Recall 08V156000: 1999–2005 Volkswagen Passat

Report received

Apr 7, 2008

Manufacturer

Volkswagen of america, inc

Potentially affected

412,000vehicles

Model years

1999–2005

Check your own vehicle. A recall applies only to vehicles within the affected build range. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer.

What NHTSA recorded

Volkswagen is recalling 412,000 my 1999-2005 passat (5th generation) vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions and produced after june 14, 1999. These vehicles may have an underbody heat shield that can become damaged. In addition, affected vehicles with automatic or manual transmissions may have a fuel line (1.8t engines only) or fuel tank ventilation valve (4motion/all wheel drive only) that can leak due to fracture.

Possible consequence

A heat shield that may contact the exhaust system can result in a vehicle fire. In addition, a fuel leak from a fuel line or fuel tank ventilation valve, in the presence of an ignition source, can lead to a vehicle fire.

Remedy

Dealers will install additional underbody heat shields on vehicles with automatic transmissions to cover the possibly damaged areas and flash all 1.8t engines with a precautionary software update. Dealers will also inspect and adjust the fuel line routing on 1.8t vehicles and the fuel tank ventilation valve on 4motion/all wheel drive vehicles, and replace components if necessary free of charge. The recall began on june 13, 2008. Owners may contact volkswagen at 1-800-822-8987.

Affected model years

Pages for each model year show complaints, parts, mileage and other recalls.

• 1999 Volkswagen Passat664 complaints
• 2000 Volkswagen Passat507 complaints
• 2001 Volkswagen Passat430 complaints
• 2002 Volkswagen Passat636 complaints
• 2003 Volkswagen Passat628 complaints
• 2004 Volkswagen Passat279 complaints
• 2005 Volkswagen Passat148 complaints