2002 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT Engine Problems

13 NHTSA complaints on file

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Engine Issues in the 2002 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT

13 engine complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2002 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. Of these, 0 involved a crash, 4 involved a fire, and 0 resulted in injury.

13
Complaints
0
Crashes
4
Fires
0
Injuries
0
Deaths

All Engine Complaints

#11180192 |
WHEN IT RAINS THE CAR GETS FLOODED CAUSING THE WHOLE WIRING SYSTEM THROUGH THE CAR TO GET DAMAGE. THE CAR WILL SUDDENLY LOSE POWER AND DIE AS YOUR DRIVING. SEEMS TO HAPPEN. WHEN ON HIGHWAY MOST. THE CAR WILL NOT START OR CRANK. I'VE HAD TO VACUUM THE FLOOR BOARDS AND TRUNK, SEARCH FOR DAMAGED WIRES, CHANGE RELAYS AS WELL AS CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR, AND FUEL PUMP.AS WELL AS SENSORS. TRYING TO GET IT RUNNING AGAIN. ALSO THE TRANSMISSION JERKS VERY HARD WHEN TRYING TO GO INTO REVERSE AND MOST OF THE TIME IN SLIPS OUT OF GEAR WITHIN1OR 2 SECONDS.
#10851998 |
LOW OIL PRESSURE LIGHT CAME ON FOR THE FIRST TIME AND NOW ENGINE MAKES A TICKING NOISE. THERE WAS A RECALL FOR THIS ISSUE. NOW I'M STUCK WITH A CAR I CAN'T GET FIXED. FOR AN ISSUE THAT HAD A LAW SUIT.
#10825523 |
I STARTED MY CAR AND PROCEEDED TO DRIVE DOWN AROUND CITY STREETS FOR ABOUT 5 MINUTES. I WAS GOING SPEED LIMIT(25-30 MPH) DURING A COOL NIGHT(60*F). I STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT AND THEN MY TEMPERATURE GAUGE SPIKED(CAR WAS SLIGHTLY BELOW NORMAL TEMPERATURE PRIOR(190*F; ACCORDING TO GAUGE); THIS GAUGE SPIKE WAS FOLLOWED BY A BATTERY INDICATOR LIGHT WHICH SIMULTANEOUSLY CUT OFF MY ENGINE. MY CAR BECAME IMMOBILE AND I LOST BRAKE AND STEERING FUNCTION. HOWEVER, MY RADIO AND CAR LIGHTS STILL WORKED! LUCKILY THERE WAS NO SURROUNDING CARS AND MY PARKING BRAKE WAS FUNCTIONAL. I THEN TURNED OFF THE CAR, WAITED A FEW MINUTES AND ATTEMPTED TO TURN OVER THE ENGINE ONCE MORE. IT DID START HOWEVER I AM WORRIED THIS MAY HAPPEN AGAIN UNDER LESS FORGIVING CIRCUMSTANCES.
#10808937 | Fire
VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION, DRIVING UPHILL. NEEDLE ON THERMOSTAT GAUGE SUDDENLY PERKED REALLY FAST TOWARDS HOT. ENGINE LIGHT WENT ON. VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO SIDE OF ROAD AND ENGINE WAS SHUT OFF. SMOKE WAS COMING OUT OF FRONT OF ENGINE. DRIVER STEPPED OUT OF CAR. WHILE INSPECTING THE FRONT OF THE CAR, THE DRIVER SAW FLICKERING FLAMES UNDER RIGHT SIDE OF ENGINE (AS SEEN FROM INSIDE). DRIVER TOOK SLEEPING CHILD OUT OF CAR SEAT AND STEPPED AWAY FROM CAR. CAR WAS ENGULFED IN FIRE WITHIN MINUTES AND COMPLETELY BURNT UP.
