4th Jan 2003, 23:08

I own a 2002 Passat, which at only 19,000 miles is now in the shop for the second ignition coil replacement. Since this is apparently such a widespread problem, the coils are in short supply, and the car will most likely be in the shop for about 10 days. What is most upsetting and outrageous about the situation is NOT the fact that bad ignition coils were installed in the 2002 cars, but the fact that VW will only replace the coils AFTER they fail. (After the second failure, I asked to have the rest of the coils replaced, and was told that VW won't allow this.) So I have to drive around and wait for the next shoe to drop, hopefully not in some far away place, or on a deserted road late at night. I thought that VW thought more if its customers than that. This is surely the last VW I will ever drive.

22nd Jan 2003, 15:21

Our 2002 Passat has had 2 engine coils replaced, and my coworker just had her 3rd coil go on her Passat. The dealership is overrun with this problem and cannot replace coils prior to malfunctioning. It is a dismal situation, and we are just waiting for the next one to go. I would never purchase another VW.

20th Feb 2003, 18:55

I bought a VW Passat April, 2002. The car only has 4300 miles and already has four times of break-down due to coil problem. Right now I am pursuing to get refunded under Lemon Law. I will never buy any VW car in my life.

16th Jul 2004, 11:44

We bought a 1998 Passat with 80,000 miles in great condition. We loved the ride and the safety ratings. In just over a year we have had to replace the main computer, a wiring harness and a steering part. We can't afford to keep it because we don't know what will go next. Repairs tend to be very expensive.

18th Jan 2005, 16:00

Just bought a 1998 Passat 1.8T a little over a month ago. It's been in the shop 3 times now with the check engine light blinking and the ABS brake light blinking on and off. My local VW mechanic can't figure it out. Currently it is running wicked rough and my mechanic said for me to take it to the dealer for a diagnostics check to see about the ECU. It's the only left to check. He put new Bosch plugs in. New temp sensor, coil pack, etc. The car has 87,000 miles and is in great condition otherwise. My 30 day used card warranty has passed and now I must pay for the problems that already existed. I'm bummed. Great smooth riding car. However, all these malfunctions are really stressing me out.

--- bummed in NH.