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2002 Volkswagen Passat fuel system complaints

Page 2 of 4: complaints 11 to 40 of 73, newest first, as owners wrote them.

See the summary of 2002 Volkswagen Passat fuel system problems: which part fails, at what mileage and related recalls.

Filed Feb 11, 2016 · Engine, Fuel system · 116,470 miles · CA

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.

Filed Dec 15, 2014 · Acceleration, Electrical · 125,000 miles · CA

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 . I had my boyfriend drive the car home and it stalled on him at a red light . Car wouldn't restart so he had to push the vehicle across a lane of traffic to the shoulder of the road . When the car cooled down for 2 hours it restarted and drove fine no check engine light or codes present .. After a month of headaches with the car we discovers it was a faulty engine speed sensor this is a very dangerous part to fail without warning leaving the car powerless if this happened on the freeway I wouldn't have been so lucky I imagine.

Filed Oct 6, 2014 · Fuel system · 132,000 miles · MA

First time I filled tank fuel full with fuel and fuel tank started to leak. I send the car to volkswagen dealer nd they found a crack on welded part of the tank, where two parts of the fuel tank are weld together. If fuel tank is less than 3/4 it does not leak but if it is full leak. I call volkswagen and they told me than the car is two old and with too much of the miles to be covert from any recall so they will not pay for fuel tank replacment and they do not support the safety of any car above 100,000 miles are older than 10 years. I payed $2154 for the replacement of the fuel tank . Dealer gave to me the cracked tank, I asked for it, and I have it I my garage.

Filed Sep 23, 2014 · Fuel system · 77,700 miles · PA

The fuel is leaking when the tank is full, happened the two last time I fill the tank, when the tank is half not leak.

Filed Jan 2, 2014 · Fuel system · 160,000 miles · OK

There is a dangerous gas leak from the previously recalled fuel tank that is not damaged by the road, or other debris. The recall needs to stay open.

Filed Dec 2, 2013 · Fuel system · 100,000 miles · NC

Since early 2009, there has been an evap system problem with my 2002 vw passat 4motion. This has caused me endless hassle and significant expense over the last 4 years. After 3 failed attempts to get the problem diagnosed, a dealer finally identified the problem in 2011 as a fuel vapor leak from the fuel tank. No mention was made of the 2008 recall (vwoa #25e5/r6, the federal safety agency #08v156000) covering such fuel leaks. After (re-)discovering the recall notice in 2013, I contacted both vw and two separate dealers; all indicated that since my vehicle was serviced in 2008 under the recall (though only the underbody heat shield was replaced; the gas tank and related parts may or may not have been "inspected" but the dealership no longer has those records nor does vw have those details), vw would not cover the fuel tank replacement. I have since contacted vw again, who have agreed to look into the matter but require me to pay to have the vehicle re-diagnosed. Since this is a safety matter (a leak at the gas tank could start a fire), it seems clear that vw's responsibilities in the matter should not be limited to merely "inspecting" the affected parts once with no oversight or follow-up, as has happened in this case.

Filed Oct 29, 2013 · Fuel system · 159,684 miles · CT

I recently had work done on my vehicle under the federal safety agency campaign id #08v156000, which required inspection, and the installation of additional heat shields near the fuel tank. The vehicle had been previously serviced under the campaign in 2008. Recently, the fuel tank began leaking gasoline, which indicates that the heat shields that were installed had either failed, or that the heat shields were inadequate to prevent eventual damage to the fuel tank. I believe that the fuel tanks for these vehicles should be inspected again in order to determine whether repair to the fuel tanks is required and to prevent vehicle fire, injury, and loss of life. I contacted vw customer service, and they agreed to replace the fuel tank under the federal safety agency campaign. The dealership charged me $136.49 in additional labor for the removal of aftermarket parts, even though the campaign clearly states that dealers will "replace components if necessary free of charge." neither vw customer service, nor the dealership would agree to perform the work fully free of charge. I believe that the charge for additional labor is in violation of the federal safety agency campaign and request assistance in obtaining reimbursement.

