Passat Fuel Pump Problems???

[Gaz_2005_Passat]

what Is The Problem With The Diesel Fuel Pump On The New Shape Passat?

My Friends Mates Company Vehicle Fuel Pump Was Replaced Under Warranty, Due To A Common Fault.

(however He Had To Wait 30 Days For The Replacement!!!)

He Was Told They All Have This Common Fault But Were Never All Recalled To Rectify The Problem.


anybody Know Of This ??? Any Info I Can Relay To Vw Next Week While Im In There, Thanks,

[John Robertson]

what Is The Problem With The Diesel Fuel Pump On The New Shape Passat?

My Friends Mates Company Vehicle Fuel Pump Was Replaced Under Warranty, Due To A Common Fault.

(however He Had To Wait 30 Days For The Replacement!!!)

He Was Told They All Have This Common Fault But Were Never All Recalled To Rectify The Problem.


anybody Know Of This ??? Any Info I Can Relay To Vw Next Week While Im In There, Thanks,


Hi Gaz

There is a problem especially 2.0 TDI but the 1.9 TDI are effected
as well.My dealer said to me there was a batch of them that is causing the faults they were made by Siemens.My 1.9 TDI pump was done under the warranty 6 month ago.At least The VW dealers
are responding and Volkswagen are giving you a car till yours is fixed I can't speak for all the dealers but this is happening at mine.

P.S
There is another dealer recall on my car 1.9 TDI it was flagged up on Monday I am going in today to see what it was because on Monday it was written in German and I don't have a clue what they have to do to it.

Keep you posted.

[fly_helicopters]

Hi Gaz

There is a problem especially 2.0 TDI but the 1.9 TDI are effected
as well.My dealer said to me there was a batch of them that is causing the faults they were made by Siemens.My 1.9 TDI pump was done under the warranty 6 month ago.At least The VW dealers
are responding and Volkswagen are giving you a car till yours is fixed I can't speak for all the dealers but this is happening at mine.

P.S
There is another dealer recall on my car 1.9 TDI it was flagged up on Monday I am going in today to see what it was because on Monday it was written in German and I don't have a clue what they have to do to it.

Keep you posted.

Hi The fuel pump on my 2.0 TDI (55 plate with 50k mile) failed suddenly and without warning whilst overtaking a line of HGVs at 70mph. Only narrowly avoided an accident. This is a serious and potentially dangerous fault which in my opinion warrants an urgent recall. Suggest you write to the Vehicle & Operators Service Agency (VOSA - which is Part of the Dept of Transport), Vehicle Safety Branch, Berkley House, Croydon Street, Bristol, BS5 0DA. They will send you a form to complete and will investigate. Mine has been with the dealer for 2 weeks so far.

[John Robertson]

Hi The fuel pump on my 2.0 TDI (55 plate with 50k mile) failed suddenly and without warning whilst overtaking a line of HGVs at 70mph. Only narrowly avoided an accident. This is a serious and potentially dangerous fault which in my opinion warrants an urgent recall. Suggest you write to the Vehicle & Operators Service Agency (VOSA - which is Part of the Dept of Transport), Vehicle Safety Branch, Berkley House, Croydon Street, Bristol, BS5 0DA. They will send you a form to complete and will investigate. Mine has been with the dealer for 2 weeks so far.


Hi

Mine's failure started with a whistling sound then failure at 56,000
the only thing about is they cannot tell whether the new one they put in is part of the bad batch again, there is supposed to be 300 of the pumps being held back because they are suspect,this I expect is why the massive delay in repairing the cars.


I have no updates yet on the new recall 1.9 TDI S the warning is still in German and I don't know what other Passat models it is effecting
this recall was put on there dealer main frames on the 04.03.08

[Quatrelle]

.....This is a serious and potentially dangerous fault which in my opinion warrants an urgent recall. Suggest you write to the Vehicle & Operators Service Agency (VOSA - which is Part of the Dept of Transport), Vehicle Safety Branch, Berkley House, Croydon Street, Bristol, BS5 0DA. They will send you a form to complete and will investigate. Mine has been with the dealer for 2 weeks so far.Nice idea, but if VOSA's reaction to the fault with the Clio's bonnet catch, as shown on BBC's 'Watchdog' on Monday is anything to go by, you'll be wasting your time, unfortunately.:(

[fly_helicopters]

Nice idea, but if VOSA's reaction to the fault with the Clio's bonnet catch, as shown on BBC's 'Watchdog' on Monday is anything to go by, you'll be wasting your time, unfortunately.:(

You may be right and to be honest I'm not holding my breath but as I feel I could so easily have been involved in a high speed accident I can't just sit here and do nothing. Needlesstosay VW have not responded to any of my correspondence.

[domestos]

My 55 plate 2.0TDI SE developed a fault at 65,000 miles where if I pushed the car hard in first or second I got a lag and loss of power like a bunny hop at around 3,500 revs... I took it in and they found it was a problem with the fuel pump and even though my car was outside the warranty, they replaced it under "good faith" (that stinks of a cover up if nothing else does!!)

It took them 45 days to get a fuel pump to me - but there was xmas in the middle of that. They provided me with a hire car from Europcar for the duration - I was well chuffed as I got a Beemer 5 series 535d for 45 days as they did not have a like for like match.

The $tealer told me that there was a problem with around 200 cars that come into country in 2005 and mine was an unlucky one. I was told it shouldn't affext any other part of the engine... but we'll see...

[Quatrelle]

You may be right and to be honest I'm not holding my breath but as I feel I could so easily have been involved in a high speed accident I can't just sit here and do nothing. Needlesstosay VW have not responded to any of my correspondence.Can't say I blame you. Let us know how you get on.

[jazzert100]

Mines bit the dust on Friday,loss of power on the motorway I managed to pull into the hard shoulder and was towed to the garage by the RAC.
My 2.0. tdi(55plate 61 k) was added to the pile of 11 other passats all waiting on new pumps.
Not what I would have expected from a VW but I shouldn't be too surprised this is the third time the car has broken down.
The fuel filter fell off, (14 days in the garage),and it wouldn't start once until the RAC guy disconnected the battery and the reset did the trick.

10 weeks to be repaired,I hope not,that is a bloody nuisance.

J

[Crasher]

Try getting a new pump! Half the time they are on back order.

[Quatrelle]

Try getting a new pump! Half the time they are on back order.Perhaps members of this forum with Passat problems should write to VW and remind them of the 'punch line' in the tv ads they smugly shoved down our throats when the car was launched.

The one that comes to mind was the one where, his son having just passed his test, dad approaches the examiner and, looking back at his Passat, tries to 'suggest' ways his son might actually have failed.

Something along the lines of "The beautifully crafted New Passat - you'll want to keep it that way".:(

[fly_helicopters]

Perhaps members of this forum with Passat problems should write to VW and remind them of the 'punch line' in the tv ads they smugly shoved down our throats when the car was launched.

The one that comes to mind was the one where, his son having just passed his test, dad approaches the examiner and, looking back at his Passat, tries to 'suggest' ways his son might actually have failed.

Something along the lines of "The beautifully crafted New Passat - you'll want to keep it that way".:(

I wrote to VW (Yeomans Drive, Blakelands, Milton Keynes, MK14 5AN) to make them aware of the serious situation I found myself in when the pump failed whilst overtaking at speed. I have eventually received a reply from Peter Burke - Product Campaign Auditor (01908 601652) which is disappointingly brief given the potential consequences of this issue. It states........"I am sorry to learn of your experiences. We have received some complaints with the electric fuel pump. Please be assured that we take these matters very seriously and are working very closely with the manufacturer to determine the causes and bring this matter to a conclusion."

I have also spoken to him on the phone.......basically they don't know what the underlying problem is and are still investigating. So..........does that mean that the pumps which are trickling through to the dealers could still have an inherent fault?? I want confirmation that the parts have been rectified before accepting my Passat back. I also think VW are missing a trick by keeping us in the dark. They know who we are through the dealer network - some regular corresspondence would have helped them minimise the goodwill they are currently loosing. Pity we have to use a forum to keep each other informed! Come on VW...you CAN and you NEED to do much better than this!

[jazzert100]

VW are picking up the tab for my hire car, an "equivalent" in their eyes to the PASSAT 2.0 TDI se, can you guess what it is?


Yes of course it's a KIA CEED 1.6 tdi!!

Not sure if it's an equivalent or not it ain't broke down yet! and it's a lot smoother and quieter than the VW diesel!

Maybe I got an upgrade!!

[Quatrelle]

VW are picking up the tab for my hire car, an "equivalent" in their eyes to the PASSAT 2.0 TDI se, can you guess what it is?


Yes of course it's a KIA CEED 1.6 tdi!!

Not sure if it's an equivalent or not it ain't broke down yet! and it's a lot smoother and quieter than the VW diesel!

Maybe I got an upgrade!!You're lucky - I was given a 3-cylinder diesel Polo when my dealer was doing some warranty work (new airbag). Not quite as refined as my ride-on mower and it doesn't cut the grass :Blush2:

[Inside Info]

This is a world wide issue that affects passatts fitted with seimans fuel pumps, there is again a supply issue which should be resolved by the end of March.

[gazza007]

I was just looking through my paper-work when I had cold rough running problems last year & noticed that they had also changed my fuel pump along with the tandem pump.

[twvw]

Are there any warning signs that the fuel pump might be faulty, or does the engine just stop?

Would be nice to know in advance...

