general problems of the 2001 Volkswagen Passat

20 problems related to electrical system 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 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 11/10/2014

So I got rear ended at the other party's fault at high speed while I was at a stop sign and they neglected to stop pushing me into an intersection full of traffic. . . No airbags beployed. . And since my heater doesn't work but passenger seat heat burned my 12 year old daughters butt. . . Anyone help? I just want heat for my babies. . Below zero here :( thank you!! miss b.

2 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 06/20/2014

I was driving on I-95 at approx. 78 mph when the car suddenly says stop! brake failure! see Volkswagen service. In my research on the issue, I've found this happens on almost all 1998-2001 vw Passats and Audi a-4s. This needs to be addressed.

3 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 10/11/2013

Abs module is out, can't get emissions passed unless I pay over 600 dollars. Also I don't have abs, can't see if my check engine light means anything because I'm told it all gets re routed thorough the abs module and can't get past that problem.

4 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 05/17/2011

2001 Passat glx my abs light/brake light/asl light flash on my dash panel randomly during the day which points to another failed abs module. I get the three beeps that accompany the flashing lights. This happens about 10 times a day or more. I can feel a kick from my brake pedal when this happens during braking.

5 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 03/10/2011

The first things that is happen is that my digital insturment panel blink in and out and the second is that water be running in the car compartment on the passager side.

6 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 08/05/2009

My foster son was driving our 2001 vw Passat when he noticed a large amount of smoke coming out from under the hood. He pulled over into a parking lot and there were flames engulfing the passenger compartment. Fire and police were on the scene. It was determined by the fire department and a mechanic that looked at the car later that the fire started in the computer located in the dash area of the car. The car is a total loss with the passenger compartment melted beyond repair. We have a fire report and pictures.

7 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 03/12/2009

Front ball joint failure at approx. 35,000 miles. Then a lower control arm failure at 95,000 miles. Old control arm is available.

8 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 12/12/2008

Dec 12th 2008 the interior of my passt was flooded with water, vw service removed 10 + gallons of water which entered from air plenum /pollen filter hosing(cabin area). Service informed me of the p9 recall for the Passats manufactured Nov '00 to Dec '05. But, vw of America will not help me they said my VIN # is not in the recall. The computers are on the floor of car. Air bag is in default damage from electrical damage from water damage. . My trans mod is wrecked from the water damage, just the part alone will cost $1,300. I have lost work and can not drive. The make of car & year is in recall so why is my VIN not included?! someone please, please help me.

9 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 09/20/2008

Warning light and beeping sound on dashboard comes on frequently (about half the time) saying stop abs brake. According to mechanic, many many vws have the same problem (something to do with abs control module) which can cost $2,000 to fix at a dealer), and he's surprised there isn't a recall for it.

10 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 04/07/2008

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.

11 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 04/02/2008

The contact owns a 2001 Volkswagen Passat. While parked in the driveway, the vehicle burst into flames underneath the hood. The fire department stated that the fire was due to an electrical malfunction. The vehicle only had liability coverage; therefore, the insurance company would not investigate. The vehicle was destroyed. The contact will give the manufacturer a report. The current and failure mileages were 87,000.

12 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 01/27/2008

My car is a 2001 v6, we had heavy rain during the past week and one morning my car had a puddle in the passenger side and failed to start or even put in gear the mechanic explained the transmission computer was flooded and it took 4 days for them to take all water out of the car and test all sensors .

13 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 10/12/2005

Cowl drain became clogged for no apparent reason. During heavy rain the passenger compartment became flooded and the dashboard electronics became flooded resulting in over $2,000 worth of damage. Please note that I am filing this complaint on behalf of my parents who are elderly and frail.

14 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 02/04/2005

The abs light comes on, but the car is not doing anything different, I also get the epo light on, took it to vw service ctr they said it will cost $1500 + 2. 5 hrs labor. I called up Volkswagen of America customer service they said they cannot help, even though 1000s of other Volkswagens have the same problem.

15 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 01/19/2005

On three separate occasions, the 2001 vw Passat v6 GLS engine and all electrical quit for no apparent reason. One incident occurred on the freeway at approximately 65 mph. The vehicle was in the fast lane and the momentum allowed the vehicle to continue forward enough to get the vehicle restarted without coming to a complete stop. Luckily, there was not a lot of traffic because this could have resulted in a disastrous situation. During the incident that occurred today the vehicle had to be brought to a complete stop before being restarted.

16 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 02/15/2004

The car shut off traveling about 45 mph. I was told by a vokswagen warranty spokesperson that it does not fall under a saftey issue. I diagree. I lost all braking and turning power and was glad that I was not on the highway with my kids in the car. I am currently waiting for it to be fixed. I have been four days now without a vehicle. They will not pay for a loaner car.

17 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 01/19/2004

This is the letter I sent to vw. They are maintaining "the vehicle now operates accorind to maufacturer's specifications" and are refusing to do anything. Help!!what do I do now??? vw customer care 3499 w. Hamlin road rochester hills, michigan 48309 to whom it may concern: I am writing in regards to our 2001 vw Passat, . If you review the file, you will find that this car has now failed three times. The failures are such that all power cuts out and creates a potentially hazardous driving situation. We have been very fortunate in that so far it has not happened when traveling at freeway speeds. We feel that there is an inherent defect with the vehicle. Ideally, we would expect replacement of the vehicle or replacement of the entire electronic system and wire harness. If your company is unwilling to comply, we would like a letter acknowledging the past failures and our concern that we have a vehicle we feel is unsafe to drive. Furthermore, we would like written confirmation of our informing you that we hold your corporation liable if the vehicle fails and the end result is an accident. Frankly, this is a nightmare. We only wish that when we had the choice of Toyota, Volvo or vw, that we had not chosen vw. Stephen mcchrystal.

18 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 11/25/2003

Vehicle's drainage hole was installed incorrectly, causing a blockage. Also, the electrical system malfunctioned.

19 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 10/24/2002

Consumer states that water got into the electrical system, as a result of the manufacturer failing to seal the fresh air filter at time off vehicle being manfacture. Which cause smoke to come from the interior vent inside the vehicle. Almost causing a fire. Ts.

20 Electrical System problem

Failure Date: 01/01/1901

Mechanic refuses to repair 2001 Passat electronic control system. The consumer stated the problem had been mis-diagnosed on more than one occasion. The vehicle had an oil hose leak.



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