2003 Volkswagen Passat: brake failure

Filed Dec 1, 2017 · Brakes, Electrical · 172,000 miles · GA

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 volkswagen passat. While driving 45 MPH, the vehicle jerked and stalled. The vehicle inadvertently shifted in reverse and the brakes stopped working. The contact had to apply the parking brake. The contact mentioned that the gear shifter was stuck in park. Also, the check engine, tire pressure, and epc indicators illuminated. The vehicle was taken to heritage volkswagen of south atlanta at (678) 263-3711 (4305 jonesboro rd, union city, ga 30291) where it was diagnosed that the ignition control module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and confirmed that there were no recalls associated with the VIN. The contact was advised to call the federal safety agency. The approximate failure mileage was 172,000.

Filed Nov 13, 2013 · Transmission · 103,000 miles · WI

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 volkswagen passat. The contact stated that the gear shifter could independently shift from park to drive without the contact depressing the brake pedal. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for inspection but the cause of the failure could not be determined. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The approximate failure mileage was 103,000. ..updated 12-26-13 *bf the consumer stated property damaged resulted, due to the brake failure. Updated 12/30/13

Filed Aug 21, 2009 · Acceleration · 54,800 miles · NY · crash · 1 injury

Tl*the contact owns a 2003 volkswagen passat. The contact stated while driving with the cruise control function at 72 MPH and attempting to decrease speed, the cruise control would not disengage. She applied pressure to the brakes and the vehicle accelerated. The contact was forced to drive into a median; however, the brakes failed to stop the vehicle which caused the driver to crash into two metal poles causing the air bags to deploy. The contact sustained minor injuries of powder burn from the air bag. A police report was filed. The vehicle was inspected by an insurance adjuster who determined that the vehicle was destroyed; however, the failure is still under investigation. The contact is in the process of notifying the manufacturer. The VIN was unavailable. The failure mileage was 54,800.

Filed Feb 13, 2009 · Body, Brakes · 95,100 miles · CA

Tl*the contact owns a 2003 volkswagen passat. The contact stated that a new pair of rare brakes failed on her vehicle after 14,952 miles. She usually gets over 36,000 miles on a pair of brakes. She stated that the brake pads failed and damaged the rotors. The contact feels that the pads are defective and should have lasted longer than 14,000 miles. She also feels that the dealer should cover the cost of the new pads. The current and failure mileages were 95,100. Updated 04/21/09. *lj the serpentine belt was cracked, the power steering fluid was low, the vc boot and hood strut was replaced.. Updated 04/21/09.

Filed Jan 27, 2009 · Airbags, Electrical · 2,300 miles · CA · 2 injuries

Brake failure light appears even after multiple brake repairs. Driver?s side rear upper brake light replaced for 29th time in less than 2 yrs. Multiple coolant leaks still present even after repair and water pump replacement. Radio/amplifier not functioning even after replacement (radio was only used twice in vehicle?s lifetime). Diagnostics show airbag malfunction. Regulator pin on rear passenger side window keeps breaking (3rd replacement since 2003). Engine cover below car keeps falling off due to rusted bolts. Homelink system keeps malfunctioning. Fuses keep blowing out. Dashboard panel lights out (odometer, fuel gauge, etc.). Ccm module keeps breaking down. Car needs to be jumpstarted when not in use for over 48 hrs. Climate control (A/C and heater) works only sporadically. All repairs performed by vw dealership, yet same issues keep reappearing just a few weeks after repairs. Repairs performed in past 2 years: ecu unit replaced, brake light switch replaced 3 times, A/C compressor unit replaced, ABS module replaced, alternator replaced, brakes replaced 3 times.

Filed Sep 21, 2006 · Brakes, Fuel system · 53,001 miles · NY

Dt*: the contact stated while driving 5 MPH, the vehicle made a clanging noise while pulling into a garage. When the brake was depressed, the pedal went all the way to the floor, and did not engage completely. There was no indication of a problem prior to the incident. A private repair shop was consulted, and determined the rear brakes needed to be replaced. The brake pads were replaced, the tires were rotated, and the oil was changed. During the subsequent test drive, the vehicle stalled completely while traveling 25 MPH. A service dealer was consulted by the private repair shop, and determined that the fuel pump had failed. The fuel pump was replaced. There was a the federal safety agency recall # 06v017000 which pertained to the fuel pump. The vehicle was not included in the recall due to the VIN.