Tl* the contact owns a 2004 volkswagen passat. The contact stated while driving approximately 60 MPH, the engine stalled. The vehicle coasted to the shoulder of the road. The vehicle failed to restart after several attempts. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who replaced the radiator, the water pump, and the timing belt. The failure recurred. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 112,000.
2004 Volkswagen Passat engine complaints
Page 2 of 4: complaints 11 to 40 of 76, newest first, as owners wrote them.
Possible cam tensioner that causes the car to make a loud clicking noise and the check engine light is on as a result. Took it to 3 mechanics and did a diagnostic but could not find the problem. Help me please!
I began noticing a very strong smell of gasoline coming through the vent while driving. When I pulled over to check under the hood, I noticed that the rigid fuel line had cracked where it passed through a mounting bracket on the upper rear of the engine bay. The crack was emitting a steady flow of fuel onto the engine and exhaust manifold. We did not drive the car any further and had the line repaired with a patch of flexible fuel line material.
The vehicle heated up due to a fault in vw's passat cooling system and smoke started to come out from engine. I was driving at around 25 miles / km only. I towed the car to mechanic and had to do a costly repair for water pump, timing belt, etc. I see there is an open recall for this kind of issue in water pump in passats, so I truly believe the water pump was faulty from manufacturer side. I would like to be repaid for the money I have already spent on this.
Steam came blowing out profusely from all HVAC vents while driving on freeway. After the steam, then came the dash warning to stop driving. After pulling over, the car was shut off and because all coolant was gone, the car was towed to a repair facility who is determining the exact damage and cause.
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 volkswagen passat. The contact stated that while driving at low speeds, the vehicle stalled without warning. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic. The technician diagnosed that the water coolant system and the timing belt had malfunctioned. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 114,000.
2004 volkswagen passat with 117000 miles on this car with 1.8 turbo, stop oil pressure low, took to a local mechanic and oil sludge was detected, was cleaned and started running normally again but emitted a white smoke that smelled from exhaust. Two weeks later stop oil pressure low on car again took to another mechanic and oil sludge build up again. Another 500.00 and this was yet again cleaned and white smoke still coming from exhaust. Was told that if the turbo is going out that the oil sludge will continue to build up and that it needs to be replaced.
I noticed my coolant reservoir was low and added coolant. I had also noticed the smell of coolant in the car. The next day I check coolant level again it was low with no leaks noticed under car. I opened rear passenger door and found at least 1" of coolant on top of the carpet. I started looking online for this issue and found hundreds of people that have experienced this on volkswagen. I think they should have recalled these or at least have to correct the problem case by case. My granddaughter has to ride in the back of this car and I don't believe it's safe anymore. I will have to bypass heater core to stop this until repairs can me made. What can be done to get volkswagen to fix this?
I was driving inside town approximately at 35 MPH and was stopping in the stop light. When I applied the brake the car was shaking and check engine light started flashing. After the stop light turned green I released brake and the shake was not there and check engine light was gone. I went few miles to pick my daughter and after picking my daughter and less than a mile on road the check engine light came on again and there is a slight vibration of the vehicle when the engine is turned on. I'm yet to take the vehicle to the repair shop. Not sure if there is any factory recall for this problem.
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.
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 volkswagen passat. The contact was driving approximately 40 MPH when the oil pressure warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for diagnostic testing. The mechanic stated there was pressure building up in the oil, causing the engine to seize. The mechanic advised the contact that the engine would need to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 117,000.
Flashing engine lamp/mil light, violent shaking, loss of engine power, foul odor, misfiring, pinging.
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 volkswagen passat. While driving approximately 60 MPH, there was a complete loss of engine power. When the vehicle was maneuvered to the side of the road smoke and flames began to emit from under the hood. The contact immediately exited the vehicle. The fire department extinguished the fire which originated within the engine area. The vehicle was declared as destroyed and towed to savage facility. The manufacturer was notified of the problem. The approximate failure mileage was 96,000. Updated 05/11/12*lj updated 06/01/12
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.
Tl* the contact owns 2004 volkswagen passat. The contact stated that the vehicle caught on fire while parked in the garage. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 105,000.
2004 volkswagen passat. Consumer writes in regards to class action settlement against volkswagen, stating a series of issues such as oil sludge, engine malfunction issues, anti-freeze and coolant issues and ignition coil issues with volkswagens *tgw the consumer stated she learned there was a specific type of coolant that only be used for her model vehicle. She stated each summer she drove around with 2 containers of anti-freeze because the vehicle would consume so much anti-freeze. Also, the brake light bulbs were replaced.
Tl* the driver owns a 2004 volkswagen passat. The contact stated that the check engine warning light began illuminating. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the contact was told that pieces of the engine block were fracturing into the oil pan. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileage was 150,000. The VIN was unavailable.
2004 volkswagen passat 1.8l turbo. Oil sludge class action. My car had the stop engine warning come on the other day after the required oil change. Since I am the second owner of this car I can not prove the oil changes where done as vw recommends. I have only owned the car for a few months. Sadly I am looking at a total engine change with no help from the class action suit or vw. I have owned a vw on and off for 15 years. This will be my last if they don't make good on the recall.
