My 2000 volkswagon Passat has started reporting errors, including brake faults, ABS errors, check engine lights. I've taken it to mechanics and they are unable to find any problems. They simply reset the codes and send me on my way. A few hours of driving and the errors come back. All the errors are intermitent. It's incredibly frustrating. Others have experienced a similar problem and VW only says that our model year does not have significant issues to warrant a recall. There are hundreds of posts with these symptoms all over the internet. Please help.

- Van Nuys, CA, USA

ABS module failure leads to reducytion of braking effectiveness

- Bartlett, IL, USA

ABS control module failure. 2000 VW Passat with 60,000 miles experienced an ABS control module failure - symptoms are ABS warning light turns on, and "stop" shown on display screen. Took it to a VW dealer who quoted me $1185 usd to replace. This appears to be a very common problem with Passat's at about 50,000 miles. This problem was intermittent.

- Menlo Park, CA, USA

Details: (1) no disernable events prior (2) ABS module failure (3) none many Audi and VW models manufactured starting in the later '90S and continuing to present, use the Bosch 5.3 ABS controller, which is prone to catastrophic failure, ostensibly due to defective design. This module controls multiple brake-related functions including the ABS which is important for winter driving, but the most critical function of this module is probably the electronic brake force distribution, or ebd. These vehicles are designed such that if the ebd is inoperative, the proportion of hydraulic force applied to the rear brakes during emergency braking is as great as it is during moderate braking effort when there is minimal transfer of vehicle weight to the front wheels. The ebd is supposed to adjust the front/rear braking distribution dynamically according to the measure of the deceleration, so that the rear wheels will not lock up during emergency braking. If this module should fail during emergency braking on dry pavement, the rear wheels could lock up and cause an accident which could easily include fatalities. This is an expensive repair for owners, costing roughly $2000, and many owners have probably put off the repair indefinitely. Evidence which can be found through a simple web search, suggests that the problem is widespread, and that if it has not already led to serious accidents, it is only a question of time. This problem is genuine, and VW/Audi should be compelled to take immediate corrective action."

- Apo, AE, USA

ABS control unit fails, failure of upper control arms

- Lincroft, NJ, USA

ABS computer failure. No events leading to its failure it just shut down one day and the ABS light has been on since. Failure = no ABS, dealer wants over $1000 to replace entire setup however the pump is ok the computer is gone. Currently waiting for a cheaper fix or possible recall.

- Bayside, NY, USA

Both ABS and brake lights came on with a cycling message in the center of the dashboard (stop, brake fault, consult manual). After stopping car and restarting it, the lights were off. After another few miles, they came back on... in one occasion, the antislipregulation light was on. In another occasion, upon stopping the vehicle, a sudden acceleration occured as I pushed on the brake pedal, prompting me to use the emergency manual brake. After diagnostic of the failure at the VW dealership, it was found that the ABS control module (electronic part) was faulty. It has now been repaired. The technician at the dealership mentioned this was their 3rd similar repair in 3 days and as a result of being a frequent failure, VW had made a kit to replace only the electronic part of the module instead of the whole module. I have kept the old part.

- Bernardsville, NJ, USA

While driving my 2000 Passat wagon the ABS warning light came on and the brake warning light began to blink. The alphanumeric display began cycling through three messages, "stop", "brake fault", "service manual". the dealer first said I needed new front brake pads. I had it done, and of course it didn't address the problem. Now the dealer says that I need a new ABS control unit and instrument cluster for $2200 + tax. Given the number of failures reported on this part, and given that Audi has recalled a very similar part for this problem, I was not satisfied with the VW "customer advocate's" polite response that they can't do anything to help. Although I can live w/O anti-lock brakes, I can't live with intermittent anti-lock brakes. One shouldn't be checkng the dash in an emergency to see whether to stomp hard, or to pump the brakes. This is a safety issue and a common one. My car ehibited this problem at 46004 miles.

- San Francisco, CA, USA

ABS light came on, I took it to an independent VW mechanic and was told the ABS contol unit had failed and therefore the ABS would not function. Cost of repair $1500-$2000. After researching on VW forums I have learned that many Passat owners have this same problem. VW customer care thanked me for calling and they would note the problem.

