Vehicle recall 08V156000 · April 7, 2008
1999-2005 Volkswagen Passat
These vehicles may have an underbody heat shield that can become damaged.
Source: NHTSA data as of September 22, 2026. Last refreshed Sep 23, 2026, 2:43 AM UTC.
- Summary
- 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.
- Consequence
- 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.
- Remedy
- 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.
- Notes
- Vwoa recall no. 26E5/R5.CUSTOMERS may contact the national highway traffic safety administration's vehicle safety hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-424-9153); or go to http://www.safercar.gov.
Recall details
- NHTSA campaign
- 08V156000
- Reported to NHTSA
- April 7, 2008
- Filed by
- VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA, INC
- Manufacturer campaign
- 26E5/R5
- Owner notification
- June 13, 2008
- Vehicles potentially affected
- 412,000
- Initiated by
- NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation
- Components
- Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery
Vehicles covered
As listed by NHTSA. A recall usually covers only some vehicles of each model and year, often a production date range.
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