Lemon Law Center

Home > Volkswagen

2007 Volkswagen Passat

Component

Visibility:Windshield Wiper/Washer:Motor

Consequence of Defect

on certain '6' generation passenger vehicles, the wiper motor may fail during heavy rain due to excessive moisture entering the wiper motor. if this happens, the wipers can become inoperative.

Corrective Action

this could lead to reduced visibility increasing the risk of a crash without warning.

Recall Notes

dealers will install a special cover and sealing kit. the recall began on january 12, 2007. owners may contact volkswagen at 1-800-893-5298.

2007 Volkswagen Passat

Component

Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Power Assist:Vacuum

Consequence of Defect

certain passenger vehicles equipped with a 2.0l engine with 147 kw may have a vacuum line that may fracture and become disconnected at low ambient temperatures.

Corrective Action

if this happens, the brake power assist can become inoperative, and the driver will experience increased effort to apply the brakes possibly increasing vehicle stopping distance. this could lead to a crash without warning.

Recall Notes

dealers will install the newly designed vacuum line. the recall began on january 12, 2007. owners may contact volkswagen at 1-800-893-5298.

2006 Volkswagen Passat

Component

Visibility:Windshield Wiper/Washer:Motor

Consequence of Defect

on certain '6' generation passenger vehicles, the wiper motor may fail during heavy rain due to excessive moisture entering the wiper motor. if this happens, the wipers can become inoperative.

Corrective Action

this could lead to reduced visibility increasing the risk of a crash without warning.

Recall Notes

dealers will install a special cover and sealing kit. the recall began on january 12, 2007. owners may contact volkswagen at 1-800-893-5298.

2006 Volkswagen Passat

Component

Steering:Linkages:Tie Rod Assembly

Consequence of Defect

on certain passenger vehicles, the left and right tie rod securing nut may be insufficiently torqued.

Corrective Action

an insufficiently tightened tie rod nut may loosen, resulting in separation of a tie rod. this can cause a loss of steering control, which could cause a crash.

Recall Notes

dealers will inspect and install new left and right tie rod securing nuts at the proper torqued specification. the recall began on december 7, 2005. owners may contact volkswagen at 1-800-893-5298.

2006 Volkswagen Passat

Component

Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Power Assist:Vacuum

Consequence of Defect

certain passenger vehicles equipped with a 2.0l engine with 147 kw may have a vacuum line that may fracture and become disconnected at low ambient temperatures.

Corrective Action

if this happens, the brake power assist can become inoperative, and the driver will experience increased effort to apply the brakes possibly increasing vehicle stopping distance. this could lead to a crash without warning.

Recall Notes

dealers will install the newly designed vacuum line. the recall began on january 12, 2007. owners may contact volkswagen at 1-800-893-5298.

2005 Volkswagen Passat

Component

Fuel System, Diesel

Consequence of Defect

on certain passenger vehicles, the high pressure diesel pumps were produced with an improper fastener, which could allow diesel fuel to escape from the pump.

Corrective Action

fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source may lead to a fire.

Recall Notes

dealers will replace the diesel pump. the recall began on february 8, 2005. owners should contact volkswagen at 1-800-822-8987.

2005 Volkswagen Passat

Component

Exterior Lighting:Brake Lights:Switch

Consequence of Defect

on certain passenger, wagon, and convertible vehicles equipped with or without cruise control, a brake light switch may malfunction if it was installed incorrectly.

Corrective Action

the brake lights could become inoperative, or remain on. failure to provide the proper signal when braking could lead to a crash without warning.

Recall Notes

dealers will install the newly designed brake light switch free of charge. the recall began on april 27, 2007, and will be conducted in several staggered mailings through september 21, 2007. vehicles within the make, model, and model year of this population may be involved in either this recall or 06v-183, but not both. the remedy is the same for each recall. volkswagen dealers will apply the remedy based on the vin number of the vehicle. owners may contact vw at 1-800-822-8987.

2004 Volkswagen Passat

Component

Fuel System, Diesel

Consequence of Defect

on certain passenger vehicles, the high pressure diesel pumps were produced with an improper fastener, which could allow diesel fuel to escape from the pump.

Corrective Action

fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source may lead to a fire.

Recall Notes

dealers will replace the diesel pump. the recall began on february 8, 2005. owners should contact volkswagen at 1-800-822-8987.

2004 Volkswagen Passat

Component

Exterior Lighting:Brake Lights:Switch

Consequence of Defect

on certain passenger, wagon, and convertible vehicles equipped with or without cruise control, a brake light switch may malfunction if it was installed incorrectly.