- Campbell, CA, USA

Failiure of ABS brake module on a 2000 VW Passat (pn 8E0614111ah). Module failure causes rear wheels to lock during emergency braking situations.

- Unionville, CT, USA

(1) my car is a daily driver. 2000 VW Passat gls, 1.8T auto. (2) ABS module died at around 85K, ABS no longer works as a result. Apparently this has happened to a lot of other Passat owners as well. (3) I have not corrected the failure as of yet as it is a very costly repair from the VW dealer. Around $1,500.

- Hopkins, MN, USA

As I was driving along I noticed my brakes where getting spongy. Drove it a little more, and the brake light came on and was flashing. Pulled into the closest parking lot, checked under the hood and noticed brake fluid dripping from the ABS unit, and that the brake reservoir was below the minimum line. Had it towed to the dealer and they had to replace the ABS module. My car is a 2000 VW Passat with 52,600 miles

- Reseda, CA, USA

ABS lights are reporting failure but brake activity appears okay. Dealer says new module will be needed to fix problems at a cost of $1,500. Looking for options to replace/rebuild ABS module due to expense of total replacement. Believe number of complaints found on internet should result in manufacturer recall.

- Simpsonville, SC, USA

Many Audi and VW models manufactured starting in the later '90S and continuing to present, use the Bosch 5.3 ABS controller, which is prone to catastrophic failure, ostensibly due to defective design. This module controls multiple brake-related functions including the ABS which is important for winter driving, but the most critical function of this module is probably the electronic brake force distribution, or ebd. These vehicles are designed such that if the ebd is inoperative, the proportion of hydraulic force applied to the rear brakes during emergency braking is as great as it is during moderate braking effort when there is minimal transfer of vehicle weight to the front wheels. The ebd is supposed to adjust the front/rear braking distribution dynamically according to the measure of the deceleration, so that the rear wheels will not lock up during emergency braking. If this module should fail during emergency braking on dry pavement, the rear wheels could lock up and cause an accident which could easily include fatalities. This is an expensive repair for owners, costing roughly $2000, and many owners have probably put off the repair indefinitely. Evidence which can be found through a simple web search, suggests that the problem is widespread, and that if it has not already led to serious accidents, it is only a question of time. This problem is genuine, and VW/Audi should be compelled to take immediate corrective action.

- Austin, TX, USA

ABS unit; ) flashing ABS and brake light in car; 2)ABS will not work 3) I will have to replace the unit, through the dealer the unit new costs approx $1200. 2000 volkswagon, Passat 2.8L.

- San Luis Obispo, CA, USA

I am adding my voice to the list of VW owners having trouble with their ABS modules. The electronic ABS senser had failed and caused the dash lights to stay on consistently for two weeks now and will require a replacement to fix. Meanwhile I am left without ABS and face the potential of a serious accident if I have to hard brake to avoid an accident. I find this probelm absolutely unacceptable and VW of North american needs to take some responsibility for the problem. E.g. replace the defective part!

- Dekalb, IL, USA

While driving 55 mph the brake light and ABS light flashed and a stop car messages appeared on the instrument panel. Vehicle was taken to the dealer, who informed the consumer that the ABS module needed to be replaced.

- Foster City, CA, USA

My car has multiple problems, first I purchase my Passat in November of 2000.since then I have replaced two upper control arms, two ti rods.I received a recall for the lower control arms to be replaced but the dealer said I didn't need them replaced.while driving from my sister's house the ABS indicator light came on my dash board and said stop brake faluire.I took in to the dealer the next day and the dealer said my ABS module needs replacing and it cost $1300 plus labor.I just paided $1500+ dollars to replace my generator and battery on my car.the dealer also said I need to peplace my motor mounts and valve cover gaskets. I understand the annual maintenance on the car, but these repairs are not annual repairs on a 2000 volkswagon Passat wagon car with 80,000 miles on it.

- Washington,Dc, DC, USA

ABS module fails at 70,000 miles, and it cost me around $1,500. Many people seem to have the same kind of problem. The manufacturer should be responsible for it, rather than worrying about the cost of recalls.

- Sunnyvale, CA, USA

ABS control unit failure at 67,000 miles.

- Pittsburgh, PA, USA