Tank Assembly Problems of Volkswagen Passat - part 1

Tl the contact owns a 2000 Volkswagen Passat. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle after being parked overnight, he noticed a fuel odor. The contact stated that the fuel tank was half empty after being refilled. The contact took the vehicle to a certified mechanic and was informed that the seam in the fuel tank was fractured which caused the fuel leak. The fuel tank was replaced. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 45,000.

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I notice that fuel is leaking from my vw Passat 2001's fuel tank. I fill out this complaint in order to seek a help from authorities on these matters and also knowing if my issues can be handled by Volkswagen America.

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There is a dangerous gas leak from the previously recalled fuel tank that is not damaged by the road, or other debris. The recall needs to stay open.

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Fuel tank ventilation valve is leaking fuel. Vw dealer refused to fix it under the existing recall: NHTSA campaign id number: 08v156000 NHTSA action number: pe08008 I have vw Passat 2004 GLS 4 motion w/manual transmission.

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Incorrect fuel tank installed from factory.

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The contact owns a 2002 Volkswagen Passat. While parked, the contact noticed a strong fuel odor around the exterior of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the mechanic stated there was a leak near the top of the fuel tank. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. There was a recall under NHTSA campaign id number: 08v156000 (fuel system, gasoline:delivery). The vehicle was included in the recall and was repaired before the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 113,000.

Woke up at 4 am with strong smell of gasoline fumes in my home. Went to the garage and my Passat had a puddle of gasoline below it on the floor. Moved the car out of garage and aired out the garage/house. Gas water heater was also in the garage. Took the car to Volkswagen of boise. Travis the service manager stated the fuel tank was spliting at the seams. He said that he has seen six of these in boise, id this year. He said that Volkswagen has not issued a recall on this fuel tank. He said it will cost me $2,500. 00 to have this fuel tank replaced.

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My fuel tank is leaking for the 2nd time in 2 years. In 2009, I smelled fuel when the tank was full. I took it to the dealer and they said the tank was cracked and had to be replaced, which I paid for. In 2011, the exact same thing occurred. The dealer is paying for the replacement. This concerns me that there may be a problem with the fuel tanks in the 2002 vw Passat. I'm not sure if this is the same issue that has been reported earlier and sort of recalled under the heat shield problem. If it is the same issue as that, I shouldn't have paid for the repair in 2009. Could you please investigate the fuel tanks. . . The escape of fuel scares me!.

Streaming gasoline leak inboard of the rear quarter panel on the passenger side when the engine starts. After operating for a time (20 min or more) the leak stops and does not reappear until the car has been sitting for several days without running. This condition has been in existence for about five years, but neither the vw dealer where I bought the car, nor an independent garage was able to find it (by the time I got it into the shop, the leak was gone and the gas had evaporated). It has gradually worsened, though, and last week I took it to the nearest vw dealer. When they detected the strong odor of gas, they parked it in an isolated area. The next day they called and told me that the "rollover" valve was defective and that the car needed a new gas tank. It is currently in the shop at drew Volkswagen in la mesa, CA, awaiting parts. When it occurs, this is a very substantial leak with gas streaming onto the ground.

The contact owns a 2003 Volkswagen Passat. The contact stated that there was an overpowering odor of gasoline from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a local mechanic where the contact was advised that there was a fuel leak and that the fuel tank needed to be replaced. There were no recalls for the failure. The manufacturer was contacted who offered no assistance. The failure mileage was 87,000.

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The contact owns a 2002 Volkswagen Passat. After adding fuel to the vehicle the contact smelled a strong odor of gasoline inside the vehicle. The contact was able to continue driving without incident; however, after the vehicle was parked the fuel tank was leaking. The vehicle was taken to an independent repair shop where they were unable to diagnose the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileages were 120,000.

