# 2003 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CATALYTIC CONVERTOR
> NHTSA complaint `654883` · 2008-01-24 · Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
## Severity
- **Deaths:** 0
- **Injured:** 0
- **Fire:** Yes
- **Crash:** No
- **Police report:** No
- **Medical attention:** No
- **Vehicle towed:** No
## Vehicle
- **Make:** VOLKSWAGEN
- **Model:** PASSAT
- **Year:** 2003
- **Manufacturer:** Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
- **Component:** ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CATALYTIC CONVERTOR
- **Miles at failure:** 52,000
- **Speed:** 30 mph
## Narrative
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT.  WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE VEHICLE VIBRATED EXCESSIVELY AND SMOKE BEGAN EMANATING FROM THE PASSENGER SIDE.  THE ENGINE LIGHT REMAINED ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT CONTROL PANEL.  SHE PULLED OVER TO INSPECT THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED FLAMES COMING FROM THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER.  THE DEALER STATED THAT THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, EMISSION COILER, AND OXYGEN SENSORS FAILED.  ALL OF THE REPAIRS WERE MADE.  THE CONTACT FILED A FORMAL COMPLAINT WITH THE MANUFACTURER.  THE POWERTRAIN WAS UNKNOWN.  THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 52,000.
---
*Source: [NHTSA ODI](https://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/downloads/) · AI Analytics · CC0 1.0*