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.
2002 Volkswagen Passat engine complaints
Page 4 of 6: complaints 71 to 100 of 148, newest first, as owners wrote them.
I would like to lodge a complaint regarding the excessive failure of vacuum hoses causing the engine malfunction indicator light to come on repeatedly on the 2002 vw passat wagon. On august 2, 2006, the vacuum hose failed (replaced with p/n 06b-133-783 bc). The cost of the repair was $271.63. On september 11, 2006, the vacuum hose was replaced as per vehicle recall (replaced with p/n 06b-103-221p). And on october 18, 2006, the vacuum hose failed (replaced with p/n 1n-020-353-5). The cost of this repair was $137.93. Also to be considered is the inconvenience of taking the car to a repair facility time after time.
I had the check engine light on and took it to the dealer. He said there was problem with combi valve, vacuum hose and secondary air pump which costs a total of >1200$ in total. Luckily, I had the extended warranty and I have to pay 700$. The car is 2002 vw passat gls (1.8) and have only 40k on it. This is the second major repair and the previous one was some kind of cv joint issue. All this problems seems to be a common problem for all passat owners and I wonder why there is not even a recall for this. May be they know this problem and want people to go and pay money. One thing is sure. This will be my first and last vw. I don't recommend any one to buy vw, but better buy cheap japanese cars like mitsubhishi which runs for years and years without any problem.
Stop oil pressure light went on and car died. Towed car to dealer who accused me of not servicing car. I took exception to this nonsense and noted a manufacturing defect that caused vw to extend their warranty to 8 years. I produced all oil change receipts as required and have still not heard a verdict. They extend a warranty with the strictest of conditions and then refuse to honor it in a timely manner.
Bought the car new and have had to deal with defective tires, defective ignition coils causing two major breakdowns at highway speeds with children in the car. The last two ignition coils were recalled. The car will not run if it is wet from heavy rain and has to be completely dried before the breaks work properly. Oil pump was replaced 14 months ago, another major breakdown on highway with children. It has broken down yet again...the dealership says it needs another oil pump because of sludge, about $2000, not under warranty because it is past the 12 month, 12,000mile mark. Two other private mechanics told me, replacing the oil pump would only disguise, temporarily the real issue....the engine is junk. It now sits in my driveway because it is not under warranty because I am missing some oil change receipts. Also the blinkers don't work, the rear door won't open, auto locks work intermittently and headlights have been replaced twice and are out again. This was the first new car I ever bought. I bought the car after a divorce because I wanted a dependable car to commute to work and transport my children safely. The car has 85,00 mi.
Customer was driving from mississippi when light come on reading stop. Customer stopped vehicle. Nothing found wrong. Drove to south carolina without anymore incident. Took vehicle into dealer in columbia, sc when got here to have oil changed, and check out vehicle for light coming on. Dealership performed oil change, said they could not duplicate problem. Sold customer on replacing both front cv joint boots and repacking bearings. Two weeks later light came back on reading stop, oil pressure. Turned vehicle off, had towed to dealership. Dealer said they were checking car, would have to order new oil pan. Called dealer when didn't hear back for several days, told engine had oil sludge, would need to get all receipts for oil changes to get covered under warranty. Called three dealerships, all said would fax records. One faxed records, but the service manager that had them was no longer working there when we went to dealership and records were gone. Records were faxed from all 3, no oil changes now existed. After talking to vw america, got some oil changes sent, said that was our responsibility to provide. Asked dealer what the actual problem was with engine, not sure, but I needed to buy a new or remanufactured one though. I requested to speak to tech who worked on car, he said they found the problem when brought car in for oil change first time, said bearings burned out in engine, when they used the synthetic oil that was now recommended by vw, it would have freed up the sludge in the engine and caused it to clog up the oil pump and the bearing to be burned as they were. I know that customer having problem locating three oil changes from various facilities, 55k mi on car, vw not even considering any assistance in engine replacement. Strongly advise against engine repair only replacement, denial of any responsibility on vx part.
