2002 Volkswagen Passat problems
The Volkswagen Passat is a nameplate of large family cars (D-segment) manufactured and marketed by the German automobile manufacturer Volkswagen since 1973. It has been marketed variously as the Dasher, Santana, Quantum, Magotan, Corsar and Carat, with varying body styles such as saloon, estate, and hatchback.
A "four-door coupé" variant of the Passat with a lower roof was released in the North American market in 2008 as the Passat CC, which was then renamed to Volkswagen CC. The CC was succeeded by the Arteon in 2017.
In January 2011, Volkswagen introduced a separate Passat model line, internally designated "Volkswagen New Midsize Sedan" or NMS, that was manufactured in the US at the Chattanooga assembly plant and in China at Nanjing by SAIC-Volkswagen. Developed to increase Volkswagen sales in North America, the Passat NMS is larger and cost less to produce. sold in the North America, South Korea, China, and Middle East. The separate B8 Passat model entered production in Europe in 2014, based on the MQB platform.
In 2019, the Passat NMS program was split into two as the North American one continued being produced on an older platform while the Chinese Passat moved on to the MQB platform, which resulted in Volkswagen marketed three models under the Passat nameplate globally at that time. The North American Passat was discontinued after the 2022 model year.
Volkswagen ended the production of the saloon Passat for the European market in 2022. The B9 Passat, released in 2023, is only available in an estate body style. The Passat continues to be available as a saloon in China.
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Common 2002 Volkswagen Passat problems
The Volkswagen Passat, produced since 1973, is a popular midsize sedan known for its comfortable ride and spacious interior. However, like any vehicle, it has faced its share of issues, particularly in the 2002 model year.
One major problem with the 2002 Volkswagen Passat is engine sludge, which can lead to engine failure.
Another common issue with the 2002 Passat is engine misfires, which can be caused by various factors, including faulty ignition coils or spark plugs. Engine misfires can lead to reduced performance, increased fuel consumption, and even catalytic converter damage if left unaddressed.
Additionally, the 2002 Passat has faced problems with the digital display in the instrument cluster, which can go dark or lose its ability. This issue can be particularly frustrating for drivers, as it can make it difficult to read important information, such as speed and fuel level.
Interior accessory problems have also plagued the 2002 Passat, with some drivers reporting issues with the garage door opener falling out of the visor. This problem can be both annoying and distracting, and while some drivers have had the visor replaced, others have resorted to using carpet tape to keep the garage opener in place.
While the 2002 Passat has faced several significant issues, it is essential to note that Volkswagen has acknowledged some of these problems and offered extended warranties or reimbursements in some cases. However, if you are considering purchasing a used Passat, it is crucial to research the specific model year and be aware of any known issues.
In summary, the 2002 Volkswagen Passat has faced several common problems, including engine sludge, engine misfires, digital display issues, and interior accessory problems. While Volkswagen has acknowledged some of these issues, it is essential to be aware of them when considering purchasing a used Passat. Regular maintenance, including frequent oil changes and addressing any issues promptly, can help ensure the longevity and reliability of the vehicle.
What is the common problem in VW Passat?
The VW Passat scores well in major reliability ratings with a 3.5 out of 5.0 from RepairPal and a 4.5 out of 5.0 from J.D. Power. Common Volkswagen Passat problems include issues with interior accessories, steering problems, and oil sludge problems.
Is 2002 Passat reliable?
This is a very reliable car
It is dependabe and has plenty of power.
How many miles can a 2002 Volkswagen Passat last?
A Passat should easily go 200,000+ miles with proper care.
Is a Volkswagen Passat a good reliable car?
Is a used Volkswagen Passat saloon reliable? The Passat got a good score of 96.4% in the executive car class in our most recent reliability survey, and came in fifth place out of 26 cars.
Is 2002 Passat reliable?
This is a very reliable car
It is dependabe and has plenty of power.
What is the common problem in VW Passat?
The VW Passat scores well in major reliability ratings with a 3.5 out of 5.0 from RepairPal and a 4.5 out of 5.0 from J.D. Power. Common Volkswagen Passat problems include issues with interior accessories, steering problems, and oil sludge problems.
How many miles can a 2002 Volkswagen Passat last?