Corrective Action

the brake lights could become inoperative, or remain on. failure to provide the proper signal when braking could lead to a crash without warning.

Recall Notes

dealers will install the newly designed brake light switch free of charge. the recall began on april 27, 2007, and will be conducted in several staggered mailings through september 21, 2007. vehicles within the make, model, and model year of this population may be involved in either this recall or 06v-183, but not both. the remedy is the same for each recall. volkswagen dealers will apply the remedy based on the vin number of the vehicle. owners may contact vw at 1-800-822-8987.

2003 Volkswagen Passat

Component

Fuel System, Gasoline:Storage:Tank Assembly:Filler Pipe And Cap

Consequence of Defect

on some passenger vehicles, the fuel tank filler neck can suffer abrasion damage if the rear tire goes flat and the vehicle is driven until the tire disintegrates.

Corrective Action

fuel leakage can occur increasing the risk of a fire.

Recall Notes

dealers will fit passat vehicles with a new wheel house liner that will better protect the car's filler neck. jetta vehicles will be fitted with a different metal shield designed to enhance abrasion protection in the event of tire disintegration. owner notification began june 13, 2003. owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact volkswagen at 1-800-822-8987.

2003 Volkswagen Passat

Component

Fuel System, Gasoline:Delivery:Fuel Pump

Consequence of Defect

on certain vehicles equipped with 1.8l turbo, 2.8l v6, or 3.0l engines, a change in the electrical motor components in the fuel pump can lead to an inoperative fuel pump and, ultimately, stoppage of fuel supply to the engine causing it to stall.

Corrective Action

if fuel flow to the engine is interrupted, the vehicle could stall without warning and thus present a potential risk of crash.

Recall Notes

dealers will install new fuel pumps free of charge. the recall began on september 28, 20007. owners may contact vw at 1-800-222-8987 or audi at 1-800-822-2834. this recall is a supplement to a previous campaign (please see 06v017).

2003 Volkswagen Passat

Component

Fuel System, Gasoline:Delivery:Fuel Pump

Consequence of Defect

on certain vehicles produced from september 2002 - march 2003, equipped with 1.8l turbo, 2.8l v6, or 3.0l engines, a change in the electrical motor components in the fuel pump can lead to an inoperative fuel pump and, ultimately, stoppage of fuel supply to the engine causing it to stall.

Corrective Action

if fuel flow to the engine is interrupted, the vehicle could stall without warning and thus present a potential risk of crash.

Recall Notes

dealers will install new fuel pumps free of charge. the recall began on april 10, 2006. owners may contact vw at 1-800-222-8987 or audi at 1-800-822-2834.

2003 Volkswagen Passat

Component

Exterior Lighting:Brake Lights:Switch

Consequence of Defect

on certain passenger, wagon, and convertible vehicles equipped with or without cruise control, a brake light switch may malfunction if it was installed incorrectly.

Corrective Action

the brake lights could become inoperative, or remain on. failure to provide the proper signal when braking could lead to a crash without warning.

Recall Notes

dealers will install the newly designed brake light switch free of charge. the recall began on april 27, 2007, and will be conducted in several staggered mailings through september 21, 2007. vehicles within the make, model, and model year of this population may be involved in either this recall or 06v-183, but not both. the remedy is the same for each recall. volkswagen dealers will apply the remedy based on the vin number of the vehicle. owners may contact vw at 1-800-822-8987.

2002 Volkswagen Passat

Component

Fuel System, Gasoline:Storage:Tank Assembly:Filler Pipe And Cap

Consequence of Defect

on some passenger vehicles, the fuel tank filler neck can suffer abrasion damage if the rear tire goes flat and the vehicle is driven until the tire disintegrates.

Corrective Action

fuel leakage can occur increasing the risk of a fire.

Recall Notes

dealers will fit passat vehicles with a new wheel house liner that will better protect the car's filler neck. jetta vehicles will be fitted with a different metal shield designed to enhance abrasion protection in the event of tire disintegration. owner notification began june 13, 2003. owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact volkswagen at 1-800-822-8987.

2002 Volkswagen Passat

Component

Tires

Consequence of Defect

certain sedans and station wagons equipped with 4.0l w8 engines fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 110, øtire selection and rims.ø the affected vehicles are equipped with tires of the maximum load rating index 93h; however, they should have been equipped with tires with the load rating index 97h.

Corrective Action

these vehicles should have been equipped with tires having the load rating index 97h.

Recall Notes

dealers will replace all four tires with the proper size tires. owner notification began september 19, 2003. owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact vw at 1-800-822-8987.

