2004 Volkswagen Passat: complete transmission failure

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 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 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 May 27, 2004 · Transmission · 3,956 miles · FL

Vehicle transmission lurches forward when slowing to a stop. Vehicle purchased on 12/9/03. Problem occurred on 3/3/04.dealer replaced the transmission control module. Problem has reoccurred on 5/20/04. Dealer states they are aware of the problem and are awaiting "software update" from volkswagen. They have no anticipated date from volkswagen on the correction.

Filed Feb 3, 2004 · Transmission · 200 miles · WA

Automatic transmission lurched on downshift when coming to a stop. Dealer replaced the transmission control module...problem has not yet been duplicated again, but it has only been a day.

Filed Jan 16, 2004 · Acceleration, Transmission · 300 miles · RI

When coming to a complete stop or while cruising, the vehicle lurches forward. The dealer recalibrated the computer chip in the accelerator pedal and also replaced the transmission control module. After the repairs, the problem continued. *ph the transmission made a clunk noise, malfunctioned in heavy traffic/highway, and a hard shift was present at times.