2002 Volkswagen Passat
Safety record from NHTSA: recalls, owner complaints, investigations and service bulletins.
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These records cover every 2002 Volkswagen Passat. To see whether one car still needs a recall repair, decode its VIN or check it with NHTSA.
Recalls
4 recalls name the 2002 Volkswagen Passat. Newest first.
The Gates Corporation (Gates) is recalling certain aftermarket Tru-Flow Water Pumps, part number TFW 41127, sold at certain NAPA Auto Parts and/or installed by automotive service technicians after November 1, 2013 (and manufactured August 2013 through October 2013) that have a black-colored pulley/sprocket or do not have 'US9377' stamped on the water pump…
Risk and remedy
Risk
A failure of the timing belt may cause the engine to shut down, potentially increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
Remedy
Gates will notify owners, and dealers will replace the water pump, free of charge. The recall began during May 2014. Owners may contact The Gates Corporation at 1-303-744-1911.
Volkswagen IS recalling 412,000 my 1999-2005 passat (5TH generation) vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions and produced after june 14, 1999. these vehicles may have an underbody heat shield that can become damaged. in addition, affected vehicles with automatic or manual transmissions may have a fuel line (1.8T engines only) or fuel tank…
Risk and remedy
Risk
A heat shield that may contact the exhaust system can result in a vehicle fire. in addition, a fuel leak from a fuel line or fuel tank ventilation valve, in the presence of an ignition source, can lead to a vehicle fire.
Remedy
Dealers will install additional underbody heat shields on vehicles with automatic transmissions to cover the possibly damaged areas and flash all 1.8T engines with a precautionary software update. Dealers will also inspect and adjust the fuel line routing on 1.8T vehicles and the fuel tank ventilation valve on 4motion/all wheel drive vehicles, and replace components if necessary free of charge. the recall began on june 13, 2008. owners may contact volkswagen at 1-800-822-8987.
Certain sedans and station wagons equipped with 4.0L W8 engines fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 110, "tire selection and rims." the affected vehicles are equipped with tires of the maximum load rating index 93H; however, they should have been equipped with tires with the load rating index 97H.
Risk and remedy
Risk
These vehicles should have been equipped with tires having the load rating index 97H.
Remedy
Dealers will replace all four tires with the proper size tires. owner notification began september 19, 2003. owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact VW at 1-800-822-8987.
On some passenger vehicles, the fuel tank filler neck can suffer abrasion damage if the rear tire goes flat and the vehicle IS driven until the tire disintegrates.
Risk and remedy
Risk
Fuel leakage can occur increasing the risk of a fire.
Remedy
Dealers will fit passat vehicles with a new wheel house liner that will better protect the car's filler neck. jetta vehicles will be fitted with a different metal shield designed to enhance abrasion protection in the event of tire disintegration. owner notification began june 13, 2003. owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact volkswagen at 1-800-822-8987.
Owner complaints
636 complaints10 involved a crash46 involved a fire19 injuries2 deaths
What owners report most
Latest complaints
- Fuel/propulsion system
To Whom It May Concern, I am submitting this letter as a formal complaint regarding an authorized automobile dealer’s refusal to perform an open safety recall on my vehicle. Vehicle information: * Year/Make/Model: 2002 Volkswagen Passat 1.8T GLS * VIN: [XXX] I contacted Platinum Volkswagen, of…
To Whom It May Concern, I am submitting this letter as a formal complaint regarding an authorized automobile dealer’s refusal to perform an open safety recall on my vehicle. Vehicle information: * Year/Make/Model: 2002 Volkswagen Passat 1.8T GLS * VIN: [XXX] I contacted Platinum Volkswagen, of Hicksville, New York, an authorized Volkswagen dealer, on January 7, 2026, to schedule a repair for an open safety recall applicable to my vehicle. I was advised by the service manager that the owner of the dealership refused to perform the recall repair solely based on the age of the vehicle. He advised me to request service at another authorized dealership. The service manager confirmed that the parts for the recall were available or could have been ordered and that the decision was based solely on the individual VW franchise owner's discretion not to service older vehicles. My understanding of federal motor vehicle safety law is that open safety recalls do not expire due to vehicle age, and that manufacturers and their authorized dealers are required to remedy such recalls at no cost to the owner. The dealer did not cite recall closure, lack of available parts, or any condition that would make the repair unsafe or infeasible. I am requesting that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration review this matter and determine whether the dealer’s refusal is consistent with federal safety recall requirements. Please let me know if additional documentation or information is required. Thank you for your time and attention. Sincerely, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
- Fuel/propulsion system
I was letting my car run for a couple of minutes for the AC to cool down the car and I went into my house. When I came out about 2 minutes later, there was a large puddle of gas under the car in front of the right rear wheel and gas was running down the driveway all the way to the street. I…
I was letting my car run for a couple of minutes for the AC to cool down the car and I went into my house. When I came out about 2 minutes later, there was a large puddle of gas under the car in front of the right rear wheel and gas was running down the driveway all the way to the street. I immediately turned off the car and the gas stopped pouring out from under the car. I was lucky the car, my house or I did not go up in flames.
