2001 VOLKSWAGEN Passat Problems & Complaints
Real owner complaints and problems reported to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). View common issues by component.
446
Complaints Reported
Complaints by Component
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
72 complaints
MY CAR HAS BEEN LEAKING COOLANT. I TOOK IT TO A SHOP AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE HEATER CORE WAS BAD. I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE THE INSIDE COMPUTER ALREADY AND PROBABLY ALL THE CARPET SINCE THE WATER HAS BEEN LEAKING INTO THE CAR. I SUFFER FROM ASTHMA AND CAN NO LONGER DRIVE THIS CAR SINCE IT SMELLS LIKE COOLANT/MOLD AND NOT TO MENTION WATER LEAKING ON MY FOOT AS I DRIVE (VERY UNSAFE SINCE THE PEDAL GETS SLIPPERY.) I HAVE READ ONLINE ON MANY SITES THAT THERE WAS A RECALL REGARDING THIS MATTER AND THE OWNERS WERE NEVER NOTIFIED. I NEED THIS FIXED BEFORE SOMETHING BAD HAPPENS; EITHER I GET INTO AN ACCIDENT OR I END UP IN THE HOSPITAL. THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR GETTING BACK TO ME AND GETTING THIS MATTER FIXED PROMPTLY. *TR
Feb 27, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS LEAKING COOLANT, CAUSING SMOKE TO BE RELEASED. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THAT ANTIFREEZE LEAKED ONTO THE ELECTRICAL WIRES. THE DEALER DENIED ANY ASSISTANCE WITH REPAIRS TO THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE BUT DENIED ANY ASSISTANCE WITH REPAIRS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 127,980 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 128,000.
Jan 20, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS SITTING AT A TRAFFIC STOP WHEN HE NOTICED SMOKE AND FIRE COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD OF THE VEHICLE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE. A POLICE AND FIRE REPORT WAS FILED AND AVAILABLE. NEITHER THE DEALER NOR THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 70,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
Dec 20, 2011
"OIL PRESSURE. STOP ENGINE" LIGHT CAME ON. AFTER SEVERAL MILES DRIVING AND LOT OF NOISE FROM BACK OFF THE ENGINE. NEED NEW OIL PUMP PASSABLE REBUILT ENGINE. IT IS SITTING PARKED IN MY DRIVEWAY. *TR
Jan 02, 2011
TL-THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT GLX. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH THE VEHICLE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. THE CONTACT STATED HE DROVE THE VEHICLE TO HIS DESTINATION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL REPAIR SHOP AND HE WAS TOLD THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER NEEDED REPLACING. THE FAILURE WAS CONSTANT SINCE JULY 1, 2008. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 51,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 62,000. VWB
Jun 24, 2010
+ 67 more complaints for this component
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
48 complaints
THE FIRST THINGS THAT IS HAPPEN IS THAT MY DIGITAL INSTRUMENT PANEL BLINK IN AND OUT AND THE SECOND IS THAT WATER BE RUNNING IN THE CAR COMPARTMENT ON THE PASSENGER SIDE. *TR
Jun 27, 2011
2001 PASSAT GLX MY ABS LIGHT/BRAKE LIGHT/ASL LIGHT FLASH ON MY DASH PANEL RANDOMLY DURING THE DAY WHICH POINTS TO ANOTHER FAILED ABS MODULE. I GET THE THREE BEEPS THAT ACCOMPANY THE FLASHING LIGHTS. THIS HAPPENS ABOUT 10 TIMES A DAY OR MORE. I CAN FEEL A KICK FROM MY BRAKE PEDAL WHEN THIS HAPPENS DURING BRAKING. *TR
May 17, 2011
IGNITION COIL FAILURE AFTER 13 MONTHS AFTER VW REPLACED ALL 4 COILS UNDER PRIOR RECALL. *TR
Dec 20, 2010
MY FOSTER SON WAS DRIVING OUR 2001 VW PASSAT WHEN HE NOTICED A LARGE AMOUNT OF SMOKE COMING OUT FROM UNDER THE HOOD. HE PULLED OVER INTO A PARKING LOT AND THERE WERE FLAMES ENGULFING THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT. FIRE AND POLICE WERE ON THE SCENE. IT WAS DETERMINED BY THE FIRE DEPARTMENT AND A MECHANIC THAT LOOKED AT THE CAR LATER THAT THE FIRE STARTED IN THE COMPUTER LOCATED IN THE DASH AREA OF THE CAR. THE CAR IS A TOTAL LOSS WITH THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT MELTED BEYOND REPAIR. WE HAVE A FIRE REPORT AND PICTURES. *TR
Aug 21, 2009
FAULTY WIRING FOR TAIL LIGHTS, BRAKE LIGHT, TURN LIGHTS. REPLACED FUSE, REPLACED BRAKE AND TAIL LIGHT BULBS EIGHT TIMES, THIS CORRECT THE PROBLEM FOR ONE DAY. BOUGHT NEW KIT TO REPLACE OLD BRAKE ,TAIL LIGHT , TURNING LIGHT. THIS WORKED FOR APPROX. TWO MONTHS NOW NOTHING WORKS. *TR
Aug 20, 2009
+ 43 more complaints for this component
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
39 complaints
ABS LIGHT CAME ON. *TR
Jan 02, 2011
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. THE ABS WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT CONTROL PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP AND A TECHNICIAN ADVISED HIM THAT THE ABS WAS NOT FUNCTIONING. THE REPAIR WOULD COST A MINIMUM OF $1,000.00. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED TO-DATE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED, BUT NO ASSISTANCE WAS PROVIDED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 99,000. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 95,000.
Nov 04, 2009
FAILURE OF THE ABS CONTROL MODULE IN MY 2001 VW PASSAT. *TR
Mar 18, 2009
BRAKE ALARM LIGHT ON ALL THE TIME AND FLASHING ABS LIGHT AS WELL AS STOP. BRAKES HAVE BEEN CHECKED AND ARE FINE. DEALER SAYS IT NEEDS A REPLACEMENT ABS CONTROL MODULE - $1800. HAVE BEEN RESEARCHING THIS PROBLEM AND MANY OWNERS OF VW'S AND AUDIS IN MY YEAR RANGE HAVING SAME PROBLEM. *TR
Feb 18, 2009
FAILED ABS MODULE AT 120,000 MILES. TYPICALLY A $1000+ REPAIR. *TR
Dec 14, 2008
+ 34 more complaints for this component
VISIBILITY
27 complaints
01 VW PASSAT HEATER CORE. IT DOESN'T PUT OUT ENOUGH HEAT TO CLEAR THE WINDSHIELD FROM FOGGING UP OR DEFROSTING IT EITHER. THIS IS AN ON GOING PROBLEM IN THE COLDER MONTHS. IT'S VERY DIFFICULT TO SEE WHERE I'M DRIVING AT TIMES. THERE HAS BEEN OCCASION WHERE I'VE DRIVEN OFF THE EDGE OF THE ROAD BECAUSE I COULD NOT SEE CLEARLY. I HAD THE HEATER CORE CLEANED THOROUGHLY AND BACK FLUSHED. STILL THE PROBLEM PERSISTS. *TR
Aug 27, 2010
VW PASSAT WINDSHIELD SHATTERS FOR NO APPARENT REASON. THIS SEEMS TO BE A TREND THAT I DISCOVERED WHILE TALKING WITH OTHER VW OWNERS AND SEARCHING THE WEB....THIS HAS HAPPENED TO PEOPLE WHILE DRIVING. TIME BOMB WAITING TO HAPPEN AND MONEY OUT OF PEOPLES POCKETS!! *TR
Oct 04, 2009
I WOULD LIKE TO REPORT THE FAILURE OF THE AUTOMATIC DIMMING REAR VIEW MIRROR ON MY 2001 VW PASSAT. IT IS A DONNELLY MIRROR, PART 3BO857511E (ALSO HAS THE NUMBER 4231909 ON IT). THE ELECTROMAGNETIC FLUID SUDDENLY CREATED A BUBBLE AND LEAKED WHEN I HAD IT REPLACED. I HAVE SINCE LEARNED THAT THESE MIRRORS WERE USED IN A WIDE VARIETY OF CARS AND HAVE ROUTINELY FAILED AND MAY CONTAIN MERCURY AND OTHER VERY TOXIC SUBSTANCES. THIS PRESENTS A DEFINITIVE SAFETY HAZARD AS ONE DOES NOT EXPECT THEIR REAR VIEW MIRROR TO FAIL, ABSENT BEING STRUCK AND BROKEN, AND TO POSSIBLY LEAK TOXIC PARTICLES/FLUID INTO THE CAR OR THE AIR OF THE CAR. ALSO, ONE CAN'T SAFELY DRIVE WITHOUT THE MIRROR AND THEY OFTEN COST HUNDREDS OF DOLLARS TO REPLACE (MINE WAS $227.30) AND MUST BE REPLACED IMMEDIATELY IF THE HEALTH HAZARDS ARE TO BE MINIMIZED. *TR
Aug 04, 2009
HEATER CORE FAILED. I HAVE ALWAYS HAD THE CAR SERVICED REGULAR ACCORDING TO MANUFACTURER SPECS. THE COST IS $1000.00 TO REPLACE THE PART. IT FAILED ON A VERY COLD NIGHT TRAVELING THROUGH A WINTER STORM. TRY DRIVING A CAR IN THE MIDDLE OF NO WHERE WITH NO HEAT TO DEFROST THE WINDOWS. WRECKED DUE TO THE INABILITY TO SEE. *TR
Dec 09, 2007
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. WHILE DRIVING LESS THAN 2 MPH, SCALDING HOT RADIATOR FLUID SUDDENLY SPEWED FROM THE VENTS AND ONTO THE CONTACT'S FEET. SHE IS PREGNANT AND STATED THAT SHE HAD NOT BEEN TO A DOCTOR TO CHECK IF THE RADIATOR FUMES HARMED THE UNBORN CHILD. THE INSTRUMENT PANEL COMPLETELY FAILED AS WELL. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE HEATER CORE FAILED. NO REPAIRS WERE MADE. THE VIN AND POWERTRAIN WERE UNKNOWN. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 124,000.
Sep 28, 2007
+ 22 more complaints for this component
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
24 complaints
I NOTICE THAT FUEL IS LEAKING FROM MY VW PASSAT 2001'S FUEL TANK. I FILL OUT THIS COMPLAINT IN ORDER TO SEEK A HELP FROM AUTHORITIES ON THESE MATTERS AND ALSO KNOWING IF MY ISSUES CAN BE HANDLED BY VOLKSWAGEN AMERICA. *TR
Jan 21, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH, HE WOULD SMELL A STRONG ODOR OF GASOLINE. HE THEN INSPECTED THE ENGINE AND WAS UNABLE TO LOCATE A FUEL LEAK. HE LATER DISCOVERED A TRAIL OF GASOLINE LEAKING FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INSPECTED BY A DEALER NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND THEY ADVISED HIM THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS ON HIS VEHICLE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 198,000. UPDATED 07/21/11 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED THE FRACTURE OCCURRED WITHOUT EXTERNAL STRESS OF ANY KIND. IT DEVELOPED WITHOUT WARNING AND GIVEN THE POSITION WITHIN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT, IT COULD HAVE EASILY RESULTED IN A FIRE. THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED HIS VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. UPDATED 02/03/12
May 17, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION THAT HER VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 08V156000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY) AND THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR REPAIRS. THE DEALER INSPECTED AND ADJUSTED THE FUEL LINE ROUTING AS WELL AS THE FUEL TANK VENTILATION VALVE BUT DID NOT REPLACE ANY COMPONENTS. AFTER REPAIRS, THE VEHICLE BEGAN SPRAYING FUEL ONTO THE ENGINE AND WAS CAUSING OVERPOWERING GASOLINE FUMES TO EMIT THROUGH THE DEFOGGER SYSTEM. THE DEALER WAS CONTACTED WHO INFORMED HER THAT THEY MADE REPAIRS TO THE VEHICLE UNDER THE RECALL AND THEY ONLY HAD TO INSPECT THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED THAT ANY FURTHER REPAIRS WOULD BE AT HER EXPENSE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED WHO CONFIRMED THAT THE DEALER REPAIRED THE EXACT COMPONENTS LISTED UNDER RECALL AND NOTHING MORE. THEY OFFERED NO FURTHER OTHER ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 137,000.
Feb 03, 2011
KEPT SMELLING GAS THREW THE VENTS, STRONG ODOR OF GAS WHEREVER IT WAS PARKED WHEN YOU APPROACHED OR GOT DOWN FROM THE VEHICLE. THE LAST FEW TIMES BEFORE THE FUEL LINE SNAPPED THERE WERE SMALL PUDDLES OF GAS UNDERNEATH THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE TIRE WHEN ONE DROVE AWAY FROM A PARKED POSITION. WHEN I NOTICED THE PUDDLES I OPENED THE HOOD AND REALIZED THAT ONE OF THE FUEL LINES HAD SNAPPED, WENT TO THE AUTO PARTS STORE AND BOUGHT RUBBER FUEL LINE AND CLAMPS TO TEMPORARILY PATCH THE LEAK. STILL SMELLING STRONG GAS ORDER EVEN THOUGH DOES NOT SEEM LIKE LINE IS STILL LEAKING BUT CANNOT GET IT TO THE MECHANIC AGAIN UNTIL THE WEEKEND. *TR
Oct 29, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE REGARDING THE R5 RECALL CAMPAIGN. SHE WAS UNABLE TO LOCATE THE NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER ONLINE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR REPAIR. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER FLEX PIPE MUST BE DISENGAGED TO PERFORM THE RECALL REPAIR. IF ANY DAMAGES OCCUR DURING THE DETACHMENT OF THE COMPONENT, THE CONTACT WOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE EXPENSE. THE CONTACT WAS DISPLEASED TO KNOW THAT THE RECALL REMEDY COULD POSSIBLY BE EXPENSIVE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 101,803. UPDATED 04/24/09. *LJ UPDATED 04/27/09.8JB
Mar 12, 2009
+ 19 more complaints for this component
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
23 complaints
SAME TURN SIGNAL ISSUE AS 04V584000 RECALL - TURN SIGNALS AND HAZARDS WORKED PERIODICALLY. NOW THEY HAVE STOPPED WORKING ALL TOGETHER.. NHTSA RECALL 04V584000 FOR OTHER VW MODELS OF THIS YEAR, BUT NOT PASSAT. IS COMMON FOR THIS YEAR OF VW PASSAT ALSO PER MY INTERNET RESEARCH. VW PASSAT NEEDS TO BE ADDED TO THIS RECALL. *TR
Dec 16, 2011
WIRING AND CONNECTORS FOR BOTH HEADLIGHTS HAVE MELTED UNDER NORMAL USAGE. *TR
Apr 03, 2011
THE INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR OF THE LENSES OF BOTH HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLIES OF MY 2001 VW PASSAT STATION WAGON HAVE BECOME VERY CLOUDED. THE RESULT IS THAT THE BRIGHTNESS OF THE HEADLIGHT IS GREATLY DIMINISHED LEADING TO UNSAFE DRIVING CONDITIONS AT NIGHT. I HAVE CLEANED AND POLISHED THE EXTERIOR OF THE LENSES AND THAT HELPED SOMEWHAT BUT CANNOT DO ANYTHING ABOUT THE INTERIOR. THE ONLY SOLUTION IS TO REPLACE THE WHOLE HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY. IT HAS GOTTEN PROGRESSIVELY WORSE OVER THE LAST 18 MONTHS. *TR
Sep 13, 2010
WHEN ATTEMPTING TO ADJUST HEADLIGHTS, THE PLASTIC GEARS BREAK EASILY RENDERING THE HEADLIGHTS NON-ADJUSTABLE. THE HEADLIGHT LENS ALSO DISCOLORS EASILY REDUCING TRANSMITTED LIGHT LEVEL. THE ELECTRICAL SUPPLY ALSO APPEARS INFERIOR AS BULBS BLOW VERY QUICKLY. THE BULBS LAST LESS TIME THAN ANY OTHER VEHICLE KNOWN IN 30 YEARS. *TR
Nov 18, 2008
I HAVE SUFFERED THE SAME ISSUES AS OTHERS CONCERNING THE HEADLIGHTS FOR MY 2001.5 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT GLS. I HAVE REPLACED THE DRIVERS SIDE LIGHT ON 3 OCCASIONS. I HAVE REPLACED IT MYSELF ON ALL OCCASIONS. THE DRIVER SIDE HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY HAS COMPLETELY MELTED AND NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. WHEN THE BULB IS REPLACED, IT USUALLY LASTS A WEEK BEFORE GOING OUT AGAIN. MY PASSENGER SIDE HEADLIGHT WENT OUT LAST NIGHT. WHEN I WENT TO REPLACE THE BULB, I AGAIN FOUND A MELTED HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY. THIS ONE IS NOT AS SEVERE AS THE DRIVER SIDE BUT ALSO POSES A SAFETY ISSUE. THIS WILL RESULT IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD OF $1,000 IN REPAIRS. VOLKSWAGEN NEEDS TO STEP UP AND CORRECT THIS PROBLEM. *TR
Apr 07, 2008
+ 18 more complaints for this component
POWER TRAIN
22 complaints
AS MY SON GOT ON THE HIGHWAY THE TRANSMISSION FELT LIKE IT WAS SLIPPING AND JERKING TO THEN CATCH BACK UP TO THE ORIGINAL SPEED I WAS GOING. WHEN HE PUT HIS FOOT ON THE GAS PEDAL THE CAR WOULD STRUGGLE TO GO, 5 SECONDS LATER IT WOULD GET UP TO SPEED BUT THEN SLOW BACK DOWN. AT A STOPLIGHT THE CAR WOULD SHAKE ROUGHLY AND IDLE REALLY HIGH, THEN HE SAW THE FRONT OF THE HOOD START TO SMOKE AND I REALIZED THERE WAS A PROBLEM.