I received a letter from volkswagen (vw) of america, dated august 2004, detailing an engine malfunction being reported by some vw owners. The problem is described as "oil sludge." as a result the letter states that my warranty on the 2002 vw passat is being extended to 8 years regardless of mileage. It goes onto state that, "volkswagen will cover necessary engine repairs if oil "sludge" causes a malfunction in your engine and you can provide documentation of oil changes according to the maintenance schedule for your vehicle." on march 18, 2006, I was returning from a conference in wisconsin when my engine light and oil lamp appeared on my car. I had my car towed to hatfield vw. I was shocked to find out that vw would not even diagnose the problem until I could produce "documentation" of oil changes. While my husband was outraged, I was confident that all would be resolved. My husband changes the oil in both our vehicles from products purchased from autozone; however, he did not realize that I began keeping documented records on my computer at home detailing the date and mileage of our oil changes. I began doing this as a result of the august 2002 letter from vw. I soon found out from the hatfield vw service department that my oil change log was not sufficient "documentation." I spent the next 2-3 days working with chase bank in order to get my bank statements. I found the purchases to autozone, and each corroborated with the log. I took them to the hatfield regional manager on saturday, march 25, 2006. He felt confident that the matter would be resolved. As soon as we got home, we received a call from the hatfield service manager stating that the documentation was insufficient. The service manager told us we needed itemized receipts. I went to autozone that evening and was able to reproduce the last oil change receipt. I was then informed that I needed a new engine costing $4000-5000.00, yet they had no diagnosis.
My wife purchased a 2002 passat with a 1.8t engine. All was well (except for the very expensive maintenance on this vehicle) up until a couple of weeks ago. My check engine light came on so I took it to the dealer. They told me they were going to clean the throttle body and replace an axle boot. This was a friday morning and I had my car friday night, $512 later. Saturday I took the car for inspection and it failed due to emissions. On monday (2 days later) the check engine light came on again. I took it back to the dealer tuesday morning. Wednesday I picked it up. Belts were changed, including the timing belt, the water pump was changed, and various other repairs not properly explained to me. This time it cost me an additional $1,087.00. So far in less than a week I had spent $1,600.00. Thursday morning I drove to work and I called the dealer to report that I still felt a "twitch" in the engine. He said that was "strange" and asked me to bring it in. On thursday I was driving to a lunch meeting with a colleague when all of a sudden a loud rattling noise was heard coming from the engine. I immediately pulled over and discovered engine oil all over the ground. I called the dealer who was "shocked" and had the vehicle towed to the dealer. Turns out the engine threw a rod right threw the block and oil pan. Basically my engine is toast. Coincidence? I have a hard time swallowing that. This is less than one week after I originally took the car in and they worked on it. Now I have to spend upwards of $4,000.00 to fix this and no one, not the dealer and certainly now vw, is willing to help me with this. Vw totally dismissed me because while the car is only 4 years old it has 91,000 miles. I have kept up with the maintenance and an engine should not throw a rod after 90,000. This is obviously a defect of some kind or something the mechanic at the dealership did to it.
Car is 3 1/2 years old. 52,500 miles. (2500 miles out of warranty) engine coolant flushed/replaced at 40,000 miles as required. Heater core just failed while on the freeway, blowing vapor into the cabin and steaming up the windows to the point the car was barely drivable. Vw america would not assist with the repair citing the age of the vehicle. I guess vw considers a car that's less than 4 years old to have significant problems. Repair cost is close to $1300. I will never buy a vw again, and I have already dissuaded a colleague at work from buying one as he was in the market for a new car.
