2003 Volkswagen Passat visibility problems

Filed May 28, 2011 · Visibility · 95,000 miles · NY

Rear view mirror was pulled off windshield by a 2 yr old, mirror separated at the ball-and-socket hinge with the base remaining glued to the windshield. No apparent damage to the mirror. Pushing mirror back together shattered the windshield in the area of the mirror. It is possible that pulling the mirror apart had already damaged the windshield (not checked before trying to put the mirror back together). I would have expected the mirror to unglue from the windshield or break before the windshield broke.

Filed May 13, 2010 · Body, Electrical · CA

I purchased an 03 vw passat from a vw dealer as a certified pre-owned vehicle back in 2/07. Within the first week of purchase I had brake problems. The next couple years were followed by valve cover leaks, engine leaks, auto window problems, battery problems, recall issues, water intrusion issues, ignition coil recall and the list goes on. After a water intrusion just days after the replacement of faulty ignition coils I contacted the manufacture notifying them of the problems. The manufacture had held their foot to the ground that my car is out of warranty (that I was told at time of sale I did not have) and so they are able to do nothing about any of the problems with this vehicle. However as it stands I have nearly $3000 in repairs needed to this vehicle. Not to mention the water leak/damage from what I understand may actually mean my vehicle is considered a total loss at this point. I have expressed to the manufacture that I am concerned for the safety of myself but my small children as well ever time we are in this vehicle. Among the several things that are potential to occur while I am driving I also worry about the potential for mold exposure from the water damage. Due to cost I am unable to get any of this corrected and can not afford to go thru my insurance only to be told that it is a manufacture issue and so I am stuck. I feel that at this point I am driving around in a safety hazard and don't know what to do. Every time I receive a replay from anyone I just end up back at the same place....contact the bbb, etc. I am getting no where and don't know what to do therefore am looking into any and all resources so any information would be useful. Thank you for your time.

Filed Jul 1, 2009 · Body, Electrical · 42,000 miles · NY

Pollen filter and/ or sunroof drains become blocked and water leaks behind battery and into cabin of car. The water then pools under and behind the drivers seat where the convenience module is stored. I am concerned because it caused my car to be unable to start because it is affecting the electrical components of the car. In addition, the pooling under the drivers seat is troubling since it is a hub for interior electrical equipment. The convenience module in my car now has to be replaced.

Filed Jan 6, 2009 · Visibility · 48,000 miles · TN

Front windshield defrost/defogger not operating/blowing on windshield. If windshield began to fog or frost, there may not be enough airflow to clear the windshield, resulting in reduced driver visibility and a possible crash without prior warning. Manufacturer refusing to fix under safety warranty.

Filed Jul 3, 2008 · Engine, Fuel system · VA

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.

Filed Apr 1, 2008 · Brakes, Electrical · 74,000 miles · CA

Fuel pump failure while driving on the freeway the car quite running. 1.8 liter turbo in o3 vw passat. Dealer calls and tells us our VIN number is not part of the recall. To call vw of north america and they should cover it. I talk to a women tell her the same thing as above and she ask me to hold while she submits the claim. She comes back on the line after 45 seconds or so and says that they won't cover it. The VIN number is not part of the recall. I ask to speak to a supervisor. I am told there is no one else I can speak to and this is the finally decision of vw of north america. This is not the first failure for this car. Temperature sensor replaced, brake module replaced twice, the heater core replace, the trip tronic shift replaced, instrument panel replaced, the engine flushed for sludge. Cv boots replaced. They're cracked again after 3 months.

Filed Dec 6, 2007 · Airbags, Brakes · 7,000 miles · CA

I've spent over $8000 towards vw dealership attempts at fixing the horn, radio, homelink, climate control (A/C and heat) rear passenger side window, heated seats, dashboard panel lights, and defroster flap. Vw replaced ABS and brake light module, but only fixed the horn. Vw stated they are not responsible even after I paid for them to fix the above problems and they are still unable to determine the cause of the problems. I request reimbursement from volkswagen for the repair attempts and related expenses. Current vehicle mileage: 127,000.

Filed Sep 25, 2007 · Transmission, Visibility · CT

2003 vw passat with a sudden downshift in the transmission. Customer states the problem occurred through a leak in the sunroof. Dealer also stated he would have to pay for the repairs, because it wouldn't be covered under warranty. *kb the dealer stated that a clogged sunroof drain had caused water to overflow down the passenger front windshield. A pillar causing corrosion in the transmission control module harness which was located at the passenger side footwell. The dealer stated the leak was considered an outside influence and that's why it wasn't covered under warranty. The consumer approved the repairs, however as he was pulling out of the dealers lot, the same problem happened. The consumer called the consumer and informed him, this time the problem was a faulty transmission control module and that the repair was covered under warranty. The consumer believed the problem may have been with the TCM the entire time.

Filed May 31, 2007 · Visibility · 57,749 miles · IN

Tl*the contact owns a 2003 volkswagen passat. On may 28, 2007, the contact stated that the sunroof exploded, splattering glass all over the vehicle and into the passenger compartment. The failure occurred while driving 55 MPH. The engine size was unknown. The current mileage is 57,805 and failure mileage was 57,749.

Filed Apr 12, 2007 · Electrical, Lights · 7,000 miles · CA

Tl*- the contact stated that while driving the 2003 volkswagen passat with 7000 failure mileage the brake lights intermittently turned off. Also, the driver's side front headlight turns off, the rear passenger side window, and the horn did not operate. The vehicle was taken to a dealer several times, but they still could not determine the cause of the problems. The current mileage was 105,944.