This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.
So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.
In approximately July of 2014 my Volkswagen Passat started experiencing on and off again problems with the engine firing. I had recently retired and was not driving the car daily, and so I was unable to associate the problem with any recent driving event. However, one morning when the hesitation was very pronounced I popped the hood to have a look. Water was standing almost level with the top of the battery in the area housing that part. I used my indoor/outdoor vacuum to pump out as much water as possible. When I thought the area was thoroughly dried out I took the car to my local Volkswagen certified mechanic for further investigation. He didn't take long to determine that drainage holes on both sides under the hood were clogged. He was able to unclog the hole on the passenger side immediately, but the hole on the driver side is located beneath parts that have to be moved for access. I recalled numerous times over the years when I was certain I was hearing the sound of water sloshing around under the hood. I had asked on more than one occasion at time of service for the sound to be investigated further. I was always told the same thing: There was nothing to explain the sound I was hearing. I now believe this has been a recurring problem over the years I've owned the car, and might have impacted more than just the battery at any time. I thought there should be more than one report of this problem on file.
My husband pickup would not start, so I lift my hood of my Passat to give him a jump and the whole section all the way across that holds the battery have at least 6 inches of water just standing in there. We have had some down pours of rain, but rain water should never be standing on the inside of my hood. This could have potentially killed me if I never had to lift my hood and try to drive this with water standing around all of my electrical wires and battery. I have taken two pictures for visibility, but I do not know how I am going to get that water out without electrocuting myself. Somebody please help me.
I have had my 2000 VW Passat since 2006 and have had only regular wear and tear unitl about 3 weeks ago. I was driving on 95 in fort lauderdale, fl moving at about 65-70 mph when the engine shut off, power steering was gone and pushing brakes took all I had to try and safely steer and come to a complete stop crossing over 5 lanes of traffic to the break-down lane. Once I was completely stopped I was able to turn the key to the off position and restart the vehicle. Aside from the engine, steering and brakes all other functions were or at least seemed to still be working (ie: Dash lights, radio, windows) the vehicle did this 4 more times while I attempted to drive to the nearest exit and call for assistance. I tested all the fuses and they all were in working order and the next set of symptoms occurred a week later. I was trying to unlock the car with the remote and there was not connection being made between the key and the car, I manually unlocked the doors and put the key in the ignition. The engine didnt start or even attempt to turn over. All dash lights were on as well as the radio, however, I had lost the power windows, locks, trunk, gas lid and all interior light functions. I currently have the vehicle being looked at and hope to give an update when I find out the issue. Updated 12/1/2014
A rainy night, 10:30 pm., on the freeway returning home from a symphony concert, the engine simply quit. I, husband/driver, tried three time to restart it before yelling to my wife to turn on emergency flashers which she did. As we slowed, I remember seeing all icons on dash blinking. Both of us were knocked unconscious and do not remember being hit by the car behind. Air bags did not deploy. Injuries sustained: A contusion and minor whiplash by husband; fractured C-7 and T-1 vertebrates and concussion by my wife. She has been in a neck-to-waist brace from Nov. 10, 2013 until present. We always maintained our Passat scrupulously according to VW standards at their service centers by their trained mechanics. One month earlier we had brought the car in to be checked because sometimes it would not start after driving it someplace. Twice had to wait for aaa towing. Aaa able to start it right up as though nothing was wrong. VW ran "fault codes" but found no problem.we bought a new battery at VW's suggestion. Something went horribly wrong with our car inspite of our responsible maintenance. We were extremely lucky not to be killed. We wish to know if there are other cases like ours. At the very least, we want others to know about this possible danger. I will appreciate your acknowledgment of this report.
- Kenmore, WA, USA
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My 2000 VW Passat gls wagon began exhibiting a flashing/beeping red brake light accompanied by a solid yellow ABS and traction control light to indicate a failure in the ABS system. Also at this time the information hud has "stop, brake fault, service manual" flashing. Upon further research with other owners of this vehicle, it has come to my attention that this failure is fairly common on 1998-2001 Passats, but no action has ever been taken by the manufacturer. I intend to have the ABS module rebuilt and do the removal and installation work myself; the result should be around $220 out of pocket. However, many people who have sought dealership service work for this same problem have spent well in excess of $1,000. Given the apparent failure rate of this module and the fact that it is a core safety feature of the car, it is my opinion that it should be considered for recall (including compensation for those who have already made the repair). Thank you.
When my car has a problem there is a screen that will tell you what is wrong. When it gets more than 65 degrees outside the screen quits working, it goes blank. First time I had problems my car was over heating, it was beeping at me. I couldn't make out what it was saying on the screen. I had to pull over cuff my hands around the screen to see stop over heating. I looked at my dash saw that it was over heating. That happened twice off an on with in a few weeks. My dad an I fixed the problem with over heating. Another time was just recent my check engine light came on an once again couldn't read the screen. I cuffed my hands an was able to see emission check. I thought it was just me but when my car over heated I used google to search this screen problem. To check to see if it was on recall or anything, there is a lot of people with this issue.this is a major problem I think Volkswagen should pay the $400 it takes to replace it. This is their product that is defected! why should we have to pay for their problem, some point the lack of this working could hurt someone. I'm writing to make sure this gets fixed before someone gets seriously hurt.
One of the passenger rear windows into fell into the door random on day, had to replace the window regulator. Eventually within the next two months the passenger side window and driver rear window also became defective, falling into the door and their regulators had to be replace. A recall should be issued, clearly this is a defect VW needs to take care of as many others with same car are having this same issue.
