Volkswagen Passat owners have reported 5 problems related to power assist brake vacuum hoses, lines/piping, and fittings (under the service brakes 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.
2/5
noon: as I was pulling out of my apartment complex on to a main road, my brakes went out. Fortunately, I was going 10 mph so was able to come to a stop simply by letting off the gas and pushing the wheel against a curb. Engine began to misfire and emi came on. 12: in my attempt to reach vw roadside assistance, I was put on automated hold for over 25 minutes. 12: I called the general customer service line and at that point was told that there was a recall on my vehicle regarding vacuum hose to the brake lines but that should not have resulted in total brake failure. Re-directed me to roadside assistance again. 12: placed on automated hold with roadside assistance for 15+ minutes again and at that point began looking for alternative options. 1: received a call from third party moc roadside assistance confirming somebody was on their way to pick me up and should be there within the hour. 2: car was dropped off at tom wood volkswagon of indianapolis, in. I was given a rental car for the next few days. 2/9
went to get my car. They had fixed the problem and had no explanation why I didn't receive a recall letter. They said the recall had been made public 26 December 2005 and that I should check my mailing address with vag (ironic how all my financing statements come on time though!). There was a recall on the wiper system issued at the same time (also of which I was not notified). When they performed this recall at this time also, they returned the car to me w/o the wipers functioning! I was outraged that they didn't check the wiper system before telling me it was o. K. It took them a few minutes to get the wipers going and I was on my way. It wasn'tt doing any good to speak to the dealership and have begun to consult lawyers regarding actions against vag due to the fact that I was not made aware of this safety recall. Suffering: mental anguish, fear of unsafe car, lost productivity at work.
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all problems of the 2006 Volkswagen Passat
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At the red light, engine started to vibrate. When the light changed to green, my wife decided to pull over to see what happened. She realized that the brakes stopped working. From 20 mph it took a whole block to stop. Luckily, no one was in front of her. Car was towed away to the dealer. As per service: vacuum hose broke off from the engine and we lost power braking. Engine vibration is the symptom. Only 9500 miles on the car. Dealer told me its a common problem on new Passats.
Power brake boost failed; brake application required increased pedal force and distance to stop. Problem abated after 30 seconds, then recurred at next vehicle start- also subsided after a period of time. Took car to dealer who indicated that 2 supply lines to the brake booster had failed and cracked. Was told that repair would cost $150, but could not be fixed that day. Old parts available (including images prior to removal).
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all problems of the 2001 Volkswagen Passat
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While traveling at approximately 40 mph consumer attempted to apply brakes to stop for a red light, brake pedal failed to move, causing vehicle to travel into intersection. Dealership examined vehicle, and determined that vacuum line coming off of booster in the braking system ruptured, and needed to be replaced. Consumer also states that vehicle cuts off due to the fuel supply relay being defective.
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all problems of the 1997 Volkswagen Passat
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The vacuum hose broke at 55000 miles, was repaired and failed again at 60000. Since a dealer was not available at the time it was repaired with duct tape. (the duct tape proved to be more reliable). The hose was then repaired at 70000 miles and failed for the third time at 72500 miles. It is currently repaired with duct tape. This problem is further agrevated by the fact that none of the three dealers I have contacted have had the part. The first failure occurred in rapid city, sd. The dealer there did not have the part and the national distributor did not have the part. One was finally located in texas and fed-exed to rapid city. The second failure occurred in northern calif. The dealer in palm springs did not have the part and the national distributor did not have the part and he could not locate a dealer that had one. I drove back to FL with the duct tape repair. When I contacted the dealer in tallahassee, FL he did not have the part but he ordered one from jacksonville. I returned to the tallahassee dealer after the third failure on a Friday afternoon. He did not have the part and could not get one until the next Tuesday. I have not returned! I actually feel safer with the duct tape than I would with their repair part.
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all problems of the 1996 Volkswagen Passat
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