2004 Volkswagen Passat Complaint Log

MY SEAT WARMER ON MY 2004 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT 1.8 TURBO WAS TURNED TO A SETTING OF "2". AFTER JUST TWO MINUTES I SMELLED SOMETHING BURNING AND FELT A BURNING SENSATION ON MY LEG. I LOOKED DOWN AND THE SEAT WARMER HAD BURNT A TWO INCH WHOLE THROUGH MY CLOTH SEATS, AND BURNT MY JEANS AS WELL. IT ALSO LEFT A SMALL BURN ON MY LEG, LIKE SOMEONE HAD BUMPED ME WITH A CIGARETTE. *NM

SEAT HEATER ON DRIVER'S SEAT GOT EXTREMELY HOT. BURNED DRIVER'S SKIN BUT NOT THROUGH THE LEATHER. SMELLED OF SMOKE. DEALERSHIP STATED MULTIPLE PROBLEMS WITH SEAT HEATERS CATCHING FIRE, YET NO RECALL. DEALER WILL BE HAPPY TO REPLACE SEAT/HEATER AT MY EXPENSE SINCE OUT OF WARRANTY. *JB

VW PASSAT 2004 PURCHASED NEW FROM DEALER IN JAN. OF 2005. WE DID OUR OWN OIL CHANGES FOLLOWING THE MANUAL RECOMMENDED SCHEDULE AND OIL SPECIFICATIONS (EVERY 5,000 MILES 5W-30 OR 5W-40 REGULAR OR SYNTHETIC OIL). WE NEVER RECEIVED A LETTER FROM VW NOR THE DEALERSHIP ABOUT THE EXTENDED WARRANTY FOR THE KNOWN OIL SLUDGE PROBLEM NOR ANY NEW REQUIREMENTS FOR OIL CHANGES. MOST OF THE OIL CHANGES WERE DONE AT HOME AND RECORDED IN THE MANUAL; TWO WERE DONE OUTSIDE AND HAVE RECEIPTS. OIL PRESSURE LIGHT WENT ON AT ABOUT 45,000 MILES, CAR WAS TOWED TO DEALERSHIP. THEY RECOMMENDED A NEW MOTOR. DEALERSHIP CONTENDS THAT WARRANTY WILL NOT COVER IT BECAUSE THEY REQUIRE SYNTHETIC OIL ONLY AND FOR OIL TO BE CHANGED AT THE DEALERSHIP. VW WARRANTY DENIED WARRANTY SERVICE. CAR IS STILL AT THE DEALERSHIP. *NM

TL* - THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HEATING SEAT MALFUNCTIONED. THE HEATING COIL BURNED A HOLE IN THE SEAT, AND BURNED THE CONTACT'S LEG. THE DRIVER'S FRONT SEAT HAD A SILVER DOLLAR SIZE HOLE IN IT, WITH A WIRE STICKING OUT OF THE SEAT. THE VEHICLE'S SEAT BEGAN SMOKING AND SHE TURNED OFF THE CAR IMMEDIATELY. THE CONTACT PLANNED TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER ON 02-09-07. ALSO, THE CONTACT HAD A RECURRING PROBLEM WITH THE TRANSMISSION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT USUALLY WHEN DRIVING AT 55 MPH ON THE HIGHWAY, AND AS SHE BEGAN BRAKING THE CAR JERKED OR THREW THE CONTACT AS IF SOMEONE HAAD REAR ENDED HER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THIS HAPPENED AT LEAST ONCE A WEEK. SHE HAD TAKEN THE CAR TO THE DEALER BECAUSE THEY WERE NOT DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY THEY WERE NOT ABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. IN BOTH INSTANCES NEITHER WEATHER NOR SPEED WERE FACTORS. *AK

STARTED CAR, HEATED SEAT SETTING WAS ON 1 (LOWEST SETTING). ONE OF THE HEATERS MUST OF SHORTED, I FELT SOMETHING ON THE SIDE OF MY THIGH RIGHT AWAY BUT DIDN'T SEE ANYTHING. WITHIN ONE MINUTE, NOTICED BURNING SMELL, SMOKING. LOOKED DOWN, SAW SMOKE AND SMALL FLAME. IMMEDIATELY TURNED OFF SEAT HEATER, JUMPED OUT OF CAR. SEAT HAD BURN HOLE SIZE OF SILVER DOLLAR AND WAS HOT IN THAT AREA ONLY. SINCE IT WAS CHRISTMAS, I COULDN'T TAKE IT BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP UNTIL THE NEXT DAY. WHEN I GOT INTO CAR LATER, EVEN THOUGH SEAT HEATER WAS OFF, I GOT A SMALL SHOCK WHEN I STARTED CAR. CAR IS STILL UNDER WARRANTY AND DEALERSHIP HAS BEEN VERY HELPFUL AND WAS QUITE CONCERNED, BUT CAN'T REPLACE PARTS RIGHT AWAY (PARTS HAD TO BE BACK ORDERED FROM GERMANY). THEY DISCONNECTED THE HEATERS FOR ME BECAUSE I PREFER DRIVING MY CAR AROUND INSTEAD OF THE RENTAL THEY OFFERED. BUT WILL NOT BE REPLACING PASSENGER HEATING ELEMENT FOR ME. *NM

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE STEERING WHEEL VIBRATED. THIS OCCURRED ON THREE OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO THE DEALER EACH TIME, WHO DETERMINED THE PASSENGER FRONT AND BOTH REAR TIRES EXPERIENCED TREAD SEPARATION. THE TIRES WERE REPLACED. THE TIRES WERE COOPER DOMINATOR P195/65R15.

