2013 Volkswagen Passat complaints

DROVE MY CAR TO RUN AN ERRAND AND WHEN I CAME BACK HOME AND TRIED TO GET OUT OF THE DRIVERS SIDE DOOR, THERE WAS A BIG POPPING NOISE AND THE HANDLE WOULDN'T ENGAGE TO OPEN THE DOOR. I HAD TO ROLL DOWN THE WINDOW AND OPEN THE DOOR FROM THE OUTSIDE. AFTER I HAD THE DOOR OPEN AND TRIED TO SHUT IT, IT WOULDN'T LATCH CLOSED AND REMAINED OPEN. I HAD MY HUSBAND TAKE A LOOK AT IT AND HE WAS ABLE TO PLAY WITH THE LATCH AND MAKE IT ENGAGE AGAIN TO CLOSE THE DOOR. HE THEN TOOK APART THE DOOR AS MUCH AS HE COULD TO SEE WHAT HAD HAPPENED AND FOUND THAT THE WIRE CABLE LOOP THAT PULLED THE LEVER TO OPEN THE DOOR HAD SHREDDED. WHEN HE CALLED THE DEALERSHIP THEY SAID THAT THEY ACTUALLY KEPT THOSE CABLES ON HAND BECAUSE IT WAS A PRETTY COMMON PROBLEM AND IT WOULD COST AROUND $500 TO FIX. IF THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM, WHY HAVEN'T THESE BEEN RECALLED? I'M GLAD THAT IT JUST HAPPENED TO ME IN MY DRIVEWAY AND NOT DURING A ACCIDENT OR CAR FIRE.

ROUGHLY 2 WEEKS AGO, OUR PASSAT STARTING HAVING INCREASED NOISE AT HIGHER SPEEDS, TYPICALLY HIGHWAY SPEEDS. I TOOK THE CAR INTO THE DEALERSHIP TO HAVE IT LOOKED AT AND THEY DETERMINED THAT THE WHEEL BEARING WAS BAD. IT SEEMS VERY UNUSUAL TO HAVE A BAD WHEEL BEARING, PARTICULARLY WITH A SEDAN, GO BAD AT SUCH LOW MILEAGE.

DRIVING ON A COUNTRY ROAD WITH MY WIFE AND 2 YOUNG DAUGHTERS, THE CAR SUDDENLY BEGAN MISFIRING AND LOST POWER. I WAS ABLE TO COAST IT TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. CALIFORNIA HIGHWAY PATROL SHOWED UP SHORTLY AFTER AND STOPPED TO MAKE SURE WE WERE ALRIGHT. FORTUNATELY, WE HAD A CELLULAR SIGNAL AND WE WERE ABLE TO CONTACT A TOW SERVICE. UNFORTUNATELY, THE VEHICLE HAD TO BE TOWED >100MILES (FOR $700) TO THE DEALERSHIP. THEY DETERMINED THAT THERE WAS A FAILURE OF THE HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP. THEY ARE SENDING THE FUEL OUT TO A LAB FIRST TO VERIFY THAT I DIDN'T PUT BIODIESEL IN IT; I DIDN'T. THEY ESTIMATE THAT I WILL BE WITHOUT MY VEHICLE FOR 7-14 DAYS, DEPENDING ON HOW BADLY THE DEBRIS IS INSIDE THE FUEL LINE AND ENGINE. THE DEALERSHIP DOES NOT HAVE A LOANER, VW DOESN'T OFFER A RENTAL AND I'M ON THE HOOK FOR THE TOW SERVICE. I WILL BE OUT OF POCKET OVER $1000 WHEN ALL IS SAID AND DONE, ALL BECAUSE OF A COMPONENT(S) THAT CLEARLY HAS DESIGN FLAWS OR QUALITY ISSUES. ASSUMING, VW CONFIRMS THEY WILL PAY FOR THE REPAIR...WHICH I'M STILL WAITING ON. ...UPDATED 09/22/15 *BF UPDATED 3/23/2016*JS UPDATED 11/15/2017*CN

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, THE HEADLIGHTS SHUT OFF AND FAILED TO ILLUMINATE. THE CONTACT REPLACED BOTH HEADLIGHT BULBS INDEPENDENTLY; HOWEVER, THE REMEDY FAILED TO REPAIR THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS EXPERIENCING THE FAILURE LISTED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V125000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING); HOWEVER, THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 38,000.

PURCHASED THE CAR IN DECEMBER OF 2012. APPROXIMATELY MARCH OF 2013 AT 4,900 MILES THE TURBO BEGAN TO "WHINE" AND FAILED. WAS REPLACED BY VW AFTER APPROXIMATELY 12 DAYS. MAY OF 2015, AT 50,000 MILES, THE TURBO FAILED AGAIN, STARTING WITH "WHINE", FOLLOWED BY LOSS OF POWER AND A "FLASHING GLOWPLUG LIGHT." SECOND TURBO REPLACED BY VW. CLEARLY A DESIGN DEFECT FOR THE ORIGINAL AND REPLACEMENT PART. VW HAS EXTENDED THE FACTORY WARRANTY ON THIS DEFECTIVE PART UNTIL 120,000 MILES, BUT SHOULD BE COMPELLED TO REPLACE THIS PART FOR THE LIFE OF THE VEHICLE AS THIS CAR WAS PURCHASED WITH THE INTENT OF DRIVING IT FOR MORE THAN 120,000 MILES. THERE ARE MULTIPLE OCCURRENCES/REPORTS OF TURBO FAILURE FOR THE 2012-2014 PASSAT TDIS LISTED AT WWW.TDICLUB.COM . THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE AS CATASTROPHIC FAILURE OF THE ENGINE CAN OCCUR WHEN THE TURBO FAILS AS WELL AS DAMAGE TO THE DIESEL PARTICULATE FILTER AND OTHER EXHAUST/EMISSION CONTROL PARTS.

