The problem
Volkswagen is recalling 412,000 my 1999-2005 passat (5th generation) vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions and produced after June 14, 1999. These vehicles May have an underbody heat shield that can become damaged. In addition, affected vehicles with automatic or manual transmissions May have a fuel line (1.8t engines only) or fuel tank ventilation valve (4motion/all wheel drive only) that can leak due to fracture.
The risk
A heat shield that May contact the exhaust system can result in a vehicle fire. In addition, a fuel leak from a fuel line or fuel tank ventilation valve, in the presence of an ignition source, can lead to a vehicle fire.
The fix
Dealers will install additional underbody heat shields on vehicles with automatic transmissions to cover the possibly damaged areas and flash all 1.8t engines with a precautionary software update. Dealers will also inspect and adjust the fuel line routing on 1.8t vehicles and the fuel tank ventilation valve on 4motion/all wheel drive vehicles, and replace components if necessary free of charge. The recall began on June 13, 2008. Owners May contact Volkswagen at 1-800-822-8987.
Recall details
| NHTSA campaign | 08V-156 (08V156000) |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer number | 26E5/R5 |
| Manufacturer | Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. |
| Component | Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery |
| Report date | April 7, 2008 |
| Owners notified | June 13, 2008 |
| Vehicles affected | 412,000 |
| Initiated by | NHTSA investigation |
Vehicles covered
Owner complaints about the fuel & propulsion system
- 1999 Volkswagen Passat fuel system problems 29
- 2000 Volkswagen Passat fuel system problems 46
- 2001 Volkswagen Passat fuel system problems 44
- 2002 Volkswagen Passat fuel system problems 74
- 2003 Volkswagen Passat fuel system problems 171
- 2004 Volkswagen Passat fuel system problems 60
- 2005 Volkswagen Passat fuel system problems 23
Frequently asked questions
Is the recall 08V-156 repair free?
Yes. Volkswagen dealers will fix the problem at no cost: Dealers will install additional underbody heat shields on vehicles with automatic transmissions to cover the possibly damaged areas and flash all 1.8t engines with a precautionary software update.
How do I know if my car is included?
Not every vehicle of the listed model years is affected — the recall covers 412,000 vehicles built in a certain window. Check your 17-character VIN with our VIN recall check or at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.