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION HAD A SLUGGISH RESPONSE WHILE SHIFTING GEARS. ADDITIONALLY, WHILE DRIVING UPHILL, THE VEHICLE OPERATED AT A REDUCED SPEED. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY A DEALER WHO WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. THE MANUFACTURER WAS ALERTED.

2004 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT TDI - SEAT HEATER WIRE IN PASSENGER SEAT, SIDE BOLSTER IGNITED SEAT MATERIAL. NO OPEN FLAME - POLYESTER MATERIAL SMOLDERED, PRODUCING A DIME-SIZED HOLE, THROUGH WHICH THE RED-HOT WIRE COULD BE SEEN. CAUSED PASSENGER DISCOMFORT, SPREAD SMELL OF SMOKE THROUGHOUT CABIN, ALARMED PASSENGERS AND DRIVERS. NO MEDICAL ATTENTION REQUIRED. *JB

DRIVER SEAT HEATER SHORTED OUT AND BURNED A HOLE IN THE LEATHER OF THE CAR SEAT. MANUFACTURER WOULD NOT REPLACE. *JB

WIFE WAS DRIVING 2004 VW PASSAT SEDAN WITH HEATED SEATS TURNED ON. SHE FELT A SHARP BURNING IN THE SIDE OF HER LEG THAT SLOWLY INTENSIFIED. AS SHE LOOKED DOWN AT HER LEG SHE SAW FLAMES COMING OUT FROM A DIME SIZED HOLE. THE SEAT WAS DAMAGED AND HER LEG WAS BURNED. *NM

1. WHEN CAR IN FRONT OF THE PASSAT SLOWED, THE DRIVER APPLIED THE BRAKES AND THE ABS LIGHT AND ASR LIGHTS CAME ON BUT THE BRAKES DID NOT WORK. THE PASSAT WAS NOT GOING QUICKLY AND HAD SAFE STOPPING DISTANCE SO THE CAR HAD PLENTY OF TIME TO STOP. THE PASSAT DID NOT STOP, HITTING THE CAR AHEAD OF IT. 2. THE BRAKES FAILED, CAUSING THE PASSAT TO REAR-END THE CAR IN FRONT OF IT. THE DRIVER OF THE OTHER CAR SUSTAINED WHIPLASH INJURIES AND 600 USD TO HIS CAR. HE IS IN TREATMENT WITH THE COST OF TREATMENT UNDETERMINED AT THIS TIME. THE PASSAT SUSTAINED 3000 USD IN DAMAGE. THE DRIVER OF THE PASSAT WAS NOT INJURED, WAS TICKETED, LOST HALF A DAY'S WAGES IN COURT, AND DOES NOT TRUST HIS VEHICLE. 3. THE CAR WAS TAKEN TO THE VW DEALERSHIP, WHERE IT WAS DETERMINED THAT A BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH WAS DETERMINED TO BE ELECTRICALLY FAULTY. MALFUNCTIONS WERE STORED IN THE ABS CONTROL MODULE. THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH GAVE AN IMPLAUSIBLE SIGNAL, SPORADIC. THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH WAS DIAGNOSED AND REPLACED. THE FAULT MEMORY OF THE ABS CONTROL MODULE WAS ERASED AND RESET. THE DRIVER OF THE PASSAT CONTACTED VW ASKING ABOUT THE FAULT(S) AND EXPRESSING HIS DOUBT IN THE SAFETY AND RELIABILITY OF THE VEHICLE. THE DRIVER OF THE PASSAT FELT VW'S DEFECTIVE PARTS CAUSED THE ACCIDENT AND VW SHOULD COVER THE COST. VW'S ANSWER IS THAT THE DEFECTIVE PARTS COULD NOT HAVE CAUSED THE ACCIDENT. TONIGHT'S PAPER HAS ISSUED INFORMATION ABOUT A RECALL OF THIS PART HOWEVER, IT DOES NOT INCLUDE INFORMATION ABOUT PASSATS IN THIS RECALL. PASSATS HAVE THIS PROBLEM, TOO. WE DID NOT KNOW ABOUT YOUR ORGANIZATION OR WE WOULD HAVE CONTACTED YOU MONTHS AGO. *JB

ODOR ENTERING THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT THROUGH THE VENTILATION SYSTEM WHEN THE RECIRCULATION BUTTON FOR THE A/C IS TURNED OFF. THE LOCAL DEALER ATTEMPTED, WITH OUR SUCCESS, 5 TIMES TO FIX THE PROBLEM. I AM CONCERNED THAT THE ODOR WILL HAVE HEALTH IMPLICATIONS. *JB

WHILE UNDER WARRANTY COMPLAINED TO DEALER OF NOISE FROM ENGINE AREA. DEALER COULD NOT DETERMINE WHERE NOISE WAS COMING FROM BUT SAID NOT TO WORRY PROBLEM WAS NOTED AND WOULD BE COVERED IF/WHEN SOMETHING FAILED. OUT OF WARRANTY NOW, DEALER STATES POWER STEERING PUMP NEEDS REPLACING, NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. HAD THE POWER STEERING PUMP REPLACED, NOT BY DEALER BUT SEVERE WINE REMAINS. WAS TOLD IT IS PROBABLY AC PUMP. HAD BELT TENSIONER REPLACED ALSO WITH NO RESOLVE. NOISE IS A LOUD WINE, CONSTANT VARIES SLIGHTLY WHEN AC IS ON. HAVE HEARD SEVERAL OTHER PASSATS WITH SAME NOISE. NO FAILURE HAS OCCURRED AS OF YET. *TR

