2007 Volkswagen Passat Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2007 Volkswagen Passat, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Airbags10632.1%
- Engine6018.2%
- Fuel system4212.7%
- Electrical3410.3%
- Brakes164.8%
- Steering154.5%
- Powertrain (other)123.6%
- Visibility82.4%
- Driver assistance72.1%
- Exterior lighting72.1%
- Body & structure51.5%
- Interior & seats41.2%
- Seat belts41.2%
- Tires & wheels41.2%
- Suspension20.6%
- Heating & air conditioning20.6%
- Other / unspecified10.3%
- Transmission10.3%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owned a 2007 Volkswagen Passat. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 18V148000(Air Bags) and 17V509000 ( Fuel System, Gasoline), and would like to be removed from the recall distribution list. The local dealer and the manufacturer were not contacted.
I am filing a complaint in regards to Volkswagen failing to offer a solution to repair the Takata airbag which was recalled. I have tried contacting VW numerous times over the past two years as I live in Juneau, Alaska, which is landlocked and the only option is to send the vehicle on a ferry to either Anchorage or Seattle, WA to have this repair completed. The vehicle has not been driven in years due to the fear of what could happen if there were an accident and the airbag deployed. Please help me resolve this issue as Volkswagen is not taking action on this.
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
The timing belt is terrible on this vehicle. This is the same model and engine as the last recall but mine didn’t qualify because it is a 2007 not a 2008. The belt is and chain are completely unstable and prone to catastrophic failure that can happen anytime while driving especially on the highway. This could cause a huge accident. There is also a major issue with the fuel pumps and the hoses. My fuel tank is leaking gas above 3/4 of a tank and can cause a severe fire even if someone dropped a lit cigarette under the car while I am driving.
To start off, this car has common failures of the High Pressure Fuel Pump Cam Follower. This poses serious risk of damage to the engine when the follower is blown throw and the car goes into limp mode and if this happens on road it could be catastrophic. There were no warnings that this was the issue besides researching videos on YouTube while getting a fuel pressure code to find out the cam follower was completely blown throw which means my engine has MANY METAL pieces inside of my engine. If I did not catch this soon the next failure would’ve been the CAMSHAFT. The camshaft going bad at and given moment could also be catastrophic on the road and possibly even spark a fire. Another issue is with the timing chain on specific FSI engines. If this chain snaps mid drive then your engine could potentially blow in the middle of the road causing an accident. This problem is known by Volkswagen and they have yet to take serious action in regards to this safety hazard. Another potential for catastrophic events is the wiring harness specifically the one that runs under the Vacuum pump. These wires are covered in oil from the vacuum pump being prone to leaking and any fluid that goes on top of it. I also discovered that near my ECU to that wiring harness there was a spot of gasoline in which I was able to determine when I smelt the fluid with a glove on of course. This year make and model of Volkswagen can cause serious harm to those driving ESPECIALLY on the high way. The wiring harness and all components around it soak with oil and when you take off the manifold fuel also gets all over it even when you try to prevent it as much as you can. This has caused increased idle in my vehicle while driving with and EPC light that makes the car stall out of no where. If it happened when I was turning my wheel it could’ve caused an accident on the road or even a driver to have road rage behind me. Please help myself and fellow Passat owners of this year stay safe.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owned a 2007 Volkswagen Passat. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 18V148000(Air Bags) and 17V509000 ( Fuel System, Gasoline), and would like to be removed from the recall distribution list. The local dealer and the manufacturer were not contacted.
The timing belt is terrible on this vehicle. This is the same model and engine as the last recall but mine didn’t qualify because it is a 2007 not a 2008. The belt is and chain are completely unstable and prone to catastrophic failure that can happen anytime while driving especially on the highway. This could cause a huge accident. There is also a major issue with the fuel pumps and the hoses. My fuel tank is leaking gas above 3/4 of a tank and can cause a severe fire even if someone dropped a lit cigarette under the car while I am driving.
