Problems with 2003 Volkswagen Passat FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 volkswagen passat. while refueling the vehicle, it started to leak fuel from underneath the fuel tank. the vehicle was driven to the contact's residence. the vehicle was not taken to a dealer or an independent mechanic for diagnostic testing. the vehicle was not repaired. the approximate failure mileage was 82,500. ...updated 06-12-15 *bf the consumer stated vw customer service was advocating to get a new fuel tank installed for him at no cost. updated 06/23/15*jb

Nhtsa campaign id number: 08v156000 "fuel tank ventilation valve (4motion/all wheel drive only) that can leak due to fracture." nhtsa action number: pe08008 the car is oozing gasoline from top left (driver's) side of gas tank. there is a strong smell of gasoline inside and outside (outside due to a gas puddle). vw dealer (vw downtown los angeles) refuses to grant the repair, asking for $140 inspection fee. vwoa representative sites the recall performed in 2009. the recall ( pe08008 ) issued has 2 parts: 1) underbody heat shield installation. 2) "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." i suspect the second part was not fulfilled, given the exact nature of mechanic failure described. *tr

As i was parking my car in the school parking lot, a strong odor of gasoline started to come through the vents. i open the hood an a line behind the engine bay was squirting out gasoline directly onto the hot surface of the engine. i check online and i see that there was aprevious recall the r5 recall but many owners were being told by volkswagen that it's no longer covered or that there vin wasn't covered even though the car was the same year on the recall. i called volkswagen aswell and they mentioned to me that there was a recall but no longer active or had been serviced already. it leaks when it's on or not. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 volkswagen passat. the contact stated that after starting the vehicle, it would stall. the failure was intermittent. the vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer, who diagnosed that the fuel pump needed to be replaced. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was notified of the failure and stated that the vehicle was not included in nhtsa campaign id number: 06v017000 (fuel system, gasoline). the approximate failure mileage was 160,000.

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 volkswagen passat. the contact stated that there were gasoline fumes emitting from outside of the vehicle. the failure continued to occur over a period of one week. the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who stated that the fuel tank needed to be replaced. the vehicle was not repaired. the contact stated that the vehicle was repaired under nhtsa campaign number 08v156000 (fuel system, gasoline); however, the failure continued to occur. the manufacturer was notified of the failure. the approximate failure mileage was 108,000.

Since after the day one of the purchase my car started shaking, vibrating. i had to have coils replaced. the car started running for 2 weeks then when i was in the traffic it started shaking then stalled. i was able to pull over in the parking lot. i had wiring harness and coils replaced again this time. the car had startup issues and then mechanic replaced camshaft sensor. after 3 weeks same problem!!!! i was on the side of the road had to be towed. changed spark plugs and coils but after 2 months oh my goodness same problem now they think ecu is fried coils are bad maybe fuel pump no one is able to figure out and i cant spend any more thousands of dollars on a car im still financing. very disappointed! i don't feel safe at all on the road and im scared to cause an accident because of the stalls on the road. please help! feel very unsafe! *tr

While driving my car reported 1/4 tank than abruptly spurting and reported an empty tank, causing me to pull over on the highway due to no fuel in tank. this has happened multiple times. *js

Fuel pump failed while i was driving on the freeway. it was highly dangerous and my car had to be towed. i go to the dealer and find out that there was a fuel pump for certain 2003 vw passats but my vin number for my car did not fall under the category for the recall and therefore vw had refused to reimburse me for fixing the fuel pump. my dealer had told me that their were similar customer complaints for all vw 2003 but unfortunately my car didn't fall under the right vin. *tr

Fuel tank ventilation valve is cracked and leaking on 2003 vw passat 4motion/awd (under nhtsa campaign # 08v156000). contacted multiple dealers and vw directly and dealership/vw will not replace fuel tank under recall. both stated this recall was completed in 2009 however work completed was only one part of the recall that included adding additional heat shields. vw customer care stated vehicle was out of warranty and they could not assist. customer objected stating this is a safety concern not a warranty issue. *tr *js

