Volkswagen Passat Complaints

7,897 consumer complaints on file.

#10174439November 27, 2006
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE STOPPED AT A STOP LIGHT, NONE OF THE BRAKE LIGHTS ON THE VEHICLE ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A SERVICE DEALER, WHO WAS ABLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM. THE MANUFACTURER WAS ALSO NOTIFIED. THERE WAS A NHTSA RECALL # 04V096000, WHICH PERTAINS TO THE BRAKE LIGHTS SWITCH. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO THE MODEL OF THE VEHICLE. UPDATED 12/18/2006 - THE NEW BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH WAS INSTALLED ON 11/28/2006. *NM
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#10174480November 27, 2006
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CATALYTIC CONVERTOR, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I'VE HAD MY 2000 PASSAT NOW FOR 3 YEARS, MY HUSBAND AND MYSELF SEE TO IT THAT OUR CARS HAVE ANNUAL TUNE-UPS AND REGULAR OIL CHANGES. FOR THE PAST MONTH THE ABS AND BRAKE LIGHT HAS BEEN FLASHING NON-STOP. DURING MY MOST RECENT TUNE UP, I WAS INFORMED THAT THE CATALYTIC CONVERTERS HAVE TO BE REPLACED. MY MECHANIC WAS CONVINCED THAT A RECALL HAD TO BE IN PLACE BECAUSE HE WAS SEEING THIS PROBLEM OCCURRING FREQUENTLY. I CALLED THE VW DEALERSHIP WHERE I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE AND WAS INFORMED THAT $100 WAS NEEDED TO EVEN LOOK AT THE CAR. ALL OF THIS HAS ME FURIOUS. A RECALL IS NEEDED--RIGHT A WAY!!!!! *JB
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#10174199November 24, 2006
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
ON AUGUST 24, 2006 MY 2002 VW PASSAT WITH 64777 MILES WAS TAKEN IN TO REPLACE THE SPARK PLUGS. NO PROBLEM SO FAR, I PICKED UP THE CAR A GOT AS FAR AS TWO BLOCKS WHEN THE TEMP GAUGE PEGGED OUT. I IMMEDIATELY STOPPED THE CAR AND CHECKED FOR LEAKAGE, NO LEAKAGE WAS NOTICEABLE I DROVE THE CAR BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE WATER PUMP FAILED. I HAD FORK OUT NEARLY $1000 DOLLARS TO GET THE CAR BACK ON THE ROAD. THE SERVICE MANAGER SHOWED MY THE FAILED PUMP AND WAS ASTONISHED THAT THE IMPELLER WAS MADE OUT OF PLASTIC. TO ADD INSULT WHEN I CONTACTED VW AND REQUEST SOME TYPE OF RELIEF FOR THE EXPENSE. I REQUESTED A WRITTEN RESPONSE WHICH I NEVER RECEIVED ONLY A TERSE PHONE CALL. VW'S RESPONSE WAS SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS. *NM
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#10174117November 23, 2006
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE
ABS CONTROL UNIT FAILURE. *JB
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#10174016November 21, 2006
SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:SEAT HEATER/COOLER
WIFE WAS DRIVING 2004 VW PASSAT SEDAN WITH HEATED SEATS TURNED ON. SHE FELT A SHARP BURNING IN THE SIDE OF HER LEG THAT SLOWLY INTENSIFIED. AS SHE LOOKED DOWN AT HER LEG SHE SAW FLAMES COMING OUT FROM A DIME SIZED HOLE. THE SEAT WAS DAMAGED AND HER LEG WAS BURNED. *NM
Crash:
No
Fire:
Yes
Injuries:
1
Deaths:
0
#10174018November 21, 2006
