2003 Passat with 1.8T engine. Driving in heavy rain on nieghborhood streets, came to standing water (approx 2 inches deep), witnessed other passenger cars passing through water and proceeded at approx 2-3 mph, car stalls and will not start, car towed to dealer where purchased, told a rod was thrown through the engine block due to water (approx 3 gal.) in the engine block, was told water gained entry via air intake vents at the bottom (fender level) of the engine, was told to file claim with insurance company. Presently waiting for appraiser's report. Vehicle should be able to handle the driving conditions mentioned. Appears to be a design flaw in that the air cooling intake is in such a position as to allow the intake of water into the engine block.

- St. Louis, MO, USA

Our car has been into the dealer 6 times in nine months. 5 times for the same, serious problem. The car stalls with no warning and for apparently no reason. The dealer was able to duplicate the problem once, but unable to fix it and unable to duplicate the problem the next 4 times. I don't know what causes the car to stall other than it seems to happen on hot days when the air condition is on and often in traffic. When the car stalls neither the brakes nor the steering will work until it can be restarted. VW cannot fix the car and will not replace it or refund my money. Their response, "sue us."

- Castle Rock, CO, USA