Catalytic Convertor Problems of Volkswagen Passat

Volkswagen Passat owners have reported 22 problems related to catalytic convertor (under the engine and engine cooling category). The most recently reported issues are listed below. Also please check out the statistics and reliability analysis of Volkswagen Passat based on all problems reported for the Passat.

1 Catalytic Convertor problem of the 2016 Volkswagen Passat

Failure Date: 10/01/2024

The contact owns a 2016 Volkswagen Passat. The contact stated that after the dealer had performed a fuel induction on the vehicle, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the catalytic convertor had failed and needed to be replaced; however, the part to do the repair was not available. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 98,000.

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2 Catalytic Convertor problem of the 2007 Volkswagen Passat

Failure Date: 06/27/2018

Tl the contact owns a 2007 Volkswagen Passat. The contact stated that the air bag and catalytic converter malfunction indicators illuminated. Also, a speed warning message appeared on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to hanlees hilltop Volkswagen (located at 3255 auto plaza, richmond, CA 94806, (510) 283-6300), but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was 171,700.

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3 Catalytic Convertor problem of the 2002 Volkswagen Passat

Failure Date: 05/31/2012

The contact owns a 2002 Volkswagen Passat. The contact stated that while driving 30 mph, the check engine light illuminated and the vehicle stalled. She was able to restart the vehicle after 45 minutes. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The dealer replaced the rear catalytic convertor but the failure continued. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure and current mileage was 102,000. The VIN was not available.

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4 Catalytic Convertor problem of the 2006 Volkswagen Passat

Failure Date: 05/15/2010

2006 vw Passat. Consumer states vehicle suddenly began making rattling and loud popping noise the consumer stated while leaving work, the vehicle suddenly came to a halt. Even though the vehicle was on, the wheels would not move forward. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. Upon inspection of the vehicle, the mechanic discovered the right axle had broken. Prior to the axle failing, the catalytic converter had to be replaced which was the cause of a loud noise coming from the engine and it also caused the brake booster pipe to melt, which left the consumer with no brakes.

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5 Catalytic Convertor problem of the 2001 Volkswagen Passat

Failure Date: 07/01/2008

Tl-the contact owns a 2001 Volkswagen Passat glx. While driving approximately 40 mph the vehicle engine light came on. The contact stated he drove the vehicle to his destination. The vehicle was taken to a local repair shop and he was told the catalytic converter needed replacing. The failure was constant since July 1, 2008. The vehicle has not been repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 51,000 and the current mileage was 62,000. Vwb.

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6 Catalytic Convertor problem of the 2001 Volkswagen Passat

Failure Date: 04/07/2008

I have had my 2001 vw Passat for 7 years now and have had it in the shop multiple issues including warped rotors (front and back), cracked chasse, electrical issues and various other problems. Before having this car, I had a Toyota for 8 years and in the 8 years I had the Toyota, I only had it in the shop for routine maintenance. This car is disappointing and everyone I talk to who has a similar model/year says the same thing. I think the 2001 vw Passat is a lemon.

7 Catalytic Convertor problem of the 2003 Volkswagen Passat

Failure Date: 01/12/2008

The contact owns a 2003 Volkswagen Passat. While driving approximately 30 mph, the vehicle vibrated excessively and smoke began emanating from the passenger side. The engine light remained illuminated on the instrument control panel. She pulled over to inspect the vehicle and noticed flames coming from the catalytic converter. The dealer stated that the electrical system, emission coiler, and oxygen sensors failed. All of the repairs were made. The contact filed a formal complaint with the manufacturer. The powertrain was unknown. The failure and current mileages were 52,000.

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8 Catalytic Convertor problem of the 2002 Volkswagen Passat

Failure Date: 12/01/2007

2002 Volkswagen Passat has engine problems. The consumer stated the vehicle has not been driven in a year and a half due to the oil sludge and misfiring problems. The catalytic converter failed and the spark plugs and coil packs were constantly being replaced.

9 Catalytic Convertor problem of the 2004 Volkswagen Passat

Failure Date: 11/17/2007

2004 Passat 1. 8t caught fire after a coil pack failed and the catalytic converter overheated. I only drove 5 miles after the coil pack failed trying to limp back to the dealer when the fire started. I put the fire out myself.

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10 Catalytic Convertor problem of the 2001 Volkswagen Passat

Failure Date: 08/01/2007

The contact owns a 2001 Volkswagen Passat. The contact stated that the on-board diagnostic indicated that the catalytic converter needed to be replaced. The dealer and manufacturer refused to replace the unit. The dealer stated that there were no recalls available. The VIN, engine size, and dealer information were unknown. The failure and current mileages were 75,000.

11 Catalytic Convertor problem of the 2000 Volkswagen Passat

Failure Date: 11/25/2006

I've had my 2000 Passat now for 3 years, my husband and myself see to it that our cars have annual tune-ups and regular oil changes. For the past month the abs and brake light has been flashing non-stop. During my most recent tune up, I was informed that the catalytic converters have to be replaced. My mechanic was convinced that a recall had to be in place because he was seeing this problem occurring frequently. I called the vw dealership where I purchased the vehicle and was informed that $100 was needed to even look at the car. All of this has me furious. A recall is needed--right a way!!!!!.

