NHTSA Complaint #10161889 — 2002 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT

I CURRENTLY OWN A 2002 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. IN MAY 2006 AFTER SOME HEAVY RAIN, I NOTICED SOME DAMPNESS AND ODOR EMANATING FROM THE PASSENGER-SIDE FLOORING OF MY VEHICLE. DURING THE LAST TWO MONTHS, THE LEAKAGE HAS DRAMATICALLY INCREASED. AFTER A HEAVY RAIN I HAVE SEEN AS MUCH AS ONE INCH OF STANDING WATER IN THE REAR FOOTWELL. I TOOK IT TO A LOCAL VW DEALERSHIP TODAY, WHO SUGGESTED THE PROBLEM WAS DUE TO AN AFTER-MARKET PIECE OF RADIO EQUIPMENT THAT WAS INSTALLED MORE THAN TWO YEARS AGO. AFTER RETURNING HOME AND CAREFULLY EXAMINING ALL OF THE SUNROOF DRAINAGE HOLE, I HAVE DETERMINED THAT THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE DRAIN DOES NOT DRAIN TO ITS INTENDED LOCATION. THE WATER SEEPS THROUGH THE REAR DOOR'S CASING/SEAL AND INTO THE FLOOR. THE LEAK HAS CAUSED MY UNDERCARRIAGE TO RUST AND LEAK. MANY OTHER VW OWNERS HAVE EXPERIENCED THIS SAME PROBLEM. THE AVERAGE COST TO REPAIR THE DAMAGE IS OVER $1000. SOME CONSUMERS HAD ELECTRICAL FAILURES AS THE STANDING WATER OCCURS DIRECTLY OVER ELECTRICAL COMPARTMENTS. THE DEFECT IS NOT UNDER WARRANTY FROM VW, REGARDLESS RF THE AGE OF THE VEHICLE. VW STATES THIS IS A MAINTENANCE ISSUE; HOWEVER, THIS IS NOT MENTIONED IN ANY OWNER'S MANUAL, AND IT IS NOT A PART OF ANY VW SERVICE PLAN. *NM