3.5
definitely annoying- Crashes / Fires:
- 0 / 0
- Injuries / Deaths:
- 0 / 0
- Average Mileage:
- 37,266 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 contact owns a 2003 Volkswagen Passat. While driving 65 mph or attempting to stop, the vehicle loses power and shuts off without warning. The vehicle was taken to the dealer several times and the speed sensor was replaced. However, the vehicle continues to shut off. The contact stated that the brake lights also malfunction and the electrical switch was replaced. The vehicle is currently at the dealer and they are unable to determine the cause of failure. The vehicle's warranty has been charged for each replacement. The current mileage was 57,006 and failure mileage was 47,000.
- Hillsboro, OR, USA
The contact owns a 2003 Volkswagen Passat. After parking the vehicle, the contact noticed that the brake lights were illuminated. The lights failed to dim. The dealer stated that her VIN was not included in NHTSA recall # 07V063000 (exterior lighting:brake lights:switch). The current and failure mileages were 35,000.
- Mine Hill, NJ, USA
My 2003 Volkswagen Passat wagon glx had a brake light problem identical to that found on the new (Feb 07) VW recall for several other models. However, the Passat was not on the recall list. The brake lights would remain on at random times and without warning, over several months. NHTSA and VW should strongly consider recalling the Passat along with the other VW models because the Passat has the same safety concerns. I traded my car in but offer this info to help other VW owners.
- Marietta, GA, USA
My 2003 VW Passat 4-door sedan has experienced multiple occurrences where the brake lights continue to remain on while driving and even after the engine is shut off. This happened again today and I noticed this time that the emergency engine light came on while driving earlier in the day - this is also another issue that also comes on/off for no reason. I've reported the warning light a couple of times as well to the VW service and they don't know why that happens either. The warning light will at least shut off when the car is turned off, unlike my brake lights. Since today is Saturday, leaving my brake lights on until the service department reopens on a Monday is probably going to run my battery dead. With that concern in mind, I immediately called the VW roadside assistance hotline, 800-822-8987, to see if they had any repair instructions I can look into and the operator said she was unable to find any documentation. She advised that VW roadside can come tow my vehicle to a dealership (that won't reopen until Monday) or they can come to jump-start my car (which can take up to 45-60 min. After dispatch). This seems a terribly long time to wait & a huge inconvenience esp. Since it also took 30 min. Just to reach the live operator in the first place. I love driving my Passat; I bought it brand new direct from the dealership in 2003. Car safety is very important to me which is why I'm adamant about following service guidelines and bring my car in for regular maintenance & oil changes. I only bring it into a VW dealership service, never a local garage mechanic. Can NHTSA please look into both issues: 1. sporadic check engine light warning while driving 2. brake lights remaining on while driving and after the car is shut off. I am very concerned as both are major causes for safety concern, in addition to further expensive repairs which may be defects that the manufacturer should cover instead. Thanks.
- Nanuet, NY, USA
Brake lights have failed twice.
- Murphy, TX, USA
Failure of all brake lights.
- Paramus, NJ, USA
- Frederick, MD, USA