2003 Volkswagen Passat Problems

The contact owns a 2003 Volkswagen Passat. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the fuel pump needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that the parts needed for the repair could not be found. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 07V375000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the VIN was included but the vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 133,000.

The contact owns a 2003 Volkswagen Passat. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 06V017000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

The contact owns a 2003 Volkswagen Passat. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, coolant leaked onto the front passenger’s side floorboard. The contact stated that the coolant leak was underneath the glove compartment area. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, and the contact was advised to have the vehicle taken to the Volkswagen dealer. The contact visited the dealer and discussed the reoccurring failure and was informed that the heater coil was designed incorrectly, and the failure was due to the design of the heater coil. The contact was informed that the heater coil needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 72,000.

The contact owns a 2003 Volkswagen Passat. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35 mph the vehicle's speed suddenly begin to reduce and smoke was present coming from the engine compartment. After stopping and exiting the vehicle became engulfed in flames. The fire department was called to the scene and extinguished the flames and the vehicle was towed away. During the incident, the vehicle was destroyed. The local dealer and manufacturer were notified of the incident but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 150,000.

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.

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.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE HEATED SEAT WAS ACTIVATED AND WITHIN TWO MINUTES, THE SEAT WAS UNBEARABLY HOT AND BURNED A HOLE THROUGH THE CONTACT'S PANTS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 117,000.

HEATER STOPPED WORKING AND BLEW COLD AIR. BROUGHT CAR INTO VW DEALER BE SERVICED. HEATING SYSTEM WAS FLUSHED WITH CLEANER. A COUPLE OF DAYS AFTER "REPAIR," CAR WAS DRIVEN WITH THE PASSENGER SEAT HEATER ON AND A 1 1/4" HOLE BURNT THROUGH SEAT EXPOSING BURNT HEATING ELEMENT AND BURNT FOAM. HEATER STOPPED WORKING A COUPLE OF WEEKS AFTER ABOVE "REPAIR." RETURNED TO DEALER TO REDO REPAIR AND REQUESTED THE SEAT HEATER AND SEAT UPHOLSTERY LEATHER REPLACED. TOLD THAT IT WOULD COST $1000.00 AND THAT IT WOULD BE THE OWNER'S RESPONSIBILITY. CLEARLY THE SEAT HEATERS ON THIS CAR MODEL ARE DEFECTIVE GIVEN ALL THE COMPLAINTS AND PRIOR RECALLS. VW REPLACED THE DRIVER'S SEAT HEATER WITH A RECALL...WHICH LEADS TO THE OBVIOUS QUESTION: "WHY WEREN'T THE PASSENGER SIDE SEAT RECALLED AS WELL?" WAS THIS A CALCULATION ON THE PART OF VW CORPORATE....THAT THE COST OF REPLACING THE DRIVER SEATS THROUGH A RECALL WAS LESS THAT THE LIABILITY DUE TO BURNS/ACCIDENTS/LOSS OF LIFE...BUT THE COST OF REPLACING THE PASSENGER SEATS THROUGH A RECALL WAS CALCULATED TO BE MORE THAN THE LIABILITY THERE? THIS DOES NOT SMELL GOOD. CLASS ACTION SUIT SEEMS APPROPRIATE. *KB

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 AUDIS PERSONALLY, SINCE 1991...DONE!

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.

I HAVE HAD MY 2003 VW PASSAT A YEAR NOW I HAVE JUST NOTICED IN THE PAST WEEK THAT IT HAD A LEAK I THOUGHT IT WAS FROM THE WINDOW OR SUN ROOF I WENT TO VACUUM THE CAR OUT ON A NICE DAY AND SEEN THAT IT STILL HAD VERY WET CARPET AND THEN NOTICED THE CARPET WAS A GREEN COLOR LIKE IT WAS COOLANT I THEN HAD MY BF CHECK IT AND IT IS. I RUN A DAYCARE AND USE THIS CAR DAILY WITH MY CHILDREN WE HAVE BEEN BREATHING IN THIS COOLANT FOR WEEKS NOW AND THAT PROBABLY EXPLAINS MY DAUGHTER SAYING SHE GETS HEADACHES WHEN WE DRIVE THE CAR. I HAVE DONE SOME RESEARCH AND SEE IT IS A VERY COMMON AND RECALLED THING WITH THE HEATER CORE AND I HAD NO IDEA I HOPE US BREATHING THIS IN HASN'T DONE ANY DAMAGE I HAVE A ONE YEAR OLD WHO HAS BEEN IN IT THIS WHOLE TIME AS WELL.IM VERY UNPLEASED WITH THIS CAR. *TR

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

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 AUDIS PERSONALLY, SINCE 1991...DONE!