A Passat should easily go 200,000+ miles with proper care.
Is a Volkswagen Passat a good reliable car?
Is a used Volkswagen Passat saloon reliable? The Passat got a good score of 96.4% in the executive car class in our most recent reliability survey, and came in fifth place out of 26 cars.
2002 Volkswagen Passat car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Volkswagen Passat problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Electrical system problems
- Engine and engine cooling problems
- Service brakes problems
- Fuel system problems
- Gasoline problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 2002 Volkswagen Passat vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Latest 25 complaints 2002 Volkswagen Passat
The NHTSA has received 651 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2002 Volkswagen Passat. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 2002 Volkswagen Passat vehicles.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-07-25
- VIN: WVWPD63B32P
- Components: FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: I was letting my car run for a couple of minutes for the AC to cool down the car and I went into my house. When I came out about 2 minutes later, there was a large puddle of gas under the car in front of the right rear wheel and gas was running down the driveway all the way to the street. I immediately turned off the car and the gas stopped pouring out from under the car. I was lucky the car, my house or I did not go up in flames.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-09-11
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- VIN: WVWPD63B02P
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING INTO THE MALL PARKING LOT AT SPEED OF 20 MPH ALL AIRBAGS EXPLODED EXCEPT THE STEERING WHEEL AIRBAG AND MY DAUGHTER SUFFERED FROM ARM AND AIR INJURIES
POWER TRAIN,STRUCTURE,ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2018-12-15
- VIN: WVWPD63B52P
- Components: POWER TRAIN,STRUCTURE,ENGINE
- Summary: WHEN IT RAINS THE CAR GETS FLOODED CAUSING THE WHOLE WIRING SYSTEM THROUGH THE CAR TO GET DAMAGE. THE CAR WILL SUDDENLY LOSE POWER AND DIE AS YOUR DRIVING. SEEMS TO HAPPEN. WHEN ON HIGHWAY MOST. THE CAR WILL NOT START OR CRANK. I'VE HAD TO VACUUM THE FLOOR BOARDS AND TRUNK, SEARCH FOR DAMAGED WIRES, CHANGE RELAYS AS WELL AS CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR, AND FUEL PUMP.AS WELL AS SENSORS. TRYING TO GET IT RUNNING AGAIN. ALSO THE TRANSMISSION JERKS VERY HARD WHEN TRYING TO GO INTO REVERSE AND MOST OF THE TIME IN SLIPS OUT OF GEAR WITHIN1OR 2 SECONDS.
SUSPENSION,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2016-01-01
- VIN: WVWVD63BX2E
- Components: SUSPENSION,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: HEADLIGHT PIGTAILS HAVE MELTED ,FUEL PUMP HAS GONE ,AND THE PLASTIC RESERVOIR PEICE FROM MY COOLANT PUMP HAS MELTED OFF DRIVER SIDE WIPER ARM BAR HAS MALFUNCTIONED
SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2018-03-01
- VIN: WVWPD63B82P
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: THE ABS LIGHT CAME ON AND BRAKE LIGHT IS FLASHING RED. THE ABS MODULE SEEMS TO BE BAD. THE VEHICLE HAS THESE LIGHTS WHEN ITS MOVING AND STATIONARY
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2018-02-16
- VIN: WVWYH63BX2E
- Components: FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: FUEL LEAKING FROM FITTING ON TOP OF TANK NEAR FUEL LEVEL SENDING UNIT.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2017-11-27
- VIN: WVWUK63B82P
