Engine problems of the 2001 Volkswagen Passat

Vw engine oil sludge problem.

My 2001 Volkswagen Passat needs a new engine because it is filled with sludge. After researching this on my own I found that this is a common problem with the 1. 8t engine. Vw issued an extended warranty on that engine provided the consumer can produce oil change receipts showing the car was maintained according to the owners manual. I sent them the proper receipts showing my car was maintained properly and they still denied me. My car only has about 43,000 miles on it and I just bought it 10 months ago.

All bolts holding compressor in place broke.

The crank shaft screw got loose, backed out, and rattled throughout the engine at 50 mph. Consumer was informed by the dealer that a new engine was needed because the screw ruined the interior parts of the engine.

2001 Volkswagen Passat - oil sludge - my car had a stop low oil pressure warning light. I pulled over, checked oil and oil pressure was not low. Proceeded and car lost power on the highway. It was very dangerous pulling over. Volkswagen will not pay for the $6000 repair. Engine seized. Volkswagen is trying to look like the nice guy with their extended warranty. The big catch--must have every receipt for every oil change to prove they were done every 5,000 miles. Volkswagen is not standing by their car. Horrible to deal with. This is a huge problem with many Passat owners affected.

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.

On three occasions oil pan was punctured while going up an incline of driveway, believed oil pan was too close to ground. Dealer / manufacturer notified, and no concern was given. Please feel free to provide any further details on this matter.