[Curnsie]

Mine just stopped. No warning.

Thankfully I was in a 30mph zone, although it was during the morning rush hour... and -3 outside. I sat for 45 minutes with no heat awaiting assistance. Thankfully VW sorted it out in about 2 weeks.

I did get a nice courtesy car for 4 days - a new M spec 320i convertable BMW :D... then VW came to their senses and gave me a Golf TDi!

Andrew

[thornybits@aol.]

My 55 plate also started with a whining noise from in front of the offside rear wheel where the fuel pump is fitted and this is on a 40000 mile car......VW should be prepared to extend their warranty on the car an extra 2 years at least. This has shattered my confidence in the mark.

[bud]

Are there any warning signs that the fuel pump might be faulty, or does the engine just stop?

Would be nice to know in advance...


:mad:I heard a buzzing sound coming from the boot/fuel tank!! my passat 2.0 L tdi
has been at my dealer since 20th december!!:zx11:

[tom smith]

My 55 plate 2.0TDI SE developed a fault at 65,000 miles where if I pushed the car hard in first or second I got a lag and loss of power like a bunny hop at around 3,500 revs... I took it in and they found it was a problem with the fuel pump and even though my car was outside the warranty, they replaced it under "good faith" (that stinks of a cover up if nothing else does!!)

It took them 45 days to get a fuel pump to me - but there was xmas in the middle of that. They provided me with a hire car from Europcar for the duration - I was well chuffed as I got a Beemer 5 series 535d for 45 days as they did not have a like for like match.

The $tealer told me that there was a problem with around 200 cars that come into country in 2005 and mine was an unlucky one. I was told it shouldn't affext any other part of the engine... but we'll see...


From Tom Smith.
Just had similar circumstances..... and response from my VWA dealer. No complaint with the dealer at all. They worked hard for me.
But don't look down your nose too much re the 'stinks of a cover up.' bit. How would you handle it given the restraints of modern manufacturing. viz.

1. we ( you and I ) are out of warranty.

2. All manufacturers are subject to supplier quality. and to suddenly re-source a new and improved FP at this stage.... 55 plate, 55 - 70 K miles to keep up with a growing demand by many thousands of units ......is not a solution made in heaven. I suspect VWA had sleepless nights over this one to get it planned.

3. Failure analysis takes time. Redesign takes more time. Testing the new design even more time. Getting in an accurate order quantity for perceived failure levels has to be accurate. Planning the Manufacturing of the new units and getting the volume. All this is a nightmare with continuous failures happening.

I agree, it may cause serious accidents, but then so can any failure in the outside lane.
Personally...not at all happy that it has happened. But all in all, can't see any other way to manage the situation.

Incidentally....anyone know the cause of failure ?

regards Tom

[Crasher]

My business partners brother in law had his pump fail yesterday, with a ten week projected wait for a new pump on a very late 3C Passat. Seems even the redesigned unit is failing. I see big reputation problems for VAG over this even though it is the fault of an outside supplier.

[MAC]

Just thought I'd add my bit to this thread.

I took my '06 140 tdi sport in to the dealers for the brake fluid changing, and enquired with them about the dodgy fuel pumps. I asked them if VW were going to issue a recall, and they replied not yet, because they are not 100% sure about what is causing the failure. Also they would be unlikely to do a recall unless they had a propoer fix. Therefore it looks like its a game of russian roulette in the fast lane for now!

The dealer told me they currently had about 18 passats in for the fuel pump failure. Also, they did say that the failure seems to be with the tandem pump as the tank level gets below 3/4 full. They said that most of them re-start OK and run with a full tank. Idon't know if this is true or not, but it would be interesting to know if the failures were occurring with lower fuel levels.

Mark

[Glen100]

Hi
I have just bought an '07 plate Passat Estate 2.0 TDi and was unaware of this potential problem till I read these comments. I asked my local VW franchise in Colchester and they told me that they have heard nothing at all about fuel pump problems. I presume they would, wouldn't they ?
Does anyone know if there has been any reports of '07 plate cars having this problem ? My car has done about 10,000 miles, so I am now wondering how far I can drive it before it conks out !
Regards
Glen

[Crasher]

Up until last week I understood it was cars up until 2006 that were failing but apparently post 2006 cars also suffer. PM me your cars reg and I will tell you which pump you have and if it can be bought if needed.

[Glen100]

Hi
I have an'07 plate passat estate 2.0 TSi which has done about 10K. When should I expect fuel pump problems ?
regards
Glen

[Crasher]

There is no rule.

[Trapper]

MAC Wrote


that the failure seems to be with the tandem pump as the tank level gets below 3/4 full. They said that most of them re-start OK and run with a full tank. Idon't know if this is true or not, but it would be interesting to know if the failures were occurring with lower fuel levels.

Exactly the same as my BMW 530d E39 except it failed with a 1/4 of tank anything above this was fine, the car suffered this twice in 4 years.

It would be more informative if we knew of the percentage of failures, if its 1 in 10k of production then:D if its 1 in 100 then :zx11:

[Quatrelle]

From Tom Smith.
Just had similar circumstances..... and response from my VWA dealer. No complaint with the dealer at all. They worked hard for me.
But don't look down your nose too much re the 'stinks of a cover up.' bit. How would you handle it given the restraints of modern manufacturing. viz.

1. we ( you and I ) are out of warranty.

2. All manufacturers are subject to supplier quality. and to suddenly re-source a new and improved FP at this stage.... 55 plate, 55 - 70 K miles to keep up with a growing demand by many thousands of units ......is not a solution made in heaven. I suspect VWA had sleepless nights over this one to get it planned.

3. Failure analysis takes time. Redesign takes more time. Testing the new design even more time. Getting in an accurate order quantity for perceived failure levels has to be accurate. Planning the Manufacturing of the new units and getting the volume. All this is a nightmare with continuous failures happening.

I agree, it may cause serious accidents, but then so can any failure in the outside lane.
Personally...not at all happy that it has happened. But all in all, can't see any other way to manage the situation.

Incidentally....anyone know the cause of failure ?

regards TomLet's hope these thoughts are uppermost in your mind if your engine stops in the outside lane of a motorway, or when overtaking.

The correct way to manage the situation is to contact owners of suspect cars and recall them!

Poor old VW, we mustn't complain, might cost them money. Much better to have a few serious accidents and do nothing - after all, a human life isn't worth much is it?

Unbelievable.

Best wishes

John

[Crasher]

The trouble is, it is not VW’s fault, it is the supplier (which I believe is Siemens VDO) who is at fault although it is VAG's responsibility.

[Quatrelle]

Point taken, but in law I think this would still be interpreted as VW's (VAG's) fault.

I wonder if any pumps in US cars have failed and caused an accident - just think of the outcome of any litigation over there...

[Crasher]

I absolutely agree, my point was just to have a moments thought for VW on this, they must be pulling their hair out trying to deal with this.

[Passat05]

Get this in perspective!!!!
This is a VW problem and supplier, VW will have issued a specification to potential suppliers when in very early stages of design of the new model, they would have then received designs from the pot suppliers, then agreed design, testing data and supply, the supplier would have to prove life etc. and VW would have carried out independant checks for quality i hope.
Plus the design is probably, a version from a generic pump anyway!
I know this is true as i worked as production engineer for a well known bearing manufacturer that supplied jaguar, bmw toyota etc, and they all work in similar way for supplier parts. i.e they like to pass the buck very quickly if anything goes wrong.
Supply prob will be from VW will operate a just in time policy i.e the pump is made monday morning and will be fitted tuesday on production line, so you can imagine all the old pumps are being pulled and there will no stock of new pumps to take their place if they still fitting prob pmp!

As for recall it will not cost VW anything the cost will have to born by supplier if
found to be they fault, i guess this is the stalling period as who is going to pay!
who ever pays will have to pay all admin costs, new part cost, labour cost, hire/loan car costs. As you imagine this will run into millions very easily.

if people are happy to gamble with own lives ok, but i would rather not indanger my daughters life again, that HGV was pretty close, read previous mail!

[megadan8]

mine was with the dealer 8 weeks + waiting for a new pump. it let me down suddenly in a dangerous situation. should definitly have been a recall. it was a recall in the US Audi A4 and A6, Volkswagen Passat Recalled for Fuel Pump Problem (http://www.consumeraffairs.com/recalls04/2006/audi_vw.html)

[megadan8]

problem sorted, driving my new toyota avensis now!

[domestos]

Be prepared for the questions in private sales of passats over the coming years... 'Has this car had the fuel pump replaced?' i'd keep that proof if I was you guys else you will be fiddled for an extra 500 quid from the buyers when you sell on...

[Crasher]

That recall was for a totally different design of car and pump. I suppose that means they got it wrong more than once!

[mrandyd]

Hi just joined the fuel pump club today,luckily mine went as I approached a mini roundabout.
VW assistance was very good,took 30 mins to get to me,he knew what the problem was straight away he said at the moment there is about a 12 week back order on parts.He dropped me off at home and I am waiting for a phone car regarding the replacement car.
Mine is a 55 with 48,000 miles.

[Spiceman]

Hi All,

Mine went into the dealers to join the que, I was told 5-6 weeks; 8 already waiting:(

At least mine was noticed due to the noise it was making and some juddering!

However went for a drive with the tech and he said my clutch cylinder has gone, pedal not returning!

What next:confused:

Have Golf plus, very poor seats!!

