COMPLETE LOSS OF ENGINE POWER AND THE CHECK ENGINE, BRAKE, AND VARIOUS OTHER WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED AS A SOFTWARE FAILURE, AND THE IGNITION COIL SPRINGS WERE DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE IGNITION COIL SPRINGS WERE REPLACE HOWEVER THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER AND DEALER WERE NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 190,000.

NHTSA ID
11076685
Incident
Mar 7, 2013
Mileage
190,000 mi
BrakesElectricalPowertrain (other)
Filed Dec 1, 2017

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE VEHICLE JERKED AND STALLED. THE VEHICLE INADVERTENTLY SHIFTED IN REVERSE AND THE BRAKES STOPPED WORKING. THE CONTACT HAD TO APPLY THE PARKING BRAKE. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE GEAR SHIFTER WAS STUCK IN PARK. ALSO, THE CHECK ENGINE, TIRE PRESSURE, AND EPC INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO HERITAGE VOLKSWAGEN OF SOUTH ATLANTA AT (678) 263-3711 (4305 JONESBORO RD, UNION CITY, GA 30291) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE IGNITION CONTROL MODULE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND CONFIRMED THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS ASSOCIATED WITH THE VIN. THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED TO CALL NHTSA. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 172,000.

NHTSA ID
11051681
Incident
Nov 18, 2017
Mileage
172,000 mi
Electrical
Filed Dec 14, 2016

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY INCLUDED IN A RECALL THAT CALLED FOR THE IGNITION COIL TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED; HOWEVER, THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE IGNITION COIL NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. DUE TO THE FACT THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED PER THE RECALL, THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT ABLE TO ASSIST. THE NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER WAS UNKNOWN. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 144,604.

NHTSA ID
10935211
Incident
Dec 14, 2016
Mileage
144,604 mi
ElectricalEngineExterior lighting
Filed Nov 18, 2015

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS. THE FAILURE WAS EXPERIENCED NUMEROUS TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO PERFORMED DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE ENGINE OXYGEN SENSOR, COIL SPRING, SPARKS PLUGS, AND WIRES WERE REPLACED; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE WAS NOT CORRECTED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TAIL LIGHTS ALSO FAILED. THE TAIL LIGHTS WERE NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000.

NHTSA ID
10794671
Incident
Jul 1, 2015
Mileage
130,000 mi
ElectricalExterior lighting
Filed Nov 4, 2015

DRIVING AT NIGHT, 65MPH, INTERSTATE HWY. LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS WENT OUT. HIGH BEAMS DID WORK. REPLACED BOTH HEADLIGHT BULBS. DID NOT FIX. COST $95. REPLACE HEADLIGHT RELAY. DID NOT FIX. COST IN EXCESS OF $200. RECALL FOR LATER YEAR PASSAT FOR SAME PROBLEM CAUSED BY "HOOD SLAM?"

NHTSA ID
10788456
Incident
Oct 5, 2015
Mileage
108,000 mi
Electrical
Filed Jun 26, 2015

CYLINDERS MISFIRE CAUSING ACCELERATION HESITATION. SPARK PLUGS AND COIL WERE REPLACED FEB.2009, DEC. 2013, AUG. 2014, JUNE 2015. THE CONDITIONS ARE REPETITIVE AND IDENTICAL.

NHTSA ID
10730689
Incident
Feb 11, 2009
Mileage
60,000 mi
Body & structureDriver assistanceElectrical+1 more
Filed Jul 17, 2014