ON 5/17/2014 WE BOUGHT THE CAR UNDER THERE VERBAL, THAT THEY WOULD FIX THE CAR FROM PULLING RIGHT. THEY SCHEDULED US TO BRING THE CAR BACK 5/29/2014 TO FIX THE PULL TO THE RIGHT AND HAVE COSMETICS DONE TO THE CAR. 5/30/2014 WE PICKED UP THE CAR, ON 6/5/2014 WE BROUGHT THE CAR BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP THE CAR STILL PULLS RIGHT, DEALERSHIP HAD THE CAR THREE WEEKS TRYING TO FIX THE RIGHT PULL. THEY CHANGED THE TIRES FROM HANKOOK TO CONTINENTALS, THIS HELPED A LITTLE AND WE TOOK THE CAR. 2/16/2015 WE BROUGHT THE CAR BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP THE CAR IS PULLING US OUT OF THE LANE WITHIN 4 SECONDS, IF YOU DON'T PULL DOWN ON THE STEERING LEFT, THE CAR TAKES YOU RIGHT. WE UNDERSTAND THAT THE CAR MEETS VW SPECS FOR ALIGMENT, WE HAVE HAD TWO OTHER COMPANIES VERIFY THIS, AND THEY STATE ITS PULLS RIGHT. I WOULD LIKE TO FIND OUT IF WE CAN HAVE THIS CAR INSPECTED FOR SAFETY ISSUES, TAKING YOU OUT OF YOUR LANE (ALWAYS RIGHT), IN 4 SECONDS WE FEEL THIS IS A HUGE SAFETY ISSUE.

WAS TURNING IN A PARKING LOT AND HEARD A LOUD CRACKING SOUND. THE AIR BAG LIGHT CAME ON IMMEDIATELY AND NOTICED THE STEERING WHEEL CONTROLS AND THE HORN WERE NOT WORKING. CHECKED ONLINE AND APPARENTLY ISSUES WERE FOUND ON SAME MODEL. IT IS A BROKEN CLOCK SPRING. CONTACTED DEALER, THEY SAID TO BRING IT IN FOR DIAGNOSTICS WHICH WOULD COST $120. I INFORMED THEM OF THE BROKEN PART BUT THEY SAID THEY STILL WOULD HAVE TO DO THE DIAGNOSTIC. THE CLOCK SPRING ITSELF WOULD COST $485 IF THAT WAS BROKEN PLUS LABOR CHARGES. CAR HAS APPROXIMATELY 57250 MILES.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. WHILE REVERSING THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT TURNED THE STEERING WHEEL AND HEARD A LOUD POPPING NOISE. THE AIR BAG ERROR WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HORN ALSO DID NOT WORK. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE AIR BAG MODULE FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 49,000.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT WAS CONTINUOUSLY ILLUMINATED AND THE HORN WOULD NOT WORK WHEN DEPRESSED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING AND THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE CLOCK SPRING FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 66,000. UPDATED 6/4/15*CN. UPDATED 07-16-15 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED THE ALL AIR BAGS EXCEPT THE STEERING WHEEL AIRBAG DEPLOYED. UPDATED 11/13/2015*JS

DRIVING NORTHERLY ON I-95 AT HIGHWAY SPEED GOING UP THE INCLINE TO THE PISCATAQUA RIVER BRIDGE (THE BORDER BETWEEN NEW HAMPSHIRE AND MAINE), THE VEHICLE LOST FORWARD POWER ABOUT HALFWAY UP THE INCLINE OF THE BRIDGE APPROACH. THE ENGINE DID NOT STALL AT ANY TIME DURING OR AFTER THE EVENT. DRIVER WAS PREOCCUPIED WITH [1] TURNING ON HAZARD FLASHERS, [2] SAFELY NEGOTIATING ENTRY TO THE BREAKDOWN LANE, AND [3] NOT BRAKING IN AN ATTEMPT TO COAST TO THE TOP OF THE BRIDGE SUCH THAT THE CAR COULD COAST DOWN THE FAR SIDE OF THE BRIDGE AND ALLOW EXITING THE HIGHWAY AT THE NEARBY EXIT #1 IN MAINE. THE DRIVER'S PREOCCUPATION WITH SAFELY ADDRESSING THE POWER LOSS EVENT DID NOT ALLOW HIM TO SCAN ANY OF THE GAUGES OR INDICATORS ON THE FRONT PANEL. UPON REACHING THE TOP OF THE BRIDGE THE CAR WAS COASTING TO A STOP AND THE DRIVER SHIFTED BETWEEN DRIVE / SPORT / NEUTRAL TO SEE IF ANY POWER COULD BE RESTORED. WITHIN 30 SECONDS OR LESS THE CAR AGAIN RESUMED FORWARD MOTION IN THE DRIVE SHIFT SETTING. CAR WAS DRIVEN TO THE NEARBY VW DEALER WHERE IT WAS PURCHASED. SERVICE DEPARTMENT CHECKED (DIESEL) FUEL QUALITY WHICH WAS GOOD, AND FOUND NO ERROR CODES WHEN A SCAN WAS DONE. A VTA CASE WAS OPENED AND OWNER CONTACTED VW CUSTOMER CARE IN AUBURN HILLS, MI. SUBSEQUENT TESTING AT THE SAME DEALER'S SERVICE DEPARTMENT ON 9 APRIL 2015 ALSO RESULTED IN NO FINDINGS FOR A CAUSE. VW RECOMMENDS I CONTINUE DRIVING IT UNTIL THE POWER LOSS OCCURS AGAIN. I ASKED WHAT THEY WOULD THEN DO IF NO ERROR CODES WERE AGAIN FO

