2009 Volkswagen Passat Owner Complaints

The check engine light and oil pressure light appeared on my dash screen as I was driving home from work. I pulled over to the nearest repair shop to have the vehicle diagnosed. Upon arriving, the mechanic noticed my oil was low and filled the car with oil. Once that was completed, the car would not start. I noticed it made unusual noises after several more failed attempts. I had the vehicle towed to an authorized dealership to further troubleshoot and they were able to confirm that the engine jumped time due to a failed timing chain tensioner, which requires a new engine since mine is an interference engine. Due to the timing chain tensioner failing, there was catastrophic damage done to the engine leaving the vehicle inoperable.

NHTSA ID

11652540

Incident

Mar 12, 2019

The contact owns a 2009 Volkswagen Passat. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35 MPH, the check engine and oil warning lights started flashing on the instrument panel. The contact took the vehicle to a certified mechanic, who attempted to start the vehicle; however, the engine skipped, and the vehicle failed to start. The contact stated that the timing chain had failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact learned of the Volkswagen Timing Chain Settlement, ID Number: 16/2765 for the timing chain; however, the campaign ended in 2019. The VIN was not under recall, and the vehicle was not included in the Volkswagen Timing Chain Settlement. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 112,322.

NHTSA ID

11652474

Incident

Apr 3, 2018

Mileage

112,322 mi

On [XXX], a MIDAS shop found an alleged crack in the front part of the gas tank on the upper part of the tank by the floor board. The manager also stated that it could be a plastic seal from the fuel pump on the top part of the tank. The tank is located next to the exhaust system. My 2009 VW CC 4-Motion only has 122,xxx miles on it. I could see a wet spot and presumed I smelled gas but was not sure. He gave me a printout of what the cost would be to repair the system. I told him I would be filing a report with NHTSA. I then called Lunde's VW, W. Bell Rd., Peoria, AZ. I talked to a Tyler Rodriquez and he said there were no recalls and VW could not warrant the problem. I told him I would be filing a report with NHTSA and he did not respond to me. Both places were quite fast to elicit repairs from their business. Only MIDAS pointed out the exhaust pipes being near the gas tank. Approximately six years ago I had been to another VW dealership in Phoenix about my gas gauge needle not working properly and I was sold a gas cap to fix the problem. The problem has been a recurring one and my gas mileage fluctuates. This situation reminds me of the mid-1970s problem with the Ford Pinto gas tanks, which I believe was never resolved. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11630553

Incident

Dec 12, 2024

The power steering system failed. At first I thought the steering wheel was locked. I started the car and could not turn the wheel. The power steering light illuminated in red and there was a loud beeping sound when the car is turned on. It was not until the car was towed that I realized that the wheel was not locked. The tow truck driver was able to turn the wheel to steer the vehicle on to the truck bed. I had someone plug in a diagnostic machine. I do not recall the exact code but he said the power steering system was not getting a signal. He replaced the steering angle sensor but that did not fix the issue. I had passenger at the time and was concerned for my safety. Luckily, the system failed while the car was parked, but we were left stranded. I have come across the following information on the Kelley Blue Book website: Steering: gear box (other than rack and pinion) NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID: 08V577000 Report Date: Oct 31 2008 Vehicles Affected: 130 Consequence: DRIVER ATTEMPTS TO OVERCOME THE SYSTEM DURING MALFUNCTION WILL CAUSE (1) VIBRATIONS IN THE STEERING WHEEL; (2) THE STEERING SYSTEM MOTOR TO TURN OFF; (3) THE RED STEERING SYSTEM MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LIGHT TO ILLUMINATE; AND (4) AUDIBLE WARNINGS TO CHIME. A MALFUNCTIONING STEERING SYSTEM COULD LEAD TO A CRASH WITHOUT WARNING. What You Should Do: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE STEERING GEAR IN THE AFFECTED VEHICLES. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR ABOUT DECEMBER 5, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VW AT 1-800-4822-8987. Summary: VW IS RECALLING 130 2009 PASSAT, PASSAT WAGON, AND PASSAT CC VEHICLES. SOME VEHICLES MAY HAVE AN ELECTROMECHANICAL STEERING GEAR CONTROL UNIT THAT CAN MALFUNCTION DUE TO A DAMAGED CAPACITOR. IF THIS MALFUNCTION OCCURS, THE DRIVER'S STEERING INPUT IS NOT PROPERLY PROCESSED BY THE SYSTEM AND THE VEHICLE MAY NOT RESPOND AS THE DRIVER INTENDS. THIS DEFECT CAN ONLY OCCUR IMMEDIATELY AFTER VEHICLE START-UP WHEN THE STEERING WHEEL IS MOVED FOR THE FIRST TIME AND AT SPEEDS LESS THAN 5 MPH.