I HAVE A 2004 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT 2.0L TDI DIESEL CAR. THE HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP STARTED LEAKING DIESEL FUEL ALL OVER THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. I CHECKED ON-LINE TO DETERMINE IF THERE WAS A RECALL ON THIS PROBLEM. AFTER CHECKING ON-LINE I LEARNED THAT THERE WAS IN FACT A RECALL FOR THIS PROBLEM. I CONTACTED BOTH VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA AND A LOCAL DEALER. BOTH INDICATED THAT THERE WAS A RECALL, BUT THAT THE VIN NUMBER ON MY CAR WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THIS RECALL. I HAD TO HAVE THE PUMP REPLACED AT A COST OF $750.00. I BELIEVE THAT THE PROBLEM INCURRED IS THE SAME PROBLEM FROM THE RECALL AND THAT THE DEFECTIVE PART INCLUDES MORE THAN JUST THE VIN NUMBER VEHICLES THAT VOLKSWAGEN ADMITS. WHEN I HAD THE HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP REPLACED, I ADVISED THAT I WANTED TO OLD PUMP. I HAVE THE OLD PUMP IN MY POSSESSION. I AM CONCERNED THAT THERE MAY BE MORE VEHICLES THAN INDICATED IN THE RECALL THAT MAY HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM AND THE POSSIBLE FIRE PROBLEMS THAT COULD BE CAUSED. I BELIEVE THAT THIS REPAIR SHOULD HAVE BEEN COVERED BY VOLKSWAGON. *NM

2004 VW PASSAT. I WAS DRIVING AT NIGHT ON THE FREEWAY AT 75 MPH WHEN I HEARD A SUDDEN LOUD CRASH AND BREAKING GLASS, SOME OF WHICH FELL INTO THE CAR. I IMMEDIATELY PULLED OVER AND IDENTIFIED THAT THE SUNROOF HAD JUST SHATTERED. GLASS FROM THE MIDDLE OF THE SUNROOF WAS IN LITTLE PIECES ON TOP OF THE HEADLINER. THE REMAINING RIM OF GLASS IS PRESENT, BOWED SLIGHTLY UPWARD BUT ALSO FULL OF LITTLE CRACKS. WAS IN A REMOTE AREA OF HIGHWAY, NO HOMES, BUSINESSES, OVERPASSES PRESENT. NO TRUCK TRAFFIC ALTHOUGH THERE WAS ONE CAR 300 FEET IN FRONT OF ME. I SAW NOTHING IN THE ROADWAY OR IN THE AIR. WHEN I GOT HOME I CAREFULLY EXAMINED THE ROOF (FINE LAYER OF DUST) AND THERE WERE ABSOLUTELY NO MARKS. THE PLASTIC SURFACE OF THE TOP OF THE HEADLINER PANEL ALSO HAS ABSOLUTELY NO MARKS ON IT. THIS APPEARS TO HAVE SPONTANEOUSLY SHATTERED AND DOES POSE A POTENTIAL SAFETY HAZARD AS GLASS FRAGMENTS FELL INTO THE CAR EVEN WITH THE HEADLINER CLOSED. THE DEAL HAS ADVISED I WILL NEED TO BRING THE CAR BACK ON MONDAY FOR THE MANAGER TO EXAMINE ALONG WITH POSSIBLY A REPRESENTATIVE. I'M CONCERNED ABOUT THIS HAPPENING AGAIN. IN BUSIER TRAFFIC OR IF HEADLINER HAD BEEN OPEN THIS COULD RESULT IN AN ACCIDENT OR PASSENGER INJURY DUE TO FLYING GLASS. *NM

CRUISE CONTROL AND REAR BRAKE LIGHT FAILURE ON 2004 VW PASSAT. *JB

CLUTCH AND FLYWHEEL HAD TO BE REPLACED ON 2004 PASSAT WAGON WITH ONLY 45K MILES. *JB

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH THE VEHICLE STALLED AND HAD TO BE PUSHED OFF THE ROAD. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHO DETERMINED THE FUEL PUMP NEEDED TO BE REPLACED.

HAVE A WATER LEAK IN MY 2004 VW PASSAT. AFTER A HEAVEY RAIN I WAS CLEANING THE INSIDE OF MY CAR AND NOTICED A LARGE AMOUNT OF WATER IN THE REAR FLOOR BEHIND PASSENGER'S SEAT. I THEN SOAKED UP ALL OF THE WATER AND AIR DRIED MY MAT. I HAVE SEARCHED THE INTERNET AND FOUND THAT THIS IS A COMMON OCCURANCE FOR VW OWNERS AND WOULD LIKE TO REPORT THIS IMMEDIATELY. THANKS FOR YOUR TIME. *NM

