FaultScore

2001 Volkswagen Passat electrical problems

83 of the 558 complaints about the 2001 Volkswagen Passat are about the electrical system — 15% of everything reported for this model year. Half of the failures with a mileage on record happened before 35,500 miles.

D

83

Complaints

0

Crashes

9

Fires

2

Injuries

Exactly what failed

Electrical System 30 36.1%
Ignition 20 24.1%
Front Underhood 6 7.2%
Module 6 7.2%
Wiring 5 6.0%
Interior/Under Dash 4 4.8%
Instrument Cluster/Panel 4 4.8%
Fuses AND Circuit Breakers 2 2.4%
Switch 2 2.4%
12V/24V/48V Battery 1 1.2%

Electrical System across every Volkswagen Passat year

1993 16 1.4%
1995 18 1.6%
1996 14 1.2%
1997 16 1.4%
1998 29 2.5%
1999 62 5.4%
2000 43 3.7%
2001 83 7.2%
2002 223 19.3%
2003 95 8.2%
2004 24 2.1%
2006 79 6.8%
2007 34 2.9%
2008 21 1.8%
2009 19 1.6%
2010 21 1.8%
2012 95 8.2%
2013 95 8.2%
2014 74 6.4%
2015 48 4.1%
2016 22 1.9%
2017 17 1.5%
2018 10 0.9%

What owners said

Filed with NHTSA, in their own words.

at 180,220 miles Watertown, SD 1 injured

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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 DEPLOYED..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!! [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

NHTSA complaint #10658597 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 104,435 miles Ashland, VA

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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.

NHTSA complaint #10611366 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 152,000 miles Austin, TX

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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.

NHTSA complaint #10548346 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Tallahassee, FL

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

THE FIRST THINGS THAT IS HAPPEN IS THAT MY DIGITAL INSTRUMENT PANEL BLINK IN AND OUT AND THE SECOND IS THAT WATER BE RUNNING IN THE CAR COMPARTMENT ON THE PASSENGER SIDE.

NHTSA complaint #10409067 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 157,000 miles Searcy, AR

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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.

NHTSA complaint #10401354 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Charlotte, NC

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

HEADLAMP WIRING HARNESS MELTS.

NHTSA complaint #10383165 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 165,000 miles Goodlettsville,, TN

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

CLASS ACTION LAW SUIT SETTLED WITH VW FOR OIL SLUDGE. THIS MAKES NO SENSE BY THE TIME THE SETTLEMENT WAS REACHED MY 2001 VW PASSAT, 1.8 TURBO WAS NOT COVERED. 7 OR 8 WEEKS AGO I TOOK MY VEHICLE INTO THE VW DEALER (HALMARK VW OF MADISON) THEY TOLD ME I HAD A SLUDGE PROBLEM AND DID NOT EVEN MENTION THAT IT WAS A KNOWN PROBLEM OR THAT THE LAW SUIT WAS UNDERWAY- VERY SNEAKY. THEY TOLD ME TO REPLACE MY ENGINE OR TO CHANGE THE OIL EVERY 1000 MILES FOR AWHILE. MY ABS AND COMPUTER MODULE FAILED AT THE SAME TIME WITH NO ONE TAKING RESPONSIBILITY FOR IT. NOW I HAVE THE PROBLEM BUT HAVE NO WAY TO GET IT RESOLVED.

NHTSA complaint #10372686 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 160,000 miles Springfield, VA

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

IGNITION COIL FAILURE AFTER 13 MONTHS AFTER VW REPLACED ALL 4 COILS UNDER PRIOR RECALL.

NHTSA complaint #10371845 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 175,000 miles Portland, OR Fire

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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.

NHTSA complaint #10281298 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 51,323 miles Greer, SC

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

FAULTY WIRING FOR TAIL LIGHTS, BRAKE LIGHT, TURN LIGHTS. REPLACED FUSE, REPLACED BRAKE AND TAIL LIGHT BULBS EIGHT TIMES, THIS CORRECT THE PROBLEM FOR ONE DAY. BOUGHT NEW KIT TO REPLACE OLD BRAKE ,TAIL LIGHT , TURNING LIGHT. THIS WORKED FOR APPROX. TWO MONTHS NOW NOTHING WORKS.