May 19, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT UNKNOWN SPEEDS, THE TRANSMISSION WOULD SLIP AND THEN THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE ENGINE CONTINUED TO RUN, BUT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT MOVE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER AND IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE TEETH ON THE GEARS OF THE TRANSMISSION HAD FRACTURED AND THE ENTIRE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 160,000. UPDATED 8/19/15*CN THE CONSUMER STATED THERE WAS A RECALL FOR THE SAME MAKE, MODEL, AND YEAR BUT, THE CONSUMER'S VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. UPDATED 9/30/2015*JS
May 18, 2015
2001 VW PASSAT STICKING GAS PEDAL COMMENTS: THIS HAS HAPPENED TO ME RECENTLY 2 TIMES....GAS PEDAL STUCK TO FLOOR, REDLINE, ALMOST CRASHED. RESEARCHING I FOUND IT TO BE A COMMON PROBLEM. VW SHOULD BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE... THIS IS A DANGEROUS SITUATION! SHOULD I STOP DRIVING IT??? MORE ACCOUNTS AT: HTTP://WWW.PASSATWORLD.COM/FORUMS/42-VOLKSWAGEN-PASSAT-B5-DISCUSSION/236513-ANYONE-ELSE'S-GAS-PEDAL-GET-STUCK.HTML. *TR
Jun 30, 2013
2001 VW BORA VR6. VIN [XXX] , 79,999 MILES. THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION JUMPS INTO GEAR GOING FORWARD OR BACKWARDS FROM A STOP. THE GEARS JUMP FROM ONE TO THE OTHER CAUSING CAN TO PUSH YOU BACK IN THE SEAT. IF IT WERE NOT FOR HEAD RESTS YOU WOULD HAVE WHIP LASH. BEEN TO VW OF ORANGE PARK, FL 32073 TWICE. I HAVE NO MORE MONEY TO HAVE IT FIXED HAS THERE BEEN ANY RECALLS. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Mar 15, 2010
I HAVE A 2001 PASSAT WITH 66,XXX MILES ON IT AND THE TRANSMISSION WENT OUT. IT IS GOING TO COST 4000.00-5000.00 TO HAVE THIS FIX. I DO NOT THINK A CAR WITH THIS MANY MILES SHOULD HAVE A TRANSMISSION GO OUT AND TO TOP IT OFF WHEN I PURCHASED THIS CAR 6 MONTHS AGO WITH 51,060 FROM WALSHER IN BLOOMINGTON, MN THEY SAID I HAD A 10YR/100,000 MILE POWER TRAIN WARRANTY ON IT, WELL COME TO FIND OUT SINCE I AM A SECOND OWNER IT ONLY GOES TO 50,000 MILES WHICH MEANS *JBWHEN I PURCHASED THE CAR IT DIDN'T EVEN HAVE THE WARRANTY.
Oct 26, 2005
+ 17 more complaints for this component
AIR BAGS
18 complaints
The driver's side airbag of my 2001 VW Passat spontaneously deployed while I drove on Hwy 494 in Woodbury MN. Sometime within 24 hours before the airbag deployed, the airbag fault light turned on in the car's dashboard display. Within 15 minutes before the incident, the car's automatic locking locks unlocked twice while I was driving the car. After the second time, I tried to lock the car doors by pressing the lock button on the driver's door console but the doors would not locked. At that time I noticed that the two interior lights in the back seat area were turned on. All the doors of the car were properly shut. When the airbags deployed I was driving on the smooth 1 year old concrete section of Hwy 494. I did not hit anything on the highway. After the deployment, I parked on the shoulder, shut off the engine and opened the passenger door to air out the car. After about 5 minutes, I got back in the car and drove home. The automatic locks worked again. The interior lights automatically turned off. The drive home was uneventful.
Jun 25, 2021
MY CAR IS A 2001 MODEL, AND I'D LIKE TO KNOW IF IT HAS TAKATA AIRBAGS IN IT, EVEN IF IT ISN'T COVERED BY THE RECALL. DEALER DOESN'T KNOW IF THE AIRBAGS ARE TAKATA OR NOT. CAN YOU GIVE ME THIS INFORMATION?? I HOPE SO, OTHERWISE I DON'T KNOW HOW TO FIND OUT. THANKS [XXX] *DL INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).*JB
Feb 20, 2017
RECENTLY I WAS IN A REAR END COLLISION (I WAS CAR IN THE BACK) AND I TOTALED MY 2001 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. THE PASSENGER AIRBAG DEPLOYED WITH NO PASSENGER AND MY DRIVER AIRBAG FAILED TO GO OFF AT ALL. THIS WORRIES ME AS TO THINK IF I HAD BEEN GOING FASTER THEN 20MPH WHETHER THE AIRBAG WOULD'VE GONE OFF AT ALL. MY FATHER IN LAW WHO IS A MECHANIC SAYS HE HAS NEVER IN HIS LIFE SEEN THE PASSENGER AIRBAG BUT NOT THE DRIVERS GO OFF. HE HAS SEEN IT THE OTHER WAY AROUND BUT NOT THIS WAY. *TR
Oct 26, 2009
WE HIT A DEER HEAD-ON AND THE AIR BAGS DID NOT GO OFF. WE WERE TRAVELLING ABOUT 60 MPH AND DID NOT BRAKE. THE CAR WAS DECLARED A TOTAL LOSS BY THE INSURANCE COMPANY BECAUSE OF THE EXPENSE TO REPAIR. THIS SEEMS UNUSUAL BECAUSE AIR BAGS ARE DESIGNED TO GO OFF AT VERY LOW SPEEDS. *TR
Sep 28, 2009
DEAR SIR/MADAM, I HAD AN ACCIDENT A FEW DAYS AGO WHERE I CRASHED INTO A CAR INFRONT OF ME. I HAD MY MOTHER ON IN THE PASSENGERS SEAT , AND MY SISTER AND BROTHER IN THE REAR SEATS. MY AIR BAG DEPLOYED WHILE THE PASSENGERS AIR BAG FAILED TO DEPLOY , NOTE THAT THE CRASH WAS MAINLY ON THE PASSENGERS SIDE. I RECEIVED MINOR INJURIES WHILE MY MOTHER WAS SEVERELY INJURED AND IS STILL IN HOSPITAL. *TR
Feb 10, 2009
+ 13 more complaints for this component
SUSPENSION
17 complaints
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A CREAKING NOISE COMING FROM THE SUSPENSION. THE CONTACT STATED THE REAR SUSPENSION CONTROL ARMS WERE WEARING OUT PREMATURELY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 120,000. UPDATED 02/11/11 *BF UPDATED 05/02/11
Dec 27, 2010
FAILURE OF MULTIPLE FRONT CONTROL ARMS IN 2001 VW PASSAT. WAS GIVEN QUOTE OF NEARLY $2100 TO REPAIR CONTROL ARMS. WAS TOLD THIS IS A "WIDE SPREAD" PROBLEM WITH VW PASSATS AND NOTHING HAS BEEN RECALLED AS OF YET. *TR
Apr 07, 2008
ALL 4 UPPER CONTROL ARMS FAILED AT 62,500 MILES. OEM CONTROL ARMS ARE UNFIT FOR PURPOSE AS DESIGNED AND SHOULD BE RECALLED BY VWOA. *TR
Nov 25, 2007
THE SQUEAKING AND CREAKING OF THE FRONT END OF MY VW PASSAT 2001 IS HORRENDOUS. MY LOCAL VW AND THE VW OF A HAVE DONE NOTHING TO REMEDY THE SITUATION AND, REGARDLESS OF THE INCREASING NUMBER OF COMPLAINTS AND INCREASING PROBLEMS IN CONTROLLING THE CAR, ARE ASKING FOR APPROXIMATELY $1500 TO "FIX" THE PROBLEM. *TR
Jul 30, 2007
THE FRONT CONTROL ARMS ON MY 2001 VW PASSAT NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE CAR ONLY HAS 54K MILES ON IT. *JB
Aug 06, 2005
+ 12 more complaints for this component
STRUCTURE
15 complaints
MY 2001 "NEW" PASSAT GLS V6 HAS BEEN FLOODING EVERY TIME THERE IS RAIN AND IT SOAKS THE DRIVER FOOTWELL AS WELL AS THE SAME SIDE'S REAR PASSENGER FOOT WELL. IT'S CREATED A MOLDY UNPLEASANT ODOR IN THE CAR THAT I'M CONCERNED WILL SICKEN MY FAMILY AND ME. *TR
Oct 13, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. IN RAINY WEATHER CONDITIONS, WATER ENTERS THE FLOOR ON THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. UPON FURTHER INSPECTION, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT WATER ENTERED THROUGH THE DUCTS THAT DISTRIBUTE HEAT. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 75,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 99,000.
Jun 05, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE FLOOR CARPET BEHIND THE DRIVER'S SEAT BECAME DAMP DURING RAINY CONDITIONS. SHE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR ANOTHER RECALL ISSUE AND THEY REPAIRED THE WATER LEAKAGE FOR FREE. HOWEVER, THE FAILURE STILL OCCURRED AND THE DEALER CHARGED $196 FOR THE SECOND REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER HAS NOT BEEN NOTIFIED. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 89,210 AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 88,647.
May 08, 2009
MY 2001.5 PASSAT HAS FLOODED THREE TIMES, TWICE THROUGH THE POLLEN FILTER AND ONCE THROUGH THE SUN ROOF. MY INSURANCE COMPANY PAID $6000 FOR THE LAST REPAIR. THE ELECTRICAL IN THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT WAS DESTROYED TWICE. FOR THE LAST THREE YEARS THE SUN ROOF OPENS ON ITS OWN WHEN THE CAR IS PARKED, ENGINE OFF. RAIN WOULD AGAIN DESTROY THE ELECTRICAL WERE THIS TO HAPPEN DURING A STORM. I CHECK ON THE CAR EVERY NIGHT TO BE CERTAIN THAT THE ROOF IS CLOSED. VW WILL TAKE NO RESPONSIBILITY FOR THIS. THE VERY WORST HAPPENING WAS WHEN I HAD HAD THE CAR FOR ONE WEEK AND ATTENDED A VERY TRAGIC FUNERAL. THE HORN STARTED BEEPING AS IF AT A WEDDING. I DROVE OUT OF THE PROCESSION AND TO A SAFE PLACE WHERE I CALLED FOR TOWING. THIS CAR IS A LEMON AND I WANT VW TO HONOR THEIR RESPONSIBILITIES TO THEIR CONSUMERS. THEY WANT ME TO PAY FOR A DIAGNOSIS WHICH COULD COST $1000, AND THEY WOULD THEN DECIDE WHAT TO DO. I HAD VW PICK UP THE CAR AND FIX THE SIDE AIR BAG STRIP THAT HAD FALLEN AND HUNG OVER THE PASSENGER SIDE'S WINDOW. THEY CLAIM THEY NEVER SERVICED THIS. THEY ARE NOT TRUTHFUL IN THEIR SERVICE TO ME. HOW FOOLISH IT WOULD BE TO HAVE THEM DIAGNOSE A PROBLEM THEY WOULD CHARGE ME TO FIX ...LIKE GIVING A THIEF KEYS TO THE HOUSE. *TR
Jun 10, 2008
1) WYNCOTE, PA, APRIL 16, 2007, HEAVY RAIN 2) WATER ENTERS THE PASSENGER FRONT AND REAR FLOOR BOARD. ELECTRONIC MODULES LOCATED ON THE FLOOR AND WIRING HARNESS DAMAGED. VW DEALER CLAIMS TO NOT KNOW HOW WATER ENTERED MY VECHICLE. THEY SAY THAT THEY HAVE NEVER SEEN THE PROBLEM. VW CORPORATE SUGGESTS THAT IF I HAD BROUGHT MY CAR IN TO THE DEALER FOR OIL CHANGES THE DEALER WOULD HAVE CLEARED DEBRIS FROM DRAIN HOLES AS PART OF REGULAR SERVICE. WITHOUT REVEALING MY CONVERSATION WITH CORPORATE I ASK THE DEALER IF THEY DO ANY CLEANING OF DEBRIS AT ANY POINT ON THE CAR DURING AN OIL CHANGE SERVICE AND THEY TOLD ME THAT THEY DON'T. RESEARCH ONLINE REVEALS HUNDREDS AND HUNDREDS OF PEOPLE TELLING MY STORY. I HAVE ALSO FOUND INFO ON A CLASS ACTION SUIT BEING FORMED FOR THOSE WHO AGAIN TELL MY EXACT STORY. 3) VW OF AMERICA REFUSES TO PAY FOR ANY PART OF MY DAMAGES. I HAVE RECIEVED NO REASON FROM THE DEALER FOR THE FAILURE AND ASSUME THAT I AM IN FOR THE SAME DURING THE NEXT HEAVY RAIN. *JB
Apr 27, 2007
+ 10 more complaints for this component
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
14 complaints
THE ACCELERATOR STICKS. YOU HAVE TO TURN THE VEHICLE OFF IN ORDER TO STOP. THE CONSUMER IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE COST OF THE REPAIR. *NM
Jan 13, 2005
WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH ACCELERATOR PEDAL STUCK TO THE FLOOR. AS A RESULT, CONSUMER HAD TO PUT HER SHOE UNDER THE PEDAL AN PULL IT UP. *AK
Aug 27, 2004
WHEN DRIVING THE VEHICLE, THE CRUISE CONTROL KICKS ON BY ITSELF. I DON'T KNOW WHAT THE MAXIMUM SPEED THAT THE CRUISE CONTROL IS SET, BUT I LET THE VEHICLE GET UP TO OVER 85 MPH YESTERDAY BEFORE I 'CANCELED' THE CRUISE CONTROL. THE 'CANCEL' BUTTON ONLY TEMPORARILY SOLVES THE PROBLEM - A FEW MINUTES LATER, THE CRUISE CONTROL KICKS ON AGAIN. IT DOES NOT MATTER IF I'M ON A HIGHWAY OR A RESIDENTIAL STREET - THE CAR WILL SUDDENLY KICK IN AND INCREASE SPEED. I HAVE NOT TAKEN IT TO A DEALER YET.*AK
Jul 28, 2004
CAR HAS TWICE, SPONTANEOUSLY AND FORCEFULLY (JULY10 AND JULY 12), ACCELERATED AS I REMOVED MY FOOT FROM THE ACCELERATOR TO PREPARE FOR A STOP. DEALERSHIP SERVICE CANNOT EVALUATE THE PROBLEM UNTIL JULY 22. SERVICE REP CAN'T TELL ME WHETHER IT'S SAFE TO DRIVE THE CAR, BECAUSE SHE HAS NO IDEA WHAT MAY HAVE CAUSED THE PROBLEM. THERE ARE SEVERAL INCIDENT REPORTS ON THIS WEBSITE, DESCRIBING EXACTLY THE SAME PROBLEM, AND IN ONE CASE THERE WAS AN ACCIDENT-RELATED INJURY. I'D LIKE TO SEE AN EVALUATION OF THIS PROBLEM IN THIS PARTICULAR MODEL (VW 2001 PASSAT V), JUST TO SEE HOW COMMON IT IS, AND TO DETERMINE IF A SERVICE RECALL IS IN ORDER. *AK
Jul 14, 2004
WHILE TRAVELING 40 MPH DRIVER ATTEMPTED TO SHIFT FROM THIRD GEAR TO FOURTH GEAR AND THROTTLE STUCK. CONSUMER IMMEDIATELY PUT THE GEAR SHIFT INTO NEUTRAL TO RELEASE THE THROTTLE. VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP. *AK
Oct 21, 2003
+ 9 more complaints for this component
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER
9 complaints
DRIVE THE CAR FOR LONG PERIOD OF TIME AND THE OUTSIDE START SMELL LIKE OIL IT BE SMOKING. THE EMISSION WORKSHOP LIGHT IS ON AND SMELL LIKE SOMETHING IS BURNING INSIDE OF THE CAR. THE HEAT AND AIR BE OFF AND DRIVE THE CAR FOR A LONG PERIOD OF TIME HEAT START COMING OUT. ALSO WHEN DRIVE ALONG TIME THE NUMBERS IN FRONT BROAD START LOOKING LIKE IT GOING WAY. *TR
Mar 06, 2009
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. HE STATED THAT THE MAIN FUEL LINE RUPTURED, WHICH CAUSED GAS TO COVER THE ENGINE. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE FUEL LINE RUPTURED AND THAT THEY WOULD REPAIR THE FAILURE, HOWEVER, THERE WOULD BE A CHARGE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 105,000. THE FAILURE MILEAGE AND VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
Aug 08, 2007
DT: CONSUMER RAN OUT OF GAS ON A TWO LANE STREET GOING OVER A [XXX], THERE WAS NO PLACE TO PULL TO THE SIDE WHEN VEHICLE RAN OUT OF GAS. THERE WAS NO WARNING OF LOW GAS FROM THE VEHICLE. THERE WAS NO WARNING LIGHT, NO WARNING TONE, OR WARNING OF ANY KIND. GAUGE DID NOT SHOW EMPTY OR SHOW THE CORRECT GAS LEVEL. THIS HAPPENED IN THE MORNING ON WEDNESDAY WITH TWO KIDS IN THE VEHICLE.*AK INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).* TR
Jun 16, 2005
RUNNING OUT OF FUEL WITHOUT WARNING WHILE THE FUEL GAUGE INDICATES THAT THERE IS SUFFICIENT FUEL IN THE TANK.
