I was driving across Connecticut on Friday June 27 2014 on I-84 (danbury to mass pike), traveling from philadelphia to boston. After passing through hartford the road expands from 2 -3 lanes to 8, I was in lane 4. the road was going to split going 84 East and 383 SE. 84 was still 8 lanes when my car completely died - no gas was getting to the engine. I had semi tractor trailer very close behind me, the time was 5:30 - rush hour, everyone was speeding, and I was shut down in lane 4. at this point, thankfully and miraculously, the 2 highways split and it was all I could do but fall into the newly created breakdown lane; otherwise I don't see how I could have walked away from the road. There was no, none, no warning that the car was going to die, no lights, no shaking, no alarm. I called the state police to get me off the highway. As it was Friday evening, aaa could only tow me to a pep boys and as it was 7 pm by this time, I had to spend the night in a residence 6 in manchester cn. Pep boys looked at the car the next day and determined that no fuel was getting to the engine; I would need a new fuel pump. Also, for no other reason that it was interesting, apparently a 2004 all-wheel drive pump had been put on my (new) 2005 front-wheel drive car. I am told this is not unusual. They eventually found a pump and installed it, I left for Maine around 1 pm that day. I had my car in my local shop before leaving on this trip, as is always done, and was deemed safe to drive. I have since call VW and they say that they have no real explanation for the pump dying other than this happens. I appreciate that equipment needs to be replaced and car parts maintained. It is outrageous that not to have provision to give warning to your car about to go into complete failure is acceptable by anyone. How many people have to be put in danger before this changes?

- Wyndmoor, PA, USA

That the connection at the fuel tank is damaged causes the fuel leak. This is related to the old recall: NHTSA campaign id number :08V156000

- Durham, NC, USA

The contact owns a 2005 Volkswagen Passat. The vehicle was included in the recall under NHTSA campaign id number: 08V156000 (fuel system, gasoline:delivery). After the recall repair was performed the contact noticed a smell of plastic burning and a fuel leak. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and stated the vehicle was repaired under the recall previously and any further repairs would not be free. The vehicle was not repaired. The VIN was not available. The approximate failure mileage was 58,000.

- Waterbury, CT, USA

Woke up at 4 am with strong smell of gasoline fumes in my home. Went to the garage and my Passat had a puddle of gasoline below it on the floor. Moved the car out of garage and aired out the garage/house. Gas water heater was also in the garage. Took the car to dealer. Service manager stated the fuel tank was spliting at the seams. He said that he has seen six of these in boise, id this year. He said that Volkswagen has not issued a recall on this fuel tank. He said it will cost me $2,500 to have this fuel tank replaced. Information redacted pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

- Idaho, ID, USA

Driving my 2005 VW Passat wagon with 50K miles. Engine died suddenly while driving and was able to pull to the side of the road. No warning lights of any kind appeared on the dashboard. Car would not restart and was towed to the Volkswagen dealership. Problem was stated as failure of the fuel pump and replacement would run $550. This item was recalled on previous model years but not on the 2005 1.8T engines. I feel that this item should not fail on a low mileage engine. Dealer notated that numerous other vehicles have been suffering from failing fuel pumps as the summer heat sets in.

- Merion Station, PA, USA

While I was driving home from work on the highway my 2005 Passat (1.8T) suddenly shut off. Fortunately, I was able to move quickly to the break down lane to get out of the way of the cars behind me. The Passat was towed to the dealer where they discover the fuel pump had failed. So then I paid the dealer replaced the fuel pump, since there are no recalls for the 2005 model (only 2003).

- Farmington, CT, USA

Hello, I bought VW Passat wagon gls brand new from VW dealer in Ohio during June,2005. The car malfunction indicator lamp is coming on thrice since I bought it new. I already made complaints about this during my service visit. Every time they fix it at a cost to the customer.but I do no know how safe to drive in a highway with this mil comes on suddenly.VW never address to this until. Your actions are appreciated. Thanks, mohan rajamani

- Plainsboro, NJ, USA

I was driving down the road and the car started chugging and died. The dealership told me the fuel pump failed and a new pump and filter were replaced. There has been a recall on the fuel pump for the 2003 VW Passat but the dealership won't recognize it for the 2005.

- Spokane Valley, WA, USA