TEENAGE SON LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE ON THE HIGHWAY. VEHICLE WAS THEN INVOLVED IN A FRONT IMPACT COLLISION AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS WITH THE SIDE OF A FLATBED TRUCK. BUMPER, HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLIES PUSHED UP INTO THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. DRIVERS SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAGS DEPLOYED. NEITHER DRIVER SIDE OR PASSENGER SIDE FRONT AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. VEHICLE WAS DECLARED A TOTAL LOSS.

MY SON WAS DRIVING (IN MOTION) ON HWY 17 IN MILLER COUNTY MO WITH SEAT HEATER ON SATURDAY NOV. 28, 2020. SEAT CAUGHT ON FIRE. I HAD NOTICED WHEN I HAD SEAT HEATER ON PREVIOUSLY IT BECAME SO HOT AS TO BURN LEGS. THIS IS A SERIOUS PROBLEM. IT COULD HAVE BURNED MY CAR COMPLETELY. VERY DANGEROUS.

05/01/2019 CAR HAD A DEAD BATTERY---CHARGE OVER NIGHT STILL WOULD NOT START---HAD THE CAR TOWED TO AUTO SHOP--UPON ARRIVAL WITH KEY ON APPROX. 15 MIN DRIVE--SMOKE STARTED BILLOWING---DISCONNECTED BATTERY---DRIVERS SIDE SEAT WARMER COMPLETELY MELTED--MECHANIC SAYS UNIT PULLING 30 AMPS--THERE WAS A PREVIOUS RECALL--NOT SURE IF TOTALLY CORRECTED--DONOT WANT TO REPLACE IMMEDIATELY--PLEASE ADVISE

REAR VIEW MIRROR WAS PULLED OFF WINDSHIELD BY A 2 YR OLD, MIRROR SEPARATED AT THE BALL-AND-SOCKET HINGE WITH THE BASE REMAINING GLUED TO THE WINDSHIELD. NO APPARENT DAMAGE TO THE MIRROR. PUSHING MIRROR BACK TOGETHER SHATTERED THE WINDSHIELD IN THE AREA OF THE MIRROR. IT IS POSSIBLE THAT PULLING THE MIRROR APART HAD ALREADY DAMAGED THE WINDSHIELD (NOT CHECKED BEFORE TRYING TO PUT THE MIRROR BACK TOGETHER). I WOULD HAVE EXPECTED THE MIRROR TO UNGLUE FROM THE WINDSHIELD OR BREAK BEFORE THE WINDSHIELD BROKE. *TR