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
ABS LIGHT CAME ON WITH LESS THAN 30,000 MILES ON IT. FOR 4 YEARS, THE VW DEALER SAID IT WOULD BE OVER $1,800 TO REPLACE THE ABS PUMP. LAST YEAR THEY SAID IT WOULD BE $2750. AFTER SEEING ON INTERNET THREADS THAT THE COMMON CAUSE IS ONLY THE ABS MODULE, I CONFRONTED THE DEALER, AND THEY SAI IT WOULD $650, AND IT HAS WORKED FINE SINCE. I FEEL VW DEALERS ARE NOT FORTHRIGHT IN TELLING CUSTOMERS ABOUT THE LESS EXPENSIVE SOLUTION, AND THEY SHOULD PAY FOR IT, SINCE IT IS A KNOWN COMMON DEFECT, AND A SAFETY HAZARD. I HAVE BEEN TOLD THAT MANY PEOPLE ARE PULLING THE BULB OUT, AND BUYERS MAY NOT BE AWARE THE ABS DOESN'T WORK. UNTIL ITS TOO LATE. *NM
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#10174021November 21, 2006
FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL
I HAVE A 2004 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT 2.0L TDI DIESEL CAR. THE HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP STARTED LEAKING DIESEL FUEL ALL OVER THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. I CHECKED ON-LINE TO DETERMINE IF THERE WAS A RECALL ON THIS PROBLEM. AFTER CHECKING ON-LINE I LEARNED THAT THERE WAS IN FACT A RECALL FOR THIS PROBLEM. I CONTACTED BOTH VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA AND A LOCAL DEALER. BOTH INDICATED THAT THERE WAS A RECALL, BUT THAT THE VIN NUMBER ON MY CAR WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THIS RECALL. I HAD TO HAVE THE PUMP REPLACED AT A COST OF $750.00. I BELIEVE THAT THE PROBLEM INCURRED IS THE SAME PROBLEM FROM THE RECALL AND THAT THE DEFECTIVE PART INCLUDES MORE THAN JUST THE VIN NUMBER VEHICLES THAT VOLKSWAGEN ADMITS. WHEN I HAD THE HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP REPLACED, I ADVISED THAT I WANTED TO OLD PUMP. I HAVE THE OLD PUMP IN MY POSSESSION. I AM CONCERNED THAT THERE MAY BE MORE VEHICLES THAN INDICATED IN THE RECALL THAT MAY HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM AND THE POSSIBLE FIRE PROBLEMS THAT COULD BE CAUSED. I BELIEVE THAT THIS REPAIR SHOULD HAVE BEEN COVERED BY VOLKSWAGON. *NM
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#10174022November 21, 2006
STRUCTURE
1) OUR 2003 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT 1.8T IS LEAKING WATER INTO THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE CAB. 2) THIS APPEARS TO BE A COMMON PROBLEM IN THE PASSAT AS WELL AS OTHER VOLKSWAGENS AND HAS THE POTENTIAL TO CAUSE ELECTRICAL MALFUNCTIONS. 3) REPAIR WILL REQUIRE MODIFICATION OF DRAIN SYSTEMS AROUND THE VEHICLE TO PREVENT INTRUSION OF WATER INTO SENSITIVE SPACES. *NM
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#10173914November 20, 2006
SEATS
WHILE STARTING OFF FROM A STANDSTILL, I HEARD A POPPING SOUND AND I FLEW BACKWARDS IN MY SEAT. APPARENTLY THE SEAT FRAME MECHANISM FOR MY DRIVERS SEAT FAILED. THE METAL OF THE FRAME, AS IT WAS DESIGNED AND MANUFACTURED, FAILED FROM METAL FATIGUE. WHEN IT DID, THERE WAS NOTHING HOLDING THE FRONT OF THE SEAT TO THE FLOOR BOARD. I FLEW INTO THE BACK SEAT, MY HANDS WERE RIPPED FROM THE WHEEL, AND I COULD NO LONGER REACH THE PEDALS. I STRUGGLED TO MANEUVER MYSELF BACK INTO A POSITION WHERE I COULD REGAIN CONTROL OF MY CAR. THANKFULLY, IT WAS VERY EARLY IN THE MORNING, AND THERE WERE NO OTHER VEHICLES OR PEDESTRIANS LOCATED CLOSE TO MY CAR. AS OF THIS POINT, NOTHING HAS BEEN DONE TO FIX THE CAR.*JB
