The drain coming down from the sunroof apparently became clogged causing this vehicle to short out...horn blowing, alarm system going off, etc. The waterproof black box, which is underneath the drivers seat, was full of water and the comfort control box was all burned. The drivers side floor is soaking wet and we have been trying to dry it out for 6 days now. We are very concerned that this could have caused a fire while our daughter was driving her car. Please advise.....

- Wolcott, CT, USA

The contact owns a 2004 Volkswagen Passat. The contact stated that he discovered water inside the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a local repair facility where the sunroof was disengaged. The manufacturer advised the contact that there was an open recall on the vehicle under an unknown recall campaign and the vehicle was taken back to the dealer for repairs. In addition, the contact stated the vehicle was exhibiting an abnormal jerking sensation when driving at various speeds. The dealer replaced the soiled carpeting and noticed extensive water damage to the transmission module, which was also replaced. The contact stated that the jerking persisted when attempting to switch gears. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer however, the dealer was unable to locate a failure within the vehicle. The failure persisted until the transmission failed. The dealer refused to replace the transmission. The manufacturer offered no assistance. The vehicle was repaired at the contact's expense. The failure mileage was approximately 95,000 and the current mileage was approximately 102,000. Updated 1/19/2010 updated 01/27/11

- Belmont, CA, USA

2004 VW Passat. I was driving at night on the freeway at 75 mph when I heard a sudden loud crash and breaking glass, some of which fell into the car. I immediately pulled over and identified that the sunroof had just shattered. Glass from the middle of the sunroof was in little pieces on top of the headliner. The remaining rim of glass is present, bowed slightly upward but also full of little cracks. Was in a remote area of highway, no homes, businesses, overpasses present. No truck traffic although there was one car 300 feet in front of me. I saw nothing in the roadway or in the air. When I got home I carefully examined the roof (fine layer of dust) and there were absolutely no marks. The plastic surface of the top of the headliner panel also has absolutely no marks on it. This appears to have spontaneously shattered and does pose a potential safety hazard as glass fragments fell into the car even with the headliner closed. The deal has advised I will need to bring the car back on Monday for the manager to examine along with possibly a representative. I'm concerned about this happening again. In busier traffic or if headliner had been open this could result in an accident or passenger injury due to flying glass.

- Lakewood, CO, USA