- Components: FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: I PURCHASED A 2002 PASSAT W8 4-MOTION, HAVING ONLY 126,000 MILES ON THE ODOMETER, IN OCTOBER 2017 OFTEN AFTER REFUELING THE VEHICLE, I WOULD NOTICE THE FAINT SCENT OF GASOLINE. UPON INVESTIGATING WHERE THE GASOLINE SMELL WAS ORIGINATING, I FOUND IT HAD DEVELOPED A VERY LARGE FUEL LEAK FROM WHICH FUEL COULD BE SEEN DRIPPING ON THE FORWARD, LEFT SIDE OF THE FUEL TANK. AFTER PERFORMING SOME BRIEF RESEARCH, I FOUND THAT THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE PASSAT 4-MOTIONS, DATED APRIL 2008, IN REGARDS TO A VENTILATION VALVE ON THE FUEL TANK. I PROMPTLY MADE A APPOINTMENT WITH MY LOCAL VW DEALER FOR DEC 4TH. ON DECEMBER 6, 2017, I CONTACTED THE DEALERSHIP ASKING JAY, THE SERVICE MANAGER AT THE VW DEALERSHIP, IF THEY FOUND THE VENT VALVE TO BE LEAKING. I WAS TOLD THAT THE VALVE WAS IN FACT LEAKING AT THE BONDED VALVE POINT. AFTER HEARING NOTHING THE NEXT TWO DAYS, I RECEIVED A PHONE CALL FROM VW STATING THAT THEY FOUND THE UNDER-BODY DAMAGE TO BE THE CAUSE OF THE LEAK. I REQUESTED TO SEE THE PICTURES OF THE DAMAGE SO THAT I COULD EXAMINE THEM MYSELF. ON DECEMBER 11, 2017, I RECEIVED THE PICTURES FROM THE SERVICE MANAGER SHOWING THE HEAT SHIELDS SURROUNDING THE TANK TO HAVE SOME BRUSH MARKS AND TO BE DISFIGURED A BIT. PLEASE KEEP IN MIND, THIS WAS A KNOWN ISSUE IN THE EARLY 2000'S, AND THE VEHICLE IS NOW 15 YEARS OLD WITH 127,000 MILES ON IT AND THE RECALL HAD BEEN COMPLETED. THIS "DAMAGE" WOULD NOT LEAD TO A FUEL TANK LEAK AS THE FUEL TANK ITSELF WAS NOT DAMAGED. VERY UPSET, I WROTE TO THE REGIONAL CASE MANAGER ON DEC 11, 2017 WITH MY THOUGHTS ON THE DAMAGE AND TO GET MORE DETAILS ON THE CASE. I HAVE YET TO RECEIVE A RESPONSE.
SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2017-05-01
- VIN: WVWSH63B72P
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: THE ABS BRAKES ARE FAULTY....THEY WORK RANDOMLY. FROM WHAT I HAVE RESEARCH THIS PARTICULAR MODULAR SHOULD HAVE BEEN A FACTORY RECALL.....
SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2017-12-02
- VIN: WVWRH63B82P
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: I GET AN AUDIO AND VISUAL ALERT ON MY DASH STATING TO 'STOP, BRAKE FAILURE' IT HAS OCCURRED MANY TIMES WHILE DRIVING, TURNING, AND PARKED WITH THE CAR ON. THE CAR'S BRAKES HAVE NEVER FAILED TO BRAKE APPROPRIATELY. I BROUGHT THE CAR INTO MY MECHANIC. THE OBD 2 SCAN SHOWS NO FAULTS AND MY MECHANIC SAYS THE BRAKES ARE FINE AND THESE CARS ARE KNOWN TO HAVE A FAULTY ELECTRONIC BOARD WHICH FALSELY ALERTS OF A BRAKE FAILURE.
SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2017-08-26
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: ABS LIGHT IS ON
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2017-06-01
- VIN: WVWPD63B22P
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: AIR BAG FAULT MESSAGE WHEN STARTING MY CAR EVERYTIME.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2015-04-18
- VIN: WVWUK63B52P
- Components: FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: WHEN FUEL TANK HAS APPROXIMATELY 8 GALLONS OR MORE, FUEL POURS OUT FROM UNDER THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE ABOUT TWO FEET FROM THE OUTER KICK PANEL. NOTICED THERE WAS A RECALL AND VWOA SAID THAT MY VIN DOES NOT QUALIFY FOR THE RECALL DESPITE MY EXPLAINING THAT THE PROBLEM IS IDENTICAL TO OTHER COMPLAINTS ON VEHICLES THAT WERE RECALLED. THIS WAS AT 118K MILES AND IT HAPPENED TO THE PREVIOUS OWNER ARROUND 80K.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2017-05-09
- VIN: WVWTH63B92P
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: THE GAS TANK IS LEAKING ON THE UPPER SIDE BEHIND THE REAR SEATS WHEN IS FULL. I THINK VOLKSWAGEN RECALLED SOME VEHICLES FOR THE SAME PROBLEM IN THE PAST.