CAR WAS CONSTANTLY GETTING THE PASSENGER SIDE (FRONT AND BACK) FLOODED W WATER DURING A RAIN STORM. HAD TO GET NEW BATTERY CLEANED OUT SUNROOF DRAINAGE. IT DIDN'T MATTER. WHENEVER IT RAINED THE BATTERY WOULD BE DEAD BECAUSE THE CONTROL MODULE WHICH IS THERE IS ALL MESSED UP SENDING MIXED MESSAGES. FINELY JUST DIED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD. NOT WORTH PUTTING MONEY INTO THE CAR. I PURCHASED THIS CAR LESS THEN A YEAR AGO AND HAD THIS PROBLEM AFTER THE FIRST RAIN AND WENT DOWN FROM THEIR. IM SO DISAPPOINTED HOPING BUYING A USED VW I WAS GOING TO BE SATISFIED BUT HAD NOTHING TROUBLE FROM DAY ONE. *TR

NHTSA ID
10611205
Incident
Apr 15, 2014
Mileage
140,000 mi
BrakesDriver assistanceElectrical
Filed May 23, 2013

ABS MODULE FAILURE, ABS LIGHT ON BRAKE LIGHT BLINKING AND THEN ASR LIGHT ON, HAPPENS RANDOMLY, NO SPECIFIC REASON, DRY WEATHER, HUMID, DAY OR NIGHT. STILL COMES ON RANDOMLY, NO SPEEDING, PROBLEM GOES AWAY WHEN CAR IS TURNED OFF. *TR

NHTSA ID
10513216
Incident
May 20, 2013
Mileage
91,000 mi
Electrical
Filed Nov 24, 2012
Fire reported

THE TURN SIGNAL WOULD CONTINUE TO MAKE A CLICKING NOISE EVEN AFTER THE SIGNAL HAD BEEN SHUT OFF. THIS CONTINUED TO HAPPEN FOR SEVERAL MINUTES AND THEN SMOKE BEGAN TO RISE FROM BEHIND MY STEERING WHEEL WHERE THE TURN SIGNAL ENTERS THE WHEEL CONSOLE. I BEGAN TO PULL OVER AT THE NEXT SAFE AREA AND BEFORE I COULD I NOTICED SMALL FLAMES COMING FROM THE SAME AREA WHERE THE TURN SIGNAL ENTERS THE WHEEL CONSOLE. WHEN I TURNED OFF THE CAR THE SMOKE/FIRE SLOWLY SUBSIDED. I ENDED UP REMOVING THE TURN SIGNAL FUSE IN ORDER TO DRIVE TO A REPAIR SHOP. AFTER SOME RESEARCH THIS SEEMS TO BE A COMMON ISSUE WITH NO RECALLS ISSUED YET. *TR

NHTSA ID
10485895
Incident
Nov 21, 2012
ElectricalEngine
Filed Oct 2, 2012
Fire reported1 injury reported

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH, THE CONTACT NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD AND POURING INSIDE THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT FOUND WATER AND COOLANT LEAKING FROM THE DASHBOARD AND ONTO THE DRIVER'S SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS ALSO OVERHEATING. AFTER EXITING THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT NOTICED FLAMES COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE HOWEVER, THE CONTACT SUSTAINED BURNS TO HER LEGS DUE TO THE HOT LEAKING COOLANT. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE ENGINE BLEW AND THE INSTRUMENT PANEL CLUSTER WAS DAMAGED. THE CONTACT WAS UNAWARE OF WHAT CAUSED THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 174,256.

NHTSA ID
10478307
Incident
Mar 18, 2012
Mileage
174,256 mi
ElectricalFuel system
Filed Feb 29, 2012

COILS FAILING RANDOMLY AND CAUSING THE CAR TO SHAKE VIOLENTLY AND LOSE POWER ON HIGHWAY. POTENTIAL DAMAGE TO BE CAUSED TO OTHER AREAS OF THE CAR BECAUSE OF THIS. IE OXYGEN SENSOR ETC. *TR

NHTSA ID
10449674
Incident
Feb 28, 2012
Mileage
108,819 mi
ElectricalInterior & seats
Filed Oct 5, 2011
Fire reported

HEATED SEAT COILS OVERHEATED AND BURNT SEAT ON DRIVER SIDE. 1 YEAR AFTER RECALL WAS DONE BY [XXX] VW BROCKTON MA, THEY TOLD ME THE HEATERS IN THE SEAT ARE NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY AND TOLD ME TO CALL VW USA WITH MY PROBLEM, INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

