Ignition Coils Failure problems of the 2002 Volkswagen Passat - part 1

In August of 2013, while backing out of a driveway, I experienced a total loss of braking. After examining the car, I discovered that the plenum that holds the battery and brake booster was nearly filled with rain water. It was necessary for me to remove one of the duck-billed drain plugs in the plenum as all were clogged with debris, preventing water from draining out. The flooded plenum appears to have resulted in water being drawn through the vacuum lines when attempting to brake. This, in turn, caused a significant amount of water to be drawn into the crankcase. Water was also drawn into the cylinders resulting in misfiring. After removing at least one drain plug in the plenum for proper drainage, and double flushing the contaminated oil in the crankcase, I experienced no further braking problems until freezing weather in November 2013. In November, while braking near the bottom of a hill, I again experienced a hard pedal with no depression and almost no braking ability, resulting in the car going into the intersection before fully stopping. The car was towed to the Volkswagen dealership for repair. Two weeks later, there was again the symptom of a hard pedal? with no depression and near loss of all braking. The car was again returned to the Volkswagen dealership for repair. This time, the vacuum booster, the vacuum pipes, and their related items were replaced. As noted in the dealership invoice, evidence of water was found in the replaced vacuum booster. The dealership acknowledged that the plenum had a significant high-water pollen line, indicating flooding of the plenum. It was believed by their service department staff that the brake failures in November and December 2013 were likely the result of residual water freezing in the vacuum booster, causing the booster to be inoperative. Also, the ignition coils were replaced. Updated 01/30/14 the consumer stated the insufficient fix during the 2008 campaign did not resolve the problem. It allowed for continued flooding of the plenum compartment and subsequent brake failures. Updated 02/19/14 updated 03/13/14 updated 05/12/14.

Ignition coils caught fire while driving. Mechanic states that they "catch fire all the time".

2002 vw Passat 2. 8 v6 . Ignition coil pack shorting out( can see streaks of electricity on all three coils at night along sides of coils - - when looking into dark engine compartment ) . Car misfires upon acceleration and at idle . It has stalled twice and seems to be very unreliable . I have ordered a new coil pack and will not drive the car until I replace this coil pack . I called the local v. W. Dealer and they said no recall for the 2. 8 v6 30 valve engine - called v. W. Of America and I was told the same thing . I will keep the old coil pack in hope that v. W. Will re-imburse me the price of my new coil pack - it is very easy to change .

We own a 2002 vw Passat wagon and are so happy with it we bought another one with lower mileage. Shortly after buying the second vw the engine warning light came on the first vehicle. Our mechanic said it was the ignition coil pack - $600 to replace. Car had over 120,000 miles so we weren't unduly alarmed, and paid it. Three weeks later engine warning came on again. Took it to a different garage - one that used to be the local vw dealer - and they said the ignition coil was bad again. We assumed the replacement part had turned out to be bad so paid another $600 to have it fixed. Took the old part back to the original garage but the mechanic did nothing about it. 'chalked it up to experience. Three months later the engine warning light came on the second vw. Took it to the second mechanic and he said - voila! - ignition coil bad again! paid another $600 to get it replaced, and then went home to research it online. Was stunned to see all the problems listed about the ignition coil pack. Called vw and asked for reimbursement for two of the three ignition packs but was told our vws were not listed in the correction bulletins. They also denied there was a recall even though their own pr department had sent out a press release saying all 2002 v6 Passats had been recalled due to this problem. I have called vw several times and found their 'customer advocates' to be very courteous and polite but absolutely stonewalling any reimbursement. When pressed was finally told I needed the old ignition packs, the repair bills (original only, no copies) and could send all to them and they would consider it but would probably not make an adjustment!.

Loss of engine power check engine light comes on I shut engine off one ignition coil starts to smoke and start on fire along with coil electrical lead.

I was at the trying to find a parking spot when suddenly my check engine light came on and started blinking. I lost alot of power and could not accelerate. I then had to have the vehicle towed to my home because I was afraid of causing any further damage to the vehicle. The next day I contacted the dealership and explained the situation. They then informed me that many of these types of vehicles have been repaired due to the proarising from a faulty ignition coil or coil pack and I was told that the cost to repair it would be between $350-$500 to remove and replace faulty ignition coils (4). After further looking into the problem through numerous websites I noticed the same exact problem happening consistently to many owners of such vehicles.

