2001 Volkswagen Passat Complaint Log

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.

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

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

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

HEATER CORE FAILURE,PLUGGING UP. VEHICLE HAS NO HEAT UNABLE TO CLEAR WINDSHIELD TO SEE. HEATER CORE PORSES TOO SMALL AND CLOGGED FROM REACTION FROM ANTI FREEZE CALCIFIED REACTION WITH METAL USED IN CORE. *TR

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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.

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

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

2001 1/2 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT STATION WAGON, MANUAL, 1.8T PERSISTENT ISSUES WITH IGNITION COILS, AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT OVER 8 YEARS. *TR

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.

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

FAILURE OF THE ABS CONTROL MODULE IN MY 2001 VW PASSAT. *TR

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

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

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

ABS CONTROLLER FAILED. *TR

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

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. WHILE FILLING THE FUEL TANK WITH GASOLINE, THE CONTACT OBSERVED A SMALL AMOUNT OF FUEL SPILLING ON THE GROUND FROM THE LOWER PORTION OF THE FUEL TANK. THE FAILURE OCCURRED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR A DIAGNOSTIC AND THEY STATED THAT THE FUEL TANK VENTILATION VALVE FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 08V156000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY), ALTHOUGH THE FAILURES WERE IDENTICAL. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 150,000.

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

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

ABS MODULE FAULTY IN 2001 PASSAT STATION WAGON; BRAKE FAULT/ABS WARNING LIGHTS CAME ON REPEATEDLY. *TR

I HAVE A VW PASSAT 2001 MODEL. I WAS DRIVING MY CAR TO OFFICE. AT AROUND 8.10 AM ON 09/24/2008, A CAR COLLIDED FROM BACK WHILE I WAS WAITING AT A SIGNAL. MY BUMPER WAS DAMAGED A LITTLE AND MY FRONT PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG COVER HAD POPPED OUT. IMMEDIATELY I CALLED MY INSURANCE AND REPORTED THE ACCIDENT EXPLAINING THE SERIES OF EVENTS. THE OTHER PARTY INVOLVED IN ACCIDENT COMPLAINED HIS ACCIDENT TO HIS INSURANCE COMPANY AND ACCEPTED HIS FAULT, AS PER WHICH THEIR INSURANCE COMPANY AGREED ON TO PAY FOR THE DAMAGES. A ESTIMATOR TOOK AN ESTIMATE AFTER VIEWING THE DAMAGED CAR. A COUPLE OF DAYS LATER THERE WAS A CHECK ISSUED ON MY NAME AND ALSO LIST OF REPAIRS TO BE DONE. THE POPPED OUT AIRBAG WAS NOT CONSIDERED A PART OF ACCIDENT BY THE ESTIMATOR. I TRIED TO CLEARLY EXPLAIN HIM SAYING THAT HIS CLIENT HAS SEEN THE POP OUT HAPPENED BECAUSE OF THE ACCIDENT AND HAS AGREED ON TO PROCEED THROUGH HIS INSURANCE. WHEN I EXPLAINED ALL THIS ESTIMATOR WAS ADAMANT THAT IT WAS NOT A PART OF ACCIDENT AND SAID IT WOULD TAKE 25-30 $ TO FIX IT AND AS PER WHICH I TOOK TO A FEW MECHANICS TO GET IT DONE AND NO ONE WAS WILLING TO TOUCH THE AIR BAG SAYING IT IS VULNERABLE AND NEEDS TO BE TAKEN TO THE DEALER. WHEN I TOOK TO THE DEALER HE WAS SAYING ITS GOING TO INCUR A HUGE COST AS IT IS AIRBAG AND THE ENTIRE DASH BOARD NEEDS TO BE REMOVED TO GET THIS THING FIXED. I HAVE NO IDEA WHAT NEEDS TO BE DONE ABOUT THIS AND NEEDED HELP IN THIS ASPECT. I HAVE ALL THE CLAIM NUMBERS AND ALSO THE REQUIRED INFORMATION IN THIS ASPECT. I DON'T THINK MY CAR IS SAFE ENOUGH TO DRIVE AS THE AIRBAG CAN DEFLATE ANY TINE. PLEASE GUIDE ME IN THIS ASPECT. *TR

WARNING LIGHT AND BEEPING SOUND ON DASHBOARD COMES ON FREQUENTLY (ABOUT HALF THE TIME) SAYING STOP ABS BRAKE. ACCORDING TO MECHANIC, MANY MANY VWS HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM (SOMETHING TO DO WITH ABS CONTROL MODULE) WHICH CAN COST $2,000 TO FIX AT A DEALER), AND HE'S SURPRISED THERE ISN'T A RECALL FOR IT. *TR

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

ABS ALARM GOES ON WITH INCREASING FREQUENCY. SAYS THAT THERE IS A BRAKE FAULT. BRAKES ARE APPARENTLY FINE, BUT THE PROBLEM IS WITH THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM (ABS) ELECTRONIC CONTROL UNIT. WHEN THIS ALARM IS ON, THE ABS MAY NOT BE WORKING. MANY PEOPLE REPORT THE SAME PROBLEM IN VW'S AND AUDI'S. *TR

