10.0
really awful- Crashes / Fires:
- 0 / 0
- Injuries / Deaths:
- 0 / 0
- Average Mileage:
- 0 miles
About These NHTSA Complaints:
The NHTSA is the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints can be spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem. See the Back button — blue bar at the very top of the page — to explore more.
The battery exploded as consumer tried to start the vehicle. Possible manufacturing defect.
- Baltimore, MD, USA
Battery exploded while turning the ignition, dealer service rep mentioned that he had seen several cases of the same problem.
- Arlington, VA, USA
While turning the key to start vehicle, battery exploded, causing acid to go into engine compartment and dent the hood. Volkswagen replaced battery with another Volkswagen battery. Also, Sept, 1, 2000, with 45,000 battery exploded again in the same manner. Dealer claims nothing is wrong with the vehicle.
- Kaneohe, HI, USA
Due to the location of the battery and power steering fluid canister, battery sits too close to the canister, and is rubbing against the base that holds the battery, causing fluid to leak out. Consumer has contacted the dealer.
- Phoenixville, PA, USA
On the first occasion we noted that battery acid had overflowed and concacted the power steering reservoir, which is attached to the battery tray. The reservoir was replaced, this worked for severa months. On the 2nd occurance, the vehicle was moving. The fluid poured out of the reservoir in about 30 to 40 seconds. The service manager then replaced the alternator regulator, battery tray and power steering reservoir. He also installed a seperate drain line from the battery vent to an area which was clear of any wiring/reservoirs. The battery was also replaced two months after purchse, it is thought that the overcharge ruined the battery. I did write a letter to Volkswagen America, describing the problem and remedy. They replied that this had not happened before, thanks for the notice.
- Yakima, WA, USA
After shutting ignition off, consumer then restarted vehicle and there was a loud popping sound. Consumer looked under the hood and the battery had exploded. Dealer has been contacted.
- Chicago, IL, USA
Due to a faulty alternator and battery acid spilling onto engine, power steering blew out. Dealer replaced a tube on the battery so the acid can run through the tube and spill onto the ground. Dealer also mentioned that it was not the orginal battery. But consumer never changed battery and bought the vehicle brand new.
- Bethlham, PA, USA
- Baltimore, MD, USA