2003 volkswagen passat. consumer writes in regards to safety recall 26e5/r5 concerning underbody heat shield *tgw the consumer stated due to the recall, the fuel pump failed. the consumer was informed it would cost $ 1343.00 to replace. recall # 08v156000 *jb the consumer stated even if the dealer performed the recall, she would not feel comfortable in the vehicle. updated 09/13/12

Fuel pouring out of the rear of the car. fire could happen. *tr

Coils failing randomly and causing the car to shake violently and lose power on highway. potential damage to be caused to other areas of the car because of this. ie oxygen sensor etc. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 volkswagen passat. the contact stated that there was an overpowering odor of gasoline from the vehicle. the vehicle was taken to a local mechanic where the contact was advised that there was a fuel leak and that the fuel tank needed to be replaced. there were no recalls for the failure. the manufacturer was contacted who offered no assistance. the failure mileage was 87,000.

Metal fuel line in the rear of the engine compartment dripped gasoline onto the exhaust system below, despite a patch that a vw mechanic had installed earlier. first smelled gas in march and took it to a vw repair shop. patch with clamps was added. smelled gas again in may and discovered the fuel leak. vw customer service said the leak was not a recall issue. mechanic said it was the result of a cracked fuel line, which he said is a known issue with older passats.

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 volkswagen passat. the contact stated that the vehicle was parked and shut off when he noticed a strong odor of gasoline. the contact also noticed gasoline leaking from the fuel tank. the vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer where the contact was informed that the fuel line inside of the fuel tank was leaking. the contact was also informed that the failure was not the same failure addressed in nhtsa campign id numbers: 02v026000 (fuel system, gasoline:storage:tank assembly:filler pipe and cap), 06v017000 (fuel system, gasoline:delivery:fuel pump), 07v375000 (fuel system, gasoline:delivery:fuel pump), and 08v156000 (fuel system, gasoline:delivery). the vehicle was not repaired. the failure mileage was 120,000.

I was driving my vw passat 1.8l turbo stationwagon at a speed of 40 miles per hour and the car suddenly stalled without any warning. my four month old baby was in the back in his carseat and had i been in a different setting we both could have been injured or killed. this was the first time it had occurred and once i took it to the mechanic the car started and drove fine and they could not duplicate the problem. they informed me that it was likely a parts recall issue: recall: 07v375000: fuel pump replacement. i contacted vw america, inc. and was informed that while in fact there was such a recall for 2003 passats, my vin number was not covered in the recall and thus there was nothing they could/would do to help me despite the fact that the problem appears to be the very one indicated in the recall notice. this is very frustrating and scary. *tr

Tl*the contact owns a 2003 volkswagen passat. the contact stated that he noticed a fuel odor and when he inspected, he saw that the fuel tank was leaking. the vehicle was taken to a local repair shop where the cotnact was informed that the plastic gas nozzle cracked and put pressure on the fuel tank. the vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer for recall 08v156000 (fuel system, gasoline: delivery) but the dealer would not replace the fuel tank because the fuel like was too long. the contact called the manufacturer who offered no assistance. the vehicle had not been repaired. the current and failure mileages were 107,235.

Tl*the contact owns a 2003 volkswagen passat. while fueling the vehicle, the contact noticed a strong fuel odor and noticed fuel on the ground. she loosened the fuel cap to stop it from leaking but it continued to leak. the contact had previously been taken to an authorized dealer for repair for recall 08v156000 (fuel system, gasoline: delivery) september 2008. the dealer replaced the fuel line and heat shield. the dealer refused to repair the vehicle again according to the recall. the contact called the manufacturer who took a report and advised her to take the vehicle to the dealer for a diagnosis. the current and failure mileages were approximately 84,000.