- Air bags
While driving into the mall parking lot at speed of 20 mph all airbags exploded except the steering wheel airbag and my daughter suffered from arm and air injuries
- Engine · Power train · Structure › Body
When it rains the car gets flooded causing the whole wiring system through the car to get damage. The car will suddenly lose power and die as your driving. Seems to happen. When on highway most. The car will not start or crank. I've had to vacuum the floor boards and trunk, search for damaged…
When it rains the car gets flooded causing the whole wiring system through the car to get damage. The car will suddenly lose power and die as your driving. Seems to happen. When on highway most. The car will not start or crank. I've had to vacuum the floor boards and trunk, search for damaged wires, change relays as well as camshaft position sensor, and fuel pump.as well as sensors. Trying to get it running again. also the transmission jerks very hard when trying to go into reverse and most of the time in slips out of gear within1or 2 seconds.
- Exterior lighting · Fuel/propulsion system · Suspension
Headlight pigtails have melted ,fuel pump has gone ,and the plastic reservoir peice from my coolant pump has melted off driver side wiper arm bar has malfunctioned
- Service brakes
The ABS light came on and brake light IS flashing red. The ABS module seems to be bad. The vehicle has these lights when its moving and stationary
- Fuel/propulsion system
I purchased a 2002 passat W8 4-motion, having only 126,000 miles on the odometer, in october 2017 often after refueling the vehicle, I would notice the faint scent of gasoline. Upon investigating where the gasoline smell was originating, I found it had developed a very large fuel leak from which…
I purchased a 2002 passat W8 4-motion, having only 126,000 miles on the odometer, in october 2017 often after refueling the vehicle, I would notice the faint scent of gasoline. Upon investigating where the gasoline smell was originating, I found it had developed a very large fuel leak from which fuel could be seen dripping on the forward, left side of the fuel tank. after performing some brief research, I found that there was a recall on the passat 4-motions, dated april 2008, in regards to a ventilation valve on the fuel tank. I promptly made a appointment with my local VW dealer for dec 4TH. On december 6, 2017, I contacted the dealership asking jay, the service manager at the VW dealership, if they found the vent valve to be leaking. I was told that the valve was in fact leaking at the bonded valve point. After hearing nothing the next two days, I received a phone call from VW stating that they found the under-body damage to be the cause of the leak. I requested to see the pictures of the damage so that I could examine them myself. on december 11, 2017, I received the pictures from the service manager showing the heat shields surrounding the tank to have some brush marks and to be disfigured a bit. Please keep in mind, this was a known issue in the early 2000's, and the vehicle IS now 15 years old with 127,000 miles on it and the recall had been completed. This "damage" would not lead to a fuel tank leak as the fuel tank itself was not damaged. very upset, I wrote to the regional case manager on dec 11, 2017 with my thoughts on the damage and to get more details on the case. I have yet to receive a response.
- Service brakes
The ABS brakes are faulty....they work randomly. from what I have research this particular modular should have been a factory recall.....