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
To start off, this car has common failures of the High Pressure Fuel Pump Cam Follower. This poses serious risk of damage to the engine when the follower is blown throw and the car goes into limp mode and if this happens on road it could be catastrophic. There were no warnings that this was the issue besides researching videos on YouTube while getting a fuel pressure code to find out the cam follower was completely blown throw which means my engine has MANY METAL pieces inside of my engine. If I did not catch this soon the next failure would’ve been the CAMSHAFT. The camshaft going bad at and given moment could also be catastrophic on the road and possibly even spark a fire. Another issue is with the timing chain on specific FSI engines. If this chain snaps mid drive then your engine could potentially blow in the middle of the road causing an accident. This problem is known by Volkswagen and they have yet to take serious action in regards to this safety hazard. Another potential for catastrophic events is the wiring harness specifically the one that runs under the Vacuum pump. These wires are covered in oil from the vacuum pump being prone to leaking and any fluid that goes on top of it. I also discovered that near my ECU to that wiring harness there was a spot of gasoline in which I was able to determine when I smelt the fluid with a glove on of course. This year make and model of Volkswagen can cause serious harm to those driving ESPECIALLY on the high way. The wiring harness and all components around it soak with oil and when you take off the manifold fuel also gets all over it even when you try to prevent it as much as you can. This has caused increased idle in my vehicle while driving with and EPC light that makes the car stall out of no where. If it happened when I was turning my wheel it could’ve caused an accident on the road or even a driver to have road rage behind me. Please help myself and fellow Passat owners of this year stay safe.
I WAS DRIVING AND 2 LIGHT CAME ON , THE BATTERY LIGHT AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT. I RAN IT THOUGH A SCANNER AND THE CODES THAT POPPED UP WERE CODE P0087 AND P2293
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
The brakes totally went out on my vehicle with no warning. It first started when I bought the car, the brake pad (almost brand new) almost set my left front rotor on fire within 10 minutes of driving. If I didn’t pull over there’s no question that my car would’ve set on fire. My fuel like was leaking heavily, and the emergency brake which is hydraulic wouldn’t even deploy. I could’ve gotten killed. There is also an extreme issue with the power train system. Completely unsafe.
AIR BAG LIGHT IS ON .. CALLED THE DEALERSHIP AND KEEP GETTING A ROUND ABOUT MY AIR BAGS AND THE SERVICE THEY DID ON MY CAR .. THEY HAD MY CAR FOR 3 DAYS AND THE MORNING I PICKED IT UP ABOUT AN HOUR LATER HAD TO HAVE IT TOWED BACK IN AGAIN BECAUSE THE DIDN'T DO THE RECALLS RIGHT .. NOW MY ENGINE LIGHT IS ON AND MY AIRBAG LIGHT IS ON .. I'VE CALLED AND THEY DO NOT WANT TO LISTEN TO WHAT I HAVE TO SAY .. THEY ARE TELLING ME MORE THINGS COULD BE WRONG AND IT WILL COST A LOT OF MONEY TO FIX IT .. I'VE HAD MY CAR FOR ALMOST 3 YEARS WITH NO PROBLEMS AND NOW THAT THEY HAVE DONE WORK ON IT .IT KEEPS MESSING UP?
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE WOULD SUDDENLY SHUT OFF. THE MESSAGE "STEERING LOCK MODULE FAILURE" HAD DISPLAYED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED. THE VEHICLE WAS UNSAFE TO DRIVE DUE RANDOM STALLING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE WOULD SUDDENLY SHUT OFF AND ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS THE VEHICLE COULD NOT BE STARTED. DURING THE FAILURES THE MESSAGE "STEERING LOCK MODULE FAILURE" HAD DISPLAYED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED THE LOCAL DEALER SERRA OF TRAVERSE CITY(1747 S GARFIELD TRAVERSE CITY MI.) WHO DIAGNOSE STEERING LOCK MODULE FAULTY. THE MODULE WAS REPLACED BUT THE FAILURES CONTINUED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 137,000. THE VIN WAS INVALID.
THERE IS AN ELECTRIC STEERING COLUMN DEFECT WHICH MAKES THE CAR STOP ALL OF A SUDDEN IN THE MIDDLE OF THE DRIVE. AFTER THAT, THE CAR WOULD NOT START EVEN AFTER TRYING FOR AT LEAST A MINUTE. THIS IS DANGEROUS AS THE CAR JUST STOPS WHILE YOU ARE DRIVING.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
The brakes totally went out on my vehicle with no warning. It first started when I bought the car, the brake pad (almost brand new) almost set my left front rotor on fire within 10 minutes of driving. If I didn’t pull over there’s no question that my car would’ve set on fire. My fuel like was leaking heavily, and the emergency brake which is hydraulic wouldn’t even deploy. I could’ve gotten killed. There is also an extreme issue with the power train system. Completely unsafe.
THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION DOES NOT WANT TO DOWNSHIFT. PER THE MANUFACTURER INSTRUCTIONS/OWNER MANUAL WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS NEW, THE OIL CHANGE FOR THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION WAS NOT RECOMMENDED IN CONTRARY. THAT CHANGE IN FEW YEARS IN VW BOOKS BUT THE CONSUMERS WHERE NEVER INFORMED ABOUT IT. THE ISSUE STARTED WHEN THE VEHICLE HAD ABOUT 74000 MILES BUT IT WAS PAST THE NUMBER OF YEARS FOR THE POWER-TRAIN WARRANTY (PROBABLY 8 OR MORE). THE ISSUE HAPPENS WHEN A BRISK ACCELERATION OR GOING UPHILL AND MAINTAINING SPEED IS REQUIRED. WHEN ACCELERATING THE TRANSMISSION SHOULD DOWN SHIFT TWO GEARS FROM SIXTH TO FOURTH FOR EXAMPLE, THE TRANSMISSION BOGS DOWN AND THE WHOLE CAR SHAKES VIOLENTLY AND LOSSES SPEED. I'VE TRIED TO FIX THE ISSUE BY CHANGING THE TRANSMISSION OIL AT THE DEALER AND THAT WAS WHEN I FOUND OUT THAT THEY REVERS COURSE ON CHANGING FLUID FOR THE AUTOMATIC, HOWEVER THAT DID NOT FIX THE ISSUE AND VW DID NOT WANT TO FIX IT OR TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ISSUE.
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
MY 16 BOUGHT A CAR FROM BOMMARITO VW HAZELWOOD, THEY TOLD US IT HAD PRIOR ENGINE WORK AND THE CUSTOMER COULDN'T PAY FOR THE CHARGES SO THEY SOLD US THE CAR. WHEN TEST DRIVING WE HEARD A CLUNK EVERY TIME YOU WOULD EXCEL. THE SALESMAN SAID IT WAS STUFF IN THE TRUNK. COME TO FIND OUT THERE ARE NO MOTOR MOUNTS HOLDING THE MOTOR AND THE MOTOR GOES UP IN THE AIR WHEN YOU GIVE THE CAR GAS, THE MOTOR HIT THE EXHAUST AND BROKE IT. THERE IS NO WAY THIS CAR PASSED INSPECTION WITH A MOTOR HANGING THERE, YOU CAN'T SEE THROUGH THE BACK WINDOW BECAUSE THE TINT IS SO BAD. A DEALERSHIP SHOULD NOT OF SOLD A VEHICLE WITH A MOTOR LIKE THIS, IT'S A BIT DANGEROUS TO PUT A YOUNG GIRL IN. IT HAS TAKEN ME TWO WEEKS FOR SOMEONE TO CALL ME BACK. *TR
MY PASSENGER WIPER IS NO LONGER WORKING. AND THE SCREW HAD STRIPPED OFF. I LIVE IN FLORIDA WHERE IT RAINS ALL THE TIME AND IS A SAFETY CONCERN ESPECIALLY WITH CHILDREN IN THE CAR.
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
THIS CAR IS OUT RIGHT DANGEROUS.MY WIFE IS DRIVING ON THE EXPRESS WAY 70 MILES AN HOUR THE EMERGENCY BRAKES COME ON TO HER SURPRISE AND LOCK UP.THANK GOODNESS IS WAS ABLE TO GET IT TO THE OFFSIDE WITHOUT INCIDENT.IT SEEMS THIS A COMMON THING WITH THIS MODEL, THE GAS PEDAL ALSO CUTS IN AND OUT UNEXPECTEDLY CAUSING THE CAR TO JERK VIOLENTLY IN TRAFFIC. IVE JUST ABOUT HAD IT WITH THIS THING.
