Investigation PE03021: 1998–2002 Volkswagen Passat

Status

CLOSED

Opened

May 23, 2003

Closed

Oct 7, 2003

Model years

1998–2002

Subject

Passenger sir door mounting stud failure

Component: Air bags › Frontal

Summary

Odi opened a preliminary evaluation (pe03-021) based on two reports of failed bolt studs that attach the passenger supplemental inflatable restraint (psir) door cover to the instrument panel (ip) on the volkswagen (vw) passat (model years 2000, 2002).vw has indicated to odi that it has no additional reports.vw implemented a process change on march 1, 2002.this process change consisted of changing the bolt application that fastens the psir door to the ip from a weld on application to a press on application.vw also changed the material of the bolt.vw stated that the changes were made to ease production by eliminating a welding process.odi has upgraded its investigation to engineering analysis (ea03-020).

An NHTSA investigation looks into whether a safety defect exists. Opening one is not a finding. Outcomes can include a recall, closure without action, or further inquiry.

Model years covered

• 2002 Volkswagen Passat636 complaints
• 2001 Volkswagen Passat430 complaints
• 2000 Volkswagen Passat507 complaints
• 1999 Volkswagen Passat664 complaints
• 1998 Volkswagen Passat331 complaints