2004 Volkswagen Passat: engine failure

Filed Aug 26, 2013 · Engine · NJ

2004 volkswagen passat. Consumer writes in regards to engine failure and unsatisfactory customer service at dealership. *smd the consumer was informed it would cost 8,000 to replace the engine. She discovered a recall was issued for wagons for engine oil sludge. The dealer then stated, they would replace the engine for $4,000. The consumer stated the mileage was well within range, for the engine to be covered under the 65,000 mile warranty.

Filed Jan 12, 2012 · Engine · 107,068 miles · OH

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 volkswagen passat. The contact stated was driving 30 MPH when the vehicle stalled without warning. The contact took the vehicle to a local mechanic for diagnostic testing where the contact was advised that oil sludge caused the engine to stall. The mechanic advised that the engine needed to be replaced. The mechanic replaced the engine but the failure persisted. The oil tank fractured, causing oil to leak onto the engine erroneously. In addition, the engine coil misfired and the vehicle could not be started. The failure mileage was 107,068.

Filed Feb 7, 2011 · 40,350 miles · MA

10-30-08(40,350 miles) my mechanic replaces #1 coil due to computer code alert 11-25-08(40,420 miles) replaced #3 ignition coil & temp sensor by vw dealer due to engine light on. 3-12-09(44,965) replace #4 ignition coil as malfunction indicator light came on, car chugged/hesitated. Complained to vw corporate, was reimbursed. 3-16-09(45,100 miles) replace # 2 coil by my mechanic at my request as given the history I feared it would malfunction 11-28-09(53,631 miles)all 4 coils replaced by vw with different model coil due to recall 11-24-10(65,794) replace engine speed sensor and #1 & #2 coils by vw due to epc light coming on. Fault in computer stated # 1 & # 2 coils misfiring. Vw paid for coil replacement.

Filed Jan 13, 2011 · Engine · 59,000 miles · FL

My 2004 volkswagen passat is part of the "vw oil sludge settlement". I have done all scheduled oil changes, maintenance, etc. I have all receipts. I had to replace the engine coils, the underbody heat, etc. Nov. 20th 2010 I took the car in because a performance light related to the engine came on. I did not know at the time the warranty of the vehicle had been extended. I had to pay $ 654.11 for repairs and spent 4.5 hours at the dealer, vw south service, waiting for my car. Now, I have to take it back in for the same light coming on as in november. I have 2 years to pay for the car approximately $ 8000.00. A car that is known has major issues with oil sludge and the engine. I cannot afford to continue to pay volkswagen for a car that is going to give me headaches in the next 2 years, a lemon. And will continuously cause me to miss work. I have the settlement letter and a file with all receipts. Vin# [xxx] - 2004 passat gls 1.8t information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).

Filed Aug 17, 2010 · Engine · 35,000 miles · FL

"oil sludge" related repairs on '98-04 model year vw passat equipped with 1.8l turbo engines. Was not notified until engine light came on march 2010. Letter from vw of america did not prescribe 3000 mile oil change, but when contacted, said in order for "extended warranty to be enforced" vehicle must have 3000 mile oil change. Letter from vw subsequently faxed over on 3/22/10 does not state rules regulating oil change or subsequent limitations on "extended warranty". My 04 vw passat with 35k miles had to have a new engine, and had I seen the august '04 letter prior to 03/10 would have gotten rid of car as soon as I read letter. The engine is clearly defective, and vw has an obligation to inform all vw owners of these vehicles to inform them of this deformity. I bought the car new in 2004 and never saw a copy of this letter until my engine failed. The letter states 5000 mile oil change intervals, but when I presented proof to gunther vw of coconut creek florida, that my car was in compliance, they stated that it had to be 3000 mile intervals. There are over 197000 websites, and blogs dealing with the vw 1.8 turbo, but no one has addressed this problem, and people continue to buy these cars off used car lots, unaware that they are buying a car with limited expectations, and possible engine replacement. Please feel free to contact me at [xxx]. So that we can discuss saving someone's life before this car's engine failure in heavy traffic. You have officially been notified of the dangers of this engine. [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).