2001 Volkswagen Passat

Component

Fuel System, Gasoline:Storage:Tank Assembly:Filler Pipe And Cap

Consequence of Defect

on some passenger vehicles, the fuel tank filler neck can suffer abrasion damage if the rear tire goes flat and the vehicle is driven until the tire disintegrates.

Corrective Action

fuel leakage can occur increasing the risk of a fire.

Recall Notes

dealers will fit passat vehicles with a new wheel house liner that will better protect the car's filler neck. jetta vehicles will be fitted with a different metal shield designed to enhance abrasion protection in the event of tire disintegration. owner notification began june 13, 2003. owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact volkswagen at 1-800-822-8987.

2001 Volkswagen Passat

Component

Fuel System, Gasoline:Storage:Tank Assembly

Consequence of Defect

vehicle description: passenger vehicles. sulfur in fuel interacts with certain additives found in widely available gasoline causing sulfur to become deposited on the contact points of three fuel sending units mounted inside the fuel tank. this could cause the fuel gauge to read full while the fuel tank may not in fact be full or could be empty.

Corrective Action

running out of fuel without warning while the fuel gauge indicates that there is sufficient fuel in the tank lead to safety problems.

Recall Notes

dealers will remove the existing fuel level sending units and replace them with fuel level sending units using a new alloy composed of gold, silver, and a small amount of nickel, which will not chemically react with sulfur. vw/audi will also call back vehicles that were repaired under a previous recall last june in order to install the updated fuel sending units nhtsa 00v137/audi lb). owner notification began may 1, 2001. owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact audi at 1-866-892-2834.

2000 Volkswagen Passat

Component

Fuel System, Gasoline:Storage:Tank Assembly:Filler Pipe And Cap

Consequence of Defect

on some passenger vehicles, the fuel tank filler neck can suffer abrasion damage if the rear tire goes flat and the vehicle is driven until the tire disintegrates.

Corrective Action

fuel leakage can occur increasing the risk of a fire.

Recall Notes

dealers will fit passat vehicles with a new wheel house liner that will better protect the car's filler neck. jetta vehicles will be fitted with a different metal shield designed to enhance abrasion protection in the event of tire disintegration. owner notification began june 13, 2003. owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact volkswagen at 1-800-822-8987.

2000 Volkswagen Passat

Component

Fuel System, Gasoline:Storage:Tank Assembly

Consequence of Defect

vehicle description: passenger vehicles. sulfur in fuel interacts with certain additives found in widely available gasoline causing sulfur to become deposited on the contact points of three fuel sending units mounted inside the fuel tank. this could cause the fuel gauge to read full while the fuel tank may not in fact be full or could be empty.

Corrective Action

running out of fuel without warning while the fuel gauge indicates that there is sufficient fuel in the tank lead to safety problems.

Recall Notes

dealers will remove the existing fuel level sending units and replace them with fuel level sending units using a new alloy composed of gold, silver, and a small amount of nickel, which will not chemically react with sulfur. vw/audi will also call back vehicles that were repaired under a previous recall last june in order to install the updated fuel sending units nhtsa 00v137/audi lb). owner notification began may 1, 2001. owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact audi at 1-866-892-2834.

1999 Volkswagen Passat

Component

Steering:Linkages:Rod:Relay:Connecting

Consequence of Defect

vehicle description: passenger vehicles. the tie rods of the steering assembly are protected on each side by a seal to prevent moisture and dust particles from entering the swivel bearing mechanism. it is possible that some tie rod seals may not seal properly.

Corrective Action

if moisture and/or dust particles enter the swivel bearing mechanism, the swivel bearing could wear over time diminishing the steering control of the vehicle.

Recall Notes

dealers will replace the tie rods.

1999 Volkswagen Passat

Component

Steering:Linkages:Rod:Relay:Connecting

Consequence of Defect

vehicle description: passenger vehicles. the tie rods of the steering assembly are protected on each side by a seal to prevent moisture and dust particles from entering the swivel bearing mechanism. it is possible that some tie rod seals may not seal properly.

Corrective Action

if moisture and/or dust particles enter the swivel bearing mechanism, the swivel bearing could wear over time diminishing the steering control of the vehicle.

Recall Notes

dealers will replace the tie rods.

1999 Volkswagen Passat

Component

Fuel System, Gasoline:Storage:Tank Assembly:Filler Pipe And Cap

Consequence of Defect

on some passenger vehicles, the fuel tank filler neck can suffer abrasion damage if the rear tire goes flat and the vehicle is driven until the tire disintegrates.

