3.7

definitely annoying
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
34,426 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2002 Volkswagen Passat engine problems

engine problem

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2002 Volkswagen Passat Owner Comments

problem #6

Nov 072006

Passat 6-cyl

  • Manual transmission
  • 49,333 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

My car started making horrible noises in the engine so I stopped driving it and had it towed to the VW dealership. I was told that my turbo would need replacing at a cost of $5600. The dealership wouldn't honor my warranty because I couldn't produce every receipt from my oil changes-I had lived in 3 states since I got the car. However, I complained enough that they told me they would only charge me $3200 to fix the car and would give me a good trade in on another VW. I have decided one VW is enough of a problem and I didn't need another car with the same problems and lack of service from the company. I felt VW left me without any choice other than to pay the money so I could have a car and they definitely didn't stand by there product. Is there anything I can do?

- Decatur, GA, USA

problem #5

Dec 092005

Passat 4-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 43,000 miles
I went to turn on 2002 Passat Volkswagen a couple days ago and a flashing "stop" came on. I called my dealer after checking the manual and they said it sounded like a problem with the oil pick up tube and for me not to turn my car back on because it could ruin the engine. So I had my car towed to the dealer and they informed me that it is only under warranty if I can supply them with every receipt from owning the car. I have misplaced two so now they will not cover this and is costing me around $950 to get this fixed. I have always changed my oil on time. This seems to be there way of screwing there so called valued customers. I was on a web site (myvwlemon.com) and found numerous of Passat owners with this exact problem and out come. Why is the consumer responsible for a poorly designed engine? the heat of the 1.8L turbo is breaking the oil down creating sludge. They obviously know of this problem because they issued a warranty extension. However, VW of America will only cover the warranty if the owner can provide every single receipt, something they know that very few people can do especially if some change their own oil. This is just one of the problems that I have dealt with since I bought by Passat brand new. Checking the website also tells me this may not be the last of my problems.

- Vancouver, WA, USA

problem #4

Feb 082005

Passat 4-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 38,000 miles
I had to have my engine replaced by VW and my car still isn't right. I bought my car in germany not the us. But it is registered with vwoa I feel like they sold me a defective product. They would not even consider listening to my complaints on the oil sludge problem. This cost me $7000 to replace my whole engine and time missed from work. (lost income) what can be done?

- Suffolk, VA, USA

problem #3

Feb 222005

Passat

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

This is the email I sent to Volkswagen of America. We had to slow down on the interstate to look for an exit because of the warning light coming on. I felt in great danger at the time. I am 58 years old and have purchased a number of new automobiles in my life. Never have I had such a terrible experience. I have a Passat parked because the oil light is warning me I was sold a defective motor. This has been a horrific experience. I am making automobile payments to Volkswagen credit even though I am afraid to start the engine. I was sent a letter stating the car was defective but I would need each and every oil change receipt for Volkswagen to address your faulty engine. This is ludicrous. I take excellent care of my automobiles and thus realize good trade in value. I will be stating the facts of my experience with this Volkswagen purchase via the internet, automobile magazines, the greater dallas chamber of commerce, the better business bureau and will purchase one quarter page ads in the dallas morning news and the New York times. This automobile has a manufacturer's defect and should just be recalled by Volkswagen. I will be on a campaign until eternity and will solicit other Volkswagen owners across the world to join me. This is the worse automobile buying experience I can imagine. Louis mcelroy director the greater dallas chamber.

- Cedar Hill, TX, USA

problem #2

Apr 172004

Passat 4-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 21,000 miles
Engine seized due to defect in turbo/oil pump; VW dealer stated due to improper maintenance (not enough oil changes); VW usa said due to defective oil pump, but still won't cover under warranty; engine replaced; cause found to be defective turbo.

- Westbury, NY, USA

problem #1

Nov 302003

Passat 4-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 55,224 miles
My Volkswagen 2002 Passat has been having problems with the oil pump for sometime now. Deel VW has not honor the warranty and I have had to pay for the repairs. I have also complaint to VW of America and my complaint has been ignored. Deel VW and VW of America has always pass on the problem on me (the consumer), instead of taking responsibility upon themselves for a lemon. I have showed maintenance proof several times; on the VW 2002 Passat and they always blame someone else. The car was also recall; for ignition coil problem. This condition may also effect the emissions of the vehicle. The problem has been repair; but I have absolutely no trust on deel VW and VW of America! the car is back in the dealer; for problems with the turbo and they wonT honor the warranty on that ether. The cost to replace the turbo is 3089.00; bringing the total cost of the repairs to $8,536.80 out of pocket; not including the car rentals&that they refuse to pay also.

- Pembroke Pines, FL, USA

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