Check Engine Light On Problems of Volkswagen Passat - part 2

This was a very dangerous experience. After stopped at one traffic light, the engine was total shut down when I press the acceleration pedal. Car stopped in the middle of the road right after the car made the left turn. Then I restarted the engine, it seemed normal, but after only 300 yards when I hit the gas pedal, the engine stalked again. Car just parked in the middle of the road. I restarted the engine again, this time the check engine light was on, and same problem happened after the car barely ran over 400 yards. I finally drove to home with 7 or 8 restarts for 4 miles. Then on may 21, I called aaa to tow my car to a local vw dealer. In the morning of may 22, the dealer's service adviser called me that the high pressure fuel pump was broken and need to be replaced. The cost including diagnose is $873. However, around 4pm in the afternoon, the dealer called again and advised that the replacement of fuel pump does not solve the problem. The dealer has made call to vw for the technical support.

See all problems of the 2009 Volkswagen Passat 🔎.

2003 Volkswagen Passat has had recurring problems with ignition coils over the past two years (have already had two replaced at personal expense, as they were not under recall/warranty) most recent issue with such has occured the past two weeks, beginning with the appearance of the check engine light along with periods of my vehicle running very rough (a "rumbling" type sensation, particularly when idling/while stopped) this soon escalated into a total loss of power while driving on the freeway the other day, which necessitated in me having to abruptly pull onto the shoulder, smoke came out from under the hood for a minute or two. Took my Passat to a local repair shop the next day, where they read the error code(s) for my check engine light---turns out there are 10 in all, 1 for each cylinder in my engine (I have a v6), 3 for each ignition coil, and 1 general engine code. This will be the third time I have dealt with this issue in a very short time frame. I will be calling the dealership first thing in the morning but I do not believe there is any recall/warranty out for this issue still. I am very upset and displeased with vw and their lack of reliability/credibility regarding this issue. It seems that it is quite widespread from what I have researched and read and I hope that something will be done about it soon, I cannot afford to keep paying for this and certainly cannot afford for the safety hazards of it to get any worse, im afraid an engine fire will be next!!.

See all problems of the 2003 Volkswagen Passat 🔎.

In August, my check engine light had been coming on and off for about two weeks. I made an appointment at the dealership. They found several faults and recalls (my car only had 39,000 miles) and told me that the repairs would be around $800. I paid this amount only for the light to come on about a week later. I called the dealership to make another appointment but the light went off and stayed off about a month and was told to try changing or tightening the gas cap. I did both, however, the problem persisted. The light came on again and stayed on and in November, I brought the car back. I was told there was a problem with the cam shaft and that the car was no longer safe to drive because the cam shaft attached to the high performance fuel shaft was completely worn through. Additionally, the part is on back order for a few weeks!!! obviously vw is aware of this issue and has done nothing to notify owners. I have been to the same dealer three times and was only told recently after complaining about several strange noises and engine light issues. 1) how did you not see this before? 2) if this was covered by the warranty, then why didn't it get fixed the first time? I believe that the original problem was caused by this "camshaft" issue and I was ripped off.

See all problems of the 2006 Volkswagen Passat 🔎.

False epc and check engine lights. When checked by dealer, they stated there was nothing wrong and only software update was needed. I was concerned that there was a software glitch that will affect the correct functioning of the vehicle.

See all problems of the 2007 Volkswagen Passat 🔎.

Electrical problems from day one - constantly a new light on that never stayed on. Driver's airbag issue that vw says is an electrical problem under the driver's seat - a few hundred dollars to fix a few months ago, the check engine light came on and vw charged us to run a diagnostic test that came back with 12 failure codes, the two most severe being intake runner motor and high pressure pump. Then, not long after, the car literally shut down on the highway and we could hardly get to the side of the road (mind you no prior warning lights were present). The only one that came on for a split second was the epc (electronic power control) light before the car shut off. The vehicle had to be towed to vw dealer who after investigating the problem, said that the engine was shot. And, I almost forgot to mention that the air hasn't worked for 2 summers. Vw claims that this is because a bad compressor was put in the Passats. $1800 to fix. These issues are completely unacceptable and we don't think any of the above problems should be our responsibility to pay. Vw needs to step up and take responsiblity for their faulty engineering.

