2003 Volkswagen Passat: sudden loss of power

Filed Dec 28, 2022 · Fuel system, Suspension · PA

Vehicle has major fuel pump issue, currently at 132,000 and noticing loss of power, car shaking, and occasional stall. A code reader is unable able to detect the issue which is a major concern. I have contacted the volkswagen Manufacturer and I consistently keep getting ignored after bringing up the recall that was put out for the fuel pump. While driving on the highway my rear and front suspension failed and dropped suddenly while moving slowly during traffic. I whave only been able to repair the front shocks and struts so far, but the rear are needed as well. I would like to state that all the parts are original manufacturer parts.

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 Jan 16, 2015 · Engine · 140,000 miles · NC

Two ignition coils failed which caused lack of spark to the plugs in the engine. Subsequent loss of engine power and unburned fuel entered the catalytic converter. A heat-related fire nearly ensued. Had to repair coils and plugs. Nearly caused failure of catalytic converter and oxygen sensors.

Filed Feb 29, 2012 · Electrical, Fuel system · 108,819 miles · NY

Coils failing randomly and causing the car to shake violently and lose power on highway. Potential damage to be caused to other areas of the car because of this. Ie oxygen sensor etc.

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 Jun 18, 2009 · Fuel system · 173,000 miles · PA

Fuel pump failure on 2003 vw passat. Driving on interstate and lost power and was lucky to be able to coast to the side of the road. Vw has a recall on this part but they claim my vehicle (the federal safety agency 06v01700 and 07v375000) is not in the VIN range covered. I feel my fuel pump should have been covered in the recall as it is a defective unit and not safe.

Filed Jan 5, 2009 · Electrical · 55,000 miles · PA

Tl*the contact owns a 2003 volkswagen passat. While driving 65 MPH, the vehicle suddenly lost power. The vehicle was driven to the contact's home and then towed to the dealer. The dealer discovered that the ignition coil failed and will make the repair at the cost of $250. The contact previously traded in his volkswagen jetta due to the identical coil failure. The VIN was unknown. The failure and current mileages were 55,000.

Filed Dec 29, 2008 · Fuel system · 76,440 miles · NY

Tl*the contact owns a 2003 volkswagen passat. The contact stated that the fuel pump failed in his vehicle. The vehicle stuttered while driving 60 MPH, stalled, and then completely lost power. The vehicle restarted for a few seconds, but then lost power again when he attempted to accelerate. The vehicle was towed to an independent repair shop and the contact was informed of the federal safety agency campaign id number 07v375000 (fuel system, gasoline:delivery:fuel pump). Two different dealers stated that the vehicle was not included in the recall. The manufacturer agreed with the dealers. The current mileage was 76,455 and failure mileage was approximately 76,440.

Filed Jul 7, 2008 · Engine · 44,000 miles · AZ

My oil pressure light came on. I was driving on a mountain, and there was no where to pull over, so I had to keep driving. The engine locked up and the car lost power. I was able to steer it off onto a shoulder. I have also been burned my the heated seat when the wiring overheats, and it has both shocked and burned my skin.

Filed Jun 15, 2008 · Engine, Fuel system · 27,314 miles · NY

Driving on I-87 upstate ny around albany in the fast lane about 80 miles an hour the car completely lost power. We pulled over quickly to the grassy area between the highways. We heard a sound but it might have been from the road when we pulled off or a backfire? The car was completely dead. We called 911 and a sheriff arrived soon and told us how difficult it would be to get back on the highway with traffic going 90-95 miles an hour. We had to get into the fast lane. We drove a little on the grassy area to see if the car would work. With great difficult and tremendous fear we managed to get onto the highway. We were then able to drive to nyc without problems in the slower lanes. No lights or sounds came on to warn us of the loss of power. This happened about 6 weeks ago as we were approaching the williamsburg bridge in manhattan but going at a much slower speed. We pulled over and had to restart the car. We have had the recalls from vw but not a recent one that may have come out in may. It seems like it could be a fuel tank issue. I will be taking it back to vw in brooklyn in two weeks to have them look at it. They have told me that since I did come in and get all the recalls that it could not be that. I am afraid of this car and only have about 27,000 miles after 5 years. It is a 2003 passat turbo wagon. It was a hot day on june 8th and when we turned on the car the temp out side light said 101 degrees.

Filed Apr 1, 2008 · Electrical · 98,000 miles · TX

I finished putting in a small amount of gas and while taking off had an engine problem. My check engine light started to blink, my car started to chug and I had a severe loss of power. I took my car to my local vw service center, and upon investigation they smelled a burning under my hood and found the ignition coil melted or something of the sorts. They replaced the ignition coil and the car works fine, for now until the coil melts again.

Filed Nov 26, 2007 · Electrical · 71,116 miles · CA · fire · 1 injury

A third ignition coil failure in 18 months, the last one allowing raw gasoline into the catalytic converter, where it caught fire, destroying the turbo and causing a large amount of black smoke. I lost power while drive, was unable to accelerate in a safe manner and eventually suffered smoke inhalation. All coils need to be replaced.