Filed Apr 11, 2010 · Engine · 35,000 miles · FL

I own a 2004 vw passat with 35000 miles. The car is like new, except the stop engine light came on. Took it to a local mechanic, and they did not address the problem. Took it to gunther vw in coconut creek florida, for a diagnostic. I was told to go home and they would call me with the results. They left a message that the car needed a new engine, and to come and get my car. I called and asked what were my options and they said the car needed a new engine for $8600. I called vw corporate, they said that there was a letter sent in 2004 to the owners of cars with the 1.8 turbo, I had never seen this letter. It was faxed to me, I was stunned at the tone of the letter, if I had seen this letter I immediately would have gotten rid of this car. There are 197000 websites concerning this engine, and people are still buying these cars without being told they are buying a car with a defective engine. Vw now states that this engine needs an oil change every 3000miles, and if you go past the 3000 mile mark, they are not responsible for the engines performance. These cars should be recalled before someone is killed when their engine stops in traffic.

Filed Mar 5, 2009 · Engine · 109,789 miles · TN

A potential issue has come to my attention that some engine parts related to the balance shaft assembly and the engine oil pump system drive can fail as early as 45,000 miles. And if the failure of said components do fail, severe engine damage can easily occur forcing the driver, at minimum, to pay an unreasonable and very costly service bill. If a driver experiences a sudden loss of power from the engine during a typical highway pass or merging on a roadway, the cost would be unfathomable pertaining to the loss of life, far surpassing the cost of a new engine and the labor to install the engine. Volkswagen has come up with a fix by changing the chain to a gear. They have not acknowledged this problem as yet, even with many of these vehicles having failed. It is just a matter of when not if this will happen to every 2004 passat with the bhw engines. I would like to know what steps volkswagen of america is taking to inform 2004 and 2005 passat tdi owners of this problem. Good corporate citizenship would dictate a problem of this severity should be communicated to the owners as soon as possible. These engine failures could leave motorists stranded under dire circumstances.

Filed Feb 26, 2009 · Engine · 96,000 miles · KS

The chain on the oil pump, balance shaft assembly failed at 96,000 miles. It was detected by a mechanic before the engine seized. The entire oil pump and balance shaft assembly was replaced. Had the problem not been detected, and the chain broke, the engine would have been starved of lubrication and failed. This is the diesel passat with the bhw engine.

Filed Feb 25, 2009 · Engine · 68,000 miles · NY

The balance shaft assembly and the engine oil pump system drive will fail. Failure of balance shaft assembly and the engine oil pump system drive can lead to catastrophic engine failure with loss of oil pressure, broken oil pan, broken front engine seal flange, and damaged crankshaft. This can result in damage to the extent that the engine must be replaced. If this occurs while the vehicle is in traffic, it can lead to a collision with injuries or deaths.

Filed Feb 1, 2009 · Engine · 56,000 miles · IN

Sludge buildup cause by vw design flaw LED to engine locking ... Vw refusing to cover engine replacement even though covered by power train warranty.

Filed Dec 17, 2008 · Engine · 77,000 miles · VA

Tl*the contact owns a 2004 volkswagen passat. While driving 50 MPH, the stop warning indicator illuminated on the instrument panel. Within seconds, the contact was unable to accelerate. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and they stated that the engine failed due to a massive oil deposit. The engine was replaced. The VIN was unknown. The failure mileage was 77,000 and current mileage was 89,000.

Filed Jan 24, 2008 · Engine · FL

I have a 2004 vw passat 1.8 t. I have a complaint with this whole oil sludge issue. Although I do not have a problem yet but I want to be prepared in the advent of mechanical failure. The problem I have is that I received a letter in the mail 2 years ago about the possibility of engine failure do to oil sludge. I since then have been taking the car to the dealer and paying 80 dollars to get the oil changed with the full synthetic oil. Now I am reading that even when using the synthetic oil there are numerous cases of engine failures do to oil sludge. Not to mention the dealer will not cover costs of engine replacement if all receipts of oil changes are not shown. Which is not fair because up until 2 years ago I did not even think we had a problem. So vw has a defect with there unsafe engines and on top of it they scare people into getting the oil changed with full synthetic and then come up with an excuse like you were late on an oil change therefore you have to pay $5,000.00 for engine replacement. I still owe $12,000.00 on the care and I owe more then the car is worth so I cannot sell it, please tell me what can I do to protect myself. Had I have known this in 2004 I would never have purchased the vehicle. I just don't that this is the american way to sell people a inferior product and then make money off there turmoil.