I noticed that I was receiving notifications to change the oil more often prior to 3000 miles. When I went to dealership to determine why I was told that the car should not require an oil change usually until 6000 miles. I was totally baffled because I am barely making the 3k mark. So, after another oil change shortly 3000 miles. . . I got the notification to shut off engine, oil level too low. I panicked and had the car towed to the dealership. They said it was alright and some car asorb more than others. A few weeks later, I received notification of a check engine light. This was supposedly the cam shaft. This was replaced in Feb 2011. Continously I experienced the low oil level and have had it monitored. The check engine light came on the next day after it was monitored. The dealership is unable to determine why I am experiencing this issue. I went to a local auto store who stated it was the cam shaft. At halls volkwagen, a volskwagen specialist was there at the time and suggested that they clean my engine completely. This was one week ago and guess what, the check engine light is back. I went back to another auto store who confirmed again it was the cam shaft. Yes, there is an extended warranty on the cam shaft. This is twice in a year it will require replacing? my warranty is about to end. Im not coming out of pocket to get a cam shaft every year. Something else has to be wrong. Also, I would like it noted that I purchased this car at car max. The car fax stated that the car was not in any accidents. The driver side door has been replaced and has the sticker information from when it was replaced. I think that I was mislead about the state of this vehicle. Total check engine lights since purchase - 9 total notifications to shut off engine due to low oil level 9.

The driver owns a 2004 Volkswagen Passat. The contact stated that the check engine warning light began illuminating. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the contact was told that pieces of the engine block were fracturing into the oil pan. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileage was 150,000. The VIN was unavailable.

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The contact owns a 2002 Volkswagen Passat. The contact was driving approximately 25-30 mph when he heard a noise coming from the engine and the vehicle immediately began to lose power. After driving an additional two miles, the vehicle stalled with the illumination of the check engine warning light. The vehicle was towed to his residence abd was neither inspected nor repaired for the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 80,000.

See all problems of the 2002 Volkswagen Passat 🔎.

My 1999 Volkswagen Passat has bad ignition coils. My son was driving the Passat. When he got home from school he informed me the car was sluggish and the engine light was blinking. I went out and drove it to see what he was talking about. I never in my wildest dreams would have thought that if I drove it, it could catch fire. It didn't. I was told that after the discovery of bad coils. That was when a family friend looked at it and told me that it had bad ignition coils. Fortunately school is only a mile away. I was told to have it towed to my nearest dealership for repair (each coil costing over $100 to replace - not including labor) because the engine could catch fire if I drove it. I checked online and I see hundreds of complaints about this. I saw vw is doing a voluntary recall but on 2001-2007. When I called the dealership to find out how much this was going to cost me they even told me they recommend replacing all 4 (it is a 4 cyl) because if even one is bad, the others will follow. This is not just me. This is hundreds of people with the same year same model as mine. All should be replaced by the dealership as well as the ignition pack. That has been a problem from people as well. I don't understand how this car manufacture can put parts out there that could have caused potential harm to my son. I don't understand how nothing is being done about it. And they want me to go in and pay for all of this, when they put those bad parts in the car.

See all problems of the 1999 Volkswagen Passat 🔎.

2003 vw Passat wagon 1. 8 t sludge issue stop engine light came on at 88,683 miles indicating oil pressure is low and vehicle should not be driven. Has not yet been repaired/replaced: oil sludge low bar pressure $1792.

The check engine light came on after starting the vehicle. No abnormal behavior was observed before the light came on. On subsequent starts the engine sputtered then drove normally (but the light stayed on). The dealership diagnosed the problem as a "faulty intake flap motor" with a quoted cost of $475 to replace. Problem related to service bulletin num : TSB-01-08-12, NHTSA item number : 10028104. This should be a recall as it is a pollution problem (car cannot pass emissions inspection).

