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Volkswagen Passat

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Loretta of Kalona, IA October 31, 2007

Loretta of Kalona IA (10/31/07)
I am the owner of a 2000 VW Passat. On Sunday, January 28, 2007, I watched my car go up in flames. I was at a friends house for lunch and we were preparing to take another friend to the airport. As we walked out to my car, which was parked in the driveway, we noticed smoke coming off of the hood and immediately knew something was wrong. In a matter of seconds, I noticed flames beginning to come out of the hood. We were able to contact the local fire department, and they came out and were able to get the fire out, but by that time it was too late. The entire front half of my car is destroyed, as well as the interior. The cause of the fire is unknown, but since my insurance company can do nothing about the situation, I am left with a car that is basically worthless. Volkswagen sent an engineer out to inspect the car, but no compensation was given. I am aware now that 78 reports have been filed with Volkswagen concerning engine fires. What actions can or should I take regarding this matter? I would appreciate any helpful information.

Donna of San Diego, CA September 29, 2007

Donna of San Diego CA (09/29/07)
2003 Passat Wagon, 1.8T Engine hell. This car has had recall work done, other problems fixed under warranty, but all pale after having the oil sludge issue come up. The first time the car's oil warning lights came on was last May, when I pulled over and had to be towed from a desolate rural freeway. The car was repaired at a reputable shop and gave me no problems until July, when I was driving across the country. The same warning light came on outside of Kansas City and again, I pulled over.

There were car dealerships nearby and I drove the car to a VW repair shop. They replaced the filter, changed the oil, supposedly ran a diagnostic that came back normal and after a three hour delay I was on my way. Less than an hour after leaving the VW Dealership, the same stop engine oil light came on. Called back to them, was told it was probably a faulty sensor, But, if I was that concerned maybe I should stop in Topeka KS rather than backtracking to Kansas City.

Since they didn't seem concerned about it, and it was somewhat intermittent, I kept driving. The next day I drove from Hays, KS to Denver (which is about as desolate a stretch of highway one can possibly have a car break down on!) and the same warning light came on permanently. Then the engine light came on, permanently. It was 95 degrees outside, I was traveling alone (with a couple of dogs) and frequent stops on the side of I-70 were not exactly safe. A trooper stopped behind me on a couple of my stops on the freeway shoulder - but there was no point in trying to tow the car.

By the time I got to Denver, the engine barely functioned and now I am trapped in the same stupid Catch-22 that many others have experienced - namely not having every single oil change receipt on a car that only has 55,000 miles. VW America has chosen to take a blame the customer mentality, even though clearly the onus of proving these cars are not designed poorly should be on that company! The fact that owners who have such receipts still have complete engine failure is proof enough. When will we see either a major recall or a class action lawsuit for this vehicle?

Richard of Rosedale, NY August 26, 2007

Richard of Rosedale NY (08/26/07)
My wife took the 2003 VW Passat Wagon, V6 to Sunrise Volkswagen, Inc. in Lynbrook on 8/7/07 at mileage of 36,135 as the engine light kept coming on. Was told that there was charcoal in the swap lines and the purge valve and charcoal cannister needed to be replaced. On 8/12/07 on my way home from work, the engine shut down. The car was towed back to the dealer and I was told that there was an oil pressure build up in the engine and that the engine would have to be replaced. I was told that I needed to show all of my oil change receipts since the car was purchased. I did not have the receipts but the oil was changed every 3000 miles by my mechanic whom has serviced all of our cars for more than 15 years. I might add that the VW manual recommends 5000 miles. The VW service advisor told me that they had never seen a problem such as this. Sunrise VW and Volkswagaon of America refused to pay for the engine. I have since move the car from Sunrise Volkswagen, Inc. in Lynbrook, NY to G/C Volkswagen in New Hyde Park, NY.

John of Carlsbad, CA July 26, 2007

John of Carlsbad CA (07/26/07)
Since about the 40,000 mile mark, my 2003 VW Passat Wagon has been consuming oil. My VW dealer identified the issue as a 'wiring problem with the oil indicator' and that mice must be damaging the wire. They said they fixed the problem. I continued to have the same problem during the my next 8000 miles (including having them check the engine and wiring). They indicated it was the same problem and sent me on my way. After the warranty expired, the problem started getting worse and require me to fill up the oil frequently (typically adding 3 to 4 quart of oil between 5000 mile services). The problem got so bad that I complained again to the dealer and they conducted an oil consumption test. After doing this they told me the engine was consuming about 1 quart every 1000 miles and that this is 'normal'. I also complained to VW customer service and they also said it was normal. I have never had a car consume this much oil (e.g., my BMW 330i goes 15000 miles without any oil addition or change whatsoever). I think I've been mislead by VW and they kept a major engine issue from me during my warranty period and now hope that I'll go away and live with the issue.

Greg of Colorado Springs, CO July 24, 2007

Greg of Colorado Springs CO (07/24/07)
I was the proud owner of a 1999 VW Passat 1.8T. I loved this car. It was fun to drive also . I bought this car in 2002 used with low miles. I ride my bicycle to work most days so it accumulated very few miles. It had less than 30K mi. On only two occasions I smelled some odor after driving. This odor seemed like electrical insulation getting hot, but not sure. In August of 2002 our family went on vacation and left the Passat at home with my son (then 19). He drove the car with his girlfriend to an awards banquet. When he returned home he parked the car in the garage. In less than ten minutes the car was completely on fire. He tried to slow it down but was overcome with smoke. Our house caught on fire. The garage was structurely damaged and the whole house inccurred smoke damage and water damage. The cause of the fire, from fire report was the Passat. I was never compensated a dime from VW. My insurance payed for damages to the house.

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