Filed Oct 18, 2013 · Fuel system · 66,797 miles · CT

We have attempted to have a gas leak / smell repaired by 3 different volkswagen dealers over 5 years. We first approached the dealer in 2008 when receiving notice of a recall. The recall was the "underbody heat shield/fuel system components (#08v156000). Today, 10/17/2013 we finally have a dealer stating that there is a fuel leak even though we have been attempting to get vw to believe us for 5 years. The overwhelming smell of gasoline permeates our entire house after a fill up and immediately park the vehicle in our garage.

Filed Aug 26, 2013 · Fuel system · 196,000 miles · TX

Concerning volkswagen recall 08v156000. Summary: volkswagen is recalling 412,000 my 1999-2005 passat (5th generation) vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions and produced after june 14, 1999. These vehicles may have an underbody heat shield that can become damaged. In addition, affected vehicles with automatic transmissions may have a fuel tank ventilation valve (4motion/all wheel drive only) that can leak due to fracture. Consequence: a heat shield that may contact the exhaust system can result in a vehicle fire. In addition, a fuel leak from a fuel line or fuel tank ventilation valve, in the presence of an ignition source, can lead to a vehicle fire. Remedy: dealers will install additional underbody heat shields on vehicles with automatic transmissions to cover the possibly damaged areas. Dealers will also inspect the fuel tank ventilation valve on 4motion/all wheel drive vehicles, and replace components if necessary free of charge. The recall began on june 13, 2008. Fast fwd to 2013. Our gas tank is now leaking out and there's every indication it's a ventilation valve. The recall work was complete on this car in 2008, although the dealer service order did not specify the fuel tank ventilation valves were inspected. The work ordered specified installing the heatshields only. Vw dealer will not cover costs of checking the ventilation valve given they said the recall work was already performed. Who holds dealer accountable for properly completing recall inspection /maintenance?

Filed Jun 10, 2013 · Fuel system · 109,000 miles · TX

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 volkswagen passat. The contact stated that after refueling, fuel spilled out of the fuel tank. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and informed the contact that the vehicle was not included in the federal safety agency campaign number: 08v156000 (fuel system, gasoline). The failure mileage was 109,000. Updated 07/10/13*lj updated 07/11/2013

Filed Mar 10, 2013 · Fuel system · 98,456 miles · NY

After filling my vehicles gas tank and I was smelling a potent gas odor and it went away after a few miles. When arrived at my hotel as I was away on business, I parked the vehicle for the night. The next morning when I woke up there was a large puddle of fuel under the rear of my car. I can no longer fill the tank more than half way or this same issue happens. I saw that there was a recall and I was never informed of the recall by the manufacturer, I would like to have this issue resolved with no out of pocket costs to me.

Filed Jul 23, 2012 · Fuel system · 90,000 miles · TX

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 volkswagen passat. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who inspected the vehicle and stated that there was a small fuel leak on the filler neck. The vehicle was included in the recall associated with the federal safety agency campaign id number: 02v026000 (fuel system, gasoline:storage:tank assembly:filler pipe and cap); however at time of inspection, there was no fuel leak. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, but stated that the statute of limitations for the recall had passed. The failure and current mileages were 90,000.

Filed Jul 10, 2012 · Fuel system · 124,681 miles · MN

I bought a volkswagen passat 2002 from a local dealer. The vehicle came with no warranty. The day I got the vehicle I filled the car with full tank of gasoline. I parked the car outside my apartment and next day when I checked there was gas leaking from the car. This happened like for 4 days and when the fuel in the car reduced to half of the fuel tank capacity it stopped. I thought it should be some sort of leak which stopped by itself. But next time when I did a full tank re fill again the gasoline started leaking. Even this time it stopped after the fuel in the car reduced to half the tank level. I called up volkswagen customer care to get this fuel tank replaced as per the federal safety agency action number : pe08008. They told the fuel tank was replaced in june 2011. Its just a year and again it is happening the same. They didn't give me the information were it was replaced and told it has crossed 1 year of warranty period and they cant help. But here it just 11 days from june 2011 and the fuel tank was spoil yet again. I request you to take this appeal of mine and get this fuel tank replaced for me. This is a matter of safety. If it was something else I wouldn't have worried but here this is fuel leaking from fuel tank. Small burst of fire or spark inside or outside the car can be very dangerous. Even the leaking fuel mite get ignited while the car is traveling for a longer period in summer due to heat.