NHTSA ID
10428868
Incident
Oct 4, 2011
Mileage
85,000 mi
Electrical
Filed Apr 14, 2011

MY 2003 VOLKSWAGAN PASSAT WAGON HAS ROOF/CHASSIS DRAINS THAT ARE BACKING UP INSIDE THE VEHICLE CAUSING THE VEHICLE ELECTRONICS TO SHORT OUT AND FAIL. MY REAR DOOR WILL NOT OPEN. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE. *TR

NHTSA ID
10395878
Incident
Apr 14, 2011
Mileage
63,400 mi
Electrical
Filed Jan 19, 2011

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MALFUNCTION INDICATOR WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED INTERMITTENTLY, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO SHAKE EXCESSIVELY. THE DEALER MADE SIX ATTEMPTS TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE BUT TO NO AVAIL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED WHO CONTACTED THE LOCAL DEALER BUT OFFERED NO ADDITIONAL ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 91,252 AND THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 89,000.

NHTSA ID
10377188
Incident
Nov 8, 2010
Mileage
89,000 mi
ElectricalFuel system
Filed Jan 3, 2011

I WAS DRIVING MY VW PASSAT 1.8L TURBO STATIONWAGON AT A SPEED OF 40 MILES PER HOUR AND THE CAR SUDDENLY STALLED WITHOUT ANY WARNING. MY FOUR MONTH OLD BABY WAS IN THE BACK IN HIS CARSEAT AND HAD I BEEN IN A DIFFERENT SETTING WE BOTH COULD HAVE BEEN INJURED OR KILLED. THIS WAS THE FIRST TIME IT HAD OCCURRED AND ONCE I TOOK IT TO THE MECHANIC THE CAR STARTED AND DROVE FINE AND THEY COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. THEY INFORMED ME THAT IT WAS LIKELY A PARTS RECALL ISSUE: RECALL: 07V375000: FUEL PUMP REPLACEMENT. I CONTACTED VW AMERICA, INC. AND WAS INFORMED THAT WHILE IN FACT THERE WAS SUCH A RECALL FOR 2003 PASSATS, MY VIN NUMBER WAS NOT COVERED IN THE RECALL AND THUS THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD/WOULD DO TO HELP ME DESPITE THE FACT THAT THE PROBLEM APPEARS TO BE THE VERY ONE INDICATED IN THE RECALL NOTICE. THIS IS VERY FRUSTRATING AND SCARY. *TR

NHTSA ID
10374003
Incident
Dec 31, 2010
Mileage
121,752 mi
Electrical
Filed Jan 2, 2011
Fire reported

VW 2003 PASSAT AWD 2.8 L V6 GASOLINE ENGINE...WIFE CALLED ME SAID CAR WAS MISS FIRING BADLY AND THEN SMOKE WAS REPORTED COMING FROM UNDERNEATH CAR. SHE PULLED OVER AND SAW FLAMES COMING FROM UNDERNEATH THE CAR. TURNED CAR OFF AND FIRE LUCKILY WENT OUT...I CHANGED COIL AND PROBLEM WAS FIXED FOR ABOUT THREE MONTHS. NOW CAR IS MISS FIRING AGAIN AND RUNNING ROUGH....I HATE THAT I'VE FIXED THIS SAME COIL THREE TIMES NOW AND IT IS ACTING UP AGAIN... *TR

NHTSA ID
10373805
Incident
Oct 4, 2010
Mileage
84,000 mi
Electrical
Filed Dec 29, 2010

