2004 Volkswagen Passat: hesitation when accelerating

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 May 12, 2010 · Fuel system · 121,641 miles · IL

Re: odi 10288798 2004 passat tdi while moderately accelerating between 60 and 65 MPH you experience a bump type of action, like being bumped slightly from the rear. I do not get the sensation that the transmission is hesitating or lurching. I took the car to the dealer and their diagnosis indicated a bad mass flow indicator (mfi), see odi 10288798. I stated that this was suppose to be the problem 6 months ago with a previous issue. The dealer replaced the mfi and stated the test drove the car and the problem did not recur. Upon leaving the dealer as I accelerated onto the interstate the problem did recur. I was able to replicate the problem numerous times. They must have test drove another car. I notified the dealer before I was 10 miles away that I would bring the car back. Before leaving the dealership after the supposed repair I went over the list of vw passat tdi complaints. He assured me I do not have those problems. However, based on my previous experience and this repair work so far, I am not sure they really understand what the problem is let alone tell me I have no concern. The mfi just can not be the diagnosis cure all my problems and evidently it hasn't been either.

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).

Filed Jul 7, 2006 · Acceleration · CA

2004 vw passat---I have had numerous occasions where my car lurched and rattled to a stop or would hesitate multiple times during acceleration. At idle, the entire car shakes. I have taken it in to the dealer at least 5 times. At first, the problem was only happening every month or so. Now it is a constant problem. The check engine light is on, the car shakes in drive, reverse, and neutral. Acceleration is especially a problem when on the freeway...it is both dangerous and scary. I have been told multiple times that the dealer is "waiting for a software update." I have also been told to go ahead and drive the car because it is not dangerous. Now I have been waiting for months! I also have had electrical problems. On several occasions the red control panel lights have gone out completely while I was driving. I was told this is part of the same problem.

Filed Oct 6, 2004 · Transmission · NJ

Automatic transmission lurched on down shift when coming to a stop. While driving at any speed momentary hesitation particularly in an intersection. The dealership has inspected on several times and could not duplicate or correct the problem. Please provide further information. *jb dealership corrected the problem with vehicle and consumer wished to rescind report from complaint database.

Filed Sep 28, 2004 · Transmission · 1,220 miles · IL · crash · 1 injury

When slowing down at traffic light car hesitated and then jerked foward, as if I had been hit from behind. It was enough to make my back and neck sore. I touched the accelerator pedal to give the car some gas and the engine freely revved, even thought the transmission indicated it was in 'drive'. The car has developed a hesitation to accelrate before the incident, and after. The car has also been showing signs of excessive fuel consumption.

Filed Jul 30, 2004 · Acceleration, Brakes · 2,500 miles · WV

Reported when slowing down to 5-10mph care hesitated and then jerked as if someone hit from behind, also when braking to stop,car lurches forward. Vw dealership replaced brakes and rotors and did software update after 3 times in shop. Now car hesitates when either slowing down or from stop then kicks in all of a sudden,will be calling regional technician to report, still feel slight jerk at slow speeds. All happens when engine hot or cold.

Filed Apr 8, 2004 · Transmission · MI

I have a 2004 vw passat with a safety issue in the transmission. When I accelerate at slow speeds it hesitates before taking off and then bam, it's like some one hit you in the back of the car and the car jumps in gear. It does not happen all the time. But the transmission seems real slow going into first gear and it does with a clunk.

Filed Feb 27, 2004 · Transmission · 30 miles · MI

I have a 2004 vw passat with a safety issue in transmission. When accelerating from a stop or low speed the car hesitates and then jumps. The problem is most severe in reverse gear. The dealership has no resolution. After changing multiple parts the problem still occurs. I have talked with other 2004 passat and touareg owners and they have the same complaint, so it appears to be affecting more than a single vehicle. Can the federal safety agency do somthing to help vw owners by forcing vw to acknowledge this issue and find a resolution before someone gets hurt. Right now their dealers and engineers do not have a fix!