Three problems related to brake disc pads have been reported for the 2001 Volkswagen Passat. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2001 Volkswagen Passat based on all problems reported for the 2001 Passat.
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.
1. Normal driving 2. Rear brake rotor warp and excessive pad wear 3. 3 seperate incedenses of rear brake repairs. (there have not been any on the front brakes to date) 4 rear rotors and 3 sets of pads in 52,000 miles. The service manager at the dealer insists this is the normal wear pattern for the vehicle, especially the inner pad on the drivers side rear. . Vw of America is backing the stance that the dealer is correct. This has created an unsafe braking condition because th the brake pedal oscillates during all braking.
The rear brake pads and rotors were replace at 25,000 miles and again at 50,000 miles. I feel that brake pads (especially rotors) should last more than every 25,000 miles. I'm approaching 75,000 miles and am anticipating whether or not I will be replacing pads and rotors once again!.