[Passat05]

should have got mine back today, after 4 wks ish now told part not here till 18th, how long is this rubbish gonna continue??? as mine out of warrenty 60K no hire car etc, luckily mother lent her car. 55 vauxhall zafria 1.6, horibble horibble thing!!! i want my passat back!!!!!

[Crasher]

07 model pumps are going to be here May 12th at the earliest so the 18th of April isn't so bad, if they keep their promise.

[aaman]

just been told by vw dealer that its not just the fuel pump they have to change its also injecter seals , tamdem pump , and also have to check cylinder head and replace if nes this is due to engine oil getting into the fuel system. :zx11::zx11::zx11::zx11::zx11:

[vince47]

Crasher: Does your comment about 07 fuel pumps mean that 2007 cars should be ok. Owning an 07 plate 170SEL I was curious that of 10 failures where the plate was mentioned in these forums, 7 were 55 plate and 3 were 06 plate. 8 out of 11 where mileage was mentioned were 40-61k. Hence I was wondering if 56 and 07 built engines were ok or was it that the mileage hadnt accumulated on sufficient numbers of those cars to see a failure posted. Similar pattern on the `whatcar ` site and other places
If 07 plates are ok I will venture more than 10 miles from home again ;)

[Crasher]

Early and late pumps fail and late ones (07 onwards) are on back order until at least May the 12th. If you have an 07 onwards Passat 3B TDI and the fuel pump fails now, you are off the road for a month at least. The pre 06 pump is on back order as well.

[Quatrelle]

Early and late pumps fail and late ones (07 onwards) are on back order until at least May the 12th. If you have an 07 onwards Passat 3B TDI and the fuel pump fails now, you are off the road for a month at least. The pre 06 pump is on back order as well.Crasher - Does that imply that cars supplied in 2006 are ok?

[Crasher]

No, all Passat 3C diesel pumps seem to be a problem, that is just a gap in my description. There are only two (2WD without aux heater) TDI pumps, up to 2007 and 2007 on.

[Demonwiz]

Hi, my 55 plate (59,700 miles) Passat TDi expired Friday 11th April, outside lane of Motorway too. Just spluttered and died in seconds. Luckily Mway was Not Too busy! Recovered to local VW dealer by AA "What a pain that was" Lost a day's work, and have a Mondeo as replacement Was told by VW I'd get as near like for like replacement :approve: then to be told it would be "at leat 6 weeks" :zx11: really shocked me. Does anybody know how widespread the problem is and how many vehicles are affected and more to the point WHY VW arn't recalling? From a quick trawl this morning I see there is also a question mark over the replacement pump too?? :1zhelp: Hopefully new pump will carry a warranty, my 55 plater is heading towards 60K miles and out of warranty status. I'll keep watching this issue on these boards.
demonwiz.

[Trapper]

Excuse my ignorance of things VW, but Crasher states:


If you have an 07 onwards Passat 3B TDI and the fuel pump fails now, you are off the road for a month at least. and

No, all Passat 3C diesel pumps seem to be a problemAre 3B and 3C pumps specific to specific variants of Passats? I raised the question of faulty pumps with the dealer who I have ordered my car from also stating that reliability was a very important part of my requirements. The dealer said that the situation was sorted and the problem was now overcome and that they would ask VW for confirmation and send this to me;):confused:. I will give them some time to deliver then ask why VW won't back up their statement. Do I understand correctly that if you have a Passat built from 2005 to today then its only a matter of time before the pump fails? I have ordered an SEL 170 Manual to be delivered end of May.

[Crasher]

Sorry, that was a mis key, it should have said 3C. The only 3B 07 is in China.

[a8 tech]

thank god for the new common rail unit and rid us of these pd 2.0 lt burners

[Crasher]

Until they start going wrong!

[Quatrelle]

Until they start going wrong!Crasher - Can I assume that my French Dec. 2006 Passat will also be fitted with a 'faulty' fuel pump - and/or is this problem limited to cars built at certain factories?

[Crasher]

It is where the pump is made, not the car. I assume it isn't a UK problem as I can't get the pumps in Germany either. The fact that the 3C has at least 14 different pumps doesn’t help either.

[kwalshe]

I feel sick in my stomach, I'm in Ireland and in my company we have about 12 1.9 TDI's and Fuel pump have gone on 6 all 05' & 06's , as with some replies my failure happening at 120 km/h scared the **** outta me, had the warning sign of humming rear end and warned all other collegues but the fools at VW would not do anything. This story is spreading like wildfire through fleet buyer circles and VW are gonna take a big confidence hit as nobody wants to touch them as VW are really and truly not facing up to fact on this.
In Ireland Taxi's are not generic models and I think those guys are on the ball with cars, I've been in loads of older passat taxis , but not even 1 latest, says it all to me.
I will never buy or strongly recommend to anybody I know not to buy a VW ever :zx11:, this situation is unbelievable, somebody is going to die because of this, think about that....

[Quatrelle]

If all the people suffering this dangerous problem wrote to 'Watchdog' perhaps something might get done. It would seem that VW are head in sand and VOSA is a waste of time.

[Crasher]

And I will say it again, it is not VAG who make the part!

[Spiceman]

OK, but VW have a responsibility, it is fitted to their car they are responsible for the spec and testing.
Trading standards take complaints up with the supplier to the end user which is VW.

[Crasher]

I imagine they are doing everything in thier power.

[mickyspec]

poor show vw!!

[Crasher]

Has anyone experienced this in anything other than a TDI?

[Quatrelle]

I imagine they are doing everything in thier power.No, otherwise they'd have had a recall.....

[Crasher]

How would they effect a recall if they don't have the part?

[Quatrelle]

What difference does not having the part make?

Perhaps it would mean they'd have a lot of cars sitting in dealers awaiting repair?

Doesn't that sound slightly familiar?

How would you feel if you learned through this forum that the master cylinder on your car was liable to give up without warning and it was suggested that they can't do a recall because they haven't got the parts?

VW have known about this problem for a long time, and you get the impression they have been sitting on their hands, hoping the problem could be quietly dealt with - we all know what damage a recall can do to a maker's standing, but no recall does even more damage. Think of Renault with the 1.9 dCi turbo failures (drivers placed in similar dangerous situations to those owners of Passats with malfunctioning fuel pumps), Clio bonnets, Vauxhall's handbrakes - all problems that they have tried to sweep under the carpet. Ford have just done a massive recall, why not VW?

Sorry Crasher, I like my Passat and have always had an admiration for VW (I had a Beetle in the 60s and others since), but this leaves a nasty taste in the mouth. My Passat was recalled not long after I had it for a couple of minor issues - one actually not so minor, the wipers could have suddenly stopped working in the rain - but now I face the prospect of a large bill when the car is out of guarantee. That's some inducement to buy another VW, not!

Our 12-year-old Laguna was bought new and is the latest I've owned, but I deliberately did not buy the new one because of Renault's attitude to their turbo failures, and I know I'm not the only one who feels like that, even here in France.

I really am disappointed with VW....

[vince47]

Well said :approve:
Wonder if VOSA are aware. Must see if there is a route into them to check

[vince47]

Well, I have asked the question! If I get an answer I will post it. I have pointed them at this thread so be nice ;)
email reads
"Hi, I am wondering if you are aware of the Passat B6 TDI fuel pump failures? These failures are occuring in large numbers and the sudden failure is a clear safety issue. When the engine cuts out in the outside lane of a motorway a serious accident could easily result.
It is just a matter of time before one occurs.
There is much detail about this at http://www.vwaudiforum.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?t=29429
VW are clearly aware of this problem, as are the many repair shops who have queues of passats waiting to be repaired.
I would expect there to be a recall for this. Is there any action you can take in this circumstance?"

[amu55]

I have just got my car back from the dealer today after 7 weeks wth an audi a4 sline. recieved a bottle of champers for my inconveniance ha ha could have left me with the audi:(oh well

[Passat05]

Update! i smell a rat, very surprised reaction from VW when i complained about lead time of pump for my 55 plate 80K (well out warrenty mileage wise), car has been sat at my very good indy garage for 1 month, VW said that if we got the car to VW sheffield VW will honour the repair and spare part and courtesy car for the duration, a skoda octavia 1.9tdi (not bad actually), was quoted pump should have been here 11th april then 17th april now 12th may VW shef says more than likely 6 weeks from now, they have got some passats there from end of feb!!!
simple calulation new pump and filters etc and labour was gonna cost £250 plus the hire car say £40 a day estimate cost for me alone for 6 weeks hire (45 days ish) + part etc = over £2000. VW shef has 1 passat a week coming in for same thing! this will cost them millions (or supplier of pump) they must be worried repairing cars out of warrenty! so in a nutshell VW good for sorting us out but very bad for delay of new part and not reacting quickly to failures. and i still convinced someone will get hurt from the result of a failure,

plus i still need reassurance that new pump is revised design and not just a new pump of the failure model????

[marktj]

Having read some of this thread and with a Passat 06 140 tdi that has started missing at high revs I called the local VW dealer.
Apparently having done 62k I am still in warranty because the car is under 2-years old so I have booked it in for a diagnostic check, they say it does sound like it could be the fuel pump.
I will keep you all posted.

