Ignition Coils Failure Problems of Volkswagen Passat - part 1

I stopped at a stop sign, the car accelerated normally and after a few minutes the engine sputtered, the check engine light illuminated, and the battery light illuminated. The engine quit. Attempts to restart the engine failed. I was located at an intersection and pushed the car off to the side of the road. I attempted to restart the engine and noticed an aroma of burning plastic. I opened the hood and there was smoke emanating under the top engine cover, top lh side viewed from the front to the rear. Upon further investigation I noticed that there was a fire under the cover. I removed the cover and extinguished the fire. The #1 ignition coil harness was melted from the fire and associated fire damage was noted on the inside of the engine cover above the engine coil location. I had the vehicle towed to the local dealership and they confirmed that the failure of the #1 engine coil was the cause of the fire. I reported the incident in detail to the Volkswagen America customer support as soon as I returned home. Vehicle is currently undergoing repairs to replace the defective items. I was told there were no current recalls in effect. I went to the NHTSA website and found that this issue has been previously investigated and no recall was issued at the time. I felt obligated to report this incident as it pertains to public safety.

See all problems of the 2009 Volkswagen Passat 🔎.

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.

See all problems of the 2002 Volkswagen Passat 🔎.

On 11/15/11 @33,125 miles when accelerating intermittently shift into neutral correct back to drive "could not be replicated" by vw service. Then, car started to become "hesitant" on acceleration from a stop or when on driving. 1/16/12, hesitation more frequent; vw service took a short drive,could not replicate "it's not an issue unless mil" (recommended new wiper blades). 3/6/12, @ 41,117 miles, continued to intermittently hesitate/wanted to stall/ neutral" no engine light (mil); 3/14/12 @ 41,595 miles, left headlight bulb replaced. 6/7/12, while in traffic on expressway approximate speed was 20mph, car hesitated to move with flow of traffic then immediately after hesitation, 2 things occurred @same time, I was rear-ended & engine light (mil) came on. Then car hesitated as I went to pull over. Mil went off then flickered on. I called vw service the mil was off & was told that rear-ended caused the flicker. Mil cont to intermittently go on & off. On 6/30/12 @47,098 miles, mil on steering locked up car hesitating; vw service was informed that auto body shop stated obd car misfiring; replaced l headlight again-car passed inspection. On 7/12/12 @ 48347 miles, mil vw swapped wires again; mil, hesitation while driving, & shifting issue still intermittent; 3/2/13@ 64070 miles mil on l headlight bulb replaced; 3/30/13 mil replace spark plugs; 4/15/13 @ 65,689 mil ignition coil manifold fuel injectors replaced; returned 4/16/13 hesitation rebreather corrected; safety inspection mil on forced car to passed. Mil stays on still hesitates @78,942 water pump; @79000 car hesitating stalling mil intake valve fuel injector need cleaning - l headlight again; @91,195, left headlight replaced vehicle ret to me by vw with mil & steering lock lights on refused to repair 100,191 miles mil still on 107,290 vw forced fail safety inspection mil came on &has never gone off.

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

Faulty ignition coils on 2004 vw Passat, 4 cylinder turbo engine. While driving the car, the engine loses power and dash board warning lights illuminate. Ignition coils have been replaced numerous times.

See all problems of the 2004 Volkswagen Passat 🔎.

2004 Volkswagen Passat. Consumer writes in regards to class action settlement against Volkswagen, stating a series of issues such as oil sludge, engine malfunction issues, anti-freeze and coolant issues and ignition coil issues with Volkswagens the consumer stated she learned there was a specific type of coolant that only be used for her model vehicle. She stated each summer she drove around with 2 containers of anti-freeze because the vehicle would consume so much anti-freeze. Also, the brake light bulbs were replaced.

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 .

Ignition coil failure after 13 months after vw replaced all 4 coils under prior recall.

See all problems of the 2001 Volkswagen Passat 🔎.

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!.