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2017-02-22
- VIN: VWVWD63B82E
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: DIDNT EXPLAIN FULLY THE FIRST TIME, SO HERE GOES. MY VW HAS ENGINE FAILURE, VW HAD A LAWSUIT AGAINST THEM SOME YEARS BACK BECAUSE OF A ENGINE SLUDGE PROBLEM. THE ENGINE RAN HOT BECAUSE IT WAS A TURBO POWERED ENGINE, PLUS NOT HAVING ENOUGH OIL TO KEEP IT COOL. CAUSING THE OIL TO BREAKDOWN AND MAKE SLUDGE WHICH CLOGGED UP THE OIL PUMP AND STARVED THE ENGINE OF OIL LEADING TO ENGINE FAILURE. THIS IS WHAT IM EXPERENCING RIGHT NOW, I HAVE ENGINE FAILURE DUE TO SLUDGE. VW LOST THAT LAWSUIT AND STILL WONT ACKNOWLEDGE THE DESIGN FLAW, IM STILL MAKING PAYMENTS ON MY CAR, IT RAN PERFECT. ALL MAINTENANCE RECORDS ARE DOCUMENTED, THE CAR IS IN ALMOST PERFECT CONDITION FOR A 2002. I WANT VW TO FIX WHAT THEY CREATED, I DONT HAVE 3000 DOLLARS TO BUY AN ENGINE FOR IT. ITS NOT MY DESIGN! I WAS DRIVING DOWN ATLANTIC AVE IN RALEIGH NC GOING 45 MPH WHEN MY ENGINE DIED, HAD TO PUSH MY CAR OUT OF TRAFFIC INTO A NEARBY PARKING LOT.
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2017-02-22
- VIN: WVWVD63B82E
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: ENGINE FAILURE, CAR WAS DRIVING PERFECT NO PROBLEMS. ALL OF A SUDDEN IT STARTS VIBRATING AND SHAKING OUT OF CONTROL. CALLED MY MECHANIC HE TOLD ME TO BRING IT BY, I STARTED ON MY WAY TO DRIVE TO THE SHOP SO HE COULD TAKE A LOOK. CAR DIED 1 MILE FROM SHOP WHILE I WAS DRIVING IN TRAFFIC. I WAS GOING 45MPH WGEN IT FAILED, I HAD TO GET OUT THE CAR PUSH IT OUT OF TRAFFIC BY MYSELF. A VW PASSAT WAGON! HEAVY? YES VERY MUCH SO. GOT IT TOWED MY MECHANIC LOOKED AT IT AND SAID IT WASNT GETTIN ENOUGH OIL.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2016-12-01
- VIN: WVWTH63B22P
- Components: FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: FUEL LEAK AFTER FILLING GAS TANK. LEAK ON DRIVER SIDE UNDER REAR DOOR. STOPS AFTER GAGE IS BELOW 3/4 FULL.
SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2016-11-02
- VIN: WVWPD63B72P
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: PERIODICALLY, WHEN DRIVING, THE "ABS", "BRAKE", AND THE "ANTI SLIP REGULATION" LIGHTS WILL FLASH WITH AN ALARM SOUND THAT LASTS AROUND THREE SECONDS AND THE LIGHTS GO OFF. THIS HAPPENS WHEN THE CAR IS RUNNING AND HAS HAPPENED ON THE HIGHWAY AND WHILE STOPPED. THERE IS NO DIFFERENCE IN THE WAY THE CAR HANDLES, DRIVES, OR BRAKES DURING AND AFTER THIS OCCURS. ON ONE INSTANCE THE "ANTI SLIP REGULATION" LIGHT STAYED ON AND I HAD TO STOP AND SHUT THE CAR OFF. WHEN I STARTED IT AGAIN, THE LIGHT WAS EXTINGUISHED. THIS HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR 3-4 MONTHS AND ONLY HAPPENS ABOUT ONCE A WEEK.