2004 VW PASSAT---I HAVE HAD NUMEROUS OCCASIONS WHERE MY CAR LURCHED AND RATTLED TO A STOP OR WOULD HESITATE MULTIPLE TIMES DURING ACCELERATION. AT IDLE, THE ENTIRE CAR SHAKES. I HAVE TAKEN IT IN TO THE DEALER AT LEAST 5 TIMES. AT FIRST, THE PROBLEM WAS ONLY HAPPENING EVERY MONTH OR SO. NOW IT IS A CONSTANT PROBLEM. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS ON, THE CAR SHAKES IN DRIVE, REVERSE, AND NEUTRAL. ACCELERATION IS ESPECIALLY A PROBLEM WHEN ON THE FREEWAY...IT IS BOTH DANGEROUS AND SCARY. I HAVE BEEN TOLD MULTIPLE TIMES THAT THE DEALER IS "WAITING FOR A SOFTWARE UPDATE." I HAVE ALSO BEEN TOLD TO GO AHEAD AND DRIVE THE CAR BECAUSE IT IS NOT DANGEROUS. NOW I HAVE BEEN WAITING FOR MONTHS! I ALSO HAVE HAD ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS. ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS THE RED CONTROL PANEL LIGHTS HAVE GONE OUT COMPLETELY WHILE I WAS DRIVING. I WAS TOLD THIS IS PART OF THE SAME PROBLEM. *NM

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED DIESEL FUEL LEAKS ONTO THE ENGINE AND THE EXHAUST SYSTEM. THE DEALERSHIP DETERMINED THE DIESEL PUMP NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THERE IS A NHTSA RECALL, # 04V586000, REGARDING THE FUEL SYSTEM DIESEL. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE MANUFACTURER HAS BEEN ALERTED.

2004 VW PASSAT 4-MOTION PASSENGER VEHICLES ARE AT HIGH RISK FOR A DRAINAGE CLOG RELATED TO THE SUNROOF. THIS CAN OCCUR EVEN WHEN THE SUNROOF IS IN THE DOWN OR CLOSED POSITION. THE LEAK WILL CAUSE WATER TO POOL IN THE RIGHT FRONT PASSENGER SEAT FLOOR AND CAN CAUSE MOLD AND A VERY SMELLY AND POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS CONDITION FOR THE COMFORT AND BREATHING OF ALL PASSENGERS. HAVING ATTEMPTED REPAIRS, I DO NOT BELIEVE THAT VW IS ADEQUATELY ABLE TO ADDRESS THIS PROBLEM; IS ATTEMPTING TO MINIMIZE OR CONDUCT SUB-STANDARD REPAIRS; AND ARE RETURNING VEHICLES WITH MOLD TO CONSUMERS WHILE STATING THAT THERE IS NO MOLD. THIS APPEARS TO BE A DESIGN FLAW THAT CANNOT BE FIXED. *NM

I HAVE A VW PASSAT WITH LESS THAN 30,000 MILES ON IT THAT HAS SLUDGE IN THE MOTOR AND HAVE BEEN FAITHFUL WITH MY OIL CHANGES BUT I AM MISSING ONE RECEIPT. VW OF AMERICA REFUSES TO COVER THE WORK UNDER WARRANTY STATING LACK OF MAINTENANCE ON MY BEHALF FOR THE PROBLEM. THEY ARE TAKING NO RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE DEFECTIVE ENGINES THEY ARE PUTTING IN THESE CARS BUT BLAMING IT ON THE CONSUMERS. I AM SORRY I EVER BOUGHT THIS CAR AND I AM NOW LEFT WITH NO TRANSPORTATION FOR MY KIDS TO GET TO SCHOOL AND FOR ME TO GET TO WORK AND I HAVE NO MONEY TO FIX THE CAR BECAUSE I AM A SINGLE MOTHER LIVING PAYCHECK TO PAYCHECK. IT IS VERY FRUSTRATING THAT I HAVE TO BE DRIVING DOWN THE FREEWAY WITH MY 3 DAUGHTERS IN THE CAR AND HAVE MY ENGINE FREEZE UP AND ALMOST CRASH INTO SEVERAL CARS TRYING TO GET OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. I THEN TAKE IT TO THE CLOSEST DEALER TO BE TREATED LIKE DIRT AND TOLD I DID NOT DO ENOUGH TO TAKE CARE OF MY CAR. THEY THEN SHUTTLE ME OFF TO SOME ADVOCATE FOR VW AND HE TREATS ME EVEN WORSE AND TELLS ME SORRY THE ANSWER IS NO HAVE A NICE DAY.. I HAVE NEVER BEEN TREATED SO POORLY IN MY LIFE AND I AM APPALLED THAT I EVER BOUGHT THIS CAR AND WILL TELL EVERYONE I KNOW ABOUT THIS ISSUE AND WARN EVERYONE I KNOW TO GET RID OF THEIR VWS. *NM

AFTER STARTING MY 2004 VW PASSAT WITH THE HEATED SEAT TURNED TO 2 (ON A 1-5 DIAL) I STARTED TO SMELL A BURNING SMELL ALMOST IMMEDIATELY. AFTER DRIVING ABOUT 30 SECONDS I STARTED TO FEEL A SHARP PAIN IN THE BOTTOM OF MY UPPER LEG. AFTER DRIVING ABOUT 45 MORE SECONDS SMOKE STARTED TO SURROUND ME COMING UP FROM THE SEAT. AT THIS POINT I PULLED THE VEHICLE OVER AND GOT OUT. I COULD SEE A SPOT ON MY SEAT SMOLDERING AND SMOKING. I TURNED OFF MY HEATED SEAT AND THE SMOKING STOPPED AND THE SEAT COOLED OFF IN ABOUT ANOTHER 1-2 MINUTES. THERE REMAINED A HOLE RESEMBLING A CIGARETTE BURN AND THE UPHOLSTERY AROUND IT WAS MELTED. WHEN I CALLED THE DEALERSHIP, I WAS TOLD NOT TO USE THE HEATED SEAT ON EITHER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. I WAS ALSO INFORMED THAT THE PASSENGER SEAT WOULD NOT BE FIXED AND THAT THERE WAS NO GUARANTEE THAT THIS WOULD NOT HAPPEN AGAIN. *NM