Jun 13, 2005
I OWN A 2001 VW PASSAT AND HAVE BEEN HAVING PROBLEMS WITH A GAS GAUGE FOR A NUMBER OF YEARS. THE GAUGE IS INNACCURATE AND NEVER REFLECTS THE CORRECT GAS LEVEL.*AK I'VE REPORTED THE PROBLEM TO THE DEALER AND HAVE BEEN TOLD THAT THERE IS NO RECALL, YET A RECALL EXISTS FOR THIS MAKE, MODEL AND YEAR (NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID # 01V157000).
Apr 15, 2005
+ 4 more complaints for this component
STEERING
7 complaints
THE PASSAT HAS BEEN A WELL MAINTAINED FAMILY WAGON. THE CAR HAS ALWAYS BEEN GARAGED AND HAS MOSTLY EASY HIGHWAY MILES. MY WIFE WAS DRIVING WITH MY DAUGHTER ON A RAINY EVENING. AFTER MAKING A RIGHT HAND TURN, THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD NOT TURN BACK TO THE LEFT PAST CENTERED. SHE STOPPED THE DISABLED CAR ON THE RIGHT SHOULDER AND CALLED ME AND THE TOW TRUCK. WHEN I ARRIVED I CONFIRMED HER ANALYSIS. THE TOW DRIVER HAD NEVER SEEN ANYTHING LIKE IT. THE VW DEALER CALLED THE NEXT DAY AND INDICATED THAT THE STEERING RACK HAD FAILED. THEY ALSO REPLACED UPPER ARMS AND THE RIGHT AXLE. I SPENT $1950 FOR THE REPAIR AND ANOTHER $200 FOR THE RACK, IF NEEDED FOR ANALYSIS BY NHTSA OR OTHERS. IF THIS FAILURE HAD HAPPENED AT A DIFFERENT PLACE OR AT HIGHER SPEED IT COULD HAVE RESULTED IN A CATASTROPHE. *TR
Dec 21, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING AT A RELATIVELY LOW SPEED WHEN THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL REPAIR FACILITY FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED BY THE MECHANIC THAT THE RACK AND PINION WAS DEFECTIVE. THE CONTACT STATED THE TIE RODS WERE PREVIOUSLY REPLACED DUE TO LOOSE STEERING. THE MANUFACTURER ADVISED THEY WOULD ASSIST WITH TEN PERCENT OF THE TOTAL COST OF REPAIRS. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BY THE DEALER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 109,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 113,747.
Jul 29, 2010
I AND THOUSANDS OF OTHER VW PASSAT OWNERS WISH FOR VW OF NORTH AMERICA TO ISSUE A RECALL ON THE TIE RODS, CONTROL ARMS, BALL JOINTS, ETC. (THE WHOLE FRONT SUSPENSION OF PASSATS) DUE TO THE OBVIOUS FAILURE OF THESE SYSTEMS. I PERSONALLY KNOW OF A MECHANIC IN STOUGHTON, WI WHO HAS REPLACED THIS SYSTEM ON 3 PASSATS THIS MONTH ALONE AND MY CAR IS NEXT. WE'RE TALKING TO THE TUNE OF $1800.00-$2000.00 FOR PARTS ALONE. THIS IS VERY EXPENSIVE AND ONE IS COMPLETELY HANDCUFFED BECAUSE ONE'S CAR IS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE IF THIS ISSUE IS NEGLECTED. FURTHER, WHEN ONE CONTACTS A LOCAL VW DEALERSHIP (ZIMBRICK VW OF MADISON, WI) AND INQUIRES ABOUT THIS KIT TO REBUILD THE FRONT END, THE PARTS MANAGER ADMITS THAT THEY KEEP MANY OF THESE KITS IN STOCK BECAUSE THEY ARE VERY AWARE OF THIS ISSUE. SO, WHY IS VW OF NORTH AMERICAN IGNORING THE OBVIOUS? COULD IT BE THAT THEY WOULD BE OUT A HANDSOME AMOUNT OF MONEY? BETTER TO LET THE CONSUMER TAKE THE BRUNT OF THIS ISSUE AND HOPE IT EVENTUALLY GOES AWAY? PLEASE HELP!!! *TR
Nov 19, 2007
THE STEERING WHEEL WAS LOOSE. DEALER HAD TO TIGHTEN THE RACK AND PINION IN ORDER TO ALLEVIATE THE PROBLEM.*AK...MECHANIC REPORTED THAT PART WAS ALMOST OUT ON ONE SIDE, AND HAD IT COME OUT ABILITY TO STEER WOULD HAVE BEEN LOST. *AK
Jan 31, 2005
AT 13,000 MILES, STEERING COLUMN BEGAN TO "CLUNK" WHEN TURNING THE WHEEL. NEW STEERING COLUMN INSTALLED UNDER WARRANTY. AT 27,000 MILES, SAME PROBLEM RETURNED. INFORMED BY A MECHANIC THAT ISSUE MAY BE DUE TO DESIGN OF COLUMN UNIVERSAL JOINT WHEN PASSING THROUGH FIREWALL (SHARP ANGLE LEADS TO MORE STRESS AND LIKELY FAILURE OVER TIME.) WHEN WARRANTY EXPIRES, THIS WILL BECOME MY ISSUE.*AK
Nov 03, 2004
+ 2 more complaints for this component
SEATS
6 complaints
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. SHE STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING WITH THE HEATED SEATS ON, SHE BEGAN TO FEEL EXTREMELY HOT. UPON FURTHER INSPECTION, SHE NOTICED A HOLE IN THE DRIVER SEAT. THE DEALER STATED THAT SHE WOULD HAVE TO PAY $500.00 - $600.00 TO REPLACE THE SEAT . NO REPAIRS WERE MADE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 115,000.
Sep 28, 2009
2001 PASSAT WAGON GLX WAS STRUCK FROM BEHIND AT A LOW RATE OF SPEED. PASSENGER'S SEAT FULLY RECLINED UPON IMPACT, COMING TO REST ON AN INFANT CAR SEAT THAT WAS PROPERLY INSTALLED IN THE BACK SEAT. PASSENGER SUSTAINED MINOR NECK AND BACK INJURIES. INFANT WAS UNHARMED. SINCE INCIDENT THE PASSENGER'S SEAT HAS SPONTANEOUSLY FULLY RECLINED ON THREE OTHER OCCASIONS.*AK
Jan 25, 2006
DT: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING THE FRONT POST OF THE DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BROKE. THIS CAUSED HIM TO FALL INTO THE BACK SEAT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP AND IS CURRENTLY BEING REPAIRED.*AK
Nov 22, 2005
I HAVE A 2001 VW PASSAT. I TURNED THE SEAT HEATER O ONTHE DIRVERS SIDE AND IN ABOUT 5 MINUTES THEIR WAS SMOKE COMING FROM THE SEAT AND THE HEATING COIL HAD BURNED A HOLE IN THE SEAT.
Feb 12, 2004
I WAS DRIVING MY 2001 PASSAT WHEN THE DRIVER'S SEAT STARTED MOVING AND MOVED TO THE BACKMOST POSITION. I WAS UNABLE TO REACH THE GAS OR BRAKE PEDAL WITH THE SEAT IN THAT POSITION. I HAD JUST GOTTEN OFF OF AN INTERSTATE HIGHWAY WHEN THIS HAPPENED. I WAS ON A RESIDENTIAL ROAD AND WAS ABLE TO PULL OFF TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. I COULD NOT READJUST THE SEAT. I TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY HAVE SEEN THE SEAT MOVE, BUT DO NOT KNOW WHAT IS CAUSING THE PROBLEM. I CANNOT DRIVE THE CAR UNTIL IT IS REPAIRED AS THIS PROBLEM WITH THE SEAT MOVING IS A SERIOUS SAFETY HAZARD. *LA
Dec 10, 2003
+ 1 more complaint for this component
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
5 complaints
I OWN A 2001 VW PASSAT 1.8 AND I JUST GOT SOME INFO ON OIL SLUDGE I BEEN HAVING THAT PROBLEM A LONG TIME AND DEALER ALWAYS SAID IT WAS THE OIL PUMP OR SOME THING ELSE MY FATHER HAS THE SAME PROBLEM WITH HIS PASSAT FIRST THE LIGHT COMES ON AND THEN THE ENGINE STARTS TO MAKE NOISE WE ALWAYS CHANGE THE OIL WITH THE RECOMMENDED OIL AND STILL THE PROBLEM IN ORDER TO USE THE CAR AFTER THE LIGHT COMES ON YOU HAVE TO PARK THE CAR AND FIND ANOTHER WAY TO MOVE AROUND AND TRY A COUPLE OF HOURS LATER TO SEE IF THE NOISE AND THE LIGHT IS GONE MY CAR I PAID 7900 9 MONTHS AGO AND IT HAS 138000 AND ITS NOT FAR FOR VW SAY YOUR NOT COVERED I COME FROM A VW FAMILY MY MOM HAS A 06 JETTA MY DAD A 99 PASSAT MY BROTHER HAS A 03 GOLF MY SISTER HAS A 07 GOLF AND JUST TO ALLOW TO JUST SAY SORRY CANT HELP YOU KNOWING THAT THEIR ARE CARS WITH MORE MILES THAN 120 OUT THEIR AND EVEN THY HAVE RECORDS OF US HAVING SERVICE HOUR CAR WITH THEM IT IS NOT WRITE. *TR
Jan 14, 2011
2001 VW PASSAT WITH MANY PROBLEMS**CC THE CONSUMER STATE A FEW MONTHS AFTER PURCHASING HER VEHICLE SHE HAD MULTIPLE PROBLEMS. THE CONSUMER STATED THE DEALER SHOULD SUPPLY RENTAL CARS WHILE REPAIRS ARE BEING DONE. *TR
Aug 23, 2007
TEXAS DECEPTIVE TRADE PRACTICES ACT BREACH OF WARRANTY REGARDING THE 2001 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT.***NO ANSWER REQUIRED***.*MR *JB
May 26, 2005
AIG IS ATTEMPTED TO COLLECT ON A POLICY I DISPUTE, NOT A CLAIM DISPUTE AND I DON'T KNOW WHO TO CONTACT FOR ASSISTANCE AND MEDIATION. BASICALLY, I FEEL THEY CHANGED MY POLICY AND RATE WITHOUT GIVING ME A QUOTATION. I WOULD LIKE TO SEND YOU THE ENTIRE HISTORY AND LETTER I HAVE DRAFTED FOR THE COLLECTION AGENCY. I HAVE CONTACTED AIG AND THEY ARE NOT WILLING TO WORK WITH ME. *NLM
Jun 25, 2003
ENGINE LIGHT ALWAYS COMES ON THEN GOES AWAY.*AK
Aug 27, 2002
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
5 complaints
CLASS ACTION LAW SUIT SETTLED WITH VW FOR OIL SLUDGE. THIS MAKES NO SENSE BY THE TIME THE SETTLEMENT WAS REACHED MY 2001 VW PASSAT, 1.8 TURBO WAS NOT COVERED. 7 OR 8 WEEKS AGO I TOOK MY VEHICLE INTO THE VW DEALER (HALMARK VW OF MADISON) THEY TOLD ME I HAD A SLUDGE PROBLEM AND DID NOT EVEN MENTION THAT IT WAS A KNOWN PROBLEM OR THAT THE LAW SUIT WAS UNDERWAY- VERY SNEAKY. THEY TOLD ME TO REPLACE MY ENGINE OR TO CHANGE THE OIL EVERY 1000 MILES FOR AWHILE. MY ABS AND COMPUTER MODULE FAILED AT THE SAME TIME WITH NO ONE TAKING RESPONSIBILITY FOR IT. NOW I HAVE THE PROBLEM BUT HAVE NO WAY TO GET IT RESOLVED. *TR