Filed Sep 9, 2011 · Fuel system · 113,000 miles · CO

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 volkswagen passat. While parked, the contact noticed a strong fuel odor around the exterior of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the mechanic stated there was a leak near the top of the fuel tank. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. There was a recall under the federal safety agency campaign id number: 08v156000 (fuel system, gasoline:delivery). The vehicle was included in the recall and was repaired before the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 113,000.

Filed Jul 18, 2011 · Fuel system · 136,618 miles · VA

My fuel tank is leaking for the 2nd time in 2 years. In 2009, I smelled fuel when the tank was full. I took it to the dealer and they said the tank was cracked and had to be replaced, which I paid for. In 2011, the exact same thing occurred. The dealer is paying for the replacement. This concerns me that there may be a problem with the fuel tanks in the 2002 vw passat. I'm not sure if this is the same issue that has been reported earlier and sort of recalled under the heat shield problem. If it is the same issue as that, I shouldn't have paid for the repair in 2009. Could you please investigate the fuel tanks...the escape of fuel scares me!

Filed May 26, 2011 · Fuel system · 120,000 miles · NY

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 volkswagen passat. The contact stated that fumes were entering the vehicle through the ventilation system and the check engine light was illuminated. The contact also mentioned that due to the failure, the vehicle was unable to pass state inspection. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who was unable to diagnose the failure and stated that in order to find the cause of failure, they would have to drop the fuel tank. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but did not offer any assistance since because the vehicle was previously repaired under the federal safety agency campaign id number: 08v156000 ( fuel system, gasoline: delivery). The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileage was 120,000.

Filed Feb 1, 2011 · Fuel system · 120,000 miles · CT

Tl*the contact owns a 2002 volkswagen passat. After adding fuel to the vehicle the contact smelled a strong odor of gasoline inside the vehicle. The contact was able to continue driving without incident; however, after the vehicle was parked the fuel tank was leaking. The vehicle was taken to an independent repair shop where they were unable to diagnose the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileages were 120,000.

Filed Sep 13, 2010 · Fuel system · HI

I own a 2002 volkswagen passat. It has stalled while driving and unable to start right away. It sometimes fails to start when I get in, then starts again later. The fuel pump/fuel line failure has left me stranded in the middle of the road on several occasions and I have also been stranded, while waiting for my car to start again. I believe there is a recall for this problem and I would like to know what I can do about it in order to remedy this issue w/ my 2002 passat.

Filed Sep 8, 2010 · Fuel system · 89,500 miles · CT

Fuel tank leaks when 7/8 to 8/8 full. Leaking gas damages asphalt and poses a fire threat.

Filed Mar 29, 2010 · Fuel system · 123,000 miles · SC

Fuel leaks when gas tank is more than about half to three quarters full. Very strong odor inside and outside vehicle. Some wetness around fuel tank, but no visible drips when inspected by owner. When driving at 60 MPH soon after filling tank, fuel range indicator decreases by 5 miles for every 1 to 2 miles travelled. Assuming normal fuel consumption should be 20 mpg, in 1.5 minutes vehicle should use 0.075 gal, but actually uses 0.250 gal so the leak rate is approximately 0.12 gal/min or 45 ml/min. Such leakage would be evident as drips if the leak was below the liquid level when the car is stationary so it is suspected to be in the area of the gas tank vents. Vehicle has not yet been inspected by vw. (vehicle was recently purchased used from private seller without maintenance records).

