Three problems related to starter 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.
Engine light continually goes on and off, when blinking on, the car shakes, as if it is about to stall, and a bad odor emits. When driving , the car would not exceed 20-30 mph, even when the gas pedal was to the floor. Brought the car to vw first time, they said the light came on because the car was idle for a day or so. The 2nd time, after going to an independent repair shop and having all the plugs replaced and a complete tune-up, same thing happened the next day. Independent shop said the only other thing was the ignition coils and that they were expensive. Called vw dealership(car is on extended warranty-less than 30 thousand miles & a 2001), waited 9 days before they could look at the car, however, the engine light was out again. I explained to them the problem, and all they said was that vw does not have a recall on the ignition coils, they replaced the newly purchased plugs again, and said there was nothing wrong with the coils??? cost me $261. 00 plus a rental car, but there was nothing wrong.
2001. 5 vw Passat glx 2. 8lv6. Intermittent starting problem. Worse when cold outside. Turn key to start, no cranking, drls and dash lights dim (relay cutout during starter operation), but will not turn over. Left me stranded at home. Has almost left me stranded numerous times, sometimes in traffic! I am afraid to drive the car far from home (long trip). This is not right on a 2. 5 year old car that has been well maintained. It is unsafe. I am so close to switching back to japanese brand cars, though I love the interior and driving dynamics of my Passat. $1200 in repairs in two months for a starter and ignition lock/switch assembly. Works for a few days then the problem comes back! dealer says they have had several Passats with the same problem. This is not an isolated case. Today I was in line for my state emissions test and it woudl not start, took 5 minutes, blocking the test lane! my 1978 Lincoln is more dependable (but costs a fortune to drive with gas prices!).
Car died while driving on 55 mph road. Starter worked and engine would turn, but would not run. Dealer found no codes in computer. Engine and horn fuses blown and dealer replaced horn relay. I asked the dealer why there were no codes in the computer and they didn't know the answer. They would not replace the computer. Car was in the shop for 7 days. Incident happened over 100 miles from home and dealer finally authorized loaner after 2 days. Dealer was very rude during the whole incident and construction made it difficult to communicate. Phone lines were disconnected part of the time.