ON SATURDAY JAN 10, 2014, WHILE CRUISING AT APPROX 45 MPH DRIVING STRAIGHT, ON A DRY AND CLEAR DAY, THE ECP DASH LIGHT CAME ON WITH NO WARNING AND THE POWER OF THE CAR DIMINISHED SIGNIFICANTLY SLOWING DOWN IMMEDIATELY AND ACCELERATION WAS EXTREMELY SLOW MAKING IT UNABLE TO MAINTAIN TRAFFIC-FLOW SPEED AND DRIVING UPHILLS WAS EVEN WORSE, SLOWING DOWN AND NOT ABLE TO MAINTAIN SPEED UNTIL OVER THE HILL.(VIRGINIA HILLY ROADS). I TOOK CAR TO THE LOCAL VW DEALER, TERRY VW LYNCHBURG,VA WHO TOLD ME THAT THE 2 TIMING CHAINS AND ALL ASSOCIATED PARTS WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED WITH AN ESTIMATE OF $3536.00. I MENTIONED TO THEM ABOUT THE ISSUE RELATING TO THE 3.6 ENGINE IN THIS MAKE/MODEL/YEAR HAVING A REPEATED PROBLEM WITH THE OIL PUMP BOLT THAT HOLDS THESE TOGETHER WORKING LOOSE AND THAT VW HAD RECOGNIZED THIS ISSUE AND REPLACED THE "OIL PUMP BOLT" WITH A NEW MODEL BOLT ON THE ASSEMBLY LINE AFTER THIS SAME ISSUE HAD OCCURRED REPEATEDLY WITH OTHER OWNERS OF THIS SAME 3.6 ENGINE. SAME ISSUE RECORDED MULTIPLE TIMES IN VWVORTEX.COM, PASSATWORLD.COM, CARCOMPLAINTS.COM, VOLKSWAGENDEFECT.COM, ARFC.ORG, AND OTHERS. I CONTACTED VW OF AMERICA WHO DENIED THIS PROBLEM EXISTED AND THAT THEY WOULD NOT ASSIST IN THE REPAIR WHATSOEVER. SINCE THIS IS NOT AN ISOLATED ISSUE AND VW IS NOT IGNORANT OF IT, AND IT CAUSES THE CAR TO SLOW DOWN IMMEDIATELY WITHOUT NOTICE, THIS COULD HAVE BEEN A SERIOUS ISSUE HAD I BEEN ON A HI-SPEED HIGHWAY AND/OR IN CONGESTED TRAFFIC, VW NEEDS TO RECALL THESE VEHICLES WITH THIS ENGINE AND REPLACE THESE ITEMS AS THIS IS NOT A NORMAL FAILURE ITEM ON MOST VEHICLES WITH IS LOW OF MILEAGE. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
THE LOW BEAM LIGHTS PROVIDE EXTREMELY POOR LIGHTING RESULTING IN VERY POOR VISIBILITY AND CREATING A CONCERNING UNSAFE NIGHT DRIVING. THE FRONT PROJECTOR HEADLAMPS FIXTURE INSTALLED IN THIS MODEL ARE VERY POOR AND CREATES A VERY DANGEROUS DRIVING, I HAVE TRIED TO UPGRADE THE LAMPS BUT THERE IS NOT IMPROVEMENT. THIS ISSUE SHOULD BE RECALLED FROM THE MANUFACTURER, IT IS A LIFE SAFETY MATTER. PLEASE HELP. THANK YOU.
TAKATA RECALL,FUEL PUMP CONTROL MODULE RECALL, WIRRS FOR HEADLAMPS FAILTY. HEAD LAMPS GO OUT WHILE DRIVING SOMETIMES, FAULTY PARKING BREAK THAT HAS BEEN FIXED AND DOES NOT WORK AGAIN. NO FIX FOR FUEL MODULE RECALL. CAR STALLS WHILE DRIVING IN TRAFFIC. PAID 5200 OUT OF POCKET FOR BOTH RECALLS. CAR CAN NOT BE INSPECTED DUE TO RECALL WITH NO FIX. BEEN FIXING THE RECALL PROBLEMS OUT OF POCKET SINCE NOVEMBER 2014. ALSO FUEL CAP LIGHT COMES ON WHILE DRIVING AND GAS GAUGE DOES NOT WORK. BOTH ALSO HAVE BEEN REPAIRED AND ARE AGAIN NOW FAULTY
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT 2007 PASSAT WATER LEAK FOOTWELL THAT CAUSES PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG DAMAGED : SUDDENLY AFTER A RAINY DAY, WATER COMES FROM SUNROOF TO THE PASSENGER SIDE FOOTWELL AND MADE CARPET WET AND STORES WATER BELOW THE CARPET. THAT CAUSED PASSENGER SIDE 'S AIRBAG MALFUNCTION RESULTS IN AIRBAG FAULT. I WENT TO THE DEALER AND THEY TOLD ME IT HAPPENS WITH SOME VW CARS AND PLEASE GET YOUR CAR CHECKED FOR WATER LEAK. THEY TOLD THAT THEY ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR NEITHER THE AIRBAG NOR THE WATER LEAK. I BELIEVE THERE WAS TOO MUCH WATER BELOW THE CARPET WHICH DIRECTLY PUTS THE INTEGRITY OF THE SAFETY IN DANGER SINCE IT THE ELECTRONIC PARTS AND WIRES WERE IN WATER FOR LONG TIME.