The contact owns a 2002 Volkswagen Passat. The contact was driving 70 mph when the vehicle began to shake abnormally and the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle independently decelerated from 70 mph to 20 mph. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where the contact was advised that the ignition coil spring failed. The coil springs and spark plugs were replaced at the contacts expense. The contact stated this was the fifth time the ignition coil springs failed. The vehicle was not under recall and the manufacturer was not contacted. The VIN was unavailable. The failure mileage was 95,000 and the current mileage was 161,000.

The contact owns a 2002 Volkswagen Passat. While driving approximately 45 mph, the vehicle began shaking violently and shut down in the middle of an intersection. The vehicle then skidded into an intersection and almost struck a child. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and they stated that the ignition coil housing burned. The dealer would not repair the vehicle or allow him to pay $785 with a credit card to repair the ignition coil. The turbo coil also failed; however, the dealer does not agree with this diagnosis. The manufacturer was unable to assist. The contact also smelled electrical wiring burning. He stated that oil breaks down prematurely, which caused the engine to seize and the vehicle to overheat. The manufacturer stated in writing that they see no reason why they should offer any assistance, and that there was a previous recall on a case by case basis related to other engine failures. The federal trade commission complaint number was 13323205. The current mileage was 101,222 and failure mileage was 86,000.

The engine sputters and appears to misfire after the car has been sitting or driven in the rain. Preceding and after this event the check engine light comes on. This happened twice during the week of September 11, 2006. The dealership could not identify the problem and said the car was safe to drive, but suggested we get a tune up, including getting the spark plugs changed (the car didn't need it!). On a rainy October 6 at 5:00 a. M. , the car stalled in the middle of a 2-lane state road. When we attempted to restart the car, it sputtered a bit and then died. The car would not restart and had to be pushed off the road. We are going to ask the dealership to inspect the ignition coil.

Bought the car new and have had to deal with defective tires, defective ignition coils causing two major breakdowns at highway speeds with children in the car. The last two ignition coils were recalled. The car will not run if it is wet from heavy rain and has to be completely dried before the breaks work properly. Oil pump was replaced 14 months ago, another major breakdown on highway with children. It has broken down yet again. . . The dealership says it needs another oil pump because of sludge, about $2000, not under warranty because it is past the 12 month, 12,000mile mark. Two other private mechanics told me, replacing the oil pump would only disguise, temporarily the real issue. . . . The engine is junk. It now sits in my driveway because it is not under warranty because I am missing some oil change receipts. Also the blinkers don't work, the rear door won't open, auto locks work intermittently and headlights have been replaced twice and are out again. This was the first new car I ever bought. I bought the car after a divorce because I wanted a dependable car to commute to work and transport my children safely. The car has 85,00 mi.

The ignition coils on my 2002 vw Passat 1. 8t ar about to fail for the third time. The car was bought in may of 2002. The first incident occured in December, the second in January, and now it is about to happen again now in February. Each incident is preluded by a slight jolt in the car upon start up followed bu rough idleing. Every time we take it and and are told it is fixed and then sure enough a month later I am back there again. I do not see this problem getting any better. In addition the mach rstereo system has been fixed, then replaced. The replacement unit's qulaity is poor in comparison to the original. This car has been a nightmare.

Ignition coil defect. As with the other 136 complaints. I have had my car towed 5 times to the dealer in two years, to replace the ignition coils. Two of the new coils have been replaced again. Volkswagen (vw) refuses to replace the one original coil that is still in the car. My car has left me sit in minus 23 degree weather for 2 hours with a 4 year old in the back seat because of the coil malfunction. Since my car has had two new coils replaced a second time, I don't trust the car. We have cancelled our thanksgiving plans with family 9 hours away, because our car sits in the driveway with another coil that just malfunctioned yesterday.

Ignition coil is defective, leaving automobile inoperative. Second time this has happened in 3 months. Car was just in for 40k warranty service 4 days ago.