I HAVE A 2004 VW PASSAT WAGON. WE WERE IN THE LAKE TAHOE REGION LAST WEEK DURING A RAIN AND SNOW STORM. WE GOT IN THE CAR ONE MORNING TO FIND INCHES OF WATER IN THE REAR PASSENGER FLOOR AND TO DISCOVER OUR TRANSMISSION WAS SHORTED OUT. HAD IT TOWED 100 MILES TO SACRAMENTO, WHERE IT SAT FOR A WEEK BEFORE THEY WERE ABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM WHICH WAS PINE NEEDLES IN THE DRAIN BELOW THE BATTERY WHICH CAUSED WATER TO GET IN THROUGH THE VENTING SYSTEM. VOLKSWAGON CLAIMS THAT THIS ISSUE DOES NOT FALL UNDER WARRANTY BUT WAS A MATTER OF MAINTENANCE - YET NO ONE SEEMS TO KNOW THAT YOU ARE SUPPOSE TO REGULARLY CHECK AND CLEAN THE THIS DRAIN AS IT'S NOT PART OF NORMAL MAINTENANCE PROCEDURES. WE KNOW AT LEAST THE TRANSMISSION CONTROL BOX IS FRIED AND DO NOT HAVE ANY IDEA IF/WHAT ANY OTHER DAMAGE MAY BE. THERE IS NOTHING IN THE OWNERS MANUAL TO TELL ONE TO CHECK FOR THIS ISSUE. I ANTICIPATE THAT THIS WILL BE A COST OF THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS. BESIDES THE ISSUE OF WATER GETTING INTO THE CAR, WHY IS THE TRANSMISSION CONTROL PLACED IN NON WATERPROOF LOCATION UNDER THE PASSENGERS SEAT THAT COULD BE PRONE TO GETTING WET? THERE IS A FORUM IN WHICH MANY OTHER VW OWNERS SPEAK OF THE SAME ISSUE - HTTP://WWW.THEAUTOBAHN.COM/FORUM/SHOWTHREAD.PHP?T=12789 I CANNOT ACCEPT VW'S LACK OF RESPONSIBILITY ON THIS.

WATER INTRUSION IN PASSENGER SIDE REAR FOOTWELL. ANYTIME IT RAINS. I HAVE CLEANED SUNROOF DRAINS, BATTERY COMPARTMENT DRAINS, CABIN FILTER AREA AND PROBLEM STILL PERSISTS. *TR

WHEN IT RAINS, WATER LEAKS INTO AND FLOODS THE FOOT WELL ON THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE. *NM

MY 2004 VW PASSAT HAS 23,700 MILES ON IT WHEN THE STOP ENGINE LIGHT WENT ON. I HAD IT TOWED TO EAST COAST VW WHERE I HAD LEASED IT. THEY TOLD ME I HAVE THE WELL KNOWN 'ENGINE SLUDGE' PROBLEM AND IT WILL COST BETWEEN $2700 AND $5000 TO REPAIR IT. I WAS TOLD THAT I NEEDED MY OIL CHANGE HISTORY DOCUMENTATION. I PRODUCED 5 INVOICES FOR THE TIME I HAD THE CAR (DEC. 3, 2003). I WAS TOLD MY INVOICES WERE NOT GOOD ENOUGH AND VW WILL NOT HONOR MY WARRANTY. *JB