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC) PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2016-07-19
- VIN: WVWPD63B52P
- Components: ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
- Summary: ABS LIGHT COMES ON WHILE DRIVING BRAKES LIGHT FLASHES ON AND OFF WITH NOISE
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2016-08-03
- VIN: WVWTH63BX2P
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE LEAKED FUEL WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED PER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 08V156000 (FUEL SYSTEM), BUT THE REMEDY FAILED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VENTILATION VALVE WAS FRACTURED AND CAUSED FUEL TO LEAK. ALSO, THE TANK ONLY LEAKED WHEN IT WAS MORE THAN HALF FULL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 110,000. UPDATED 01/25/17*LJ *TR
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2016-08-05
- VIN: WVWTH63BX2P
- Components: FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED A FUEL LEAK. UPON FURTHER INSPECTION, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE FUEL LEAK ORIGINATED NEAR THE REAR OF THE EXHAUST. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT THERE WAS A FUEL LEAK IN THE VEHICLE COMING FROM THE TOP OF THE FUEL TANK. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 08V156000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE); HOWEVER, THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 130,000.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2016-07-27
- VIN: WVWTH63B52P
- Components: FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: REPORT RECEIPT DATE: APR 07, 2008 NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 08V156000 COMPONENT(S): FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE WHEN FUEL TANK IS MORE THAN 3/4 FUEL A FUEL SMELL APPEARS INSIDE THE VEHICLE. A PRIOR RECALL WAS DONE FOR A HEAT SHIELD, FUEL LINE AND 4MOTION FUEL TANK VENT VALVE FOR INSPECTION AND REPLACE AS NEEDED. THESE SEEM TO FAIL AGAIN. MOST DEALERS MARK RECALL AS PERFORMED WITHOUT A LEAK AND WHEN THE LEAK ACTUALLY OCCURS THEY TRY TO DENY THE ISSUE AS PERFORMED ALREADY. THIS NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED SO THAT OWNERS OF LOWER MILEAGE VEHICLES ( UNDER 150000) CAN GET THE REPAIR FIXED UNDER A RECALL THAT HAS BEEN ON THE VEHICLE PRIOR.
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2015-07-15
- VIN: WVWPD63BX2P
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: LOW OIL PRESSURE LIGHT CAME ON FOR THE FIRST TIME AND NOW ENGINE MAKES A TICKING NOISE. THERE WAS A RECALL FOR THIS ISSUE. NOW I'M STUCK WITH A CAR I CAN'T GET FIXED. FOR AN ISSUE THAT HAD A LAW SUIT.
POWER TRAIN,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2016-02-10
- VIN: WVWPD63B72P
- Components: POWER TRAIN,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: I STARTED MY CAR AND PROCEEDED TO DRIVE DOWN AROUND CITY STREETS FOR ABOUT 5 MINUTES. I WAS GOING SPEED LIMIT(25-30 MPH) DURING A COOL NIGHT(60*F). I STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT AND THEN MY TEMPERATURE GAUGE SPIKED(CAR WAS SLIGHTLY BELOW NORMAL TEMPERATURE PRIOR(190*F; ACCORDING TO GAUGE); THIS GAUGE SPIKE WAS FOLLOWED BY A BATTERY INDICATOR LIGHT WHICH SIMULTANEOUSLY CUT OFF MY ENGINE. MY CAR BECAME IMMOBILE AND I LOST BRAKE AND STEERING FUNCTION. HOWEVER, MY RADIO AND CAR LIGHTS STILL WORKED! LUCKILY THERE WAS NO SURROUNDING CARS AND MY PARKING BRAKE WAS FUNCTIONAL. I THEN TURNED OFF THE CAR, WAITED A FEW MINUTES AND ATTEMPTED TO TURN OVER THE ENGINE ONCE MORE. IT DID START HOWEVER I AM WORRIED THIS MAY HAPPEN AGAIN UNDER LESS FORGIVING CIRCUMSTANCES.
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2015-12-05
- Fire: 1
- VIN: WVWVD63B22E
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION, DRIVING UPHILL. NEEDLE ON THERMOSTAT GAUGE SUDDENLY PERKED REALLY FAST TOWARDS HOT. ENGINE LIGHT WENT ON. VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO SIDE OF ROAD AND ENGINE WAS SHUT OFF. SMOKE WAS COMING OUT OF FRONT OF ENGINE. DRIVER STEPPED OUT OF CAR. WHILE INSPECTING THE FRONT OF THE CAR, THE DRIVER SAW FLICKERING FLAMES UNDER RIGHT SIDE OF ENGINE (AS SEEN FROM INSIDE). DRIVER TOOK SLEEPING CHILD OUT OF CAR SEAT AND STEPPED AWAY FROM CAR. CAR WAS ENGULFED IN FIRE WITHIN MINUTES AND COMPLETELY BURNT UP.
