Automatic Transmission Control Module problems of the 2004 Volkswagen Passat

2005 Passat wagon - 38000 miles blocked drains around the sunroof caused rain water to leak into the floor boards of the car. The build-up of water caused the tcm (transmission control module) to malfunction. The (automatic) car was able to be driven only with hard shifts between gears and now will not move out of park. (undrivable). Replacement of the tcm will cost $3210. The car was a garaged car up until a few months ago. It was at the dealership for all scheduled maintenance. I was told by the dealership that the drain tubes can get clogged with "one leaf" and the next rain can cause this problem. I was advised to park in a covered area and never drive in the rain. This seems like a significant design flaw that one leaf followed by any rain can cause the tcm to fail and need replacing.

2004 Volkswagen Passat: failure of transmission control module located under passenger seat in floor board due to manufacturer defect. Caused by water into vehicle after heavy rain. Volkswagen has known of this problem since 2000 and has failed to make changes. Failure of the control unit has the potential to cause a fatal accident should the transmission shift gears during highway driving or a high rate of speed.

1. My wife was driving the car (2004 Volkswagen Passat GLS, 1. 8 l turbo), and it felt like it was having trouble shifting from first gear to subsequent gears. It was sudden, not gradual by any means - the car just started to hesitate when shifting, and the mil lamp was lit. . . This happened in heavy traffic in the detroit suburbs - not an ideal time to not be able to accelerate. 2. The transmission was replaced under my powertrain warranty (it's my opinion that this was an unnecessary replacement). Upon further investigation, it was found that there was a water leak in the vehicle, and the passenger side floorboard was filled with water, inundating the transmission control module. It turns out that this damaged the module, and effectively rendered the car is not able to be driven. 3. The transmission control module is being replaced, as well as a "seal" that caused the water intrusion (I haven't been able to get out of them which seal was replaced - this can be addressed with a follow-up).

The tcm (transmission control module) failed due to a leak,that is a common problem ,I now find out $1300. 00 later on this 2004 glx Passat. After searching for 4 months for a tcm I learn that this is an on going problem 2001-2004, that vw hasn't addressed ,but is aware of due to the configuration of a drainage system that causes water to enter the passenger floor board and fry this tcm . Which could result in an injury or further damage to the vehicle,due to transmission shifting suddenly and unexpectedly into 3rd gear.

Transmission on car "shudders" when accelerating between 50 mph and 75 mph creating unsafe distraction and performance liability.

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.

When slowing to a stop transmission/drive train occasionally will demonstrate a jarring and potentially dangerous "clunk" as if the trandmission is dropping out of the car. The car also lurches forward slightly. We have read that some dealers tell their customers the problem is due to a faulty transmission control module. Our dealer, russel vw in catonsville MD said they could do nothing, denying ever hearing about the problem. We contacted vw-USA and they said they had no knowledge of such a problem. This is clearly untrue!!! there are complaints of this problem all over the internet. Vw is setting itself up for tremendous liability issues should injuries occur because of this problem.

There is a problem with the transmission. The car shifts sharply in lower gears causing severe jerking of the vehicle at times. Dealer "rebooted" the control module but no change. The mechanic at the dealership let it slip that they were aware of this problem and that there is no solution at this time. I can't believe they sold the car knowing of this problem. I contacted vw and complained to the dealership. I was offered 2 months of free loan payments by vw. I recently received a call from the dealership saying that the software problem has been fixed. I am taking car in this week.

Vehicle transmission lurches forward when slowing to a stop. Vehicle purchased on 12/9/03. Problem occurred on 3/3/04. Dealer replaced the transmission control module. Problem has reoccurred on 5/20/04. Dealer states they are aware of the problem and are awaiting "software update" from Volkswagen. They have no anticipated date from Volkswagen on the correction.

Automatic transmission lurched on downshift when coming to a stop. Dealer replaced the transmission control module. . . Problem has not yet been duplicated again, but it has only been a day.

Purchased 12/03. Within 2 weeks began to shift abnormally slamming in/out of 1-2nd gears. Drove technicians 3 times before they would admit something wrong. Unplugged transmission module - no fix, replaced module - no fix, then admitted they have software programming problem and engineers are working on it - no fix right now. Has been 6 mos of poor shifting, now likely transmission damaged, still no fix available.

When coming to a complete stop or while cruising, the vehicle lurches forward. The dealer recalibrated the computer chip in the accelerator pedal and also replaced the transmission control module. After the repairs, the problem continued. The transmission made a clunk noise, malfunctioned in heavy traffic/highway, and a hard shift was present at times.