- Service brakes
I get an audio and visual alert on my dash stating to 'stop, brake failure' it has occurred many times while driving, turning, and parked with the car on. the car's brakes have never failed to brake appropriately. I brought the car into my mechanic. the obd 2 scan shows no faults and my…
I get an audio and visual alert on my dash stating to 'stop, brake failure' it has occurred many times while driving, turning, and parked with the car on. the car's brakes have never failed to brake appropriately. I brought the car into my mechanic. the obd 2 scan shows no faults and my mechanic says the brakes are fine and these cars are known to have a faulty electronic board which falsely alerts of a brake failure.
- Service brakes
ABS light IS on
- Air bags
Air bag fault message when starting my car everytime.
- Fuel/propulsion system
When fuel tank has approximately 8 gallons or more, fuel pours out from under the rear driver's side about two feet from the outer kick panel. Noticed there was a recall and vwoa said that my vin does not qualify for the recall despite my explaining that the problem IS identical to other complaints on vehicles that were recalled. This was at 118K miles and it happened to the previous owner arround 80K.
- Fuel/propulsion system · Unknown or other
The gas tank IS leaking on the upper side behind the rear seats when IS full. I think volkswagen recalled some vehicles for the same problem in the past.
- Fuel/propulsion system
Fuel leak after filling gas tank. leak on driver side under rear door. Stops after gage IS below 3/4 full.
- Service brakes
Periodically, when driving, the "ABS", "brake", and the "anti slip regulation" lights will flash with an alarm sound that lasts around three seconds and the lights go off. this happens when the car IS running and has happened on the highway and while stopped. there IS no difference in the way the…
Periodically, when driving, the "ABS", "brake", and the "anti slip regulation" lights will flash with an alarm sound that lasts around three seconds and the lights go off. this happens when the car IS running and has happened on the highway and while stopped. there IS no difference in the way the car handles, drives, or brakes during and after this occurs. on one instance the "anti slip regulation" light stayed on and I had to stop and shut the car off. when I started it again, the light was extinguished. this has been going on for 3-4 months and only happens about once a week.
- Electronic stability control (esc)
ABS light comes on while driving brakes light flashes on and off with noise
- Fuel system, gasoline
TL* the contact owns a 2002 volkswagen passat the contact stated that the vehicle leaked fuel without warning. The vehicle was serviced per nhtsa campaign number: 08v156000 (fuel system), but the remedy failed to repair the vehicle. The contact stated that the ventilation valve was fractured and…
TL* the contact owns a 2002 volkswagen passat the contact stated that the vehicle leaked fuel without warning. The vehicle was serviced per nhtsa campaign number: 08v156000 (fuel system), but the remedy failed to repair the vehicle. The contact stated that the ventilation valve was fractured and caused fuel to leak. Also, the tank only leaked when it was more than half full. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000. updated 01/25/17*lj *tr
- Fuel/propulsion system
TL* the contact owns a 2002 volkswagen passat. The contact stated that the vehicle experienced a fuel leak. Upon further inspection, the contact noticed that the fuel leak originated near the rear of the exhaust. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was confirmed that there was…
TL* the contact owns a 2002 volkswagen passat. The contact stated that the vehicle experienced a fuel leak. Upon further inspection, the contact noticed that the fuel leak originated near the rear of the exhaust. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was confirmed that there was a fuel leak in the vehicle coming from the top of the fuel tank. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The contact referenced nhtsa campaign number: 08v156000 (fuel system, gasoline); however, the vin was not included. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.
- Fuel/propulsion system
Report receipt date: apr 07, 2008 nhtsa campaign number: 08v156000 component(s): fuel system, gasoline when fuel tank IS more than 3/4 fuel a fuel smell appears inside the vehicle. A prior recall was done for a heat shield, fuel line and 4motion fuel tank vent valve for inspection and replace…
Report receipt date: apr 07, 2008 nhtsa campaign number: 08v156000 component(s): fuel system, gasoline when fuel tank IS more than 3/4 fuel a fuel smell appears inside the vehicle. A prior recall was done for a heat shield, fuel line and 4motion fuel tank vent valve for inspection and replace as needed. These seem to fail again. Most dealers mark recall as performed without a leak and when the leak actually occurs they try to deny the issue as performed already. This needs to be addressed so that owners of lower mileage vehicles ( under 150000) can get the repair fixed under a recall that has been on the vehicle prior.