I own a 2004 vw Passat with 35000 miles. The car is like new, except the stop engine light came on. Took it to a local mechanic, and they did not address the problem. Took it to gunther vw in coconut creek florida, for a diagnostic. I was told to go home and they would call me with the results. They left a message that the car needed a new engine, and to come and get my car. I called and asked what were my options and they said the car needed a new engine for $8600. I called vw corporate, they said that there was a letter sent in 2004 to the owners of cars with the 1. 8 turbo, I had never seen this letter. It was faxed to me, I was stunned at the tone of the letter, if I had seen this letter I immediately would have gotten rid of this car. There are 197000 websites concerning this engine, and people are still buying these cars without being told they are buying a car with a defective engine. Vw now states that this engine needs an oil change every 3000miles, and if you go past the 3000 mile mark, they are not responsible for the engines performance. These cars should be recalled before someone is killed when their engine stops in traffic.

The check engine light on my vw Passat 2003 with only 60 k miles came on while I was driving and as a result of that the thermostat and the oxygen sensor had to be replaced. The car mechanic was is an independent vw mechanic and he was of the opinion that at such mileage such malfunctions should not occur in this car.

While driving or idling, an engine warning light appears telling the driver to stop immediately due to no oil pressure. This can happen at any time. The problem is due to a known issue by vw of oil sludge buildup. The consequence is the engine will seize up and need to be replaced along with but not always including the turbocharger. Vw has extended the warranty to 8 years unlimited miles for those engines, but unreasonably requires production of all oil change receipts for the entire history of the car.

Tl-the driver owns a 2002 Volkswagen Passat glx. While driving approximately 30 mph the vehicle engine light came on. The vehicle was driven to there destination and the vehicle was checked by a local mechanic the next day. The local mechanic did a diagnostic and she was advised that the calaltytic converter failed. The vehicle has not been repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 57,000 and the current mileage was 65,000. Vwb.

Our 2003 Passat wagon (4 cyl 1. 8 engine) had a fire in the engine last week. After driving about 20 minutes and parking, my husband noticed the check engine light and then smoke coming out from under the hood. He opened the hood and saw a fire in the engine. He was in a parking space and drove it a block to a service station, where the mechanic put out the fire with water. The fire had started in the ignition coils (which had been replaced in 4/2003, before the recall) and would have required the replacement/rebuilding of the engine harness. Our insurance company declared the car a total loss.

2001 1/2 Volkswagen Passat station wagon, manual, 1. 8t persistent issues with ignition coils, and check engine light over 8 years.

See all problems of the 2001 Volkswagen Passat 🔎.

My car had been hit on the driver side so I took it to the auto body shop to be repaired, being paid for by the person insurance CO that hit me. When I went to pick the car up about 3 weeks later I drive 2 blocks and then lights started flashing (warning oil pressure) stop car immediately. I called the auto body shop so I could take the car back to them because the car was in excellent working order when I took it there no lights were on or flashing only the door was damaged. Few days later the auto body said they would have to have it towed to a dealer wynn because they don't know why the lights are on. Wynn dealer gave diagnoses of oil sludge for the lights flashing and the auto body had replaced the door with the wrong door. I was told this would cost me 2300 dollars, 2300 dollars. I was told by the deal that this is the problem and removal of the sludge will fix the problem. They had the car for a month repairs to replace the door and the oil sludge. Month later when I went to pick up the car at that time there was an engine light came on, had the manager check why. He hook up a computer and said it may be a bad cylinder he reset the light and I drove it for 2 weeks maybe and now excessive amount of smoke was coming from the car and it was losing power . I took it back to dealer stating you told me the problem was fixed I was told that now it has a turbo charger problem had been damaged which would be covered by my warranty. So I left it there for repairs. Picked it up a week later and was told everything was fine now drove it for not even a day and the car was still losing power and now shaking out of control. I had to take it back to the dealer and now was told I had a bad engine coil so the best they could do for now is replace it with a used one. In the mean time I had called Volkswagen customer service and they told me I had to take it back to them for diagnose. Because when they replaced the coil it still didn't.