#10767523 | Fire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2002 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, AN EXTREMELY LOUD NOISE EMITTED FROM THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE WAS MANEUVERED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE CONTACT EXITED THE VEHICLE AND LARGE FLAMES IGNITED UNDERNEATH THE HOOD. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE AND STATED THAT THE FIRE ORIGINATED FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 172,808.
#10683218 |
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH, THE VEHICLE HAD AN ISSUE ACCELERATING AFTER SLOWING DOWN. THE VEHICLE FAILED TO PICK UP SPEED WHILE DRIVING. THE FAILURE RECURRED NUMEROUS TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 125,000.
#10667078 |
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 65 MPH, THE ENGINE STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 185,611.
#10664459 |
I WAS DRIVING THE CAR ABOUT 30 MINUTES PRIOR TO INCIDENT TRAVELING AT APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH WITH MY CHILD IN THE CAR AND WITHOUT WARNING OF ANY KIND MY CAR SHUTS OFF AND I ALMOST GOT REAR ENDED . I WAS ABLE TO COAST TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD PUT THE VEHICLE IN PARK TRIED STARTING THE VEHICLE AND IT STARTED RIGHT AWAY . I DROVE VEHICLE HOME WITHOUT INCIDENT . I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A MECHANIC AND THEY COULDN'T FIND A PROBLEM NO ENGINE CODES WHERE PRESENT . I DROVE THE VEHICLE FOR A WEEK AND THIS SAME SCENARIO PLAYED OUT AGAIN I WASN'T DRIVING THE CAR ANY FURTHER AT THIS POINT BECAUSE AGAIN I HAD MY CHILD IN THE CAR AND AGAIN ALSO GOT REAR ENDED . HAD IT TOWED TO A DIFFERENT MECHANIC AND THEY TO WERE UNABLE TO FIND ANY ENGINE CODES OR PROBLEMS...
#10564891 |
WHILE DRIVING HOME ON A SNOWY DAY WAS GOING UP A STEEP HILL CAUSING THE CAR TO SLIDE SIDE TO SIDE HAD TO TRY AND EASE UP THE HILL, WHICH INTERN RAISED HE RPM UP AND THE "STOP OIL PRESSURE LIGHT &TURN OFF ENGINE" LIGHT CAME ON AFTER RESEARCHING IT SEEMS TO BE A SLUDGE ISSUE AND IS GOING TO BE COSTLY REPAIR AND WOULD MOST LIKELY HAVE THE SAME ISSUE. WOULD LIKE TO KNOW WHAT I CAN DO ON THIS ISSUE THE CAR HAS BEEN MAINTAINED USING SYNTHETIC OIL ON ALL OIL CHANGES SINCE PURCHASED DID PURCHASE USED BUT ACCORDING TO THE CAR FAX AND AFTER CONTACTING THE DEALERS THAT SERVICE THE VEHICLE IT HAS ALWAYS HAD SYNTHETIC. *TR
#10564284 | Fire
