Issue ID | 1047377 |
Internal NHTSA # | 10572524 |
Manufacurer | Volkswagen of America, Inc. |
Brand | VOLKSWAGEN |
Model | PASSAT |
Model Year | 2014 |
File date | 02/02/12 |
Component | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM |
Product type code | VEHICLE |
Description of the problem | Whenever outside temperature reaches below 20 degrees f the driver side lock freezes making it impossible to open this door. This is a safety hazard, as the only means of entry and egress is through the passenger side door. In the event of a crash, submerging in water, fire, or other type incident, there is significant risk, should the driver need to exit the vehicle. I have called volkswagen customer care on three separate occasions (case numbers are documented, calls recorded), only to be reassured that they have not had any other calls regarding this. The solution (help) that they offer is to have me bring the vehicle to my dealership when the lock is froze, so the dealer can see the lock when it is in this condition. In essence, they are asking me to drive a vehicle they manufactured with a significant safety concern to my dealership when it is the most unsafe to drive. Should i or anyone else have a need to exit the vehicle when the driver side lock is frozen, there is no way to do this. This poses an imminent health threat, and could result in loss of life or limb. As i started investigating this issue, i have found countless websites and forums that address this same concern with driver side door lock freezing on volkswagen products, to the extent that it really makes me wonder why our government is not entrenched in this issue. I would appreciate a response to this concern that i raise. If you have not heard about this issue prior to my writing, please consider this as official notification that i have a significant safety concern that warrants government investigation. Furthermore, this issue presents a clear and present danger, and immanent risk to consumer health and safety, and now you have notification. I appreciate your time, and look forward to your response. [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6). |
Vehicle Mileage at Failure | 12000 |
Number of Occurences | 1 |
Source of the issue | NHTSA WEB SITE |
City and State | HERKIMER, NY |
VIN pattern | 1VWBN7A39ECXXXXXX |
Was vehicle invloved in a crash? | N |
Was vehicle involved in a fire? | N |
Was incedent reported to police? | N |
Was medical attention required? | |
Was part original equipment? | |
No. of injured persons | 0 |
No. of fatalities | 0 |
Date of purchase | 29/06/24 |
Was original owner? | N |
Anti-lock brakes | N |
Cruise control | N |
Number of cylinders | 4 |
Drive train type | |
Transmission type | |
Vehicle speed | 0 |
DoT tire identifier | |
Tire size | |
Location of tire code | |
Type of tire failure code | |
Was defective tire repaired? | |
Date of manufacture | |
Type of child seat code | |
Type of restraint | |
Dealer's name | |
Dealer's telephone number | |
Dealer's city | |
Dealer's state code | |
Dealer's ZIP code |