VW recalling recent Passats in the US
Volkswagen announced today that it is issuing two safety recalls for some 2006 and 2007 model year Passat sedans and some 2007 Passat wagons. According to the automaker's press release, the first recall affects some 2006 Passat sedans that have a wiper motor that could conk out in heavy rain from moisture entering the wiper motor. The second recall involves 2006/07 Passat sedans and some 2007 Passat wagons that could have a power brake vacuum line that fractures and becomes disconnected when it's cold outside. VW says about 62,000 vehicles are affected, all of which were sold in the U.S. and Canada. Owners will get a letter in the mail from VW with instructions on how to find their dealer and get these issues fixed fast.
The full press release can be found after the jump.
[Source: VW]
PRESS RELEASE:
VOLKSWAGEN RECALLS PASSAT VEHICLES
Affected Items: Windshield Wiper Motor and Brake Vacuum Line
AUBURN HILLS, Mich.- Volkswagen of America, Inc. announced safety recalls to address two issues in some 2006 and 2007 model year Passat sedans, and in some 2007 model year Passat wagons.
Some of the affected 2006 model year Passat vehicles have a wiper motor that may fail during heavy rain due to excessive moisture entering the wiper motor. If this happens, reduced visibility could result.
Also, some 2.0T engine-equipped 2006 and 2007 Passat sedans and some 2007 Passat wagons may have a power brake vacuum line that may fracture and become disconnected at low ambient temperatures. If this happens, the brake power assist can become inoperative, and the driver will experience increased effort to apply the brake and therefore possible increased vehicle stopping distance.
Approximately 62,000 vehicles in the United States and Canada could be potentially affected.
Owners of affected vehicles will receive a letter from Volkswagen of America, Inc. with instructions to contact their authorized dealer for an inspection and repairs if necessary. Customer notification is expected to begin in January of 2007.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
$0.02 6:02PM (12/08/2006)
My sis just bought this car. Guess she's not going to have any more luck with this car than she did her Grand Cherokee.
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aaron 5:26PM (12/08/2006)
3 recalls and 300,000 cars worldwide this round.. Good work Dub!
1)Many have problems with a wiper motor
2)while some diesel-powered Passats can leak fuel
3)those equipped with a 200 horsepower engine may have a power brake vacuum line that could fracture at low temperatures, requiring more effort from the driver to stop.
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samuel 5:26PM (12/08/2006)
Typical American crap. They can't build cars worth a damn.
Oh wait a minute..this is about an import manufacturer recall. Oh, OK, let me amend my statement; typical thoughtful import manufacturer concerned for our safety and going the extra mile to ensure customer satisfaction. Why oh why can't GM think like this???
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bad blooooood 5:35PM (12/08/2006)
Samuel...No one ever said that all imports are great. Have you read anything about Benzes over last few year?
Imported Quality usualy comes from Japanese, Eurotrash simply makes expensive, powerfull cars...not quality.
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bob 5:45PM (12/08/2006)
Hey, guys. Don't forget the recalls for the Toyota Avalon. VW's problems is very minor compared to the extend and major problem with the Avalon.
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Drew 10:13PM (12/09/2006)
All I have to say is....
"safe happens"
*snicker*
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Howard Kerr 10:24PM (12/08/2006)
Wow, a wiper motor that fails when it rains, and a brake booster vacuum line that snaps off when it gets cold. I knew there was a reason I wasn't impressed by VW's "German engineered" automobiles. And yes, this is a small number of cars involved, but it's not like VW sells cars here in North America in huge numbers...at least not Passats.
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Andy 1:36AM (12/09/2006)
And VW inches closer to disappearing from the States.
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Barney 12:03PM (12/09/2006)
The #2 comment fails to remember when GM wiper motors conked out because two solder points were too close and would short out. I wonder why those wern't recalled. Repair manuals explained how to fix it yourself. Not something one would do in the pouring rain while on the freeway.
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High Schooler Emeritus 9:46AM (12/09/2006)
My first car was a VW PAssat Wagon, had only 65k and was 4 yrs old when I bought it.
WHAT A TOTAL PIECE OF CRAP!
Drove fine, BUT The REPAIRS!
And noit just random failures, these clowns DESIGN THE PARTS TO LAST 60k miles instead of the 260k Honda and Toyota design theirs!
No wonder Honda and Toyota sell a MILLION Camrys and Accords every year, WHILE VW barely sells 100,000 PASSATS!
But what saves VW is their better exterior styling, and better handling. Given the clueless kids and secretaries that buy them, I'd bet on the styling.
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JarryHames 11:12AM (12/09/2006)
I have a Honda like most of my friends and a few own VWs. We are 30 somthing and the VW drivers are more focused on style. Some of us are more practical and ok with an Accord or Civic. I have to admit the VWs are much nicer to drive and great design. I agree with #9 - High Schooler Emeritus. Their cars stay in the shop way more than the Honda drivers. I'm glad that whenever I was car shopping a few years ago, I opted for the Accord over the Jetta. Too bad my mother loved the Accord so much and decided to buy an identical model. My 60 year old mother said that VWs are junk!
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Luke 11:21AM (12/09/2006)
I've owned several VW/Audi products and everone of them as been just as reliable as any Toyota or Honda that any of my friends drive. And belive me, Im hard as hell on my cars. My 91 Jetta I had in High School I beat the CRAP out of and the only thing that ever went bad on it in the 100k miles I put on it was the starter motor. My current 2003 Jetta has only had required maintenance in the 55k miles I've owned it, and my 2001 Audi S4 with 67k miles has had one minor problem with the wiper motor (seems to be a trend here lol) but seriously, Ive had a lot of good luck with these cars. Just my 2 cents.
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Alan 12:33AM (12/11/2006)
JerryHames, the ideal car for me would basically be one that VW designed, but Honda built (and sourced the parts).
Honda has the big stuff figured out, why can't they figure out the small (sometimes very practical) stuff?
How much would it cost for Honda to put handles on the inside of the trunk lindf, dampen the glove box so that it doesn't drop with a thud (and line it with felt), and use hydraulic lifts for the trunk that save space instead of the "suitcase crusher" bars?
At the same time, why can't VW build cars that score at least average on reliability surveys? VW can figure out the small stuff, they need help with the big stuff.
Having said that, I won't necessarily hold recalls against any manufacturer now. It's more a matter of liability than likelihood of failure. Look at all the recalls Toyota has had recently.
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Patti 12:16AM (1/28/2007)
I'm thinking about trading in my 2003 VW Passat in for a 2006 Passat. Should I do it? The price is right.
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