NHTSA complaint #10281149 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 35,000 miles Marion, NC

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

FRONT BALL JOINT FAILURE AT APPROX. 35,000 MILES. THEN A LOWER CONTROL ARM FAILURE AT 95,000 MILES. OLD CONTROL ARM IS AVAILABLE.

NHTSA complaint #10261782 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 64,445 miles Wilmington, DE

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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.

NHTSA complaint #10252063 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 115,000 miles Appleton, WI

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

MY 2001 VW PASSAT ABS MODULE BECAME DEFECTIVE AFTER 1 YEAR OF OWNING CAR FROM THE ORIGINAL OWNER. NOT SURE IF ORIGINAL OWNER HAD DONE REPAIRS/REPLACEMENTS OF THE UNIT. NOW THERE IS NO COMMUNICATION BETWEEN THE CAR COMPUTER AND THE MODULE, THEREFORE NO ABS BRAKE IS ACTIVE. ABS LIGHT STAYS ON AND BRAKE LIGHT FLASHES INTERMITTENTLY. THERE ARE ALSO 3 BEEPS WHEN CAR HAS BEEN STARTED. I AM A VERY UNHAPPY CONSUMER OF VW DUE TO THEIR FAULTY VEHICLE EQUIPMENT AND HAS DETER ME FROM PURCHASING ANY VW IN THE FUTURE. I HAVE RECENTLY JUST HAD A REPAIR TO REPLACE MY MAF SENSOR, 2 IGNITION COILS, 4 SPARK PLUGS AGAIN AFTER PURCHASING BRAND NEW ONES JUST A MONTH PRIOR. IT WAS VERY COSTLY!!

NHTSA complaint #10245585 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 60,000 miles Berkeley, CA

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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.

NHTSA complaint #10245337 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 36,000 miles Downey, CA

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE "STOP VEHICLE DO NOT DRIVE", AND OIL PRESSURE WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE INDICATORS REMAINED ILLUMINATED UNTIL THE ENGINE WAS TURNED OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER AND THEY REPAIRED THE ENGINE. THE PREVIOUS REPAIR REQUIRED THE VEHICLE TO REMAIN AT THE DEALER FOR ONE MONTH. ON THREE SEPARATE OCCASIONS, THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FOR IDENTICAL FAILURES, BUT THERE WERE NO RESOLUTIONS. IN ADDITION, DURING RAINY WEATHER CONDITIONS, FIVE INCHES OF WATER LEAKED ONTO THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE FLOOR PANEL. THERE WAS ELECTRICAL FAILURE DUE TO THE WATER LEAKAGE THAT CAUSED GEAR COMPONENT DAMAGE. RECENTLY, THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE THAT CONSISTS OF INSTALLATION OF A DRAINAGE FILTER AND FUEL SYSTEM COMPONENT REPAIR. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED FOR THESE MALFUNCTIONS. THE NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 36,000 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 85,000.

NHTSA complaint #10243564 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 6,000 miles Westminster, CO

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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.

NHTSA complaint #10223581 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 6,000 miles Westminster, CO

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING

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.

NHTSA complaint #10223581 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 6,000 miles Westminster, CO

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:INTERIOR/UNDER DASH

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.

NHTSA complaint #10223581 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 6,000 miles Westminster, CO

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL

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.

NHTSA complaint #10223581 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 87,000 miles Souderton, PA Fire

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

TL*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.

NHTSA complaint #10223352 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Simi Valley, CA

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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 .