- Engine
Low oil pressure light came on for the first time and now engine makes a ticking noise. there was a recall for this issue. Now I'm stuck with a car I can't get fixed. For an issue that had a law suit.
- Engine · Fuel/propulsion system · Power train
I started my car and proceeded to drive down around city streets for about 5 minutes. I was going speed limit(25-30 mph) during a cool night(60*f). I stopped at a red light and then my temperature gauge spiked(car was slightly below normal temperature prior(190*f; according to gauge); this gauge…
I started my car and proceeded to drive down around city streets for about 5 minutes. I was going speed limit(25-30 mph) during a cool night(60*f). I stopped at a red light and then my temperature gauge spiked(car was slightly below normal temperature prior(190*f; according to gauge); this gauge spike was followed by a battery indicator light which simultaneously cut off my engine. My car became immobile and I lost brake and steering function. However, my radio and car lights still worked! Luckily there was no surrounding cars and my parking brake was functional. I then turned off the car, waited a few minutes and attempted to turn over the engine once more. It did start however I am worried this may happen again under less forgiving circumstances.
- Engine
Vehicle was in motion, driving uphill. Needle on thermostat gauge suddenly perked really fast towards hot. Engine light went on. Vehicle was driven to side of road and engine was shut off. Smoke was coming out of front of engine. Driver stepped out of car. While inspecting the front of the car, the…
Vehicle was in motion, driving uphill. Needle on thermostat gauge suddenly perked really fast towards hot. Engine light went on. Vehicle was driven to side of road and engine was shut off. Smoke was coming out of front of engine. Driver stepped out of car. While inspecting the front of the car, the driver saw flickering flames under right side of engine (as seen from inside). Driver took sleeping child out of car seat and stepped away from car. Car was engulfed in fire within minutes and completely burnt up.
- Engine
TL* the contact owned a 2002 volkswagen passat. While driving approximately 25 mph, an extremely loud noise emitted from the engine. The vehicle was maneuvered to the side of the road. The contact exited the vehicle and large flames ignited underneath the hood. The fire department extinguished the…
TL* the contact owned a 2002 volkswagen passat. While driving approximately 25 mph, an extremely loud noise emitted from the engine. The vehicle was maneuvered to the side of the road. The contact exited the vehicle and large flames ignited underneath the hood. The fire department extinguished the fire and stated that the fire originated from the engine compartment. The vehicle was destroyed. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 172,808.
- Electrical system · Structure › Body
While driving at 75mph or in city traffic I get an alarm warning that my driver's door IS open. to shut the loud warning off, I must open and close the door while going 75mph or in traffic. either I open the door while driving or pull over on the side of the highway with traffic, I find this very…
While driving at 75mph or in city traffic I get an alarm warning that my driver's door IS open. to shut the loud warning off, I must open and close the door while going 75mph or in traffic. either I open the door while driving or pull over on the side of the highway with traffic, I find this very dangerous!!! this happens daily this IS my second VW passat that the door latch has failed and was told this a common problem with volkswagens this should be a recall because of the dangers of having to open the door to reset the latch electrical switches that are defective!!!
- Engine
TL* the contact owns a 2002 volkswagen passat. While driving 20 mph, the vehicle had an issue accelerating after slowing down. The vehicle failed to pick up speed while driving. The failure recurred numerous times. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 125,000.
Defect investigations
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation opened these reviews into vehicles including this one.
