This has happened multiple times, at low speeds, car goes into limp home mode randomly and creaks along at 8 miles an hour, most recently lost braking power and message comes up "hybrid error, pull over in a safe location." Then when you turn it off and on again it works fine. This is not helpful as there is no information for the mechanic to go by to solve the problem. We have replaced the catalytic converter, both fuel pumps and pre-fuel pump mechanisms and still the odd error message lack of car running. I am thinking about using it as a planter in my yard, currently is it living with the mechanic waiting to behave badly again, so he can try and the problem, but not driveable by an ordinary citizen. It has happened, while slowing down, while turning, all at low speeds, but that doesn't really help much. I still can't drive it. It has 138K on a hybrid engine. It was rear-ended and repaired about 3 years ago, but it ran fine after that for a couple of years. This is a mystery problem.

- Santa Cruz, CA, USA

The vehicle recently completed a 70,000 mile service at the local VW dealer. Two days after the service, the vehicle began to exhibit the faint smell of fuel on the driver's rear side of the vehicle when parked. With each passing day, the scent of fuel continues to increase and now enters the vehicle cabin at low idle speeds (especially when exiting major roads of travel).

- San Pedro, CA, USA

Hesitation of vehicle when entering on ramp to highway. This has happened multiple times and will lead to an accident.

- Attleboro, MA, USA

Glow plug warning light came on and vehicle lost throttle response -- did not stop running but felt like running on 1/2 cylinders. Pulled off the highway at the next opportunity; vehicle died at the end of the off-ramp and could not be re-started. Vehicle towed to nearest VW dealer, who says that the entire fuel system must be replaced from back to front. Dealer claims that rear lift pump caused the incident but also says the hpfp (injector pump) failed. Three weeks into the incident the vehicle is still being repaired.

- Cuba, NY, USA