Filed Mar 24, 2010 · Engine, Fuel system · 80,000 miles · CT

1. Oil was leaking and we repaired it in a local garage. A day later we noticed the oil sludge problem - which told us oil something, stop engine. We called the vw dealer in hartford, ct, and they suggested to bring the car in immediately otherwise it will impact the engine. We immediately took and droped it at the vw dealer and they called us next day telling the oil is not getting into the engine. Everything is blocked. They suggested to repair it otherwise the engine will be dead. We asked them to repair and paid close to $1800. They have replaced bunch of pipes, and parts but labor cost was lot more than parts. But I learned on the internet, that this is an existing problem and vw is aware of it. I read thru few forums on the net, and they all suggested, if I do not have all the oil change receipts, they will not cover the repair charges. But I am surprised, that vw dealer never mentioned about the existing problem, I had to learn thru internet. 2. Check engine sign comes all the time on my dashboard, first time I took it, they repaired (same dealer) fixing and replacing small parts and again most of it is labor charges and less parts. We paid about $2000. All these repairs happened within couple of months of each other. Again 10 days later, the check engine sign comes and they repaired again few things and charged about $500. A week later the check engiine sign comes again. We call the dealer and he says bring it in. I am sick and tired of taking this car every week to the dealer and paying them lot of money every time I take it. My car is 2002 vw passat 1.8t. I heard there are lot of known problem with this model and dealer never mentioned to us once.

Filed Mar 10, 2010 · Fuel system · 125,000 miles · NJ

Tl*the contact owns a 2002 volkswagen passat. After the vehicle was repaired per the federal safety agency recall # 08v156000: fuel system, gasoline, delivery, the contact noticed a crack in the fuel line near the fire wall. He also noticed that gasoline spilled over the engine and the catalytic converter. The contact is concerned that the manufacturer did not perform the recall properly. When the dealer was notified of the failure they refused to repair the vehicle again under the recall unless the contact would pay for the repairs. The current and failure mileages were 125,000. Updated 04/22/10 *bf the consumer stated to the best of his knowledge the fuel lines on his vehicle had not been replaced under the recall. The consumer stated the dealer refused to make the repairs free charge. Updated 07/01/10.

Filed Feb 10, 2010 · Fuel system · 155,000 miles · VA

While driving home last night, my 2002 vw passat began to lose power and cut off. I was able to let it coast to the side of the road but in the lane of an exit ramp for traffic exiting the highway. I engaged my flashers and called 911 and a tow truck. I tried starting the car again and it would not crank. Once the police came, he pushed my car into safety and awaited the tow truck. My car was towed to the vw dealer. This morning, I received a call from the dealer who said the fuel flow to the engine was interrupted and caused by a inoperative fuel pump. My complaint is when I checked online for recalls, I found a recall that was posted in sept 2002 for the same issue I am having with my car. My car was purchased in feb 2002 and the recall is for 2003 models. I called vw of america and explained the issue with them and the only offer they gave me was $1000 towards a new vw. Unbelievable! Because the recall was for 2003 models, they could not assist me because my vehicle is a 2002. Even though I am having the same issues with my vehicle as the 2003 recall. The dealer quoted $589 for the repair. This stall could have been worse than it was due to the inclement weather, night time and the exit ramp. This should be included in a safety recall because there is no warning before the vehicle cuts off which causes a potential for a crash, which is what I was faced with last night. I am not asking to be singled out, but to look into this 6-month gap of the recall in sept 2002 and the purchase date of my vehicle feb 2002. I was also told at vw of america that they could only assist me with my issue if my VIN number matched the recalls. So my question, what if the stall of my vehicle caused an accident and serious injuries or fatalities were involved, would vw look into the 2002 recall then or just tell the families, sorry, you didn't have a 2003.

Filed Sep 14, 2009 · Fuel system · AZ

I am a the owner of a 2002 volkswagen passat 4motion with an automatic transmission. I am contacting you to seek action in regards to the federal safety agency campaign number for a recall for faulty gas tanks. I purchased this car as a certified used vehicle in 2004. I took the car to a vw dealership 4 times with a problem with something leaking under the car, and told there was not a leak found. After smelling gas, and finding fuel on my garage floor, the dealership was able to determine that the vehicle had a cracked fuel tank, and repaired the vehicle for $3000. After complaining to vw of america, the costs were covered and shortly thereafter I received a recall letter for the same issue. Now, one year later, I again smelled fumes, and found gasoline on the floor. The dealership stated that it is the same problem. Vw of america has offered to cover the cost of the repair. My car is parked in our garage where our gas hot water is located. The fuel on the floor was no more than 15 ft from the hot water heater. Had there been a spark, I am certain that there would have been a major fire, with potential fatal outcomes. I will not bring this vehicle back to my house for fear of a repeat failure. I also have concerns selling a defective vehicle to a 3rd party knowing the potential severe safety hazards. Volkswagen has clearly designed a faulty product they refuse to stand behind, and as a consumer, I will have to incur a finanical loss to replace this vehicle. These problems stem from negligent design and are a very serious potentail hazard. The 4motion cars should be removed from service and compensations should be allowed to owners. I desperately seek your assistance on this issue to review whether a second recall may be necessary. Thank you for your assistance.

