NHTSA Complaint #10283274 — 2003 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE issue reported to NHTSA

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Fire

Complaint Details

ODI Number	10283274
Vehicle	2003 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT
Component	ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
Date of Incident	September 3, 2009
Date Filed	September 8, 2009
Mileage	95,500 miles
Crash	No
Fire	Yes
Injuries	0
Deaths	0
Vehicle Towed	No
State	MA

Consumer Description

OUR 2003 PASSAT WAGON (4 CYL 1.8 ENGINE) HAD A FIRE IN THE ENGINE LAST WEEK. AFTER DRIVING ABOUT 20 MINUTES AND PARKING, MY HUSBAND NOTICED THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT AND THEN SMOKE COMING OUT FROM UNDER THE HOOD. HE OPENED THE HOOD AND SAW A FIRE IN THE ENGINE. HE WAS IN A PARKING SPACE AND DROVE IT A BLOCK TO A SERVICE STATION, WHERE THE MECHANIC PUT OUT THE FIRE WITH WATER. THE FIRE HAD STARTED IN THE IGNITION COILS (WHICH HAD BEEN REPLACED IN 4/2003, BEFORE THE RECALL) AND WOULD HAVE REQUIRED THE REPLACEMENT/REBUILDING OF THE ENGINE HARNESS. OUR INSURANCE COMPANY DECLARED THE CAR A TOTAL LOSS. *TR

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