# 2003 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT — ENGINE
> NHTSA complaint `952631` · 2012-12-06 · 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
- **Miles at failure:** 137,000
- **Speed:** 60 mph
## Narrative
WHILE DRIVING THE ON THE CAPITOL BELTWAY (495 INNER LOOP) I STARTED TO SMELL A BURNING SMELL. MOMENTS LATER WITHIN ABOUT 30 SECONDS THE ENGINE BURST INTO FLAMES. I WAS ABLE TO STOP THE VEHICLE SAFELY AND EXITED THE CAR. NEEDLESS TO SAY THE VEHICLE IS TOTALED. I WOULD DESCRIBE THE INCIDENT AS A SPONTANEOUS ENGINE FIRE. THERE WAS NO WARNING. THANK YOU.  *TR
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*Source: [NHTSA ODI](https://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/downloads/) · AI Analytics · CC0 1.0*