TURBOCHARGER FAILURE AT 15,000 MILES; REPLACED AND 2ND TURBO FAILED AT 25,000 MILES. FIRST FAILURE WAS DOCUMENTED IN A PRIOR REPORT AND IS REPEATED HERE. FAILURE 1 AT ~15,000 MILES IN JUNE 2014. DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEED IN MODERATELY HEAVY TRAFFIC AT NIGHT, SUDDEN COMPLETE LOSS OF POWER. WAS ABLE TO SAFELY MANEUVER TO SHOULDER AND VEHICLE WAS THEN ENGULFED IN BLACK SMOKE. WAS ON THE SIDE OF THE HIGHWAY FOR 1.5 HOURS WAITING FOR TOW TRUCK SENT BY VW ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE. LOTS OF TRAFFIC PASSING BY VERY CLOSE AND AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. THE TURBO WAS REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY. FAILURE 2 AT ~25,000 MILES IN MARCH 2015. DRIVING ON LOCAL ROAD, NO SHOULDER, AT 30-40 MPH. NOTICED INTERMITTENT WHINING NOISE AND PARTIAL LOSS OF POWER. WAS ABLE TO DRIVE HOME. CAR WAS TOWED TO DEALERSHIP NEXT DAY WHERE THEY ARE CURRENTLY REPLACING THE TURBO AGAIN. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS SHIFTED INTO THE DRIVE POSITION AND THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS RELEASED, THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL CRACKING NOISE COMING FROM THE STEERING WHEEL AND THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE STEERING COLUMN AIR BAG CLOCK SPRING WAS FRACTURED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 51,000.

WAS MERGING ONTO INTERSTATE WHEN THE CAR LOST POWER, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT AND FLASHING GLOW PLUG ILLUMINATED. CLEANED THE MASS AIR SENSOR AND RAN IT FOR SEVERAL DAYS WITH NO PERFORMANCE PROBLEMS. SEVERAL DAYS LATER, THE CAR WOULD NOT START AND WAS TOWED TO DEALER, WHO DIAGNOSED THE PROBLEM AS BOOST PRESSURE SENSOR AND TURBO FAILURE. *TR

TURBO FAILURE. WHINING SOUND COMING FROM ENGINE COMPARTMENT. LOUDER AS ENGINE RPM'S INCREASE. THIS IS THE SECOND FAILURE OF A TURBO IN THIS CAR. FORTUNATELY, I CAUGHT IT IN TIME TO NOT LOSE POWER. AFTER TOW IN TO DEALERSHIP, THEY CONFIRMED THAT IT NEEDS ANOTHER REPLACEMENT TURBO TO REPLACE THE FIRST REPLACEMENT TURBO. *TR

2013 VW PASSAT TDI SEL.CAR STILL UNDER MANUFACTURE WARRANTY. MY WINDSHIELD CRACKED YESTERDAY FOR NO REASON WHEN TEMPERATURE DROP. WINDSHIELD CRACK DUE TO STRUCTURAL DEFECT. *TR

THIS IS MY THIRD COMPLAINT ABOUT THIS VEHICLE. DURING THE AUGUST FLOODING, WHILE DRIVING HOME FROM WORK AND PASSING THROUGH SOME WATER PILES MY CAR LOST THE BOTTOM ENGINE COVER, LOWER GRILL BROKE, GOT THEM REPLACED NO PROBLEM. WINTER COMES AND WHEN IT GETS COLD FRONT DOOR FREEZES SHUT, REMOTE START BARELY WORKS ONLY WHEN IT WANTS TOO. ALSO NO PROBLEM. WE GOT OUT FIRST WINTER STORM THANK GOD I HAD PUT NEW TIRES BEFORE THIS. HOWEVER DRIVING HOME SOME AREAS HAD A BIT OF SNOW FIRST I GET STUCK AND CANT TURN OFF TRACTION CONTROL. THEN MY LOWER GRILL BREAKS AGAIN. IS THE GRILL MADE OUT OF WATER BOTTLE PLASTIC. IF EVERY TIME THERE IS A STORM I NEED TO SPEND 250 DOLLARS ON A LOWER GRILL THAT IS JUST A WONDERFUL CAR EXPENSE. YOU TRY AND TRADE IN THE CAR AND THE VALUE JUST DROPPED. THIS IS MY FIRST AND LAST VW. HORRIBLE QUALITY THAT A BUMPER CAN'T WITH STAND SOME ACCUMULATION OF SNOW. I WILL FILE A COMPLAINT WITH VW AS WELL, LETS HOPE THEY DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT. PLUS THEY STILL DID NOT CORRECT THE NAVIGATION AND BLUETOOTH ISSUE. *TR

COMPANY IS CLAIMING THAT AN OUTSIDE INFLUENCE OF A SPILL ON PASSENGER SEAT HAS CAUSED THE AIR BAG FAULT THAT DISABLES THE AIRBAG. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE DOOR HANDLE WAS STUCK AND FAILED TO OPEN THE DOOR. AS A RESULT, THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE DOOR FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, WHO REPLACED THE DOOR HANDLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. IN ADDITION, THE CHILD SAFETY LOCK ON THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE DOOR FAILED AND THE DOOR COULD NOT BE LOCKED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE LOCK WAS REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 33,000.