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#10173828November 19, 2006
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
2003 VW PASSAT W8 OVERHEATED AFTER BEING SERVICED FOR TEMP SENSOR. ENGINE SEEMED TO BLOW HEAD GASKET. CAR HAD TO BE TOWED BACK TO DEALER WHERE SERVICE WAS PERFORMED. VEHICLE STILL THERE AND DAMAGE MAYBE WORSE. *NM
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#10173513November 14, 2006
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
I AM ONE OF AN ALREADY LARGE AND CONSTANTLY GROWING NUMBER OF PERSONS WITH VOLKSWAGEN'S AND AUDI'S WHO HAVE ABS (AUTOMATIC BRAKING SYSTEMS) THAT HAVE STOPPED WORKING AFTER ONLY A MERE 60-70,000 MILES. I HAVE TAKEN MY CAR IN TO THE DEALER SEVERAL TIMES TO RESOLVE THIS ISSUE AND EACH TIME THEY (DEAL) SAY IT'S SOMETHING ELSE. WITH MANY PEOPLE COMPLAINING NOW AND MORE TO JOIN IN AS THE DAYS GO BY, ONE CAN ONLY IMAGINE THE LARGE QUANTITY OF OTHER PEOPLE WHO HAVE THIS SNAFU. OUR EXPERIENCE HAS BEEN THAT VW/AUDI APPEARS TO REFUSE TO ACKNOWLEDGE THE PROBLEM. LATELY, SEVERAL PERSONS HAVE SAID THAT THE PROBLEM IS GENERALLY BEING CAUSED BY THE ELECTRICAL UNIT IN THE ABS MODULE. YET AT THIS POINT, VW AND AUDI ARE HAVING USERS REPLACE THE ENTIRE UNIT. THIS COST IS PROHIBITIVE FOR MANY OF US ($2000 UPWARD IN MY CASE). IN THE MEANTIME, MANY OF US ARE HAVING TO DRIVE WITH FAULTY ABS SYSTEMS, WITH RESULTANT SAFETY PROBLEMS: FOR ME, THE ABS PROBLEM CAUSES THE BRAKES TO GO ON AT INAPPROPRIATE TIMES. THE BRAKES ON MY CAR GRAB AND ACTIVATE UNEXPECTEDLY DURING THE FIRST SEVERAL MINUTES OF DRIVING AFTER MY CAR HAS SAT OVERNIGHT. OTHERS HAVE EXPERIENCED THIS TOO. I FEAR THAT THIS MAY CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. THIS PROBLEM ON MY CAR SEEMS TO BE GROWING WORSE. THE MORE OBVIOUS SAFETY HAZARD IS THAT ALL OF THESE CARS LACK THE ABS DURING CRUCIAL TIMES OF DRIVING ON ICY OR WET PAVEMENT. AGAIN, THIS PROBLEM IS AGGRAVATED WHEN THE ABS GOES ON AND OFF INTERMITTENTLY, WITHOUT THE DRIVER'S KNOWLEDGE (SINCE IN MANY CASES, THE DASH WARNING LIGHTS REMAIN ON THROUGHOUT). AT THIS POINT, I'M FEARFUL WHENEVER I DRIVE MY CAR. *JB
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#10173360November 13, 2006
SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:HEAD RESTRAINT
2003 VW PASSAT DRIVER LEATHER SEAT CAUGHT ON FIRE WHILE OPERATING CAR. IT BURNED THROUGH THE SEAT & SCORCHED/DAMAGED MY COAT. FORTUNATELY, I WAS ONLY DRIVING A FEW BLOCKS & HAD PULLED INTO A PARKING LOT. I CONTACTED VW CONSUMER RELATIONS & WAS SHOCKED AT THE RESPONSE. IT SEEMED ROUTINE TO THE MANAGER. THEY "MAY GIVE ME THE REPLACEMENT VALUE OF MY COAT IF IT NEEDS TO BE REPLACED". I WAS TOLD THAT A CAR WOULD BE GIVEN TO ME TO DRIVE AT NO CHARGE WHILE MINE IS BEING REPAIRED. I