[mikecb1]

Having discovered that my 56 plate Sport 170 has one of the suspect pumps (thanks Crasher), I've been looking around the web for more info. In case others haven't seen it, Honest John. co.uk is a good car-related site run by the Daily Telegraph. In their detailed review of the B6 they have several comments on good and bad points. Amongst the bad they say:

"Spate of failures of fuel tank lifter pumps, sometimes described as "tandem pumps", on 2.0TDI has led to a shortage of the part and may eventually lead to a TSB. The root cause seems to be due to gasket failure of the main fuel pump body joint, and this allows engine oil to contaminate the recirculation line back to the main tank, in turn causing failure of the Lifter Pump. Some cars off the road for 6 weeks waiting for parts"

I emailed them to ask if they had any update in view of all the recent reported problems. They emailed back saying they had contacted VW PR who deny any knowledge of a problem........... they await further info, which I'll post if/when I get it.

Iwould urge anyone who has had a failure, particularly one which nearly caused an accident to contact Honest John and Watchdog. Car Companies hate bad publicity.

Mike

[amu55]

my car only showed a problem when just about quarter of a tank left then it would just cut out and fail to start vw wanted me to run the car above half a tank until new part arrived me no think so says me so hire car supplied no prob.

[Quatrelle]

.......They emailed back saying they had contacted VW PR who deny any knowledge of a problem........
Mike
Why am I not surprised...?

[Crasher]

VW PR Department Symbol

http://smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/16/16_3_119.gif

[Quatrelle]

VW PR Department Symbol

http://smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/16/16_3_119.gif

:D:D:D

[marktj]

I am now in the queue waiting for parts apparently the dealers have been told not to take pumps off new cars in stock which is what they have been doing. Lucky for me my car is only missing at over 30,000 revs so drivable for now. The pumps are now showing as "in transit"

[vince47]

I think you over-revved it :biglaugh:

[marktj]

well..... mines special its faster than anyone else's
Oh OK then 3,000 revs

[Quatrelle]

If my fuel pump started playing up I think I'd leave it on the dealer's forecourt and ask for another car.

Your life in their hands.'

[amu55]

I am now in the queue waiting for parts apparently the dealers have been told not to take pumps off new cars in stock which is what they have been doing. Lucky for me my car is only missing at over 30,000 revs so drivable for now. The pumps are now showing as "in transit"
If I was you I would tell the dealer to get me a car as it could cut out on motorway (not good) Mine was cutting out at 1/4 tank of fuel they wanted me to keep it topped up ********* said no got A4 s-line on hire for 7 weeks no milage on my car....... result. now fixed. good luck.:beerchug:

[Passat05]

well it is amazing! the passat is back in the fleet! 5-6 weeks after failure, VW shef said possibilty of "our" pump been here this week, got it back yesterday! :biglaugh: even my little girl happy to have her back!

But still want answers as to why no recall????? very odd that they did mine out of warrenty!

[vince47]

Re a recall
My note to VOSA posted above, (21st April) has just received the following reply.
"Thank you for your email which has been forwarded to our Recalls sectionfor further assistance.Regards
Richard Evans
VOSA Contact Centre"

So VOSA is now aware and will hopefully be reading this forum to consider
the safety issues people have encountered in the case of sudden failures.
If anyone has had a sudden failure or safety related issue associated with
fuel pump failure and they havent already posted brief details then it may
be an idea to do so

[tony99]

Our 55 VW Passat nearly killed us on a small road in Dumfries, overtaking an artic lorry on A75, car lost all power under high revs had to slam brakes on and force my way back into fast moving traffic behind the lorry, fortunately no incident occured.

So now my problem is our holiday to Europe, in the car, was scheduled for early may and the dealer is not sure if car hire will allow travel abroad.

Can I insist on a like for like car that is legally allowed out of the country. ?

[amu55]

You should def get like for like but they may insist on you insuring car for out of the country, still it wont be your milageyou can do but ask............

[Carlton White]

I got my Passat back after five weeks in the dealers on Thursday. I'm told that Pumps are now readily available again, so touch wood, you should all be getting your cars back soon!

[mikecb1]

- but is there any guarantee that the new pump any better than the old one?

Mike

[Demonwiz]

Hi all, quick update re my Passat Fuel Pump, went in two weeks ago, was told it would be ~8-10 weeks before and parts available, called in Friday last week to get something I'd left in car and IT WAS READY ??? :D Happy days, VW told me they received a surprise delivery of fuel pumps that morning?! Only downside it's only guaranteed until my warranty expires which will be very soon as I fast approach 60K. I was kinda hoping it would come with 12mths guarantee :zx11:

Hope VW have released to all dealerships! Good luck to all!

Demon

[Quatrelle]

.....Only downside it's only guaranteed until my warranty expires which will be very soon as I fast approach 60K......

I really don't think they can do that, and I would tell them so :aargh4:.

Citizens' Advice Bureau, Trading Standards etc would give you advice on this, and I would suggest you mention this to your dealer.

The pump itself should have a manufacturer's guarantee of 12 months, and if it goes bang then the Sale of Goods Act would apply - 'not fit for purpose' etc.

[vince47]

Further to my 2 earlier postings about writing to VOSA so that they are aware of these fuel pump failures and the ensuing safety issues when they fail suddenly, I have now received a reasonable email from them. The email reads as follows:
"Thank you for notifying VOSA of the problems experienced with your VW Passat.
To enable VOSA to consider your complaint it will be necessary for you to complete the enclosed Vehicle Safety Defect report form as fully as possible and return it to VOSA by conventional post. The information you provide will assist us to determine whether we can pursue this matter with the manufacturer.
If you require any assistance in completing the form please contact me on
0117 9543426.
Regards
Rob Parry
Vehicle Safety Branch"
Robert.Parry@vosa.gov.uk
He sent an attached word doc so that anyone who wishes to take this up can either request the form from him at the above address or use the form I will try and upload shortly. I notice the form has their logo embedded in it which is why its over 7mb. Hence I have had to remove their VOSA logo and zip it up so it now only 9k or so and hence below the size limit for the forum.
I cant do any more as my pump will only fail after 3 yrs when the warranty has run out (due to low annual mileage):mad:
I would have thought, as per many earlier comments, that if those with sudden failures posted the form in then the chance of a recall will rise.
Best I can do I'm afraid.

[Quatrelle]

I would advise all those affected to email 'Watchdog' at BBC to start with......

I too will be out of guarantee, again because of my low annual mileage.

[SteveX]

I've just bought a 06 2.0 Tdi with 30k and I'll never do another 30k before the warranty expires in March 09. I'm a bit worried now. I was hoping to keep this car for a few years. I'm delighted with the car so far, but now I've got this cloud of doubt creeping over

[gamichea]

Hi, all. Signed up a few days ago and been working through the B6 threads. This one really troubles me. I have had my 06 140 TDI Sport from new, now showing 25k.

One or two comments in this thread suggest to me not all fuel pumps are suspect, presumably because of design changes or from a different supplier. Can anyone confirm that my dealer (who on experience so far is a good'un) can identify the source of the fuel pump on my car and therefore if I am at risk?

Thanks in advance.

[Crasher]

As far as I can know, any 3C TDI is at risk. The pump changed in 2007 and they still fail. 2007 onwards pumps are now available again, up to 2006 are not available with no known release date.

[Ronny]

Does anyone have a MY08 Passat 125kw TDi verison and experiencing this fuel pump problem? I was wondering if VW has actually rectified this problem with all the 3C being built in 2008. Any comment?

[Crasher]

It is even worse on the 2007 onwards models.

[Quatrelle]

It is even worse on the 2007 onwards models.
Now I know why VW have so many airbags fitted to my car :zx11:

[bricam1]

After reading this and other issues with VW. I have to say that this will be my last VW purchase. I will buy another make and save myself a few thousands pounds.:(

VW I have lost all my confidence with you.

[Ronny]

It is even worse on the 2007 onwards models.

I don't know man. I have never heard of any problems with the fuel pump in Australia. May be the Diesel Passat in Australia is different to the UK's one.

[vince47]

Crasher, when you say its even worse on the 2007 models do you mean it fails earlier? If thats the case I may still get it under warranty despite low mileage :aargh4:
So the picture I get from the above is
VW fitted a fuel pump with a design fault in 05-06
In 2007 they changed it for one with a design fault causing earlier fails?
The 2007 `fast fail` design is now available!!
I hope I have misunderstood something here.
Everyone is concerned yet has anyone written to VOSA (or even Watchdog)?

[twvw]

Crasher, when you say its even worse on the 2007 models do you mean it fails earlier? If thats the case I may still get it under warranty despite low mileage :aargh4:
So the picture I get from the above is
VW fitted a fuel pump with a design fault in 05-06
In 2007 they changed it for one with a design fault causing earlier fails?
The 2007 `fast fail` design is now available!!
I hope I have misunderstood something here.
Everyone is concerned yet has anyone written to VOSA (or even Watchdog)?

I happened to see Watchdog on telly the other day and guess what Nicky Campbell was driving?

An 08 plate Passat Estate.

Now I don't suppose he'd be too happy to think his pump might be dodgy...

[Crasher]

I hope I have misunderstood something here.


Summed up nicely in a not too technical way.

[Quatrelle]

I happened to see Watchdog on telly the other day and guess what Nicky Campbell was driving?

An 08 plate Passat Estate.

Now I don't suppose he'd be too happy to think his pump might be dodgy...I have already suggested here that owners should write to 'Watchdog' - might have a bit more relevance now!

