2005 Volkswagen Passat Engine Problems

“The interior heater does not work correctly. We took the vehicle to a vw mechanic oasis auto center in redding, ca. He said he cleared the coil but that a valve may also be part of the problem. This occurred in november 2011. Since we live in n. California it has not been a big issue since it is warm most of the year. I did however see this is a recall item. Please advise me if we can still get this repaired under the recall.”

“Our Passat is the tdi (diesel) model. We purchased it used and at around 185,000-190,000 (low miles by diesel engine standards), the vehicle completely shut down while being driven. I lost power steering and brakes. Diagnostics revealed that the chain driven oil pump assembly had malfunctioned. The chain broke and got all up in the engine and oil was no longer being pumped into the engine so the engine was destroyed requiring a complete engine repair. About 16,000 miles later, I was driving and the same exact thing happened. …”

“Low oil pressure do to sludge build up. Bought the car as a certified pre-owned vehicle. I bought it around 60k and at 100k I am being told that I need a new engine.”

“On 3/23/13, when turning left in traffic, the sealed for life 5-spd auto transmission made an incredibly hard shift, began slipping badly, and quickly lost 3 fwd speeds, limping in for service. Normally, a trans failure at 143k would not prompt an NHTSA complaint. It is not the car, but rather vwoa and its dealer network, that are the problem. My local dealer refused to check auto trans fluid level, and would only grudgingly do a fluid change if I wanted, for an extortionate $700, steadfastly maintaining that neither was necessary. …”

“Vehicle engine made unusual noise and stopped running. Steering and brakes became very difficult. Could not restart engine and heard loud banging from engine when starter was turning engine. Had to have vehicle pushed out of roadway. Inspection of engine revealed that the crankshaft had broken.”