I PURCHASED A 2003 PASSAT 6 MONTHS AGO. I HAVE HAD NOTHING BUT TROUBLE FROM IT. IT IS JUST ONE THING AFTER ANOTHER. I HAVE HAD TO TAKE IT IN TO BE FIXED ABOUT SIX TIMES. I CAN'T EVEN REMEMBER EVERYTHING I HAVE HAD TO HAVE FIXED. I DO REMEMBER THE LAST THING THOUGH. IT WAS THE TAIL LIGHTS, THE TAIL LIGHT WOULD NOT GO OUT EVEN WHEN I HAD NO LIGHTS ON AND EVEN WHEN THE CAR WAS TURNED OFF. MY CAR IS IN THE SHOP AGAIN RIGHT NOW. IT HAS BEEN THERE SINCE MONDAY DECEMBER 27TH. IT IS A FOUR CYLINDER AND HAS BEEN RUNNING ON THREE. I FOUND OUT FOR THE FIRST TIME MONDAY THAT MY CAR HAS 5 RECALLS ON IT. I WAS NEVER NOTIFIED OF NONE OF THEM. AFTER LEAVING IT FOR ALL THE RECALLS TO BE FIXED, I HAD TO RENT A CAR FOR 30.00 TO GET HOME. NOW I HAVE NO WAY TO PICK UP MY CAR BECAUSE I HAD TO RETURN THE RENTAL CAR THE NEXT DAY BECAUSE I COULD NOT AFFORD TO PAY 30.00 PER DAY. I HAVE NOBODY TO TAKE ME TO PICK UP MY CAR, I GUESS I WILL HAVE TO TAKE A TAXI AND THAT WILL PROBABLY COST ME ABOUT 50.00. I AM VERY UPSET WITH VW I PAID MY HARD EARNED MONEY FOR A RELIABLE CAR AND NOW I AM STUCK WITH NOTHING BUT A LEMON, SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE ABOUT THIS. I HAVE NO WAY TO GO ANYWHERE, WHAT AM I SUPPOSED TO DO? *TR

NHTSA ID
10373385
Incident
Dec 27, 2010
Mileage
82,000 mi
Electrical
Filed Aug 6, 2010

I JUST READ THAT THE NHTSA WAS INVESTIGATING THE FAILURE OF COILS ON 2002/2003 VW PASSATS. I HAD A 2003 PASSAT THAT HAD THE NUMBER 2 CYLINDER COIL FAIL AT ABOUT 28,000 MILES IN 2007. THE DEALER REPLACED IT, BUT I HAD TO PAY APPROXIMATELY $150. AT ABOUT 29,000 THE NUMBER 4 CYLINDER COIL FAILED. I STILL HAD TO PAY ABOUT $100 WITH THE DEALER ABSORBING THE COST OF THE PART ITSELF. THE VW DEALER TOLD ME THAT VW DID NOT HAVE A PROBLEM WITH THEIR COILS OTHER THAN ON A RANDOM BASIS, AND THAT THERE WERE NO MANUFACTURING DEFECTS WITH THE COILS. THEY SAID THAT IT WAS JUST COINCIDENCE THAT I HAD TWO COILS FAIL. BECAUSE OF THE FAILURE OF TWO COILS AT RELATIVELY LOW MILEAGE I DECIDED THAT THE CAR WAS NOT RELIABLE, AND TRADED IT IN FOR A HONDA ACCORD. NOW IT APPEARS THAT VW DID HAVE A PROBLEM FOR WHICH I WAS PENALIZED BOTH BY HAVING TO PAY FOR THE COST OF THE TWO REPAIRS, BUT ALSO BECAUSE THOSE PROBLEMS CAUSED A LACK OF CONFIDENCE IN THE RELIABILITY OF THE VW RESULTING IN MY TRADING IT IN WELL BEFORE ONE WOULD EXPECT TO HAVE TO TRADE IN A CAR. MY 2007 HONDA ACCORD HAS OVER 45,000 MILES, AND THERE HAVE BEEN NO PROBLEMS OF ANY KIND. *TR

NHTSA ID
10347821
Incident
Jun 1, 2007
Mileage
28,000 mi
Body & structureElectricalEngine+1 more
Filed May 13, 2010