Low engine oil pressure light came on. Turned car off and pulled over. Had it towed to the dealer. Before it was even looked at the dealer tells me that it is going to cost me $2600 and that I am lucky. He said the last person that came in with this problem had to get a new engine, but that he didn't think that my car is that bad. Don't know how he could say that without looking in the engine or turning the engine on. It sounds like a money making scam for the dealer. They know that people don't keep all their receipts so they can deny the warranty claim and the dealer charges people $2600 for this very known issue with many vw's. I was told this is a bunch of hoses that will need replaced. I don't see how or why this would cost $2600.
The throttle body on my 2002 passat gls 1.8 turbo failed at only 56,000 miles. This part is not covered under the power train warranty. This seems to premature of a failure, and volkswagen should look into this. I have spoken to other volkswagen owners who own other passat models and they have had the same issues, some even at 30,000 miles. Vw take action please and investigate this issue.
2002 volkswagen passat 1.8t engine failure due to oil sludge at 62,600 miles. .
I went to turn on 2002 passat volkswagen a couple days ago and a flashing "stop" came on. I called my dealer after checking the manual and they said it sounded like a problem with the oil pick up tube and for me not to turn my car back on because it could ruin the engine. So I had my car towed to the dealer and they informed me that it is only under warranty if I can supply them with every receipt from owning the car. I have misplaced two so now they will not cover this and is costing me around $950.00 to get this fixed. I have always changed my oil on time. This seems to be there way of screwing there so called valued customers. I was on a web site (myvwlemon.com) and found numerous of passat owners with this exact problem and out come. Why is the consumer responsible for a poorly designed engine? The heat of the 1.8l turbo is breaking the oil down creating sludge. They obviously know of this problem because they issued a warranty extension. However, vw of america will only cover the warranty if the owner can provide every single receipt, something they know that very few people can do especially if some change their own oil. This is just one of the problems that I have dealt with since I bought by passat brand new. Checking the website also tells me this may not be the last of my problems.
Dt: the contact stated 10 days ago the vehicle began to smell of oil. The dealer attempted to repair the vehicle, but once the vehicle was returned, the smell was still there. She took the vehicle back to the service dealer for repair. This time the dealer said a gasket was loose. The dealer replaced the gasket, and it seemed to have repaired the problem.
I was driving my 2002 volkswagen passat when my engine light came on. I immediately pulled over. I was in new york at the time so I had the car towed to the nearest vw dealership, which was romano vw in fayetville, ny. I had did some research and found that the vw has a problem with the pollen housing filter. I asked the service manager omar to check the filter, which in return he stated it was fine. The problem was the oil pump, and the computer. I eventually found out that the computer failed do to a water leak on the passenger side of the car, which is where the computer is located. Romano vw said there was a water leak but it was not caused by the filter. I have been fighting with vw customer care and they keep denying my claim. I eventually had my car fixed and picked the car up and drove home. Once I got home the engine light came on again. I took the car to prestige vw in turnersville, nj and they stated that the problem is cause from the pollen housing filter. Vw customer care has still denied my claim. After doing more research it turns out the pollen housing filter is a major issue in the volkswagen, but vw themselves do not agree.
Oil pressure light coming on and telling me to turn the vehicle off immediately. Found out it is a oil sludge issue with the 1.8t engine. It is a $1,600 bill to fix the vehicle. Volkswagen will not cover the expenses unless we show a copy of our oil change receipts since we have owned the car. Well, we have owned the car for 3.5 years and we don't hang onto receipts for more than 3 months. So, they are not going to cover the damage to the vehicle. I have found out that volkswagen has known of a sludging problem with the 1.8t engine since late 2004. We bought the car early 2002.
Sludge in the motor was found. I changed to synthetic oil soon after my warranty was over but was never told to change to synthetic because of possible sludge. I was never told that this problem was common in vw 1.8t engines. This problem will cost me $2,000 so far. I have kept great care of the car and have records except those who were service by the dealership because those are stamped in my book (the one that is given to you at the dealership) the information should be enough for the warranty. I have yet to solve this , but in dealing with the other dealerships they only keep records for a few years.