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2015-09-20
- Fire: 1
- VIN: WVWPD63B72P
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2002 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, AN EXTREMELY LOUD NOISE EMITTED FROM THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE WAS MANEUVERED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE CONTACT EXITED THE VEHICLE AND LARGE FLAMES IGNITED UNDERNEATH THE HOOD. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE AND STATED THAT THE FIRE ORIGINATED FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 172,808.
2002 Volkswagen Passat recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 4 recalls for different components of the 2002 Volkswagen Passat.
- Manufacturer: The Gates Corporation
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
- Summary: The Gates Corporation (Gates) is recalling certain aftermarket Tru-Flow Water Pumps, part number TFW 41127, sold at certain NAPA Auto Parts and/or installed by automotive service technicians after November 1, 2013 (and manufactured August 2013 through October 2013) that have a black-colored pulley/sprocket or do not have 'US9377' stamped on the water pump housing. These service replacement parts were sold for use in model year 1999-2005 Audi A4, 2000-2006 Audi TT, 1998-2005 Volkswagen Beetle, 1999-2006 Golf, 1999-2008 and 2011-2013 Volkswagen Jetta, and 2000-2005 Volkswagen Passat. In the affected water pumps, the pulley or sprocket that turns the timing belt may develop microfractures causing the timing belt to fail.
- Consequence: A failure of the timing belt may cause the engine to shut down, potentially increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
- Remedy: Gates will notify owners, and dealers will replace the water pump, free of charge. The recall began during May 2014. Owners may contact The Gates Corporation at 1-303-744-1911.
- Manufacturer: VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA, INC
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY
- Summary: 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.
- 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.
- Manufacturer: VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA,INC
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: CERTAIN SEDANS AND STATION WAGONS EQUIPPED WITH 4.0L W8 ENGINES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS." THE AFFECTED VEHICLES ARE EQUIPPED WITH TIRES OF THE MAXIMUM LOAD RATING INDEX 93H; HOWEVER, THEY SHOULD HAVE BEEN EQUIPPED WITH TIRES WITH THE LOAD RATING INDEX 97H.
- Consequence: THESE VEHICLES SHOULD HAVE BEEN EQUIPPED WITH TIRES HAVING THE LOAD RATING INDEX 97H.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE ALL FOUR TIRES WITH THE PROPER SIZE TIRES. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN SEPTEMBER 19, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT VW AT 1-800-822-8987.
- Manufacturer: VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA,INC
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:FILLER PIPE AND CAP
- Summary: ON SOME PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE FUEL TANK FILLER NECK CAN SUFFER ABRASION DAMAGE IF THE REAR TIRE GOES FLAT AND THE VEHICLE IS DRIVEN UNTIL THE TIRE DISINTEGRATES.
- Consequence: FUEL LEAKAGE CAN OCCUR INCREASING THE RISK OF A FIRE.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL FIT PASSAT VEHICLES WITH A NEW WHEEL HOUSE LINER THAT WILL BETTER PROTECT THE CAR'S FILLER NECK. JETTA VEHICLES WILL BE FITTED WITH A DIFFERENT METAL SHIELD DESIGNED TO ENHANCE ABRASION PROTECTION IN THE EVENT OF TIRE DISINTEGRATION. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JUNE 13, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT VOLKSWAGEN AT 1-800-822-8987.
Negative 2002 Volkswagen Passat car reviews
Positive 2002 Volkswagen Passat car reviews
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When the W8 first appeared last year, many of the reviews were unhelpful, focusing on the price rather than the substantive qualities of this unique vehicle. However, after driving this car for 18 months, I can confidently say that I have absolutely no complaints. In fact, there is no other vehicle that comes close to matching this car's standard features for anything like the price. It looks and drives better than the A6. I am surprised that VW doesn't market the car more heavily in the U.S., but I am happy to keep the secret. People who know about cars like this car.