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).
The owner's manual states that the engine coolant is not to be replaced. However, I now have a heater core that is clogged and that causes no heat in the passenger compartment of the car. The instructions given to consumers in the volkswagen owner's manual is in error and leads to expensive repair costs.
2004 volkswagen passat. Consumer expresses discontent with vw regarding defective engines *tgw the consumer stated vw has acknowledged that the engine's were defective.
"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).
Oil sludge is clogging oil pick up and stop/oil light is going on. Starving engine of oil. Full synthetic oil has always been used.
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.
Tl*the contact owns a 2004 volkswagen passat. On october 24, 2009 she noticed that the vehicle had an oil leak. The dealer replaced the oil pan at the owners expense for $500. On january 12, 2010, the oil failure recurred; however, the dealer replaced the oil tank for $500. She stated that the failures occurred when she drove over a speed bump and a rock while driving approximately 15 MPH. The manufacturer stated that there were no recalls for the oil pan; therefore, they would not assist with the repair cost. The failure and current mileages were 75,000. *cn updated 02/17/20
Purchased a used 2004 vw passat in april 09. Did not purchase an extended warranty for the vehicle, however, such would not have covered this issue regardless. The passat heating/air conditioning system is a climatronic. The vents and airconditioning operated as they should. After purchase, noticed on cool mornings that vehicles heat ws not operating correctly necessary for defrosting/defogging windshield and windows. Took vehicle back to dealership and requested diagnostic. Diagnostic was no flow through heater core and recommendation was replacement of heater core in order to receive heat. No indication of any posed danger or threat was indicated by dealership as to this issue. Three months after the diagnosis, having operated the vehicle with no heat for 6 months, the vehicle has now begun to leak massive amounts of antifreeze/coolant, however, the coolant is not leaking out of the car, I cannot see any coolant or very little coolant anywhere underneath, therefore I can only assume that the antifreeze is leaking into the vehicle, possibly posing a fire hazard and risk of being burned should the pressure of the coolant system become to great and the volume of antifreeze in my vehicle is unknown. I am not operating the vehicle at this time. I contacted vw customer care and informed them of this problem, the indicated my vehicle is too old and has too many miles on it for any goodwill replacement. However, there was a recall on vw jettas for a similar issue with the heater core.
While driving the engine lamp came on and the test message indicated "emission workshop". The dealership found the mass air flow meter (p0101) to be faulty. It was replace but the problem and code recurred within 6 miles. Next the dealership found a crack in the turbo air cooler, it was replaced but the problem and code recurred within miles. The dealership has had the car for nearly 2 weeks when they found a slight air leak in a turbo hose. The "o" rings were replaced and it may have corrected the problem but I have not had the car since they are still working on the engine surge problem.
Excessive noise from engine - chain driven oil pump. This noise has gotten progressively worse and will lead to catastrophic failure while driving. Oil will cease being fed to the engine and seizure will occur. At 70 MPH this will likely lead to death of occupants and possibly others in vehicles behind mine. This has been reported to dealer as well.
2004 vw passat 1.8t. Upon starting car, check engine light came on. Took to dealer, autobarn of evanston (il) who replaced thermal sensor for $500. Less than 2 miles after leaving dealer, car ran hot and A/C went out, had to pull over to cool. This was not an issue prior to visiting the dealer. Returned to dealer. Dealer replaced "thermal switch" for $300. Car still ran hot. Dealer now says radiator is clogged and needs to be replaced ($700+). Car has been serviced regularly per vw, radiator was flushed 4,000 miles ago. Car only has 65,000 miles on it. Either car is defective or dealer is ripping me off.
Vehicle: 2004 volkswagen passat gls sedan with 2.0 tdi motor problem: chain driven oil pump has serious vibration. It is not on volkswagen's suggested maintenance list or things to check during preventable maintenance. The cast metal chain tensioner cracks and fails, causing loss of tension on the oil pump drive sprockets which leads to : 1. Wear on drive sprockets. 2. Catastrophic failure of the oil pump. 3. Complete loss of engine power without warning at any speed in any traffic condition. I do not know the complete failure rate for this equipment, but I do know this setup was sold on approximately 20,000 2.0l turbo diesel motors, stamped bhw. This setup was only sold in north america and other similar motors in european markets have a gear driven oil pump that do not show the failure rate being seen in the n.a. Market. Volkswagen in north america has discontinued making the chain driven oil pump, replacing it with the gear driven pump originally available only in foreign markets. Volkswagen continues to stand by that there's no problem with chain driven pump, yet there a numerous accounts of failing tensioners, chains, sprockets and balance shafts (hex shaft holding the driven sprockets) due to loss of tension and poor design. Every chain driven oil pump on the bhw motor will fail. Mileage does not appear to be a determination on when this will fail as reports of wear and failure from 45,000 to 180,000 miles are being reported on internet volkswagen diesel forums. For photos of failed parts, see: see post #743: http://forums.tdiclub.com/showthread.php?t=233651&page=50 note: this complaint does not refer to the timing belt assembly or timing belt. It refers solely to the chain driven oil pump and balance shaft assembly on the bhw type turbo diesel motor.
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