FAULTY DOOR HANDLES ARE PREVENTING ACCESS TO THE INSIDE OF THE CAR POTENTIALLY CAUSING THE DRIVER BEING LOCKED IN THE CAR AFTER AN ACCIDENT. FOR MORE THAN ONE YEAR NOW, THE DOOR HANDLES ARE ONLY ENGAGING WITH THE INNER DOOR LOCK SYSTEM OCCASIONALLY. ONE CAN HEAR THE UNLOCK MECHANISM CLICK WHEN ENGAGING THE REMOTE, BUT WHEN ONE TRIES TO PULL THE HANDLE, IT IS MISSING THE USUAL TENSION AND LIFTS MORE EASILY THAN USUAL, AND THE DOOR DOES NOT OPEN. IF ONE CRAWLS INTO THE CAR VIA ANOTHER DOOR (POTENTIALLY THROUGH THE TRUNK) AND MANUALLY OPERATES THE DOOR HANDLE FROM THE INSIDE, THE DOOR WILL OPEN. HOWEVER, PRESSING THE AUTO LOCK BUTTON ON ANY DOOR WHEN INSIDE WILL RELEASE THE LOCK, BUT WILL NOT ALLOW AN OUTSIDE PERSON TO PULL THE HANDLE (WHICH REMAINS STILL DISCONNECTED). THE ISSUE STARTED WITH THE DRIVER DOOR AND OVER TIME HAS MOVED TO ALL OTHER DOORS. I WAS INFORMED BY MECHANICS THAT THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM WITH VW PASSATS AND IS CAUSED BY A FAULTY WIRING INSIDE THE DOOR. AS IT RELATES TO ALL DOORS, IT SEEMS EVIDENT THAT IT IS TRIGGERED BY A FAULTY DESIGN. GOOGLING, IT APPEARS THAT DOOR ISSUES ARE REPORTED FOR VW JETTAS AS WELL. THIS IS VERY ALARMING BECAUSE IF THERE WAS AN ACCIDENT AND THE DRIVER WAS INCAPACITATED AND UNABLE TO UNLOCK DOORS FROM THE INSIDE (DESPITE UNLOCKING THE AUTO LOCK SYSTEM), EMERGENCY CREWS OR FIRST RESPONDERS WOULD LIKELY NOT BE ABLE TO OPEN THE DOORS FROM THE OUTSIDE. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2007 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DOORS WOULD NOT BE SECURED UNLESS THE VEHICLE WAS IN PARK. THE FAILURE OCCURRED RANDOMLY. ALSO, THE GEARS RANDOMLY SHIFTED OUT OF PARK WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. WHILE PARKED AND UNATTENDED, THE VEHICLE RANDOMLY ROLLED IN REVERSE AT A HIGH RATE OF SPEED AND CRASHED INTO A HOUSE DOWN THE STREET. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE, BUT THE CONTACT WAS UNCERTAIN IF THE VEHICLE WOULD BE INSPECTED BY THE INSURANCE COMPANY AND THE MANUFACTURER. THE CONTACT WAS WAITING ON INFORMATION FROM A REPAIR SHOP OR THE MANUFACTURER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE. UPDATED 07/27/16*LJ *CN
A/C WAS NOT COOLING AS NORMAL THEN THE A/C WAS NOT COOLING AT ALL. THE DAY THE A/C SYSTEM FAILED I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AT THE SPEED OF 70 MILES PER HOUR AND IT WAS RAINING HEAVILY. ALL WINDOWS TO THE VEHICLE FOGGED TO THE POINT WHERE I HAD NO VISIBILITY. I PULLED OVER TO THE EMERGENCY LANE. I HAD TO WAIT FOR THE STORM TO PASS TO OPEN MY WINDOWS AND BE ABLE TO SEE THROUGH ALL WINDOWS. I DROVE THE CAR HOME AND MADE AN APPOINTMENT WITH A VW SERVICE SHOP THE NEXT DAY. THE SHOP CHECKED THE A/C SYSTEM FOR REFRIGERANT AND FOUND THAT IT WAS CONTAMINATED. THEY VACUUM/DRAINED THE SYSTEM, REFILLED IT WITH NEW REFRIGERANT, AND REPLACED THE TEMPERATURE SENSOR FOR THE A/C SYSTEM. THE A/C WAS WORKING AS NORMAL FOR TWO MONTHS THEN WITHOUT WARNING MY A/C SYSTEM WAS NOT COOLING AT ALL. I TOOK IT BACK THE NEXT DAY TO VW SERVICE. THEY FOUND THAT THE A/C COMPRESSOR SHAFT WAS SEIZED TO THE COMPRESSOR HOUSING. TO REPAIR IT THEY HAD TO REPLACE THE COMPRESSOR, EXPANSION VALVE, AND CONDENSER. THEY ALSO CLEANED TO A/C LINES, VACUUMED THE SYSTEM AND REFILLED IT WITH REFRIGERANT AFTER PUTTING ALL THE PARTS TOGETHER.I WAS WITHOUT A VEHICLE FOR A WEEK. TILL THIS DAY MY A/C SYSTEM IS NOT WORKING PROPERLY. FOR EXAMPLE, I DRIVE THE CAR ONE