MY CAR WAS TURNED OFF AND PARKED WHEN I ENTERED A CONVENIENCE STORE. NO SMOKE FROM UNDERNEATH THE HOOD OR ANY SIGN OF TROUBLE WHEN I ENTERED THE STORE. I EXITED THE STORE APPROXIMATELY 3 MINUTES AFTER ENTERING, AND THERE WAS A LARGE AMOUNT OF SMOKE BELLOWING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. SOMETHING UNDER THE HOOD HAD CAUGHT FIRE. THE FIRE ULTIMATELY GREW LARGE ENOUGH WHERE A STANDARD FIRE EXTINGUISHER COULD NOT PUT OUT THE FLAME AND A FIREFIGHTERS WERE REQUIRED. THE ENGINE WAS DAMAGED BEYOND REPAIR. THE FIREFIGHTERS ON THE SCENE AND A MECHANIC AFTERWARDS COULD NOT DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FIRE, BUT BELIEVED THAT IT WAS LIKELY MECHANICAL OF SOME SORT. *TR
#10560909 |
IN AUGUST OF 2013, WHILE BACKING OUT OF A DRIVEWAY, I EXPERIENCED A TOTAL LOSS OF BRAKING. AFTER EXAMINING THE CAR, I DISCOVERED THAT THE PLENUM THAT HOLDS THE BATTERY AND BRAKE BOOSTER WAS NEARLY FILLED WITH RAIN WATER. IT WAS NECESSARY FOR ME TO REMOVE ONE OF THE DUCK-BILLED DRAIN PLUGS IN THE PLENUM AS ALL WERE CLOGGED WITH DEBRIS, PREVENTING WATER FROM DRAINING OUT. THE FLOODED PLENUM APPEARS TO HAVE RESULTED IN WATER BEING DRAWN THROUGH THE VACUUM LINES WHEN ATTEMPTING TO BRAKE. THIS, IN TURN, CAUSED A SIGNIFICANT AMOUNT OF WATER TO BE DRAWN INTO THE CRANKCASE. WATER WAS ALSO DRAWN INTO THE CYLINDERS RESULTING IN MISFIRING. AFTER REMOVING AT LEAST ONE DRAIN PLUG IN THE PLENUM FOR PROPER DRAINAGE, AND DOUBLE FLUSHING THE CONTAMINATED OIL IN THE CRANKCASE, I EXPERIENCED NO FURTHER BRAKING PROBLEMS UNTIL FREEZING WEATHER IN NOVEMBER 2013. IN NOVEMBER, WHILE BRAKING NEAR THE...
#10462798 | Fire
MY DAUGHTER PULLED INTO OUR NEIGHBORHOOD AND NOTICED A FAINT ODOR OF SMOKE. SHE PULLED INTO OUR GARAGE, GOT OUT OF THE CAR AND SAW SMOKE COMING FROM THE HOOD. SHE OPENED THE HOOD AND SAW FLAMES ON THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE ENGINE BLOCK. SHE WENT TO GET THE FIRE EXTINGUISHER AND UPON HER RETURN THE FLAME WAS OUT AND THE SMOKE SUBSIDED. I HAVE INSPECTED THE AREA AND I CAN'T IDENTIFY SIGNIFICANT DAMAGE FROM THE FIRE. I JUST LEARNED OF A RECENT INVESTIGATION BY NHTSA INTO MY2002 VW PASSAT FOR ENGINE FIRES CAUSED BY A FAULTY IGNITION COIL (NHTSA ACTION NUMBER EA11002 - REPORTED INITIAL AS PE10-027). *TT
#10460185 |
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THE VEHICLE STALLED. SHE WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE AFTER 45 MINUTES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE DEALER REPLACED THE REAR CATALYTIC CONVERTOR BUT THE FAILURE CONTINUED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 102,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

