Two problems related to timing tensioner 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.
Faulty cam chain tensioner failed and caused severe engine damage to valves, pistons, camshaft, cam timing chain. I was stationary waiting at a red light when I heard a sudden loud grinding noise from inside the engine compartment, the engine began to shake and sputter. The car lost most of its power and I was barely able to make it through the intersection when the light turned green. Upon inspection it was clear to see that the cam chain tensioner had self destructed and caused the engine to fail.
My car just stopped. There could have been an accident had I not gotten off the road in time. I was on route 68, a 4 line highway. Come to find out the timing chain and timing tensioner broke, which the manufacture knew would happen because all the repair books say to have it changed at about 65,000 to 75,000 miles. Nobody told me that. If my children would have been in the car at the time needless to say if my wife would have been driving instead of me what could have happened. It is costing me over $2,300. 00 to have it fixed. Needless to say had I been warned I would have had it replaced.