Heater core failed. I have always had the car serviced regular according to manufacturer specs. The cost is $1000 to replace the part. It failed on a very cold night traveling through a winter storm. Try driving a car in the middle of no where with no heat to defrost the windows. Wrecked due to the inability to see.

- American Fork, UT, USA

The contact owns a 2001 Volkswagen Passat. While driving less than 2 mph, scalding hot radiator fluid suddenly spewed from the vents and onto the contact's feet. She is pregnant and stated that she had not been to a doctor to check if the radiator fumes harmed the unborn child. The instrument panel completely failed as well. The dealer stated that the heater core failed. No repairs were made. The VIN and powertrain were unknown. The current and failure mileages were 124,000.

- Charlotte, NC, USA

Heater core failed, causing sudden and substantial loss of visibility in rush hour traffic. Interiors of all windows were severely fogged with coolant mist. I was forced to make an emergency stop to avoid an accident. Aware that VW has frequently replaced this known deficient component out of warranty, I contacted VW of America three times. I was consistently told that I would receive no help. Cost of heater core replacement at dealership was $1600.

- Mount Airy, MD, USA

Bad heater core needed to be replaced after 48,000 miles. Dealer service unwilling to cover repairs.

- Raleigh, NC, USA

Heat exchanger (heater core) failure at 50004 miles.

- Blacksburg, VA, USA

Heater core failed 2.5 years old.

- Aylett, VA, USA