NHTSA ID

11495014

Incident

Oct 27, 2022

The abs sensors are not functioning although they have been replaced. The dashboard has multiple failure lights. The vehicle is a VW CC not covered by the ABS recall although it exhibits identical issues.

NHTSA ID

11473302

Incident

Jul 1, 2022

I put fuel in the car and about to start the car and it won’t start. Lights flickering.

NHTSA ID

11433936

Incident

Sep 22, 2021

The power steering system fails when the engine/engine compartment gets hot. The problem has appeared after the car has been shut down (such as when refueling or a quick run into a store) and then restarted. When the key is pushed in to start the car, there is a loud grinding noise, a visible shimmy of the steering wheel, followed by the red steering wheel icon indicating there is a problem and 3 chimes. The steering wheel is locked in position with very limited turning ability and ability to control the direction of the car.

NHTSA ID

11425287

Incident

Jul 16, 2021

2009 VW CC PULLING OUT INTO CROSS TRAFFIC THE ELECTRIC CONTROLLED PARKING BRAKE LOCKS UP. I HAVE HAD THIS HAPPEN SEVERAL TIMES NOW. I REFUSE TO SELL THE CAR LIKE IT IS OR LET ANYONE DRIVE IT. IT APPEARS TO BE RELATED TO THE SEATBELT. IF IT HAPPENS I UNDO MY SEATBELT AND REINSERT IT TO GET IT TO WORK AGAIN. IT SEEMS LIKE IT'S NOT PROGRAMMED TO BE A FAIL SAFE SYSTEM. [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

NHTSA ID

11399319

Incident

Dec 1, 2020

Mileage

190,000 mi

ENGINE STALLED WHILE DRIVING. I BELIEVE MY VEHICLE SHOULD BE INCLUDED IN NHTSA RECALL NO. : 17V-509 MANUFACTURER RECALL NO. : 20AE

NHTSA ID

11342104

Incident

Jun 6, 2020

Mileage

95,000 mi

FUEL PUMP HAS GONE OUT. VOLKSWAGEN INDICATES MY PARTICULAR CAR DOESN'T QUALIFY UNDER THE RECALL FOR THE RECALL REPORT 17V-509. THIS IS AN OBVIOUS ISSUE WITH THE 2009 PASSAT.

NHTSA ID

11331767

Incident

Jun 15, 2020

Mileage

101,000 mi

I GOT 09 4 MOTION CC 3.6. I HAD READ SPENT CLOSE TO 6G AND NOBODY CAN FIX THE ACCELERATION WHEN START. VERY FRUSTRATED CHANGE CATALYTIC CONVERTERS CHANGE OTHER THINGS I BAD. *TR

NHTSA ID

11324812

Incident

Apr 15, 2020

LOUD SOUND WHEN VEHICLE IS IN IDLE. TOOK IT TO LOCAL MECHANIC AND THEY ARE SAYING IT NEEDS A TIMING CHAIN REPLACEMENT BECAUSE IT SKIPS.

NHTSA ID

11315935

Incident

Mar 2, 2020

Mileage

167,000 mi

RECALL UPDATE: CURRENTLY, INTAKE MANIFOLD NEEDS TO BE REPAIRED-ENGINE LIGHT ON-COST $1400.00. TOOK CAR TO DEALERSHIP FOR FUEL PUMP WAS TOLD IT WAS REPLACED BUT WOULD NOT GIVE EVIDENCE THAT IT WAS. SIDE FRONTAL AIR BAG NEVER REPLACED-WAS TOLD BY DEALERSHIP DID NOT NEED IT.

NHTSA ID

11309378

Incident

Jan 5, 2018

Mileage

75,000 mi

THE CAR HAS STALLED MULTIPLE TIMES WHILE DRIVING. LIGHTS POP ON AND THE FUEL PUMP IS THE ERROR CODE, ALONG WITH MISFIRES. I HAVE HAD AT LEAST A DOZEN OR MORE CLOSE CALLS WITH THE STALL OUT AND FAILURE TO START UP, AND AT LEAST 2-3 TIMES I HAVE ALMOST BEEN SERIOUSLY INJURED OR KILLED DUE TO THE STALL OUT. IT STALLS WHEN ITS IN MOTION OR EVEN WHEN IT IS PARKED AND IS STARTING UP.

