Metal fuel line in the rear of the engine compartment dripped gasoline onto the exhaust system below, despite a patch that a vw mechanic had installed earlier. First smelled gas in march and took it to a vw repair shop. Patch with clamps was added. Smelled gas again in may and discovered the fuel leak. Vw customer service said the leak was not a recall issue. Mechanic said it was the result of a cracked fuel line, which he said is a known issue with older passats.
2003 Volkswagen Passat fuel system complaints
Page 3 of 7: complaints 41 to 70 of 169, newest first, as owners wrote them.
I was driving my vw passat 1.8l turbo stationwagon at a speed of 40 miles per hour and the car suddenly stalled without any warning. My four month old baby was in the back in his carseat and had I been in a different setting we both could have been injured or killed. This was the first time it had occurred and once I took it to the mechanic the car started and drove fine and they could not duplicate the problem. They informed me that it was likely a parts recall issue: recall: 07v375000: fuel pump replacement. I contacted vw america, inc. And was informed that while in fact there was such a recall for 2003 passats, my VIN number was not covered in the recall and thus there was nothing they could/would do to help me despite the fact that the problem appears to be the very one indicated in the recall notice. This is very frustrating and scary.
Tl*the contact owns a 2003 volkswagen passat. The contact stated that he noticed a fuel odor and when he inspected, he saw that the fuel tank was leaking. The vehicle was taken to a local repair shop where the cotnact was informed that the plastic gas nozzle cracked and put pressure on the fuel tank. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer for recall 08v156000 (fuel system, gasoline: delivery) but the dealer would not replace the fuel tank because the fuel like was too long. The contact called the manufacturer who offered no assistance. The vehicle had not been repaired. The current and failure mileages were 107,235.
Engine compartment fire the federal safety agency defect investigation #pe10027 1.at about 2:45 in cvs 2.waited about 10 minutes 3.I was paged by identification of my car 4.advised car on fire 5.a man in a deffenbaugh uniform was trying to extinguish the fire coming out from under the front of the car 6.the fire extinguisher was aggravating the flames 7.I advised him to stand back 8.I asked if the fire department had been called 9.a cvs employee did contact fire department two times 10.cvs pharmacy employee came out ' her car was parked two spaces to the passenger side of my car 11.the man from deffenbaugh moved her car 12.an older man approached man and said that he was the one who reported the fire 13.he was walking in front of my cat to enter the store and sparks where coming out from under the hood 14.the fire spread rapidly 15.what looked to be like card board substance was falling to the ground toward the front of the car 16.the product was engulfed in flame. Car was deemed totaled.
Ruptured fuel line - pressure side fuel line failed at point where it is secured to the fire wall in engine compartment. The gromet wore through, allowing the fuel line to rub against the fastener and the line subsequently ruptured allowing fuel to escape in a large volume.
Tl*the contact owns a 2003 volkswagen passat. While fueling the vehicle, the contact noticed a strong fuel odor and noticed fuel on the ground. She loosened the fuel cap to stop it from leaking but it continued to leak. The contact had previously been taken to an authorized dealer for repair for recall 08v156000 (fuel system, gasoline: delivery) september 2008. The dealer replaced the fuel line and heat shield. The dealer refused to repair the vehicle again according to the recall. The contact called the manufacturer who took a report and advised her to take the vehicle to the dealer for a diagnosis. The current and failure mileages were approximately 84,000.
Vehicle is 2003 vw passat 4 motion. A fuel leak was detected in the tank area. Automobile was brought to an independent repair shop where it was determined that there was a crack on the rollover valve. A recall was issued on this car for this problem (recall #(08v156000, the federal safety agency investigaiton #pe08008) and the necessary repairs were purportedly done by the authorized vw repair shop.
Noticed a leaking gas tank on my 2003 volkswagen passat. This is the first time that this has occurred. However, there has been several recalls on this car that pertain to issues with the fuel line, gas tank cap, heat shield and gas tank. After noticing this leak, I immediately took the car into the volkswagen dealership for service because the amount of gas leaking from the rear end of the car was fairly substantial and enough to easily cause a serious fire. Once at the dealer, they said that the issue was the gas cap/nozzle that is connected to the gas tank. This nozzle is very small and seems to be very brittle, easy to break off. My concern is that there are a number of these cars on the road that spontaneously seem to start leaking gasoline from their fuel tanks. As I was never involved in an accident, never went down a dirt road or even hit a speed bump all of which might (in a remote circumstance) cause the nozzle to break.