On sept 1,2005 on my way to the e.r. At a local hospital the oil light came on telling me to stop engine/check oil pressure. I turned engine off, and checked oil level, all ok. Tried to start engine to get off of new york state thruway, engine making terrible noise, turned off had car towed to dealer. Was told by dealer it would be at least $400.00 to look at the car and diagnose it. After one week dealer called and said it would cost $9000.00 to replace entire motor, on sept. 2 2005 called v.w. Of america they stated to me at that time that they were aware of the problem with the 1.8 turbo building up oil sludge in the motor, and that they had extended the warranty on the engine. They said that they needed maintenance records to prove my case, they gave me a fax # which was the wrong #. After the long holiday weekend I phoned v.w. Of america again and they stated , to fax the documents directly to the dealer that they did not receive them, the consumer advocate that I was speaking with was new and did not know the fax #. The dealer stated that my records were not detailed enough and that I was missing six receipts, I moved one year ago and the valvoline station where I had the oil changed faithfully stated that if you do not use there services for 6 months that the computer automatically drops your records. I seem to be caught between a rock and a hard place, v.w. And the dealer keep shuffling me back and forth, in the mean time I have no vehicle and I am renting a car to get back and forth to work. After searching your web site I found 8 complaints including my own out of 50 that's almost 20% of the complaints for the same problem, and the other people are given the same run around. This has to stop somewhere and some one has to take responsibility for an obviously defective product. I have contacted an attorney and are prepared to litigate if necessary.
On august 12, 2005 I was driving my 2002 passat to work when my oil pressure light came on. I had the car towed to the nearest vw dealer when they told me that my car had oil sludge due to manufacturer error. The car has 50,100 miles and is completely ruined. Vw will not replace without all oil receipts. I am missing 2 receipts. I do not understand how a car with 50000 miles on it can ruin so easily.
I had to have my engine replaced by vw and my car still isn't right. I bought my car in germany not the us. But it is registered with vwoa I feel like they sold me a defective product. They would not even consider listening to my complaints on the oil sludge problem. This cost me $7000.00 to replace my whole engine and time missed from work. (lost income) what can be done?
The engine check light came on, and then smoke started coming out of the tail pipe. Consumer later had the vehicle towed to the dealer, and they found out that there was oil sludge in the engine. The dealer asked for maintenance record. Dealer told the consumer they would not provide service until all receipts were provided, showing oil changes.
Vw passat 2002. Malfunction indicator light indicating problem with engine. Returned to dealership for repair. Lease about to expire, brought in (3) prior times.. 2/21 towed to nearest dealer, being told don't know what is wrong, needs all oil change receipts, needs permission from manufacturer to ok repair under warranty. Warranty is extended for 8 years in writing. Manufacture blames dealer, dealer blames customer. Car is a lemon. See article autoweek 2/7/2005 and prior articles. Customers are well aware there is an engine problem and now causing oil sludge related problems. Absolutely outrageous. Since 2002 until now, payments being made for a defective car due to faulty engineering! And now the customers must pay for it! No way.
This is the email I sent to volkswagen of america. We had to slow down on the interstate to look for an exit because of the warning light coming on. I felt in great danger at the time. I am 58 years old and have purchased a number of new automobiles in my life. Never have I had such a terrible experience. I have a passat parked because the oil light is warning me I was sold a defective motor. This has been a horrific experience. I am making automobile payments to volkswagen credit even though I am afraid to start the engine. I was sent a letter stating the car was defective but I would need each and every oil change receipt for volkswagen to address your faulty engine. This is ludicrous. I take excellent care of my automobiles and thus realize good trade in value. I will be stating the facts of my experience with this volkswagen purchase via the internet, automobile magazines, the greater dallas chamber of commerce, the better business bureau and will purchase one quarter page ads in the dallas morning news and the new york times. This automobile has a manufacturer's defect and should just be recalled by volkswagen. I will be on a campaign until eternity and will solicit other volkswagen owners across the world to join me. This is the worse automobile buying experience I can imagine. Louis mcelroy director the greater dallas chamber.