[jeepster1961]

hi all, got my 55 reg 140 tdi 2 months ago from a main dealer of luxury cars in wakefield.
spent the first and second week tryint to get someone to take notice of the problems i was having.
got ****** with their attitude and took it to my main dealer, he diagnosed a stuffed injector and pump. i called the service manager and he said no chance very unlikely, the sales man said this was just hearsay.

any how they took the car back and their vw main dealer mates have diagnosed a pump and injector fault.
thats the last time i purchase a second hand car from a luxury car main dealer in wakefield.

they now say all the parts are on back order but my dealer in derbyshire has them in stock.

[donaldbud]

Like many Passat owners I can shout those immortal works “I had a fuel pump problem”

Can anyone confirm what positive actions VW are taking or what compensation they are paying to ensure future customer loyalty.

I am in dialogue with them re the issue of the car being idle of 8 weeks.

[Crasher]

Pumps are now available from ECP and are Meat & Doria boxed versions of the original but the one we had today was incomplete and not absolutely correct and required a bit of work to adapt it. As for compensation, they aren’t contractually obliged to but they do provide a loan car for those cars under warranty. As for positive actions, I have no idea-just blame the French who make the pump!

[tom smith]

John.......
Para 1....We will still use the fast lane when the pump issue on our vehicle is resolved, despite most car control systems and mechanics ( of any brand ) occasionally throwing up unpredictable and potentially dangerous issues. And there are the other drivers 5 feet away from you ( at 70 + ) which shorten the odds all the time. Morbid I know, but life.

Para 2. Yes.

Para 3. Of course, your logic is clear. It would be nice if you could extract an answer to this from VW. I am sure they are required to respond to a written letter. Keep us in the loop if you do.

[jewjew24]

I've lost faith in my car, approaching 60000 miles with warranty ending next march, along with no interest from my local dealer regarding problem and a trip to France with family in August I’ve traded in. That's another gripe with VW, flooded the market with Passats so was offered a bad trade in by them because they have loads on the forecourt they cannot sell (proberly due to fuel pump problems!!) serve them right!!

ByeBye Passat Forum and thanks for all the help and info provided!!:beerchug:

[jeepster1961]

hi, got my car just over 2 months ago from a merc main dealer in wakefield.

within 3 days of the car being delivered i noticed smoke when the car was started from cold, i then made so many calls to the dealer ( stratstone) that thye appeared on my friends and family list. these were in the main not returned.

eventualy the car went in for repair to cure the smoking problem, they say thay have replaced the lift pump and the tandem pump but it still smokes like crazy. they keep promising to give me a list of th ebits they have fixed so perhaps they didn replace the bits.

my advice - if you want a passat then go to a vw dealer not a merc dealer.
and dont get one from stratstone, unless you like the smell of unburt diesel

[Teecee]

Hi

Passat 1.9 tdi se, its a Company car and has 77000 on the clock.Build quality not as good as the 53 I had, but not bad. Cut a long story short the lift fuel pump went 4 weeks ago. Thinking it was no good sending to VW for repair had it towed to a local independent garage. They tried for 3 weeks to get the pump, but no good. In the end I phoned VW who said they would replace FOC and took the car away. Wow they got a new pump and i had the car back after only a few days with VW. Thanks to VW in Stourbridge WM.

[gingernut352000]

All,

Called in at my dealer today at 10am they told me
VW issued a recall yesterday and we have plenty of pumps. Only applicable to certain cars and we have a database list.

they checked my reg and I am on it car is Jan 2006 2.0ltr tdi.

The car is booked in for tuesday next week with courtesy car.

no problems and no fuss from them.

Adrian

[mikecb1]

Well, this sounds like a real breakthrough. VW are at last accepting responsibility for this dangerous problem.

Can someone tell me how VW recalls work? I bought my 56 plate Tdi two months ago from a non-VW dealer. Since the car was last serviced in November, it could be many months before I need to routinely visit a VW dealer. Do I need to raise the issue of the recall myself, or does VW have some means (via DVLA perhaps) of contacting the current owner of an affected car?

Mike

[SteveX]

Hi, I called VW and asked about this re-call, as I too bought my mar06 TDI from a non VW dealer, they advised me to go to the dealer to check that their database shows me as the new owner (bought it 6 weeksago). They said that a recall was going to start, but not all cars at once (obviously), and suggested that I get this recall work done at the next service if I hadn't already heard from them. Good news I think

[Stuart W]

Well, this sounds like a real breakthrough. VW are at last accepting responsibility for this dangerous problem.

Can someone tell me how VW recalls work? I bought my 56 plate Tdi two months ago from a non-VW dealer. Since the car was last serviced in November, it could be many months before I need to routinely visit a VW dealer. Do I need to raise the issue of the recall myself, or does VW have some means (via DVLA perhaps) of contacting the current owner of an affected car?


I had a recall done on the wiper motor and VW contacted me by letter, and IIRC they must have got the information via the VR5/DVLA because there was a slight error in my VR5 address which was replicated by the letter.

I suspect also that if you aren't contacted by this method then your dealer will pick up on the fact that you haven't had the recall when your car is serviced, in theory at least.

[mikecb1]

Thanks Stuart, that's helpful.

In view of the worry of a unexpected pump failure, I guess I'll call the local dealer if I haven't heard anything in a month or so. I don't want to chance it for another 12-18 months until the next service is due!

Mike

[Quatrelle]

Mine was recalled for the wiper motor, and at the same time for something to do with cooling of the fuel, IIRC (must dig out the work sheet to check). As Gingernut says, not all cars are affected, but I'll definitely check with my dealer before the guarantee runs out.

[Crasher]

It is the temperature of the returning fuel on the PD TDI that is the problem, hence the fuel cooler.

[Quatrelle]

It is the temperature of the returning fuel on the PD TDI that is the problem, hence the fuel cooler.Well that clears that up. Thanks Crasher.

[SteveX]

Just back from the VW dealer, and they're doing the fuel pump work on mine next week while they do some other warranty work, (replacing the alloy wheels because of surface corrosion, fixing elec rear window, looking at CD player that keeps jumping back to track 1, rattle in dashboard).They're not giving me a courtesy car though, unless I give them £10 per day for insurance, and even then it's a polo. Nothing wrong with polos, except I'm 6ft 3

[gingernut352000]

my dealers charge £10 if you want to insure against damage other wise there is a £500 excess. Which I argued about seeing as it was warranty and they waived it.

gingernut

[jimgironde]

How do I know whether I have the 3c tdi? Mine is 57 plate 140tdi.

[Crasher]

That is a 3C.

[henley_regatta]

How do I know whether I have the 3c tdi? Mine is 57 plate 140tdi.

I was confused too. Try checking the vehicle data plate on the base of the B pillar when the front Passenger door is open.

..mine says "3c" in there somewhere too...

[jimgironde]

Thanks Crasher/Henley.

So that means I can probably look forward to future problems?

Or could it be causing a problem I have put in another thread of slight backfire/hesitation, and with only 6.5k on clock?:confused::confused::confused::confused:

[Quatrelle]

New question for 'Trivial Pursuits' - when does 3C = B6?

[jimgironde]

New question for 'Trivial Pursuits' - when does 3C = B6?


When a motor manufacturer doesn't want to make it easy for people on forums to talk sense:biglaugh:

[Crasher]

Ignore this B17, 19, 36 and 52 rubbish, that is for aircraft. Passat 04/88 to 9/93 was type 31, 10/93 to 12/96 was type 3A and with an overlap 10/1996 to 2/2005 was type 3B and 3/2005 onwards is type 3C. Look at your chassis number; it will say wvwzzz3Bz and then maybe 7 for 2007, E for Emden or P for Mosel and then the individual serial. At no point does it say B6 or anything like that. If you want to keep it simple, use the manufacturer’s chassis identification.

[jimgironde]

so what is the B6 for?:confused:

[Crasher]

It is another way of describing the platform often used by the Americans and an internal VAG platform code but it is much easier to go by the chassis type. It seems a bit daft that on this forum we use the BX designation for the A4 etc but on the A3 we use the chassis type, not consistent. The easiest thing is just not to worry about it.

[SteveX]

Just back from the VW dealer, and they're doing the fuel pump work on mine next week while they do some other warranty work, (

the saga continues

My Passat went in today for the pump change, and they called me at noon to say that they don't have any replacement pumps in the country, and are on back order..... I thought that VW UK had replacement pumps now:confused:
I suggested taking my car home until they had the pumps, but they were happy to keep my car until the pump arrives, even though they couldn't give any estimation of when that would be.

They're getting me a hire car tomorrow.

[amu55]

the saga continues

My Passat went in today for the pump change, and they called me at noon to say that they don't have any replacement pumps in the country, and are on back order..... I thought that VW UK had replacement pumps now:confused:
I suggested taking my car home until they had the pumps, but they were happy to keep my car until the pump arrives, even though they couldn't give any estimation of when that would be.

They're getting me a hire car tomorrow.
Make sure you getlike for like hire car (I had an a4s-line dsg for 7 weeks)and think of the milage you are saving on your car.I also got a bottle of champagne from the dealer on cars return.........:beerchug:

[SteveX]

Make sure you getlike for like hire car (I had an a4s-line dsg for 7 weeks)and think of the milage you are saving on your car.I also got a bottle of champagne from the dealer on cars return.........:beerchug:

Good tip, cheers mate

[Crasher]

The Pre 2007 pump is on back order again! The post 2007 pump is currently available but there only a few left, if you are worried (going on holiday aboard for example) it may make sense to buy one to keep spare, even though you would (if they had them) get it under warranty if it fails.

Knowing what a problem it is you would think they would have produced a decent number of them, such short-sightedness bemuses me.