- Engine Compartment Fire
In July 2010, the Agency opened PE10-027 to investigate allegations of coil on plug (COP) ignition coil fires in MY2002-2003 VW Passat vehicles.The investigation was upgraded in January 2011 to include all MY2001-2007 4-cylinder VW Passat, gasoline, turbo-charged vehicles.Based on the analysis of VW's response, and…
In July 2010, the Agency opened PE10-027 to investigate allegations of coil on plug (COP) ignition coil fires in MY2002-2003 VW Passat vehicles.The investigation was upgraded in January 2011 to include all MY2001-2007 4-cylinder VW Passat, gasoline, turbo-charged vehicles.Based on the analysis of VW's response, and including ODI's consumer complaints, ODI has since identified 135 unique engine fire reports attributable to the COP coils.After further review of the details as contained in each report, ODI determined that 43 of the 135 fire reports were actual fire/flame incidents, 83 fire reports were thermal events (smoke, spark, heat or wire melt), and another 9 fire reports were undetermined in severity due to the lack of information.These COP coil fires were characterized as initiated from within the COP coil circuit located at the top of the engine block and below the plastic engine cover.The fires observed were contained in the engine compartment and did not reach into the passenger compartment in contrast to those caused by an overheated catalytic converter examined in ODI?s investigation in 2007 and 2008.There were no reports of crashes or personal injury in this examination.A safety-related defect has not been identified at this time and further use of agency resources does not appear to be warranted.Accordingly, this investigation is closed.The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that a safety-related defect does not exist.The agency will monitor this issue and reserves the right to take further action if warranted by the circumstancesSee the Closing Report for additional details.
- Engine Compartment Fire
ODI has received 11 complaints alleging that a fire started in the engine compartment of the vehicle that may be related to ignition coil failure, and 9 complaints of ignition coil failure that did not result in a fire.Reports state that the vehicle hesitated or lost power, and the check engine or dashboard lights…
ODI has received 11 complaints alleging that a fire started in the engine compartment of the vehicle that may be related to ignition coil failure, and 9 complaints of ignition coil failure that did not result in a fire.Reports state that the vehicle hesitated or lost power, and the check engine or dashboard lights illuminated.The vehicles were repaired by replacing the faulty ignition coil(s). Some of the complaints indicated that the ignition coils were replaced more than once.The scope of PE10-027 focused on Model Years (MY)2002-2003 Passat vehicles.Volkswagen provided data regarding their analysis of the vehicle fires and faulty ignition coils for these vehicles as well as other MY Passat vehicles.ODI needs to further investigate this issue.To facilitate the acquisition and analysis of additional information, this investigation has been upgraded to an Engineering Analysis, EA11-002.
- Fuel tank leak
Volkswagen (VW) IS recalling certain VW passat 4motion and audi A6 quattro and allroad quattro all-wheel drive passenger cars.vw vehicles subject to recall were manufactured from november 22, 2000 through may 31, 2005 and audi vehicles subject to recall were manufactured from june 2, 2001 to june 1, 2005.the nhtsa…
Volkswagen (VW) IS recalling certain VW passat 4motion and audi A6 quattro and allroad quattro all-wheel drive passenger cars.vw vehicles subject to recall were manufactured from november 22, 2000 through may 31, 2005 and audi vehicles subject to recall were manufactured from june 2, 2001 to june 1, 2005.the nhtsa recall number for the VW vehicles IS 08v-156 (VW also IS correcting defects related to heat shield and fuel line hazards for these vehicles and for 1999-2000 passats in this recall action.)the nhtsa recall number for the audi vehicles IS 08v-157.since 2006, odi has received 17 complaints of fuel leaking from the subject vehicles' fuel tanks.the 400 complaints shown above may include duplicate reports to odi and the manufacturer. While the consequence (fuel leaks from the top of the tank) IS similar for both the passat and audi subject vehicles, differences in design and construction require a different remedy for each vehicle.on the passats, the ventilation line could have been installed improperly with tension and with an incorrectly positioned cable tie.the tension could cause cracked or broken nipples on the fuel tank rollover valve.on the audi vehicles, a material change (effective june 2, 2001) with different aging characteristics used for the rollover valve and the use of an inflexible aluminum ventilation line could cause cracking of the nipple on the rollover valve.vw IS recalling all vehicles subject to these defects.it will inspect passats to ensure that the vent line IS tension free and correct the installation if tension IS found.if a crack or fuel leak IS found, VW will replace the fuel tank.audi will repair all subject vehicles by reinforcing the fuel tank rollover valve with an epoxy adhesive.this investigation IS closed.