The car was parked. I attempted to start the engine, but it did not turn over. I tried a second time and noticed white smoke coming from under the engine hood. By the time I went inside to call for road service and returned to the parking lot, there were flames shooting from under the hood. The car was destroyed.
Was driving down the road today 8/9/10 in my 2000 V w Passat and my car started smoking through the vents. No warning prior to the smoke. Flames began shooting out from under the dashboard totally engulfing the entire car within minutes resulting in a total loss of the vehicle. There had been no prior problems with the vehicle until this event.
My 2000 VW Passat was parked for approx. 45 minutes then the engine caught on fire. The only "problem" I had with the vehicle was when I was trying to lock it with the electronic key it would not "beep". I moved closer to the vehicle two times and only the rear tail lights faintly flickered. No beep. Other than that there were not problems whatsoever. The fire was in the engine. The interior of the car was not damaged except for when the fire department came and broke out the windows. Tires and engine melted. I have pictures I can send.
1. I have a 2000 VW Passat and have been driving it since 2000 without issues. 2. in March 2004, soon after the warranty expired, the ABS light went on and didn't turn off. 3. the dealer said it was a faulty ABS control module and replaced it for $1500. I did some research and found a lot of other people with faulty ABS control modules. I asked the dealer about this and they said that they do get a lot of them but VW hasn't yet issued a recall for the part. I also called VW and they declined to cover the part. I've recently looked into this and appears that it's happening to more and more Passats.
My car has been recalled 3 times, to which I adhered. Two months after my extended warranty expired, with 45,000, the ABS sensor module failed. I don't believe it's failed as the dash board lights infrequently return to normal state; with no indication of problem, only to return to ABS, brake failure, stop, service manual, lights flashing. VW of America offered $300 towards a $1024 repair only to retract offer when I voiced I could not buy another VW nor recommend to anyone.
The contact owns a 2000 Volkswagen Passat. The contact experienced issues with the electrical system. The alarm in her vehicle would go off unexpectedly. She had to unplug the battery in order to shut off the alarm. In addition, the contact could not control the locking and unlocking of the doors or the windows going up and down. The only window she could control was the driver's side window. There was also approximately four inches of water under the driver's seat. She believed that it was collective rain water that did not drain, but rather escaped into the vehicle. She took the vehicle to the dealer and they stated that the repairs would cost over $4,000. The manufacturer called the dealer and asked them why it would cost so much for the repairs. The contact's case was filed by the manufacturer. She also took the vehicle to an outside mechanic and they stated that the issues were common among Volkswagen owners. The current mileage was approximately 103,000 and failure mileage was approximately 102,000.
Heat shield caught fire while driving down the road. I had bought the car from carmax who had lied about the auto from the broken seatbelts forward on the day of sale. VW dealership repaired auto after fire but another mishap with heatshield when it fell off and under the passenger front tire @ 65 mile per hr, while driving down turnpike. I was not injured thanks to a truck driver who assisted my navigation to the side of the road and cut off the shield so I could return home. The tie rod was damaged and had to be replaced, since the fire the car has never been the same and has been a hazard, stalling on a beltway, etc... no apparent reason for this was found on a diagnostic machine as it has been checked several times..it is when the emission light comes on and a bad sensor needs replaced or switch. But nothing fixes this car for long.
At just over 90,000 miles, a warning message came up stating: Stop! brake failure. See service manual. The ABS and brake light also came on and stayed on. I immediately had my brake system checked at an independent mechanic. He found nothing wrong with the brakes or the ABS. According to VW it is a ABS central module failure. Replacing it will cost over $1000. This is outrageous! this is clearly a defect that VW should correct. It is incredible that VW is allowed to scare its customers into thinking they are in serious danger of brake failure just to get them to correct an electronic defect. Checking the internet I discovered this is a common problem with the 2000 Passat.
Bought a VW Passat used from private dealer~I owned the car for exactly 1 year, turbo failed ~ check engine light has been on since owning vehicle. Car has been diagnosed with oil sludge issues from previous owners. Just paid for turbo and two oil lines to be replaced. VW of America stated they would take responsibility ~ never heard from them, I keep calling ~ check engine light has been on since day one ~ no one wants to help me on this quest to seek action. I owe $11,000 more on the vehicle car was smoking severely ~thought it was an undercarriage~but it is near the turbo line so it could be mistaken.
I have had my 2000 VW Passat for a little over two years and it has been a money pit! I have had so many problems since a month or so after I bought my car. I bought the car from a private party, test drove the car, had it checked out by a mechanic, and I have put thousands of dollars into the car. I bought the car just before my senior year in high school thinking I made a wonderful choice, and I had to replace a new right side boot just after a month of owning the car. The check engine light/ABS/airbag kept coming on and beeping at me, and I had to buy a whole new brain to the car over $1500. I had to replace the timing belt way before the mile warranty, oil leaks which ruined some wires, new shocks/shock absorbers, now the window will go part way down, but will no longer go up... and my headlights are fogged up which I have noticed on all other 2000 Passats...! many things have gone wrong with this car. I am so frustrated with the car. I do not recommend a VW to anyone! I am going into the second year of college and have spent most of my savings on this piece of junk. I think after fixing a part of the car that it should run without any problems. Since I have put so much money into this car I cannot afford to get a reliable car. There is something seriously wrong with VW and the recalls! as far as I am concerned the whole car should be recalled!!!!
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Homestead, FL, USA