Filed Sep 10, 2009 · Fuel system · 68,000 miles · KY

Hello, my name is robert campbell and I am a the owner of a 2002 volkswagen passat 4motion with an automatic transmission. I am contacting you to seek action in regards to the federal safety agency campaign number 08v156000, which clearly indicates a recall for faulty gas tanks on this particular make/model due to fractured ventilation valves. Upon purchasing the car as a certified used vehicle in 2006, I had to have the gas tank replaced within the first week of ownership due to this very same defect. This was covered by the two year warranty provided by the dealership. A week ago, my gas tank started to leak again. Fuel is now leaking on the exhaust system creating a severe safety hazard. Upon inspection by the dealer, they have surmised the second tank has once again failed - due to a fractured ventilation valve. Both volkswagen of american and my local dealer are refusing to acknowledge this recall and will only replace the tank if I agree to repair costs totaling $1,800. Volkswagen has clearly designed a faulty product they refuse to stand behind, and as a consumer, I should not be financially obligated to pay for repairs that clearly stem from negligent design. I desperately seek your assistance on this issue and will gladly offer my full cooperation.

Filed Aug 12, 2009 · Fuel system · 77,000 miles · CA · fire

I put gasoline in my car. I began smelling gasoline and noticed the fuel meter hadn't registered the increase in fuel. I was stopped at a stop light at this point. I heard a big boom and then people around me were shouting at me to "get out of the car". I looked to the right and noticed flames shooting up the right side of the car. I jumped out of the drivers seat to safety. A good samaritan was able to grab a fire extinguisher from a near by business; and another person came running out of a nearby business with another and the were able to extinguish the fire. The flames were primarily under the vehicle and toward the passenger side. Police and fire personnel arrived on scene. Made sure fire was completely out; then pushed car to safety. A tow truck was called, as my car was completely un-drivable (all the belts, hoses were melted, including the brake cable). The tow truck driver (also a mechanic) told me that the fuel injector had exploded. He then said it was a defect; a manufacturer issue.

Filed Feb 5, 2009 · Fuel system · 90,000 miles · FL

Tl*the contact owns a 2002 volkswagen passat. The contact received a recall notice for the federal safety agency campaign id number 08v156000 (fuel system, gasoline:delivery) and immediately called the dealer. The contact was informed that they would repair the vehicle according to the remedy; however, if the heat shields and another component became damaged during the installation, he would have to pay for the repair. The vehicle has not been repaired. The manufacturer did not assist. The VIN was unknown. The failure and current mileages were 90,000.

Filed Jan 19, 2009 · Fuel system · 91,000 miles · CA

Suddenly felt strong gasoline smell inside the vehicle (not a result of accident or any other occurrence.) the problem was diagnosed as a fuel tank leak. The gas tank had to be replaced. The vw dealer in sunnyvale, ca, refused to pay for the costly repairs.

Filed Jul 21, 2008 · Fuel system · 51,300 miles · PA

Vehicle leaked a large amount of fuel (~4 gallons in 3 days). No fire, but there is now a large hole in my driveway. Shop says leak is from top of engine.

Filed Jul 9, 2008 · Fuel system · GA · fire

Tl*the contact owns a 2002 volkswagen passat. While driving approximately 30 MPH, the contact noticed smoke coming from the front end of the vehicle. She pulled over to a local service station and noticed that the vehicle was completely engulfed in flames. The fire was extinguished by a representative at the service station. Weeks later, the contact received a recall notice for the federal safety agency campaign id number 08v156000 (fuel system, gasoline:delivery). She is in the process of notifying the manufacturer. The failure and current mileages were unknown.

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