Vehicle is 2003 vw passat 4 motion. a fuel leak was detected in the tank area. automobile was brought to an independent repair shop where it was determined that there was a crack on the rollover valve. a recall was issued on this car for this problem (recall #(08v156000, nhtsa investigaiton #pe08008) and the necessary repairs were purportedly done by the authorized vw repair shop. *tr

Ruptured fuel line - pressure side fuel line failed at point where it is secured to the fire wall in engine compartment. the gromet wore through, allowing the fuel line to rub against the fastener and the line subsequently ruptured allowing fuel to escape in a large volume. *tr

Tl*the contact owns a 2003 volkswagen passat. there was a strong odor of fuel outside of the vehicle while it was parked. the contact also observed an excessive amount of fuel on the ground. the vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer for inspection and the technician stated that the failure was contributed to the fuel tank ventilation valve. nhtsa campaign id number 08v156000 (fuel system, gasoline:delivery) is related to the failure; however, the vin was excluded from the recall. the estimated repair cost was $2,000. the vehicle has not been repaired. there was concern of the significant safety hazard. the failure and current mileages were 149,000.

Fuel pump failure on 2003 vw passat. driving on interstate and lost power and was lucky to be able to coast to the side of the road. vw has a recall on this part but they claim my vehicle (nhtsa 06v01700 and 07v375000) is not in the vin range covered. i feel my fuel pump should have been covered in the recall as it is a defective unit and not safe. *tr

I have had my 2003 vw passat for 7 months now and have already had it in the shop 3 times. right after i bought it used from a vw dealership the turbo went out. i had to pay for that. i then drove the car about 150 miles for a tournament and when almost there a light came on saying to stop and turn off the engine. took it to vw dealership and it was covered by vw. it had something to do with sludge from oil. got it back and 3 days later a light came on. it was the mil light. i took it in to the vw dealership. still waiting to hear what the problem is this time. i have now had my oil changed 3 times in 5 thousand miles due to repairs. it has been one thing after another with this car so far. *tr

Tl*the contact owns a 2003 volkswagen passat. the contact stated that the fuel pump failed in his vehicle. the vehicle stuttered while driving 60 mph, stalled, and then completely lost power. the vehicle restarted for a few seconds, but then lost power again when he attempted to accelerate. the vehicle was towed to an independent repair shop and the contact was informed of nhtsa campaign id number 07v375000 (fuel system, gasoline:delivery:fuel pump). two different dealers stated that the vehicle was not included in the recall. the manufacturer agreed with the dealers. the current mileage was 76,455 and failure mileage was approximately 76,440.

Tl*the contact owns a 2003 volkswagen passat. while driving approximately 20 mph, the vehicle suddenly shut off. the vehicle was towed to an auto repair shop and the mechanic stated that the fuel pump failed. he called the local dealer to inquire about relevant recalls and was informed that there were none. through research, the contact found nhtsa campaign id number 07v375000 (fuel system, gasoline:delivery:fuel pump), but was informed that his vin was not included in the recall. the manufacturer stated that they could not offer any assistance; therefore, the contact would have to pay for the repairs. the vin was unknown. the current mileage was approximately 46,100 and failure mileage was approximately 46,000.

2003 volkwagen passat wagon w8 (4motion/all-wheel drive) fuel tank leak at/or near rollover valve at fuel tank. fuel tank has no apparent damage or abrasions and fuel tank heat shield is original undamaged condition, vehicle has no damage or crash history. vehicle is equipped with w-8 4.0 l w/ automatic transmission and has 62,215 miles. after refill of fuel ,strong odor of gasoline and/or vapor. inspection found fuel tank leaking from rollover valve and from fuel pump cover in top of tank. immediate action was taken and vehicle was delivered to dealer for remedy. *tr

