At approx 60K check engine light came on read "emissions workshop". dealer hooked up computer and told me it was an oxygen sensor and some of the vacuum hoses had to be replaced. I took the vehicle to a VW specialty shop and they confirmed the O2 sensor problem and replaced a few vacuum hoses. The cars computer was cleared and two months later both the check engine light and emissions workshop indicators were back. Shop hooked up to their computer and confirmed that now a pre cat O2 sensor was bad. Two sensors in three months, both more than $200 to replace is unacceptable. VW is supposed to have extended portions of its warranties but the dealer claims it doesn't cover these parts or repairs. The car has approx. 62,000 miles. From what I have heard this is a common problem that VW should be help accountable for.

- Delran, NJ, USA

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

I took my 2001, VW Passat VR6 with 46K miles on it for body work. I had no problems with the car. Received the car back from dealer with "emissions workshop" light on. I researched the problem to find that a significant number of other owners have had the same problem ("emissions workshop").

- Alexandria, VA, USA

At about 61000 miles my 2001 Volkswagen Passat displayed a "check engine" symbol and a dashboard message indicating a problem with the emissions control system. I took the car to my local dealer. I was told that the light and message were related to a service campaign relating to a vacuum line and that the issue was addressed. At about 74K miles, the same light and emissions control message reappeared. I returned to the same dealer and was told that there was nothing wrong with the vehicle, that it was tested and everything worked fine. The codes were reset and the vehicle was returned to me. Shortly thereafter, however, the light and emissions control message reappeared. This time, the shop foreman at the dealership suggested that I arrange to leave the vehicle for extended testing. I agreed to do so. After a day or two of tests, it was determined that the catalytic converters on the vehicle were malfunctioning. I was told, however, that despite the 7 year/70,000 mile federally mandated emissions system warranty, Volkswagen would not pay for the repair, because the vehicle now had about 79K miles on it. From speaking with several sources, including the dealership's foreman and a representative of Volkswagen, I learned that the vacuum line repair performed at 61K miles was not related to the emissions message that first appeared at that time. It appears that, although the vechile has clearly indicated a problem with the emissions control system since the incident at 61K miles, no one took the time to diagnose the problem until, unfortunately, after the warranty period had run.

- Santa Cruz, CA, USA

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.

- Millersville, PA, USA