2004 Volkswagen Passat: jerking or lurching

Filed Dec 15, 2015 · Engine · TX

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 volkswagen passat. When starting the vehicle, it jerked and the engine warning light illuminated intermittently. The failure recurred numerous times. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the engine and cooling pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was not included in the federal safety agency campaign number: 14e007000 (engine and engine cooling). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

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 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 Feb 8, 2007 · Seats, Transmission · 82,100 miles · NJ · 1 injury

Tl* - the contact owns a 2004 volkswagen passat. The contact stated that the heating seat malfunctioned. The heating coil burned a hole in the seat, and burned the contact's leg. The driver's front seat had a silver dollar size hole in it, with a wire sticking out of the seat. The vehicle's seat began smoking and she turned off the car immediately. The contact planned to take the vehicle to the dealer on 02-09-07. Also, the contact had a recurring problem with the transmission. The contact stated that usually when driving at 55 MPH on the highway, and as she began braking the car jerked or threw the contact as if someone haad rear ended her. The contact stated that this happened at least once a week. She had taken the car to the dealer because they were not driving on the highway they were not able to duplicate the failure. In both instances neither weather nor speed were factors.

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 Apr 5, 2005 · Transmission · 120 miles · NY

Just about evrery time I drive my car there seems to be a lurching in the transmission when I start driving and when I start to slow down(5-15mph). The dealer(cooley mazda, vw in east greenbush,ny) said there was no problem, but after checking with your site I found out I wasn't alone. Any help would be great.

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 Sep 1, 2004 · Transmission · MD

When slowing to a stop transmission/drive train occasionally will demonstrate a jarring and potentially dangerous "clunk" as if the trandmission is dropping out of the car. The car also lurches forward slightly. We have read that some dealers tell their customers the problem is due to a faulty transmission control module. Our dealer, russel vw in catonsville md said they could do nothing, denying ever hearing about the problem. We contacted vw-USA and they said they had no knowledge of such a problem. This is clearly untrue!!! There are complaints of this problem all over the internet. Vw is setting itself up for tremendous liability issues should injuries occur because of this problem.

Filed Aug 13, 2004 · Brakes, Lights · GA

While test driving a volkswagon passat glx sedan, touching the window control caused the ABS braking mechanism to engage. The car lurched as if the brakes were quickly applied and ABS failure warning lights and tones went off in the car. The instrument lights flickered as well. The warnings shut off in a few seconds and the car appeared to return to normal. This happened on two seperate occasions in the span of 10 minutes both times while traveling on a level road at a constant speed with my foot on the accelerator at the time. The situation was dangerous because of the unintended braking and the startling effect of the warnings occuring simultaniously.

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 Jul 21, 2004 · Transmission · NJ

I own a 2004 vw passat wagon v-6 and there is a problem with the transmission. The car bucks/jumps when decelerating into lower or accelerating into higher gear. It causes jerking of the vehicle at times. Dealer checked the car on two different occasions but claimed that it found nothing wrong when a systems checked was run. Dealer was unable to replicate the problem on a test ride. Contacted vw to no avail.