NHTSA ID

11302680

Incident

Jan 28, 2020

Mileage

118,500 mi

THE VEHICLE HAS ISSUES WITH THE FUEL PUMP , INTAKE & CYLINDERS . I WAS ABLE TO CHANGE THE FUEL PUMP BUT NOTICED ONLINE THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN RECALLED FOR THESE SAME ISSUES . WHEN TURNING THE CAR ON AND DRIVING IT TURNS OFF AND HARDENING THE STEERING WHEEL

NHTSA ID

11297252

Incident

Oct 11, 2019

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. UPON PURCHASING THE VEHICLE USED, THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO VOLKSWAGEN OF ORANGE PARK (7220 BLANDING BLVD, JACKSONVILLE, FL 32244 (855) 758-7110) WHERE SHE WAS INFORMED THAT SHE WOULD HAVE TO PAY $100 TO HAVE THE INDICATOR TURNED OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS INFORMED AND ADVISED THE CONTACT TO FILE A COMPLAINT WITH NHTSA. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.

NHTSA ID

11278688

Incident

Jun 1, 2012

FUEL PUMP CRACKED, AND PLACEMENT OF PUMP CAUSED GASOLINE TO POOL UNDERNEATH BACK SEAT INSIDE THE CAR, RIGHT UNDER WHERE MY 4 YEAR OLDS CAR SEAT IS. TECH STARTED WE ARE EXTREMELY LUCKY THAT IT DIDNT CATCH ON FIRE, BECAUSE IT WAS BASICALLY A BOMB DIRECTLY UNDERNEATH HIM THAT COULD HAVE GONE OFF ANYTIME THE CAR WAS TURNED ON OR RUNNING. ONLY FOUND OUT ABOUT IT WHEN I TOOK IT TO GET THE FUEL PUMP MODULE REPLACED, AND ONLY FOUND OUT ABOUT THAT RECALL WHEN THE CAR STARTED STALLING OUT WHILE DRIVING. IT IS NOW AT VOLKSWAGEN OF MACON WAITING ON PARTS FOR A $1,000 REPAIR. WE ARE GOING TO GET RID OF THE CAR BECAUSE WE ARE NOT PUTTING MY SON BACK IN A CAR WHERE THAT IS EVEN POSSIBLE.

NHTSA ID

11268239

Incident

Oct 12, 2019

Mileage

120,000 mi

BOUGHT THIS AT A USED CAR DEALERSHIP. WITHIN TWO DAYS, THE EPC LIGHT WAS COMING ON. WHEN DRIVING THE CAR OR WHEN STARTING TO PUSH THE GAS PEDAL, THE GAS PEDAL HAS NO RESPONSE. IT'S AS IF THE PEDAL IS NOT WORKING. WE TOOK IT BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP AND HAD THEIR MECHANIC LOOK AT IT. THEY SAID IT WAS A SENSOR. SAID THEY FIXED IT. WITHIN A WEEK, THE EPC LIGHT CAME ON AGAIN. THIS TIME, SAID IT WAS THE THROTTLE BODY. THEY SAID THEY FIXED IT BUT WITHIN ABOUT 3 WEEKS, THE PEDAL ISSUE HAPPENED AGAIN. LUCKILY, WE HAVE STAYED ON LOCAL ROADS 40 MPH MAX BUT WHEN THE CAR DOESN'T GO WHEN IT IS SUPPOSED TO, I'M EXPECTING TO GET REARENDED. WE BROUGHT THIS TO OUR MECHANIC AND $1700 LATER, THE CAR IS STILL DOING THE SAME THING. THE EPC LIGHT IS ON AND THE CAR IS NOT GOING WHEN YOU PRESS THE GAS PEDAL. THE CPU HAS BEEN SWITCHED OUT AND THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL HAS BEEN REPLACED. HOW MUCH MONEY DO WE DUMP IN THIS? THIS SEEMS TO BE A COMMON ISSUE FROM WHAT I AM READING ON THE INTERNET.