EXPLAINED THAT I DO NOT FEEL SAFE TO DRIVE MY CAR WITH AN ELECTRICAL MALFUNCTION UNDER ME AND I WAS TOLD THAT A TOW WOULD BE PROVIDED AT NO CHARGE. I WILL HOLD VW RESPONSIBLE THE REPAIR/REPLACEMENT OF THE FRONT SEATS & WARMER ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, THE COSTS OF A RENTAL OR LOANER CAR WHILE MINE IS IN REPAIR, THE COST TO REPLACE ANY DAMAGED CLOTHING, & ANY OTHER COSTS ASSOCIATED WITH THE INCIDENT YET TO BE DETERMINED. IT IS VERY UPSETTING TO ME TO THINK THAT I WAS SITTING ON A FIRE WHILE OPERATING MY CAR. WHAT IF MY COAT CAUGHT ON FIRE??? I DRIVE A VERY BUSY INTERSTATE TO & FROM WORK. IT WAS FORTUNATE THAT I WAS ON MY LUNCH BREAK DRIVING A VERY SHORT DISTANCE & NOT DRIVING HOME. *JB
Crash:
No
Fire:
Yes
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#10173229November 12, 2006
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
I OWNED A 2002 VW PASSAT V6 FOR 2 YEARS. THREE TIMES WITHIN THAT TIME DURING RAINSTORMS, THE ENGINE DIED AND ALL THE ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT, INCLUDING THE POWER BRAKES , FAILED. I HAVE JUST FOUND OUT THAT THE AIR INTAKE FOR THE ENGINE IS EITHER NEAR A WHEEL WELL OR BEHIND A HEADLIGHT, AS IS APPARENTLY COMMON FOR SPORTY CARS. THE WATER GETS SUCKED INTO THE ENGINE. VW CHARGED ME $9000 AFTER THE SECOND EVENT, BLAMING IT ON PINE NEEDLES IN DRAINAGE WELLS. FIVE DAYS LATER, I WENT THROUGH A SMALL PUDDLE AND IT HAPPENED AGAIN. I SOLD THE CAR. I THINK THIS WARRANTS INVESTIGATION AS A MAJOR SAFETY HAZARD. *NM
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#10173042November 9, 2006
STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR
PASSENGER SIDE REAR DOOR MOLDING HAS WARPED TWICE NOW AND FIRST REPLACEMENT DONE MONTHS AFTER LEASE INCEPTION, HAVING BEEN TOLD IT'S NOT UNDER WARRANTY BY POTAMKIN VW IN MANHATTAN, NY. CALLED VW AND POTAMKIN ABOUT SECOND WARPING ON REPLACED MOLDING, ONLY TO BE TOLD THAT I MUST HAVE HIT IT AND THAT I PULLED IT OFF (WHICH I DID TO KEEP IT FROM FURTHER SCRATCHING THE FRONT DOOR)...JUST READ ZILLIONS OF COMPLAINTS ON THE WEB ABOUT THE SAME ISSUE WITH THE CAR, SOME CITING THAT IT COULD BE DOOR'S ALIGNMENT AND OTHERS THAT IT COULD BE MOLDING ALIGNMENT...DON'T KNOW, BUT NEITHER DEALER NOR VW CUSTOMER SERVICE COOPERATING. *JB
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#10173046November 9, 2006
POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY
TOOK CAR (2002 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT) TO LOCAL DEALER FOR 65,000 MILE SERVICE AT WHICH TIME THEY FOUND A DETERIORATING AXLE PROBLEM. INFORMED BY DEALER THAT USUALLY THIS ISSUE IS ASSOCIATED WITH A DESIGN FLAW. CAR OUT OF WARRANTY AND REPAIR WAS PERFORMED. IN TURN CONTACTED VOLKSWAGAN CUSTOMER SERVICE DEPARTMENT AND WAS TOLD THAT THEIR WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO SINCE THE CARE WAS OUT OF WARRANTY. I IN TURN WROTE A LETTER TO THE PRESIDENT OF VOLKSWAGEN AND RECEIVED A PHONE CALL (I AM SURE HE DID NOT SEE IT)REINFORCING WHAT THEIR CUSTOMER SERVICE DEPARTMENT TOLD ME. IF THIS IN FACT IS A DESIGN ISSUE I DO NOT FEEL YOU SHOULD BE HAVING PROBLEMS WITH AXLE'S @ 65,000 MILES SINCE THE CAR HAS BEEN SERVICED EVERY 5,000 MILES PER MANUFACTURERS RECOMMENDATIONS AND IS IN EXCELLENT CONDITION. MILEAGE SHOULD HAVE NOTHING TO DO WITH IT. *JB
