2013 Volkswagen Passat visibility problems

Filed Jan 15, 2024 · Visibility · MA

VW has replaced the heater core twice on this car. Yet less than 1 year later the heat will not work on just the passenger side which then foggs the windows and eliminates visablility rendering the car useless.

Filed Nov 26, 2021 · Visibility · CO

Plugged heater core. OBD code present P2457. Defroster was compromised. Confirmed by VW dealer. Advised by manufacturer to replace heater core and flush system per technical test and repair procedure.

Filed Feb 24, 2021 · Visibility · 50,000 miles · GA

No heat coming from blocked heater core so defrost system ineffective. Result is obstructed vision because the defrost system is not working efficiently. Known defective part on this model car (internet research) but vw refuses to recall. Happens at all times, stationary and moving. No heat in passenger cabin at all.

Filed Oct 24, 2019 · Visibility · NY

Vehicle has 49000 miles and is a gasoline engine. Passenger side heat only blows cold air, which prevents the windshield from defrosting/deicing in wintertime, affecting visibility and safety. Driver's side is not affected. Research suggests that the problem is the result of a defective heater core similar to that found with diesel versions of the vehicle. This issue should not be occurring with a vehicle only having 49000 miles.

Filed Feb 21, 2019 · Visibility · 110,000 miles · OH

Tl* the contact owns a 2013 volkswagen passat. The contact stated that the defrost system was inoperable. The contact also mentioned that the heat was not working inside the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to brunswick auto mart (3031 center rd, brunswick, oh 44212, (877) 815-7437) where the heater core was replaced three times, but the failure persisted. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The VIN was not available. The failure mileage was 110,000.

Filed Feb 14, 2019 · Visibility · 63,000 miles · WI

My concern first occurred in november of 2014, where the heater blower motor stopped working causing the window to be covered with moisture and vision obscured. When I brought to vw dealer the blower had started again and I was told they could do nothing as it was now operating as intended. I have since learned that in 2015 tech tip was issued concerning snow or moisture entering the blower compartment was found to be impairing the blower motor. They issued a repair kit designed to secure future snow from entering this area. Fast forward to february 2019, when my blower again stopped working. I had my vehicle towed to my vw dealership for repair, hoping it would be covered under the extended warranty I purchased when I bought this vehicle. I have since learned this is not covered by warranty as it is a design flaw and not a part failure. My dealership suggested installing the tech fix upgrade noted to prevent future failure. This cost estimate was $800.00. I made a cal to vw customer care to appeal for some remediation for this cost to repair a know defect. I was told that no recall had been made for this condition and my vehicle was out of mileage limits and age. This vehicle has 63000 miles and is six model years of age. My contention is that this was a known problem that had a known tech fix, in 2015, when my first concern should have been addressed. I have learned from my online research that this is not an isolated occurrence, where snow has migrated into the blower box, causing the blower motor to seize or become inoperable. Thank you for any update this may inspire.

Filed Feb 3, 2019 · Visibility · 117,000 miles · NY

Driving while in inclement weather noticed passenger side window fogging up and didn't think much about it such as heavy rain etc. And didn't think much about it. Fast forward to sub freezing temperatures in a snowstorm and now noticed passenger side windshield frozen and wipers useless. Start diagnostics and find cold air blowing out air vents and read thousands of people have the same issue and volkswagen knows about it. They actually had an enxtended warranty for some not others to cover this issue and a service bulletin to bandaid the fix. This is affecting thousands of people and is a safety issue affecting thousands and the worst thing about it is replacing the heater core is only temporary as it will have to be done again as they have no permanent fix. I can deal with fog on the windshield but not a frozen windshield only to have no means of getting heat to thaw out. I read about bmw having issues for blower motor resistors why can vw be held responsible for a clogged heater core.

Filed Jan 22, 2019 · Visibility · 120,000 miles · AL

I was traveling to work on interstate 85 (which as four lanes) and all of a sudden there was a gun shot/explosion sound that rattled my car. I froze and closed my eyes (thank god I was on a straight road & did not yank my steering wheel), when I opened I was covered in glass. For some reason, my sun roof exploded for no apparent reason. It was not below freezing or extreme heat and I had not been under an overpass. I had glass in my clothes, my mouth, my hair, and all in my car.

Filed May 24, 2018 · Airbags, Lights · 10,000 miles · SC

These steering wheel components stopped working: horn, turn signals, high beams, windshield wipers, and cruise control. Not sure if air bag will in case of a car wreck. Instrument panel displays the following message: "button for driver assistant system defective". Been an ongoing issue for the past since buying the car 2013, roughly 5 years ago. Volkswagens technicians repaired the issue multiple times on seperate occassions *while the vehicle was still under warrant.

Filed Feb 11, 2018 · Visibility · 67,207 miles · MI

I bought this vehicle new and had the heating system serviced at the vw dealer. The heater core has fail two times, both times I had it replaced at a vw dealer. The first time was on 12/21/2016, I contacted vw and they would not cover any of the emplacement cost. The second time was on 01/24/2018, the dealer representative said vw would cover half of the cost of the repair. I paid for my have and then contacted vw to see if they cover the whole cost. They said they would not. Thank you. That is two heater core replacements in a 13 month period. That makes me think there may be a problem with the heater cores.[xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).'