NOTICED MY DRIVERS SIDE DOOR STICKING DURING RECENT COLD WEATHER, IT WAS FROZEN. CLIMBED THROUGH PASSENGER DOOR FOR A CPL DAYS.. NO BIG DEAL FOR A ONE YR OLD CAR, RIGHT? WHEN THE DOOR DID OPEN, IT WOULDN'T SHUT. I HAVE TO HOLD THE DOOR SHUT WHILE DRIVING. TOOK THE CAR TO DEALER, WAS INFORMED THAT I AM THE THIRD PERSON TODAY WITH THE SAME PROBLEM ON A PASSAT, BUT IT WILL BE A WEEK AND A HALF BEFORE THEY CAN CHARGE ME $700 TO FIX IT. I REALIZE I'M OVER MY WARRANTY WITH MILEAGE.. BUT THIS IS COMPLETELY UNSAFE!! I'M NOW DRAGGING AROUND TOWN HOLDING MY DOOR CLOSED, DRIVING NO FASTER THAN 15MPH WITH BLINKERS ON. CAN'T SHUT OR LOCK IT, HOPE IT DOESN'T GET STOLEN! I WAS TOLD THAT EVERYTHING THAT OPENS THE DOOR IS BROKE. THE DOOR LATCH, LEVER, AND 2 CABLES. THIS HAS TO BE A DEFECT.. NO WAY IT'S SAFE AND OK FOR THIS TO HAPPEN. CALLED VW CUSTOMER SERVICE, WAS TOLD OVER WARRANTY, NOTHING THEY CAN DO.. HAVE A NICE WEEKEND. SMALL CONSOLATION. I GUESS IT'S TOTALLY FINE TO DRIVE MY CHILDREN AROUND IN A CAR IS PURCHASED BC OF THE SAFETY RATINGS ALL THE WHILE HOLDING A DOOR CLOSED FOR A WEEK AND A HALF. UNBELIEVABLE *TR

IN COLD WEATHER SOMETIMES THE FRONT DRIVERS AND PASSENGER DOORS WILL NOT OPEN, I HAVE TO GO THROUGH A REAR DOOR AND OPEN IT FROM THE INSIDE, THEN MOST OF THE TIME IT WILL WORK FINE AFTER THAT, THOUGH A FEW TIMES THE DOOR WOULD NOT STAY LATCHED. THE FIRST TIME I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER THEY SAID THEY HEARD OF THIS AND DID NOTHING, I JUST RECENTLY BROUGHT IT BACK AND THEY INSTALLED A UPDATED LATCH. THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL ISSUED FOR THIS PROBLEM. *TR

I FEEL THERE IS A SAFETY ISSUE WITH MY 2013 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. THERE IS KNOW WAY TO BYPASS THE ELECTRONIC TRACTION CONTROL. EVERY OTHER CAR I'VE OWNED INCLUDING MY 2005 PASSAT HAS A BUTTON THAT ALLOW YOU TO BYPASS THE TRACTION CONTROL. THE PASSAT IS DESIGNED TO SHUT THE ENGINE DOWN WHEN THE TIRES BEGIN TO SPIN. THIS MAY HELP A NOVICE DRIVER OR BE HELPFUL IN THE RAIN, BUT WHEN YOUR IN THE SNOW OR ICE AND ON A HILL OR INCLINE IT IS DANGEROUS TO HAVE THE ENGINE CUT OFF AND LEAVE YOU STOPPED. IT IS ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE TO GET TRACTION ON A HILL OR TO GET ANY MOMENTUM WHEN THE CAR SHUTS THE ENGINE DOWN WHEN THE TIRES SPIN. THIS LEAVES YOU AT A STAND STILL AND VULNERABLE TO CARS OR TRUCKS BEHIND YOU. THE PASSAT SHOULD BE DESIGNED TO BYPASS THE TRACTION CONTROL UNDER THESE CIRCUMSTANCES,SO YOU CAN SPIN THE TIRES TO GET MOMENTUM, SO YOU CAN AT LEAST MOVE OFF THE ROADWAY. IT IS NECESSARY TO SPIN THE TIRES UNDER CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES SO AT LEAST YOU CAN MOVE THE CAR TO A SAFE LOCATION. I WOULD HATE TO SEE SOMEONE GET HURT BECAUSE THE PASSAT BECOMES IMMOBILE WHEN THE TIRES SPIN. *TR

CAR WAS SET ON CRUISE CONTROL AND ENGINE REVVED UP , CRUISE CONTROL SHUT OFF AND LOSS OF POWER TO THE MOTOR. TRIED TO RESET CRUISE CONTROL TO A LESSER SPEED AND WOULD NOT SET. CAR FELT LIKE IT WOULD NOT SHIFT GEARS (ACTED LIKE IT WAS A MANUAL DRIVE BEING WOUND TO TIGHT). DROVE FOR SEVERAL MILES THEN THE WARNING LIGHT CAME ON (GLOWPLUG INDICATOR). PARKED IN A SAFE LOCATION AND STOPPED CAR. AFTER ABOUT 10 MINUTES I RESTARTED THE CAR AND NO WARNING FLASHED SO I BEGAN TO DRIVE CAR...WOULD NOT ACCELERATE. WARNING LIGHT CAME BACK ON. HAD CAR TOWED TO DEALERSHIP GOT REPAIRED (REPLACED TURBO CHARGER ALONG WITH OIL FEED AND RETURN LINES). PICKED CAR UP ON 11/26/14 DROVE FOR LESS THAN 30 MILES AND GOT A ENGINE OIL LIGHT AND WARNING MESSAGE: ENGINE OFF MANUAL. HAD CAR TOWED TO DEALERSHIP. DEALERSHIP STATED THAT THEY TALKED WITH MANUFACTURER AND THEY ARE GOING TO GIVE ME A NEW TURBOCHARGER AND NEW ENGINE. THE CAR IS STILL IN THE SHOP AND REPAIRS HAVE NOT BEEN COMPLETED AT THE TIME OF THIS WRITING. *JS