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#10173058November 9, 2006
STEERING:LINKAGES:ROD:RELAY:CONNECTING
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE GETTING AN OIL CHANGE THE DEALER NOTICED THE TIE RODS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THERE WAS A NHTSA RECALL, # 00V414000, REGARDING THE STEERING; LINKAGES; ROD; RELAY; CONNECTING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL DUE TO THE VIN.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#10173052November 9, 2006
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE
ABOUT A MONTH AGO THE ABS AND BRAKE LIGHTS STARTED INTERMITTENTLY FLASHING. I TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALER AND I WAS INFORMED THAT THE ABS MODULE HAD FAILED. I WAS TOLD THAT IT'S NOT SAFE TO DRIVE WITH A FAILED ABS MODULE AS IT COMMUNICATES WITH OTHER SYSTEMS IN THE CAR. THE DEALER CHARGED $912.08 FOR THE REPAIR. A MONTH LATER THE SAME PROBLEM STARTED HAPPENING AGAIN. THIS TIME I WAS TOLD THAT THE ABS HYDRAULIC SYSTEM, AND THE DEALER IS ASKING $2372 FOR THE PART ITSELF. I SEARCHED FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THE INTERNET AND THERE ARE THOUSANDS OF VW PASSAT OWNERS WHO ARE PLAGUED BY ABS-RELATED FAILURES. DRIVING WITH NO ABS IS NOT SAFE IN A CAR THAT IS DESIGNED TO WORK WITH THE ABS SYSTEM. *JB
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#10172816November 7, 2006
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING, SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
I HAVE HAD RECURRENT ISSUES WITH MY 2006 PASSAT. I JUST GOT THE CAR BACK FROM THE DEALER AFTER BEING AT THE DEALER FOR REPAIRS FOR 25 DAYS, AND I WAS TRYING TO BRAKE AT THE END OF MY STREET AND THE CAR DID NOT BRAKE. THE PEDAL WAS VERY HARD -- I COULD BARELY PUSH IT IN WITH TWO FEET. I ACTIVATED THE PARKING BRAKE, AND THE CAR STOPPED -- THANK GOD, I WAS ONLY GOING 10 MPH, BUT IF I ROLLED INTO THE INTERSECTION I COULD HAVE BEEN KILLED. WHEN THE CAR STOPPED, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON, THE ENGINE BEGAN REVVING UP AND DOWN AND THE HEADLIGHTS WERE FLICKERING OR SURGING AND GETTING BRIGHTER AND DIMMER AND BRIGHTER VERY RAPIDLY. I TURNED ON THE INTERIOR LIGHTS TO BETTER VIEW MY DASH, AND THE INTERIOR LIGHTS WERE SURGING/FLICKERING AS WELL. IN ONE OF MY PREVIOUS VISITS FOR DEALER REPAIRS, THEY TOLD ME THEY PUT IN A BRAND NEW ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. HOW CAN THIS BE HAPPENING AGAIN? THIS CAR IS BEYOND REPAIR. I BELIEVE I HAVE A LEMON AND IT IS DANGEROUS TO CONTINUE DRIVING THIS CAR. I CANNOT BELIEVE THAT AFTER A 25-DAY STINT IN THE DEALER REPAIR CENTER IT'S STILL NOT WORKING. THIS IS THE LAST OF MANY TRIPS TO THE DEALER FOR REPAIRS. INCIDENTALLY, WHILE I BOUGHT THE CAR NEW, I BOUGHT IT AFTER USING IT AS A LOANER WHEN MY 2006 JETTA TDI WAS IN THE SHOP MORE THAN I