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12 Catalytic Convertor problem of the 2006 Volkswagen Passat

Failure Date: 06/29/2006

The contact owns a 2006 Volkswagen Passat. The contact stated that the push key becomes stuck and the gears must be shifted in order to correct the failure. Also, the emergency brake failed to operate properly, and the vehicle's interior smelled like rotten eggs. On April 9, 2007 the vehicle was brought to a dealer for a diagnosis. The current mileage was, 10,000 and failure mileage was 9,000.

13 Catalytic Convertor problem of the 2000 Volkswagen Passat

Failure Date: 05/01/2006

Check engine light has been on since purchasing of car ~ electra auto sales was aware of this and noted this was their records they would be responsible. They have been given me the run around because of the faulty engine system. My daughter and I were subjected to almost being killed on the highway because of the car stalling and rough idliing ~ paul vargas owner of electra auto sales has not returned any called back . Ak.

14 Catalytic Convertor problem of the 2001 Volkswagen Passat

Failure Date: 09/08/2005

The check engine light came on with a message display of "emissions workshop!" around 73k mi. The car dealer I bought it from thought it might be the O2 sensors, but it turned out not be to. I took it to the local vw dealer and they told me that it was a "recall/service bulletin" problem of some sort so they reset my onboard computer. The check engine light came on again with the same message shortly there after. I took it in to the vw dealer again and they replaced both of my catalytic converters (which were covered by the vw emissions warranty). This seemed to have resolved the problem. (the problem occurred the same day I purchased the vehicle so it would be a good assumption that this problem had occurred before I attained the vehicle).

15 Catalytic Convertor problem of the 2000 Volkswagen Passat

Failure Date: 07/01/2005

I recently had an experience that I believe would be of interest to your organization. In July of 2000 my wife and I researched for an finally purchased a Volkswagen Passat (VIN# wvwmd23b7yp212346). We were very pleased with our purchase fo a number of years, until what were described to us as "normal" repairs became necessary. Some of the more memorable normal repairs included rear brakes at 40,000 miles (front brakes were in very good condition) for approx. $700. 00, and the outside rear view mirror adjustor for $400. 00. We began to suspect the pricing structure of vw parts and labor was skewed toward the expensive. A big part of of our decision to buy vw was their reputation for solid transportation over a long time. The car was even listed as a recommended purchase on a number of consumer magazines! the most outrageous example of this situation occured in July 1st 2005, when the check engine light came on, and we took the car to our dealer for service. The result of the check was that the catalytic converters (2 of them) needed to be replaced, at a total cost of $3,400. 00! since our state has vehicle testing, this is a required repair to be able to continue to drive the car. We have owned the car for 5 years and have 108,000 miles on the odometer. Contacting vw gave no relief, as their stated warranty was for 5 years, but only for 80,000 miles. Needless to say, I will never purchase a Volkswagen product again, and would like to inform potential purchasers of this type of unexpected cost.

16 Catalytic Convertor problem of the 2001 Volkswagen Passat

Failure Date: 08/07/2004

Shielding on exhaust system separated and made contact with manifold, causing a fire.

17 Catalytic Convertor problem of the 2001 Volkswagen Passat

Failure Date: 10/15/2003

Upper control arms on both sides are worn out. Tie rods are worn out on both sides. Catalytic converters needed replaced. I paid for the tie rods, warranty covered converters, and I have not had the upper control arms replaced. Oil leaks on engine. Interior lights do not activate when drivers door is opened.

18 Catalytic Convertor problem of the 1999 Volkswagen Passat

Failure Date: 10/04/2003

The catalytic converter failed on my wife?s Passat. The car is 4 yrs old and has less than 85000 miles on it . The estimated repair from bill barry vw. To fix it is around 1600 dollars. I was told that when I purchased the car new that the exhaust systems never fail because they are made of stainless steel. Before that around 68000 miles the car began to run on 3 cylinders. They had to replace a control module that cost me $612. 00 none of this was covered under any of my warranty. Even though I am supposed to have a 10 yr. Or 100000 miles. This will be our last volkswwagen. If I were told that the exhaust system was worth so much money up front, we would never have bought this car.

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19 Catalytic Convertor problem of the 1999 Volkswagen Passat

Failure Date: 10/04/2003

1999 vw. Passat exhaust cataylitic converter failure and engine skipping problem.

20 Catalytic Convertor problem of the 1998 Volkswagen Passat

Failure Date: 05/30/2003

Catalytic converter is completely deteriorated, car is only 5 years old. Dealer willing to replace catalytic converter for $3000. Please provide further information.

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21 Catalytic Convertor problem of the 2000 Volkswagen Passat

Failure Date: 04/15/2003

Consumer complained that at 43000 miles catalytic converter was replaced under warranty. Currently, at 90,000 miles another one needed to be replaced. Dealer will not replace the catalytic converter for free.

22 Catalytic Convertor problem of the 1998 Volkswagen Passat

Failure Date: 01/01/2001

Catalytic converter replaced early on in ownership. Water pump, oil pump, timing belt replaced two months ago. Turbo replaced twice and still defective. Electrical problems with driver's side window, heated seat, trunk light. Suspension system bushings need replacement @ only 56,000 miles. Steering column replaced early on.



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