Volkswagen Passat won't shift problems

Filed Oct 28, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · VA

Since purchase in XXX, the vehicle has intermittently illuminated the EPC warning light at startup, at which point the engine will not accelerate (reduced power/limp mode). Cycling the ignition usually clears it. Beginning in XXX, a second symptom appeared: while stopped at idle (traffic lights, stop signs), the battery warning light illuminates and the engine stalls, requiring a restart in traffic. This has occurred approximately 8 times in XXX, most recently on Saturday, XXX when it happened twice. Wet or rainy conditions appear to make it worse. Stalling in traffic results in loss of power steering and brake assist and is a safety hazard. The vehicle has been to Volkswagen dealers six times for this complaint with no lasting repair: a wiring harness repair at Freehold VW (XXX); a boost pressure sensor diagnosis (XXX); an overlay harness, ECM-related repairs, and ECM software update under emissions recall 23EO (XXX); boost pressure sensor replacement (XXX); airflow meter replacement and harness repair (XXX); and re-pinning of loose connections at the ECM connector for the G31 boost pressure sensor (XXX), all at World VW in [XXX]. Fault code P0236 (turbocharger boost sensor circuit) has been recorded on every visit; P2261 was also recorded. The check engine light, EPC light, and stalling have all returned since the XXX repair. Current mileage is approximately 27,800. Repair orders are available on request. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Jul 7, 2025 · Transmission · MI

Vehicle in question has a dual-clutch automatic transmission with 103,000 miles on the odometer. Transmission failed without warning while turning left onto a major highway from a standing stop -- stuck in 1st gear, it was dangerously slow to get out of other drivers' way, creating a serious road hazard concern. Vehicle had been maintained since new with fluid changes as required but still failed prematurely and without warning of any sort. Dealer inspected the car and stated the transmission needs to be replaced.

Filed Mar 7, 2024 · Fuel system · 135,000 miles · CA

The contact owns a 2013 Volkswagen Passat. The contact stated that while driving at 65 MPH, the "Glow Plug" warning light appeared on the instrument panel and the vehicle stalled. After several minutes, the contact was able to restart the vehicle and drove the vehicle home while in LIMP Mode. The contact used a code reader which showed that there was a defect with the high-pressure fuel pump. The dealer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the vehicle was out of warranty. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 135,000.

Filed Nov 9, 2023 · Transmission · 70,074 miles · CA

The contact owns a 2017 Volkswagen Passat. The contact stated while driving 10-15 MPH, the transmission was shifting hard, and the vehicle made an abnormal clunking sound while shifting between 1st and 2nd gear. The contact drove to the residence and parked the vehicle. The contact then shifted into reverse (R) and the vehicle made an abnormal clunking sound. The contact stated that the failure recurred while shifting into drive (D). The check engine warning light was illuminated, and the vehicle went into LIMP Mode. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 70,074.

Filed Jul 7, 2023 · Engine · CO

Intake Manifold Runner is failing. This could suddenly put the vehicle in limp mode on the open highways, resulting in a hazardous situation due to sudden slowing. MIL light is illuminating and diagnostics from Meineke Car Care Center confirms failure of the Intake Manifold Runner. Similar issues have been noted with past VW models, with Intake Manifold warranty extension to 10 years, 120,000 miles for 2006-2008, 2008-2012, and 2013-2017 model years. It seems the problem continues through 2018 as I reached 90,000 miles with a failure. Volkswagen service specialists was quoted as "that sounds about right" so the problem clearly lingers for the 2018 model years and beyond.