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

POWER TRAIN LACK OF POWER WHEN PRESSING THE ACCELERATOR MAY HAVE CAUSED AN ACCIDENT, PULLING OUT IN TRAFFIC. THIS WAS DUE TO WATER LEAK IN POLLEN FILTER BOX (CRACKED) WHICH AFFECTED THE SHIFT LOCK SOLENOID, AFFECTING THE TRANSMISSION CONTROL MODULE. 2003 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT MILEAGE OF 121,000 MILES. NORMALLY GARAGED AND MAINTAINED ACCORDING TO SCHEDULE. AFTER RAIN, FOUND AN INCH OF WATER IN REAR PASSENGER FLOOR. TRANSMISSION NON-FUNCTIONAL, AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT AND OTHER WARNING LIGHTS ON. DEALER SAID THE POLLEN FILTER SEAL WAS NO GOOD AND THAT WATER LEAKED IN AND DESTROYED THE TRANSMISSION CONTROL UNIT WHICH IS LOCATED IN THE FLOOR BEHIND THE PASSENGER SEAT. I HAVE READ MANY ACCOUNTS ON THE INTERNET FROM MANY ANGRY OWNERS OF SIMILAR PROBLEMS WHERE LEAKS FROM THIS SEAL HAVE CAUSED CATASTROPHIC REPAIRS. THE SERVICE MANAGER AT THE VW DEALER TOLD ME THAT CHECKING THE POLLEN FILTER SEAL IS NOT PART OF ANY REGULAR MAINTENANCE AND THAT IN ORDER TO CHECK IT, YOU'D NEED TO DISASSEMBLE QUITE A FEW THINGS IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. WHEN I ASKED HIM HOW AN OWNER COULD POSSIBLY KNOW IF THE SEAL NEEDED REPLACEMENT AND HE REPLIED "YOU FOUND OUT HOW". I AM CLEARLY NOT ALONE IN HAVING EXPERIENCED A FAILURE FROM A PART THAT IS NOT IN ANY WAY MAINTAINABLE (THE POLLEN FILTER SEAL) AND THAT HAS CAUSED MAJOR DAMAGE TO THE CAR. I FEEL THIS IS A CONSUMER ISSUE AND THAT THIS IS A DESIGN DEFECT IN THE PASSAT THAT VW SHOULD COMPENSATE OWNERS FOR. THERE IS NO WAY FOR AN OWNER TO BE ABLE TO AVOID THIS SITUATION -- IT IS NOT A MATTER OF MAINTENANCE. IT GOT TO DO WITH THE PASSAT LEAKING WATER AND THE LOCATION OF AN EXTREMELY EXPENSIVE COMPONENT IN THE REAR PASSENGER FLOOR, THE AREA WHERE ANY WATER THAT LEAKS MIGRATES TO. IF THIS FAILURE HAD OCCURRED DURING DRIVING, I MIGHT. I HAVE BEEN TOLD TO REPLACE TRANSMISSION SPENT ANOTHER 2000$ AND ITS NOT EVEN THIS THE PROBLEM!!!! *TR

I HAVE A 2003 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT AND FOR A LITTLE WHILE NOW IT HAS BEEN SAYING THIS: STOP,OIL PRESSURE,STOP MOTOR,SERVICE MANUAL. THIS IS NOW HAPPENED 3 TIMES. THE FIRST TIME IT HAPPENED I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER(WHICH IS NOT WHERE I PURCHASED MY CAR) AND THEY CHANGED THE OIL FILTER WHICH COST ME $160. MY CAR WORKED FOR ABOUT 2 MONTHS AND IT HAPPENED AGAIN,AND THE DEALER THEN SAID IT WAS THE OIL PUMP AND WANTED $965 TO FIX IT. I,HOWEVER TOOK SOMEWHERE ELSE GOT THE PROBLEM FIXED FOR $720. IT HAS JUST RECENTLY HAPPENED AGAIN. I WENT TO CHANGE THE OIL AND TRANSMISSION FLUID WAS ACCIDENTALLY DRAINED. THE DEALER FIXED THE PROBLEM AND NOW SAYS THERE IS SOMETHING WRONG WITH THE TRANSMISSION,THE CAR IS DRIVABLE BUT NOW FOR LONG. THIS THE SECOND TIME SOMETHING HAS GONE WRONG WITH THE TRANSMISSION. *TR

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.

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? *TR

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.

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?"

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.

THE AD BLUE HEATER FAILURES ARE RAMPANT IS ALL PASSAT MODELS 2012 TO 2015. THE SAFETY ISSUE IS THAT IN THE WINTER TIME WHEN AD BLUE FREEZES THE CAR GOES INTO A NON RESTART COUNTDOWN. IF THE CAR STALLS DURING THIS TIME THE PERSON MAY BE STUCK IN SUB ZERO WEATHER WITHOUT HEAT. THE AD BLUE HEATER IS ONLY COVERED UNDER THE 3 YEAR 36,000 MILE WARRANTY BECAUSE THEY SAY IT DOES NOT QUALIFY AS EMISSIONS CONTROL SYSTEM. THE CAR WILL SHUT DOWN BECAUSE IF THE AD BLUE FREEZES THE EMISSIONS GOES UNEXPECTEDLY HIGH SO HOW CAN THIS NOT BE PART OF THE EMISSIONS SYSTEM? THE COST OF REPAIR IS $1,000 PLUS.