2003 volkswagen passat fire*cw the consumer stated while driving a light blinked on the dashboard. According to the owner's manual, it was a light for the catalytic converter. When the consumer arrived to the dealer, the light went out, and they could not find a problem. The light returned shortly thereafter and stayed on. The dealer repaired the light. The ball joints failed, but they were not covered under warranty. Soon, the light illuminated on the dashboard again, that was supposed to have been fixed by the dealer earlier in the year. The consumer continued driving, when suddenly another motorist informed her the vehicle was on fire. The fire department stated the fire was caused by the catalytic converter. The consumer's insurance agent contacted her and advised her volkswagen was covering all the cost related to the incident, because the fire was a result of a recall that had not been taken care of by the authorized dealer from where the vehicle was purchased.
Recalled vw coil failure.
Tl*the contact owns a 2003 volkswagen passat. There was a strong odor of fuel outside of the vehicle while it was parked. The contact also observed an excessive amount of fuel on the ground. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer for inspection and the technician stated that the failure was contributed to the fuel tank ventilation valve. The federal safety agency campaign id number 08v156000 (fuel system, gasoline:delivery) is related to the failure; however, the VIN was excluded from the recall. The estimated repair cost was $2,000. The vehicle has not been repaired. There was concern of the significant safety hazard. The failure and current mileages were 149,000.
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.
I have had my 2003 vw passat for 7 months now and have already had it in the shop 3 times. Right after I bought it used from a vw dealership the turbo went out. I had to pay for that. I then drove the car about 150 miles for a tournament and when almost there a light came on saying to stop and turn off the engine. Took it to vw dealership and it was covered by vw. It had something to do with sludge from oil. Got it back and 3 days later a light came on. It was the mil light. I took it in to the vw dealership. Still waiting to hear what the problem is this time. I have now had my oil changed 3 times in 5 thousand miles due to repairs. It has been one thing after another with this car so far.
While driving my 2003 vw passat down the highway at 35 miles per hour, the engine simply ceased operating. Fortunately, I was able to get out of traffic and glide into a shopping center parking lot. The vehicle would not restart and had to be towed, and the fuel pump replaced. The passat had only 51,764 miles when this breakdown occurred. While searching through the internet, I have seen numerous complaints of this same make model and year vehicle with a fuel pump failure. Vw has only recalled certain VIN numbers for this fuel pump. My passat does not fall within the recall vins and vw refuses to acknowledge a global problem with these fuel pumps.
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.
Tl*the contact owns a 2003 volkswagen passat. While driving approximately 20 MPH, the vehicle suddenly shut off. The vehicle was towed to an auto repair shop and the mechanic stated that the fuel pump failed. He called the local dealer to inquire about relevant recalls and was informed that there were none. Through research, the contact found the federal safety agency campaign id number 07v375000 (fuel system, gasoline:delivery:fuel pump), but was informed that his VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer stated that they could not offer any assistance; therefore, the contact would have to pay for the repairs. The VIN was unknown. The current mileage was approximately 46,100 and failure mileage was approximately 46,000.
Analog gas gauge and digital feeds from gas tank inaccurate most of time - sometimes half a tank off. Took multiple times and 5 weeks for dealership to repair (gave up once - then took to another dealership). Gauge also seems to have sticking points. Sometimes moves while being watched.
2003 volkwagen passat wagon w8 (4motion/all-wheel drive) fuel tank leak at/or near rollover valve at fuel tank. Fuel tank has no apparent damage or abrasions and fuel tank heat shield is original undamaged condition, vehicle has no damage or crash history. Vehicle is equipped with w-8 4.0 l w/ automatic transmission and has 62,215 miles. After refill of fuel ,strong odor of gasoline and/or vapor. Inspection found fuel tank leaking from rollover valve and from fuel pump cover in top of tank. Immediate action was taken and vehicle was delivered to dealer for remedy.
Got into my 2003 vw passat and smelled fuel. Got out checked for leaks and none were visible. Took the vehicle to repair shop for further checking. When repair shop started vehicle, fuel sprayed on catalytic converter and surrounding components. A leak in the fuel line was determined. The area of the fuel line adjacent to the fire wall had rubbed a hole. Fuel line assembly had to be replaced.