The contact owns a 2003 Volkswagen Passat. The contact stated that he noticed a fuel odor and when he inspected, he saw that the fuel tank was leaking. The vehicle was taken to a local repair shop where the cotnact was informed that the plastic gas nozzle cracked and put pressure on the fuel tank. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer for recall 08v156000 (fuel system, gasoline: delivery) but the dealer would not replace the fuel tank because the fuel like was too long. The contact called the manufacturer who offered no assistance. The vehicle had not been repaired. The current and failure mileages were 107,235.

Vehicle is 2003 vw Passat 4 motion. A fuel leak was detected in the tank area. Automobile was brought to an independent repair shop where it was determined that there was a crack on the rollover valve. A recall was issued on this car for this problem (recall #(08v156000, NHTSA investigaiton #pe08008) and the necessary repairs were purportedly done by the authorized vw repair shop.

Fuel tank leaks when 7/8 to 8/8 full. Leaking gas damages asphalt and poses a fire threat.

The contact owns a 2002 Volkswagen Passat. The contact stated that fumes were entering the vehicle through the ventilation system and the check engine light was illuminated. The contact also mentioned that due to the failure, the vehicle was unable to pass state inspection. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who was unable to diagnose the failure and stated that in order to find the cause of failure, they would have to drop the fuel tank. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but did not offer any assistance since because the vehicle was previously repaired under NHTSA campaign id number: 08v156000 ( fuel system, gasoline: delivery). The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileage was 120,000.

Fuel leaks when gas tank is more than about half to three quarters full. Very strong odor inside and outside vehicle. Some wetness around fuel tank, but no visible drips when inspected by owner. When driving at 60 mph soon after filling tank, fuel range indicator decreases by 5 miles for every 1 to 2 miles travelled. Assuming normal fuel consumption should be 20 mpg, in 1. 5 minutes vehicle should use 0. 075 gal, but actually uses 0. 250 gal so the leak rate is approximately 0. 12 gal/min or 45 ml/min. Such leakage would be evident as drips if the leak was below the liquid level when the car is stationary so it is suspected to be in the area of the gas tank vents. Vehicle has not yet been inspected by vw. (vehicle was recently purchased used from private seller without maintenance records).

Fuel gauge reads incorrectly. Prior to first service call, gauge read nearly empty when tank was full; after replacing "sending sensor" the condition reversed and now reads full when tank is nearly empty.

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I am a the owner of a 2002 Volkswagen Passat 4motion with an automatic transmission. I am contacting you to seek action in regards to NHTSA campaign number for a recall for faulty gas tanks. I purchased this car as a certified used vehicle in 2004. I took the car to a vw dealership 4 times with a problem with something leaking under the car, and told there was not a leak found. After smelling gas, and finding fuel on my garage floor, the dealership was able to determine that the vehicle had a cracked fuel tank, and repaired the vehicle for $3000. After complaining to vw of America, the costs were covered and shortly thereafter I received a recall letter for the same issue. Now, one year later, I again smelled fumes, and found gasoline on the floor. The dealership stated that it is the same problem. Vw of America has offered to cover the cost of the repair. My car is parked in our garage where our gas hot water is located. The fuel on the floor was no more than 15 ft from the hot water heater. Had there been a spark, I am certain that there would have been a major fire, with potential fatal outcomes. I will not bring this vehicle back to my house for fear of a repeat failure. I also have concerns selling a defective vehicle to a 3rd party knowing the potential severe safety hazards. Volkswagen has clearly designed a faulty product they refuse to stand behind, and as a consumer, I will have to incur a finanical loss to replace this vehicle. These problems stem from negligent design and are a very serious potentail hazard. The 4motion cars should be removed from service and compensations should be allowed to owners. I desperately seek your assistance on this issue to review whether a second recall may be necessary. Thank you for your assistance.