Dec 28, 2010
2001 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT CHECK ENGINE AND OIL PRESSURE LIGHTS ILLUMINATING. CONSUMER STATES THAT THE VEHICLE ALSO EXPERIENCED A LOSS OF POWER AND ENGINE MADE A WHINING NOISE. *KB
Nov 09, 2007
MECHANIC REFUSES TO REPAIR 2001 PASSAT ELECTRONIC CONTROL SYSTEM. *TS THE CONSUMER STATED THE PROBLEM HAD BEEN MIS-DIAGNOSED ON MORE THAN ONE OCCASION. THE VEHICLE HAD AN OIL HOSE LEAK. *JB
Jul 14, 2006
ENGINE LIGHT CONTINUALLY GOES ON AND OFF, WHEN BLINKING ON, THE CAR SHAKES, AS IF IT IS ABOUT TO STALL, AND A BAD ODOR EMITS. WHEN DRIVING , THE CAR WOULD NOT EXCEED 20-30 MPH, EVEN WHEN THE GAS PEDAL WAS TO THE FLOOR. BROUGHT THE CAR TO VW FIRST TIME, THEY SAID THE LIGHT CAME ON BECAUSE THE CAR WAS IDLE FOR A DAY OR SO. THE 2ND TIME, AFTER GOING TO AN INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOP AND HAVING ALL THE PLUGS REPLACED AND A COMPLETE TUNE-UP, SAME THING HAPPENED THE NEXT DAY. INDEPENDENT SHOP SAID THE ONLY OTHER THING WAS THE IGNITION COILS AND THAT THEY WERE EXPENSIVE. CALLED VW DEALERSHIP(CAR IS ON EXTENDED WARRANTY-LESS THAN 30 THOUSAND MILES & A 2001), WAITED 9 DAYS BEFORE THEY COULD LOOK AT THE CAR, HOWEVER, THE ENGINE LIGHT WAS OUT AGAIN. I EXPLAINED TO THEM THE PROBLEM, AND ALL THEY SAID WAS THAT VW DOES NOT HAVE A RECALL ON THE IGNITION COILS, THEY REPLACED THE NEWLY PURCHASED PLUGS AGAIN, AND SAID THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE COILS??? COST ME $261.00 PLUS A RENTAL CAR, BUT THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG.*AK
Apr 01, 2005
VEHICLE DIED WHILE DRIVING ON 45 MPH ROAD. STARTER AND ENGINE TURN, BUT WOULD NOT RUN. ADVISED DEALER THAT THIS HAPPENED 1 YEAR AGO AND ENGINE FUSE AND HORN FUSE HAD TO BE REPLACED. NO CODES WERE IN THE COMPUTER. DEALER REPLACED FUSE S232 AND CAR STARTED. DURING ROAD TEST, CAR DIED AGAIN. FUSE S232 BLEW AGAIN AND DEALER FOUND ECM AND HARNESS MELTED AND WAS SMOKING. DEALER REPLACED ECM, HARNESS AND FUSE AND CAR RAN. WHEN CUSTOMER RECEIVED THE CAR, THE CRUISE CONTROL AND DASH LIGHTS WERE INOPERATIVE. DEALER REPROGRAMMED CRUISE AND FIXED WIRING OF DASH LIGHTS UNDER WARRANTY AFTER MUCH ARGUMENT. DEALER DID NOT KNOW CAUSE OF MISHAP. THIS IS THE 2ND TIME THE CAR HAS DIED WHILE TRAVELLING ON BUSY ROADS. I WAS NEARLY REAR-ENDED TWICE AS I PULLED THE CAR OFF THE HIGHWAY.*AK
Jun 30, 2004
TIRES
5 complaints
I WAS JUST ENTERING I-90 AT HARLEM AVE WHEN WITHOUT WARNING MY 2 MONTH OLD TIRE WENT FLAT. THERE WAS NO WARNING, AND BY THE TIME I WAS ABLE TO GET OFF THE EXPRESSWAY THE TIRE WAS SHREDDED. I CHANGED THE TIRE WITH MY SPARE AND SINCE THE TIRE WAS A REPLACEMENT ON A SET FROM NTB I DECIDED THAT I WOULD COMPLETELY REPLACE THE WHOLE SET AS I WAS COMPLETELY WITHOUT ANY CONFIDENCE WITH NTB. THE TIRE DID NOT LOOK LIKE IT HAD ANY PROBLEMS EXCEPT FOR THE DAMAGE DONE BY RUNNING FLAT. I REPLACED THE TIRES 8/9/08 AND UPON RETURNING HOME FROM THE TIRE STORE READ A CONSUMER'S REPORT ALERT THAT SOME CHINESE MADE VALVE STEMS ARE FAILING. WHILE AT THIS POINT I DO NOT HAVE THE STEM IN QUESTION THE TIRE WAS OF CHINESE MANUFACTURE AND ALL SYMPTOMS I ENCOUNTERED ARE CONSISTENT WITH STEM FAILURE. *TR
Aug 15, 2008
TIRES EXPERIENCED SIDEWALL SEPARATION AFTER LESS THAN HALF OF THEIR USEFUL LIFE. ALL FOUR TIRES WERE REPLACED AT THE SAME TIME. TWO OF THE FOUR TIRES HAD THIS SEPARATION. *AK
May 09, 2007
2001 PASSAT ALL NEW PIRELLI TIRES 12/03. REAR TIRES CUPPING ON THE INSIDE AFTER 20,000 MILES. VEH WAS LOUD IN THE REAR, LESS TRACTION, HANDLING FUNNY. FIGHTING WITH TIRE PLACE RIGHT NOW.*AK
Jan 26, 2005
THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED A HEAVY VIBRATION, WHICH WAS DUE TO A PROBLEM WITH THE TIRES.*JB
Feb 27, 2003
WHILE TRAVELING FROM COLUMBUS, NE TO SIOUX FALLS, SD ON SD HWY. 50 WEST OF VERMILLION, SD, MY RIGHT FRONT TIRE EXPLODED WITH NO WARNING. THE EXPLOSION DESTROYED THE TIRE AND TORE LOOSE THE LOWER RIGHT SIDE BODY MOLDING. THE SERVICEMAN AT THE SIOUX FALLS SEARS TOLD ME HE HAD ADJUSTED SEVERAL OTHER IDENTICAL MICHELIN TIRES FOR THE VERY SAME PROBLEM. I AM CONCERNED ABOUT THE OTHER TIRES ON MY CAR AND THAT WE MAY HAVE A DEFECTIVE BATCH OF TIRES HERE. VW WAS CONTACTED BUT HAS REFUSED TO REPAIR THE DAMAGED MOLDING UNDER WARRANTY.*AK (DOT NUMBER: CXYX 1201 TIRESIZE: 195/65R15)
Oct 31, 2001
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
4 complaints
TRUNK LID LOCK BROKE ABOUT 5 DAYS BEFORE THE 8TH AND IT SLOWLY DRAINED THE BATTERY. WITHOUT MY KNOWING THAT THAT WOULD HAPPEN I DID NOT ATTEND THE PROBLEM RIGHT AWAY. THE CHARGES FROM VW TO FIX ARE: TRUNK-$ 120.85 BATTERY- $318.18. *NM
Jan 13, 2005
THE TRUNK LATCH BROKE WHEN CLOSING THE TRUNK NORMALLY AND WOULD NOT LATCH. THERE WAS NO VISIBLE DAMAGE AND THE DEALER SAID THE INSIDE COMPONENTS WERE SHATTERED. I HAD TO PAY FOR THE DEDUCTIBLE BECAUSE MY EXTENDED WARRANTY COVERED THE ITEM. I HAVE HEARD OF THIS HAPPENING TO OTHER PASSAT OWNERS. IS THIS A MANUFACTURING DEFECT?*AK
Jun 30, 2004
TRUNK DOES NOT LATCH "BOOTLID OPEN." MESSAGE ON DASH AND WARNING BEEP AFTER HITTING BUMPS IN ROAD. *LA
Oct 16, 2003
THE DOOR LOCK IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE OPENS UP WHEN THE CAR IS MOVING. ALSO IT POPS UP WHEN YOU SHUT THE CAR AND TRY TO LOCK THE DOORS USING YOUR REMOTE KEY OR WITH THE BUTTONS INSIDE THE CAR. SO POTENTIALLY ANYONE CAN OPEN THE PASSENGER SIDE DOOR. TO AVOID THIS, YOU HAVE TO PRESS IT DOWN MANUALLY BEFORE LEAVING THE CAR.*AK
Jul 29, 2003
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
3 complaints
STARTED SMELLING GAS AND MILEAGE STARTED DROPPI G BAD AROUND THE END OF NOVEMBER. WE SEE THAT THERE HAS BEEN RECALLS ON THE GAS TANK AND FUEL LINES FOR 01 VOLKSWAGEN PASSATS BUT UNFORTUNATELY NOT FOR THIS VIN # WHICH HAPPENS TO BE MY SONS CAR. NOW ITS AT THE SHOP BECAUSE ITS GAS MILEAGE WENT WAY DOWN AND AND SMELLS LIKE GAS AND HE WAS TOLD THAT HE WAS DRIVING A BOMB BASICALLY. IT COULD BE AROUND $1000 TO FIX IT. NONE OF US HAVE THAT KIND OF $ AND HES STILL HAS $800 LEFT OWEING ON IT. HELP
Dec 12, 2017
MY 2001 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT HAS HAD AN R5 RECALL FOR FUEL LINES, FUEL TANK, AND A HEAT SHIELD. THE HARD (LOW PRESSURE FUEL RETURN?) LINE, THE MIDDLE ONE OF THE MOUNTING BRACKET ATOP THE FIREWALL, HAS FAILED CATASTROPHICALLY. IT NOW SPRAYS GASOLINE DIRECTLY DOWN ONTO THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER HEAT SHIELD. THIS IS THE SAME FAILURE IN THE SAME EXACT POINT THAT MANY OTHER OWNERS HAVE HAD. THIS PART IS DANGEROUS AND COULD HAVE KILLED ME AND DESTROYED MY CAR. VOLKSWAGEN REFUSED TO FIX IT. I'VE BEEN IN CONTACT WITH VW CUSTOMER CARE AND MY LOCAL DEALER, BOTH TOLD ME THAT ONCE THE RECALL IS CLOSED ON MY VEHICLE THAT THERE IS NOTHING THEY'LL DO. THEY WANTED ME TO TOW MY CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP AND PAY $135 FOR A DIAGNOSTIC UNTIL I SHOWED THEM A VIDEO OF THE FUEL LINE UNDER PRESSURE SPRAYING EVERYWHERE.
Aug 01, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE FUEL GAUGE INDICATED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD MORE FUEL THAN WHAT WAS ACTUALLY IN THE TANK. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A REPAIR SHOP WHERE THE MECHANIC FOUND THE FAILURE IN THE FUEL TANK LEVEL SENDING UNITS. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 01V157000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE: STORAGE: TANK ASSEMBLY) BUT WAS ADVISED BY THE MANUFACTURER THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 78,370.
Jun 29, 2012
ENGINE
3 complaints
FAULTY CAM CHAIN TENSIONER FAILED AND CAUSED SEVERE ENGINE DAMAGE TO VALVES, PISTONS, CAMSHAFT, CAM TIMING CHAIN. I WAS STATIONARY WAITING AT A RED LIGHT WHEN I HEARD A SUDDEN LOUD GRINDING NOISE FROM INSIDE THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT, THE ENGINE BEGAN TO SHAKE AND SPUTTER. THE CAR LOST MOST OF ITS POWER AND I WAS BARELY ABLE TO MAKE IT THROUGH THE INTERSECTION WHEN THE LIGHT TURNED GREEN. UPON INSPECTION IT WAS CLEAR TO SEE THAT THE CAM CHAIN TENSIONER HAD SELF DESTRUCTED AND CAUSED THE ENGINE TO FAIL.