Letter on behalf of ms eva doukakis and mr. Robert cisneros who inquired about a costumers satisfaction campaign intiated by Volkswagen of America, inc (Volkswagen) to replace potentially defective ignition coils in certain 2001 and 2002 Volkswagen and Audi vehicles.

Ms. Diane tsurutani 2002 Volkswagen Passat. Mr the engine light illuminated. The dealer informed the consumer that codes were inconlusive and no repair work was done. After doing research it was discovered there was a possible problem with the ignition coil.

Due to the defective ignition coils, the engine lost power unexpectedly, while driving. Luckily, the person behind me was alert enough to stop quickly. The dealer will not replace all the ignition coils, and according to vw all have the potential to become defective, leaving a very dangerous situation for all drivers, not just the owners of vw's . I do not want to drive my car, I am so scared that the next time I will not be so lucky. Please help all drivers and advise vw to fix all ignition coils before fatalities occur.

Volkswagen vehicle is unsafe because ignition coils on 4,6,8 cyl. Engines may fail at any time, causing car to limp along on reduced power in possibly perilous traffic conditions. Vw refuses to take proactive measures to correct the problem and avoid possible life-threatening situations. I beg you, force them to do a recall.

Ignition coil on 2002 Passat--luckily, this did not happen on thruway. Car bucked, unable to get over 45 mph. This happening at a high speed would be a definite safety hazard. Car was towed to dealership; parts will not be available for at least another week--even then only one of four will be replaced. Talked to vw customer relations==indicated manufacturer in germany is now on 3 shift basis struggling to meet demand. I don't understand why owners were not notified, why this is not a safety recall, why we don't know when or if all coils will be replaced. I would not trust this car on the road.

I had a 2002 Volkswagen Passat for less than six months now. I had the check engine light go on three times now. 1) the first time they told me it was a loose hose on my engine. 2) the next time it was one of my ignition coils. The car sputtered and was undriveable. We had it towed to the dealer on christmas eve and we were without our car for 3 days. 3) next the check engine light went on it was another ignition coil. Again the car sputtered and hesitated unless it was given a lot of gas. I felt the car was unsafe to drive and took it to the dealer immediately. Luckily I was only a mile away. This time it was a different ignition coil. Both times the ignition coil went bad it was a different one. I have four of these in my care which means I will have this problem at least two more times. The service manager told me that vw was not replacing all of them because they weren't able to produce enough of them to keep the cars on the road. This is an unacceptable excuse in my book. This is a brand new car with a known problem that vw is getting away with. I also expressed my concern about being stranded with this car somewhere the next time this happens and the service manager just dismissed me. We called vw and they gave us the same lack of concern about the problem. We told them all the issues we have had and they showed their concern by assigning us a case number and telling us to call back when it happens again. I guess after they make a sale all I am is data to them. They don't feel obligated to make my car work correctly.

I am having the same ignition coil problem as so many other people. Even after 3 months, vw is not interested in replacing defective coils, except when they actually fail.

Ignition coils. The ignition coils on my 2002 Passat wagon 1. 8t have failed 3 times in the last month. They have failed twice in the past week. Thus, while driving to work today, after having two of the coils replaced yesterday, another coil failed. Now I have 3 of the 4 coils which are allegedly non-defective. I asked the dealer to replace the 4th coil and he refused. I called vw of America and they said that they will not authorize the repair of the 4th coil. I informed them of the danger posed by this condition, namely the car losing power on the highway and/or stranding people in bad situations. He stated that they were aware of the problem and the dangers posed, but would not replace any part that had not failed.

Consumer's has become aware of defect with vehicle's ignition coils. Contacted manufacturer who advised will only replace specific coils when they fail. Consumer is very concerned about safety while driving vehicle should coil fail and stall. Very upset that the Volkswagen is not taking a "preemptive" stance with defect.

The ignition coils needed to be replaced.

Multiple ignition coil pack failures in 2002 model year vehicle.

While driving there is a noise coming from the ignition coil dealer notified. Ts.

An ignition coil failed, disabling the vehicle and potentially damaging the catalytic converter (according to the manual's description of the warning light that was activated. ) these failures appear to be widespread due to defective parts. The failed coil was replaced under warranty, but the dealer indicated the manufacturer would not authorize replacement of the other coils. I await further failure and fear that it will happen at an unsafe or inconvenient time.