Tl*the contact owns a 2003 volkswagen passat. While driving approximately 45 MPH, the vehicle would no longer accelerate. The vehicle had to be towed to a mechanic and it was discovered that the fuel pump failed. The fuel pump was replaced. Approximately one year later, the contact received a recall notice for the federal safety agency campaign id number 06v017000 (fuel system, gasoline:delivery:fuel pump); however, the manufacturer stated that her VIN was not included in the recall. The current mileage was 120,000 and failure mileage was 61,980.
I have had the 2003 passat glx for less than 2 weeks, I have only put 307 miles on it. Today while on the interstate, the car quit pulling. It was not getting any gas. Then it died completely and would not start. It turns over but won't start. Was on the side of the interstate for nearly an hour waiting for a tow truck. Was told that it is the fuel pump.
This car was never inspected for recalls, or safety issues. The moment the car was handed to us the battery died. The dealership quickly change the battery. The car was hesitating on acceleration ever since. It was on july 27 2008 that finally the check engine light came on. Took the car to a garage and it has coast us 270 dollars to fix it so far. We have not had this car for more than a month. There are two recalls on this car that were never look at or fixed by precision toyota of tucson . One of these recalls can cause fire.
Car stalled several times and eventually would not start. Had it towed to nearest auto repair shop, cost $45. After diagnostic testing they stated there was nothing wrong with it and it started right up, costing another $110 for this information. A few days later car stalled and would not start. Towed once again to vw dealership, cost $155. They discovered it was the fuel pump and replaced it free of charge and also check all other recalls. We received the recall letter the day after the no start. I am asking to be reimbursed for both tows and the diagnostic testing as all cost incurred were due to this recall.
2003 volkswagen passat with recall for faulty seal and heat shield. Consumer had the problem repaired and then received the recalls. He would like reimbursement for these repairs. *kb the consumer stated there was a burning smell coming from the vehicle. The dealer discovered oil leaking from the valve cover and cleaned it. The sunroof tubes and drain plug were replaced.
On approx. June 20, 2008 I received a recall notice from vw that there was a safety issue with heat shields and fuel system of my 2003 passat ( recall notice- 26e5/r5 and 66c8/p9. I made an immediate appointment with my dealership (donaldson"s vw in sayville, ny and got an appointment for june 27. Because I was very concerned with the recall and the fact that the notice advised of a possibility of fire existed, I took my vehicle right down there. I was then advised by the service representative that they could not perform the necessary repairs because they were back ordered on the parts. I was also alarmed when I was told that they had no idea when they could do the repair or when the parts would come in. I am writing this in the event that my vw passat should malfunction because of a defect that could be expeditiously repaired by the dealer.
2003 volkswagen passat with coolant system and heated seat recall. Consumer states that the coolant system was under warranty. The heated seats were repaired but now don't work at all. She also states that the gas has been burning out very fast. *kb the consumer stated she was smelling fumes inside the vehicle.
Tl*the contact owns a 2003 volkswagen passat. While the consumers husband was driving 40 MPH, the contact smelled gasoline. He approached a stop sign and heard a pop sound. The contact looked out her window and noticed flames coming from the wheel well on the front passenger side of the vehicle. She and her husband exited the vehicle and called the fire and police departments. A police report was filed. The insurance company was notified and began researching available recalls. The contact found a recall related to the failure, but the federal safety agency campaign number was unknown. The failure and current mileages were 71,000. Updated 07/15/08 *bf updated
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.
I own a 2003 passat 4-motion. I purchased it from the dealer in july of 2005 when it had 42,000 miles on it. Almost immediately I noticed two things about the car: first, it sometimes hesitates when trying to accelerate and then when it does finally take off, it "leaps" forward. Second, when shifting down sometimes, it does not do so normally but will actually jerk the car badly and make a "clunky" sound, like the transmission is failing. This seems to happen when you don't come to a complete stop and then try and accelerate again, like stop and go traffic. I have had the car back to the dealer many times and have been told that this is just a "characteristic" of the car and that there is nothing they can do about it. Overall I am very disappointed in the car.
When filling up the car with gasoline there is a severe fuel odor. Took car to dealer and they said the "fuel tank ventilation valve" was leaking. This also happened two years ago and they replaced the fuel tank under warranty. The dealer refused to fix the problem unless I paid for it. I have noticed that they are issuing a recall for this exact problem but when I called volkswagen they said my VIN number is not included. Very disappointed in the car overall and would not recommend one to anyone.
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