Approximately back in June 2021, I noticed the smell of diesel fuel coming from the rear of the vehicle, noticed hours and days after the vehicle was parked. The smell is partially present from the interior in the trunk area, but mostly evident when standing near the vicinity of the fuel tank when outside of the vehicle. After driving the vehicle, I occasionally notice small puddles of diesel fuel (as evidenced by the oily texture and smell) coming from below the fuel tank. On occasion, I can also spot actual drops of diesel fuel on the lower car frame from underneath the vicinity of the fuel pump. These puddles usually evaporate or dissipate within an hour or two after appearing. Given that these puddles only appear after driving, and not after extended periods of the vehicle sitting in my driveway, I suspect that there is a leak in the fuel pump. A more recent VCDS scan of the ECU on 29 October 2021 results in a Gateway and Dashboard fault code in the fuel pump, which may or may not be related to the fuel pump leak. The fault code is 00476, relating to the fuel pump control module, indicating "no communication"; the code is marked as "static". This fault code may not be related to the underlying fuel leak, but since it relates to the fuel pump, I thought it would be worth mentioning. Last but not least, a recall notice was issued on the diesel fuel pump assembly that impacted the make and model of my vehicle, issued in December 2004, just a couple months before the manufacture date of my vehicle (February 2005). As a result of this cut-off date, my vehicle's VIN number was not included in the official recall notice (NHTSA # 04V586000); see: https://www.vindecoderz.com/EN/Volkswagen/PASSAT/2005/fuel%20system, %20diesel/recall/04V586000. Due to the commonality of my vehicle's components with the 2004 Volkswagen Passat TDI and close temporal proximity to the recall notice, I highly suspect that my vehicle's fuel pump is impacted by this latent recall.

- Port St. Lucie, FL, USA

2005 VW Passat wagon, 4 motion, 128,000 miles, w/ intense odor of gas in the cabin of the car; after driving 15 miles to work, I developed a headache and illness symptoms which lasted for 2 -3 days. Car was towed to local VW dealer. I contacted VW of America, who agreed to diagnostics. Large fuel tank fracture confirmed. After many discussions with customer service at VW of America, they refused to cover repairs, though they did confirm that this failure was the same failure which had led to a previous recall campaign of the fuel tank/system, but since my car had already been repaired (2015) w/ a superseded part and it was past the 12 month warranty period, I did not qualify, nor would they offer goodwill service. They did acknowledge, however, that it was a serious safety issue and the car should not be driven. I verbalized in many conversations the safety concern this posed not only for myself and my family but for others who had the potential to face the same situation. I asked what process VW had for documenting and reporting these consumer safety concerns of such a serious nature and was told that it is reported internally but there was no one I could speak with to discuss further any aspect of the case, nor would VW report this to NHTSA, as it had been reported under the previous campaign. I feel very strongly that this repeated failure should be reported and therefore am documenting here. The car has now been towed to my home where it sits in my driveway D/T the fumes being at a toxic level when the car is in the closed garage. The cabin of the car also remains with a high level of gas fumes. I have asked for written documentation from VW of America related to my case, but as of yet have not been provided with such.

- Bountiful, UT, USA

My 2005 Passat has developed a fuel leak under the tank. My vehicle looks like new and only has 72000 miles on it. This leak/smell occurs after when the car is moving as well as when the car is sitting in the driveway. Seems very dangerous to me and I've read many complaints describing this exact scenario. Why is VW not forced to recall and inspect for this situation.

- Essex Junction, VT, USA

I completely filled the fuel tank of my car in the morning on 4/22/2019. I then drove home and parked the car in my driveway (so it was stationary at this time). That afternoon I smelled a strong odor of gasoline and saw a puddle on the ground underneath the car by the driver's side rear wheel. I thought that maybe I overfilled the fuel tank so I waited to see if the issue would go away after I drove a bit. On 4/23/2019 I still smelled gasoline and saw a puddle under the car after parking. I determined the fuel was only leaking while the car was in motion and it became apparent there was a larger issue. On 4/24/2019 I took the car to a mechanic to diagnosis where the leak was coming from. The mechanic could smell gas and found fuel residue, but nothing fresh. It was recommended that I fill the fuel tank and return to see if a leak could be found. So on 4/26/2019 I completely filled the fuel tank and returned to the mechanic. And they found that fuel is leaking from the seam of the fuel tank.

- Berwyn Heights, MD, USA

The contact owns a 2005 Volkswagen Passat. Upon starting the vehicle or driving various speeds, the contact noticed a fuel odor inside the vehicle. In addition, the check engine and anti-slip regulator warning indicators illuminated. The contact called momentum Volkswagen of clear lake at (844) 894-5461 (15100 gulf fwy, houston, tx 77034) and was informed that the VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 08V156000 (fuel system, gasoline). The failure was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The approximate failure mileage was 91,628.

- Baytown, TX, USA

This is the 4 th time I have had the check engine light come on along with misfire issues. Each time costing me at least $2000 to correct only for a short time. Have changed oil pump, plugs, injectors just to name a few. I love my car but this has been a money pit from day one. VW needs to be held responsible for these issues. Oil sludge, is a big problem too. I just had the timing belt replaced with injectors and a new gasket set up and ran good for two months and now I'm back in the same position of needing the same repairs once again. Car was driving began to shutter trying to stall. Help!

- Eureka, CA, USA

Driving home from work and smell gas comeing from vent inside cab next day drove it again and still smell gas even on outside of driverside.

- San Jose, CA, USA

My 2005 Passat is leaking gas, location is close to the rear passenger side. I called local VW dealer (where I purchased car from ) along with VW 800 number- both told me there was no recall. I took the vehicle to my local repair place woodys in ankeny, Iowa. The mechanic called me back to tell me that he did believe there was a recall 26E5-R5. I called back VW and he told me that indeed there was a prior recall however the mechanics fixed the car prior and would not fix it again. He told me that I need to have the car towed to the local VW mechanic, pay for the tow, pay for the diagnostic screening to determine if there is a true gas leak similar to the one that was recalled/fixed, then VW would possibly consider covering the charges. I'm left paying for 2 tows now (one to the place its at since they told me in the first place it wasn't covered) and then a tow to VW, plus the diagnostic appointment, and possibly the entire cost to fix it, if VW decides they don't want to cover the cost again. There was a recall, the recall obviously was supposed to be fixed and they did a poor job, my car is leaking fuel out of it (raw fuel) and smells horrible, and they want me to 'check' to see if there is an issue and possibly pay to fix it. This doesn't seem right.

- Johnston, IA, USA