2003 volkswagen passat fire*cw the consumer stated while driving a light blinked on the dashboard. according to the owner's manual, it was a light for the catalytic converter. when the consumer arrived to the dealer, the light went out, and they could not find a problem. the light returned shortly thereafter and stayed on. the dealer repaired the light. the ball joints failed, but they were not covered under warranty. soon, the light illuminated on the dashboard again, that was supposed to have been fixed by the dealer earlier in the year. the consumer continued driving, when suddenly another motorist informed her the vehicle was on fire. the fire department stated the fire was caused by the catalytic converter. the consumer's insurance agent contacted her and advised her volkswagen was covering all the cost related to the incident, because the fire was a result of a recall that had not been taken care of by the authorized dealer from where the vehicle was purchased. *jb

Got into my 2003 vw passat and smelled fuel. got out checked for leaks and none were visible. took the vehicle to repair shop for further checking. when repair shop started vehicle, fuel sprayed on catalytic converter and surrounding components. a leak in the fuel line was determined. the area of the fuel line adjacent to the fire wall had rubbed a hole. fuel line assembly had to be replaced. *tr

I have had the 2003 passat glx for less than 2 weeks, i have only put 307 miles on it. today while on the interstate, the car quit pulling. it was not getting any gas. then it died completely and would not start. it turns over but won't start. was on the side of the interstate for nearly an hour waiting for a tow truck. was told that it is the fuel pump. *tr

This car was never inspected for recalls, or safety issues. the moment the car was handed to us the battery died. the dealership quickly change the battery. the car was hesitating on acceleration ever since. it was on july 27 2008 that finally the check engine light came on. took the car to a garage and it has coast us 270 dollars to fix it so far. we have not had this car for more than a month. there are two recalls on this car that were never look at or fixed by precision toyota of tucson . one of these recalls can cause fire. *tr

Car stalled several times and eventually would not start. had it towed to nearest auto repair shop, cost $45. after diagnostic testing they stated there was nothing wrong with it and it started right up, costing another $110 for this information. a few days later car stalled and would not start. towed once again to vw dealership, cost $155. they discovered it was the fuel pump and replaced it free of charge and also check all other recalls. we received the recall letter the day after the no start. i am asking to be reimbursed for both tows and the diagnostic testing as all cost incurred were due to this recall. *tr

On approx. june 20, 2008 i received a recall notice from vw that there was a safety issue with heat shields and fuel system of my 2003 passat ( recall notice- 26e5/r5 and 66c8/p9. i made an immediate appointment with my dealership (donaldson"s vw in sayville, ny and got an appointment for june 27. because i was very concerned with the recall and the fact that the notice advised of a possibility of fire existed, i took my vehicle right down there. i was then advised by the service representative that they could not perform the necessary repairs because they were back ordered on the parts. i was also alarmed when i was told that they had no idea when they could do the repair or when the parts would come in. i am writing this in the event that my vw passat should malfunction because of a defect that could be expeditiously repaired by the dealer. *tr

Tl*the contact owns a 2003 volkswagen passat. while the consumers husband was driving 40 mph, the contact smelled gasoline. he approached a stop sign and heard a pop sound. the contact looked out her window and noticed flames coming from the wheel well on the front passenger side of the vehicle. she and her husband exited the vehicle and called the fire and police departments. a police report was filed. the insurance company was notified and began researching available recalls. the contact found a recall related to the failure, but the nhtsa campaign number was unknown. the failure and current mileages were 71,000. updated 07/15/08 *bf updated

Driving on i-87 upstate ny around albany in the fast lane about 80 miles an hour the car completely lost power. we pulled over quickly to the grassy area between the highways. we heard a sound but it might have been from the road when we pulled off or a backfire? the car was completely dead. we called 911 and a sheriff arrived soon and told us how difficult it would be to get back on the highway with traffic going 90-95 miles an hour. we had to get into the fast lane. we drove a little on the grassy area to see if the car would work. with great difficult and tremendous fear we managed to get onto the highway. we were then able to drive to nyc without problems in the slower lanes. no lights or sounds came on to warn us of the loss of power. this happened about 6 weeks ago as we were approaching the williamsburg bridge in manhattan but going at a much slower speed. we pulled over and had to restart the car. we have had the recalls from vw but not a recent one that may have come out in may. it seems like it could be a fuel tank issue. i will be taking it back to vw in brooklyn in two weeks to have them look at it. they have told me that since i did come in and get all the recalls that it could not be that. i am afraid of this car and only have about 27,000 miles after 5 years. it is a 2003 passat turbo wagon. it was a hot day on june 8th and when we turned on the car the temp out side light said 101 degrees. *tr