I have a 2002 volswagen passat with 39000 miles, on 1/13/2005 the oil pressure stop engine message came on the dash, and the engine started smoking and running rough. I had it towed to the dealer that day. The dealer and vw said they would not even look at it until I provided a service record. I made them a copy of my log which had the exact date and mileage, but that wasn't good enough. They wanted copies of the receipts which I went out and got, but I learned today that wasn't good enough. They wanted name and address of the mech. Which I provided, but vw says I don't have proper documt. Because there is not a specific receipt for the oil filter even though the part # for the filter is on the receipt. It took over 3 weeks and dozens of phone calls to both the dealer and volkswagen of america to finally get a diagnosis (note: the asm of volkswagen of amer. Denied my warranty on 02/02/2005 without being able to tell me the problem with the car!!) which appears to be oil sludge buildup.
While driving at any speed vehicle stalled. Vehicle was taken to the dealer on two occasions, and dealer replaced the mass air sensors, but problem recurred.
I am leasing a 2002 v.w. Passat. The vehicle has aproximately 33,000 miles and is equipped with the 1.8 liter turbo. I was driving the vehicle home from work when the oil pressure warning light came on, followed by the word stop on the dashboard. I pulled the vehicle over and had it towed to the closest v.w. Dealer. The dealer diagnosed the problem as an oil sludge problem and advised me it would cost $900 to fix the problem unless I could show proof of oil changes through receipts. I supplied the dealer with 6 oil change receipts from a small garage near my house where I get the oil changed. I called the dealer back a few days later and asked the status of my car. The g.m. Of the shop accused me of forgery due to the fact the receipts did not have tax or method of payment at the bottom. I replied that the shop charges me $30.00 to change the oil, I give them $30.00, and I leave. He then stated if I paid cash for the oil changes, I guess I couldn't give them what they wanted(proof of payment I.e. Check stub, credit card statement's). He estimated the repair at $900 and that the warrenty would not cover any of it. So because I pay cash for my oil changes I am being denied repair under warrenty. The repair consists of clearing out the oil pump pick up screen of the sludge and replacing a couple of vent tubes that may be clogged. The car is presently sitting at the dealer in need of repair. I plan on greiving the decision by v.w of amer.and hope for the best.
Numberous problems with vehicle. After bumping noise, engine revved, car lurched forward and accelerated to a rapid speed. *bf the mlp light cam on several times. The radio did not work. The radio was repaired and broke again then was replaced. The consumer stated that she found standing water in the car on the back right side under the front seat. The air pollen filter was cracked . Filter and carpet was replaced. The back door locks refused to unlock therefore the consumer could not open either back door from inside or out. The vehicle accelerated out of control of the driver and hit a curb at 50 miles an hour. The consumer continued to pump the brakes finally getting the vehicle to stop. The vehicle had 4 flat tires as a result of hitting the curb head on with rims bent as well. The bumper came off.
2002 passat volkswagen sludge in engine. *bf the consumer stated she had to have engine repair work done twice on the vehicle. The dealer stated the vehicle required special oil.
While driving at 40 MPH, the vehicle vibrated uncontrollably. Without warning then the vehicle stalled. The driver tried to restart the vehicle but was unable to do so. The vehicle was towed to the dealer for inspection. The mechanic informed the driver that the engine needed to be replaced. *la the dealer replaced the mass air flow sensor and cleaned the fuel pump relay to resolve the stalling problem. The radio was inoperative due to a short in the wiring. *nm
Total engine malfunction/failure of 1.8t volkswagon 2002 passat - volkswagon just issued internal memo to dealers about the potential for this problem. It is described by vw as "oil sludge related repairs" however; is a known engine design flaw and repeated problem which will occur much more in the future. I was told I would not be covered under warranty because I cannot prove by receipt oil changes every 5000 mile interval. I had 6 receipts I could find to show for 41000 miles.
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