I WAS DRIVING HOME AND MY CAR CAUGHT ON FIRE FROM UNKNOWN DEFECT MY LIFE WAS IN BIG DANGEROUS.*TR

NORMAL CAR OPERATION. ABS LIGHTS CAME ON - DIAGNOSED AS FAILURE OF ABS CONTROL MODULE. ABS BRAKES NO LONGER WORK! VW WANTS $1600 FOR REPAIRS. AFTER SOME RESEARCH DETERMINED IT IS A FAIRLY COMMON FAILURE ON MY CAR, 2001 PASSAT THAT VW HAS YET TO ACKNOWLEDGE OR ADDRESS. *TR

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

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

FUEL LEAKING NEAR A REAR WHEEL FROM A SMALL HOSE CONNECTING THE FUEL FILTER TO THE FORWARD FUEL LINE WHEN STARTING IN COLD WEATHER. *TR

I WAS DRIVING TO MY NEW EMPLOYMENT WHEN MY 2001.5 PASSAT LOST POWER. THE ENGINE RAN VERY ROUGH AND THE IDLE WAS STABLE. THE ENGINE CONTINUED TO STALL AND RENDERED THE VEHICLE UNUSABLE. MY PASSAT WAS TAKEN TO A GARAGE NEAR MY PLACE OF EMPLOYMENT AND I WAS TOLD THE CYLINDER #4 HAS FAILED. I HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED HOME (90 MILES) TO MY LOCAL GARAGE TO BE TOLD THE SAME. CYLINDER #4 HAS NO COMPRESSION AND THE TURBO HAS ALSO FAILED AS A RESULT OF THE FAILING CYLINDER. I WAS TOLD BY VW THAT I NEED TO REPLACE THE COIL PACKS AND SPARK PLUGS AND THE ERROR SHOULD CLEAR UP. I HAD THE MECHANIC REPLACE THE SPARK PLUGS AND ALL FOUR COIL PACKS ON THE VEHICLE. AFTER THE REPAIR THE MECHANIC STATED TO ME THAT THE VEHICLE PERFORMANCE AND ISSUE WAS NOT FIXED WITH THE REPAIR AND THE CYLINDER #4 WAS STILL DOWN. I HAVE BEEN LEFT WITHOUT A VEHICLE NOW FOR ALMOST TWO MONTHS WHILE STILL HAVING TO MAKE PAYMENTS ON A VEHICLE THAT I CAN NOT USE. *TR

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

THE HARD LINE MOUNTED ON THE FIRE WALL THAT GUIDES THE THREE FUEL LINES BROKE OR FAILED. PLASTIC FUEL LINE WHICH CRACKS OR IS DEFECTIVE LOCATED AT THE SITE WHERE THE LINES ARE CLAMPED BY A PLASTIC HOUSING. GASOLINE SPRAYS ONTO THE ENGINE BLOCK.

ABS CONTROL MODULE HAS FAILED, RESULTING IN WARNING BEEPS AND FLASHING LIGHTS. BRAKES WILL OPERATE (?) HOWEVER ABS IS NOW DISABLED RESULTING IN A DANGEROUS DRIVING SITUATION. THIS PROBLEM IS ABSOLUTELY VERY COMMON ACROSS ALL YEARS PASSATS AND IS A VERY EXPENSIVE REPAIR. VW DOES NOTHING AND MAKES MONEY FOR THE REPAIRS. *TR

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

OWNER DRIVING THE CAR WHEN SMOKE BEGAN APPEARING FROM THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE DASHBOARD. FIRE DENSITY INCREASED RAPIDLY AND OWNER DROVE INTO A SAFEWAY PARKING LOT WAS ABLE TO GET OUT OF THE VEHICLE WHEN IT IMMEDIATELY FILLED WITH SMOKE. FIRE DEPT. WAS CALLED AND BROKE ALL WINDOWS CAUSING A TREMENDOUS AMOUNT OF SMOKE TO BE RELEASED. THE SMOKE WAS WHITE AND BLACK. *TR

ABS AND BRAKE LIGHTS CAME ON AT NO WARNING AND UNEXPECTED. EACH TIME IGNITION TURNED ON IT BEEPS 3 TIMES AND THE ABS AND BRAKE LIGHT REMAIN ON. THIS SHOULD NOT BE FAILING THIS BAD. I JUST GOT THE CAR FOR LESS THAN 10 MONTHS WITH 106,000 MILES ON IT AND I AM THE 2ND OWNER. *TR

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

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

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

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

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. WHILE PARKED IN THE DRIVEWAY, THE VEHICLE BURST INTO FLAMES UNDERNEATH THE HOOD. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT STATED THAT THE FIRE WAS DUE TO AN ELECTRICAL MALFUNCTION. THE VEHICLE ONLY HAD LIABILITY COVERAGE; THEREFORE, THE INSURANCE COMPANY WOULD NOT INVESTIGATE. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE CONTACT WILL GIVE THE MANUFACTURER A REPORT. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 87,000.

THE ABS LIGHT AND A BRAKE LIGHT ARE ON ON MY 2001 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT FOR THE LAST EIGHT MONTHS. I HAVE BEEN SEARCHING AND LOOKS LIKE THERE HAS BEEN A LOT OF COMPLAINTS FOR THIS SAME PROBLEM. *TR

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