I have a 2004 VW Passat 1.8 T. I have a complaint with this whole oil sludge issue. Although I do not have a problem yet but I want to be prepared in the advent of mechanical failure. The problem I have is that I received a letter in the mail 2 years ago about the possibility of engine failure do to oil sludge. I since then have been taking the car to the dealer and paying 80 dollars to get the oil changed with the full synthetic oil. Now I am reading that even when using the synthetic oil there are numerous cases of engine failures do to oil sludge. Not to mention the dealer will not cover costs of engine replacement if all receipts of oil changes are not shown. Which is not fair because up until 2 years ago I did not even think we had a problem. So VW has a defect with there unsafe engines and on top of it they scare people into getting the oil changed with full synthetic and then come up with an excuse like you were late on an oil change therefore you have to pay $5,000 for engine replacement. I still owe $12,000 on the care and I owe more then the car is worth so I cannot sell it, please tell me what can I do to protect myself. Had I have known this in 2004 I would never have purchased the vehicle. I just don't that this is the american way to sell people a inferior product and then make money off there turmoil.

- Orlando, FL, USA

My 2004 VW Passat: Was driving when noticed a gasoline smell in the car. The car stalled, heard a pop sound from under the hood and immediately saw smoke/orange flame -the engine was on fire.

- Nesconset, NY, USA