2004 Volkswagen Passat transmission problems

Filed Nov 19, 2012 · Body, Transmission · 114,000 miles · FL

Power train issue: bad torque converter (tc). Why a safety issue? It can fail while on the highway sending debris into the transmission causing a catastrophic failure. Caused by a bad seal gasket. Technical bulletin # 2011908 address the issue in 2007. But the tdis were not included in the tb [same tc & transmission], and this is a very common problem in many vw, audi and bmw vehicles, including tdis. E.g. Vw & audi: http://kansascitytdi.com/audipassat-p0741-17125-code/ bmw: http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?t=1601642 with a p0741 error: dtc results: 17125 p0741 003 torque converter clutch circ. Performance or stuck off intermittent if you do a web search for: p0741 error code transmission torque converter the results are startling, it seems that vw, audi and bmw all have the same issue with tcs, "my understanding is the internal tc seals were not up to the task on the original tcs of that era. ...including audi". Http://forums.tdiclub.com/showpost.php?p=3036384&postcount=5 "if the problem is not addressed then the transmission will over heat due to the slippage and you will need to replace the transmission." http://forums.tdiclub.com/showpost.php?p=3038540&postcount=11 it seems that this should of been fixed under warranty, there was a recall for non-diesel vehicles service bulletin: 2011908. The tc is the same in all b5 models. Http://www.importdrivetrain.com/autotranscrossref.html#volkswagen so why was the tdi s not covered? ------------------------------------ body: doors: won't unlock from outside by remote or unlock button from inside.

Filed Aug 4, 2011 · Transmission · 104,000 miles · NV

I own 2004 passat and recently have had transmission problems. My biggest concern is that on freeway transmission became unresponsive,and almost got me wiped out by two trailer truck going about 60! I was told to repair it would be 1200.00 to 3000.00 dollars. But for volkswagen to know of problem and refuse to fix is outrageous and you people need to do something before injury;s or more happen! Is there someone I can contact to get help,I cannot afford that,and vw needs to repair if they are knowledgeable about it!!

Filed Oct 6, 2010 · Transmission · 100,000 miles · NC

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 volkswagen passat. The contact stated that water has accumulated in the sun roof and over time the water has leaked down to the transmission module causing the transmission to malfunction. The contact took the vehicle to a dealer and the dealer stated the transmission module needs to be replaced. The contact stated this is a known issue for this year make and model. The contact stated the manufacturer should issue a recall for the sun roof. The failure mileage was 100,000. The VIN was unavailable.

Filed Sep 27, 2010 · Transmission, Visibility · 95,000 miles · CA

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 volkswagen passat. The contact stated that he discovered water inside the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a local repair facility where the sunroof was disengaged. The manufacturer advised the contact that there was an open recall on the vehicle under an unknown recall campaign and the vehicle was taken back to the dealer for repairs. In addition, the contact stated the vehicle was exhibiting an abnormal jerking sensation when driving at various speeds. The dealer replaced the soiled carpeting and noticed extensive water damage to the transmission module, which was also replaced. The contact stated that the jerking persisted when attempting to switch gears. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer however, the dealer was unable to locate a failure within the vehicle. The failure persisted until the transmission failed. The dealer refused to replace the transmission. The manufacturer offered no assistance. The vehicle was repaired at the contact's expense. The failure mileage was approximately 95,000 and the current mileage was approximately 102,000. Updated 1/19/2010 *cn updated 01/27/11

Filed Jun 19, 2010 · Transmission · 90,000 miles · IL

Transmission on 2004 vw passat hard downshifts from 5th to 4th at 30 MPH when transmission is warm. First occurred at 90k miles. Took to two vw dealerships both indicated catastrophic transmission failure that they would be happy to repair for $4000. Didn't fix, researched web and found this a common problem with vw transmissions. Called vw, they knew about it but didn't care since it is out of warranty.

Filed May 17, 2010 · Transmission · 95,000 miles · IL

Automatic transmission hard downshifts from 5th to 4th. Took to dealership to investigate. They claimed transmission needed replacing. Called manufacturer to request they take ownership of issue. They declined any responsibility but did not deny issue. Transmissions in modern cars rarely break pointing towards a manufacturing defect or design flaw. Safety hazard is that the transmission could break, lock up or seize and cause an accident.

Filed Nov 16, 2009 · Body, Transmission · 38,000 miles · NC

2005 passat wagon - 38000 miles blocked drains around the sunroof caused rain water to leak into the floor boards of the car. The build-up of water caused the TCM (transmission control module) to malfunction. The (automatic) car was able to be driven only with hard shifts between gears and now will not move out of park. (undrivable). Replacement of the TCM will cost $3210. The car was a garaged car up until a few months ago. It was at the dealership for all scheduled maintenance. I was told by the dealership that the drain tubes can get clogged with "one leaf" and the next rain can cause this problem. I was advised to park in a covered area and never drive in the rain. This seems like a significant design flaw that one leaf followed by any rain can cause the TCM to fail and need replacing.

Filed Oct 17, 2009 · Transmission, Visibility · 116,153 miles · IL

Sporadically the rear windows would not respond to the window up/down switch, then later without touching the switch the windows would open or close. The dealer found a cheap plastic cotter pin type instrument causing the problem. I have not had the chance to check out the repair since the dealer has my car going on 3 weeks for two other issues (transmission surge and engine light/p0101) for which they are having problems diagnosing the problem.

Filed Aug 17, 2009 · Transmission · 84,000 miles · NC

2004 volkswagen passat: failure of transmission control module located under passenger seat in floor board due to manufacturer defect. Caused by water into vehicle after heavy rain. Volkswagen has known of this problem since 2000 and has failed to make changes. Failure of the control unit has the potential to cause a fatal accident should the transmission shift gears during highway driving or a high rate of speed.

Filed Mar 15, 2008 · Transmission · 53,000 miles · MI

1. My wife was driving the car (2004 volkswagen passat gls, 1.8 l turbo), and it felt like it was having trouble shifting from first gear to subsequent gears. It was sudden, not gradual by any means - the car just started to hesitate when shifting, and the mil lamp was lit...this happened in heavy traffic in the detroit suburbs - not an ideal time to not be able to accelerate. 2. The transmission was replaced under my powertrain warranty (it's my opinion that this was an unnecessary replacement). Upon further investigation, it was found that there was a water leak in the vehicle, and the passenger side floorboard was filled with water, inundating the transmission control module. It turns out that this damaged the module, and effectively rendered the car is not able to be driven. 3. The transmission control module is being replaced, as well as a "seal" that caused the water intrusion (I haven't been able to get out of them which seal was replaced - this can be addressed with a follow-up).