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The Passat has a stunning design and provides an exceptional driving experience. However, the cost of repairs has been quite high, and we have had to make several repairs. Despite this, we have complete confidence in the vehicle's performance. Although we had some initial issues that were covered by warranty, VW faced some challenges in obtaining the necessary parts, which took almost a month to resolve (this was late in 2001). We had some difficulties with VW Customer Care, which was not what we expected from a German car company. Overall, the Passat is a fantastic car, and we highly recommend it to anyone who can afford it.
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I bought this car when it was less than a year old with about 20000 miles for $15500. Currently, it has 138000 miles and a private party value of $4500. The value of the car has been increasing over the past 3 years! It is an absolute joy to drive with the 4 cyl turbo and 34mpg. The black on black styling is timeless and shines nicely. I highly recommend using synthetic oil and VW coolant. It is important to find a specialized VW mechanic to keep the car running well for a reasonable price. I have replaced the timing belt/water pump at 80k, both front window regulators, 3 sets of tires/brakes, 2 CV joints, 1 set of rotors, and the fuel pump at 136k due to ethanol.
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(1) Hi there! The car delivers an impressive 273 ft.lbs. of torque at only 2,750 RPM, so you can feel the power right away. It handles like a dream, providing great road feel and just enough cushioning on rough patches. (2) I have some suggestions for the interior, which I'll share below. Also, if you're like me and need a navigation system, you'll be happy to know that the dealer was willing to install a top-of-the-line Kenwood navigation-stereo system for only $4,000. I also added VW's 6-CD changer in the trunk. (3) The total price came out to $40,000 plus taxes and tags. Let me know if you have any questions!
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4motion is great!
Other years of Volkswagen Passat
Are you having problems with your 2002 Volkswagen Passat?
Geovanni Kub 2025-01-05
This car has had a number of issues, including a malfunctioning heater, oil pressure warnings, burnt-out ignition coils, and frequent headlamp replacements. Despite these challenges, I have been able to keep the car running smoothly with regular maintenance and repairs. I am confident in my ability to address any future issues that may arise and keep this car running for years to come.
Allen Gottlieb 2024-10-27
Although my experience with this car was not great, it taught me a valuable lesson about trusting my instincts. Despite the dealer's insistence that the engine light was a fluke, I should have known better. The car had several issues, including a faulty electrical system, malfunctioning doors, and a problematic keyfob linkage. Additionally, the car had a tendency to short out after rain, which was a major inconvenience. Despite these issues, I was able to get the car fixed and eventually traded it in for a Chevrolet. Overall, this experience taught me to be more cautious when purchasing a used car and to trust my instincts when something seems off.
Cooper Eichmann 2024-09-24
This was an experiment in 'Premium German Engineering' that I will never repeat. Unfortunately, it has been the worst car I have ever owned. In just 8 months, I have had to deal with a long list of issues, including catalytic converters, brakes, oil leaks, coolant leaks, broken power seats, and inferior leather seats. The scheduled maintenance has also been quite expensive, with brake work costing $2k, cats costing $2300, and timing belt replacement plus getting rid of the plastic water pump costing $1500. If you are considering buying a used car, I would advise you to run away from this one. However, if you must have a VW, I would recommend buying a new one and selling it before it's 4 years old. Period.
Nathanael Rohan 2024-09-05
The 2002 1.8t Passat Wagon is a feature-packed car with a sleek design and impressive turbo. However, in my experience, there were some issues that arose shortly after purchasing the car, such as the a/c compressor/clutch, glove box handle, and heat not working properly. Additionally, there were some concerns with the tiptronic and transmission. Despite these challenges, I remained confident in my ability to address these issues and ensure the car was running smoothly. Overall, the Passat Wagon is a great car with the potential to be a reliable and enjoyable ride.
Fidel Brekke 2024-06-16
I bought the car new and planned on keeping it for a long time because I love the way it drives. However, the gas mileage is not great, averaging 18 around town and 24 on the highway, especially when you have to use premium. We've had a few issues with the car, including replacing several ignition coils, two water pumps, two temperature sensors, and a timing belt. The front bumper keeps coming loose, and we've noticed a suspicious clunking noise, which is most likely the axle. Additionally, the radio has some issues, but we plan on replacing it soon.