At a stoplight car began to shake and sputter, I made it home with the car shaking the entire time. Had to replace coils. Have broken down twice and had to have car towed since then and replace coils. Not too mention the other several times coils were replaced without the car actually breaking down. Due to the coils constantly going bad caused the catalytic converter to go bad, which had to be replaced may 2011 along with the coils and O2 sensor. But two months later the engine light was on again, once again due to the coils. They were replaced, and engine light on again. They told me it would void the warranty on the converter due to the issue with the coil packs! the car now smells like it is burning when only driving for 20-30 mins. Had to get a emissions waiver from the dot for 2 years due to the problem since it wouldn't pass inspection. There is obviously a problem with more than just the coil packs themselves. They have been replaced a dozen time, yet there is still a problem. It seems to me that the whole housing unit for the coils need to be replaced along with the wires, too prevent fire and other problems with the cars.

The contact owns a 2007 Volkswagen Passat wagon. While driving 70 mph, the check engine and epc lights illuminated. The vehicle would not accelerate and the engine began making a thumping sound. The contact did not notice any differences in the vehicle prior to the failures. The vehicle is currently being diagnosed by the dealer, and the engine is being replaced. The current and failure mileages were 21,670.

The contact owns a 2004 Volkswagen Passat. While driving 40 mph, the turbo booster became very hot and the engine warning light illuminated. The first time the failure occurred, the vehicle was towed to the dealer. The dealer replaced a certain part of the vehicle, which temporarily corrected the failure. Less than two months later, the turbo booster began to overheat again. The contact believes that the vehicle has a manufacturer defect. The vehicle is currently located at the dealer being repaired. The VIN was unknown. The failure mileage was 63,000 and current mileage was 68,000.

I purchased a 2003 Passat and have been in for two coils, engine light, back hatch lock broken, fuel pump but the most important one thus far was when I told them my oil pressure light came on two days prior and they told me it will cost 4000. 00 to fix it because the engine is full of sludge. I would produce receipts for services that I actually do regularly every 3-4 thos. Miles or three months. However they informed me from vw of America that 99% of the people have to pay for it because their receipts don't meet the requirement of the mileage of the services. They state that it must be done prior to 5 thos. Miles but the book states every 7 thos. Miles for services to be done. When I bought the car they didn't tell me that I should use the expensive filters/and synthetic oils when servicing the car. Is everyone !@#$% out of luck on them covering this. And once done what prevents it from doing it again? I am getting rid of this ASAP and never buying another vw ever! I will spread the word about buying a vw to everyone I know.

1. 8l turbo engine with 51,000 miles, still under power train warranty. Oil press/stop engine light illuminated momentarily. First time was the summer 07. I called the dealership and they advised changing the oil, which I had done 2k miles and 2 months previous, but did again. That worked, no other advise by dealer. No occurrence again until Nov 07. Dealership inspection revealed sludge and coking. Vw of America will not pay for any type of repair without receipts proving maintenance in accordance with the owners manual. I did all my own oil changes on schedule but did not keep receipts for oil/filter. The $130+ diagnostic charge was not covered by the warranty either. Additionally, dealer said the warranty was void because I had an other than vw oil filter on. Repair estimate is $3,000 to rebuild engine.

The contact owns a 2001 Volkswagen Passat. She stated that the check engine light remained illuminated. The dealer stated that the engine coolant temperature sensor needed to be replaced. The dealer stated that they would make the repair; however, there would be a charge. The current mileage was 67,000 and the failure mileage was unavailable.

The engine stopped without any explanation in the high speed lane ( full tank of gas) while I was driving on I-91. I could not start engine again on freeway. Fortunately, we didn't have an accident. Aaa and police came there within five minutes and we could get off the freeway by towing. Before stopping, the check engine light and epc lights came on. My car is very new. I've just driven my car only for two weeks. The mileage of my car is about 900 miles.

Bought a vw Passat used from private dealer~I owned the car for exactly 1 year, turbo failed ~ check engine light has been on since owning vehicle. Car has been diagnosed with oil sludge issues from previous owners. Just paid for turbo and two oil lines to be replaced. Vw of America stated they would take responsibility ~ never heard from them, I keep calling ~ check engine light has been on since day one ~ no one wants to help me on this quest to seek action. I owe 11,000. 00 more on the vehicle car was smoking severely ~thought it was an undercarriage~but it is near the turbo line so it could be mistaken.