Hello, my name is robert campbell and I am a the owner of a 2002 Volkswagen Passat 4motion with an automatic transmission. I am contacting you to seek action in regards to NHTSA campaign number 08v156000, which clearly indicates a recall for faulty gas tanks on this particular make/model due to fractured ventilation valves. Upon purchasing the car as a certified used vehicle in 2006, I had to have the gas tank replaced within the first week of ownership due to this very same defect. This was covered by the two year warranty provided by the dealership. A week ago, my gas tank started to leak again. Fuel is now leaking on the exhaust system creating a severe safety hazard. Upon inspection by the dealer, they have surmised the second tank has once again failed - due to a fractured ventilation valve. Both Volkswagen of american and my local dealer are refusing to acknowledge this recall and will only replace the tank if I agree to repair costs totaling $1,800. Volkswagen has clearly designed a faulty product they refuse to stand behind, and as a consumer, I should not be financially obligated to pay for repairs that clearly stem from negligent design. I desperately seek your assistance on this issue and will gladly offer my full cooperation.

The gas tank of my car was damaged while I was driving on the highway of 380 near the scranton, PA. At the beginning I did notice this problem until I parked my car in the city mall nearby the highway. The gas leak was significant. 10 gallons of gas was leaked out in less than 15 min. The fire-fighter helped me clean the parking area and avoid a potential fire. Based on an insurance damage adjuster's investigation, the damage could result from an impact of a hard object such as ice or a small rock on the highway. The gas tank is going to be replaced at the cost of $1400. I am really surprised that german engineers have not thought such an accident during the winter. Obviously the cheap material of the gas tank and lack of proper tank shield could contribute to this damage.

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Suddenly felt strong gasoline smell inside the vehicle (not a result of accident or any other occurrence. ) the problem was diagnosed as a fuel tank leak. The gas tank had to be replaced. The vw dealer in sunnyvale, CA, refused to pay for the costly repairs.

Driving on I-87 upstate NY around albany in the fast lane about 80 miles an hour the car completely lost power. We pulled over quickly to the grassy area between the highways. We heard a sound but it might have been from the road when we pulled off or a backfire? the car was completely dead. We called 911 and a sheriff arrived soon and told us how difficult it would be to get back on the highway with traffic going 90-95 miles an hour. We had to get into the fast lane. We drove a little on the grassy area to see if the car would work. With great difficult and tremendous fear we managed to get onto the highway. We were then able to drive to nyc without problems in the slower lanes. No lights or sounds came on to warn us of the loss of power. This happened about 6 weeks ago as we were approaching the williamsburg bridge in manhattan but going at a much slower speed. We pulled over and had to restart the car. We have had the recalls from vw but not a recent one that may have come out in may. It seems like it could be a fuel tank issue. I will be taking it back to vw in brooklyn in two weeks to have them look at it. They have told me that since I did come in and get all the recalls that it could not be that. I am afraid of this car and only have about 27,000 miles after 5 years. It is a 2003 Passat turbo wagon. It was a hot day on June 8th and when we turned on the car the temp out side light said 101 degrees.

Tl-the contact owns a 2003 Volkswagen Passat. The contact stated that after he received a voluntary recall in regards to the emissions system and having the repairs done, he started to notice the check engine light illuminate for approxiately 2 1/2 years. The vehicle was then inspected by a independent mechanic and they advised him that the valve on the gas tank had failed. The vehicle has not been reapired. The manufacturer was contacted and they offered no assistance since there was a 1 year warranty on the voluntary recall. The failure mileage was approximately 114,000. Tb.

I have a 2002 vw Passat v6 glx wagon with 37,000 miles. Whenever the fuel tank is full, or near-full, there is a strong smell of gasoline from the right rear side. I have had to leave my garage door partially open because of the danger of igniting fumes from the pilot lights of my home gas water heater and furnace in the garage. I have found wet patches smelling strongly of gasoline on the underside of the fuel tank. It is obvious that the gasoline tank is leaking somehow and presents a fire safety issue. I suspect it might be the same problem that is being investigated in NHTSA action number pe08008 even though my model is not an all-wheel-drive. Meanwhile, whenever the vehicle is parked, in my garage or out in the open, there is a constant danger of fire being ignited.