Two ignition coils on vw 2002 Passat failed in as many weeks. On both occassions I am told by vw representatives that the coils are defective, but that the company has ordered they be replaced case by case. First incident 1/14/03, second incident 1/25/03.

2 ignition coil springs failed, causing vehicle to lose power/stall. Ts. . . .

Ignition coil failed on a freezing cold night. The card started, but shook and was unable to drive. Had to wait 2 hours for a tow truck in single digit temps. My dealer was very good about it and replaced bad coil and other 3 as preventive measure. However, I understand that there have been many other 2002 Passat's with multiple ignition coil failures-on different occasions, resulting in several trips to the dealer. This ignition coil failure can be very hazardous, especially during highway driving. All car owners should be informed about this problem, and have the opportunity to fix this before being injured or stranded. There should be a recall on these ignition coils.

Ignition coil failed causing car to mis-fire, lose power, and become shaky until the coil is replaced. There is a known defect with the ignition coils in 2001 and 2002 Audi's and vw with a 1. 8 liter turbo engine. Vw replaced the one failing coil but refuses to replace, under warranty, the remain 3 coils that could fail at any moment. My car has been serviced in the past for sporadic mis-fires which maybe due to the remaining defective coils. With half a million vehicles on the road this is an accident waiting to happen. The sudden loss of power can be extremely dangerous while driving (ie. When making a left turn). Vw refuses to commit to replace the defective coils until they fail. Please investigate and have vw perform a recall before someone is seriously injured.

For the second time in three weeks my 2002 vw Passat wagon is at the dealer for an ignition coil failure. Luckily both failures occured in town at low velocity as the car slows rapidly and is undrivable after the failure. Had the failures occured in high speed highway trafic or in a remote area in cold weather the results could have been desasterous. Vw refuses to replace the remaining coils unless they fail, and they readily admit that there is a good chance that they will fail. Vw should be required to immediately recall and replace te defective coils as this is a serious safety problem it is only a matter of time before someone is seriously injured.

I have had two ignition coils in my 2002 Volkswagen Passat fail, causing the car to shake violently and loose all power. My engine failure light went on again yesterday, but my dealership refuses to accept the car for service until it actually breaks down. I transport three school-age children in this car and often must be on the interstate. I feel I will be unable to control the car if the failure happens at high speed on the interstate or in heavy traffic. It seems inevitable that someone somewhere is going to be killed or injured because of this. So I wanted to bring it to your attention.

The ignition coils in 2001/2002 1. 8l vw Passat are defective. Vw is well aware of the problem, but refuses to replace any unless they actually break. This is dangerous beyond belief, especially if they malfunction while on a highway, which has happened to many people (see carreview. Com). My 2002 car has been towed twice in the last month and a half. I spent $24,500 for this car, it is brand new, and I cannot drive it for fear of causing an accident. Vw must be forced to recall this car before someone is injured. They'll be no stopping the class-action law suits then!.

2002 Passat 1. 8. Started okay. As I drove, horrible sound & ran very rough-sputttered & rumbled. Engine light blinking on & off. As I gave it gas, the worse it got. Turned around, went home, called dealership. Was told "not to drive it & to get it towed, as there has been a problem with the 1. 8s and the coils that they are aware of. " was there a month ago for another engine problem-not sure what they did because the service advisor could not explain it to me! have rental car-thankfully Passat is still under warranty-11,416 miles, and was bought on January 5, 2002! the dealership called me today, car is ready, and they "replaced a bad ignition coil. " not understanding how a car with 11,000 miles on it could have something bad on it, I did some research on the web. It appears that this is a common occurence, and it will happen again, as dealerships are only placing one coil at a time. Another coil may go at any time! I should have stuck with Toyota. . . . . . .

Failure of 2 ignition coils. Original coils all faulty, but vw won't replace coils until they fail, which they will do. This problem widely known by now, but vw has not communicated with owners in any way, and will wait for failure before fixing, leaving owners with crippled or inoperable cars in possibly adverse driving conditions.