2003 Volkswagen Passat: check engine light

Filed Aug 31, 2020 · Engine · 180,000 miles · TX

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 volkswagen passat. The contact stated while the vehicle was at a stand still, the vehicle failed to start. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the timing chain actuator/solenoid needed to be replaced. The contact stated a local dealer was contacted about open recalls and stated that there was no recall on vehicle. The vehicle had not been repaired as of yet. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 180,000.

Filed Feb 4, 2019 · Engine, Fuel system · 78,000 miles · GA

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 volkswagen passat. The contact stated that the vehicle would not hold fuel and the tank had to constantly be refilled. Also, the check engine warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle was taken to ellis motorcars inc (2235 e south blvd, montgomery, al 36116, (334) 280-1021) where it was diagnosed that the coolant system and the timing chain needed to be repaired. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and did not assist. The failure mileage was 78,000.

Filed Mar 7, 2018 · Electrical, Locks · 190,000 miles · TX

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 volkswagen passat. The contact stated that it took multiple attempts for the vehicle to become operable even when the starter was engaged. The vehicle also experienced an interior water leak and the driver side door latch would not properly latch. In addition, the vehicle experienced a complete loss of engine power and the check engine, brake, and various other warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed as a software failure, and the ignition coil springs were defective and needed to be replaced. The ignition coil springs were replace however the failure recurred. The manufacturer and dealer were not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 190,000.

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 Dec 14, 2016 · Electrical · 144,604 miles · NE

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 volkswagen passat. The contact stated the vehicle was previously included in a recall that called for the ignition coil to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the check engine warning indicator illuminated. While driving various speeds, the vehicle suddenly stalled without warning. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the ignition coil needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. Due to the fact the vehicle was previously repaired per the recall, the manufacturer was not able to assist. The federal safety agency campaign number was unknown. The approximate failure mileage was 144,604.

Filed Apr 26, 2015 · Engine · 83,000 miles · MD

Engine lights come on. Car at times start shaking - not consistently though. Took it to shop: found out ignition coils misfires. This has occurred 4 times in a 2 year time span. The most recent 2 being a month apart. The most recent incident burned almost all of the spark plugs. Did research and this website describes my situation perfectly: http://www.vwproblems.com/trends/ignition-coil/.

Filed Jan 24, 2012 · Engine · 85,000 miles · NC

At a stoplight car began to shake and sputter, I made it home with the car shaking the entire time. Had to replace coils. Have broken down twice and had to have car towed since then and replace coils. Not too mention the other several times coils were replaced without the car actually breaking down. Due to the coils constantly going bad caused the catalytic converter to go bad, which had to be replaced may 2011 along with the coils and o2 sensor. But two months later the engine light was on again, once again due to the coils. They were replaced, and engine light on again. They told me it would void the warranty on the converter due to the issue with the coil packs! The car now smells like it is burning when only driving for 20-30 mins. Had to get a emissions waiver from the dot for 2 years due to the problem since it wouldn't pass inspection. There is obviously a problem with more than just the coil packs themselves. They have been replaced a dozen time, yet there is still a problem. It seems to me that the whole housing unit for the coils need to be replaced along with the wires, too prevent fire and other problems with the cars.

Filed Aug 18, 2011 · Engine · 78,000 miles · NY

2003 volkswagen passat has had recurring problems with ignition coils over the past two years (have already had two replaced at personal expense, as they were not under recall/warranty) most recent issue with such has occurred the past two weeks, beginning with the appearance of the check engine light along with periods of my vehicle running very rough (a "rumbling" type sensation, particularly when idling/while stopped) this soon escalated into a total loss of power while driving on the freeway the other day, which necessitated in me having to abruptly pull onto the shoulder, smoke came out from under the hood for a minute or two. Took my passat to a local repair shop the next day, where they read the error code(s) for my check engine light---turns out there are 10 in all, 1 for each cylinder in my engine (I have a v6), 3 for each ignition coil, and 1 general engine code. This will be the third time I have dealt with this issue in a very short time frame. I will be calling the dealership first thing in the morning but I do not believe there is any recall/warranty out for this issue still. I am very upset and displeased with vw and their lack of reliability/credibility regarding this issue. It seems that it is quite widespread from what I have researched and read and I hope that something will be done about it soon, I cannot afford to keep paying for this and certainly cannot afford for the safety hazards of it to get any worse, im afraid an engine fire will be next!!

Filed Aug 3, 2011 · Engine · 98,000 miles · AZ

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 volkswagen passat. The contact stated the timing belt could not be adjusted. The check engine light illuminated because of the timing chain failure which also caused damage to the ignition coil. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer who stated the timing chain was designed to be a lifetime timing system and could not be adjusted. The contact was unable to register the vehicle because the check engine light was on. The contact spoke to the manufacturer who stated the only thing that can be done is to replace all four cam gear adjusters, control solenoid housing, adjuster bolts and timing chains, the valve cover gasket and seals, torque converter bolts, exhaust gaskets, intake manifold gaskets, injector seals, chain cover, chain tensioners, rear main seal and the throttle body gaskets. The failure mileage was 98,000 and the current mileage was 105,000.

Filed Jun 6, 2011 · Fuel system · 114,000 miles · PA

Tl*the contact owns a 2003 volkswagen passat. The contact stated after he received a voluntary recall in regards to the emissions system and having the repairs done, he noticed that the check engine light illuminated for approximately 2 1/2 years. The vehicle was then inspected by a independent mechanic who advised him that the valve on the fuel tank had failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and offered no assistance since there was a one year warranty on the voluntary recall. The failure mileage was approximately 114,000. Updated 07/08/11 *bf updated 3/13/12

Filed Mar 23, 2011 · Engine · 78,000 miles · MO

Tl*the contact owns a 2003 volkswagen passat w8. The contact was driving approximately 35 MPH when the vehicle began to shake uncontrollably causing difficulty in the steering. Suddenly, the check engine warning indicator illuminated on the instrument panel. The engine stalled while attempting to drive onto the emergency lane. Within ten minutes, the contact was able to restart the vehicle and drive to an independent mechanic who informed him that the failure was related to the cam shaft and torque. The technician could not guarantee that the failure would not recur after the vehicle was repaired. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 78,000. The VIN was unavailable. Updated 06/29/11*lj updated 1/13/2012 *ln

Filed Jan 19, 2011 · Electrical · 89,000 miles · CA

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 volkswagen passat. The contact stated that the malfunction indicator warning light illuminated intermittently, causing the vehicle to shake excessively. The dealer made six attempts to diagnose the failure but to no avail. The manufacturer was notified who contacted the local dealer but offered no additional assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The current mileage was 91,252 and the failure mileage was approximately 89,000.