Two problems related to alternator/generator/regulator have been reported for the 2000 Volkswagen Passat. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2000 Volkswagen Passat based on all problems reported for the 2000 Passat.
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.
I was dirivng the car when smoke started entering the cabin area. Pulled over, and the engine compartment was englufed in smoke. Had to call the fire department to extinguish the fire. There was no flames, but the firefighters had to use a hose to kill the smoke. Volkswagen dealer in tallahassee indicated that the alternator "malfunctioned". I'd like an investigation into how a malfucntion int he alternator could cause a near fire hazard, and if it was a malfucntion -- what caused it, and a bulletin posted as to how to avoid it. This is a very serious matter as the car was paractically in flames.