Tl*the contact owns a 2003 volkswagen passat. the contact stated after he received a voluntary recall in regards to the emissions system and having the repairs done, he noticed that the check engine light illuminated for approximately 2 1/2 years. the vehicle was then inspected by a independent mechanic who advised him that the valve on the fuel tank had failed. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was contacted and offered no assistance since there was a one year warranty on the voluntary recall. the failure mileage was approximately 114,000. updated 07/08/11 *bf updated 3/13/12 *cn

Check engine light was on, noticed smell of gasoline. after filling car up, gasoline began leaking from right rear of car from the gas tank. left car at dealer for service, when car was left, gasoline was still leaking. *tr

Fuel pump failure while driving on the freeway the car quite running. 1.8 liter turbo in o3 vw passat. dealer calls and tells us our vin number is not part of the recall. to call vw of north america and they should cover it. i talk to a women tell her the same thing as above and she ask me to hold while she submits the claim. she comes back on the line after 45 seconds or so and says that they won't cover it. the vin number is not part of the recall. i ask to speak to a supervisor. i am told there is no one else i can speak to and this is the finally decision of vw of north america. this is not the first failure for this car. temperature sensor replaced, brake module replaced twice, the heater core replace, the trip tronic shift replaced, instrument panel replaced, the engine flushed for sludge. cv boots replaced. they're cracked again after 3 months. *tr

When filling up the car with gasoline there is a severe fuel odor. took car to dealer and they said the "fuel tank ventilation valve" was leaking. this also happened two years ago and they replaced the fuel tank under warranty. the dealer refused to fix the problem unless i paid for it. i have noticed that they are issuing a recall for this exact problem but when i called volkswagen they said my vin number is not included. very disappointed in the car overall and would not recommend one to anyone. *tr

1. no event lead up to the failure 2. fuel leak; strong gas fumes within car. leak & fumes more prominent with warmer weather. 3. vw dealership found gas leaking from (3) locations including nipple & plastic seams where clips are attached. gas tank was replaced. *tr

After replacing the fuel pump (under recall) on my 2003 vw passat in october, 2007, i began to notice a periodic gas leak from around the gas tank. in december, 2007, i had a local mechanic investigate and he could find nothing wrong. my tank leaked again last week. *tr

Tl*the contact owns a 2003 volkswagen passat. while driving 40 mph, the vehicle vibrated and shut off without warning. in addition, the accelerator pedal extended to the floorboard when it was depressed. as of november 26, 2007, the dealer had not inspected or repaired the vehicle. there is a recall for the fuel system, gasoline: delivery: fuel pump (nhtsa campaign id number 07v375000). the current and failure mileages were 81,716.

Tl*the contact owns a 2003 volkswagen passat. while driving 10 mph, the vehicle stalled. the contact attempted to restart the vehicle, but the stalling continued and the vehicle shut off without warning. the vehicle was towed to the repair shop and the mechanic stated that the fuel pump failed and was not distributing the fuel. the fuel pump was replaced in 2005 under warranty. the current and failure mileages were 101,300. updated 01-15-08. *kb updated*jb

My car experienced a fuel pump failure as described in a recall notice found on the nhtsa web site. the vin number of my vehicle was in the range of recalled vehicles. when i contacted the manufacturer (vw) they informed me that my car was not affected by the recall. well, the car sure was affected by the defect! *tr

