Volkswagen Passat reliability

Drivers airbag may not deploy correctly if activated.

Fix: On the affected vehicles the airbag unit for the driver is to be checked and if necessary the gas generator replaced.

Recalled models: PASSAT · 300 vehicles

The bolted connection of the pull rod between the electromechanical brake servo and brake pedal may come loose resulting in a loss of all service braking ability.

Fix: Vehicles are not to be driven and the bolted connection of the input rod between the electromechanical brake servo and brake pedal must be checked and if necessary retightened

Recalled models: PASSAT · 145 vehicles

The positive battery cable and the cable to the control unit for battery monitoring on the main fuse box in the boot may have been mixed up.

Fix: Inspect the two connected cables on the main fuse box and if necessary swap them into the correct positions.

Recalled models: PASSAT · 243 vehicles

A condenser in the airbag control unit may fail.

Fix: The software of the airbag control unit must be updated.

Recalled models: PASSAT CC · 17,988 vehicles

Too little torque may be provided by the engine at low engine speeds.

Fix: On the affected vehicles the software of the engine control unit must be updated.

Recalled models: PASSAT · 373 vehicles

A welded connection of the rear seat bench may not have been correctly performed.

Fix: Check the welding of the mounting for right rear head restraint guides and if necessary replace the backrest frame.

Recalled models: PASSAT · 54 vehicles

A possible faulty bonded joint between sun roof trim panel and sun roof frame.

Fix: The sun roof trim panel is replaced on affected vehicles.

Recalled models: PASSAT · 8 vehicles

Increased humidity may have got into the propellant of the gas generator for the drivers air bag.

Fix: The gas generator of the front airbag on the driver side is replaced.

Recalled models: PASSAT · 786 vehicles

The rear back rest head restraint mounting is not correctly welded.

Fix: Check and replace rear back rest frame if required.

Recalled models: PASSAT · 4,027 vehicles

On Passat vehicles of a limited production period the retaining spring of the head restraint guide may be faulty because of a production problem. Because of a faulty retaining spring in an accident the head restraint may not be sufficiently secured in the guide and can come off the backrest. In the event of an accident the head restraint will come off the backrest increasing the risk of injury.

Fix: On the affected vehicles the left head restraint guides on both front seats have to be replaced.

Recalled models: PASSAT · 428 vehicles

On a limited production period a burr may have developed on the locking bar of the head restraint guide.

Fix: On affected vehicles the left head restraint guide on both front seats must be replaced.

Recalled models: PASSAT · 2,881 vehicles

On vehicles with diesel engines and stop/start system the starter motor may be permanently activated because the return spring in the solenoid switch is bent or broken. If the permanent current supply to the starter motor is not noticed overheating of the component with local scorching damage and a vehicle fire is possible.

Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and replace the solenoid switch.

Recalled models: PASSAT · 16,625 vehicles

A connection between the detonator and generator in the front passenger airbag module may not be correctly welded. Therefore the airbag may not be triggered in the event of a collision.

Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and replace the front passenger airbag module.

Recalled models: PASSAT CC · 32 vehicles

The hardening process for the rear wheel bearing housings may not have been correctly performed. In the worst case this could lead to a fractured housing. Should a fractured housing occur there would be abnormal noises bad tyre wear and a theoretical possibility of wheel loss.

Fix: Recall the 420 vehicles that are likely to be affected and replace the right and left rear wheel bearing housings.

Recalled models: PASSAT · 420 vehicles

Due to an error in the manufacturing process the air bag and/or seat belt pretensioner may not trigger in the event of a collision

Fix: On affected vehicles replace air bag assembly and seatbelt pretensioner where necessary.

Recalled models: PASSAT · 3,879 vehicles

It has been identified that due to a programing issue with the On-Board Supply Control Unit it is possible that the failure of one of the vehicle lights (dipped beam/main beam/daytime running light/rear fog light or indicator) may not be recognised by the control unit and therefore not shown in the instrument cluster. It is also possible that vehicle lights may be shown as faulty when they are not. Furthermore a failure of a dipped beam may not trigger a replacement response (activation of side lights). A light failure without a display in the instrument cluster or without replacement response can pose a danger of an accident especially in the dark.

Fix: Recall all affected vehicles to reprogramme the On-Board Supply Control Unit.

Recalled models: PASSAT · 12,440 vehicles

The electronic stability control (ESC) unit may have not have been manufactured to the correct specification. This may cause the control unit to malfunction during operation

Fix: On affected vehicles check the ESC unit and where necessary replace.

Recalled models: PASSAT · 5 vehicles

The door child locks may disengage without driver knowledge. Though the door remains close it is possible for the door to then be opened from the inside.

Fix: On affected vehicles inspect lock mechanism and replace where necessary.

Recalled models: PASSAT · 13,620 vehicles

On certain vehicles with Panorama sun roof the legally specified limits of the clamping forces for convenience opening and closing of the sun roof may not be kept. When closing the Panorama sun roof from outside with the vehicle key (convenience closing) if any body parts are in the operating area of the sun roof they can get pressed against the roof frame and possibly get injured.

Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and deactivate the convenience opening and closing of the Panorama sun roof. To do this the software for the on-board supply control unit and the sun roof control unit must be updated/ configured.

Recalled models: PASSAT · 606 vehicles

Due to an incorrect manufacturing process swarf may accumulate in the airbag control module and cause a short circuit. In extreme instances this may cause unintentional deployment of an air bag.

Fix: On affected vehicles replace the airbag control module.

Recalled models: PASSAT · 11 vehicles

The central wiring harness may not have been correctly connected to the central electrics unit. If the connector comes loose it can affect certain electrical components including braking assistance.

Fix: On affected vehicles Check wiring connection and if necessary secure connection.

Recalled models: PASSAT · 11,589 vehicles

Front wheel bearing housings with insufficient hardness may have been fitted. This can lead to a fracture of a wheel bearing housing which can affected the directional control of the vehicle.

Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected to check the casting dates of both front wheel bearing housings. Where the affected wheel bearing housings are found they will be replaced.

Recalled models: PASSAT · 303 vehicles

On 2.0l Common Rail engines of a limited production period faulty material can cause leaks on the high pressure pipes during the service life of the vehicle.

Fix: Anti-vibration balance weights will be fitted on the high-pressure pipes.

Recalled models: PASSAT · 33,719 vehicles

In rare cases an incorrect interpretation of the clutch temperature can occur which results in the clutch opening unexpectedly with loss of drive.

Fix: Recall affected vehicles and update/reprogramme gearbox control unit.

Recalled models: PASSAT · 3,514 vehicles

It has been identified that on some Passat vehicles the windscreen wipers may fail to operate because of a software fault.

Fix: Affected vehicles will have a cap for the windscreen wiper motor fitted

Recalled models: PASSAT · 43,357 vehicles

The two mass flywheel can become damaged because of a non- optimally designed through-flow restrictor in the clutch pressure pipe. This can lead to total failure of the two mass flywheel and under unfavourable circumstances a fire.

Fix: Recalled vehicles will have the manufacturer of the two mass flywheel checked and if necessary the flywheel and the breather of the clutch pressure pipe will be replaced.

Recalled models: PASSAT · 1,406 vehicles

During manufacture the steering track rod locking nuts may been tightened to an insufficient torque. As a result the attachment of the track rod may become loose.

Fix: Recalled vehicles will have the track rod locking nuts replaced on both the left and right hand sides.

Recalled models: PASSAT · 73 vehicles

It is advised that on some vehicles fitted with a 3 and 4 cylinder pump injector engine the bolts of the tandem fuel pump cover may break due to a bolt production fault. As a result the pump housing will not be tight and a diesel fuel leak may occur.

Fix: Recalled vehicles will have the pump checked for being of a certain manufacture. If found to be within the affected range the pump housing cover bolts will be replaced.

Recalled models: PASSAT · 49,701 vehicles

It has been identified that on some Passat vehicles within the affected Vin range the rear securing bolt of the right hand shock absorber mounting may not have been tightened to the correct torque. The consequence of this being that the securing bolt may break.

Fix: Recall affected vehicles and replace the subject bolt.

Recalled models: PASSAT · 1,699 vehicles

Advised by manufacturer for vehicles with PEKA tow bar the description of the ball end installation in the instruction manual is unclear. In isolated cases the ball end can loosen because of a wrong installation.

Fix: A new instruction manual will be sent to owners of affected vehicles.

Recalled models: PASSAT · 224 vehicles

1) In isolated cases misfiring after a cold start can cause the air grid in the air mass meter to become detached. In the worse case this could jam the throttle valve causing an increase in engine speed. Fuel pipes may chafe together and/or on fuel filter. 2) Metal brake pipe may be incorrectly positioned and chafe on rear subframe.

Fix: Recall affected vehicles and:- 1) Check air mass meter and air grid and install retaining ring in air mass meter. Examine fuel pipes for chafing damage and renew or reposition and secure as appropriate. 2) Examine brake pipe for chafing damage and renew or reposition and secure brake pipe as appropriate.

Recalled models: PASSAT · 74 vehicles

On certain vehicles were the owner had requested to have the passengers air bag deactivated it is possible that during the deactivation process the drivers air bag could have been deactivated instead of the passengers.

Fix: Interrogate the air bag control unit and reconnect the wiring to the drivers air bag

Recalled models: PASSAT · 121 vehicles

The pulley on the engine cooling fan may loosen causing the fan motor to seize leading to a possible electrical overload with fire risk.

Fix: Recall the affected vehicles for the fitment of a modified cooling fan and pulley.

Recalled models: PASSAT · 2,054 vehicles

The headlamp switch may overheat and result in headlamp failure.

Fix: Recall the affected vehicles for the fitting of a cable harness with control relay. In addition the light switch is to be replaced on Passat and Golf Ecomatic models as appropriate.

Recalled models: PASSAT · 28,112 vehicles