Other 2002 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT Problem Areas

Electrical Systemignition 134 complaints Engine And Engine Cooling 56 complaints Electrical System 52 complaints Engine And Engine Coolingengine 45 complaints Fuel System Gasoline 28 complaints Service Brakes Hydraulic 24 complaints Unknown Or Other 18 complaints Exterior Lightingheadlights 17 complaints Structure 17 complaints Electrical Systemignitionmodule 15 complaints Fuelpropulsion System 15 complaints Service Brakes 15 complaints Vehicle Speed Control 12 complaints Seatsfront Assemblyseat Heatercooler 11 complaints Fuel System Gasolinestoragetank Assembly 10 complaints Engine And Engine Coolingenginegasoline 9 complaints Air Bags 8 complaints Exterior Lighting 8 complaints Service Brakes Electric 8 complaints Tires 8 complaints Visibilitysunmoon Roof Assembly 8 complaints Electrical Systemwiring 7 complaints Electrical Systemwiringfront Underhood 7 complaints Structurebody 7 complaints Engine And Engine Coolingenginegasolineturbosupercharger 6 complaints Equipmentelectricalradiotape Deckcd Etc 6 complaints Fuel System Gasolinedelivery 6 complaints Power Trainautomatic Transmission 6 complaints Suspensionfrontspringscoil Springs 6 complaints Equipment 5 complaints Power Train 5 complaints Power Traindrivelineconstant Velocity Joint 5 complaints Service Brakes Hydraulicantilocktraction Controlelectronic Limited Slip 5 complaints Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsdiscrotor 5 complaints Engine And Engine Coolingcooling System 4 complaints Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust System 4 complaints Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust Systememission Control 4 complaints Equipmentapplianceair Conditioner 4 complaints Fuel System Gasolinedeliveryfuel Pump 4 complaints Fuel System Gasolinedeliveryhoses Linespiping And Fittings 4 complaints Fuel System Gasolinefuel Injection System 4 complaints Seat Belts 4 complaints Seats 4 complaints Service Brakes Hydraulicpower Assistvacuum 4 complaints Visibility 4 complaints Visibilitydefrosterdefoggerhvac Systemheater Core 4 complaints Visibilitywindshield Wiperwasher 4 complaints Engine And Engine Coolingcooling Systemfan 3 complaints Latcheslockslinkagesdoorslatch 3 complaints Service Brakes Hydraulicantilocktraction Controlelectronic Limited Slipcontrol Unitmodule 3 complaints Structureframe And Members 3 complaints Structureframe And Membersunderbody Shields 3 complaints Suspension 3 complaints Suspensionfront 3 complaints Tirestreadbelt 3 complaints Vehicle Speed Controlaccelerator Pedal 3 complaints Visibilitypower Window Devices And Controls 3 complaints Visibilitywindshield 3 complaints Air Bagsfrontal 2 complaints Electrical Systemalternatorgeneratorregulator 2 complaints Electrical Systemignitionswitch 2 complaints Electrical Systemwiringinteriorunder Dash 2 complaints Electronic Stability Control Esc 2 complaints Engine And Engine Coolingengineother Fuel Typesturbosupercharger 2 complaints Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust Systemmanifoldheadermufflertail Pipe 2 complaints Exterior Lightingbrake Lightsswitch 2 complaints Exterior Lightingheadlightsconcealment Devices 2 complaints Exterior Lightingturn Signalflasher Unit 2 complaints Fuel System Gasolinestoragetank Assemblyfiller Pipe And Cap 2 complaints Fuel System Other 2 complaints Interior Lighting 2 complaints Latcheslockslinkages 2 complaints Power Trainaxle Assembly 2 complaints Power Trainaxle Assemblyaxle Shaftseal 2 complaints Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsdiscpads 2 complaints Service Brakes Hydraulicpower Assist 2 complaints Tiressidewall 2 complaints Air Bagssidewindow 1 complaint Electrical System12v24v48v Battery 1 complaint Electrical Systemhorn 1 complaint Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust Systememission Controlcatalytic Convertor 1 complaint Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust Systememission Controlcrankcase Pcv 1 complaint Equipmentelectrical 1 complaint Equipmentmechanicalaccessory Scissorscrewbottle Jacklift 1 complaint Equipmentrecreational Vehicletrailer 1 complaint Exterior Lightingfog Lights 1 complaint Exterior Lightinghazard Flashing Warning Lightsswitch 1 complaint Exterior Lightingturn Signal 1 complaint Fuel System Gasolinestorageauxillary Tank 1 complaint Fuel System Otherfuel Injection System 1 complaint Fuel System Otherstoragetank Assemblypressure Relief Devices 1 complaint Latcheslockslinkageshoodlatch 1 complaint Parking Brake 1 complaint Power Trainclutch Assembly 1 complaint Power Traindrivelinedifferential Unit 1 complaint Power Traindrivelinedriveshaft 1 complaint Power Traindrivelineuniversal Joint 1 complaint Power Trainmanual Transmission 1 complaint Seat Beltsfrontbuckle Assembly 1 complaint Seatsfront Assemblypower Adjust 1 complaint Service Brakes Airdisccaliper 1 complaint Service Brakes Airdiscpads 1 complaint Service Brakes Airdiscrotor 1 complaint Service Brakes Hydraulicantilocktraction Controlelectronic Limited Slipabs Warning Light 1 complaint Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsdrum 1 complaint Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentshoses Linespiping And Fittings 1 complaint Service Brakes Hydraulicfoundation Componentsmaster Cylinder 1 complaint Service Brakes Hydraulicpower Assisthydraulic 1 complaint Steering 1 complaint Structurebodyroof And Pillars 1 complaint Suspensionfrontcontrol Arm 1 complaint Suspensionmultiple Axle 1 complaint Suspensionrearaxlespindle 1 complaint Suspensionrearspringscoil Springs 1 complaint Vehicle Speed Controlcruise Control 1 complaint Visibilitydefrosterdefoggerhvac System 1 complaint Visibilityglass Siderear 1 complaint Wheels 1 complaint Wheelsrim 1 complaint
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