- Passenger engine compartment fires
The manufacturer notified nhtsa on 04-apr-08 that a safety recall action would be initiated to remedy the issue.in june 2008, the manufacturer issued a technical service bulletin (code 26e5/r5) regarding the specific procedures to be employed in this campaign.vehicle owner notification letters were sent beginning…
The manufacturer notified nhtsa on 04-apr-08 that a safety recall action would be initiated to remedy the issue.in june 2008, the manufacturer issued a technical service bulletin (code 26e5/r5) regarding the specific procedures to be employed in this campaign.vehicle owner notification letters were sent beginning approximately june 13, 2008.the campaign was assigned nhtsa no. 08V-156.this recall affects all my 1999-2005, 5TH generation gasoline-powered passat sedans and station wagons.approximately 412,000 vehicles are affected.corrective action will consist of installing additional exhaust system heat shielding to mitigate the potential thermal effects of engine ignition problems.based on this action, the subject ea has been closed.
- Passenger/engine compartment fires
Many of the fire reports allege that the vehicle fire was attributed to ignition coil failure.vw provided additional data regarding its analysis of vehicle fires and a detailed description of the three different engines and ignition systems for the subject vehicles.odifinds the need to further investigate this…
Many of the fire reports allege that the vehicle fire was attributed to ignition coil failure.vw provided additional data regarding its analysis of vehicle fires and a detailed description of the three different engines and ignition systems for the subject vehicles.odifinds the need to further investigate this issue.to facilitate acquisition and analysis of additional information, this investigationhas been upgraded to an engineering analysis (ea07-014).
- Water/ice in brake booster
During this investigation, volkswagen of america (VW) identified a problem with water accumulation in the fresh air plenum that could, in certain circumstances, result in reduced brake power assist in model year (my) 2002 passat vehicles.vw indicated that problem IS caused by leaves and other debris clogging the…
During this investigation, volkswagen of america (VW) identified a problem with water accumulation in the fresh air plenum that could, in certain circumstances, result in reduced brake power assist in model year (my) 2002 passat vehicles.vw indicated that problem IS caused by leaves and other debris clogging the plenum drains, which may result in water filling the plenum to the level of the brake booster air intake.the booster air intake IS located in the fresh air plenum in the my 2002 passat vehicles, but not in the my 2001 or 2003 vehicles which draw booster air from the cabin.vw testing showed that brake assist could be reduced if water enters the booster and freezes.vw IS addressing the problem with a service campaign, which began in august 2007.the fresh air plenum in the subject vehicles IS an enclosed space at the base of the windshield from which the vehicle ventilation system draws the fresh air supply via a pollen filter.rain water that flows off the windshield into the plenum IS drained through two valves located below the battery and brake booster.strainers at the base of the windshield and in the panel covering the top of the plenum block leaves, pine needles and other debris.over time, debris may enter the plenum through openings in the plenum panel or around the hood hinges.if clogged drains allow approximately 3-4 gallons of water to accumulate in the plenum, the water may enter the booster through the air intake.water accumulation in the plenum may also result in complaints of wet carpets in the vehicle interior if the water reaches the level of the fresh air intake/pollen filter. VW stated that its testing showed that brake performance and actuating force (i.e., pedal effort) are not affected when the booster IS filled with the maximum amount of water possible (up to the height of the booster engine vacuum connection, through which water drawn into the booster IS evacuated).vw's testing showed that brake performance and actuating force could be affected by water freezing in the booster.however, when tested with relatively low volumes of frozen water in the booster, VW showed that the effects were significantly less severe than for conditions that result in a complete loss of vacuum assist.while VW indicated that the effects would be more severe with greater volumes of frozen water, it maintained that the chances of this occurring were remote and would be readily discernable to the driver upon the initial brake application after vehicle start-up.odi's analysis of complaints and warranty data showed disproportionate concentrations in winter months and in northern states with colder winter climates. Odi identified three minor crashes related to the alleged defect in my 2002 passat vehicles.two of the crashes occurred ingarages/driveways and the third occurred in a dealer service garage.there were no injuries alleged in the crashes but a foot injury was alleged in a fourth incident where excessive brake effort required during a hard stop. Volkswagen IS conducting a service campaign to remedy this condition in my 2002 passat and audi A4 and A6 vehicles.the remedy procedure requires VW dealers to inspect, clean and modify the air plenum drain, as well as modify the sunroof drain (if equipped) and install an improved seal for the pollen filter.in addition, VW has agreed to provide the following information to ODI1. Quarterly completion reports for one year; and 2. Promptly reporting all crashes attributed to the alleged defect. This investigation IS closed based upon the actions taken by vw.the closing of this investigation does not c