DAY, THE A/C WORKS AND NORMAL, AND THE NEXT DAY IT DOES NOT COOL AT ALL. IT WORKS AT RANDOM TIMES. TO ADD, THE SAME TIME MY A/C WAS BROKEN MY AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT CAME ON. VW CHECKED IT AND FOUND THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE IGNITER HAD TOO MUCH RESISTANCE. TO FIX IT THEY REMOVED THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT AND BYPASSED THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG PLUG. THEN THEY CHECKED THE SEAT HARNESS AND REINSTALLED THE SEAT. MY AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT IS ON AGAIN. MOREOVER, THE SUNVISORS LIGHTS DIDN'T WORK, SHIFT KNOB WAS CORRODED, THE RUBBER SEAL TO THE SATELLITE ANTENNA ROTTED AWAY, AND BOTH TAIL LIGHTS ON THE INTERIOR STARTED TO BURN AND LOOK MELTED. ALL WAS REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY. GOOD FOR THAT BECAUSE I COULDN'T HAVE BEEN ABLE TO PAY FOR ALL THE REPAIR COSTS. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
ON 4/92014 THE AIR-BAG WARNING LIGHT CAME ON WHEN I STARTED THE CAR. MANUAL STATES THAT THIS INDICATES THE AIR BAGS MAY NOT DEPLOY WHEN THEY SHOULD BUT THAT THEY MIGHT DEPLOY RANDOMLY WHILE THE CAR WAS DRIVEN.I TOOK THE CAR TO OPEN ROAD VW IN MANHATTAN A VW DEALERSHIP & SERVICE FACILITY WHERE THEY FOUND "FAULT 2513" FOR SEATBELT SENSOR AND REPLACED IT UNDER THE CERTIFIED PRE-OWNED WARRANTY WITH WHICH THE CAR WAS SOLD. OPEN ROAD VW STATED THAT THIS REPAIR WAS COVERED UNDER THEIR 1 YEAR WARRANTY ON PARTS & LABOR AS WELL AS VW'S CPO WARRANTY. ON 5/14/2014 (MILEAGE 25,280), THE AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT CAME ON AGAIN. AGAIN I TOOK IT TO OPEN ROAD VW. THEY FOUND A FAULT FOR THE PASSENGER'S SEAT BELT FORCE RECOGNITION SENSOR G453. FOUND DEFECTIVE BUCKLE AND REPLACED IT.THIS REPAIR WAS COVERED ONLY BY VW'S CPO WARRANTY AS, THE SERVICE REP SAID IT INVOLVED A DIFFERENT PART THAN THE FIRST REPAIR AND WAS THEREFORE NOT COVERED BY THE PARTS & LABOR WARRANTY PROVIDED BY THE DEALER. ON 6/23/2014, AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT CAME ON AGAIN. FOUND 1 FAULT N200 FOR RESISTANCE TOO LOW, REPLACED CONNECTORS FOR BOTH FRONT SEATS., CHARGED $50.00 DEDUCTIBLE AS, AGAIN, THIS WAS A DIFFERENT REPAIR THAN THE LAST. I CONTACTED VW OF AMERICA'S CUSTOMER CARE AND THEY SAID I WOULD HEAR FROM A SUPERVISOR. THE SUPERVISOR E-MAILED THAT SHE WOULD CALL ME TODAY, JUNE 30, BUT I HAVE RECEIVED NO CALL. ON 6/28/2014 AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT CAME ON AGAIN AT 10:PM COULD NOT TAKE IT THE DEALERSHIP ON SUNDAY BECAUSE IT IS CLOSED, BUT WROTE TO THE SUPERVISOR ON SUNDAY. CALLED VW CUSTOMER CARE THIS MORNING. SAID SUPERVISOR WOULD CALL ME, BUT ALSO THAT MY CPO WARRANTY HAD EXPIRED AT MIDNIGHT JUNE 29, 2014. AS THIS IS AN ONGOING PROBLEM THAT BEGAN IN APRIL I EXPECT IT TO BE COVERED. IT SEEMS POSSIBLE THAT THIS RECURRENT ISSUE WITH THE AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT MAY INDICATE A POTENTIAL DANGER TO ME AND OTHER OWNERS OF THIS VEHICLE. *TR
WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE FREEWAY MY SON TUGGED ON HIS SEAT BELT AND IT CAME UNDONE. I PULLED OVER AND TRIED TO BUCKLE IT AT WHICH TIME I REALIZED THE LATCH WAS NOT WORKING. THE LATCH CLICKS SO IT SOUNDS LIKE IT IS SECURE BUT YOU CAN PULL THE BELT OUT WITH VERY LITTLE FORCE. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Tires & wheels
Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.