ON NOVEMBER 19TH AT APPROXIMATELY 4:30 PM, AS I WAS PULLING INTO MY GARAGE, THE CAR JUST ACCELERATED UNCONTROLLABLY AND CRASHED INTO MY HUSBANDS WORK BENCH WHICH WAS AGAINST A CONCRETE WALL. DAMAGING FRONT OF CAR,WINDSHIELD, WORKBENCH,STEEL STORAGE CABINET,ETC. *JS

OUR 2013 VW PASSAT TDI HAD THE HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP FAIL AT 25,599 MILES. WHEN WE ASKED WHY THE PUMP WOULD BE FAILING SO SOON AND IF IT WAS COMMON, THE SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE SAID IT USUALLY HAPPENS AFTER SOMEONE PUTS GASOLINE IN THE TANK. I CAN ASSURE 100% THAT GASOLINE WAS NEVER PUT INTO THIS CAR'S TANK. THE REPAIRS WERE COVERED UNDER WARRANTY, BUT OBVIOUSLY THE VW TDI HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP HAS A DESIGN FLAW OR IT CANNOT WORK CORRECTLY WITH AMERICAN DIESEL. *TR

AT ABOUT 12000 MILES ON MY VW PASSAT CLUNKS BEGAN TO DEVELOP IN FRONT END OF CAR. IT KEPT GETTING WORSE. I TOOK IT INTO VW GARAGE FOR DIAGNOSIS AND REPAIRS AT 15000 MILES. THE TOLD ME THE SWAY BARS FAILED AND WOULD NEED TO REPLACE THEM. AFTER REPAIR THE SWAY BAR LINKS WERE REPLACED AND CAR IS WITHOUT NOISE. *TR

ON 11/9/14 THE TURBO FAILED ON MY 2013 VW PASSAT WITH THE TDI DIESEL ENGINE. VW KNOWS THEY ARE HAVING A SERIOUS ISSUE WITH THEIR TURBOS ON THE TDI ENGINE (EUROPE CURRENTLY HAS A CLASS ACTION LAW SUIT AGAINST THEM). IN AUGUST I RECEIVED A LETTER IN THE MAIL FROM VW EXTENDING MY WARRANTY ON THE TURBO TO 10 YEARS/120000 MILES. THEY ARE SIMPLY WAITING FOR THE TURBOS TO FAIL RATHER THAN REPLACING THEM ON ALL 2012 & 2013 PASSATS. THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY CONCERN, WHEN THE TURBO FAILS YOU LOOSE ALL ENGINE POWER (IE. GM IGNITION RECALL). THIS IS AN EXTREMELY DANGEROUS POSITION FOR VW TO PUT ITS CUSTOMERS IN WHO DON'T HAVE THE KNOWLEDGE OF WHAT TO DO IN A SITUATION WHEN YOU LOOSE ENGINE POWER AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. MINE DID JUST THAT, IT FAILED ON THE HIGHWAY RESULTING IN NO POWER. I WOULD LIKE TO SEE VW RECALL THESE TURBOS AND REPLACE THEM IN ALL THE AFFECTED CARS BEFORE IT CAUSES A FATALITY. *TR

MY DAUGHTER WAS HIT IN AN ACCIDENT THAT CRUSHED THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE JAMMING THE FRONT DOORS AND THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THIS CAUSES GREAT CONCERN THAT THE AIR BAGS ARE FAULTY IN THE 2013 VW PASSAT. THE CAR WAS SO SEVERELY DAMAGED SHE HAD TO CRAWL OUT THE BACK DOORS OF THE CAR AS THE ENGINE WAS SHOVED IN.....UPDATED 11/18/14 *BF UPDATED 8/12/2015*JS *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT TDI. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE ATTEMPTING TO REPLENISH THE DIESEL EXHAUST FLUID, THE FLUID OVERFLOWED AND DUE TO A DESIGN FLAW IT LEAKED INTO THE REAR PASSENGER FLOOR BOARD. AS A RESULT OF THE FAILURE, THE CONTACT EXPERIENCED LUNG PROBLEMS. THE FAILURE RECURRED THREE TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN CLEANED THE FLUID BUT WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE HOW TO PREVENT THE FAILURE FROM HAPPENING AGAIN. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 9,000.

I DRIVE A 2013 VW PASSAT TDI SE. YESTERDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2014, THE SUNROOF EXPLODED UPWARD/OUTWARD FOR NO APPARENT REASON. THE WEATHER WAS NOT EXTREMELY HOT OR COLD. WE WERE ON A "LONELY" STRETCH OF INTERSTATE 40 JUST EAST OF WINSLOW, AZ. THIS OCCURRED LATE IN THE AFTERNOON, NOT DURING THE HOT, MIDDLE OF THE DAY. NO OBJECTS STRUCK OUR CAR/SUNROOF, IT JUST BLEW UPWARD LEAVING A LARGE HOLE IN THE GLASS. *TR

WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH ON INTERSTATE IN NICE WEATHER AND LOW TRAFFIC THE SUNROOF OF MY 2013 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT EXPLODED OUTWARDS CREATING A LARGE HOLE 18" - 20". IT WAS A LOUD GUNSHOT TYPE NOISE AND SOME GLASS ENDED UP ON OUR FACES AND ARMS CREATING MINOR CUTS. MOST OF THE GLASS WAS BLOWN OUTSIDE THE CAR AND DAMAGED THE ROOF AND TRUNK. WHEN THE EXPLOSION OCCURRED THE WINDOWS WERE CLOSED AND THE SUNROOF WAS ALSO CLOSED AND THE AIR CONDITIONER WAS ON. WE WERE NOT UNDER ANY OVERPASSES OR NEAR BUILDINGS OR ROAD DEBRIS. DEALERSHIP WILL NOT REPAIR UNDER WARRANTY SAYING IT IS AN OUTSIDE FORCE. VW CUSTOMER CARE WAS DIFFICULT TO REACH AND ALSO DENIED THE CLAIM AND I WILL HAVE TO FILE AN INSURANCE CLAIM DUE TO EXTENT OF DAMAGE. *TR

ON SEPT. 27, 2014 DURING A PRE-LONG TRIP SAFETY CHECK, AUTO MECHANIC NOTICED UNUSUAL BULGE ON REAR LEFT TIRE. I CALLED MANUFACTURER CUSTOMER SERVICE NUMBER.AND WAS DIRECTED TO MY NEAREST AUTHORIZED TIRE DEALER.WHO FOUND POSSIBLE DEFECT AND ORDERED A REPLACEMENT TIRE UNDER WARRANTY. TIRE DOT A35M 3WL 1113. CONTINENTAL PROCONTACT 215/60R16 CLAIM # [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

COMPLETE LOSS OF ENGINE POWER: VEHICLE ON THREE OCCASIONS HAS EXPERIENCED COMPLETE LOSS OF ENGINE POWER WHEN SHIFTING FROM REVERSE TO DRIVE. DISPLAY DEPICTS 'ALTERNATOR MALFUNCTION' BUT DEALERSHIP CLAIMS NO FAULT CODE STORED, THEREFORE NO REPAIR CAN BE MADE. I PROVIDED PHOTOS OF THE TROUBLE LIGHTS AND A VIDEO OF OTHER LIGHTS THAT COME ON AFTER THE POWER LOSS HAPPENS. DEALERSHIP VERBALLY ACKNOWLEDGED SOMETHING IS WRONG. VEHICLE TAKEN IN TWICE FOR THIS ISSUE, DEALERSHIP UNABLE TO REPLICATE PROBLEM. DEALERSHIP TROUBLESHOOTS ELECTRICAL SYSTEM.TECHNICIAN VERBALLY TOLD ME IT COULD BE A TRANSMISSION PROBLEM W/ THE INTERNAL CLUTCH FAILING TO RELEASE, STALLING THE VEHICLE. *TR

HEATED SIDE MIRRORS WILL NOT TURN ON WHEN THE TEMPERATURE IS OVER 68 DEGREES. IN HOUSTON, IT'S OFTEN OVER 68 DEGREES, AND MIRRORS WILL FOG OVER. THE SIDE MIRRORS ARE USELESS WHEN THEY'RE FOGGED OVER, AND COULD EASILY CAUSE AN ACCIDENT DUE TO THE LACK OF VISIBILITY. *TR

I WAS PULLING SLOWLY INTO A PARKING SPACE, AND THE CAR SUDDENLY SURGED AND HIT A PARKING METER POLE. THE SAME THING HAPPENED AGAIN SIX AND A HALF WEEKS LATER, AGAIN AT VERY LOW SPEED. THIS TIME THE CAR HIT THE WALL OF THE PARKING RAMP, AND THE DRIVER'S AIRBAG DEPLOYED. IN BOTH CASES, IT WAS THE FIRST TIME THE CAR HAD BEEN DRIVEN THAT MORNING, A DISTANCE OF ABOUT THREE MILES. *TR

ENGINE LOST POWER, GLOW PLUG LIGHT STARTED BLINKING BARELY MADE IT TO THE DEALER. DEALER BLAMED BAD FUEL. IDENTICAL PROBLEM AT 26,480 MILES. DEALER REPLACED HPFP. *TR

THIS IS MY SECOND ENTRY ABOUT THIS INCIDENT; THIS CAR WAS A CERTIFIED 2013 PASSAT TDI SEL THAT I HAD OWNED FOR FOUR DAYS! I HAD NEVER EVEN REFUELED IT ONCE AND THE FUEL PUMP EXPLODED ON I-95 IN MARYLAND AND THE ENSUING INCIDENT ALMOST COST ME MY LIFE. I WAS AT THE ENTRY TO THE BALTIMORE I-95 TUNNEL WITH NEARLY NO WHERE TO PULL OVER ONCE THE CAR STOPPED--CARS AND TRUCKS WERE SWERVING AROUND ME TO AVOID HITTING ME. THE TUNNEL MOVING CREW CAME SHORTLY AFTER SINCE MY STOPPED CAR WAS AN EXTREME HAZARD--I AM HANDICAPPED AND HAD NO WHERE TO ESCAPE TO. I EVENTUALLY WAS TOWED BACK TO MY DEALER AND NOW THE CAR IS IN THE SHOP TO BE FIXED FOR 1&1/2 WEEKS. VW CLAIMS THAT THE REASON FOR THIS FAILURE IS THAT OWNERS ARE PUTTING GASOLINE IN WITH THE DIESEL. THIS IS NOT POSSIBLE IN MY CASE AS I ONLY HAD THE CARE FOR 4 DAYS PRIOR TO THE INCIDENT AND THE DEALER HAD TOPPED IT OFF WITH THEIR OWN FUEL! VW IS NOT BEIG HONEST ABOUT THE SEVERITY OF THIS PROBLEM AND NHTSA NEEDS TO ORDER A TOTAL RECALL. IT IS A NEAR MIRACLE THAT I WAS NOT KILLED. IF I HAD BEEN IN THE TUNNEL WHEN THIS HAPPENED, AND WITH NO PLACE TO PULL OVER AT ALL, THERE WOULD HAVE BEEN AN ACCIDENT AND MOST LIKELY A FATALITY (ME!) PLEASE CONTACT ME IF YOU NEED MORE INFO. *TR