I purchased an 03 vw Passat from a vw dealer as a certified pre-owned vehicle back in 2/07. Within the first week of purchase I had brake problems. The next couple years were followed by valve cover leaks, engine leaks, auto window problems, battery problems, recall issues, water intrusion issues, ignition coil recall and the list goes on. After a water intrusion just days after the replacement of faulty ignition coils I contacted the manufacture notifying them of the problems. The manufacture had held their foot to the ground that my car is out of warranty (that I was told at time of sale I did not have) and so they are able to do nothing about any of the problems with this vehicle. However as it stands I have nearly $3000 in repairs needed to this vehicle. Not to mention the water leak/damage from what I understand may actually mean my vehicle is considered a total loss at this point. I have expressed to the manufacture that I am concerned for the safety of myself but my small children as well ever time we are in this vehicle. Among the several things that are potential to occur while I am driving I also worry about the potential for mold exposure from the water damage. Due to cost I am unable to get any of this corrected and can not afford to go thru my insurance only to be told that it is a manufacture issue and so I am stuck. I feel that at this point I am driving around in a safety hazard and don't know what to do. Every time I receive a replay from anyone I just end up back at the same place. . . . Contact the bbb, etc. I am getting no where and don't know what to do therefore am looking into any and all resources so any information would be useful. Thank you for your time.

See all problems of the 2003 Volkswagen Passat 🔎.

Went to start my car and the malfunction indicator lamp light was on and my car was shaking uncontrollably. I called the dealership they had told me to have my car towed in. As I did, the problem was the ignition coils, they did mention that there was a recall on the 4 cylinders and they have had several people come in with this problem after the artic blast came through last week. The reason why I'm writing is because I think its kind of weird after this recall came out so many people have had this problem recently and just wondering why this particular part is not covered under a recall for a v6. To me it doesn't make any sense why not, my problem is occurring exactly when all these other cars are being recalled for the same thing.

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.

While driving, the car began hesitating and the "check engine" light began flashing. Upon pulling over and opening the hood, the top-rear passenger side of the engine was glowing red and within 30 seconds or so burst into flames. The fire was extinguished by an off-duty volunteer fireman who arrived prior to the fire department. Subsequent review by the fire department and the insurance company found the ignition coil was the origin and cause of the fire. Perhaps this is similar to NHTSA action number : ea07014, however that action only covered 1999-2005 Passats; this is a 2006 Passat.

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Incident description = 2004 vw Passat had been previously report several fuel consumptions problems at hoy fox vw and gas ended up leaking out of fuel tank and cause a spill in my garage and drive. Hazard was inhalation gas in a closed in area caused head aches/ nausea/dizziness/ for my family and I I have had mutiple problems with vehicle since then has broke down on me twice in less than 1 day's time. On 01 Sep 08 my wife noticed and oil spot in driveway after I left to go out of town granted we have brand new home and the vw was only vehicle parked in that spot she could reach me because no service with my cell phone but I ended up broke down outside big spring ,TX the care was sluggish and leaking oil this time and on 03 sep08 in /texarkana after being in shop allday 2sep08 it broke down for a previous condition with ignition coils. Hoy foxvw not admitting that may have put the new oil filter to tight to cause to breakdown after having the oil change on 28aug08/29aug08 for other neglected maintenance. Please look into this matter I'm sure it's not just my vehicle they trying to assume because it just had went out warranty. The engine oil cooler was damaged and bursted when put on at hoy-fox vw by a vw technician after putting the oil filter on entirely to tight. Leaked in yard and I was not aware of it and the spilled out all over the ground at a high temperature vehicle (overheated) which make it hard for me stop while drive because of the slickness of mixture between the coolant and oil. Almost ran off the road but ended up shifting to neutral and letting coast over to median.

The contact owns a 2003 Volkswagen Passat. While driving 40 mph the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and a technician replaced the ignition coil at an expense of $403. 00. The failure resurfaced one year after the vehicle was repaired. An authorized technician concluded that the ignition coil failed and caused the wiring harness, and the engines computer to burn. The vehicle was repaired at an expense of $887. 97. The manufacturer was notified. The failure mileage was 83,000 and the current mileage was 92,000. Updated 10/21/09. Updated 12/07/09. The consumer stated in addition to the other problem, the failed stalled on the highway and the the lights on the dashboard illuminated. Updated 12/08/09.

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.

Every 5,000-7,000 miles an ignition coil fails on my car. This results in my car instantly starting to shutter and I have to pull over immediately. Last time this happened, driving only a mile resulted in a severe vehicle fire putting myself and other in danger. This time, I was able to pull over before serious incident occurred.

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.