[mikecb1]

Does anyone know if there is a general VW recall relating to this problem yet?

I certainly haven't been contacted by VW.

Mike

56 plate Sport 170

[SteveX]

Make sure you getlike for like hire car (I had an a4s-line dsg for 7 weeks)and think of the milage you are saving on your car.I also got a bottle of champagne from the dealer on cars return.........:beerchug:

They've hired me an Audi A4 with all the gadgets, sat nav, bluetooth phone etc. I hope I don't get too used to the gadgets. From Crasher's comment I may have it for a while.........

[SteveX]

[quote=mikecb1;189227]Does anyone know if there is a general VW recall relating to this problem yet?

Mine wasn't recalled. I took it in to get the brake pads replaced and they told me that the recall work would be done at the same time

[vince47]

Many people are rightly upset that there is no recall. However has anyone written to VOSA to give them the facts using the form I posted on 28th April? If we dont shout there wont be one.
I guess whats happened is that those whose pumps have failed feel they are ok now (wrongly from what I gather?) and those whose pumps havent failed cant really send the failure details in)

[tommyweaves]

I called in to my VW dealer in Letchworth today to get an opinion on the condition of my rear brake discs. Whilst talking to the service manager he mentioned that there was a recall (or similar) for the fuel pump on 2.0tdi models. Mine was replaced at 50k miles after it failed. I'm now on the cusp of 60k miles and they want to have it in on Monday to check whether the pump should be done.

[paumarti]

Mine went in today 'cause the engine exhaust emission light stayed once after I had gone through a succesful DPF regeneration. Whilst this was fixed via a software update they also replcaed the fuel pump. I played ignorant and asked why. I was told that VW are running a Field campaign to replace fuel pumps, its not a full recall.

[Astonm]

Is there any symtoms to the fuel pump going or does it just die?

[james_tiger_woo]

My friend is an IT manager who has a fleet of 15 B6 Passats - 9 of which are laid up with fuel pump failures - one's been off the road for 2 and a half months....

I might call my dealer tomorrow...

[tommyweaves]

Is there any symtoms to the fuel pump going or does it just die?

Mine started with a very low resonance hum from the rear of the car, from the back seat area. It was audible when you put the key in the ignition, just before you crank it over, and was still audible after the engine started. It failed 85 miles and 2 hours later. During that journey it seemed to miss fire a couple of times, but I got to my destination. When I went out to the car later it wouldn't start. The AA get it started eventually by continually cranking it, but then it stalled again. A sharp thump on the bottom of the fuel tank from the AA man got the pump going again, and then it was ok, but I took it straight to the dealer for a replacement.

Hope this helps.

[amu55]

Is there any symtoms to the fuel pump going or does it just die?
My car ran fine till it got to just above quarter of fuel left in the tank then it just died would start eventualy but die again fill with fuel it would run again weird............ new pump all is well.

[ATHOM]

Does anyone know if there is a general VW recall relating to this problem yet?

I certainly haven't been contacted by VW.

Mike

56 plate Sport 170

Hi Mike
I have a 140bhp 05 saloon (new style) and had an MOT test yesterday. I was informed that there was a recall on my car for a fuel pump replacement. Unfortunately, the deal has fuel pumps on back order, with no quoted delivery date. I guess it must be official now

Allan

[Stuart W]

Knowing what a problem it is you would think they would have produced a decent number of them, such short-sightedness bemuses me.


You could be right, but given how long it's taken to even get a reasonable supply out it's perhaps not surprising that they haven't produced enough - perhaps it was considered better to get a reasonable batch out rather than perhaps take a bit longer to make enough to meet all demand.

[Stuart W]

I also got a bottle of champagne from the dealer on cars return.........:beerchug:

Perhaps VW will arrange a big party and fireworks display when it's all sorted :fest30:

[SteveX]

My Passat should be ready on Monday. When i dropped the car to them last Tuesday, they had no idea when the pump would arrive so they hired me an A4, and said it may be a few weeks until it arrived. I think they were surprised when it arrived on Friday.
I'm pleased though. I know some might think that an A4 is a better car, but I don't think so at all. The A4 is not as quiet, or as comfortable, or as fast as the Passat

[Crasher]

I think the problem is due to excessive return fuel temperature. You should see the state of these pumps when they come out, black instead of the light buff colour of the new ones. If it is excessive fuel temperature, it means upgrading the fuel cooler is going to be the only long term solution or we are stuck with this problem for the next 20 years or more. Has anyone had a fuel pump failure on a 3C 1.9 TDI? All the ones I have come across have been on the 2.0 16v TDI. The two both use the same pump and cooler so I would be interested to know.

[vince47]

posts 14/3;19/4 & 22/5 mention 1.9 failures. Wonder what actually fails..bearing/electrical control gear?? Dont really understand the `hot fuel return path` mechanism.

[Crasher]

The fuel returning from the injectors on a PD TDI is so hot that is has to be cooled by a radiator under the right hand front floor or else it will damage the tank and its internals. The 3C pumps I have seen removed have been blackened like no other pumps I have ever seen. If 1.9’s are failing (they don’t tend to on the Golf 4 or Passat 3B) then the cooler may be ineffective at cooling the returned fuel.

[Quatrelle]

Crasher - is this the reason for the recall that I had on my Passat a few weeks after I bought it in Dec. 2006 (cooling of the fuel)? I posted about this on the forum a few weeks ago and you said it was to do with the temperature of the returning fuel.

If it was it suggests that VW have known about this problem for some time now.

[SteveX]

As an update. Just got my car home from VW after they changed the fuel pump. All seems well... might be my imagination, but it seems smoother, especially at low speeds where it had been a little bit jerky before.

[Crasher]

Quatrelle, quite possibly, I think they are going to need a larger fuel cooler. I would be interested if anyone who owns a 3C TDI and who also has VAG-COM would be willing to log the fuel temp to see what it is in various driving situations.

[Quatrelle]

Crasher - As a matter of interest, and I don't know if it's relevant, looking at the list of things that my dealer has done to the car (the worksheet they give me every time it goes in has a history of jobs done) shows the following for the recall for the 'cooling of the fuel':

"Cde/O.R - 30400, Action 92B6 G6854".

Is there any way of finding out exactly what this means?

[Crasher]

That is a Campaign number but I don’t have that one, they make it difficult for us independents to get such information, I suppose they have to have some advantages over us or they would be totally stuffed!

[welshpedro]

I specifically joined this forum today to search on a problem I have with my Passat being Jerky at low speeds.. and came across this thread immediatley.....

I have a 57 2.0 TDI Sport DSG 170 and when on driving in slow traffic, have noticed it a very jerky when lightly touching the throttle to move along.. to the point that my wife has complained about my bad driving several times!! Its a DSG so shoudl be smooth, and I had a 55 plate 1.9 tdi golf V DSG prior to the passat, and have to say it was much smoother and generally nicer to drive, even after I put 70 odd K on it....

The passat is only 5 months old with 8k and there's plently I like about it, but the low speed jerking is driving me nuts...

I assume it shouldnt be like this and should be returned to a dealer to check out??

[Quatrelle]

Hi Welshpedro, welcome to the happy farm (sorry, forum).

In answer to your query: definitely.

[welshpedro]

Hi Welshpedro, welcome to the happy farm (sorry, forum).

In answer to your query: definitely.


Thanks.. will be taking it in today!!

[alanb]

took mine in today for rear pads at 90000 miles as brake warning came on for the first time
they rang me and said that they were only 1/4 worn and it was the front pads that required replacement.
on collecting the car I found that they had replaced the fuel pump carried out a software update and the wiper mod.I explained that I do my own serviceing and would do the front brake pads myself when I left the car.

I was supprised when collecting the car that I was not charged for the brake inspection and they had also washed and vacuumed the car.

outstanding service from both the car and the dealer (colbournes Guildford)

[james_tiger_woo]

Has there been a recall over the fuel pump yet?

[SteveX]

Has there been a recall over the fuel pump yet?

Hi James. It looks like they're changing them when the cars are brought in for other work. My pump was done when I took it in for new brake pads last month. They did a software upgrade at the same time.

[Crasher]

It’s more of a Campaign than a recall, if they get an affected car in and they have the stock, they change the pump. I think they will also change it on request if there are sufficient stocks.

[steve_c]

Have got a similar problem with my Passat Estate 2 Litre DSG.

Issue has been intermittent but has got progressively worse over the last 6 months. Is noticeably worse as the car is warming up but at low speeds / light gas is like driving on an uneven road surface most of the time

Going into the garage on Friday......

[welshpedro]

Have got a similar problem with my Passat Estate 2 Litre DSG.

Issue has been intermittent but has got progressively worse over the last 6 months. Is noticeably worse as the car is warming up but at low speeds / light gas is like driving on an uneven road surface most of the time

Going into the garage on Friday......

Exactly the same symtoms as mine. Got it booked in for Next Tuesday (along with the parking sensors that dont work in the rain)

[tommyweaves]

took mine in today for rear pads at 90000 miles as brake warning came on for the first time
they rang me and said that they were only 1/4 worn and it was the front pads that required replacement.
on collecting the car I found that they had replaced the fuel pump carried out a software update and the wiper mod.I explained that I do my own serviceing and would do the front brake pads myself when I left the car.

I was supprised when collecting the car that I was not charged for the brake inspection and they had also washed and vacuumed the car.

outstanding service from both the car and the dealer (colbournes Guildford)

Only 1/4 worn after 90,000 miles????!!!! How did you manage that? My rear pads were replaced at 55,000 and the discs look really rough.