ON FRIDAY, JANUARY 10, 2014 I WAS ON MY WAY HOME ON BRADDOCK ROAD. IT WAS A RAINY DARK NIGHT AND SO THE TRAFFIC WAS MOVING AT LESS THAN THE SPEED LIMIT. AS I CAME ROUND THE BEND JUST PAST T.J. HIGH SCHOOL, I WENT OVER A DEEP POTHOLE THAT CAUSED DAMAGE TO MY CAR. MY STEERING WHEEL BEGAN TO RATTLE AND SHAKE AND I KNEW MY CAR WAS DAMAGED. I MANAGED TO GET HOME AND MY HUSBAND DECIDED WE NEEDED TO HAVE THE CAR CHECKED. THE MECHANIC AT VOLKS WERKS DISCOVERED THAT THE LEFT FRONT RIM WAS DAMAGED AND THE WHEEL ALIGNMENT WAS OFF. AFTER ALL THE WORKS WAS DONE TO GET MY CAR IN WORKING CONDITION IT COST US $997. THE POTHOLE WAS RECENTLY FILLED BECAUSE IT WAS A ROAD HAZARD. I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW HOW VA DOT CAN HELP US WITH THIS LARGE BILL. I AM WILLING TO PROVIDE YOU WITH THE NECESSARY DOCUMENTATION OR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION IF REQUESTED. THANK YOU. *TR

AT AROUND 85,000 MILES ABS/TRACTION CONTROL LIGHTS TURNED ON AND PARKING BRAKE LIGHT STARTED FLASHING. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP AND WAS TOLD THAT THE ABS MODULE FAULTED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *TR

I TOOK MY CAR TO VOLKSWAGEN DEALERSHIP TO FIND OUT WHY MY BRAKE LIGHT WAS ON AND WHY MY BRAKES WOULD FLUTTER AT TIMES WHEN USING THEM. I GOT ESTIMATE THAT MY BRAKE RESERVOIR WAS BAD AND THE SENSOR THAT IT WOULD BE OKAY TO DRIVE TILL I GOT FIXED IN A WEEK. I FAXED MY WARRANTY PAPERS TO DEALERSHIP TO FIND OUT TO SEE WHAT WAS COVERED..ON SATURDAY 5 DAYS LATER WHEN I WAS DRIVING 35 MILES AN HOUR TRIED TO STOP AND BRAKE PEDAL WENT TO FLOOR HAD NOTHING TO STOP ME BUT THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME. I WAS ISSUED A TICKET HAD MY CAR TOWED AND I. AM HAVING HEADACHES AND NECK PAIN WHICH I'M GETTING TREATED..I DON'T FEEL AS IF THAT CAR WAS SAFE TO NE DRIVING.. *TR

ON FRIDAY, JANUARY 10, 2014 I WAS ON MY WAY HOME ON BRADDOCK ROAD. IT WAS A RAINY DARK NIGHT AND SO THE TRAFFIC WAS MOVING AT LESS THAN THE SPEED LIMIT. AS I CAME ROUND THE BEND JUST PAST T.J. HIGH SCHOOL, I WENT OVER A DEEP POTHOLE THAT CAUSED DAMAGE TO MY CAR. MY STEERING WHEEL BEGAN TO RATTLE AND SHAKE AND I KNEW MY CAR WAS DAMAGED. I MANAGED TO GET HOME AND MY HUSBAND DECIDED WE NEEDED TO HAVE THE CAR CHECKED. THE MECHANIC AT VOLKS WERKS DISCOVERED THAT THE LEFT FRONT RIM WAS DAMAGED AND THE WHEEL ALIGNMENT WAS OFF. AFTER ALL THE WORKS WAS DONE TO GET MY CAR IN WORKING CONDITION IT COST US $997. THE POTHOLE WAS RECENTLY FILLED BECAUSE IT WAS A ROAD HAZARD. I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW HOW VA DOT CAN HELP US WITH THIS LARGE BILL. I AM WILLING TO PROVIDE YOU WITH THE NECESSARY DOCUMENTATION OR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION IF REQUESTED. THANK YOU. *TR

