9.4

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
1,375 miles

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problem #4

Jul 302002

Passat 4-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 1,000 miles
Same as other complaint listed: "dangerous situation. When accelerating from a complete stop vehicle does 1 of 3 things: 1)gasps for gas and goes nowhere (dangerous when making left hand turns) or 2) tries to move ahead like a carbureted care with vapor lock or 3) performs normally." Problems are more noticeable when outside temperature is hot. I live in Nevada. I have complained to VW and dealership basically said that VW knows about it but there's nothing that can be done. Many on VW forums have same problems. This is extremely dangerous and I'm surprised no one has been in an accident.

- Las Vegas, NV, USA

problem #3

Nov 242002

Passat 4-cyl

  • Manual transmission
  • 4,500 miles
One of the coli packs failed on my car at approximately 4500 miles. The car ran very rough and had a very noticable loss of power. A warning light appeared on the dash board and the manual said that the car should not be driven and should be towed to the dealership. I was afraid that if I was in a situation where the car needed to accelerate qucikly that an accident could have occured.

- Hamilton, NY, USA

problem #2

Sep 282001

Passat

  • miles
Three of four original ignition coils have failed. Two of the replacements have failed. VW America has been contacted. They acknowledge that they are aware of the problem and that a new coil is available, but they refuse to replace the coils until they fail. When the coils fail, the car runs very "rough" does not engage into the turbo phase and the engine light comes on.

- Deerfield, IL, USA

problem #1

Dec 032001

Passat

  • miles
Dangerous situation. When accelerating from a complete stop vehicle does 1 of 3 things: 1)gasps for gas and goes nowhere (dangerous when making left hand turns) or 2) tries to move ahead like a carbureted care with vapor lock or 3) performs normally.

- West Hills, CA, USA