Nov 15, 2017
I WAS DRIVING AND I PULLED INTO MY PARKING LOT AND MY ENGINE CAUGHT ON FIRE. I PUT IT OUT WITH SNOW THANK GOD OR IT WOULD HAVE BEEN A LOT WORSE. I ALWAYS HAVE COOLANT AND OIL AND I CHECKED IT A LOT CAUSE OF THE FREEZING WEATHER WE HAVE HAD RECENTLY HAD -30 FOR QUITE AWHILE. I CALLED VW CUSTOMER CARE AND THEY WERE VERY WORRIED ABOUT MY SAFETY AT 1ST THEN THEY HAD A PRODUCT SOMETHING GUY CALL ME AFTER SEE THE PICTURE I SENT THEM. I UNDERSTAND THEY HAVE PEOPLE ALWAYS LOOKING FOR A QUICK ESCAPE GOAT BUT THIS WAS A FIRE IT COULD HAVE BEEN SO MUCH WORSE IF THERE WAS NOT SNOW NEAR BY. I WANT MY CAR FIXED BUT I AM MORE WORRIED ABOUT THE NEXT PERSON THIS COULD HAPPEN TOO. I SHOULD TELL YOU AFTER ASK HIM IF HE JUST WANTED TO FIND THE REASON BEHIND IT HE SAID NO. PERSONALLY A CAR FIRE IS NOT A NORMAL THING. *TR
Feb 19, 2014
CAR HAD BEEN SITTING ALL DAY DROVE IT ONCE CAUGHT FIRE AROUND 4AM IN THE MORNING CAR TOTAL ALOT BURN BAD IN THE FRONT. I HAD NOTICE THAT SOME FEATURES WERE NOT WORKING BUT I DID NOT ATTRIBUTE IT TO A ELECTRICAL PROBLEM ACCORDING TO THE FIRE DEPT WHO CAME TO PUT THE BLAZE OUT. *TR
Nov 17, 2012
SERVICE BRAKES
3 complaints
ABS CONTROL MODULE FAULT
Sep 22, 2016
ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM (ABS) MODULE FAILURE WHICH CAUSES PERMANENT LOSS OF ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM. *TR
Aug 14, 2012
ANTI-LOCK BRAKE CONTROL MODULE FAILED CAUSING "STOP", AND OTHER LIGHTS TO COME ON AND STAY ON. *TR
Jun 25, 2012
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING
3 complaints
HEADLAMP WIRING HARNESS MELTS. *TR
Feb 17, 2011
ON TWO SEPARATE OCCASIONS THE CONNECTOR AND WIRING HARNESS PROVIDING POWER TO THE DRIVER'S SIDE AND PASSENGER'S SIDE HEADLIGHTS ON THE 2001 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT GLS MELTED AND THE HEADLIGHTS FAILED. IF I DID NOT TAKE IMMEDIATE ACTION THE ELECTRICAL SHORT IN THESE CONNECTORS MAY HAVE TRIGGERED A FIRE. THE DRIVER'S SIDE SOCKET/WIRING HARNESS MELTED AND THE WIRING HARNESS WAS REPLACED IN OCTOBER OF 2004. THE PASSENGER'S SIDE SOCKET/WIRING HARNESS MELTED AND THE WIRING HARNESS WAS REPLACED IN APRIL OF 2007. WHILE AT THE VOLKSWAGEN DEALERSHIP TO HAVE PASSENGER SIDE WIRING HARNESS REPLACED I OBSERVED ANOTHER PASSAT OWNER COMPLAINING OF THE SAME PROBLEM. A GOOGLE SEARCH ON THE INTERNET RESULTED IN FINDING MANY OTHER PEOPLE THAT HAD THIS POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS PROBLEM AS WELL. *AK
May 17, 2007
CONSUMER STATED THE REAR BRAKE LIGHT WAS OUT, DEALER REPLACED A BAD BULB, ALSO THE HEADLIGHTS WERE SHINING LOW, DEALER STATED THE HEADLIGHTS WERE OUT OF RANGE.*JB
Jul 22, 2002
SERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRIC
3 complaints
AFTER 130000 MILES, 2001 VW PASSAT ABS/BRAKE LIGHT LIGHTS UP AT RANDOM AND BEEPS 3 TIMES WHILE DRIVING, NO BREAK DEPRESSION NECESSARY FOR THIS LIGHT TO GO OFF. MECHANIC DIAGNOSES AS ABS CONTROL MODULE MALFUNCTION. THIS OCCURS MULTIPLE TIMES DURING OPERATION. PART TO COST $635.00 AND LABOR AND REPROGRAM OF NEW PART TOTALING $900.00. DIAGNOSIS OF THE ISSUE 100.00. ALL TOGETHER, $1000.00. PART HAS NOT YET BEEN REPLACED. *TR
Jun 17, 2010
FAULTY BOSCH ABS MODULE IN 2001 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT DUE TO FAULTY DESIGN. THE WIRE GAUGE IS TOO SMALL, CAUSING OVERHEATING AND COMPONENT FAILURE. ABS MODULE UNIT REBUILT TO CORRECT STANDARDS. AFTER RESEARCHING, FOUND THAT THERE ARE SEVERAL THOUSAND COMPLAINTS OF THE SAME NATURE. HOPING TO GET VW TO RECALL THIS PROBLEM. *TR
Feb 13, 2009
ABS CONTROLLER FAILED. *TR
Feb 01, 2009
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,EQUIPMENT
3 complaints
I HAVE A 2001.5- 2.8 DOHC VW PASSAT WITH JUST OVER 106K MILES.AT AROUND 98K MILES I STARTED TO EXPERIENCE A LOSS OF POWER IN THE ENGINE AND GOT MULTIPLE MISFIRES ON THE SCAN OF THE ENGINE. THIS HAPPENS INTERMITTENTLY, ALTHOUGH MOSTLY WHEN I START THE CAR AT THE BEGINNING OF THE DAY, REGARDLESS OF TEMPERATURE. FAST FORWARD 6 MONTHS, AFTER ALREADY REPLACING THE COIL PACK TWICE, I STILL HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM. THE DEALERSHIP WANTS TO CHARGE ME OVER $600 DOLLARS TO TRY AND FIGURE OUT WHAT "MIGHT" BE THE PROBLEM. THEY'RE STILL NOT SURE. IF ANYONE IS HAVING THIS PROBLEM, PLEASE LET ME KNOW IF YOU'VE FIGURED OUT WHAT IT IS. *TR
Aug 14, 2009
I BROUGHT MY VEHICLE FOR SERVICE ON AUGUST 4, 2007, AT VW DEALERSHIP FAIRFAX IMPORTS, IN FAIRFAX, VA. AT THIS TIME I INFORMED MR. DAVID DELOATCHE, SERVICE ADVISOR, THAT MY COOLANT LIGHT (STOP RED LIGHT FLASHING) HAD COME ON AND THERE SEEMED TO BE A LEAK AS THE FLUID WAS NOT SUSTAINING AND RATHER SPILLING OUT. ON AUGUST 4, 2007, I WAS CHARGED $776.99 FOR MANIFOLD OF SERVICES INCLUDING AN INJECTOR FLUSH, POWER STEERING FLUSH, BRAKE FLUID FLUSH, AND COOLANT FLUSH. THE COOLANT BOTTLE WAS REPLACED AND I WAS ASSURED THAT THERE WAS NO ENGINE FLUSH NEEDED. I WAS INFORMED THAT THERE WASN'T ENOUGH TIME TO FIX THE TEMPERATURE SENSOR AND THE CAR WAS SAFE FOR ME TO DRIVE. AS I LEFT THE PARKING LOT ON AUGUST 4, 2007, AFTER MY SERVICE AT FAIRFAX IMPORTS, THE COOLANT LIGHT CAME ON AND THE TEMPERATURE SENSOR ROSE TO 260 DEGREES. I CALLED DAVID DELOATCHE IMMEDIATELY TO INQUIRE ON THE SAFETY OF MY CAR. I WAS ASSURED ONCE AGAIN TO IGNORE THE COOLANT LIGHT AND THE TEMPERATURE SENSOR, AND THAT IT IS SAFE FOR ME TO TURN ON AND USE THE AIR CONDITIONING AND THAT THE CAR WAS COMPLETELY SAFE FOR ME TO DRIVE. MY EMPLOYER, IBM SENT ME FOR TRAINING TO PALISADES, NY FROM AUGUST 5 TO 12, 2007. ON WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 15, 2007, I WAS ENROUTE TO IBM OFFICE IN BETHESDA, MD FROM FAIRFAX, VA. MY ENGINE BLEW OUT ON HIGHWAY 270 AND I WAS PLACED IN A DANGEROUS SITUATION. MY SAFETY WAS DISREGARDED AS MY VEHICLE WASN'T PROPERLY FIXED, AND I WAS ABANDONED ON A MAJOR HIGHWAY. *TR
Aug 22, 2007
I LEASED A 2001 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT 1.8T IN FEB. 2001, WHICH I AM CURRENTLY HAVING PROBLEMS WITH. THE VEHICLE JUMPS WHEN DRIVING AND/OR WHEN STOPPED. IT ALSO JUMPS FORWARD WHEN STOPPED. THIS IS A ACCIDENT HAZARD SINCE I HAVE HAD INSTANCES WHEN STOPPING AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT/STOP SIGN, THE VEHICLE JUMPS FORWARD THEREBY CAUSING IT TO COME TO A COMPLETE STOP AFTER THE STOP SIGN AND/OR TRAFFIC LIGHT. I IMMEDIATELY TOOK IT IN FOR SERVICE AT THE DEALERSHIP, AND I WAS TOLD THAT THE AIR FLOW SENSOR HAD TO BE REPLACED, BUT AT MY EXPENSE. UNFORUNATELY, MY CAR'S WARRANTY EXPIRED, BUT MY CAR ONLY HAS 30,000 MILES. I LATER FOUND OUT FROM THE DEALER THAT THERE WAS A BULLETIN OUT FOR AN EXTENSION OF THE WARRANTY ONLY ON THE 2002 PASSAT 1.8T, SINCE THESE TYPES OF VEHICLES ARE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEMS AS MY VEHICLE. MY QUESTION TO YOU IS THAT HOW COME THE 2001 AND 2002 PASSAT 1.8T VEHICLES ARE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEMS WITH THE MASS AIRFLOW SENSOR, BUT ONLY THE 2002 PASSAT HAS AN EXTENDED WARRANTY ON IT. I FIND THIS VERY UPSETTING, SINCE I NOW HAVE TO PERSONALLY PAY FOR THE SERVICE, BUT YET OWNERS OF THE 2002 PASSATS DO NOT. THIS WAS THE FIRST TIME LEASING A VOLKSWAGEN VEHICLE, AND IT WILL BE MY LAST. MY CAR HAS BEEN IN FOR SERVICE SEVERAL TIMES FOR DIFFERENT REPAIRS AND ALSO HAD 3 RECALLS. I WILL BE TURNING IN MY VEHICLE IN 5 MONTHS AND AM SO LOOKING FORWARD TO IT, SINCE I WAS NOT HAPPY WITH THE VEHICLE NOR VOLKSWAGEN SERVICE. *AK
Dec 26, 2003
SEAT BELTS
3 complaints
THE REAR MIDDLE SEAT BELT ON THE CAR GOT STUCK (OR LOCKED). NO ACCIDENT OR MISUSE OF THE EQUIPMENT HAPPENED. IT HAPPENED WHEN I WAS REINSTALLING MY CHILD SEAT. NOW, I AM UNABLE TO INSTALL THE CHILD SEAT. IT IS A BIG SAFETY ISSUE AND I RECOMMEND THE GOVERNMENT HAVE THE MANUFACTURER FIX IT. THERE ARE SEVERAL OTHER COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS INCIDENT THAT I COULD FIND WHEN SEARCHING ON THE INTERNET. NOT SURE IF THEY HAVE OFFICIALLY BEEN REPORTED TO THE GOVERNMENT. PLEASE FEEL FREE TO REACH ME IF YOU NEED MORE INFORMATION. *TR
Apr 01, 2009
2001 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT NOTICE TO MANUFACTURER, MEMORANDUM OF FACTS AND REQUEST FOR COMPENSATION. (NAR). *MR AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS RETURNED TOT HE CONSUMER AFTER SERVICE, THE CONSUMER NOTICED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGERS SIDE SEAT BELT WAS INOPERABLE. A MONTH LATER THE VEHICLE'S ENGINE STALLED WHILE DRIVING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO DETERMINED THAT THE #4 COIL FAILED. *CB
May 04, 2004
I HAVE A 2001.5 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. WHEN THE CAR WAS UNDER WARRANTY (AROUND 15,000 MILES), THE SEATBELT MECHANISM WAS RETRACTING VERY SLOWLY SO I TOOK IT IN TO BE REPAIRED, WHICH THEY DID DO AT NO CHARGE. THE CAR IS NOW OUT OF WARRANTY AND I'M AGAIN HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM. I CALLED THE DEALER AND THEY SAID IT COULD BE REPAIRED AT MY COST. IS THIS CONSIDERED A SAFETY ISSUE AND SHOULD THEY REPAIR IT AT NO CHARGE?
Feb 10, 2003
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
3 complaints
I HAVE A 2001 VW PASSAT, IN THE PAST MONTH, MY ABS WARNING LIGHT, AND E-BRAKE LIGHT, HAVE BEEN COMING ON RANDOMLY. THE ABS LIGHT COMES ON AND THEN THE BRAKE LIGHT FLASHES AND BEEPS/RINGS FOR A FEW SECONDS. HALF OF THE TIME THE LIGHTS GO OUT AFTER A FEW SECONDS, SOMETIMES THE ONLY WAY THEY GO OUT IS TO STOP, TURN THE CAR OFF AND RESTART. AND THERE ARE TIMES WHEN THIS DOESN'T WORK EITHER. THERE HAVE BEEN SUGGESTIONS BY VW DEALERSHIPS TO REPLACE ABS CONTROL MODULE WHICH IS APPROX, $1350-1400. AFTER RESEARCHING THIS SEEMS TO BE A PROBLEM THAT THOUSANDS OF VW OWNERS ARE EXPERIENCING WITH THEIR VEHICLES. THE REPLACEMENT OF CONTROL MODULE HAS NOT CORRECTED PROBLEM, NEITHER HAS REPLACING IGNITION SWITCH. *TR
Jan 28, 2008
AT APPROX. 74,300 MI. OUR 2001 VW PASSAT GLS V6 AUTOMATIC HAD AN ABS FAILURE. WE PURCHASED THE VEHICLE NEW FROM A VW DEALER IN 2001 AND HAVE IT SERVICED BY VW DEALERS. OTHER VW OWNERS I HAVE SPOKEN TO (SOME WHILE IN THE SERVICE AREA OF THE DEALERSHIP!) HAVE ALSO HAD ABS FAILURE. THE ABS UNIT IS BACK-ORDERED AND WAIT LISTED BECAUSE SO MANY HAVE FAILED AND BEEN REQUESTED. I AM ON MY 4TH WEEK OF WAITING FOR THE PART, AFTER HAVING TO PAY FOR IT IN FULL UP FRONT. THIS IS A VERY EXPENSIVE PART: REBUILD KIT IS $650 WHILE THE UNIT ITSELF IS APPROX. $1,100. I BELIEVE THIS PART SUFFER CHRONIC FAILURE AMONG VW'S AND AUDI'S. I ALSO BELIEVE THE IGNITION COILS SHOULD BE RECALLED AS MINE ARE FAILING AND SO MANY OTHERS ARE FAILING.*JB
Sep 19, 2005
NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK
May 04, 2002
EQUIPMENT
3 complaints
AIR CONDITIONING ISSUE: IN THE SUMMER OF 2006 MY AIR CONDITIONING WAS GOING OUT. THE DEALERSHIP CHANGED THE FAN AND IT APPEARED TO ALL WORK. THE SUMMER OF 2007, (NOW) MY CAR IS IN THE SHOP AGAIN WITH AC PROBLEMS THAT CANNOT BE DIAGNOSED BECAUSE THEY CAN'T FIND AN ERROR CODE. WHEN THE AIR WENT OUT, THE LCD READINGS ON THE CLIMATE CONTROL SYSTEM LOOKED LIKE SCRAMBLED DIGITS. DOESN'T WORK, AND THE SHOP CAN'T SEEM TO FIND THE PROBLEM. *TR
May 04, 2007
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WITH THE WINDOWS ROLLED UP IN THE RAIN, WATER IS LEAKING INSIDE THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION. HOWEVER, THE CONTACT SUSPECTED THE POLLEN FILTER IN THE AIR CONDITIONER WAS THE CAUSE. *AK
Apr 11, 2006
CONSUMER STATED THERE WAS A NOISE COMING FROM THE AIR CONDITIONER WHEN DRIVING 60 MPH, WITH THE OUTSIDE AIR ON, DEALER REPLACED POLLEN FILTER.*JB
Jul 22, 2002
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES
2 complaints
I WAS DRIVING ON I-95 AT APPROX. 78 MPH WHEN THE CAR SUDDENLY SAYS STOP! BRAKE FAILURE! SEE VOLKSWAGEN SERVICE. IN MY RESEARCH ON THE ISSUE, I'VE FOUND THIS HAPPENS ON ALMOST ALL 1998-2001 VW PASSATS AND AUDI A-4S. THIS NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED. *TR
Jul 17, 2014
ABS MODULE IS OUT, CAN'T GET EMISSIONS PASSED UNLESS I PAY OVER 600 DOLLARS. ALSO I DON'T HAVE ABS, CAN'T SEE IF MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT MEANS ANYTHING BECAUSE I'M TOLD IT ALL GETS RE ROUTED THOROUGH THE ABS MODULE AND CAN'T GET PAST THAT PROBLEM. *TR
