Volkswagen Passat Engine Stall Risk Results in Recall for 281K Sedans, Wagons

Nearly 300,000 Volkswagen Passat sedans and wagons have been recalled, due to a risk for a fuel pump failure, which may cause the engine to stall unexpectedly, posing serious risks while driving.

The Volkswagen Passat recall (PDF) was announced by the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) on August 28, after the manufacturer identified a problem with the electrical supply to the fuel pump control module that may cause the engine to fail, increasing the risk of an accident.

Under certain operating conditions, the electrical power supply to the fuel pump control module could be interrupted, resulting in fuel pump failure and loss of vehicle power. Under these conditions, the fuel pump could also be subject to continuously run, resulting in a drained vehicle battery and not allow the vehicle to start.

Volkswagen received its first report of the issue in April 2016, and opened an investigation to determine the root cause. After a defect parts analysis and further testing, the automaker found the root cause of the defect to be a faulty electrical power supply to the fuel pump module. Officials from Volkswagen determined a safety risk was present and initiated a safety recall.

The vehicles included in the recall are model year 2009 through 2016 Volkswagen CC vehicles, 2006 through 2010 Volkswagen Passat vehicles, and 2006 through 2010 Volkswagen Passat Wagons.

Customers are being alerted that in the event of an electrical interruption to the fuel pump module, drivers could lose control of their vehicles while in motion, increasing the risk of a crash and injury hazard. Customers are also warned that under these conditions the vehicles battery could drain due to the fuel pump control module continuously running, potentially leaving drivers and occupants without starting ability.

According to the NHTSA, an estimated 280,915 are included in the recall. Impacted vehicles were distributed throughout the U.S. to licensed dealers and to various other retailers outside of the U.S.

Volkswagen announced it will begin notifying owners of the defect and safety risks by October 13, 2017, and will provide a secondary notice when remedy parts become available to begin repairs. Customers will receive a follow up notice when repair parts are available with instructions on how to schedule a free repair appointment at their local dealer, where dealers will be instructed to replace the fuel pump control module. Customers with additional questions or concerns regarding the recall may contact Volkswagen Customer Service at 1-800-893-4236 and reference the recall number 20AE.