- Engine stalling
By letter received on june 24, 2005, mr. Ronald m. Strickland of raleigh, nc, submitted a petition requesting that the agency investigate the performance of the ignition coil plugs on model year (my) 2000-2003 volkswagen jetta, golf and passat sedans.the petitioner alleges that he had experienced multiple stalling…
By letter received on june 24, 2005, mr. Ronald m. Strickland of raleigh, nc, submitted a petition requesting that the agency investigate the performance of the ignition coil plugs on model year (my) 2000-2003 volkswagen jetta, golf and passat sedans.the petitioner alleges that he had experienced multiple stalling events as a result of one or more ignition coil plugs malfunctioning on his 2002 VW jetta sedan.as a result of the engine stalling, the petitioner experienced a loss of power steering and increased braking efforts when he pulled the vehicle over to the side of the road to control the vehicle.after a few minutes parked on the shoulder he was able to restart the vehicle although the engine operated at reduced power.vw issued a customer satisfaction campaign (csc) on january 31, 2003 to instruct their dealerships to inspect the vehicles for any malfunctioning ignition coil packs and to replace them at no cost to the consumer.consumers were notified to bring their vehicles to their dealerships via owner letters mailed out on june 6, 2003.while VW initially instructed the dealerships to only replace the malfunctioning ignition coil packs, a revised csc was issued to dealerships in december 2003 and january 2004, instructing dealerships to replace all ignition coil packs regardless of their performance.a reminder to the dealerships was sent by VW on april of 2004.although the concerns of the petitioner could theoretically create a safety problem, the risk IS very small, due to the engine still running on either 3, 5, or 7 cylinders.there are no reported crashes or injuries due to the alleged defect.once drivers are aware of the problem (loss of power due to one of the ignition coil packs malfunctioning), drivers are able to take precautionary and compensatory measures and still maintain control of their vehicles.in addition, four fires were reported to odi.these were ignition coil burnouts with no additional damage to the vehicle and were localized on top of the engine. During the last 24 months the number of stall and drivability complaints reported to odi has greatly diminished from a peak of 195 in january of 2003 to only 3 in august of 2005.this coincides with the csc released by vw.a safety-related defect trend has not been identified at this time and further use of agency resources does not appear to be warranted.the closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by nhtsa that no safety-related defect exists.the agency reserves the right to take further action if warranted by the circumstances.
- Passenger air bag lid failure
This investigation involves the volkswagen (VW) passenger supplemental inflatable restraint (psir) lid utilized in my 1998-2002 VW passat.the psir lid may detach from the instrument panel during air bag deployment.the office of defects investigation (odi) of the national highway traffic safety administration (nhtsa)…
This investigation involves the volkswagen (VW) passenger supplemental inflatable restraint (psir) lid utilized in my 1998-2002 VW passat.the psir lid may detach from the instrument panel during air bag deployment.the office of defects investigation (odi) of the national highway traffic safety administration (nhtsa) opened the preliminary evaluation on may 23, 2003 to determine whether alleged psir lid detachment presents an unreasonable safety risk to passengers in the vehicle.odi?s investigation reveals that detachment of the psir lid during air bag deployment may occur for two reasons: 1) the shape of the psir lid, and the length of the attaching tether, may snag the air bag during deployment applying additional pressure on bolts that fasten the lid to the instrument panel (ip); and/or 2) the original psir lid design (subject vehicles) utilized six grade 4.8 mm carbon steel tack weld bolts which may not be as strong as the new design psir lid consisting of six grade 8.8 mm carbon steel press bolts that are heat treated.odi concludes that detachment of the psir lid IS a defect because the lid should remain attached to the ip after deployment of the airbag.however, after analyzing vw?s responses, and test data collected by VW and faurecia, the psir lid supplier, odi believes that further investigation would not likely identify a safety-related defect trend because a detached psir lid and parts do not project towards a passenger during deployment of the airbag.the test data shows that the airbag pushes a detached psir lid upwards into the windshield during deployment, and away from the passenger compartment.it IS highly unlikely that a passenger would contact the psir lid or associated parts during air bag deployment.therefore this engineering analysis (ea 03-020) IS closed.the closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by nhtsa that a safety-related defect does not exist. For a detailed discussion of the psir lid and testing, see the attached report.
- Passenger sir door mounting stud failure
Odi opened a preliminary evaluation (pe03-021) based on two reports of failed bolt studs that attach the passenger supplemental inflatable restraint (psir) door cover to the instrument panel (ip) on the volkswagen (VW) passat (model years 2000, 2002).vw has indicated to odi that it has no additional reports.vw…
Odi opened a preliminary evaluation (pe03-021) based on two reports of failed bolt studs that attach the passenger supplemental inflatable restraint (psir) door cover to the instrument panel (ip) on the volkswagen (VW) passat (model years 2000, 2002).vw has indicated to odi that it has no additional reports.vw implemented a process change on march 1, 2002.this process change consisted of changing the bolt application that fastens the psir door to the ip from a weld on application to a press on application.vw also changed the material of the bolt.vw stated that the changes were made to ease production by eliminating a welding process.odi has upgraded its investigation to engineering analysis (ea03-020).
Service bulletins
Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.
- 10253215Exterior Lights, Moisture Accumulation
- 10253214Exterior Lights, Moisture Accumulation
- 10253213Exterior Lights, Moisture Accumulation
- 10252204Air Conditioning Does not Operate
- 10243034VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10243011VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10242998VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10242997VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10242996VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10242399VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10242375VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10242372VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10242349VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10242336VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10242335VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10241715Perfect Delivery Inspection (PDI) - Technician and Detailer Inspections
- 10241714Perfect Delivery Inspection (PDI) - Technician and Detailer Inspections
- 10241340Engine Oils Which Meet Volkswagen Oil Quality Standard VW 502 00/505 00/505 01 and VW 504 00/507 00
- 10241339Oil Consumption Measurement
- 10241335Oil Consumption Measurement
- 10241333Oil Consumption Measurement
- 10241311Gasoline Quality
- 10241310Software Version Management
- 10241266Squeaks, Rattles, Noise, Repair Materials
- 10241265Fuel Additive to Help Prevent Sporadic Misfire Faults
- 10241177Update to Volkswagen engine oil standards
- 10240605P0102, P1128, P1296 - WA front oxygen sensor faults
- 10239831Battery, Testing and Charging Using Midtronics VAS6161, MCR340V, InCharge 940, or GRX3000 Charger
- 10239789To detect which line(s) is inoperative, utilize a volt meter to check for 0 V, which will be present after the open in the grid line. The check must be performed with the engine running and heated rear window switched on. Switch OFF the ignition and visually locate the damage. Proceed with checking any other lines as necessary. Once the damaged line is identified, repair utilizing the Repair kit by Permatex ITEM 09117.
- 10239592Exterior Lights, Moisture Accumulation
- 10239591Exterior Lights, Moisture Accumulation
- 10239590Exterior Lights, Moisture Accumulation
- 10239541Air Conditioning, Cleaning of the Refrigerant Circuit (U.S.Only)
- 10239534HVAC, Unpleasant Odor
- 10239533HVAC, Unpleasant Odor
- 10239532HVAC, Unpleasant Odor
- 10239403If key blade is found to stick or bind when opening or closing, check position of roll pin that secures key blade to mechanism. If roll pin is sticking out on either side (as shown below), do not replace key. Instead, use appropriate sized punch and hammer to drive in the roll pin so that it is flush with edge of mechanism.
- 10239270Volkswagen Warranty Policies and Procedures ? April 2014
- 10239262In SAGA, the time units for the Volkswagen DoubleCheck labor operation were reduced in error from 50 time units to 30 time units during the system update posted on July 4th.
- 10239210Quick Reference Update Guide
Every Volkswagen Passat model year
Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.