I OWN A 2004 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT, WHICH I LEASE FROM VW. I WAS BACKING OUT OF MY DRIVEWAY AT NO MORE THAN THREE MILES PER HOUR INTO THE STREET. AS I CUT THE WHEEL TO KEEP THE VEHICLE ON MY SIDE OF THE TRAFFIC LANES, I RAN ASKEW OF THE DRIVEWAY AND OVER THE RISING EDGE WHERE THE DRIVEWAY RISES TO MEET THE CURB - A MERE 6". I HAVE PICTURES. I HEARD A FAINT SCRAPING NOISE AND LAMENTED THE FACT I SCRAPED THE BOTTOM OF THE CAR, BUT GIVEN THE MINISCULE HEIGHT OF THE DROP FROM MID-CURB EDGE TO THE STREET, I DIDN'T THINK ANYTHING OF IT AND PROCEEDED TO MY DESTINATION AND THEN BACK HOME WITHOUT INCIDENT. THE NEXT TIME I USED MY CAR I NOTICED A LARGE PUDDLE OF OIL AND WAS SHOCKED TO FIND THAT THE OIL PAN, WHICH WAS STRATEGICALLY ENGINEERED TO RESIDE AT THE LOWEST AND MOST SUSCEPTIBLE PLACE ON THE ENGINE, HAD THE TINIEST CRACK AND WAS LEAKING OIL. I CALLED VW TO INQUIRE ABOUT A NEW PART WHERE THEY INFORMED ME THAT THE OIL PAN IS ALUMINUM AND COST $158 FOR A NEW ONE, BUT THAT BECAUSE IT IS BOLTED TO THE VEHICLES SUB-FRAME IT WILL COST ME $650 IN LABOR TO REPAIR THE PART. NEARLY $800 TO FIX AN OIL PAN? THIS IS CLEARLY AN ATTEMPT BY VW TO EXTORT MORE MONEY FROM ITS CUSTOMERS. WHO WOULD DESIGN A VEHICLE IN SUCH A MANNER AS THIS OTHERWISE? TO PLACE AN ALUMINUM OIL PAN AT THE LOWEST POINT OF THE ENGINE WITH NO PROTECTION IS CRIMINAL. LUCKILY I NOTICED THIS LEAK, BUT OTHERS WHO MAY BE LESS OBSERVANT COULD EASILY RUPTURE THIS OIL PAN AS INNOCUOUSLY AS I DID AND FAILING TO NOTICE THE LEAK, CONTINUE TO DRIVE THE CAR AS IT LEAKS OIL - POTENTIALLY BURNING UP THE MOTOR AND CAUSING DANGEROUS ENGINE FIRES OR WORSE, THE ENGINE SEIZING AT HIGH SPEEDS. I CONTACTED VW ABOUT THIS ISSUE AND THAT THEY WOULDN'T DO ANYTHING TO HELP ME RECOUP THE COSTS OF THIS REPAIR. THIS CAR HAS A MAJOR SAFETY FLAW THAT COULD MAKE MILLIONS OF MOTORISTS SUSCEPTIBLE TO SERIOUS HARM AND I HOPE THAT THE NHTSA WILL FURTHER INVESTIGATE THIS ISSUE AND HELP SAVE ANY FUTURE LOSS OF MONEY OR LIFE. *JB

1. NEW 2004 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT, V6 SEDAN. RETURNED CAR SEVERAL TIMES UNDER WARRANTY FOR MANY TYPES OF REPAIRS. VOLKSWAGEN UNABLE TO REPAIR CAR. BOTH THE DEALER AND VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA WERE MADE AWARE OF THE PROBLEMS. 2. SEVERAL FAILURES INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO: EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION, LOSS OF POWER AND ACCELERATION, TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS, FAILURE TO START, MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP CONSTANTLY ON, BRAKING PROBLEMS, CLIMATE CONTROL PROBLEMS, AND SEVERAL ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS INCLUDING FAILED BRAKE LIGHTS. 3. SEVERAL ATTEMPTS BY VOLKSWAGEN HAS FAILED TO FIX THE PROBLEMS. THEY ARE UNWILLING TO RESOLVE THE PROBLEMS ADEQUATELY. *TR

DT: THE CONSUMER WAS DRIVING IN A PARKING LOT WHEN THE DRIVER'S SIDE AIRBAG DEPLOYED. THERE WAS NO CAUSE FOR THE AIRBAG TO DEPLOY. THERE WAS NO WARNING. THIS OCCURRED ON OCTOBER 2, 2005. THE CONSUMER SUSTAINED MINOR PAIN, CUTS, AND BRUISES. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN INSPECTED YET. *AK

THE HEATED DRIVERS SEAT IN MY 2004 VW PASSAT CAUGHT ON FIRE AND BURNED THROUGH MY WIFE'S JEANS. THIS OCCURRED AFTER DRIVING ONLY 1/4 MILE. SHE FELT SOMETHING ON HER LEG AND WHEN SHE LOOKED DOWN THERE WAS SMOKE COMING OUT OF THE SEAT. SHE STOPPED AND GOT THE FIRE OUT, BUT IT HAD BURNED HER(LEFT A RED MARKON HER LEG),HER JEANS AND PUT A HOLE IN THE SEAT. THE LOCAL VW DEALER WAS CONTACTED AND MADE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM AND THEY ARE REPLACING THE DEFECTIVE PARTS ON THE DRIVER SEAT. HOWEVER, WHEN QUESTIONED ABOUT THE PASSENGER SEAT BEING DEFECTIVE, IT WAS EXPLAINED THAT THEY HAVE ONLY HAD A PROBLEM WITH THE DRIVER SEAT. I WOULD THINK THAT THEY USED THE SAME MATERIALS IN BOTH SEATS AND THAT THE REASON THERE HAS NOT BEEN A PROBLEM WITH THE PASSENGER SEAT IS DUE TO THE POSSIBILITY THAT IT IS NOT USED AS MUCH. THE POTENTIAL DANGER IF THIS IS NOT CORRECTED COULD BE SIGNIFICANT. I HAVE BEEN IN CONTACT WITH VW CUSTOMER SERVICE AND THEY ARE GOING TO BE CONTACTING ME BACK. *NM