From owner reports, verbatim
WE PURCHASED OUR 2007 PASSAT 3.6L 4-MOTION WAGON AND HAD ISSUES WITH THE AIRBAGS FROM DAY 1 (LITERALLY), AND HAD THE DEALERSHIP REPLACE THE SENSORS UNDER BOTH SEATS WITHIN THE FIRST THREE DAYS. WITHIN A MONTH, WE BEGAN HAVING ISSUES WITH THE TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM. NEW TIRES FIXED THE TPMS ISSUE FOR ABOUT A WEEK, THEN WE BEGAN HAVING ISSUES AGAIN. A YEAR AFTER WE BOUGHT THE CAR, MY WIFE HAD AN ACCIDENT (REAR-ENDED SOMEONE), AND THE AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY. WE HAD TO HAVE THE ENTIRE FRONT-END REPAIRED - $10,237 WORTH OF REPAIRS. AFTER THE REPAIRS WERE COMPLETED, THERE WAS SO MUCH EXTERNAL NOISE THAN THERE WAS BEFORE THE ACCIDENT. OVER THE NEXT 8 MONTHS, WE BEGAN HAVING ISSUES WITH THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMING ON (AND STAYING ON). WHEN THE CAR SHUT OFF ONE DAY, RIGHT IN THE MIDDLE OF (BUSY) TRAFFIC, I TOOK IT BACK TO THE REPAIR SHOP TO HAVE THEM LOOK AT IT. THEY TOOK OUR 2007 PASSAT TO THE VW DEALERSHIP, WHICH MADE A BLANKET STATEMENT THAT NONE OF THE EXISTING ISSUES WERE RELATED TO THE WRECK. THEREFORE, THE REPAIR SHOP WOULD NOT DO ANYTHING MORE TO FIX THE CAR, AND SINCE THE CAR WAS NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY, THE DEALERSHIP WOULD NOT COVER THE REPAIRS EITHER. ON OCTOBER 29, 2012, 14 MONTHS AFTER THE ACCIDENT, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AGAIN, AS IT HAD MANY TIMES BEFORE. HOWEVER, ON OCTOBER 30, 2012, THE ENGINE DIED COMPLETELY. WE'VE SINCE DISCOVERED THAT THE BEARINGS ARE COMPLETELY GONE AND WERE TOLD IT WILL COST US $7,000 TO REPLACE THE ENGINE. BUT THAT STILL DOESN'T INCLUDE REPAIRS TO THE PREVIOUSLY EXISTING ISSUES WITH THE TPSM OR THE AIRBAG. *TR
2007 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT 4MOTION. LOW TIRE PRESSURE WARNING. THIS CAR HAS BEEN IN TWO DEALERS SERVICE CENTERS TO HAVE THIS ISSUE RESOLVED OVER THE LAST TWO YEARS. A MONTH AGO IT WAS REPAIRED AND LASTED ONE BLOCK. I HAVE ASKED THE DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER TO CONTACT ME TO GET THIS RESOLVED. I HAVE NOT RECEIVED ANY CONTACT FROM EITHER. I FEEL THAT SINCE THIS IS A FEDERAL MANDATE IT SHOULD HAVE BEEN REPAIRED UNDER THE MANUFACTURERS WARRANTY. IT WAS NOT. *LN
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
I TOOK MY VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT IN FOR AN OIL CHANGE AND CHECK UP AND WAS INFORMED THAT I HAVE A BAD FRONT LEFT WHEEL BEARING, WHICH IS A SAFETY ISSUE. I WAS ADVISED NOT TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE ON THE HIGHWAY DUE TO RISK OF THE BEARING LOCKING UP THE WHEEL. THE WHEEL BEARING IS CURRENTLY ON A NATIONWIDE BACK ORDER DUE TO EXCESSIVE DEMAND. THE WHEEL BEARING REPLACEMENT PART WAS RECENTLY MODIFIED DUE TO A KNOWN PROBLEM. I WAS INFORMED THAT IT IS UNKNOWN WHEN THE PART WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR REPLACEMENT. MY VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT IS A 2007 AND ONLY HAS 29,000 MILES. IT IS UNHEARD OF FOR A WHEEL BEARING TO FAIL WITH MILEAGE THAT LOW, SINCE WHEEL BEARINGS ONLY WEAR OUT DUE TO WEAR AND TEAR (IE 80,000 MILES OR MORE) OR FLOOD. MY VEHICLE WAS NOT INVOLVED IN A FLOOD AND I FIND IT HARD TO BELIEVE THAT ALL THE CARS NEEDING REPLACEMENT WHEEL BEARINGS AROUND THE COUNTRY HAVE BEEN INVOLVED IN A FLOOD. THE WHEEL BEARINGS ARE WEARING OUT PREMATURELY AND THE FACT THAT THEY CANNOT BE REPLACED IN A TIMELY MANNER IS A SAFETY ISSUE. *KB