Tl*the contact owns a 2003 volkswagen passat. while parked in the garage, the contact smelled a strong gaseous odor coming from the vehicle. she examined the vehicle and adjusted the fuel cap. the smell still lingered. the contact removed the vehicle from the garage and parked it on the street. the vehicle was then towed to the dealer and they stated that the fuel tank valve failed and the fuel tank needed to be replaced. no repairs have been made. the current mileage was 96,703 and failure mileage was 96,670. *updated 12/27/07 *lj the consumer stated the vehicle was paid in full by the manufacturer on october 8, 2007. updated 12/12/07 *tr

After filling up my 2003 volkswagen passat 4-motion, v6 with fuel, i noticed a strong fuel odor. after inspecting under the car, i found a fuel leak on the gas tank. i took it to our local repair shop that specializes in volkswagens since i am 140 miles from the nearest dealer to be checked out. they discovered that one of the 90 degree connectors for the vapor line on top of the tank had cracked. the whole tank has to be replaced as you can't just replace the connector. the tank is plastic and the connector has a steel sleeve in it to make it more rigid. on inspection of the old tank, it was discovered that three (3) sleeves on the 3 vent connectors had worked there way out of the connectors so they just sit there and flex until they fail. this type of bad design cvould have resulted in an explosion and serious injury to myself or my family. on contacting vw consumer line they were concerned but not enough to admit a problem or help pay for the replacement as my mileage was too high. mileage should not have anything to do with those vent connectors failing. i know this is not a unique occurrence since another vw passat came in two days later to the same repair shop with exactly the same problem. *tr

Vehicle would not start on aug. 26. starter cranked but engine failed to turn over and start. dealer diagnosed as fuel pump failure. vehicle has approximately 88,000 miles. we were informed manufacturer vw has recalled fuel pumps for this make and model year (2003) but not this particular vin. we also understand vw originally limited recall to an even smaller batch of vins. we believe the fuel pump defect is more extensive than vw is willing to acknowledge. the repair is currently not under warranty and will cost our family approximately $655 to repair, plus towing and car rental costs. we are lucky the failure occurred during a cold start and not on the road, where we could have been stranded in a desert, a storm, or the middle of an intersection with oncoming traffic. this is a major safety concern. after dealer claimed to have fixed problem on aug. 29,2007, we took the vehicle home and it again failed to start, or even crank. dealer has towed it back and is reviewing. *tr updated 01-15-08. *kb the consumer stated the second failure was diagnosed as a failed battery. updated *jb

Tl*the contact owns a 2003 volkswagen passat. the vehicle was taken to the dealer for routine maintenance when the dealer noticed a failed exterior brake light switch. the dealer stated that the vin was not included in recall number 07v063000 (exterior lighting:brake lights:switch). the contact felt that the recall should be expanded to include his vehicle. the current and failure mileages were 72,000. updated 02-01-08 *bf the consumer stated this is the 3rd recall the vehicle was not included in due to the vin number. the consumer stated the fuel pump problem the company fixed because they could not dispute it. updated 02/01/08 *tr

The fuel tank ruptured causing fuel to split from the top of the tank and onto the ground. *jb

Tl*the contact owns a 2003 volkswagen passat. while driving 60 mph, the vehicle came to a complete stop. the dealer stated that the fuel pump malfunctioned and they will not repair the vehicle. the current and failure mileages were 74,000.

While driving 2003 vw passat the engine stalled out (no fuel) causing near accident by passing vehicles. drifted to side of road. after 100 mile tow to vincent volkswagen dealer in rochester, they found no problem. car did run two days. the same stall-out occurred three days later. another tow to a dealer (schmitts garage) to attempt to repair. not sure what the problem is but strongly suspect fuel pump or control system for fuel or fuel line system. there have been previous recalls on some 2003 passat fuel system items including fuel pumps (potential to cause crash when fail) . was told my passat was not part of the other 2003 passat fuel pump/system recall. however, are more fuel pump units bad that vw doesn't realize which could cause major accidents, head on collisions during passing. filed this with vw customer care. two weeks prior brake lights did not work and was nearly rear ended. vw dealer replaced defective brake switch which initially wasn't on the recall list but was recently added. two near major accidents in two weeks due to equipment failures. *tr