When filling up the car with gasoline there is a severe fuel odor. Took car to dealer and they said the "fuel tank ventilation valve" was leaking. This also happened two years ago and they replaced the fuel tank under warranty. The dealer refused to fix the problem unless I paid for it. I have noticed that they are issuing a recall for this exact problem but when I called Volkswagen they said my VIN number is not included. Very disappointed in the car overall and would not recommend one to anyone.

1. No event lead up to the failure 2. Fuel leak; strong gas fumes within car. Leak & fumes more prominent with warmer weather. 3. Vw dealership found gas leaking from (3) locations including nipple & plastic seams where clips are attached. Gas tank was replaced.

After replacing the fuel pump (under recall) on my 2003 vw Passat in October, 2007, I began to notice a periodic gas leak from around the gas tank. In December, 2007, I had a local mechanic investigate and he could find nothing wrong. My tank leaked again last week.

Events leading to failure. First the fuel tank door switch became inoperable forcing me to remove the opening mechanism which allowed me to open it manually. Two days later the alarm began to sound on it's own, and did so for at least 8 hours or more. By the end of the night the car would not turn over and all the functions in the drivers side door as well as the alarm, ceased to operate apart from the locks. I had to remove the drivers side seat and carpet to access the convenience control module and subsequent wiring, while underneath the carpet I tried to suction up as much moisture as I could off the bottom of the floor and out of the padding. As of know I am quoted to purchase a new convenience control module to correct the situation.

This complaint is about a 2002 Passat 4-motion v6 car. Gas odor entered my house for 2 weeks and I did not know what was causing the problem. I called the gas company to see if I had a gas leak with my furnace. The gas company came and tested but found nothing wrong with my furnace or equipment using natural gas. I decided to find the root cause and began ruling out possibilities. I observes the gas smell was in my garage. I observed whenever my gas tank was filled, more odor came into the house. I filled the gas tank on 10/1/07 and parked the car out on the street. On 10/2/07, when I entered the car in the early am hours, the gas scent made me throw up and I became dizzy. I had no idea what was wrong and I drove - while praying - the car to the dealer. They immediately told me they would not let me drive the car out of there without finding out the problem because of the very strong gas odor. I was later told if anyone had thrown a cigarette by my car, it would have caught on fire! the car was dripping gas as I drove to the dealer! the dealership found the problem was cause by a leak on my fuel tank. A new fuel tank was needed - that is the only way it could be fixed. I requested my old tank and said it has to be brought and shown to the government agency over transportation and the environment because I could have died and no one would have known it was a faulty manufacturer's part. The old tank shows 3 plastic tubes used on the gas tank that drains the gas! plastic ! one of the plastic tubes broke off causing the gas leak! I visited a website and found so many other Passat owners have had this problem and vw is doing nothing to change the design! I spoke to vw and I was told there is nothing they can do and I have to pay the cost of the repair! I am asking your office to investigate this safety issue. This is a dangerous safety issue to all Passat owners! I have my old gas tank and will be happy to bring it to your office .

The contact owns a 2002 Volkswagen Passat. The contact smelled gasoline and noticed a leak coming from the rear driver side of the vehicle. The float assembly was replaced, but it did not correct the failure. The dealer stated that a new fuel tank was needed and would cost $1,700. They also stated that the metal flange seal and tank were connected and would not be replaced. The manufacturer investigated the failure and stated that there were no recalls and the vehicle was out of warranty. The current and failure mileages were 91,000.

