It's very common knowledge that the model year 2006 and 2007 3.6 engines have a fatal flaw. The oil pump bolt as installed from the factory was either specified wrong, installed wrong, or has some other defect. The engine lost power and check engine light came on. I got misfiring codes in all cylinders. The engine in my car was replaced at 11K acording with VW records because of this same issue that resulted in an fatal engine failure. The issue is the bolt that hold the oil pump in place. It comes loose or brakes in half. VW needs to recall this since it is a factory issue.

- Lebanon, NJ, USA

2006 VW Passat 3.6L 4motion, 81K miles. Check engine light (cel) and electronic power control (epc) lights came on at cruising speed. Codes pointed to a cam/crank timing issue. Access to timing chain on this model/trim requires removal of transmission. Upon removal, technician discovered that the oil pump bolt had completely sheared off which could have led to complete engine failure; the only thing keeping the oil pump assembly in place was the cover. The oil pump bolt for this model/trim appears to be defective.

- Corvallis, OR, USA

Driving car normally then check engine light and epc light came on and engine lost power and failed to shift normally. Brought to VW dealer who told me that the oil pump bolt had worked itself loose and ruined the valve timing chains and adjusters and oil pump. VW of North America failed to accept any responsibility for the failure and refused any monetary help with the repair that is estimated to be $3500.

- Howell, NJ, USA