Corrective Action

fuel leakage can occur increasing the risk of a fire.

Recall Notes

dealers will fit passat vehicles with a new wheel house liner that will better protect the car's filler neck. jetta vehicles will be fitted with a different metal shield designed to enhance abrasion protection in the event of tire disintegration. owner notification began june 13, 2003. owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact volkswagen at 1-800-822-8987.

1999 Volkswagen Passat

Component

Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Power Assist:Vacuum:Hoses, Lines/Piping, And Fittings

Consequence of Defect

vehicle description: passenger vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions. a control valve in the vacuum hose connecting the brake booster to the intake manifold may not open or close fully at temperatures below -4 f under certain driving conditions.

Corrective Action

this condition could cause insufficient vacuum to be provided to the brake booster.

Recall Notes

dealers will install a vacuum by-pass system into vehicles operated in these states which is designed to provide sufficient vacuum for full brake assist under all weather conditions.

1998 Volkswagen Passat

Component

Steering:Linkages:Rod:Relay:Connecting

Consequence of Defect

vehicle description: passenger vehicles. the tie rods of the steering assembly are protected on each side by a seal to prevent moisture and dust particles from entering the swivel bearing mechanism. it is possible that some tie rod seals may not seal properly.

Corrective Action

if moisture and/or dust particles enter the swivel bearing mechanism, the swivel bearing could wear over time diminishing the steering control of the vehicle.

Recall Notes

dealers will replace the tie rods.

1998 Volkswagen Passat

Component

Fuel System, Gasoline:Storage:Tank Assembly:Filler Pipe And Cap

Consequence of Defect

on some passenger vehicles, the fuel tank filler neck can suffer abrasion damage if the rear tire goes flat and the vehicle is driven until the tire disintegrates.

Corrective Action

fuel leakage can occur increasing the risk of a fire.

Recall Notes

dealers will fit passat vehicles with a new wheel house liner that will better protect the car's filler neck. jetta vehicles will be fitted with a different metal shield designed to enhance abrasion protection in the event of tire disintegration. owner notification began june 13, 2003. owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact volkswagen at 1-800-822-8987.

1998 Volkswagen Passat

Component

Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Power Assist:Vacuum:Hoses, Lines/Piping, And Fittings

Consequence of Defect

vehicle description: passenger vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions. a control valve in the vacuum hose connecting the brake booster to the intake manifold may not open or close fully at temperatures below -4 f under certain driving conditions.

Corrective Action

this condition could cause insufficient vacuum to be provided to the brake booster.

Recall Notes

dealers will install a vacuum by-pass system into vehicles operated in these states which is designed to provide sufficient vacuum for full brake assist under all weather conditions.

1998 Volkswagen Passat

Component

Engine And Engine Cooling:Cooling System

Consequence of Defect

vehicle description: passenger vehicles. if the engine backfires during a cold-start, an air screen which is loosely seated in the air flow meter can become damaged.

Corrective Action

screen pieces could enter the intake air flow system and prevent the throttle plate from returning to its full idle position.

Recall Notes

dealers will install a retaining ring to hold the air screen in place.

1996 Volkswagen Passat

Component

Electrical System:Ignition:Switch

Consequence of Defect

on certain passenger vehicles, the electrical portion of the ignition switch assembly can fail causing the headlights and windshield wipers to become inoperative.

Corrective Action

if such failures occur while the vehicle is in use at night or in rainy or snowy weather, a crash could occur.

Recall Notes

dealers will replace the electrical part of the ignition switch assembly. owner notification began november 20, 2002. owners should contact vwoa at 1-800-822-8987.

1995 Volkswagen Passat

Component

Engine And Engine Cooling:Cooling System:Fan

Consequence of Defect

improper material was used in manufacturing the radiator fan motor shaft causing the shaft to wear and become noisy.

Corrective Action

a worn and noisy fan motor shaft can seize renderingthe fan motor inoperative, eventually causing the engine to overheat and stall. a stalled vehicle in traffic can increase the potential for a vehicle accident.

Recall Notes

dealers will replace the complete cooling fan assembly on vehicle having the potential shaft material problem. dealers will install a new fan blade including a new lock nut on vehicle with loose fan blade lock nuts.

1994 Volkswagen Passat

Component

Engine And Engine Cooling:Cooling System:Fan

Consequence of Defect

improper material was used in manufacturing the radiator fan motor shaft causing the shaft to wear and become noisy.

Corrective Action

a worn and noisy fan motor shaft can seize renderingthe fan motor inoperative, eventually causing the engine to overheat and stall. a stalled vehicle in traffic can increase the potential for a vehicle accident.