[XXX] THIS IS FILED ON BEHALF OF MY FIANCEE [XXX] (SAME ADDRESS,EVENING PHONE) OWNER OF THE VEHICLE. WE NOTICED A BUBBLE ON THE SIDE OF THE RIGHT FRONT TIRE A P205/55R16 CONTINENTAL TOURING CONTACT CH95 TIRE ON HER 2004 VW PASSAT (WHICH HAD ONLY 3,087 MILES ON IT) ON THE EVENING OF 7-10-5 . I BROUGHT IT TO THREE COUNTY VOLKSWAGEN, LYNDHURST, NJ ON THE MORNING OF 7-11-05 AT APPROX. 9:50 AM. THEY REPLACED THE TIRE AT A COST TO ME OF $126.28 SAYING IT WAS NOT COVERED BY VW AND THAT THE MATTER HAD TO BE TAKEN UP WITH CONTINENTAL TIRE. THEY SENT THE TIRE TO CONTINENTAL THE NEXT DAY FOR TESTING. AFTER REPEATED CALLS TO CONTINENTAL, I FINALLY RECEIVED THEIR RESPONSE ON 9-1-05 CLAIMING THE BUBBLE WAS DUE TO A ROAD HAZARD. [XXX] THIS CAR & TIRE WERE DRIVEN PREDOMINANTLY LOCAL! I SIMPLY DO NOT BELIEVE THEIR EXPLANATION ESPECIALLY SINCE MY COUSIN, THREE COUNTY'S FORMER SALES MANAGER,(WHO BY THE WAY HAS BEEN IN THE BUSINESS FOR DECADES) DIDN'T BUY IT EITHER! IF THE BUBBLE WAS NOT DETECTED, IT COULD HAVE BURST WHILE DRIVING CAUSING SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH TO ONE OR BOTH OF US! *NM UPDATED 07/18/2012 *JS INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

DTL: LEASE A 2004 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT, HAD A HIGH SPEED (40 MPH) COLLISION. ONLY THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED. NO WARRING LIGHTS OR FAILURES WITH THE AIR BAGS BEFORE. TWO OTHER VEHICLE INVOLVED BUT THEY FLED SEEN. *NM

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. THE CONTACT NOTICED RUST HAD FORMED IN THE FILLER NECK OF THE FUEL SYSTEM. THE DEALER STATED THAT THIS WAS NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY AND WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF FAILURE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE IS 40,000 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 24,000.

2004 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT REAR-ENDED A VEHICLE @ 40 MPH AND DRIVERS AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY. *AK

AT THE 20000 MAINTENANCE INSPECTION THERE WAS NO OBSERVATION DONE BY THE DEALER. AT ABOUT 22K THE BRAKE PROBLEM WARNING LIGHT CAME ON AND THEN OFF. I TOOK THE CAR AT THE DEALER AND THEY FOUND THAT THE BACK BRAKE PADS ARE ALMOST COMPLETELY WORN OFF AND THEY NEED TO BE REPLACED AND THE BRAKE FLUID NEEDS TO BE FLUSHED. THE ESTIMATED COST WAS MORE THAN 350$. I ASKED THEM TO GIVE ME AN EXPLANATION ON HOW THE BRAKES GOT WORN IN THE 2K BETWEEN THE 20K AND 22K SINCE THEY DID NOT TELL US ANYTHING ABOUT ANY BRAKES BEING WORN AT THE 20 MAINTENANCE INSPECTION. THEY HAD NO ANSWER ON THIS. I FINALLY DECIDED TO REPLACE THE BACK BRAKE PADS BECAUSE THE CAR WAS SHAKING ON BRAKING AND I FELT UNSAFE DRIVING IT. I DID NOT TRUST THE DEALER ANY MORE SO I DECIDED TO TAKE THE CAR TO A THIRD PARTY SHOP I TRUSTED, AND I HAD TO PAY 138$ TO REPLACE THE BACK BRAKE PADS.*AK

ENGINE MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LIGHT STAYS ON, MUSFIRE IN CYLINDER # 3 SINCE JANUARY OF 2005, CAR AT DEALER FOR SERVICE REPEATEDLY FOR SAME PROBLEM. SO FAR NO RESOLUTION. CAR WILL NOT PASS INSPECTIOND DUE TO PROBLEM

(1) SLIGHT PULSATION WAS FELT IN CLUTCH PEDAL. ASSUMED CLUTCH RELEASE BEARING FAILED. 2) TOOK CAR TO DEALER WHO CLAIMED THE CLUTCH FAILED PREMATURELY AND DAMAGED THE FLYWHEEL AS WELL. (3) HAD CAR REPAIRED BY DEALER. CLUTCH APPARENTLY IS NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY AFTER 12000 MILES.*AK

IN SIX MONTHS MY BRAKE LIGHTS HAVE STOPPED WORKING TWICE THEY HAD TO REPLACE THE BRKE LIGHT SWITH ON IT. *AK

WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH DRIVER T-BONED ANOTHER VEHICLE ON THE PASSENGER'S SIDE AND THE AIR BAGS IN THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE FAILED TO DEPLOY. *AK THE DAMAGE WAS SO EXTENSIVE THE CAR WAS DEEMED A TOTAL LOSS. CONSUMER'S SON SUSTAINED A SPRAINED LOWER BACK, HYPER EXTENDED KNEES, MISALIGNED HIPS, ETC. *BF *NM

I HAVE A BRAND NEW 2004 VW PASSAT TDI WAGON THAT HAS NO TAIL LIGHTS. SIGNALS WORK, BRAKE LIGHTS WORK BUT, LICENSE PLATE LIGHT AND REAR PARKING/DRIVING LIGHTS DON'T WORK. CAR HAS NO BURNED OUT BULBS OR FUSES. MY CONCERN IS IF THE CAR HAS WIRING HARNESS PROBLEMS, IS THIS SOMETHING THAT OTHERS HAVE HAPPENING. ALSO ON A RAINY DAY THE ANTI LOCK BRAKE AND ELECTRONIC STABILITY PROGRAM IN THE SAME CAR FAILED BUT, WHEN THE CAR WAS PARKED AND RESTARTED THE COMPUTER RESET AND PROBLEM DISAPPEARED. IS THIS GOING TO BE A PROBLEM? *NM

WATER COMING INTO FRONT PASSENGER SEAT RESULTING IN DAMAGES TO THE TCM (TRANSMISSION CONTROL MODULE), WET CARPETING, AND RUST UNDER THE PASSENGER SEAT. THE TRANSMISSION MODULE FAILURE RESULTED IN VEHICLE NOT ABLE TO SHIFT INTO HIGHER GEAR, AND DELAY ACCELERATION. THE TCM AND CARPETING WAS REPLACED.

