TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. WHILE PARKED FOR 30 MINUTES THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE FIRE STARTED IN THE FRONT UNDER THE ENGINE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT STATED IT COULD BE AN ELECTRICAL FIRE OR A LEAK IN THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE WAS COMPLETELY DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER HAS NOT BEEN NOTIFIED. THE INSURANCE COMPANY WAS PERFORMING AN INVESTIGATION. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 20,000.
2009 Volkswagen Passat electrical problems
severe 17 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $850
Complaints
17
Recalls
0
Crashes
1
Avg fix
$850
What owners are reporting 2 most recent
FAILURE OF KEY (FOB OR WHAT EVER VW CALLS IT) TO START VEHICLE WHEN INSERTED IN IGNITION SWITCH. THIS FAILURE HAS OCCURRED TWICE AND RESULTED IN IGNITION SWITCH NEEDING TO BE REPLACED BY DEALER. ON THE SECOND OCCURRENCE THE KEY ITSELF SHORTED OUT AND WOULD NOT ALLOW ME TO OPEN POWER DOORS; HOWEVER, THE KEY WOULD ALLOW ME TO OPEN THE POWER REAR HATCH SO THAT I COULD CRAWL THROUGH CAR TO UNLOCK DO…
Common questions
How serious is the electrical problem on the 2009 Volkswagen Passat?
It's a meaningful issue. 17 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $850.
At what mileage does the electrical typically fail?
Mileage data is limited for this issue. Owners report failures across a wide range, suggesting cause is more about driving conditions and maintenance than mileage alone.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $850 for electrical repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to electrical?
No active recalls currently cover electrical issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Other problem areas on this vehicle
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities.
Repair cost estimates are independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area.
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