Filed Jun 11, 2022 · Electrical, Engine · MA

To start off, this car has common failures of the High Pressure Fuel Pump Cam Follower. This poses serious risk of damage to the engine when the follower is blown throw and the car goes into limp mode and if this happens on road it could be catastrophic. There were no warnings that this was the issue besides researching videos on YouTube while getting a fuel pressure code to find out the cam follower was completely blown throw which means my engine has MANY METAL pieces inside of my engine. If I did not catch this soon the next failure would’ve been the CAMSHAFT. The camshaft going bad at and given moment could also be catastrophic on the road and possibly even spark a fire. Another issue is with the timing chain on specific FSI engines. If this chain snaps mid drive then your engine could potentially blow in the middle of the road causing an accident. This problem is known by Volkswagen and they have yet to take serious action in regards to this safety hazard. Another potential for catastrophic events is the wiring harness specifically the one that runs under the Vacuum pump. These wires are covered in oil from the vacuum pump being prone to leaking and any fluid that goes on top of it. I also discovered that near my ECU to that wiring harness there was a spot of gasoline in which I was able to determine when I smelt the fluid with a glove on of course. This year make and model of Volkswagen can cause serious harm to those driving ESPECIALLY on the high way. The wiring harness and all components around it soak with oil and when you take off the manifold fuel also gets all over it even when you try to prevent it as much as you can. This has caused increased idle in my vehicle while driving with and EPC light that makes the car stall out of no where. If it happened when I was turning my wheel it could’ve caused an accident on the road or even a driver to have road rage behind me. Please help myself and fellow Passat owners of this year stay safe.

Filed Sep 28, 2021 · Engine, Fuel system · TX

After having parked the car long enough to eat dinner out, I pulled out onto the main street and the car engine showed clear signs of distress, sputtering, missing and ultimately going into what seemed to be limp mode. I was able to pull off the main lanes before the car died and would not re-engage after three attempts to restart. On the third attempt, the car stopped attempting to crank and the dash lights all began to blink until the only extra light that was left was the coil (glow plug indicator). We were left stranded in the street for a while until we could safely exit to push it out of the road and to a safe place. I later had the car towed to my mechanic where the issues were accessed and diagnosed. The causation of the failure is a combination of the first fuel pump failing and disintegrating then dispersing medal shards throughout the fuel system and ruining it entirety. I have never had any indicators or issues with this vehicle. There were no prior warnings or problems with the car. I was very blind sided and stranded in the road then felt forced to put myself in harms way to get it pushed out of danger and prevent an accident with another vehicle.

Filed May 7, 2021 · Engine, Transmission · 59,000 miles · WI

Tl*the contact owns a 2013 volkswagen passat. The contact stated that while driving 25 MPH, the vehicle jerked forward while depressing the accelerator pedal. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle went into limp mode with an abnormal knocking sound coming from the engine. The contact pulled over and inspected the vehicle. The contact stated that the engine was rattling and over heating. At start-up, the RPM's revved up while the rattling persisted, with the check engine warning light illuminated. Bergstrom volkswagen of appleton (3019 n victory ln #102, appleton, wi 54913, (800) 398-6846) was contacted and an appointment was scheduled for the vehicle to be inspected. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The contact was promised a call back which was still pending. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 59,000. Consumer took the vehicle to be repaired and paid $300 but warning light is still on.

Filed May 6, 2021 · Electrical, Engine · 59,540 miles · WI

My 2013 vw passat 2.5 s only has 59k miles and I was driving I no down road all sudden the car jerked forward and went into limp mode. I had it looked at then parts replaced and still having issues and they can't figure out issue. And now new codes keep coming up and keep getting new parts put in but it still feels like engine about shake right out of the car. I tried calling volkswagen and they were supposed to call me back withing 2 days and I never heard anything back. I take really good care of my car and had all the parts replaced but its still having throttle and electrical issues and I can't get ahold of anyone. Mines having a lot of same issues as these people too which is weird especially around same time.

Filed Jan 5, 2020 · Transmission · 120,000 miles · OH

My daughter was driving her 2015 vw passat and car was operating fine until turning left onto county highway off of state highway. After turning, car would not shift out of gear it was in; the engine just revved higher rpms. Top speed was approximately 30 MPH. The intersection she was turning at is a very busy one.