NHTSA complaint #10216909 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 77,730 miles Clayton, NC

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH

I HAVE A 2001 VW PASSAT, IN THE PAST MONTH, MY ABS WARNING LIGHT, AND E-BRAKE LIGHT, HAVE BEEN COMING ON RANDOMLY. THE ABS LIGHT COMES ON AND THEN THE BRAKE LIGHT FLASHES AND BEEPS/RINGS FOR A FEW SECONDS. HALF OF THE TIME THE LIGHTS GO OUT AFTER A FEW SECONDS, SOMETIMES THE ONLY WAY THEY GO OUT IS TO STOP, TURN THE CAR OFF AND RESTART. AND THERE ARE TIMES WHEN THIS DOESN'T WORK EITHER. THERE HAVE BEEN SUGGESTIONS BY VW DEALERSHIPS TO REPLACE ABS CONTROL MODULE WHICH IS APPROX, $1350-1400. AFTER RESEARCHING THIS SEEMS TO BE A PROBLEM THAT THOUSANDS OF VW OWNERS ARE EXPERIENCING WITH THEIR VEHICLES. THE REPLACEMENT OF CONTROL MODULE HAS NOT CORRECTED PROBLEM, NEITHER HAS REPLACING IGNITION SWITCH.

NHTSA complaint #10216299 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

LOS Angeles, CA

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL

2001 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT CHECK ENGINE AND OIL PRESSURE LIGHTS ILLUMINATING. CONSUMER STATES THAT THE VEHICLE ALSO EXPERIENCED A LOSS OF POWER AND ENGINE MADE A WHINING NOISE.

NHTSA complaint #10209397 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 12 miles Clifton, NJ

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL

DASHBOARD LIGHTS - FLICKER - TURN OFF AND TURN ON WHILE DRIVING.

NHTSA complaint #10205337 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Montville, NJ

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FRONT UNDERHOOD

I OWN A 2001 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT STATION WAGEN AND HAVE HAD NOTHING BUT TROUBLE WITH IT SINCE I BOUGHT IT. I HAD TO REPLACE THE ENGINE DUE SLUDGE AND VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA WOULD NOT REIMBURSE ME BECAUSE I WAS MISSING ONE OIL CHANGE RECEIPT THE LIGHTS KEEP COMING ON IN THE CAR TELLING ME I HAVE ENGINE PROBLEMS ONCE AGAIN, AND I BRING IT IN FOR REGULAR REPAIRS AND CHECK UPS. CURRENTLY THE SUSPENSION PART OF THE CAR HAS GONE AND THAT WILL COST ANOTHER $2000 ON TOP OF THE $7000 I ALREADY PUT INTO IT. THAT DOES NOT INCLUDE NEW TIRES AND OTHER THINGS THAT HAVE GONE WRONG WITH THIS IDIOT CAR. VOLKSWAGEN DOES NOT STAND BY ITS CUSTOMERS AT ALL AND I WILL NEVER EVER BUY FROM THEM AGAIN AND WILL TELL PEOPLE I KNOW THE CAR IS A PIECE OF CRAP. THE PLACE I BRING IN MY CAR TO FOR REPAIR ALREADY KNOWS THAT. DO NOT BRING IT INTO A VOLKSWAGEN REPAIR PLACE TO HAVE IT FIXED> THEY ARE THE BIGGEST RIPP OFFS AND SO TOTALLY DISHONEST!!!! I BOUGHT THE CAR FROM JACK DANIELS IN FAIRLAWN, NJ AND HAVE HAD IT REPAIRED AT TREND MOTORS, IN DENVILLE, NJ

NHTSA complaint #10197784 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Montville, NJ