UPON RECEIPT OF THE VEHICLE FROM THE DEALERSHIP, A SHUTTERING OR VIBRATION HAS BEEN NOTICED BETWEEN 65 AND 80 MPH. ORIGINAL DIAGNOSTIC EFFORTS YIELDED A CONFIRMATION OF THE BEHAVIOR FROM THE DEALERSHIP, BUT NO SOLUTION. I BROUGHT THE VEHICLE HOME AND NOTICED THAT THE LUG BOLTS WERE NOT TORQUED APPROPRIATELY. TIGHTENING DOWN THE WHEELS IMPROVED THE SHAKING FOR A SHORT PERIOD OF TIME, BUT THE BEHAVIOR RETURNED WITHIN 24 HOURS. SUBSEQUENT DIAGNOSTIC EFFORTS BY THE DEALERSHIP HAVE YIELDED ONLY A "MINOR VIBRATION AT SPEED" DESCRIPTION WITH NO PROPOSED RESOLUTION. *NM *AK
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Heating & air conditioning
Reports naming the heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG LIGHT REMAINED ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR REPAIRS BUT TO NO AVAIL. THE DRIVER SIDE SUN VISOR LIGHT ALSO WOULD NOT ILLUMINATE AND THE LIGHT WAS REPLACED BY THE DEALER. IN ADDITION, THE AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM WAS REPAIRED SEVERAL TIMES AND MOST RECENTLY FAILED AGAIN. THE CONTACT STATED THE DRAIN HAD TO BE CLEANED OF CONTAMINATED SOLVENT AND REPAIRS WERE ALSO MADE TO THE TEMPERATURE SYSTEM. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED IN REGARDS TO ANY OF THE ABOVE FAILURES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 20,578 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 39,000.
AIR CONDITIONING DOES NOT WORK. ON FOGGY AND RAINY DAYS AIR CONDITIONING IS NECESSARY TO OBTAIN A GOOD VISIBILITY WHILE DRIVING. SEVERAL 2006 AND 2007 VW PASSAT MODELS HAVE THIS PROBLEM. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
MY CAR STOPPED WORKING WHILE I WAS DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE WITH MY FIVE YEAR OLD SON. WE WERE LUCKY I WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER WITHOUT INCIDENT. THE CAR WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER. THE FUEL PUMP WAS REPLACED ABOUT TWO WEEKS AGO, THE CAR WAS ONLY 4 MONTHS OLD AND HAS ONLY ABOUT 2500 MILES, AND APPARENTLY THEY INSTALLED IT INCORRECTLY OR ITWAS FAULTY. THEY CLAIMED THAT I RAN OUT OF GAS, ALTHOUGH THE GAUGE READ THAT I HAD HALF A TANK. *AK
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Transmission
Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.
From owner reports, verbatim
THE CAR WILL IDLE AT 900-1000 RPM WHEN COMING TO A COMPLETE STOP. BRAKE MUST BE HELD HEAVILY AND IF RELEASED, CAR WILL LUNGE FORWARD WITHOUT DRIVER ENGAGING ACCELERATOR. THIS OCCURS INTERMITTENTLY AFTER CAR HAS SAT IN THE HOT SUN. TEMPERATURES ARE NOT ABOVE NORMAL FOR THE AREA THIS SUMMER. TOOK CAR TO DEALER (MILEAGE 38,000). PROBLEM REPLICATED FOR DEALER AND SERVICE DEPT CONTACTED VW OF AMERICA (VWA) FOR ASSISTANCE. VWA CONTENDS THAT OPERATION IS WITHIN NORMAL SPECS AND THAT CAR IS COMMANDING THE HIGHER IDLE SPEED TO BUMP UP ALTERNATOR OUTPUT. VWA STATES THIS IS DUE TO HIGH SUMMER TEMPS ALTHOUGH SUMMER TEMPS FOR THE AREA ARE AVERAGE THIS YEAR. WE AND DEALER ARE NOT SATISFIED WITH ANSWER BUT VWA REFUSES TO INVESTIGATE FURTHER AND CLOSED THE ISSUE. DEALER REPORTS ANOTHER CAR OF SAME MAKE EXPERIENCING THE SAME PROBLEM. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
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.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .