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Volkswagen Passat

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john of hackensack, NJ October 22, 2009

excessive oil consumption 1 quart synthetic (as recommended cost way more than regular oil) told this is normal i have had a bunch of old time hot rods newer hot rods and new passenger cars and i cant find one person i know to tell me that's NORMAL

i now have to have my daughter check her oil at least once every two weeks and carry extra oil. just want a recall to fix problem not a lawsuit we are suppose to be saving oil. as a family we purchased a expensive safe well know car/ mfg. for our daughters first car they should be made to do a recall 44 thousand miles 2005 passat

John of Newton, MA October 21, 2009

2004 VW Passat Turbo Oil Sludge - Stop Engine and Low Oil Pressure lights at 52,000 miles. Towed to dealer. Not enough receipts for extended warranty. 2000 quote. Towed to independent mechanic who would do for 1000. Haggled with dealer and got down to 700 to de-sludge. 2 months later the check engine light came on and car blew out enormous plume of smoke. Independent dealer diagnosed burned out turbo and quoted 1900 to replace with new VW part. Stay tuned for negotiations with dealer.

victoria of reno, NV October 20, 2009

I loved my 2003 VW Passat until about 70K miles. At that point the car had a series of expensive repairs in a very short time period. Even though I had been very attentive to doing every recommended service and oil change, things just started falling apart. On top of that the dealer was very difficult to deal with on the repairs.

I spent a lot of money on the car that seemed to go beyond normal wear and tear to me. I had to deal with a difficult repair person and I had to find rides as the car was in the shop several times. The senior service person actually covered my final repair because of the difficulty of the process. The end result was that I sold the car just to get out of the headache. I went back to Toyota.

Anita of Roslindale, MA September 23, 2009

To Whom It May Concern: I'm writing this complaint in response to my vehicle which is a 2001, Volkswagon Passat. Just recently (September 2, 2009), I brought my vehicle into Firestone's Car Care Service Center located West Roxbury, MA 02132 for minor repairs. I wanted my axle fixed and I was also interested in having a tune-up, if my car required the job. The mechanic provided me with a full vehicle inspection report, and had determined that my car did indeed needed an axle, tires (rear), tire rod, alignment and an "engine/ignition coil". The reason I have the term "engine/ignition coil" in quotations is because, aside from the fact I was already aware of the axle problem, the engine/ignition coil was determined to be the issue with my vehicle acceleration and not the tune-up I had suggested. More so, the term is crucial to my argument. The technician quoted me on the job and I decided for the next day to have the job completed.

I decided to have just the engine/ignition coil and the axle fixed. The technician/mechanic informed me that he would order the parts for tomorrow. I proceeded to drive off and not long before I pulled out of the service area, my car started smoking and then shut off. I immediately brought my car back to Firestone and demanded some answers. I was told the engine coil needed immediate attention. I thought that was strange since I had been driving my car fine all week. I drove my car into Firestone that morning, so how could I not drive it out? I was forced to have the work completed that day. I couldn't drive the car home anyway; it was inoperable. I was compelled to do something because I was starting a job in two days. The technician tried to fix my car (engine coil) just to get it running but then realized he underestimated the job. Or that he never really knew what was wrong with it to start and became frustrated with the level of work required to fix it.

By this time, my car is broken down to the point where it's not drivable! After 5, long strenuous hours, the Firestone auto-technician/management decided to tow my car to a Volkswagon dealer of my choice. I chose Audi of Brookline. The reason they decided to tow my vehicle, is because they had to. They couldn't properly diagnose (“can't read the codes”, is what they said) and never performed a full diagnostic on my vehicle to know what was wrong with it in the first place, so they needed Volkswagon/Audi to administer the testing.

The diagnostic report came back from Audi/Volkswagon on the current and past condition of my vehicle and the reason it’s inoperable. Their reports concluded a pre-existing condition plaguing my vehicle, and from what I've read on the consumer affairs website; I'm not the only owner of a Volkswagon Passat, same year and model with identical problems to date. I will provide evidence of this later on and will explain my position with Volkswagen Corp. of America. Firestone, from what I understand, should have never tried to fix my vehicle, especially not without a diagnostic. I wonder how Firestone was able to determine the “engine coil/ignition coil” to be the problem without the diagnostic. If Firestone would have properly diagnosed my car they would have known what Audi/Volkswagon discovered and would have never attempted to fix the “engine coil/ignition coil”. They clearly discovered a symptom of a bigger problem and because of their carelessness and lack of expertise; my car is destroyed. Attempting this job caused more damages to my vehicle that weren’t otherwise present. Experts in this field have informed me of the temperamental nature of Volkswagen vehicles and the cause and effect analogy of tampering with its engine coils. I believe this is the case here.

Regarding the diagnostic report, the current and passed condition of my vehicle, which is normally a healthy, safe, vehicle, is as follows: "Fuel delivery inspection at present time, ignition system check, and power provided to coils tech found no communication between engine control module (E.C.M.) and A.B.S. control module because A.B.S. control module was disconnected. Reconnect and access A.B.S. system and fault detected customer aware of the A.B.S. problem and warning has been on for a while. That is true, and not the reason for this letter.

Continued: Found E.C.M. fault for #3 ignition coil open circuit. Pin check wires on #3 ignition coil plug #3 post from connector to E.C.M. Found height resistance in wire, replaced #3 connector and re-tested OK. Also clean and replace terminal on top of valve cover for proper ground. Start engine and road test vehicle, found engine misfire on #1, #2, #3, #4 ignition coils". I originally brought my car into Firestone for an axle and they determined a need for 1, #3 ignition coil, and now my vehicle is in worse shape than when I brought it in for service. They are partly responsible and I have notified the BBB of their failure to provide an invoice or written estimate for service, the failure to honor a service estimate or agreement, an improper or inferior service, the services provide resulted in additional damage and an unreasonable or excessive delay in completing services.

In addition, I have only owned my vehicle, like I said, 14 months, and from the start this vehicle has had many problems. I purchased the vehicle in May/2008 and from after the first week, the car was having problems. The listing of repairs and the time line of events is as follows: 1. May 15, 2008: 1 week after purchase, exhaust flex pipe leaking - fixed under warranty, 100.00. 2. June 24, 2008: stereo system, bass failed, running on treble - replaced, 175.00 3. July 3, 2008: 2 months after purchase (not covered under warranty, but was told my car had new brakes), Heater Hose, front and rear brake service, 343.88. 4. August 15, 2008: 3 months after purchase, premium tune-up, and ignition coil removed and replaced 371.54. 5. October 12, 2008: ABS brake light appears on/off for two months. Stayed on! 6. December 4, 2008: Left and right directionals were off signal, or just did not work. Hazard lights stopped working. Lost all functions in power windows, doors and locks. Buzzing, crackling noises coming from the stereo system. 7. January/2009: I noticed upon entering through the rear door of my vehicle on the right side, a medium piece of the chrome strip/siding was jammed between the front and rear door of the car where the doors connect, resulting in a chipped piece of the siding. Basically, I have to open the front door before entering the rear door, so the hinges don't get caught and rip the siding completely off, which keeps happening every time I open the doors. Left side developed problem shortly after. Strips - 120.00 a piece. Labor - 100.00. 8. February/2009: immediate recall for underbody heat shield. Pollen air filter recall. 9. May/2009: update registration and vehicle inspection, passed inspection, was advised I needed a door latch to engage my power locks and windows - 500.00 10. June/2009: personal mechanic fixed: Tire rod, ball joint, wheel bearing, brakes (pads and rotor), axle informed of, but not fixed -600.00 11. September/2009: car shakes, and has "no pick-up", drags....resulting in a diagnostic of over 4200 in repairs for E.C.M., catalytic converter, ignition coils (all 4 destroyed) and the vacuum leak/exhaust flex pipe (this is the same part that the dealer fixed under warranty).

As of today there have been 3 recalls that have gone into effect: 1. Safety recall campaign WK: Replace right rear wheelhouse lin, 2003 2. A-safety recall R5: install underbody heat shields, 2008 3. A-service Action Circular P9: Service Air Plenum Area to Imp, 2008 I believe I was sold a lemon.

Michael of Dubai, UAE, United Arab Erimates September 22, 2009

I have been using VW for quite long time and I have a good oppinion about this company. I had two Passat cars: model 2000, bought second hand and model 2007, boght from new. Both cars have done great job, driving them and didn't require so much maintenance, as I read in your articles.

The Passat model 2000, I bought it second hand, with clock at 40k miles, which, I knew was fake, as the car was having(according to my experience), around 150k miles. Even, though, I was using it for another 100k miles and the only repairment were 2 ball joints (due to bad roads), hydraulic clutch piping replace due to leak, mass air flow transmitter, electric mirrors switch and break pads. As you can see, not so many, for 4 years of daily using.

The Passat, model 2007, has not required any repairment at all, even after 40k miles. So, considering these, I believe that the problems reported by you guys, have roote cause the dealership and maintenance system, rather than the product itself. I do believe that the 'mechanics' overethere, are making lots of money, out of you, specially, out of the people how don't have any knowledge of cars. The delareship seems to be also very unfair and worse than that, dosen't appear to exist any protection for the abused consumers. I wish best luck to all of you!

Kelley of Peekskill, NY September 20, 2009

I leased a 2006 Passat from Palisades Volkswagen, in Nyack, NY. It was a 4-year lease. During those 4 years, it had numerous repairs (fuel pump "melted", both boot blocks cracked, coolant system crack, and then your various brake jobs, 8 tire replacements, and more -- I drive a LOT). Every time I diligently took it in for service, it had recalls to be fixed. While I had VW's before, this Passat seemed to be laden with defects. With 9 months left on my lease, faced with more repairs, I talked to my sales person, Benjamin S, and voiced my dissatisfaction, wishing to turn the car in early and pay the penalty. I wanted to be rid of the car and its headaches. He, now the finance manager of that dealership, told me to turn in the car with the remaining payments, and that would be it.

When I called VW Credit to get the exact amount of payments left, I was surprisingly informed I could not turn in my car, regardless of my agreement to pay the penalty, because it would then be considered a "Voluntary Termination" and would adversely affect my credit. I had never heard of this, nor had the salesman who leased me the car when I called him to confirm! According to VW Credit, I have to wait until 90 days before the lease was up, and that was the earliest I may turn in the car, even paying the penalty! I made it painfully clear my dissatisfaction, and my intent to purchase another car, and pleaded to turn in this car to be rid of it and its headaches. In this economy, with the magnitude of auto choices available, VW needs to brush up on their understanding of brand management and customer loyalty. When customers vanish, so does the brand.

Deborah of Madison, OH August 30, 2009

I bought a used 2000 VW Passat from this place 2 years ago. Not long, maybe 2 months after it had to be put in the shop. They had if forever. I get it back and more problems, it goes back in. Finally I have it back and they dont want to work on it the next time unless they charge me. He was suppose to fix the brakes also while he had it and they never did. He tells me it just needs normal maintance. I know that...this car is beyond normal maintance. I told him it is a lemon. He argued with me that it is not. But it is. The whole time I am having the oil changed, and the brakes always done.

Not to long ago the oil pump goes out...so I called them to see if they would change it for me. I had the parts, so all they had to do was help get it in. They wanted way to much to do it. I found another mechanic next to him to do the job. This man is an angel. Once he got in there to change the pump he found nothing but gunk! He cleaned it all out for me.

My little car was running like a dream for the first time I have had it. Really good milage and get up and go. Then a week into it the head gasket goes. Now oil is in the water and vice versa. The brakes are out again. In the 2 years I have had this car brakes have been worked on at least 4 or 5 times...at my expense.

I have to let the bank take my car back because I cant afford to make payments (I make minimum wage and am a widow...when I was car shopping I wanted a dependable car and this was suggested...it makes me sick) and buy parts for it and pay someone to fix it every month now. My credit is really getting ruined now. My finances are ruined too. Now I have to find another car because neither place will help me out.

I called VW of America in Aug 2009 after the gunk was found to see if they would help because it was a used car, they told me it had to many miles on it and it is to old, they didnt care I only have had problems since I got it. This car is a lemon. If its not one thing its the other. Power steering fluid is always needed. Windows go opposite way most of the time. No blinkers. Engine light always on...locks itself.

Douglas of Chesterfield, MO August 26, 2009

Volkswagen has, in my opinion, the worst possible customer service out of any company I have worked with. Their negligence in manufacturing a defective product (1998-2004 Passat 1.8/2.0 liter engine) and not outright recalling it is inexcusable and a complete safety hazard. I personally own/owned a 2001 Passat station wagon with the 1.8L turbo engine. The term Coking is what I am referring to but Volkswagen has been coining the term Oil Sludge in an attempt to erase liability on their end.

Yes they did the service of extending the warranty to eight years from the date of purchase, but what happens when the warranty runs out. You are, at that point, stuck with a defective product, which should have been recalled from the beginning, and spending an exorbitant amount of money to fix it. I have been back and forth between the dealership and the, lack thereof, Customer Care line for weeks with NOTHING done to resolve the issue.

Volkswagen knows what the problem is, knows they made a major mistake, and knowingly turned their back on customers. I continue to be treated with less than adequate service and feel compelled to tell everyone how unreliable their product and customer care line is. Volkswagen continues to show they do not believe in their product and the recent happenings with the 2008-2009 models equipped with DSG reconfirms my complaint.

Volkswagen expects me to pay out of pocket, which I refuse to do, upwards of 3,000 for a problem they should be liable for.

Andrei of Boothbay Harbor, ME August 14, 2009

I have 2007 VW Passat wagon . It is still under the warranty. I am waiting for A/C to be fixed for 2 weeks and they did not get a new compressor. What a service! I had a problem with electric motor on my fifth door beforeand was waiting for 2 weeks to get a part. It was in East Coast VW in Myrtle Beach, SC. I am driving for two weeks without AC in August. Ask VW CEO to try it!

Allison of Reno, NV August 9, 2009

I own a 2004 VW AWD Passat. I was so excited when I bought my first brand new car. Things have certainly changed. My car has only 48,000 when the ignition coils began to go bad...one after another. They have been replaced and replaced and replaced again. Now, with a job where I have to drive an hour to and from the office, I no longer have the reliable transpotation I thought I had invested in. The car now has less than 62,000 miles and I am forced to drive around with spare coils so I am not stranded around town or on the interstate en-route to work!

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