Oct 18, 2013
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,STRUCTURE
2 complaints
ROLLED INTO VEHICLE IN FRONT. NO DAMAGE TO EITHER VEHICLE. CAR BURST IN TO FLAMES. TOTAL LOSS. *TR
May 21, 2014
VEHICLE'S DRAINAGE HOLE WAS INSTALLED INCORRECTLY, CAUSING A BLOCKAGE. ALSO, THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM MALFUNCTIONED. *AK
Dec 01, 2003
SERVICE BRAKES, AIR
2 complaints
ABS LIGHT AND BRAKE LIGHT FLASHING DEALER SAYS IT IS AN ABS CONTROL MODULE A 650 PART DOLLAR ENDING IN A 1000 DOLLAR ALL TOGETHER REPAIR CAR HAS 108,000. *TR
Apr 21, 2011
CONSUMER STATES THE ORIGINAL REAR BRAKES AND ROTORS. WAS REPLACED ON HIS VEHICLE AT 31,000 MILES. CONSUMER BELIEVE IS TO PREMATURE TO REPLACED. DEALER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. *TR
Jan 23, 2003
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
2 complaints
I BROUGHT MY VEHICLE INTO FIRESTONE FOR A ROUNTINE TUNE-UP AND TO REPLACE MY AXLE. BECAUSE OF FIRESTONES MIS-DIAGNOSIS OF THE TUNE-UP, THEY DETERMINED IT WAS THE ENGINE COIL. MY VEHICLE HAD TO BE TOWED TO AUDI OF BROOKLINE FOR A COMPLETE DIAGNOSTIC AND THEY FOUND THIS.....A PRE-EXISTING CONDITION - E.C.M..THE ENGINE COIL WAS ONLY A SYMPTOM OF THE BIGGER PROBLEM IN THE FAULTY E.C.M. MISFIRING. PRIOR TO BRINGING MY VEHICLE INTO FIRESTONE, IT WAS OPERABLE. BECAUSE OF THEIR TAMPERING WITH THE IGNITION COILS; MY VEHICLE WAS SUBSEQUENTLY DESTROYED. REGARDING THE DIAGNOSTIC REPORT, THE CURRENT AND PASSED CONDITION OF MY VEHICLE, WHICH IS NORMALLY A HEALTHY, SAFE, VEHICLE, IS AS FOLLOWS: "FUEL DELIVERY INSPECTION AT PRESENT TIME, IGNITION SYSTEM CHECK, AND POWER PROVIDED TO COILS TECH FOUND NO COMMUNICATION BETWEEN ENGINE CONTROL MODULE (E.C.M.) AND A.B.S. CONTROL MODULE BECAUSE A.B.S. CONTROL MODULE WAS DISCONNECTED. RECONNECT AND ACCESS A.B.S. SYSTEM AND FAULT DETECTED CUSTOMER AWARE OF THE A.B.S. PROBLEM AND WARNING HAS BEEN ON FOR A WHILE. THAT IS TRUE, AND NOT THE REASON FOR THIS LETTER. CONTINUED: FOUND E.C.M. FAULT FOR #3 IGNITION COIL OPEN CIRCUIT. PIN CHECK WIRES ON #3 IGNITION COIL PLUG #3 POST FROM CONNECTOR TO E.C.M. FOUND HEIGHT RESISTANCE IN WIRE, REPLACED #3 CONNECTOR AND RE-TESTED OK. ALSO CLEAN AND REPLACE TERMINAL ON TOP OF VALVE COVER FOR PROPER GROUND. START ENGINE AND ROAD TEST VEHICLE, FOUND ENGINE MISFIRE ON #1, #2, #3, #4 IGNITION COILS". I HAVE TO REPLACE ALL 4 IGNITION COILS, CATAYLTIC CONVERTER, AND E.C.M. THIS IS THE SECOND IGNITION COIL REPLACED IN THE 1 YEAR I'VE OWNED THE VEHICLE. THIS CAR HAS MORE MECHANICAL ERRORS THAN IMAGINABLE. THE ESTIMATED COST OF REPAIRS IS IN THE THOUSANDS. I CAN'T AFFORD TO MAINTENANCE THIS TEMPERMENATL VEHICLE. I WILL HAVE TO JUNK THE CAR. I REFUSE TO FIX THIS VEHICLE. PUSHING FOR A RECALL!! *TR
Sep 28, 2009
THE CONSUMER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE BURNED OIL TOO FAST. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO DETERMINED THAT THE GASKETS WERE LEAKING. *NM CONSUMER MADE TWO OIL REPAIRS AND HEADLIGHTS NEEDED REPLACEMENT ON VEHICLE. ALSO, VEHICLE'S REAR BRAKES NEEDED REPLACEMENT. *LA
Apr 01, 2004
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,POWER TRAIN
2 complaints
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED FOR A ROUTINE TUNE-UP AND A HONDA DEALER WROTE ON THE INVOICE THAT THE CONTROL VALVE JOINTS AND BOOTS WERE TORN, IN ADDITION TO THE SHAFT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURES WERE RELATED TO SEVERAL COMPLAINTS ON THE NHTSA WEBSITE. THERE HAD BEEN NO FAILURE TO DATE. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 56,511. UPDATED 05/08/09. *LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE CV JOINTS WERE REPLACED. UPDATED 05/08/09.*JB
Mar 31, 2009
I PURCHASED A 2001 VW PASSAT ON AUGUST 21,2001 FROM PATRICK MOTORS IN AUBURN, MASS. IN THE 5 WEEKS I HAVE OWED THE CAR IT HAS HAD BEEN RETURNED TO THE DEALERSHIP 4 TIMES ( 2 X TOWED) FOR THE SAME RELATED PROBLEM. MALFUNCTION LIGHT HAS GONE ON EACH OF THOSE TIMES. CAR HAS DRIVEN IN LOW GEAR AND THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH HESITATION OF THE VEHICLE WHEN YOU PRESS ON THE GAS. THE TRANSMISSION CONTROL MODULE HAS BEEN REPLACED AS WELL AS FRAYED WIRES REPAIRED THAT CAME FROM THE MANUFACTURER. THE CAR HAS BE UNDRIVEABLE PER THE DEALERSHIP DURING THESE TIMES. I HAVE SAFETY CONCERNS WITH THE TYPE OF COMMUTE I DO EVERY DAY TO WORK. I DRIVE 50 MINS ONE WAY DOWN RT 2, 495 AND RT 3. I HAVE BEEN IN THE POSITION OF CONCERN IF MY CAR WILL MAKE IT HOME, TO WORK, WILL I CAUSE AN ACCIDENT WITH THE CARS CONTINUED PROBLEM WITH THE HESITATION WHEN STEPPING ON THE GAS. TO ME THIS HAS CREATED A SAFETY ISSUE. FURTHER INFO CAN BE PROVIDED WITH MORE DETAILED INFORMATION AS WELL AS COPIES OF SERVICE REPAIR ORDER. THANK YOU. *AK
Oct 01, 2001
POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
2 complaints
MY CAR IS A 2001 V6, WE HAD HEAVY RAIN DURING THE PAST WEEK AND ONE MORNING MY CAR HAD A PUDDLE IN THE PASSENGER SIDE AND FAILED TO START OR EVEN PUT IN GEAR THE MECHANIC EXPLAINED THE TRANSMISSION COMPUTER WAS FLOODED AND IT TOOK 4 DAYS FOR THEM TO TAKE ALL WATER OUT OF THE CAR AND TEST ALL SENSORS . *TR
Feb 04, 2008
CAR DIED WHILE DRIVING ON 55 MPH ROAD. STARTER WORKED AND ENGINE WOULD TURN, BUT WOULD NOT RUN. DEALER FOUND NO CODES IN COMPUTER. ENGINE AND HORN FUSES BLOWN AND DEALER REPLACED HORN RELAY. I ASKED THE DEALER WHY THERE WERE NO CODES IN THE COMPUTER AND THEY DIDN'T KNOW THE ANSWER. THEY WOULD NOT REPLACE THE COMPUTER. CAR WAS IN THE SHOP FOR 7 DAYS. INCIDENT HAPPENED OVER 100 MILES FROM HOME AND DEALER FINALLY AUTHORIZED LOANER AFTER 2 DAYS. DEALER WAS VERY RUDE DURING THE WHOLE INCIDENT AND CONSTRUCTION MADE IT DIFFICULT TO COMMUNICATE. PHONE LINES WERE DISCONNECTED PART OF THE TIME.
Jun 30, 2004
STEERING,SUSPENSION
2 complaints
TOOK CAR FOR STATE INSPECTION. MECHANIC FOUND BOTH LEFT AN RIGHT UPPER BALL JOINTS AND BOTH TIE RODS DEFECTIVE AT 53,000 MILES. *AK
Mar 26, 2007
DT: ON AUGUST 25 ONWER WAS UPSET BECAUSE HE HAD TO REPLACE TIE RODS, AND HAD THE VEHICLE ALIGNED. HE SAID THE TIE RODS HAD TO BE REPLACED BECUASE THEY WERE FROZEN. THE REPAIR SHOP REPLACED THE TIE RODS.*AK *NM
Sep 16, 2005
POWER TRAIN,AIR BAGS
2 complaints
2001 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT LOW MILEAGE OF 21,000 MILES. NORMALLY GARAGED AND MAINTAINED ACCORDING TO SCHEDULE. AFTER RAIN, FOUND AN INCH OF WATER IN REAR PASSENGER FLOOR. TRANSMISSION NON-FUNCTIONAL, AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT AND OTHER WARNING LIGHTS ON. DEALER SAID THE POLLEN FILTER SEAL WAS NO GOOD AND THAT WATER LEAKED IN AND DESTROYED THE TRANSMISSION CONTROL UNIT WHICH IS LOCATED IN THE FLOOR BEHIND THE PASSENGER SEAT. COST OF REPAIR IN EXCESS OF $3,100. VW REFUSES TO COMPENSATE IN ANY WAY BECAUSE WARRANTY WAS ONLY FOR TWO YEARS. TRANSMISSION AND POWER TRAIN ARE COVERED FOR 5 YEARS, BUT VW SAYS THE FAILURE WAS DUE TO "OUTSIDE INFLUENCE". I HAVE READ MANY ACCOUNTS ON THE INTERNET FROM MANY ANGRY OWNERS OF SIMILAR PROBLEMS WHERE LEAKS FROM THIS SEAL HAVE CAUSED CATASTROPHIC REPAIRS. THE SERVICE MANAGER AT THE VW DEALER TOLD ME THAT CHECKING THE POLLEN FILTER SEAL IS NOT PART OF ANY REGULAR MAINTENANCE AND THAT IN ORDER TO CHECK IT, YOU'D NEED TO DISASSEMBLE QUITE A FEW THINGS IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. WHEN I ASKED HIM HOW AN OWNER COULD POSSIBLY KNOW IF THE SEAL NEEDED REPLACEMENT AND HE REPLIED "YOU FOUND OUT HOW". I AM CLEARLY NOT ALONE IN HAVING EXPERIENCED A FAILURE FROM A PART THAT IS NOT IN ANY WAY MAINTAINABLE (THE POLLEN FILTER SEAL) AND THAT HAS CAUSED MAJOR DAMAGE TO THE CAR. I FEEL THIS IS A CONSUMER ISSUE AND THAT THIS IS A DESIGN DEFECT IN THE PASSAT THAT VW SHOULD COMPENSATE OWNERS FOR. THERE IS NO WAY FOR AN OWNER TO BE ABLE TO AVOID THIS SITUATION -- IT IS NOT A MATTER OF MAINTENANCE. IT GOT TO DO WITH THE PASSAT LEAKING WATER AND THE LOCATION OF AN EXTREMELY EXPENSIVE COMPONENT IN THE REAR PASSENGER FLOOR, THE AREA WHERE ANY WATER THAT LEAKS MIGRATES TO. IF THIS FAILURE HAD OCCURRED DURING DRIVING, I MIGHT HAVE HAD AN ACCIDENT. *JB
Jan 11, 2006
AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT TURNED ON STARTING 02/12/2001. IT WAS CHECK BY THE DEALER ON 03/06/2001 BUT NO PROBLEM WAS FOUND AND CLEARED CODE. THREE DAYS LATER AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT TURNED ON AGAIN WITH AIRBAG FAULT SIGN WAS ALSO ON. TOOK TO DEALER ON 03/22/2001 ALONG WITH THE NEW TRANSMISSION PROBLEM. THE CAR WAS TOWED IN BECAUSE OF THE TRANSMISSION PAN, GASKET PUNCTURED AND OIL LEAKING. THE DEALER SERVICE REPLACE THE AIRBAG AND UPPER HARNESS UNDER WARRANTY OF THE CAR, WHILE TRANSMISSION REPAIR WAS CHARGE TO MY INSURANCE. MY SAFETY COMPLAINT IS THAT THE TRANSMISSION PAN IS MAYBE TOO LOW TO THE GROUND THAT IT CAN EASILY BE PUNCTURED, WHICH MAY CAUSE SERIOUS TRANSMISSION PROBLEM. AND FOR THE AIRBAG WARNING SIGN TURNED ON, THE AIRBAG WILL NOT DEPLOY IF ACCIDENT OCCURS OR MAY ACCIDENTALLY DEPLOY WHILE DRIVING.*AK
Apr 23, 2001
AIR BAGS,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
2 complaints
AS CONSUMER ENTERED THE PARKING LOT, THE VEHICLE ALL OF A SUDDEN ACCELERATED, CONSUMER HAD NO CONTROL OVER THE VEHICLE AND SUBSEQUENTLY CRASHED THROUGH SOME LARGE BOULDERS AND INTO A DITCH, THE SIDE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED, HOWEVER THE FRONT AIR BAGS DID NOT, CONSUMER SUFFERED INJURIES. MR *JB
Nov 01, 2002
CRUISE CONTROL WAS SET AT 65 MPH WITH ABOUT 400 MILES ON VEHICLE, AND BRAKES DID NOT TURN OFF CRUISE CONTROL . VEHICLE DID NOT STOP. DRIVER HAD TO USE EMERGENCY PARKING BRAKE, AND CRASHED INTO VEHICLE IN FRONT OF HIM. UPON IMPACT, DRIVER'S AND PASSENGER'S AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY, WHICH DID NOT PROTECT THE OCCUPANTS. *AK VW DID NOT GIVE CONSUMER A LOANER CAR AND COULD FIND NOTHING WRONG WITH VEHICLE. *SLC
Dec 18, 2000
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,TIRES
2 complaints
ORIGINAL TIRES CONTINENTAL 195/65R15 91HCH95 DOT LMPCPXBU2300. CONSUMER HEARD A LOUD FLAPPING NOISE, PULL OVER LOOKED ALL AROUND CAR AND DIDN'T SEE ANYTHING. CONSUMER PROCEEDED TO DRIVE NOISE RETURNED WITH A SMALL POP, THEN IT WAS QUIET AGAIN, THEN THREE MINUTES LATER NOISE RETURNED EVEN LOUDER. CONSUMER PULLED OVER AND THE RIGHT REAR TIRE HAD COMPLETELY COME OFF OF RIM, THE TIRE BLOWOUT DAMAGED THE FENDER LINING AND DAMAGED THE FUEL TANK, THE REPAIRS WERE NOT COVERED BY THE WARRANTY OR EXTENDED WARRANTY DESPITE THE FACT THAT VW PASSAT'S FOR YEAR 1997-2000 HAVE BEEN RECALLED FOR THIS PROBLEM, RECALL CAMPAIGN ID # 02V-026. *NLM *DT
Oct 15, 2002
A BLOWOUT CAUSED TWO PUNCTURES THROUGH FUEL TANK AND SEVERE FUEL LEAKAGE. DEALER / MANUFACTURER NOTIFIED, AND REPAIRS WERE BEING MADE UNDER ITS WARRANTY. *AK TIRE WAS A CONTINENTAL, SIZE P195/65R15, DOT# LMPCPXBU. *SLC
Mar 20, 2001
ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
1 complaint
TOOK CAR TO VW DEALER TO HAVE TIMING BELT REPLACED AND WAS NOTIFIED THAT THERE WERE SEVERAL OPEN RECALLS AND THEY OFFERED TO TAKE CARE OF THEM FREE OF CHARGE. HOWEVER, THEY WERE UNABLE TO PERFORM RECALL #08V156. MANUFACTURER #26E5. THEY INSTALLED THE HEAT SHIELD BUT COULD NOT PERFORM SOFTWARE UPGRADE. I NEVER RECEIVED ANY RECALL NOTICES IN THE MAIL. NOW VW WANTS TO BUY THE CAR BACK BECAUSE THEY CAN'T FIX IT. IT'S A 2001 VW PASSAT WITH 25K MILES IN SHOWROOM SHAPE. WAS NEVER DRIVEN IN SNOW AND GARAGED IT'S ENTIRE LIFE. THEY OFFERED ME $1500 OUT OF WHICH I OWE $1300 FOR THE TIMING BELT. THEY SAID IT MAY NEED A ECU BUT THEY ARE NO LONGER AVAILABLE FROM VW BUT REFUSE TO INSTALL A USED ONE. THE CAR HAS BEEN AT THE VW DEALER SINCE 12/28/2020. I WAS UNDER THE IMPRESSION THAT RECALLS NEVER EXPIRE.
Jan 22, 2021
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SERVICE BRAKES
1 complaint
ABS LIGHT ON AND BREAK LIGHT FLASHING
Aug 15, 2018
STRUCTURE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
1 complaint
VWOFA HAVE NOT TAKEN STEPS NECESSARY TO FACILITATE THIS FIRE HAZARD RECALL!