MY COMPLAIN IS REGARDING THE HEADLIGHTS ON 2004 VW PASSAT. I HAVE OWN THIS CAR SINCE NOV 04 AND FEEL VERY UNSAFE DRIVING AT NIGHT. THE DIM HEADLIGHTS ARE INADEQUATE ON THIS VEHICLE. I WOULD ESTIMATE THE DIM MAY SHINE OUT APPOX 25 FEET AND THEN JUST CUT OFF. I HAVE TAKEN THE CAR BACK SEVERAL TIMES TO THE DEALER WITH NO RESULTS. COULD YOU PLEASE ADVISE ME IF THERE IS A TESTING LOCATION, WHERE I COULD TAKE THE CAR TO SEE IF THE LIGHTS EVEN MEET YOUR SAFETY REGULATIONS. THANK YOU. *AK

A LOUD NOISE WAS HEARD COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. CONSUMER PULLED OVER, AND NOTICED THAT THE REAR PASSENGER'S SIDE TIRE BLEW OUT. CONSUMER CHANGED THE TIRE, AND DROVE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT THE VALVE STEMS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. *AK

JUST ABOUT EVRERY TIME I DRIVE MY CAR THERE SEEMS TO BE A LURCHING IN THE TRANSMISSION WHEN I START DRIVING AND WHEN I START TO SLOW DOWN(5-15MPH). THE DEALER(COOLEY MAZDA, VW IN EAST GREENBUSH,NY) SAID THERE WAS NO PROBLEM, BUT AFTER CHECKING WITH YOUR SITE I FOUND OUT I WASN'T ALONE. ANY HELP WOULD BE GREAT.*AK

MY 2004 VW PASSAT HAD 13,823 WHEN THE REAR BRAKE PADS COMPLETELY WORE OUT. THE FRONT HAVE ONLY WORN OUT 8% TO THIS DAY (12/20/04). FIRST, THE CAR PULSATED WHEN THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED. SO, I PERSONALLY WENT TO THE DEALER TO FIND OUT WHAT THE PROBLEM WAS; WHICH WAS NO HELP. I WAS TOLD THERE WAS NOTHING WORNG. LATER, TO NO SUPRISE OF MINE; THERE WAS. THE BRAKE LAMPS TURNED ON AND DIDNT GO OFF. EVEN WITH THE CAR IN PARK AND TURNED OFF. WITH THIS, I WENT TO THE DEALER WHO TOLD ME MY REAR BRAKE PADS WERE WORN. AT THE DEALERS, THE REAR ROTORS WERE REPLACED FOR FREE, BUT THE PADS WERE NOT. THIS IS SIMPLY DISRESPECTFUL, AS I AM NOT A CRAZY DRIVER AND HAD TO PAY $220 TO REPLACE DEFECTIVE BRAKE PADS. *AK

WHEN SLOWING DOWN AT TRAFFIC LIGHT CAR HESITATED AND THEN JERKED FOWARD, AS IF I HAD BEEN HIT FROM BEHIND. IT WAS ENOUGH TO MAKE MY BACK AND NECK SORE. I TOUCHED THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL TO GIVE THE CAR SOME GAS AND THE ENGINE FREELY REVVED, EVEN THOUGHT THE TRANSMISSION INDICATED IT WAS IN 'DRIVE'. THE CAR HAS DEVELOPED A HESITATION TO ACCELRATE BEFORE THE INCIDENT, AND AFTER. THE CAR HAS ALSO BEEN SHOWING SIGNS OF EXCESSIVE FUEL CONSUMPTION.*AK

DISTANCE BETWEEN THE FOOT REST AND CLUTCH ARE DESIGNED POORLY. WHEN TRANSFERRING FEET FROM ONE PEDAL TO ANOTHER CONSUMER'S FOOT WILL GET STUCK BETWEEN THE PEDALS. DEALERSHIP HAS BEEN NOTIFIED. *AK THERE IS A GAP BETWEEN THE CLUTCH PEDAL AND THE FOOTREST TO THE LEFT OF THE CLUTCH PEDAL. CONSUMER'S FOOT HAS GOTTEN CAUGHT ON SEVREAL OCCASIONS. DEALERSHIP REMOVED FOOTREST. *TT

ON TWO SEPARATE OCCASIONS WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH THE TIRE FAILED. DRIVER WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER AND INSPECTED THE VEHICLE. NOTICED THAT THE TREAD SEPARATED FROM THE SIDEWALL. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A TIRE DEALER FOR INSPECTION, AND MECHANIC DETERMINED THAT THE TIRES NEEDED TO BE REPLACED, AND REPLACED THEM. HOWEVER, PROBLEM RECURRED. *AK THE CONSUMER STATED THAT HE HAD TWO TIRE FAILURES IN LESS THAN 13000 MILES.