I finished putting in a small amount of gas and while taking off had an engine problem. My check engine light started to blink, my car started to chug and I had a severe loss of power. I took my car to my local vw service center, and upon investigation they smelled a burning under my hood and found the ignition coil melted or something of the sorts. They replaced the ignition coil and the car works fine, for now until the coil melts again.

Driving home from work one afternoon, I noticed my engine seemed to be shaking slightly. I pulled over and even in park, I could feel the momentum of something in the engine causing my car to shake. By the time I got home, my engine light had turned on. I brought it to a vw dealer and upon inspection they found that my ignition coils needed replacing. Upon searching online, I found several press releases about issues with the vw ignition coils, and pending defect investigations relating to the coils and fires resulting. I am thankful that I did not find myself in this situation but I am sure that if I had not been paying attention this problem could have had a far worse outcome. I am now deeply concerned about my safety in this vehicle.

The contact owns a 2003 Volkswagen Passat. While driving 65 mph, the vehicle suddenly lost power. The vehicle was driven to the contact's home and then towed to the dealer. The dealer discovered that the ignition coil failed and will make the repair at the cost of $250. The contact previously traded in his Volkswagen jetta due to the identical coil failure. The VIN was unknown. The failure and current mileages were 55,000.

A third ignition coil failure in 18 months, the last one allowing raw gasoline into the catalytic converter, where it caught fire, destroying the turbo and causing a large amount of black smoke. I lost power while drive, was unable to accelerate in a safe manner and eventually suffered smoke inhalation. All coils need to be replaced.

Engine ignition coils fail, causing a hesitation in engine, which is dangerous and may lead to an accident in traffic. The coils do not fail all at once, and vw will only replace if they fail. One of the coils failed and the car caught on fire due to coil dropping onto the catalytic converter. Vw refuses to replace any further ignition coils.

Dashboard service light began flashing, car bucked and ran on reduced power only. Towed the unit to patrick motors vw in auburn MA. Dx was ignition coils and plugs needed. Cost me $365. 00 to repair. I argued that the payment was on them based on the Feb. 2003 vw service campaign which dictated that my model was involved in defective coil installation at the factory. I even called the vw toll-free customer care and was told that my car's VIN failed to match the defective group. Obviously I cannot understand why it would be excluded from the defective group when the coil components have to be replaced at 62000 miles. I would expect such a repair at 100,000 miles. This unit is a 1. 8t 2003 vw Passat.

This car was purchased new in Feb 2003. Two ignition coils replaced. I await the bill for the remaining 2 coils that will likely go bad. The dealership advised me that this had been recalled on the 2001-2002 models. I am perplexed by this information being I see no recalls on ignition coils, but I do see a host of complaints.

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.

: the contact stated while driving at 65 mph, the malfunction light illuminated, then the engine power failed, requiring the vehicle to coast to a stop. The vehicle was towed to a service dealer, where the malfunction was identified as 2 faulty ignition coils. The manufacturer was notified. Updated 11/21/2006 - the ignition coils have failed three times in four years.

: the contact stated while driving 55 mph the vehicle stalled without warning. The vehicle was maneuvered off the road, restarted, and was driven to the dealer where the ignition coil was replaced.

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.

At approx. 74,300 mi. Our 2001 vw Passat GLS v6 automatic had an abs failure. We purchased the vehicle new from a vw dealer in 2001 and have it serviced by vw dealers. Other vw owners I have spoken to (some while in the service area of the dealership!) have also had abs failure. The abs unit is back-ordered and wait listed because so many have failed and been requested. I am on my 4th week of waiting for the part, after having to pay for it in full up front. This is a very expensive part: rebuild kit is $650 while the unit itself is approx. $1,100. I believe this part suffer chronic failure among vw's and Audi's. I also believe the ignition coils should be recalled as mine are failing and so many others are failing.

1. Vehicle began to sputter, emissions light began to flash, then loss of engine power. 2. Failure of ignition coils (3) 3. 3 coils being replaced at vw dealership.

8/01/03 - car inspected and told had proper j ignition coils installed 8/18/03 - car again inspected and told had proper j ignition coils installed 11/18/03 - coil ignition recall was performed on the car for a 3rd time. After all three attempts of checking the ignition coils they yet failed again. This is the 12 coil I have had replaced on a Volkswagen in 2 years.

While driving 55 mph ignition coil pack failed. As a result, engine became inoperative.

See all problems of the 1999 Volkswagen Passat 🔎.

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.