Nov 24, 2015
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS,ENGINE
1 complaint
SO I GOT REAR ENDED AT THE OTHER PARTY'S FAULT AT HIGH SPEED WHILE I WAS AT A STOP SIGN AND THEY NEGLECTED TO STOP PUSHING ME INTO AN INTERSECTION FULL OF TRAFFIC...NO AIRBAGS DEPLOYED..AND SINCE MY HEATER DOESN'T WORK BUT PASSENGER SEAT HEAT BURNED MY 12 YEAR OLD DAUGHTERS BUTT...ANYONE HELP? I JUST WANT HEAT FOR MY BABIES..BELOW ZERO HERE :( THANK YOU!! [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Nov 17, 2014
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
1 complaint
2001 PASSAT 1.8T MANUAL TRANSMISSION DEVELOPED FUEL LEAK ON THE FIREWALL ATTACHMENT AREA, ON THE MIDDLE LINE DIRECTLY OVER CATALYTIC CONVERTER; CAR COMPARTMENT SMELLED HEAVILY OF GASOLINE. STOPPING CAR AND INSPECTING THE FUEL LINE SHOWED THE CRACK. THIS IS A VERY SERIOUS ISSUE AND WAS VERY LUCKY IN THIS CASE NOT TO HAVE CAR ON FIRE. PLEASE INVESTIGATE THIS AS THERE SEEMS TO BE RELATED RECALLS FROM VW ON THIS ISSUE. I'M SCARED TO HAVE KIDS ON BOARD THE PASSAT. *TR
May 19, 2013
AIR BAGS,STRUCTURE
1 complaint
I WAS STOPPED AT A STOP LIGHT THAT WAS OUT OF ORDER. THE DRIVER OF THE SUV IN FRONT OF ME TOOK HER FOOT OFF THE BRAKE AND I ASSUMED SHE WAS GOING TO SUBSEQUENTLY DEPRESS THE ACCELERATOR, SO I INSTINCTIVELY PUT MY FOOT ON THE ACCELERATOR TO EASE FORWARD. UNFORTUNATELY, I MISCALCULATED AS THE DRIVER IN FRONT OF ME DID NOT MOVE FORWARD. AS A RESULT OF MY ACTIONS, I REAR-ENDED THE DRIVER IN FRONT OF ME. I WAS GOING BETWEEN 5-10 MPH. MY CAR SUSTAINED ABOUT 90% OF THE DAMAGE. MY COMPLAINT IS REGARDING THE DEPLOYMENT OR LACK THEREOF OF THE AIRBAGS. THEY NEVER DEPLOYED. MAYBE I WAS WRONG TO ASSUME THAT THEY WOULD DEPLOY ON SUCH A LOW SPEED. PLEASE ADVISE AS THE IMPACT FROM THE ACCIDENT WAS RATHER STRONG. *TR
Apr 25, 2013
EXTERIOR LIGHTING,SERVICE BRAKES
1 complaint
SENDING THIS E-MAIL TO COMPLAIN ABOUT THE ABS MODULE ON MY 2001 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT THEY ARE NO REASON WHY IT SHOULD BE OUT , I BELIEVE ITS A DEFECTIVE PART, SHOULD LAST LONGER OTHER PEOPLE I TALK WITH SAY THEY HAVE BEEN THRU THE SAME PROBLEM. I BELIEVE VOLKSWAGEN NEED TO HAVE A RECALL ON THIS ABS MODULE. *TR
Mar 24, 2013
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ENGINE
1 complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE EMISSIONS WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED INTERMITTENTLY ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE CONTACT APPROACHED A TRAFFIC STOP AND A STRONG ODOR OF BURNING OIL EMITTED FROM INSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED OIL LEAKING ONTO THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 154,000. UPDATED 04/30/13*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED THE EMISSION WORKSHOP LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE DEALER HAD NO ANSWER, AS TO WHY THE LIGHT WAS ON. THE CONSUMER STATED IN DURING SOME RESEARCH, HE FOUND THE LIGHT WAS ON DUE TO AN OIL LEAK. ALSO, A PLUGGED PCV SYSTEM CAUSED EXCESSIVE INTERNAL ENGINE PRESSURE.
Mar 13, 2013
TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM
1 complaint
MY ABS FAILURE LIGHT AND BRAKE LIGHT CONTINUE TO FLASH AND ALARM ON MY 2001 VW PASSAT. I UNDERSTAND BAS FAILURE IS COMMON ON THE CAR. *TR
Mar 17, 2011
EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY
1 complaint
THE GAS PEDAL GOT STUCK UNDER THE FLOOR MAT ON OUR 2001.5 VW PASSAT - WHILE DRIVING - WHEN I PUSHED THE PEDAL ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR. THE CAR STARTED SPEEDING BUT I WAS ABLE TO CONTROL THE SPEED AND STOP THE CAR BY BRAKING. I WILL BE TRIMMING THE FLOOR MAT SO THAT WILL NOT HAPPEN AGAIN. *TR
Jan 17, 2010
SUSPENSION,POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1 complaint
FRONT BALL JOINT FAILURE AT APPROX. 35,000 MILES. THEN A LOWER CONTROL ARM FAILURE AT 95,000 MILES. OLD CONTROL ARM IS AVAILABLE. *TR
Mar 13, 2009
EXTERIOR LIGHTING,VISIBILITY
1 complaint
I AM THE ORIGINAL OWNER OF A 2001 VOLKSWAGEN NEW PASSAT. THE HEADLIGHT LENSES THAT CAME WITH THE CAR HAVE CLOUDED SO MUCH THAT THE HEADLIGHTS BARELY ILLUMINATE THE ROAD. THIS IS A DANGEROUS SITUATION AND THEY NEED TO BE REPLACED. I HAVE SPOKEN WITH OTHER PASSAT OWNERS FROM THE SIMILAR YEARS AND THEY HAVE EXPERIENCED THE SAME ISSUE. I BELIEVE VW SHOULD BE FORCED TO ISSUE A RECALL ON THE HEADLIGHT LENSES, AND OFFER TO REPLACE THEM FOR FREE. WHO KNOWS HOW MANY ACCIDENTS HAVE OCCURRED BECAUSE THE OWNERS OF THESE VEHICLES ARE NOT SEEING THE ROAD WELL AT NIGHT. THE DATE BELOW REFLECTS WHEN I FIRST NOTICED THE CLOUDING IN THE LENSES. *TR
Feb 22, 2009
POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS,STRUCTURE,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
DEC 12TH 2008 THE INTERIOR OF MY PASST WAS FLOODED WITH WATER, VW SERVICE REMOVED 10 + GALLONS OF WATER WHICH ENTERED FROM AIR PLENUM /POLLEN FILTER HOSING(CABIN AREA). SERVICE INFORMED ME OF THE P9 RECALL FOR THE PASSATS MANUFACTURED NOV '00 TO DEC '05. BUT, VW OF AMERICA WILL NOT HELP ME THEY SAID MY VIN # IS NOT IN THE RECALL. THE COMPUTERS ARE ON THE FLOOR OF CAR. AIR BAG IS IN DEFAULT DAMAGE FROM ELECTRICAL DAMAGE FROM WATER DAMAGE.. MY TRANS MOD IS WRECKED FROM THE WATER DAMAGE, JUST THE PART ALONE WILL COST $1,300. I HAVE LOST WORK AND CAN NOT DRIVE. THE MAKE OF CAR & YEAR IS IN RECALL SO WHY IS MY VIN NOT INCLUDED?! SOMEONE PLEASE, PLEASE HELP ME. *TR
Dec 17, 2008
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
1 complaint
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. THE VEHICLE FAILED A ROUTINE INSPECTION BECAUSE THE ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT CONTROL PANEL. THE INSPECTOR ADVISED THE CONTACT OF A RECALL ON HER VEHICLE PERTAINING TO THE FAILURE. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE VIN WAS EXCLUDED FROM NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 08V156000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY). THE VEHICLE HAS NOT YET BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 62,004. THE CONSUMER STATED THERE WAS A STRONG SMELL OF GAS EVERY TIME SHE TURNED THE VEHICLE OFF. UPDATED 02/24/09. *JB
Nov 10, 2008
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
1 complaint
ABS / TRACTION CONTROL MODULE FAILURE NOT COVERED BY BOSCH OR VOLKSWAGEN. *TR
Oct 20, 2008
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRIC
1 complaint
MY 2001 VW PASSAT ABS MODULE BECAME DEFECTIVE AFTER 1 YEAR OF OWNING CAR FROM THE ORIGINAL OWNER. NOT SURE IF ORIGINAL OWNER HAD DONE REPAIRS/REPLACEMENTS OF THE UNIT. NOW THERE IS NO COMMUNICATION BETWEEN THE CAR COMPUTER AND THE MODULE, THEREFORE NO ABS BRAKE IS ACTIVE. ABS LIGHT STAYS ON AND BRAKE LIGHT FLASHES INTERMITTENTLY. THERE ARE ALSO 3 BEEPS WHEN CAR HAS BEEN STARTED. I AM A VERY UNHAPPY CONSUMER OF VW DUE TO THEIR FAULTY VEHICLE EQUIPMENT AND HAS DETER ME FROM PURCHASING ANY VW IN THE FUTURE. I HAVE RECENTLY JUST HAD A REPAIR TO REPLACE MY MAF SENSOR, 2 IGNITION COILS, 4 SPARK PLUGS AGAIN AFTER PURCHASING BRAND NEW ONES JUST A MONTH PRIOR. IT WAS VERY COSTLY!! *TR
Oct 15, 2008
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER,POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1 complaint
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE "STOP VEHICLE DO NOT DRIVE", AND OIL PRESSURE WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE INDICATORS REMAINED ILLUMINATED UNTIL THE ENGINE WAS TURNED OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER AND THEY REPAIRED THE ENGINE. THE PREVIOUS REPAIR REQUIRED THE VEHICLE TO REMAIN AT THE DEALER FOR ONE MONTH. ON THREE SEPARATE OCCASIONS, THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR IDENTICAL FAILURES, BUT THERE WERE NO RESOLUTIONS. IN ADDITION, DURING RAINY WEATHER CONDITIONS, FIVE INCHES OF WATER LEAKED ONTO THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE FLOOR PANEL. THERE WAS ELECTRICAL FAILURE DUE TO THE WATER LEAKAGE THAT CAUSED GEAR COMPONENT DAMAGE. RECENTLY, THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE THAT CONSISTS OF INSTALLATION OF A DRAINAGE FILTER AND FUEL SYSTEM COMPONENT REPAIR. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED FOR THESE MALFUNCTIONS. THE NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 36,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 85,000.
Sep 26, 2008
SUSPENSION,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
1 complaint
I HAVE A '01 VW PASSAT. I HAD TO GO TO THE VW DEALER TODAY SINCE I WAS HEARING A PINGING NOISE WHEN I DRIVE. THEY CHECKED AND ADVISED THAT THE LOWER CONTROL ARM AND TIE ENDS WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED SINCE THEY WERE WORN OUT. THE CAR HAS 77K MILES AND ON RESEARCHING HAVE FOUND THAT OTHER VW PASSAT OWNERS FROM THE SAME TIME FRAME ARE HAVING THE SAME ISSUE. IT HAS BEEN ATTRIBUTED TO DESIGN FLAWS. I AM WORRIED THAT THIS IS GOING TO DETERIORATE AND LEAD TO AN ACCIDENT. ADDITIONALLY THEY IDENTIFIED A VALVE COVER CAMSHAFT SEAL LEAKAGE. THIS IS ANOTHER ISSUE THAT HAS BEEN IDENTIFIED BY OTHER OWNERS. *TR
Jul 26, 2008
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,POWER TRAIN,STRUCTURE
1 complaint
1. FRONT AND REAR BRAKES INADEQUATE FOR VEHICLE--HAD TO HAVE BRAKE WORK AT ~20,000 MILES AND AGAIN AT JUST UNDER 42,000 MILES (THIS HAS NEVER BEEN A PROBLEM WITH ANY OTHER CAR). BRAKES REPAIRED/PARTS REPLACED TWICE. CAR SHOULD BE RECALLED BY MANUFACTURER FOR BRAKES 2. SUNROOF +/- WINDSHIELD DRAIN(S) BECAME BLOCKED AND LEAKED AND FLOODED PASSENGER FOOTWELLS, WITH RISK OF DAMAGE TO TRANSMISSION. THIS IS A MANUFACTURING DEFECT WITH THIS MAKE AND MODEL AND HAS BEEN WIDELY REPORTED ON THE WEB. VW NEEDS TO RECALL CARS FOR THE PROBLEM WITH BLOCKED DRAINS/LEAKAGE AND DAMAGE TO VEHICLES. COST TO VACUUM WATER OUT OF FOOTWELLS BELOW THE CARPET > $600 WITH NO GUARANTEE THAT PROBLEM WILL NOT RECUR 3. VW PASSAT HAS A KNOWN PROBLEM WITH SLUDGE BUILD UP IN ENGINE AND CONSEQUENT ENGINE FAILURE--I HAVE NOT (?YET) HAD THE PROBLEM BUT FEEL THAT VW GUARANTEE TO REPAIR PROBLEM ONLY IF OWNER CAN PROVE OIL CHANGES EVERY 3000 MILES IN AN UNREASONABLE ABNEGATION OF DUTY. THIS IS A DESIGN FLAW AND THE COMPANY SHOULD HAVE TO RECALL ALL CARS WITH THE PROBLEM AND REPAIR AT NO CHARGE WITHOUT BEING ABLE TO SHIFT BLAME TO CONSUMER. NOW HAVING TO USE EXPENSIVE SYNTHETIC OIL FOR OIL CHANGES ON A VERY FREQUENT BASIS. *TR
Apr 15, 2008
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1 complaint
I HAVE HAD MY 2001 VW PASSAT FOR 7 YEARS NOW AND HAVE HAD IT IN THE SHOP MULTIPLE ISSUES INCLUDING WARPED ROTORS (FRONT AND BACK), CRACKED CHASSE, ELECTRICAL ISSUES AND VARIOUS OTHER PROBLEMS. BEFORE HAVING THIS CAR, I HAD A TOYOTA FOR 8 YEARS AND IN THE 8 YEARS I HAD THE TOYOTA, I ONLY HAD IT IN THE SHOP FOR ROUTINE MAINTENANCE. THIS CAR IS DISAPPOINTING AND EVERYONE I TALK TO WHO HAS A SIMILAR MODEL/YEAR SAYS THE SAME THING. I THINK THE 2001 VW PASSAT IS A LEMON. *TR
Apr 07, 2008
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,EQUIPMENT
1 complaint
ABS MODULE ON MY 2001 VW PASSAT FAILED. THIS WAS A $1000 REPAIR AND AFTER READING HUNDREDS OF THREADS ABOUT OTHER PASSAT ABS MODULES FAILING, SOMETHING SHOULD BE DONE ABOUT THIS AND VW SHOULD RECALL THIS PART AND GIVE PEOPLE THEIR MONEY BACK WHO HAVE ALREADY PAID FOR THE REPAIR! *TR
Feb 27, 2008
SUSPENSION,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1 complaint
I OWN A 2001 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT STATION WAGEN AND HAVE HAD NOTHING BUT TROUBLE WITH IT SINCE I BOUGHT IT. I HAD TO REPLACE THE ENGINE DUE SLUDGE AND VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA WOULD NOT REIMBURSE ME BECAUSE I WAS MISSING ONE OIL CHANGE RECEIPT THE LIGHTS KEEP COMING ON IN THE CAR TELLING ME I HAVE ENGINE PROBLEMS ONCE AGAIN, AND I BRING IT IN FOR REGULAR REPAIRS AND CHECK UPS. CURRENTLY THE SUSPENSION PART OF THE CAR HAS GONE AND THAT WILL COST ANOTHER $2000 ON TOP OF THE $7000 I ALREADY PUT INTO IT. THAT DOES NOT INCLUDE NEW TIRES AND OTHER THINGS THAT HAVE GONE WRONG WITH THIS IDIOT CAR. VOLKSWAGEN DOES NOT STAND BY ITS CUSTOMERS AT ALL AND I WILL NEVER EVER BUY FROM THEM AGAIN AND WILL TELL PEOPLE I KNOW THE CAR IS A PIECE OF CRAP. THE PLACE I BRING IN MY CAR TO FOR REPAIR ALREADY KNOWS THAT. DO NOT BRING IT INTO A VOLKSWAGEN REPAIR PLACE TO HAVE IT FIXED> THEY ARE THE BIGGEST RIPP OFFS AND SO TOTALLY DISHONEST!!!! I BOUGHT THE CAR FROM JACK DANIELS IN FAIRLAWN, NJ AND HAVE HAD IT REPAIRED AT TREND MOTORS, IN DENVILLE, NJ *JB
Jul 30, 2007
STEERING,SUSPENSION,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
1 complaint
ENGINE SLUDGE IN ENGINE LEADING TO FAILURE OF THE OIL PUMP AND THE TURBO. IN ADDITION, ALSO HAD TO HAVE THE FRONT CONTROL ARMS ,AND TIE-RODS REPLACED , AND EVEN NOW THERE WERE STILL PROBLEMS WITH THE FRONT SUSPENSION. I HAVE RESEARCHED AND FOUND THESE WERE SIMILAR PROBLEMS WITH MANY PASSAT OWNERS. I STILL RECALL THE MAJOR ISSUE / RECALL OVER THE IGNITION COIL FAILURES AND HOW VW OF AMERICA DENIED THERE EVER WAS A PROBLEM. THE ENTIRE CAR SHOULD BE DECLARED A LEMON !!!! THE OIL PUMP FAILURE LEADING TO FAILURES OF THE TURBO, AND SEIZURE OF THE ENGINE SHOULD BE PROOF ENOUGH THAT THIS CAR HAS TOO MANY MAJOR PROBLEMS AND SHOULD BE RECALLED . *AK
Mar 24, 2007
STEERING,SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,POWER TRAIN
1 complaint
TL*- THE CONTACT TOOK THE 2001 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT TO A DEALER, AND THEY STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS UNSAFE TO DRIVE. ALL 8 TIE RODS AND THE ONE LINK ARM WERE SHOWING EXCESSIVE WEAR. THE DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS OUT OF WARRANTY SO THE REPAIR WOULD BE AT CONTACTS EXPENSE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGE WERE BOTH 79200.*AK THE RIGHT OUTER CV BOOT WAS TORN AND THE LEFT OUTER TIE ROD END WAS WORN. THE ABS CONTROL MODULE WAS REPLACED. UPDATED 03/30/07. *JB
Mar 08, 2007
AIR BAGS,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1 complaint
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER PANEL LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY A DEALER WHO DETERMINED THERE WAS A SHORT IN THE AIRBAG WIRING HARNESS, AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE AIRBAG AND HARNESS WERE REPLACED, BUT THE PROBLEM PERSISTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS ALERTED.
