10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 2
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
42,164 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

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.

2001 Volkswagen Passat electrical problems

electrical problem

Find something helpful? Spread the word.
Get notified about new defects, investigations, recalls & lawsuits for the 2001 Volkswagen Passat:

Unsubscribe any time. We don't sell/share your email.

2001 Volkswagen Passat Owner Comments

problem #4

Apr 072008

Passat

  • Automatic transmission
  • 6,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

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.

- Westminster, CO, USA

problem #3

Jul 212003

Passat 6-cyl

  • Manual transmission
  • 45,658 miles
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.

- Richmond, VA, USA

problem #2

Feb 172004

Passat 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 87,000 miles
I bought the car from a dealer and know from carfax report the car was recently off lease. I put 15 miles on it and internally inside the dash black smoke radiated from the vents and sparks fell under the car. Within seconds flames shot out from under the dash. The fire company arrived in less than 5 minutes but by then the car was an inferno.

- Saugerties, NY, USA

problem #1

Jan 222003

Passat 6-cyl

  • Manual transmission
  • 30,000 miles
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!!!!

- Lynn, MA, USA

Not what you are looking for?