[Stuart W]

What about your front pads tommy?

I replaced my fronts at 60,000, but they didn't mention the rears, so I assume they've got a good bit of wear left.

[thatch]

I got a phone call out of the blue from my dealer regarding the fuel pump recall! Booked in for the end of the month when their are going to do a couple of other things for me.

[james_tiger_woo]

Just spoke to my dealer - Apparently when some Passats come in, they're checking them to see which pump it is and then replacing if it's a certain pump. But no recall as yet....

[tommyweaves]

What about your front pads tommy?

I replaced my fronts at 60,000, but they didn't mention the rears, so I assume they've got a good bit of wear left.

Fronts also done at 55k

[angus]

Just spoke to my dealer - Apparently when some Passats come in, they're checking them to see which pump it is and then replacing if it's a certain pump. But no recall as yet....


Just picked my Passat up from service to be informed they "had carried out the fuel pump recall".

Is this a first or they just keeping quiet about it?

[SteveX]

Thanks.. will be taking it in today!!
Hi Pedro
How did you get on with the jerkyness at the garage? I had my fuel pump replaced 5 weeks ago, but it's still a bit jerky when cold. When it warms up it's fine though.
Steve

[mikecb1]

Angus,

out of interest, what registration date is your car?

Mike

[angus]

Angus,

out of interest, what registration date is your car?

Mike

Hi Mike,

It`s a "56" reg (October 06).

Angus

[welshpedro]

Hi Pedro
How did you get on with the jerkyness at the garage? I had my fuel pump replaced 5 weeks ago, but it's still a bit jerky when cold. When it warms up it's fine though.
Steve

Hi Steve... They couldnt look at it there and then, so its booked in for Tuesday to be checked (and for the dodgy when wet parking sensors). I had a Golf V DSG previous to the Passat and that was smooth cold or warm (1.9 tdi 105 DSG).

The Passat is Feb 2008 purchase date.. but have since found out build date was May 2007 !! Dont know if it fuel pump or something else?!?!

WP

[mikecb1]

Thanks Angus

Mine's a 56 too (Nov 96), so it will be interesting to see how the dealer reacts when I ask for a new pump.

Mike

[steve_c]

Just heard back from the Dealer (Martins in Camberley) and they claimed they cannot find a fault. Am going out on a road test tomrrow morning and awaiting a call back from their technical department.

BTW - Passat build date is Nov 2006.......

[shuggie]

just had the pump on my car changed 1.9 td1 se first reg, june 06, also had the gearbox oil changed as that is another recall the dealer told me, seems its the wrong grade of oil :confused: this was done on 2nd of july 08

[welshpedro]

Just had my car returned from the dealer.... no fault found. But there is one... very hesitant in traffic when lightly touching the throttle. Not very happy.

At least they did find fault with the reversing sensors when wet .. but didnt have in stock... so its got to go back next week!!

[PNS2007]

Hi everyone, been reading this post with interest. Not really affected me and I've had no problems.

Anyway booked my car into Dealers on sat morning for them to look at my Alarm sensors as they aren't working

(See following post :-

http://www.vwaudiforum.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?t=15586&highlight=alarm

Well, I picked up my car today and they have done some warrenty work regarding the Fuel Pump as well. Had a new one fitted:D. Apparently they are undertaking this work as and when the cars come in for work but are not specifically recalling them!!!

[ajweekes]

Just had my car collected to fix various small problems, I've just had to sign for a fuel pump recall which they are doing at the same time. I've had no problem with mine and have never mentioned it to VW, so seems an official recall now?

[steve_c]

Have raised a case with VW on this who wanted the car booked in again for a full diagnostic check to be completed on my car.

When I booked it in at my local VW dealer, I explained the situation to the person on the phone of the poor running when the engine was cold he immediately said it was a fuel pump which has been ruled out last time it went in. I subsequently mentioned however that it was a DSG model to which he went onto say it was "likely to be a Valve Body inside the Gearbox which was playing up" and that the "problem is particularly prevelant when the car is cold"

If (and at this point it's a big if) this is actually the problem and they sort it out, I will buy the man a Beer for diagnosing the problem during a phone call.

Car is booked in for the 16th July........

[Boxmaker]

Thanks Angus

Mine's a 56 too (Nov 96), so it will be interesting to see how the dealer reacts when I ask for a new pump.

Mike

Hi everyone,
I have a passat 140 tdi SE 56 plated (14 k on clock) and just was at my local dealers for AC problems, they found problem and fixed it quickly, it was a high pressure AC switch. But they also changed my cars fuel pump. Explanation was that they replace it in every car with problematic fuel pump (after checking chassis number) which comes for service or for other problems. So, it is not official recall. I think VW try to do it quiet. Any way seems that VW finaly accepted that numerous cars has this particular problem and try to fix it. I was pleased as it took them only 1 day to fix AC and change pump. Really good news :)!

[SteveX]

Car is booked in for the 16th July........
How did you get on? Mine in with VW now, and they said that there may be a problem with the turbo. I mentioned the 'valve' that you were quoted, and they said that that was for a non DSG gearbox, and the problem was fuel/turbo related not gearbox :confused:

[steve_c]

SteveX,

The valve body the dealer was referring to was the DSG valve body aka a Mechatronics unit. They took some readings the other day when it went in to send off to VW but couldn't reproduce the problem (again).

Will be interested to hear from you on what they find with the Turbo on yours.....

Thanks

[SteveX]

Steve_C
They've now replaced the turbo, and the fuel filter, and said that they thought it might be fixed, but wanted to keep the car for another day to test it. Either way the diagnostics picked up no faults at all, but when they test drove it, they experienced the fault which is something at least.
As the car is still under warranty, it's no so bad, but if the warranty had run out; I'd be biting my nails by now

[steveast]

Just had my 57 plate Estate returned from the dealer (electrics cut out completely on two ocassions) & they've replaced the fuel pump due to a recall!
Perhaps they do read these pages after all?

[Astonm]

Spoke to me dealer last week and he said my car is required to have a new fuel pump as they are all being recalled in batches, it was changed yesterday with no problems :D

[james_tiger_woo]

My car's in for its service and I've been told they're doing (or checking) the pump under recall.

(Got me a nice Golf GT TDi courtesy car too :))

[james_tiger_woo]

£135 for the service and the fuel pump done under a general recall :-)

[jimgironde]

57 plate 140 tdi se estate

Went in for its 10k service a couple of weeks ago and told them of whiffs of diesel smell. When I picked it up they told me they had replaced the fuel pump in an attempt to cure the problem!!
I then told them I knew of the recall. The paperwork referred to it as "recall 20m5". I have googled but can find nothing that mentions this.

[Stuart W]

The paperwork referred to it as "recall 20m5". I have googled but can find nothing that mentions this.

Probably means it's a typo ;)

[Spudrig]

I got the recall letter from VW yesterday about the fuel pump. I'll book it in some time in the future. Interesting to see that they want the car left in with less than half a tank of diesel in it?? Can anyone explain why this would be the case?

[gamichea]

I got the recall letter from VW yesterday about the fuel pump. I'll book it in some time in the future. Interesting to see that they want the car left in with less than half a tank of diesel in it?? Can anyone explain why this would be the case?

Mine was replaced Monday while car was in for cruise to be fitted. I had no recall letter and car was presented with a virtually full tank and returned in the same state without comment. Noticed a slight whiff of deisel when getting out of the car at home so maybe there's been a small loss.

[Grandmaster80]

I received the letter from VW as well yesterday. They said car needs to be checked even the fuel pump has been changed previously!!

mine was replaced 2 months ago. 2 weeks ago when VW dealer changed my timing belt he said mine fuel pump is updated and dont require changing.

Now, should I ignore this letter or still go the VW dealer and have another look and waste my time?

[james_tiger_woo]

I got the letter too and I'm just about to call them now...

[jimgironde]

I received the letter from VW as well yesterday. They said car needs to be checked even the fuel pump has been changed previously!!

mine was replaced 2 months ago. 2 weeks ago when VW dealer changed my timing belt he said mine fuel pump is updated and dont require changing.

Now, should I ignore this letter or still go the VW dealer and have another look and waste my time?


Grandmaster, if something with the fuel pump went wrong and caused other problems then VW would probably say you ignored the letter.

I personally would go in, look upon it as peace of mind and not waste of time.

[james_tiger_woo]

Spoken to my dealer and they did the work before the recall to reduce the rush - so all done :)

[Grandmaster80]

Grandmaster, if something with the fuel pump went wrong and caused other problems then VW would probably say you ignored the letter.

I personally would go in, look upon it as peace of mind and not waste of time.

Jimgironde, I spoke with VW dealer who did my timing belt and they said they have already checked it my fuel pump has been changed and updated so ignore the letter.

for piece of mind i called two other dealers and they both said the same thing! My fuel pump was changed two months ago and i received this letter yesterday so i am confused.com now!!

[jimgironde]

Apologies Grandmaster, when you asked whether you should ignore the letter I didn't realise VW had already told you to ignore it.
Hopefully when they did the replacemnent pump they will have given you a warranty work sheet and they would have asked you to sign it, just keep this with the recall letter in case of further probs.

[RIDGMONT61]

Had some work done at the dealer today, and with a simple enquiry and with no letter from VW it is booked in for the pump to be replaced in a couple of weeks.

[mikecb1]

Snap!