DROVE IT DURING MY PERIOD OF OWNERSHIP. THAT CAR HAD SOME ISSUES AS WELL, SO WHEN I LIKED THE PASSAT I DECIDED TO TRADE IT IN. I'VE ONLY DRIVEN THIS PASSAT FOR LESS THAN 5,000 MILES AND IT IS TERRIBLE. MY WIFE DRIVES A 2006 JETTA TDI (A DIFFERENT ONE) WHICH RUNS GREAT. HOW CAN ONLY ONE OF THREE CARS PURCHASED IN LESS THAN A SIX MONTH PERIOD FUNCTION PROPERLY. THIS IS SERIOUSLY IMPACTING MY VIEWS OF VW QUALITY. I HAVE TROUBLE WRITING VW AND THE WORD QUALITY IN THE SAME SENTENCE. THANK GOD I DIDN'T DIE TONIGHT. *NM
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#10172677November 6, 2006
SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:SEAT HEATER/COOLER
DRIVER'S SIDE CAR SEAT STARTED SMOLDERING THEN FLAMES APPEARED. TURNED OFF CAR SEAT HEATER AND EXTINGUISHED WITH WATER. *JB
Crash:
No
Fire:
Yes
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#10172776November 6, 2006
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE
IN AUGUST OF THIS YEAR, 2006, MY 1999 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT GLS, WHICH WAS PURCHASED NEW BY MY FAMILY, BEGIN EXHIBITING SOME TROUBLING BEHAVIOR. THE BEHAVIOR CONSISTS OF THE TACHOMETER CEASING TO FUNCTION AS BOTH THE "BRAKE" AND "OIL" DASHBOARD LIGHTS FLASH WITH ACCOMPANYING WARNING TONES AND THE "ABS" DASHBOARD LIGHT COMES ON SOLID AND REMAINS ON. WHEN THE "ABS" DASHBOARD LIGHT IS ON, MY CAR'S ABS DOES NOT FUNCTION. AT FIRST THE PROBLEM WAS INTERMITTENT, BUT EVENTUALLY BECAME MORE FREQUENT AND HAS NOW REACH A STATE OF PERSISTENCY. I HAVE BEEN WORKING ON VOLKSWAGENS VEHICLES SINCE I WAS A CHILD AND, GIVEN MY IMMEDIATELY FAMILY HAS OWNED OVER TEN VOLKSWAGENS IN THE PAST 20 YEARS ALONE, THE REST OF MY FAMILY HAS AS WELL; INCLUDING A SECONDARY RELATIVE WHO OWNS A VOLKSWAGEN REPAIR BUSINESS IN AMESBURY, MA. GIVEN THE ABOVE DESCRIBED PROBLEM IS COMMON AND WELL DOCUMENTED, THE DIAGNOSIS OF A FAULTY BOSCH 5.3 ABS CONTROLLER WAS STRAIGHT FORWARD. THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION (NHTSA) HAS LOGGED OVER 50 COMPLAINTS ALONE WITH MANY HUNDREDS MORE BEING AFFECTED. ALL INSTANCES ARE CONSISTENT WITH MY OWN. REVIEW OF THE INDIVIDUAL TESTIMONIES AS LOGGED BY THE NHTSA MAKES IT CLEAR THAT THIS PROBLEM IS CAUSED BY THE PREMATURE FAILURE OF A KEY COMPONENT OF ONE OF THE MOST CRUCIAL AUTOMOTIVE SAFETY SYSTEMS. THE PROHIBITIVE COST OF REPAIRING THIS ITEM AND THE REFUSAL TO ACKNOWLEDGE THE PROBLEM COMPONENT AS DEFECTIVE AND ELECTIVELY RECALLING IT AMOUNTS TO NEGLIGENCE AND RECKLESS ENDANGERMENT ON THE PART OF VOLKSWAGEN. THE DEFECTIVE COMPONENT REPRESENTS A DANGER TO THE DRIVER OF THE AFFECTED AUTOMOBILE AND EVERYONE SHARING THE ROAD WITH THE AFFECTED AUTOMOBILE. THE PROBLEM EXPRESSED HEREIN IS WIDESPREAD AND CLEARLY DOCUMENTED AS A PROBLEM AND A HAZARD THAT IS NOT TYPICALLY EXPERIENCED BY OTHER AUTOMOBILE OWNERS WITH SIMILARLY FUNCTIONING ANTILOCK BRAKING SYSTEMS. THIS UNIT SHOULD BE RECALLED TO ENSURE THE SAFETY OF HUNDREDS IF NOT THOUSANDS OF DRIVERS. *NM
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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