I PURCHASED AN 03 VW PASSAT FROM A VW DEALER AS A CERTIFIED PRE-OWNED VEHICLE BACK IN 2/07. WITHIN THE FIRST WEEK OF PURCHASE I HAD BRAKE PROBLEMS. THE NEXT COUPLE YEARS WERE FOLLOWED BY VALVE COVER LEAKS, ENGINE LEAKS, AUTO WINDOW PROBLEMS, BATTERY PROBLEMS, RECALL ISSUES, WATER INTRUSION ISSUES, IGNITION COIL RECALL AND THE LIST GOES ON. AFTER A WATER INTRUSION JUST DAYS AFTER THE REPLACEMENT OF FAULTY IGNITION COILS I CONTACTED THE MANUFACTURE NOTIFYING THEM OF THE PROBLEMS. THE MANUFACTURE HAD HELD THEIR FOOT TO THE GROUND THAT MY CAR IS OUT OF WARRANTY (THAT I WAS TOLD AT TIME OF SALE I DID NOT HAVE) AND SO THEY ARE ABLE TO DO NOTHING ABOUT ANY OF THE PROBLEMS WITH THIS VEHICLE. HOWEVER AS IT STANDS I HAVE NEARLY $3000 IN REPAIRS NEEDED TO THIS VEHICLE. NOT TO MENTION THE WATER LEAK/DAMAGE FROM WHAT I UNDERSTAND MAY ACTUALLY MEAN MY VEHICLE IS CONSIDERED A TOTAL LOSS AT THIS POINT. I HAVE EXPRESSED TO THE MANUFACTURE THAT I AM CONCERNED FOR THE SAFETY OF MYSELF BUT MY SMALL CHILDREN AS WELL EVER TIME WE ARE IN THIS VEHICLE. AMONG THE SEVERAL THINGS THAT ARE POTENTIAL TO OCCUR WHILE I AM DRIVING I ALSO WORRY ABOUT THE POTENTIAL FOR MOLD EXPOSURE FROM THE WATER DAMAGE. DUE TO COST I AM UNABLE TO GET ANY OF THIS CORRECTED AND CAN NOT AFFORD TO GO THRU MY INSURANCE ONLY TO BE TOLD THAT IT IS A MANUFACTURE ISSUE AND SO I AM STUCK. I FEEL THAT AT THIS POINT I AM DRIVING AROUND IN A SAFETY HAZARD AND DON'T KNOW WHAT TO DO. EVERY TIME I RECEIVE A REPLAY FROM ANYONE I JUST END UP BACK AT THE SAME PLACE....CONTACT THE BBB, ETC. I AM GETTING NO WHERE AND DON'T KNOW WHAT TO DO THEREFORE AM LOOKING INTO ANY AND ALL RESOURCES SO ANY INFORMATION WOULD BE USEFUL. THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME. *TR

NHTSA ID
10330358
Incident
Jan 12, 2010
Electrical
Filed Apr 22, 2010
Fire reported

ON APRIL 20, 2010 MY 2003 VOLKSWAGEN PASSATS CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AT AROUND 4:45 PM. I IMMEDIATELY CALLED THE PLACE WHO DOES ALL MY REPAIR WORK, AND WAS TOLD I COULD DROP OFF THE CAR THAT NIGHT, AND THEY WOULD CHECK IT OUT THE FOLLOWING MORNING. I ARRIVED AT THE LOCATION AROUND 5:10, PARKED THE CAR AND WENT TO PLACE MY KEY IN THE NIGHT DROP BOX. WHEN I WALKED BACK TO THE CAR I SAW SMOKE COMING OUT FROM UNDER THE HOOD. I RAISED THE HOOD AND SAW FLAMES COMING FROM WHAT LOOKED LIKE UNDER THE BACK OF THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THEN I NOTICED THAT THERE WERE FLAMES COMING OUT FROM UNDER THE DASHBOARD INSIDE THE CAR. I CALLED 911 AND RAN TO A NEARBY GAS STATION TO GET A FIRE EXTINGUISHER. WHEN I GOT BACK TO THE CAR THERE WERE FLAMES VISIBLE INSIDE THE CAR. I USED THE ENTIRE FIRE EXTINGUISHER AND IT DID NOT EVEN PHASE THE FIRE. WITHIN 1 MINUTE THE ENTIRE CAR WAS ENGULFED IN FLAMES. THE FIRE DEPT. ARRIVED WITHIN 6 MINUTES AND THE CAR WAS GONE. *TR

