2009 Volkswagen Passat: fire, smoke or burning smell

Filed Oct 14, 2019 · Fuel system · 120,000 miles · GA

Fuel pump cracked, and placement of pump caused gasoline to pool underneath back seat inside the car, right under where my 4 year olds car seat is. Tech started we are extremely lucky that it didnt catch on fire, because it was basically a bomb directly underneath him that could have gone off anytime the car was turned on or running. Only found out about it when I took it to get the fuel pump module replaced, and only found out about that recall when the car started stalling out while driving. It is now at volkswagen of macon waiting on parts for a $1,000 repair. We are going to get rid of the car because we are not putting my son back in a car where that is even possible.

Filed Apr 21, 2019 · Engine · 120,000 miles · OH · fire

To whom it may concern: I wanted to follow-up and discuss a recent incident. On april 19th 2019 our 2009 vw passat was in our garage as this is the usual location we park our cars. On the 18th we completed yard work and nothing out of the norm was noted as we completed the yard work at around 8pm and nothing was noted to be abnormal. Around 4 am on the 19th my spouse and I were awoken to a loud pop sound. This sound was unusual to us. Shortly after the pop sound there panic alarm could be heard that waned out in about 30 seconds. My husband went to the garage and was met with black and pressure like force against the garage door. We immediately evacuated the home and called the fire department. At the time were not sure what caused the smoke but once the fire fighters arrived were told the vw passat was on fire. The fire marshall reported to us that it was possibly electrical in nature. I wanted to touch based with vw pertaining this matter in an effort to save others lives. Our garage has been damaged as well as the vw atlas was damage from the fire. My concern is that the outcome could have been far worse. My vw passat had was driven the day of the 18th with no concerns. I am concerned that another person could be gravely harmed if this issue is not addressed. I am a vw customer that enjoys the overall product and wish excellence and quality for the product. If you need to contact me for further inquiry please call (xxxxxx) parts of this document have been redacted to protect personally identifiable information pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).

Filed May 6, 2017 · Body, Electrical · 74,000 miles · GA · fire

The car had been driven a short distance and parked. Shortly after that it caught on fire and was destroyed.

Filed May 24, 2015 · Engine · 53,500 miles · SC

Purchased this vehicle used. I have had it for two years now. Problems encountered: burning smell, driver side flood light blew out or came off; shaking momentarily while driving, driver side mirror flew off while making a left turn; noticed when I had an oil change last of january or first part of february the vehicle was using quite a bit of oil. I put about five or more quarts in by may. The latter part of may it used two quarts in two weeks. Went shopping saturday before mother's day, parked the car at food lion when I came back out, I tried to start the car and it stalled. When it did start, the vehicle was shaking. I took the car home, checked the oil along with my brother and it needed more oil. I put two more quarts in. On monday I was at the dealership at 6:40 a.m. (woke them up). After checking the car, their finding was it needed a fuel pump and a sensor; later they replaced two crank sensors and said the car is still shaking; then after approximately a week and a half, I called the service manager and he informed me the car needs a engine. Friday, may 22, I went by the dealership and picked up some things out of the automobile and was told the warranty company finally gave in and the motor will be in, in three days. Well, after reading the horror stories about the 2009 passat on this website. I plan to trade this vehicle without delay, as soon as they release it to me. I am sadden, because I really loved this vehicle. I have been reluctant to drive this car out of town, and now I am afraid to drive it to work which is 30 mile a day plus or at all. I do not feel safe in it, and I pay to much to be having all these problems. Who knows what will be next.

Filed Mar 20, 2015 · Engine, Fuel system · 90,000 miles · MI

Main rear bearing seal failure, sudden loss of power, burning smell from under car, $1,700 repair.

Filed Feb 14, 2015 · Engine, Transmission · 73,580 miles · PA

2009 vw passat 2.0t. Oil leaking from rear main seal. Rear main seal failed at about 70,000 miles, not covered under warranty. First indication was smell of burning. Shortly before this failed, the pcv valve failed - also out of warranty. Warranty is for 5 years/60,000 miles.

Filed Dec 17, 2014 · Engine · 38,000 miles · WI · fire

After being driven for a short time our 2009 vw passat was parked in our garage. No signs of any problems when driver went inside the house. About 15-20 minutes after being parked noise was heard from garage and at that time intense smoke and fire from front of vehicle was discovered. Before help could arrive front of car was completely on fire and nearby materials in garage were ignited. Car was considered total loss along with extensive damage to inside of garage. Fire department attributed the cause of fire as "car engine/electrical". Fortunately, ,there were no personal injuries but significant property damage..

Filed Dec 9, 2014 · Engine · 48,500 miles · CA · fire

I was stopped at a red light and smoke with the distinct fire smell started pouring out of my hood. I had to run the red light to get off of the street where I ended up in a big parking lot. I raised the hood and saw heavy smoke and small flames. I grabbed my phone and took a picture and then ran and got water to put the fire out. This will cost me a 500 dollar deductible and the potential for my insurance company to raise my rates. I am so pissed to find out this is a recurring issue! I am glad I was driving instead of my wife with our kids in the car! Vw the fight is now on! I was wondering why my service adviser new exactly what caused the fire. A 27 dollar part failed and caused a couple of grand in damage.

Filed Mar 10, 2014 · Engine · 40,000 miles · IL · fire

Pulled into garage and park after coming home from work. Car started on fire 10 minutes later. The car burned completely along with garage.

Filed Sep 25, 2013 · Electrical · 60,000 miles · MD · fire

On sunday morning about 11:20 am as I turned my car on it immediately started to rattle followed by black smoke coming from under my hood. I immediately turned my car off, unlocked my hood and unbuckled my 3 boys out of their car seats and ran out of the car. As I made sure they were at a safe distance away from the car I walked back to my car popped the hood up and noticed fire coming from what appeared to be the engine. I immediately called 911 and ran to my neighbors apartment to ask for water so my car wouldn't burn to the ground. By the time the fire department made it out my neighbor and I were able to put the fire out thank god. The following day I had it to towed by hanna's towing through my car insurance agency to the nearest volkswagen service center. The tow truck driver walter had to unplug the battery because when he turned it on to put the vehicle on neutral to hook it up to the tow truck it started to smoke up again.

Filed Jun 29, 2013 · Engine · 44,500 miles · NC · fire

Traveling at posted speed limit on local highway when the engine lost power, battery light illuminated, A/C stopped blowing altogether. Vehicle was traveling up slight incline so vehicle pulled into nearest parking lot off of highway. Once vehicle pulled into parking lot it was turned off and the key removed. Attempted to re-start vehicle, engine would turn over but would not start. Removed key from vehicle, exited vehicle and noticed smoke coming from underneath hood. Raised hood and found top left rear engine cover and surrounding plastic tubing as well as the fabric on the underside of the hood on fire. Fire department was called but fire was extinguished prior to their arrival. Vehicle towed to local vw dealership and awaiting insurance adjuster and vw to assess damages.

Filed May 27, 2013 · Engine · 74,000 miles · MI · fire

As we were approaching a stop sign the engine hesitated or stuttered as we came to a stop. As I attempted to start again, the engine hesitated, I noticed that the engine light had come on, smoke was coming out from under the hood. I pulled over and opened the hood to find the top left rear of the engine cover on fire. I called 911 and the fire department arrived to extinguish the fire which had by then consumed most of the plastic components on top and rear of the engine.