Recall Notes

dealers will replace the complete cooling fan assembly on vehicle having the potential shaft material problem. dealers will install a new fan blade including a new lock nut on vehicle with loose fan blade lock nuts.

1993 Volkswagen Passat

Component

Suspension:Front

Consequence of Defect

lock nuts used to hold the left and right front axles to the suspension struts may not have been properly manufactured. the lock nuts may break and cause separation of the axle from the suspension struts.

Corrective Action

separation of the axle can cause the vehicle to pull tothe side of the separation and result in loss of vehicle control and anaccident.

Recall Notes

replace the lock nuts.

1993 Volkswagen Passat

Component

Engine And Engine Cooling:Cooling System:Fan

Consequence of Defect

improper material was used in manufacturing the radiator fan motor shaft causing the shaft to wear and become noisy.

Corrective Action

a worn and noisy fan motor shaft can seize renderingthe fan motor inoperative, eventually causing the engine to overheat and stall. a stalled vehicle in traffic can increase the potential for a vehicle accident.

Recall Notes

dealers will replace the complete cooling fan assembly on vehicle having the potential shaft material problem. dealers will install a new fan blade including a new lock nut on vehicle with loose fan blade lock nuts.

1993 Volkswagen Passat

Component

Fuel System, Gasoline:Delivery:Hoses, Lines/Piping, And Fittings

Consequence of Defect

the fuel hose attached to the fuel distribution rail on the engine may shrink beyond the clamp force of the fuel hose clamps, allowing fuel to leak.

Corrective Action

fuel leakage in the engine compartment can cause an underhood fire if the fuel comes in contact with a source of ignition.

Recall Notes

replace the fuel hose attached to the fuel rail and install a new spring type self-tightening clamp.

1992 Volkswagen Passat

Component

Vehicle Speed Control

Consequence of Defect

the venturi tube located in the throttle valve housing can become loose and fall against the throttle plate.

Corrective Action

the venturi tube can partially block the throttle plateand prevent it from returning to its full idle position, resulting in unwantedengine speed when the vehicle is placed in a forward or reverse gear.

Recall Notes

replace the press-fit venturi tube with a thread type tube.

1991 Volkswagen Passat

Component

Vehicle Speed Control

Consequence of Defect

the venturi tube located in the throttle valve housing can become loose and fall against the throttle plate.

Corrective Action

the venturi tube can partially block the throttle plateand prevent it from returning to its full idle position, resulting in unwantedengine speed when the vehicle is placed in a forward or reverse gear.

Recall Notes

replace the press-fit venturi tube with a thread type tube.

1990 Volkswagen Passat

Component

Engine And Engine Cooling:Cooling System

Consequence of Defect

in the event the engine overheats and the vehicle is operated continuously in that condition, the coolant pressure will rise to a level at which the heat exchanger could leak.

Corrective Action

a leaking heat exchanger will allow hot coolant to escape causing injury to the driver's feet or could steam up the interior of the vehicle temporarily impairing the driver's visibility, increasing the risk of a vehicle accident.

Recall Notes

dealers will replace the heat exchanger on these vehicles.

1990 Volkswagen Passat

Component

Vehicle Speed Control

Consequence of Defect

the venturi tube located in the throttle valve housing can become loose and fall against the throttle plate.

Corrective Action

the venturi tube can partially block the throttle plateand prevent it from returning to its full idle position, resulting in unwantedengine speed when the vehicle is placed in a forward or reverse gear.

Recall Notes

replace the press-fit venturi tube with a thread type tube.

1989 Volkswagen Passat

Component

Engine And Engine Cooling:Cooling System

Consequence of Defect

in the event the engine overheats and the vehicle is operated continuously in that condition, the coolant pressure will rise to a level at which the heat exchanger could leak.

Corrective Action

a leaking heat exchanger will allow hot coolant to escape causing injury to the driver's feet or could steam up the interior of the vehicle temporarily impairing the driver's visibility, increasing the risk of a vehicle accident.

Recall Notes

dealers will replace the heat exchanger on these vehicles.

1988 Volkswagen Passat

Component

Engine And Engine Cooling:Cooling System

Consequence of Defect

in the event the engine overheats and the vehicle is operated continuously in that condition, the coolant pressure will rise to a level at which the heat exchanger could leak.

Corrective Action

a leaking heat exchanger will allow hot coolant to escape causing injury to the driver's feet or could steam up the interior of the vehicle temporarily impairing the driver's visibility, increasing the risk of a vehicle accident.

Recall Notes

dealers will replace the heat exchanger on these vehicles.