Oct 18, 2006
VISIBILITY,STRUCTURE
1 complaint
INTERIOR LEFT FRONT FLOOR OF CAR FLOODED WITH WATER AFTER VERY HEAVY RAIN. THERE WAS AN INCH OF STANDING WATER SITTING ON THE VEHICLE'S CARPET. THIS IS THE 2ND INCIDENT IN 5 WEEKS. AFTER A SIMILAR HEAVY RAINFALL IN AUGUST THE INTERIOR LEFT FRONT AND REAR FLOOR WAS FLOODED. STANDING WATER WAS IN THE FRONT AND REAR OF THE CAR. AFTER DOING RESEARCH ON-LINE THIS APPEARS TO BE A PROBLEM WITH THE SUN ROOF DRAINS. *JB
Oct 02, 2006
STRUCTURE,EQUIPMENT
1 complaint
2001 VW PASSAT V6. A DEFECTIVE POLLEN FILTER SEAL ALLOWED WATER TO PULL ON THE PASSENGER SIDE FLOOR. THIS OCCURRED AFTER 24 HOURS OF RAIN. THE WATER HAS DAMAGED THE TRANSMISSION CONTROL MODULE. THOSE REPAIRS AND THE REPAIR OF THE WATER DAMAGE TO THE CARPET AND RESULTING MOLD IS ESTIMATED AT OVER $2,000. THE DEALER REPORTS THAT THIS IS AN LONG-STANDING DEFECT. THERE ARE HUNDREDS OF REPORTS OF THE SAME EXACT PROBLEM WITH VW AND AUDI. *NM
May 12, 2006
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,VISIBILITY
1 complaint
DT: THE CONTACT STATES THAT THE VEHICLE IS A 2001.5 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH THE WINDOWS FOGGING. THIS OCCURS WHEN THE TEMPERATURE IS AROUND 50 DEGREES OR LESS. THE FOG WILL APPEAR ON THE WINDOW AFTER THE VEHICLE IS STARTED. SOMETIMES THE FOG WILL APPEAR AFTER THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING. IT WILL OCCUR WITHER OR NOT THE HEATER OR FAN TURNED ON. THE PROBLEM SEEMS TO BE LESS SEVERE ONCE THE VEHICLE WAS HEATED . THE ONLY WAY THE FOG WILL GO AWAY IS IF THE AIR CONDITIONER IS TURNED ON HIGH. SHE HAS ALREADY TAKEN IT TO THE DEALERSHIP TWICE, EACH TIME THEY DID A PRESSURE CHECK TO THE HEATER CORE , BUT NO REPAIRS WERE MADE. SHE IS TAKING IT BACK AGAIN TO THE DEALER. THERE WAS A PREVIOUS PROBLEM WITH THE RADIATOR LEAKING. THE RADIATOR WAS REPLACED ON OCTOBER 4, 2005. THE FOG PROBLEM APPEARS TO HAVE GOTTEN WORSE SINCE THE RADIATOR WAS REPLACED. *AK
Oct 25, 2005
STEERING,SUSPENSION,POWER TRAIN
1 complaint
I OWN 2001 VW PASSAT WITH 43200 MILES. THIS PAST YEAR I NOTICED FAILURES OF OUTER CV JOINT BOOT BOTH SIDES AND RUBBER DUST BOOTS ON ALL BALL JOINTS WHICH CAUSES A DIRT AND WATER TO DESTROY BALL JOINTS. I CHANGED OUTER CV JOIN BOOT BOTH SIDES AND ONE UPPER CONTROL ARM BALL JOINT AND OTHERS WILL FAIL SOON. *JB
Sep 29, 2005
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,SEAT BELTS
1 complaint
BRAKES PROBLEMS - LESS THAN A YEAR OLD, IF DRIVE 40 MPH AND UP, AND IF THE BRAKE PEDAL IS APPLIED, THE VEHICLE WOULD ACCELERATE FOR A BRIEF SECOND BEFORE IT DECELERATES (VERY SCARY AND DANGEROUS). FOUR YEARS OLD: ABS LIGHTS ON AND IF THE BRAKE PEDAL IS APPLIED, THE VEHICLE WOULD SHAKING. REPORTED TO VOLKSWAGEN, BUT NO CARES HAS TAKEN. SEAT BELTS PROBLEMS: TWO AND HALF YEARS OLD: FRONT PASSENGER SEAT BELT DOESN'T RECOIL. *NM
Jul 29, 2005
SERVICE BRAKES, AIR,STRUCTURE
1 complaint
2001 PASSAT GLS V6. WATER COLLECTED IN THE ENGINE DUE TO FAULTY DRAINAGE PLUGS AND RUINED THE COMPUTER. WATER ALSO ENTERED INTO CABIN AND SOAKED THE RUGS. THE POLLEN FILTER ALSO DID NOT WORK. COMPUTER AND POLLEN FILTER WERE REPLACED. *AK ALSO DOOR ON FRONT PASSENGER SIDE HAS BECOME UNALIGNED. ALSO BRAKES NEEDED TO BE TOTALLY REPLACED AFTER 24,000 MILES BECAUSE ROTORS GOT WARPED. ALSO FAULTY IGNITION SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED BECAUSE ENGINE LIGHT KEPT COMING ON. ALSO CV JOINTS ARE RIPPIING AND NEED TO BE REPLACED. DON'T KNOW WHY THIS IS HAPPENING. ONLY HAVE 25,000 MILES ON CAR AND SERVICE IT REGULARLY.
Oct 19, 2004
STEERING,SUSPENSION,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,INTERIOR LIGHTING
1 complaint
UPPER CONTROL ARMS ON BOTH SIDES ARE WORN OUT. TIE RODS ARE WORN OUT ON BOTH SIDES. CATALYTIC CONVERTERS NEEDED REPLACED. I PAID FOR THE TIE RODS, WARRANTY COVERED CONVERTERS, AND I HAVE NOT HAD THE UPPER CONTROL ARMS REPLACED. OIL LEAKS ON ENGINE. INTERIOR LIGHTS DO NOT ACTIVATE WHEN DRIVERS DOOR IS OPENED.
Feb 19, 2004
SEATS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
THE FRONT DRIVER SEAT SMELT LIKE IT WAS BURNING AND A SMALL AMOUNT OF SMOKEOR HAZE APPEARED IN THE CAR. TURNED SEAT OFF AND IT DISSIPATED. IS THIS A MAJOR PORBLEM? ALSO ON INTERIOR DOOR HANDLES A CHEAP REPAINT PEELS OFF AFTER LESS THAN TWO YEARS. I SEE THIS PROBLEM IN ALL VWS, SO I LOOK AT THIS AS A MAJOR PROBLEM . WHEN I APPROACHED VW AMERICA, THEY OFFERED TO PAY HALF THE COST AS THE CAR IS OUT OF WARRANTY, HMMM. THANK YOU. *AK
Feb 14, 2004
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,INTERIOR LIGHTING
1 complaint
POLLEN FILTER SEAL FAILURE. THIS PROBLEM IS DOCUMENTED IN MANY INTERNATIONAL PASSAT OWNER GROUPS. THE SEAL AROUND THE POLLEN FILTER FAILS. THE CAR'S INTERIOR BECOMES FLOODED IN RAIN. ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS THAT GET WET FAIL OVER TIME AT ACCELERATED AND UNPREDICTABLE RATE. SAFETY CONCERN: IT IS DIFFICULT TO OPERATE AUXILLIARY COMPONENTS (DEFROSTER, RADIO, ETC WHEN INTERIOR LIGHTS FAIL) EMERGENCY FLASHER AND ASR BREAKERS ARE ALSO SUBJECT TO MOISTURE-RELATED ACCELERATED DECLINE AS A RESULT OF POLLEN FILTER LEAKAGE. OUR VW DEALER AND VWOA STATED THAT POLLEN FILTER SEAL FAILURE AND ASSOCIATED FLOODING DAMAGE AND ELECTRICAL FAILURE WERE PART OF "NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR". VW SERVICE ADVISORS IN THE WASHINGTON DC AREA HAVE SAID THEY SEE "SEVERAL OF THESE EACH WEEK" IN RAINY SEASONS. THE FILTER DESIGNED TO REDUCE ALLERGENS IN THE AIR HAS THE PERVERSE CONSEQUENCE OF ACCELERATING THE GROWTH OF MOLD INSIDE THE CAR BECAUSE IT SEAL FAILS, CREATES (IN OUR CASE 2" OF STANDING WATER) MOISTURE IN THE CAR THAT PROMOTES UNPLEASANT, UNHEALTHY, EXPENSIVE-TO-REMIDIATE MOLD GROWTH IN THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT.*AK
Feb 13, 2004
VISIBILITY,AIR BAGS,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,EQUIPMENT
1 complaint
WINDSHIELD WIPERS DO NOT WORK ON RAINY DAYS MAKING IT DIFFICULT TO SEE OUT THE WINDSHIELD. A LADY HIT MY CAR ON THE RIGHT SIDE COLLAPSING THAT SIDE ALONG THE DOORS AND SOME OF THE REAR AND THE AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY. I PUT MY FEET ON ACCELERATOR FOR SPEED AND THE CAR REFUSES TO RESPOND. THE MORE I ACCELERATE THE SLOWER THE CAR GOES. *NLM
Mar 21, 2003
POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING
1 complaint
I HAVE VW PASSAT, 2001. IT HAS AROUND 30 000 MILES ON IT. THE CLUTCH HAS GONE DOWN ON THIS CAR AND IT NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. PARTS AND LABOR FOR THIS REPAIR ARE MORE THAN $2200. THIS CAR HAS ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS ALSO. THE WARRANTY IS GONE AFTER 24000K OR 2 YEARS. I HAVE EXTENDED WARRANTY ON THIS CAR, BUT THEY DON'T COVER ANYTHING FROM THE LONG LIST OF REPAIR. I CALLED TO VW CUSTOMER CARE AND ASK TO REIMBURSE ME FOR CLUTCH REPAIR, SINCE IT MUST BE AFTER 10 YEARS/100 000 MILES POWER TRAIN WARRANTY. THEY REFUSED TO PARTICIPATE. I COMPLAIN ABOUT VW QUALITY ( I HAVE FRIENDS HAVING TROUBLE WITH VW AS WELL). I BELIEVE THAT MANUFACTURE HAS TO TAKE CARE OF BAD PRODUCT AND COVER THE REPAIR COST. I PURCHASED THIS CAR BRAND NEW AND I EXPECT TO HAVE A QUALITY ITEM, NOT THE JUNK FOR MORE THAN $25K. I ALSO COMPLETELY DISSATISFIED WITH VW SERVICE!!!!
Jan 22, 2003
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,EQUIPMENT
1 complaint
MULTIPLE PROBLEMS WITH THE 2001 VW PASSAT. PROBLEMS BEGAN AT 16000 MILES AND HAVE CONTINUED UP TO THE CURRENT DATE AND MILEAGE OF 33000 MILES. CAR HAS BEEN SEEN IN VW SERVICE DEPARTMENT 11 TIMES SINCE NOVEMBER 2001. LAWSUIT HAS BEEN FILED AGAINST VW AMERICA.
Jan 20, 2003
POWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1 complaint
WHEN AT A STOP OR DRIVING TRANSMISSION WILL NOT SHIFT TO HIGHER GEAR. ENGINE WILL RACE, RPM'S GO UP, AND VEHICLE WILL NOT ACCELERATE. VEHICLE HAS BEEN TAKEN TO DEALER 4 TIMES, CANNOT REMEDY THE PROBLEM.*AK
Jul 05, 2002
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
ENGINE CHECK LIGHT INTERMITTENTLY CAME ON. VEHICLE WOULD SOMETIMES JUST STOP. ON OCTOBER 18, 2000 WHILE TRAVELING AT 65MPH ON FREEWAY VEHICLE JUST STOPPED. CONSUMER ALMOST GOT HIT 3 TIMES TRYING TO GET THE VEHICLE OFF ROAD. VEHICLE HAS BEEN TAKEN TO DEALER 8 TMES. THEY HAVE TRIED MANY THINGS TO RECTIFY PROBLEM. CONSUMER HAS CONTACTED ARBITRATION FOR ASSISTANCE. ONCE CONSUMER HAD CONTACTED THEM THEY TRIED UNPLUGGING COMPUTER AND CHIPS TO SEE WHY LIGHT COMES ON. VOLKSWAGEN FINALLY SAID TO REPLACE COMPUTER.*AK
Apr 10, 2001
Frequently Asked Questions
How many problems does the 2001 VOLKSWAGEN Passat have?
The 2001 VOLKSWAGEN Passat currently has 446 owner-reported complaints according to NHTSA database. These complaints are organized by component to help identify common issues.
What are the most common problems with 2001 VOLKSWAGEN Passat?
The most common problems reported for the 2001 VOLKSWAGEN Passat are organized by component above. Each component section shows owner-reported issues, crash reports, and fire incidents to help identify patterns and problem areas.
Where does this 2001 VOLKSWAGEN Passat problem data come from?
All problem and complaint data for the 2001 VOLKSWAGEN Passat comes directly from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) database. These are real complaints submitted by actual vehicle owners.
Other Years - VOLKSWAGEN Passat
2025 Problems
2024 Problems
2023 Problems
2022 Problems
2021 Problems
2020 Problems
2019 Problems
2018 Problems
2017 Problems
2016 Problems
2015 Problems
2014 Problems
2013 Problems
2012 Problems
2011 Problems
2010 Problems
2009 Problems
2008 Problems
2007 Problems
2006 Problems
2005 Problems
2004 Problems
2003 Problems
2002 Problems
2000 Problems
Other VOLKSWAGEN Models
Similar Brands
ST
3,555 models
RS
3,484 models
NC
2,822 models
ND
2,385 models
Z
1,951 models
MOTO
1,583 models
NU
1,189 models
RC
1,122 models