If fuel tank is filled more than approx. 3/4 full, the odor of gas is apparent very soon after. It permeated my garage overnight and overwhelmed me when I opened the door. My mechanic told me a vent tube on the top of the fuel tank is defective and has seen a number of these, as has the dealers mechanic. They have told me the only remedy is to replace the tank. I personally have not been in any accidents, and have owned the car for over a year. My local vw dealer will be replacing this for free based on the approval of a regional vw manager, but I called vw of America and was told that this issue was news to them, and no such recalls or extended warranties applied. I feel that this is a significant safety issue, and I was only saved the ~$3,000 in repair expense because one specific dealers adviser happened to be aware of a "soft recall," as he put it. He told me a number of these tanks are failing on my particular vehicle, and have ordered extra fuel tanks to accommodate customers. Vw should be notifying customers or at the very least have information on it through their national customer care center.

After filling up my 2003 Volkswagen Passat 4-motion, v6 with fuel, I noticed a strong fuel odor. After inspecting under the car, I found a fuel leak on the gas tank. I took it to our local repair shop that specializes in Volkswagens since I am 140 miles from the nearest dealer to be checked out. They discovered that one of the 90 degree connectors for the vapor line on top of the tank had cracked. The whole tank has to be replaced as you can't just replace the connector. The tank is plastic and the connector has a steel sleeve in it to make it more rigid. On inspection of the old tank, it was discovered that three (3) sleeves on the 3 vent connectors had worked there way out of the connectors so they just sit there and flex until they fail. This type of bad design cvould have resulted in an explosion and serious injury to myself or my family. On contacting vw consumer line they were concerned but not enough to admit a problem or help pay for the replacement as my mileage was too high. Mileage should not have anything to do with those vent connectors failing. I know this is not a unique occurrence since another vw Passat came in two days later to the same repair shop with exactly the same problem.

2002 Volkswagen Passat with fuel odor. Consumer states that she noticed a strong fuel smell filling her garage. Mechanic stated that there was a crack in the fuel tank. Mechanic stated that the consumer hit the bottom of the fuel tank on something. The consumer stated a few months after the fuel tank was replaced, the timing belt failed.

My 2003 Passat with 46,000 miles and regular 5,000 miles service visits recently had two major problems. The alternator went bad and was producing nearly twice the voltage. There were no service bulletins or recalls on this item and was fixed at a significant cost to me. Next was the fuel tank. I first experienced an odor which turned out to be a leak in the gas tank. I am working with an excellent Volkswagen service business which is not a dealership. Vw America will only take the word of a licensed dealer. The defective tank is currently being replaced at a very significant cost to me. There are no service bulletins or recalls on my VIN. I understand that a local dealership has had to replace a few of these. This is a very nice car developing a bad reputation. I have safety concerns with this car and wonder what will happen next.

For the past nine months I have smelled gas when I filled my gas tank past half full. I checked for recalls on your website last month an came across the vw Passat fuel tank safety recall. Since my car was at the dealership to take care of yet another problem, I told them about my gas smell problem and informed them about the recall. I told them that it only occurs when the gas tank is past half full and told them to put gas in it and test it. When I picked up the car they hadn't done the gas tank test. The service advisor looked up the recall and found information on the gas tank safety recall r5 and printed out a faq sheet. He informed me that they didn't have the new tank for the recall and he expected them on may 30th. He told me to contact him and make an appointment to have the tank replaced once they had the parts in. I called the dealer on may 30th and made an appointment for today June 3rd. I brought my car to the dealership and I was informed by another service advisor and she couldn't find any Volkswagen recall covering my VIN. The service adviser I spoke to when I had picked up my car after the repairs I had done in may came over. He recalled obtaining the information and searched for it again and it wasn't listed. They let me call Volkswagen customer service. The vw customer service representative said that there wasn't a safety recall on the my Volkswagen w8. I told him that it smells like gas when the gas tank is filled past half full. He said he would contact the service manager at the dealership I was at and see what could be done. I read the information on your website involving this recall and it seams pretty clear that any 1999- 2005 model year Passat with a gasoline engine is covered. I have a 2002 vw Passat w8 with 4motion. One of the responses from vw lists VIN number ranges, but mine doesn't appear to be within that range. I think that vw erred in their investigation and didn't look into the w8.