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:ANTI-THEFT:CONTROL MODULE

I OWN A 2001 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT STATION WAGEN AND HAVE HAD NOTHING BUT TROUBLE WITH IT SINCE I BOUGHT IT. I HAD TO REPLACE THE ENGINE DUE SLUDGE AND VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA WOULD NOT REIMBURSE ME BECAUSE I WAS MISSING ONE OIL CHANGE RECEIPT THE LIGHTS KEEP COMING ON IN THE CAR TELLING ME I HAVE ENGINE PROBLEMS ONCE AGAIN, AND I BRING IT IN FOR REGULAR REPAIRS AND CHECK UPS. CURRENTLY THE SUSPENSION PART OF THE CAR HAS GONE AND THAT WILL COST ANOTHER $2000 ON TOP OF THE $7000 I ALREADY PUT INTO IT. THAT DOES NOT INCLUDE NEW TIRES AND OTHER THINGS THAT HAVE GONE WRONG WITH THIS IDIOT CAR. VOLKSWAGEN DOES NOT STAND BY ITS CUSTOMERS AT ALL AND I WILL NEVER EVER BUY FROM THEM AGAIN AND WILL TELL PEOPLE I KNOW THE CAR IS A PIECE OF CRAP. THE PLACE I BRING IN MY CAR TO FOR REPAIR ALREADY KNOWS THAT. DO NOT BRING IT INTO A VOLKSWAGEN REPAIR PLACE TO HAVE IT FIXED> THEY ARE THE BIGGEST RIPP OFFS AND SO TOTALLY DISHONEST!!!! I BOUGHT THE CAR FROM JACK DANIELS IN FAIRLAWN, NJ AND HAVE HAD IT REPAIRED AT TREND MOTORS, IN DENVILLE, NJ

NHTSA complaint #10197784 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 82,095 miles Rolling Meadows, IL

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FRONT UNDERHOOD

ON TWO SEPARATE OCCASIONS THE CONNECTOR AND WIRING HARNESS PROVIDING POWER TO THE DRIVER'S SIDE AND PASSENGER'S SIDE HEADLIGHTS ON THE 2001 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT GLS MELTED AND THE HEADLIGHTS FAILED. IF I DID NOT TAKE IMMEDIATE ACTION THE ELECTRICAL SHORT IN THESE CONNECTORS MAY HAVE TRIGGERED A FIRE. THE DRIVER'S SIDE SOCKET/WIRING HARNESS MELTED AND THE WIRING HARNESS WAS REPLACED IN OCTOBER OF 2004. THE PASSENGER'S SIDE SOCKET/WIRING HARNESS MELTED AND THE WIRING HARNESS WAS REPLACED IN APRIL OF 2007. WHILE AT THE VOLKSWAGEN DEALERSHIP TO HAVE PASSENGER SIDE WIRING HARNESS REPLACED I OBSERVED ANOTHER PASSAT OWNER COMPLAINING OF THE SAME PROBLEM. A GOOGLE SEARCH ON THE INTERNET RESULTED IN FINDING MANY OTHER PEOPLE THAT HAD THIS POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS PROBLEM AS WELL.

NHTSA complaint #10191133 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 111,000 miles Holbrook, NY

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL

DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER PANEL LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY A DEALER WHO DETERMINED THERE WAS A SHORT IN THE AIRBAG WIRING HARNESS, AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE AIRBAG AND HARNESS WERE REPLACED, BUT THE PROBLEM PERSISTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS ALERTED.

NHTSA complaint #10171160 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 171,410 miles Kutztown, PA Fire

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:MODULE

I AM A PRIVATE FIRE INVESTIGATOR THAT RECENTLY INVESTIGATED A FIRE IN 2001 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. THE FIRE WAS VERY MINOR ORIGINATING BELOW THE PLASTIC ENGINE COVER AT THE IGNITION COIL MODULES AND PLUG CONNECTOR BETWEEN CYLINDERS #3 & 4. APPEARS TO BE A HIGH RESISTANCE CONNECTION AT THE PLUG CONNECTOR CAUSING THE PLUG CONNECTOR TO OVERHEAT AND IGNITE.

NHTSA complaint #10167076 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Mahwah, NJ

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

MECHANIC REFUSES TO REPAIR 2001 PASSAT ELECTRONIC CONTROL SYSTEM. *TS THE CONSUMER STATED THE PROBLEM HAD BEEN MIS-DIAGNOSED ON MORE THAN ONE OCCASION. THE VEHICLE HAD AN OIL HOSE LEAK.

NHTSA complaint #10162666 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Other 2001 Volkswagen Passat problems

← Full 2001 Volkswagen Passat report