NHTSA ID
10327020
Incident
Apr 20, 2010
Mileage
92,000 mi
ElectricalFuel system
Filed Feb 4, 2010

RECALLED VW COIL FAILURE. *TR

NHTSA ID
10305187
Incident
Aug 8, 2009
Mileage
95,837 mi
Electrical
Filed Jan 11, 2010

WENT TO START MY CAR AND THE MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP LIGHT WAS ON AND MY CAR WAS SHAKING UNCONTROLLABLY. I CALLED THE DEALERSHIP THEY HAD TOLD ME TO HAVE MY CAR TOWED IN. AS I DID, THE PROBLEM WAS THE IGNITION COILS, THEY DID MENTION THAT THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE 4 CYLINDERS AND THEY HAVE HAD SEVERAL PEOPLE COME IN WITH THIS PROBLEM AFTER THE ARTIC BLAST CAME THROUGH LAST WEEK. THE REASON WHY I'M WRITING IS BECAUSE I THINK ITS KIND OF WEIRD AFTER THIS RECALL CAME OUT SO MANY PEOPLE HAVE HAD THIS PROBLEM RECENTLY AND JUST WONDERING WHY THIS PARTICULAR PART IS NOT COVERED UNDER A RECALL FOR A V6. TO ME IT DOESN'T MAKE ANY SENSE WHY NOT, MY PROBLEM IS OCCURRING EXACTLY WHEN ALL THESE OTHER CARS ARE BEING RECALLED FOR THE SAME THING. *TR

NHTSA ID
10298990
Incident
Jan 11, 2010
Mileage
89,952 mi
Electrical
Filed Sep 30, 2009
Fire reported

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, AND A TECHNICIAN REPLACED THE IGNITION COIL AT AN EXPENSE OF $403.00. THE FAILURE RESURFACED ONE YEAR AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. AN AUTHORIZED TECHNICIAN CONCLUDED THAT THE IGNITION COIL FAILED AND CAUSED THE WIRING HARNESS, AND THE ENGINES COMPUTER TO BURN. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED AT AN EXPENSE OF $887.97. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 83,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 92,000. UPDATED 10/21/09. *LJ UPDATED 12/07/09. *LJ THE CONSUMER STATED IN ADDITION TO THE OTHER PROBLEM, THE FAILED STALLED ON THE HIGHWAY AND THE THE LIGHTS ON THE DASHBOARD ILLUMINATED. UPDATED 12/08/09

NHTSA ID
10285807
Incident
Jun 14, 2008
Mileage
83,000 mi
Body & structureElectricalVisibility
Filed Jul 1, 2009

POLLEN FILTER AND/ OR SUNROOF DRAINS BECOME BLOCKED AND WATER LEAKS BEHIND BATTERY AND INTO CABIN OF CAR. THE WATER THEN POOLS UNDER AND BEHIND THE DRIVERS SEAT WHERE THE CONVENIENCE MODULE IS STORED. I AM CONCERNED BECAUSE IT CAUSED MY CAR TO BE UNABLE TO START BECAUSE IT IS AFFECTING THE ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS OF THE CAR. IN ADDITION, THE POOLING UNDER THE DRIVERS SEAT IS TROUBLING SINCE IT IS A HUB FOR INTERIOR ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT. THE CONVENIENCE MODULE IN MY CAR NOW HAS TO BE REPLACED. *TR

NHTSA ID
10275432
Incident
Jun 10, 2009
Mileage
42,000 mi

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.

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Data sources

Data on this page last refreshed .