I WAS DRIVING MY CERTIFIED 2013 VW PASSAT TDI SEL WITH ONLY 32,100 MILES AT 60 MPH ON A MAJOR HIGHWAY WHEN I HEARD SOMETHING "POP" AND FELT THE CAR SHUDDER. I THOUGHT I HAD A FLAT TIRE BUT NOTICED THE I HAD NO POWER. I CRUISED TO A STOP ON THE SIDE OF THE HIGHWAY AND WAITED TO BE TOWED TO A VW DEALERSHIP. FOUND OUT LATER THE FUEL PUMP HAD "CAME APART" AND IT WILL TAKE 1.5 WEEKS UNTIL IT IS FIXED. VERY TROUBLING PROBLEM WHEN THE CAR HAS SUCH FEW MILES AND WAS STILL UNDER FACTORY AND DEALER WARRANTY. *TR

SIDE PANEL OF CENTER CONSOLE COMES LOOSE OFTEN. ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS (3 TIMES OUT OF 11 INCIDENTS TO DATE) THE PANEL FELL ONTO THE FLOOR CAUSING DANGEROUS INTERFERENCE WITH THE DRIVER'S ABILITY TO SAFELY USE THE ACCELERATOR AND BRAKE PEDALS. INFORMAL RESEARCH REVEALS MANY REFERENCES TO THIS PANELS POOR FIT ON BOTH DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDES. *TR

WHILE SITTING STILL IN A PARKING LOT THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY KNOCKED VIOLENTLY AND STOPPED RUNNING. ACCORDING TO THE DEALER THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED A SUDDEN AND CATASTROPHIC FAILURE OF THE HIGH PRESSURE FUEL SYSTEM CAUSING METAL FRAGMENTS TO BE SPREAD THROUGH THE FUEL SYSTEM. THE VEHICLE HAD APPROXIMATELY 1/2 TANK OF FUEL AND HAD RAN PERFECT BEFORE THE INCIDENT. AT NO TIME HAVE WE EVER ACCIDENTALLY FILLED IT WITH GASOLINE INSTEAD OF DIESEL AND AT NO TIME HAD THE ENGINE RAN ROUGH AS IF IT WAS HAVING TROUBLE COMBUSTING THE FUEL. *TR

TURBO QUIT MAKING A HIGH PITCH NOISE... BLOWING SMOKE. *TR

THE BACKUP CAMERA IN THIS VEHICLE FREQUENTLY FAILS TO ACTIVATE WHEN THE VEHICLE IS PLACED IN REVERSE. VW OFFICIALS ACKNOWLEDGE, IN A WRITTEN RESPONSE, A DELAY TIME OF ONE (1) TO TWO (2) MINUTES BEFORE THE CAMERA WILL ACTIVATE. IT IS AN UNREASONABLE EXPECTATION, FROM A CONSUMER / DRIVER STANDPOINT, TO WAIT 1 TO 2 MINUTES FOR A CAMERA TO ACTIVATE FOR A DRIVER TO DETERMINE IF IT IS SAFE TO BACKUP. VW CONTINUES TO IGNORE THIS DEFICIENCY DESPITE THE NUMBER OF DEATHS AND INJURIES EACH YEAR CAUSED BY BACKUP ACCIDENTS. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. THE VEHICLE IS EQUIPPED WITH HANKOOK OPTIMO H426 TIRES, SIZE 215/55R17 (NA). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AND THERE WAS A BUBBLE IN THE SIDEWALL OF THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE TIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE TIRE AND VEHICLE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 19,727.

TRAVELING ON THE HIGHWAY AT APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, THE VW PASSAT TDI SE (THE "VEHICLE") LOST POWER, CAUSING THE GLOW PLUG WARNING LIGHT TO ILLUMINATE. TO PREVENT ANY ADDITIONAL DAMAGE, THE VEHICLE ENTERED INTO LIMP MODE. WHILE IN LIMP MODE, THE AUTOMOBILE BECOMES UNABLE TO ACCELERATE, FORCING THE DRIVER TO PULL OVER AND PHONE FOR ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP, AT WHICH TIME NOTIFICATION WAS GIVEN THAT THE VEHICLE'S TURBO NEEDED REPLACEMENT AND THE REPAIR WOULD TAKE APPROXIMATELY A WEEK. DURING DISCUSSIONS WITH THE SERVICE CONSULTANT, THEY STATED THAT A SERVICE BULLETIN WAS ISSUED RECENTLY BY VW, ON TURBO FAILURES AND PROPER MODIFICATIONS OF THE INSTALLATION TO PREVENT FUTURE FAILURE. APPROXIMATELY 3-4 WEEKS AFTER THE INITIAL FAILURE, THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED A SECOND TURBO FAILURE. AT WHICH TIME, THE TURBO FAILED WHILE CROSSING INTO TRAFFIC, JEOPARDIZING LIVES OF MYSELF AND MY FAMILY. VW HAS ONCE AGAIN REPLACED THE TURBO. I HAVE LOST CONFIDENCE IN THE VEHICLE. THERE HAVE BEEN TWO OTHER INCIDENTS OF THE VEHICLE LOSING POWER INTERMITTENTLY, BUT NOTHING SUSTAINED. IF THE TURBO FAILS AGAIN, THAT WOULD BE A THIRD OCCURRENCE. VW'S RESPONSE TO THE ISSUE HAS BEEN RATHER INSIGNIFICANT. *TR