NHTSA ID

11266545

Incident

Oct 5, 2019

Mileage

112,000 mi

TL* THE CONSUMER OWNS A 2009 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. THE CONSUMER STATED THAT THE ENGINE INTAKE MANIFOLD FAILED AND CAUSED THE VEHICLE NOT TO ACCELERATE IN A TIMELY MANNER. THE CONSUMER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED THE STATE INSPECTION DUE TO THE INTAKE MANIFOLD FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE INTAKE MANIFOLD SYSTEM REPAIR. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 115,000. *BF *AS

NHTSA ID

11254202

Incident

Aug 30, 2019

Mileage

115,000 mi

MY VW PASSAT 2009 SUSTAINED ENGINE FAILURE DUE TO FAILURE TIMING CHAIN/TIMING CHAIN TENSIONER AND NOW NEEDS VERY EXPENSIVE ENGINE REPAIR OR REPLACEMENT OF ENGINE. CAR DROVE OKAY FOR 15 MINUTES IN THE MORNING THEN IT WAS THEN PARKED FOR ABOUT 2 HOURS. WHEN TRYING TO RE-START THE CAR, THE CAR WOULD NOT START. MECHANIC NOTED ABSENT COMPRESSION IN 2 CYLINDERS AND DIAGNOSED IT TO BE DUE TO TIMING CHAIN SLIPPING. THIS HAPPENED AT 80,000MILES AND LESS THAN 10 YEARS (9 YEARS 9 MONTHS) OF PURCHASE OF THE VEHICLE. VW'S EXTENDED WARRANTY COVERS REPAIR/REPLACEMENT OF TIMING CHAIN BUT DOES NOT COVER REPAIR OF ENGINE DAMAGE RESULTED DUE TO TIMING CHAIN FAILURE. THE CAR WAS SERVICED AT VW DEALER REGULARLY AND THERE WAS NO WARNING OR INDICATION OF IMPENDING FAILURE OF THE TIMING CHAIN. OTHER OWNERS OF VW VEHICLES HAVE ALSO COMPLAINED OF HAVING IDENTICAL PROBLEMS ON ONLINE COMMUNITY WITH SOME PEOPLE COMPLAINING OF ENGINE STALLING WHILE DRIVING. THIS APPEARS TO BE A DEFECTIVE DESIGN RATHER THAN WEAR AND TEAR DUE AGEING AND I FEEL THAT VW SHOULD RECALL THE AFFECTED VEHICLES TO REPAIR THE PROBLEMS.

NHTSA ID

11231091

Incident

Jul 2, 2019

Mileage

80,000 mi

MY STEERING WILL LOCK UP AND FAIL, BUT THEN AFTER I RESTART THE CAR A COUPLE TIMES IT WORKS AGAIN. THEN IT FAILS WITHOUT WARNING. I GET THE AUDITORY ALERT AS WELL AS A SOLID RED STEERING WHEEL ON THE DASH. THERE IS A RECALL ON 130 OF THIS EXACT CAR, BUT WHEN I DO A VIN SEARCH IT IS NOT INCLUDED. THE CURRENT RECALL NUMBER IS 08V577000, AND I WANT TO KNOW ABOUT GETTING MY VIN INCLUDED SINCE ITS THE SAME FAILURE. IT HAS ALREADY BEEN TO THE SHOP 3 TIMES TO BE CORRECTED, BUT ONLY IN THE STEERING WHEEL, NOT IN THE STEERING BOX AS INDICATED ON THE RECALL. MY WIFE WAS DRIVING IT WHEN IT FAILED, BUT WAS IN HER PATIENTS NEIGHBORHOOD WHEN IT LOST POWER STEERING (LIKELY WITHIN THE 5 MPH SPEED FOR IT TO FAIL).

NHTSA ID

11229509

Incident

May 31, 2019

Mileage

120,175 mi

WHEN PARKED OR WHILE DRIVING THE STEERING COLUMN LOCKS UP CAUSING THE CAR TO LOSE THE ABILITY TO STEER OR WILL AUTOMATICALLY SHUT THE CAR OFF WHILE IN TRAFFIC!! THERE HAVE BEEN SEVERAL ON LINE COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS SAME ISSUE AND VOLKSWAGEN REFUSES TO ACKNOWLEDGE THIS FAULTY PART WHICH NOT ONLY ENDANGERS THE DRIVER AND PASSENGERS BUT EVERYONE OUT ON THE ROAD IN THE CAR'S PATH. I HAVE UPLOADED THE OTHER COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS VERY DANGEROUS ISSUE.