See all problems of the 2000 Volkswagen Passat 🔎.

Oil sludge build up. Stop engine light came on. Immediately took car to dealership and learned that it was an oil pressure issue to sludge. Volkswagen had issued an extended warranty. However, they requireed complete records which most people did not keep. There were numerous complaints with regard to this issue. Wondering why a recall has not been imposed given the expense to consumer's for something that was obviously a manufacturer's defect. Consumer protection should be first priority.

The contact owns a 2004 Volkswagen Passat. While driving 30 mph, the check engine light illuminated and the engine began to shutter. The contact smelled rubber burning and the vehicle was towed to a local mechanic. The cause of failure was diagnosed as a failed ignition coil. The vehicle was repaired. The current mileage is 56,010 and failure mileage was 55,955.

The contact owns a 2003 Volkswagen passas. While driving 65 mph the check engine light illuminated then the engine failed. The dealer repaired the vehicle and stated that it was drivable. Approximately an hour later the check engine light began to illuminate intermittently. The dealer stated that there could be a faulty engine sensor. The next day, the check engine light illuminated and remained on and the engine eventually failed. The VIN was unavailable. The failure mileage was 55,000 and the current mileage was 58,000.

2001 Passat 1. 8l turbo. Car's engine pressure warning light came on. The car was towed to dwight harrison Volkswagen. They checked the oil pressure and said it was fine. They changed the oil and said the oil pressure indicator might have been caused by not using a vw oil filter. Not one mention of the oil sludge problem that has been prevalent with this engine. Drove the car for around 5000 miles without any more problems. Then the oil pressure light came back on intermittently. I towed the car into heritage vw who said it could be an oil sludge problem but that I'll have to authorize 5 hours of labor to tell for sure (about $500). I cannot find all of my oil change receipts and vw won't advise if they will cover any of the repair until I spend the $500. What am I supposed to do after they've taken my car apart and I'll already spent $500 getting a diagnosis? I never received the letter vw said they sent about the problem in 2004. I've had the oil changed at vw dealerships after they acknowledged the problem in 2004 yet the dealership never once asked if I'd like to put in synthetic oil. Don't they have any responsibility for the faulty design of the turbo engine? don't the dealers have a responsibility to tell you of the problem when you are getting the oil changed? this is typical of vw dealerships - they want you to spend money while they have a guessing game about the problem. They did this with a transmission problem I had, the cooling system and the check engine light.

My 2003 vw Passat 4-door sedan has experienced multiple occurrences where the brake lights continue to remain on while driving and even after the engine is shut off. This happened again today and I noticed this time that the emergency engine light came on while driving earlier in the day - this is also another issue that also comes on/off for no reason. I've reported the warning light a couple of times as well to the vw service and they don't know why that happens either. The warning light will at least shut off when the car is turned off, unlike my brake lights. Since today is Saturday, leaving my brake lights on until the service department reopens on a Monday is probably going to run my battery dead. With that concern in mind, I immediately called the vw roadside assistance hotline, 800-822-8987, to see if they had any repair instructions I can look into and the operator said she was unable to find any documentation. She advised that vw roadside can come tow my vehicle to a dealership (that won't reopen until Monday) or they can come to jump-start my car (which can take up to 45-60 min. After dispatch). This seems a terribly long time to wait & a huge inconvenience esp. Since it also took 30 min. Just to reach the live operator in the first place. I love driving my Passat; I bought it brand new direct from the dealership in 2003. Car safety is very important to me which is why I'm adamant about following service guidelines and bring my car in for regular maintenance & oil changes. I only bring it into a vw dealership service, never a local garage mechanic. Can NHTSA please look into both issues: 1. Sporadic check engine light warning while driving 2. Brake lights remaining on while driving and after the car is shut off. I am very concerned as both are major causes for safety concern, in addition to further expensive repairs which may be defects that the manufacturer should cover instead. Thanks.