Took my 56 plate TDi Sport in for some warranty work and an oil change on Monday. I mentioned the fuel pump to them when booking, and the response was "yes there's a recall, and we do it at the same time". No recall letter though.

Mike

[.Ray]

Hi all, new here. I too took my 56 passat in to fix the parking sensors last month and they changed the fuel pump without me asking.

[wh431]

Got a letter last week from VW for the fuel pump recall, went in today at the local dealer and every thing was done within an hour (+ free valeting and a good Wash). I wasnt expecting to see a shiny car when i went to collect :banana:

I am not sure its just in my head but i noticed a better pick up in 1st gear after the pump replacement.

I also have some probs with the CD player MFD*** (Cd stuck inside), they couldnt fix that but told me that they will replace the unit..

VW rocks..

[artnada]

I had the recall letter 2 weeks ago. I had got in touch with VW over 3 months ago and told them I knew of the recall. (thx to this site). They took all that time to send the letter to me.

The car is having a service today and the pump is being done today too.

I have had a devil of a time the last 3 months with the fuel pump with no power, the noise from the rear of the car etc.

Hopefully this afternoon when finished, I will test it to see if there is the normal power associated with my lovely 2 litre TDi.

Here's hoping all goes well.

Next service the cam belt needs doing, at a cost of £500 :eek: :zx11:

Anyone know if I "have to" do the cam at VW or can it be done elsewhere?

[vince47]

Its good to see that pumps are generally being changed when the car goes in for service. This is good news and I will certainly ask for mine to be changed when it gets it first service.
However, does anyone know if the pumps now being fitted are reliable? Has any high mileage driver had a 2nd failure? I ask this as at one point in this long thread I had the impression that the replacement pumps were perhaps worse than the originals or perhaps simply of the same quality. If pumps being fitted now remove the reliability issue then I may even bring my first service forward (after all 2 yrs till my first longlife service still seems incredible to me)

[SteveX]

However, does anyone know if the pumps now being fitted are reliable?

Hi Vince
I had my pump replaced 3 months ago. I was told at the time that the early replacements were part of the same faulty batch that were fitted into the Passats originally, and these failed also.
You'll see from the thread that there was then a long delay in getting new pumps. I was told that this was because VW stopped using the 'faulty' batch as replacements, and had to supply new replacements
So to answer your question, the replacements should be fine

[gazza007]

My replacement FP has been in 10 months along with tandem pump, I asked at my service in Aug if it needed to be done again but they said it was the newer pump.

[Buzz_B6]

Mine failed in March, at 33k, and not too long before it went out of warranty in July. It went in and they said it'd be there a couple of weeks as they already had 2 in and the part was on back order. I was just about to strongly sugest that i'd expect a courtesy car when he said he'd need a few details from me and he'd sort out a courtesy car. I dont know if it mattered that it was the service manager, but he came back with keys to an almost brand new golf. 300 miles on its clock. I was quite happy, as i expected to be fobbed off with a polo, but the golf was in fact a GT TDI so i was quite happy. After 3 weeks speeding in it (which was NOT my fault, it goes fast all my itsef!) i phoned to ask why my car wasn't ready. The girl apologised very nicely, but said that the parts were showing as being on back order, with a priority having been put on them 2 weeks earlier. I asked if 2 weeks was normal for a priority part, then shut up as i realised it wasn't the poor receptionists fault it was taking so long.
Another 2 weeks later, (yes, thats 5 weeks so far) i was phoned and told they needed my car back. But they'd hired one from enterprise, and it'd be with me the following day if that was ok. What i got was a 1.6 petrol golf, in basic trim. It was pretty sh*t after the GT. i had the GT and the 1.6 petrol for 2 days before they picked up their own golf! In the end, i had waited over 8 weeks to get my Passat back. It was god to have back after that crappy slow petrol golf.

I was pretty angry at the time, as the passat was by no stretch a cheap car! In fact its the most money i've ever spent(or should i say borrowed?) on any one thing except my flat.
If i had joined this forum first i think i'd have been ok with it tbh. My only complaint in hindsight now is not the wait, but the lack of communication. When i collected my car, the service guy i spoke to said there were ELEVEN passats sitting waiting the previous week, and that 4 pumps had arrived in one day!. Recalling that the service manager told me he had 2 in already when mine went in means mine was 3rd in the queue! God only knows hw long the car that came in 2 after mine must have waited! Surely they knew when mine went in, that it was gonna be more than 2 weeks? I wonder if they started eling people longer afterwards?

Also, i'm now going back to see what pump was fitted, because if its just another faulty siemens one, i want it replaced, even though i'm technically 5 weeks out of warranty.

[Buzz_B6]

i'll post back here and see what they fitted, and if i need to worry because they wont replace it again :S

[vince47]

My 07 plate 170SEL is due its first longlife service as it will be 2yrs old next week. I have therefore emailed a few VW garages, quoting my VIN number and asking how much the service will cost and whether the fuel pump will be replaced. The 2 that have replied so far have both said that that my VIN number indicates the pump doesnt need changing. I am wondering if this is true and I have the latest pump.
I have read through many posts throughout the forum and get a mixed message with some saying 07 pumps fail too. I guess it could mean simply that 07 cars have the new design of pump which is far less likely to fail. Indeed I have noticed far less people posting about this problem which is good news. So the question is whether its likely to be true that my March 07 170SEL has the latest pump fitted and I neednt push for a pump replacement

[Crasher]

Yes you have the late pump but they still fail although there is no recall for this on your model year.

[jimgironde]

Vince, I have the 140 tdi which is 57 plate. It had the pump replaced under "recall" whwn it went in for its first service last summer.

[Buzz_B6]

I had mine replaced under warranty after it failed, then recieved a recall letter. I went in, and they say the one i had had fitted under warranty needed replaced too. I think they may just have said that because i'd been sat bored in their showroom drinking their (thankfully free) coffee for almost 90mins. lol.
I dont think 07's have been recalled, but given how long they took to recall the rest, I wouldn't really trust VW. Nah, thinking about it, i suspect that 07 or later models are probably ok.

[williewu]

i had got a recall note from VW back around August last year for my 06 1.9tdi. The recall is also on the VOSA website.
the car broke down a few days before it was booked in and was fixed immediatly.

At 1st it was a whirring noise from under rear seat as well as a very slight lack of power on acclerating which caused a bit of drag.

What is getting me worried now is the fact that yesterday the engine has started to shudder heavily between 2-3krpm whilst accelerating with sever loss of power. Could this be the same thing or soemthing different?

[dazzer07]

i had got a recall note from VW back around August last year for my 06 1.9tdi. The recall is also on the VOSA website.
the car broke down a few days before it was booked in and was fixed immediatly.

At 1st it was a whirring noise from under rear seat as well as a very slight lack of power on acclerating which caused a bit of drag.

What is getting me worried now is the fact that yesterday the engine has started to shudder heavily between 2-3krpm whilst accelerating with sever loss of power. Could this be the same thing or soemthing different?
double master flywheel i had the same problem had clutch and flywheel replaced under warranty last week if you have no warranty it's going to empty your pockets:(

[Crasher]

You mean Dual Mass Flywheel.

[dazzer07]

You mean Dual Mass Flywheel.
one of them as well:D

[Giraffe]

Just been ploughing my way through this thread... My V6 2.5tdi failed on Friday night. It's a 2000 model. Most of these replies seem to be about the newer versions.

Is the fuel pump failure also relevent to the older models?

Thankfully, the A1 was quiet and I was able to coast into a layby.

Have not had much luck with cars over the last eighteen months - I think I might take up cycling instead! :(

[Crasher]

Just as common on the earlier models but slightly easier to replace as the pump is not coded into the immobiliser.

[daveyboy467]

Hi Gaz

There is a problem especially 2.0 TDI but the 1.9 TDI are effected
as well.My dealer said to me there was a batch of them that is causing the faults they were made by Siemens.My 1.9 TDI pump was done under the warranty 6 month ago.At least The VW dealers
are responding and Volkswagen are giving you a car till yours is fixed I can't speak for all the dealers but this is happening at mine.

P.S
There is another dealer recall on my car 1.9 TDI it was flagged up on Monday I am going in today to see what it was because on Monday it was written in German and I don't have a clue what they have to do to it.

Keep you posted.


why don't you copy the text using a 'google' easy translate page... i used it b4... and its very good just type 'translate text' into google search.

[Ianboom]

Right, this is my 3rd diesel Passat, 04 company one 110K no problems, 07 company given back with 30K no problems. Bought a 56 plate 2.0SE, 78K, now done 84K no problems until today, outside lane of M42, no power, then it came back, then went, it was recovered home.
Oddly I brimmed the tank for the first time on Friday, and I now have just over quarter of a tank.
Reading the replies I may put a couple of 5litre cans of diesel in to see if it starts before phoning the local independant dealer (has a unit next door to a main dealer!) However, I'm quite mechaincally minded, is there a test or something I can do to see if the fuel pump is at fault before I spend a lot of money at the dealer, also how much are you paying for a repair? If it's under recall, I'll take it to VW, if not the independant gets it.

[Ianboom]

Was number 3 injector faulty, apparently a common fault.
Won't be fixed until Monday, £830 inc flat bed to the garage :mad:

[Quatrelle]

If it's a common fault, try asking VW to chip in....

[Crasher]

Was number 3 injector faulty, apparently a common fault.
Won't be fixed until Monday, £830 inc flat bed to the garage :mad:

Not common at all...