After complaining to my dealer and meeting with VW’s
regional representative about a driveline clunk in my
2002 Passat with 4-Motion, I received the following
letter from Volkswagen of America in Rochester Hills,
Michigan.  The letter is signed by Bonnie Cramer of
Customer Care. 

“Dear Sir:

Mr. Karl Zerrenner, Field Operations Manager,
requested I send you a letter regarding the drive
train noise in you vehicle.

The noise (clunk) during acceleration and deceleration
is a normal operating characteristic of the Passat
with 4-Motion.  It is evident in virtually every
vehicle configured the same as yours (meaning with
4-Motion)”.

I’ve stopped several drivers of 4-Motion Passats and
have yet to find an owner with a driveline clunk.  And
I think it is absurd that VW would intentionally sell
a car that costs over $30,000.00 if they are aware of
this problem.  If you drive the same vehicle as I do,
I would appreciate it if you would let me know if you
have the clunk or even if you don’t have the clunk.
Please include the year and mileage of your vehicle.
If you would prefer to write to me personally, my
email address is messageme33@yahoo.com

Your help is greatly appreciated.  Thank you.