I have had recurrent issues with my 2006 Passat. I just got the car back from the dealer after being at the dealer for repairs for 25 days, and I was trying to brake at the end of my street and the car did not brake. The pedal was very hard -- I could barely push it in with two feet. I activated the parking brake, and the car stopped -- thank god, I was only going 10 mph, but if I rolled into the intersection I could have been killed. When the car stopped, the check engine light came on, the engine began revving up and down and the headlights were flickering or surging and getting brighter and dimmer and brighter very rapidly. I turned on the interior lights to better view my dash, and the interior lights were surging/flickering as well. In one of my previous visits for dealer repairs, they told me they put in a brand new electrical system. How can this be happening again? this car is beyond repair. I believe I have a lemon and it is dangerous to continue driving this car. I cannot believe that after a 25-day stint in the dealer repair center it's still not working. This is the last of many trips to the dealer for repairs. Incidentally, while I bought the car new, I bought it after using it as a loaner when my 2006 jetta tdi was in the shop more than I drove it during my period of ownership. That car had some issues as well, so when I liked the Passat I decided to trade it in. I've only driven this Passat for less than 5,000 miles and it is terrible. My wife drives a 2006 jetta tdi (a different one) which runs great. How can only one of three cars purchased in less than a six month period function properly. This is seriously impacting my views of vw quality. I have trouble writing vw and the word quality in the same sentence. Thank god I didn't die tonight.

We have a 2001 Passat and put about 10k miles/year. The car has been serviced about twice every year at our local vw dealership since we bought it new. We originally bought the car with safety in mind. While driving on the interstate about a week ago, the engine light came on. The car seized/stalled as I was getting off the interstate. This could easily have led to a serious accident. I had the car towed to our dealership. Once they realized what had happened, they became very hostile. They asked us for all of our records. They had incomplete ones for us as the dealership had changed hands a few years ago. We have almost every record but this will not suffice for them. They are asking for half of the 11k repair bill (and suggested that we repair it and trade in for one of their used cars). What really bothers us is that part of the problem of missing records is due to the dealership. The other issue is that when the car had failed, the tow guy showed me that the oil cap was encrusted with sludge. When I pointed this out to the dealership and that while they probably would have seen this at the last oil change, that they are under no obligation to inform the customer of such a potential hazard. This is a major safety concern and vw/vw dealerships should be obliged to watch for this and at least suggest an engine flush. After too much trust, we are very disappointed with vw for this. They should know better.

My 2001 Passat------my husband and I were driving on the freeway, the stop engine light appeared in big red lettering and proceeded to say that the oil pressure was low. We got to a gas station and checked the oil and it looked fine. Got home and looked again with better lighting, still the same. We had the vehicle towed to the dealership. There the service center had told us that this was due to "oil sludge" and will be covered under our extended warranty if documentation was provided for all oil change services. Not to mention the vehicle was purchase in 2001 with 6 miles and has only got 53000 now in 2006. I have gotten the routine oil changes up to date and they are requiring me to show proof of all oil changes. I would like to know who keeps every oil change receipt!!! this is insane. I am so fed up with the way vw is taking care of this issue, they are using this as an excuse so that they do not have to repair my vehicle. I am still in the process of trying to find all the "documentation" that is needed. I can not believe that less than 3 weeks of my last oil change vw still will not provide me with moderate service. I will never, repeat never buy another vehicle or recommend vw to anyone!! I have read all other similar complaints and I can see that vw has no remorse for the fishy service it is providing. I will take this action further. I just wonder how many people got there vehicles with the "sludge" covered under warranty??? why even purchase the warranty if it is not covering the problem???.

I have a 2003 Volkswagen Passat and about a month ago my engine light came on. I took it to montesi Volkswagen dealer in hamden, connecticut. They charged me $85 to determine the cause. And then they told me that there is nothing wrong with the engine, but the software which controls this light must be updated and that costs about $235. I told them that it is not my fault that the existing software on the car is not functioning properly, and you must install the software free of charge. But they didn't accept it. I think this not right, and they are responsible if the original software that they installed is not working properly.