2014 Volkswagen Passat: engine failure

Filed May 13, 2026 · Engine, Fuel system · IL

The vehicle experienced repeated catastrophic engine failures, including failure of a replacement engine. Approximately six months after purchase and at around 80,000 miles, the engine failed and required a complete engine replacement through Volkswagen and the MaxCare service contract. Approximately one to one and a half years later, at around 120,000 miles, the replacement engine also failed. The vehicle developed rough idle conditions, check engine light warnings, timing chain and camshaft-related issues, lubrication-related concerns, and severe engine performance problems. Volkswagen later recommended another complete engine rebuild or replacement along with additional engine-related repairs. The vehicle became non-operable and could no longer be safely or reliably driven. The repeated failure of both the original engine and replacement engine suggests an ongoing defect-related condition rather than normal wear or an isolated mechanical failure. The problems were confirmed and documented by Volkswagen service personnel. Similar engine-related concerns involving oil consumption, lubrication issues, timing system concerns, and engine performance problems are also reflected in Volkswagen Technical Service Bulletins involving this type of engine.

Filed Jan 26, 2026 · Engine, Transmission · IL

I am reporting a recurring engine defect in a 2014 Volkswagen Passat that has resulted in repeated engine failure and loss of power while driving. Approximately six months after purchase, the vehicle required a complete engine replacement. One to two years after the replacement, the vehicle began exhibiting the same engine-related failures and has since become inoperable again. Manufacturer-issued Technical Service Bulletins addressing these engine defects were issued prior to the sale of the vehicle, indicating the condition was known. The repeated engine failures create unsafe driving conditions, including the risk of sudden loss of power during vehicle operation.

Filed Aug 12, 2023 · Transmission · MT

I had just had the engine replaced on my 2014 Volkswagen Passat TDI 13 miles previously and on my first drive upon getting my car back I had an error code “transmission overheated” and I lost power while driving and the check engine light also illuminated. The transmission cut out almost immediately when the overheating message illuminated on the dashboard. It then illuminated a wrench where the drive indication is not the dashboard and would not allow selection of any gears. I had the transmission inspected by the dealer and they aren’t sure what happened and that it does indeed need a new transmission. The fact that I lost the ability to drive the car immediately after the light came on while driving seems dangerous to me and a transmission with 63,000 miles and 64 degrees F shouldn’t overheat. It is a DSG transmission and I have read online of several other owners experiencing similar situations of the transmission having faulty parts and overheating. I also reached out to Volkswagen of America and they said there isn’t anything they can do as the car is out of warranty (I believe the warranty for the transmission was 60,000). I had pointed out to Volkswagen that the transmission is cooled by the engine so a brand new engine 13 miles ago and then the consequent overheating and terminal failure seems rather odd to me. Had I been driving on the freeway instead of 40 mph the situation could have ended significantly different then it did.

Filed Nov 15, 2019 · Engine · 83,000 miles · NJ

Timing chain decided to give up as I was driving on a major highway. Now I'm stuck having to potentially replace the engine, a 5k bill. Just purchased the car last year and still making payment on it. Never had any indication or illumination on the dashboard of warning for the engine failure

Filed Mar 18, 2019 · Airbags, Steering · 126,000 miles · CA

Tl* the contact owns a 2014 volkswagen passat. While the contact attempted to turn the steering wheel in a parking lot, a clicking noise was heard and the air bag indicator illuminated. A week later, the horn seized. The vehicle was taken to volkswagen of murrieta (951‑249‑7072, located at 41300 date st, murrieta, ca 92562) where it was determined that there was no recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and stated that there was no warranty. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 126,000.

Filed Aug 14, 2017 · Engine, Fuel system · 62,583 miles · NY

2014 vw passat tdi se 2.0l manual my vehicle has 62,583 mi. On it. I was driving on the highway when the diesel "glow plug" light began flashing on the dashboard and I lost all engine power. I was fortunate to be able to reach the roadside safely and I was able to bring the car to a halt on the roadside. Trying to start the vehicle however was not possible, the "glow plug" light continued to flash and the vehicle would not start. Vw roadside assistance was called and the vehicle was towed to the nearest vw dealership where I have was given the error code information below and told my turbo and engine need to be replaced but that they are outside of my 5yr/60,000 mi warranty. P0671-cylinder #1 glow plug circuit active/static p0674- cylinder #4 glow plug circuit active/static p2196- o2 sensor signal stuck rich bank 1 sensor 1 active/static p0299- turbo/super charger under boost active/static p13e0-sensor for internal pressire of cylinder #1 malfunction active/static p13d7-sensor for internal pressure of cylinder #4 electrical error active/static p13e1-sensor for internal pressure of cylinder #2 malfunction active/static p13e2- sensor for internal pressure of cylinder #3 malfunction active/static p1007- torque difference cylinder #4 limit value exceeded active/static

Filed Oct 1, 2014 · Engine · 16,115 miles · NV

The vehicle had been shutting off without notice and stalling. Called the vw dealership and they told us to drop it off. On september 5th, 2014 vehicle was dropped off got several calls stating that the technician couldn't duplicate them problem, finally we received a voice message the tech was able to duplicate. Vehicle was given back to us on september13, 2014, stating it was the crank sensor that failed and needed to be replaced. Took the vehicle home drove around the weekend and its began to stall again. On september 15th, 2014 driving to my daughter's school on the I-15 freeway passing a semi-truck the vehicle shuts of completely, steering wheel gets hard no control, no power to the vehicle. I pushed the handle to neutral start the car again and slam the handle to drive. Car started right up pulled to the side and called the dealership. Drove the vehicle off the freeway with hazard lights, dropped my daughter of at school and drove straight to the dealership. Told the service tech, I trusted your tech's had fixed this problem, my daughter and I could have gotten killed because of the loss of power and the vehicle shutting off with no notice! Called the vw corporate no one is willing to help or listen. Told [xxx] in vw corp that we could have been killed in this unsafe car, she replied" you could get killed crossing the street or in another vehicle don't blame it on vw cars. No concern with our safety. The vehicle is ready to be picked up they replaced the engine harness. I am scared for my safety and my kids safety. Many complaints in the consumer affairs regarding 2014 vw passats, we are not the only ones with these issues. I just want a safe reliable vehicle to drive around with my family. I want to be placed into anything but a passat. Something safe, reliable transfer my debt to another vehicle, just want to be safe. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).

Filed May 15, 2014 · Engine · 6,501 miles · IL

Turbocharger failure on a tdi engine. Engine died with vehicle traveling in the left-most lane of 3 lane interstate highway. Resulted in vehicle stranded in emergency lane awaiting a tow.