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 TOOK MY CAR TO VOLKSWAGEN DEALERSHIP TO FIND OUT WHY MY BRAKE LIGHT WAS ON AND WHY MY BRAKES WOULD FLUTTER AT TIMES WHEN USING THEM. I GOT ESTIMATE THAT MY BRAKE RESERVOIR WAS BAD AND THE SENSOR THAT IT WOULD BE OKAY TO DRIVE TILL I GOT FIXED IN A WEEK. I FAXED MY WARRANTY PAPERS TO DEALERSHIP TO FIND OUT TO SEE WHAT WAS COVERED..ON SATURDAY 5 DAYS LATER WHEN I WAS DRIVING 35 MILES AN HOUR TRIED TO STOP AND BRAKE PEDAL WENT TO FLOOR HAD NOTHING TO STOP ME BUT THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME. I WAS ISSUED A TICKET HAD MY CAR TOWED AND I. AM HAVING HEADACHES AND NECK PAIN WHICH I'M GETTING TREATED..I DON'T FEEL AS IF THAT CAR WAS SAFE TO NE DRIVING.. *TR

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT ANOTHER VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE FRONT END OF HER VEHICLE AND THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. SHE ALSO MENTIONED THAT THE SEATBELTS DID NOT RETRACT ON IMPACT. AS A RESULT, HER HEAD HIT THE STEERING WHEEL, CAUSING A CONCUSSION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 86,000. UPDATED 4/11/2011 *CN THE CONSUMER ALSO STATED THE SEAT BELTS DID NOT LOCK IN TO PLACE. UPDATED 04/22/11

HEADLIGHTS FAILS PROPER FUNCTION. THEY HAVE BEEN REPLACED. SEAT BELTS AND SUN ROOF DO NOT WORK PROPERLY. ENGINE REPLACED; STEERING WHEELS - CAR PULLS TO THE RIGHT EVERYTIME AN ALIGNMENT WAS DONE AND THEY CALIBRATED THE WHEELS. - PROBLEM CONTINUED - THIS PROBLEM CAUSED THE TIRES TO BE DESTROYED IN A FEW KMS - LESS 20 000; WATER INFILTRATION - FOR NOW IT IS FIXED; TRUNK WAS HARD TO OPEN AND CLOSE - PROBLEM FIXED. FRONT DOORS VIBRATED - THE RUBBER OF THE DOORS ARE BEING EXHIBITING SIGNS OF DAMAGE; THE FRONT GLASS ( WINDSCREEN ) ISN'T FROM THE SAME YEAR OF ALL THE OTHERS. *JB

CONTINENTAL TIRES (ALL FOUR) ARE SEPARATING ALONG THE TREAD AND THEY CLAIM THE TIRES ARE NOT DEFECTIVE. *TR

ON OCTOBER 2ND, I WAS DRIVING ON INTERSTATE 85 IN DURHAM, NORTH CAROLINA WHEN I HEARD A FAINT POP AND THEN FELT MY CAR TRANSFER WEIGHT FROM THE LEFT TO THE RIGHT. AS I LOOKED IN MY REVIEW I SAW A TIRE WITHOUT A RIM ROLLING BEHIND ME. I MERGED TO THE LEFT SHOULDER AND STOPPED UNDER AN UNDERPASS. UPON FURTHER INVESTIGATION I DISCOVERED MY LEFT REAR TIRE TREAD BELT HAD BLOWN AWAY FROM BOTH THE INNER AND OUTER SIDE WALLS. THE TREAD BELT WAS STILL COMPLETELY INTACT, MAKING IT LOOK AS IF IT WERE A DONUT. THE INNER AND OUTER SIDE WALLS HAD REMAINED INTACT TO THE RIM. SOME MINOR DAMAGE TO THE WHEEL WELL OF THE VEHICLE HAD OCCURRED. SEEING AS THESE TIRES WERE PURCHASED IN DECEMBER OF 2005, AND HAD LESS THAN 40,000 AND THEY'RE RATED FOR 80,000 MILES, I BELIEVE THESE TIRES ARE DEFECTIVE AND DANGEROUS. THE TIRE BRAND IS GOODYEAR TRIPLE TREAD ASSURANCE. CURRENTLY THE CAR'S REAR TIRE HAS BEEN REPLACED WITH A FULL SIZE SPARE TIRE AND WILL BE BROUGHT BACK TO THE TIRE DEALER TOMORROW TO DEAL WITH THIS ISSUE. *JB