OUR 2013 VW PASSAT'S ELECTRICAL SYSTEM SUDDENTLY WENT DEAD WHILE DRIVING AT 35 MPH ON A BUSY ROAD. WE PULLED THE CAR TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND FIVE MINUTES LATER, THE CAR STARTED UP AGAIN. AFTER DRIVING FOR ABOUT TWO MILES, THE VEHICLE'S ELECTRICAL SYSTEM SHUT OFF AND AGAIN WE PULLED IT TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD WHERE WE CALLED FOR ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE. THE CAR CURRENTLY IS AT A LOCAL DEALERSHIP'S SERVICE CENTER BEING REPAIRED. APPARENTLY, OTHER VW OWNERS HAVE EXPERIENCED SIMILAR PROBLEMS WITH THEIR VEHICLES. NHTSA, PLEASE INVESTIGATE. THANK YOU. *JS

CAR PULLS SHARPLY TO THE RIGHT. VOLKSWAGEN STATES THAT EVERYTHING IS IN SPEC. NOTHING IS BENT OR BROKEN. WE HAVE A SECOND 2013 PASSAT THAT DOES THE SAME THING. THE CASTER IS OUT OF SPEC IN A INDEPENDENT ALIGNMENT, BUT WAS TOLD IT IS NON ADJUSTABLE.( CAME FROM THE FACTORY THIS WAY) MANY PASSATS FROM 2012- 2014 HAVE THIS ISSUE. AT 65 MPH OUR TWO PASSATS WILL COMPLETELY CHANGE LANES IN 6 SECONDS. *TR

CAR PULLS SHARPLY TO THE RIGHT. IT IS DANGEROUS TO DRIVE. VOLKSWAGEN SAYS EVERYTHING IS IN SPEC. NOTHING IS BENT OR BROKEN. THEY ALSO SAID " IT'S JUST THE WAY THE CAR HANDLES" I AM NOT STEPPING ON THE ACCELERATOR, JUST COASTING ON ANY ROAD AND WITHIN 5 TO 6 SECONDS I AM HALFWAY IN THE OTHER LANE. *TR

I WAS DRIVING IN THE RIGHT LANE OF I-84 SHIFTING FROM 5TH TO 6TH WHEN THE CLUTCH PEDAL STAYED ON THE FLOOR AND THE CAR SLOWLY CAME TO A STOP WITH NO SUDDEN JERKING MOTION. THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS NOT INVOLVED NOR DID IT STAY ON THE FLOOR AS THE CLUTCH DID. *TR

VEHICLE LOST POWER WHILE ON THE HIGHWAY IN BUSY TRAFFIC. GLOW PLUG LIGHT BEGAN FLASHING (IT'S A TDI) AND I HEARD A CLICKING NOISE. I PULLED OVER AND THE VEHICLE WAS IMMEDIATELY ENGULFED IN SMOKE. I WAITED ON THE SHOULDER OVER AN HOUR FOR A TOW WITH CONTINUED BUSY 60+ MPH TRAFFIC. VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CLOSEST DEALER. THEY'VE DIAGNOSED IT AS A TURBOCHARGER FAILURE. CLEARLY THIS SHOULDN'T HAPPEN AT ONLY 15,000 MILES BUT IT APPEARS TO BE COMMON. TURBO AND EXHAUST SYSTEM ARE BEING REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY. *TR

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE HESITATED WHENEVER HE ATTEMPTED TO ACCELERATE. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE FAILURE RECCURED SEVERAL TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE OCCURRENCES WERE CONTRIBUTED TO THE WAY THAT THE VEHICLE WAS DESIGNED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 10,000.

THIS INCIDENT HAD TO HAPPEN TWICE FOR THE DEALER TO SEE THE ISSUE. ACCELERATING FROM STOP AT A LIGHT WHEN I REACHED 3000 RPM THE ENGINE STALLED AND THE CAR WILL NOT ACCELERATE. I PULLED TO THE SIDE AND TURNED THE CAR OFF AND TURNED IT BACK ON PROBLEM WAS GONE. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER AND THEY COULD NOT SEE ANY ISSUE. COUPLE OF WEEKS LATER SAME THING HAPPENED AGAIN BUT INSTEAD OF TURNING THE CAR OFF OR EVEN SHIFTING OUT OF D. I DROVE THE CAR WITH THAT CONDITION DIRECTLY TO THE DEALER AND INSTRUCTED ONE OF THE SERVICE TECHNICIAN TO GET IN THE CAR AND TAKE A RIDE WITH ME. HE SAW THE ISSUE AND THIS TIME BELIEVED ME AND THEY INVESTIGATED FURTHER AND FOUND OUT THAT THE KNOCK SENSORS WERE MALFUNCTIONING. I HAVE HAD NOTHING BUT PROBLEMS WITH MY CAR. MY SEAT FRAME WAS FIXED INCORRECTLY TWICE. MY NAVIGATION UNIT REPLACED TWICE AND VW STILL IGNORING THE LAG AND FREEZING OF THE UNIT. WHY PAY 5000 MORE FOR A NAVIGATION AND CAMERA FOR THEM NOT TO FUNCTION RIGHT. A SECTION OF MY MUFFLER WAS MALFUNCTIONING AS WELL. ANOTHER ISSUE IS THE KEY FOB. I FOUND OUT IT IS EFFECTED VERY EASILY BY INTERFERENCE AND WHEN YOUR KEY FOB IS IN THE CAR IT CAN SAY KEY FOB NOT IN CLOSE PROXIMITY. I AM VERY DISAPPOINTED BY THIS VEHICLE, I THOUGHT VW HAD BETTER QUALITY STANDARDS. *TR