NHTSA ID

11217568

Incident

May 20, 2019

Mileage

125,000 mi

TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN: I WANTED TO FOLLOW-UP AND DISCUSS A RECENT INCIDENT. ON APRIL 19TH 2019 OUR 2009 VW PASSAT WAS IN OUR GARAGE AS THIS IS THE USUAL LOCATION WE PARK OUR CARS. ON THE 18TH WE COMPLETED YARD WORK AND NOTHING OUT OF THE NORM WAS NOTED AS WE COMPLETED THE YARD WORK AT AROUND 8PM AND NOTHING WAS NOTED TO BE ABNORMAL. AROUND 4 AM ON THE 19TH MY SPOUSE AND I WERE AWOKEN TO A LOUD POP SOUND. THIS SOUND WAS UNUSUAL TO US. SHORTLY AFTER THE POP SOUND THERE PANIC ALARM COULD BE HEARD THAT WANED OUT IN ABOUT 30 SECONDS. MY HUSBAND WENT TO THE GARAGE AND WAS MET WITH BLACK AND PRESSURE LIKE FORCE AGAINST THE GARAGE DOOR. WE IMMEDIATELY EVACUATED THE HOME AND CALLED THE FIRE DEPARTMENT. AT THE TIME WERE NOT SURE WHAT CAUSED THE SMOKE BUT ONCE THE FIRE FIGHTERS ARRIVED WERE TOLD THE VW PASSAT WAS ON FIRE. THE FIRE MARSHALL REPORTED TO US THAT IT WAS POSSIBLY ELECTRICAL IN NATURE. I WANTED TO TOUCH BASED WITH VW PERTAINING THIS MATTER IN AN EFFORT TO SAVE OTHERS LIVES. OUR GARAGE HAS BEEN DAMAGED AS WELL AS THE VW ATLAS WAS DAMAGE FROM THE FIRE. MY CONCERN IS THAT THE OUTCOME COULD HAVE BEEN FAR WORSE. MY VW PASSAT HAD WAS DRIVEN THE DAY OF THE 18TH WITH NO CONCERNS. I AM CONCERNED THAT ANOTHER PERSON COULD BE GRAVELY HARMED IF THIS ISSUE IS NOT ADDRESSED. I AM A VW CUSTOMER THAT ENJOYS THE OVERALL PRODUCT AND WISH EXCELLENCE AND QUALITY FOR THE PRODUCT. IF YOU NEED TO CONTACT ME FOR FURTHER INQUIRY PLEASE CALL (XXXXXX) PARTS OF THIS DOCUMENT HAVE BEEN REDACTED TO PROTECT PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE INFORMATION PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

NHTSA ID

11202770

Incident

Apr 19, 2019

Mileage

120,000 mi

SINCE I BOUGHT MY CAR WITH 75000 MI ON IT 3 YEARS AGO, WHEN I PUT THE KEY IN THE IGNITION AND START IT THE CAR SHUTS DOWN AND TELLS ME STEERING CONTROL LOCK MALFUNCTION. SOMEONE HAD TOLD ME TO CHANGE THE BATTERY, I DID SO AND THE PROBLEM STILL PERSISTS. IT IS DUE TO A FAULTY IMMOBILIZER KEY. SOMETIMES THE CAR WON'T EVEN START, AND SOMETIMES IT DIRECTS ME TO TAKE IT TO THE WORKSHOP. I HAVE SPOKEN TO VOLKSWAGEN A NUMBER OF TIMES ABOUT THIS ISSUE, BECAUSE IT WAS A RECALL FOR THE 2008 MODEL OF MY CAR, BUT THEY INSIST THAT 2009 DIDN'T HAVE THE PROBLEM. I KNOW FROM SPEAKING WITH OTHERS THAT HAVE THE SAME YEAR MAKE AND MODEL THAT I AM NOT EXPERIENCING AN ISOLATED INCIDENT. JUST AS A NUMBER OF OTHER PROBLEMS VW NEEDS TO OWN UP TO IT'S MISTAKES AND OFFER A RESOLUTION TO THIS PROBLEM. EVEN IF IT IS CHANGING THE IGNITION SYSTEM TO A REGULAR TURN STYLE KEY.

NHTSA ID

11181648

Incident

Feb 15, 2019

Mileage

117,000 mi

TIMING BELT TENSIONER FAILURE. ENGINE REQUIRES MAJOR REPAIRS

NHTSA ID

11179839

Incident

Jan 22, 2019

Mileage

78,000 mi