I have a 2000 VW Passat. The ABS light comes on, the brake warning light flashes, and "stop"/"brake malfunction"/"service manual" cycles on the dash display. Sometimes this occurs while driving, sometimes as soon as I start the car. Sometimes they go right back off...but most of the time they stay on for about ten minutes, and then go off and then the asr light comes on and stays on until I turn off the car. If the car is off for a few hours, the lights will usually not come back on until I drive again for a few miles. It appears after doing some searching that this is a common problem with the ABS control module and is a known issue that Volkswagen is doing nothing about except replace the part for around $1300-$1500.

- Westerville, OH, USA

ABS module Bosch 5.3 for 2000 VW Passat - due to a defective disconnected small wire in the module causes non-communication to VW vagcom computer to ABS system, thus rendering the ABS brakes ineffective and deemed dangerous causing brake locking.

- San Gabriel, CA, USA

Premature ABS electronics failure, disabling the ABS system. Vehicle is a 2000 Volkswagen Passat station wagon.

- Nashville, TN, USA

ABS /brake light started coming on at about 80,000 miles. First the problem was intermittent, but now it is constant. The ABS pump seems to function properly. The problem is with the electronic component known as the ebcm. I realize the government doesn't consider this a safety issue, otherwise VW would have been pressured to issue a recall. However, the state of NJ will not allow you to pass inspection with the lights on because they consider it a safety issue, even though in reality it's just like driving in the pre-ABS days. So, the consumer is forced to pay $1500-$2000 to get this problem fixed. Of course VW and Bosch, who made the faulty component, get off the hook and in fact profit this extremely common failure. Who is looking out for the consumer? please help!

- Moorestown, NJ, USA

ABS module failed at approx 80K miles. Repaired by dealer.

- Bainbridge Island, WA, USA

9/2003: Headlights aimed incorrectly; road wasn't illuminated. Within 2 wks, 1 of the bulbs burned out. Within a week of the 1st, the 2nd bulb burned out. Cost to have headlights repositioned & bulbs replaced: $267. 9/2003: Rear tail light out. Cost to have bulb replaced by mechanic: $32.50. 11/2003: Both rear windows off track. Cost to tear doors apart & fix: $159.75. 12/2003: Electrical problems with front power windows. Never know if window will go up or down. 2004: Had car in for (at least) 3 different dashboard warning codes. One had something to do with fuel, or the fuel tank or something. After some trial and error on my mechanic's part, discovered that unscrewing and tightly rescrewing gas cap fixed the problem. Cost to diagnose and "fix": $165. Had (at least) two other warning codes in 2004 that required me to take the car in. 6/24/2005: Had been hearing crunching sound from front right portion of car that was particularly apparent when hitting a pothole, a dip in the road or attempting a tight 360 turn. Mechanic (specializing in european cars) identified a bad control arm. Cost of repair & alignment: $713.70. Cost of rental car: $100.88. Total: $814.58. Note: The left side has been making the same sound since 12/2005. Have not yet repaired it. 10/24/05: Car started going dead intermittently. The car had less than 60000 miles on it. Replaced battery for $106.50. 1/2006: Temp gauge maxed out, coolant boiled over, smoke & steam issued from hood in less than 8 minutes at idle. Cooled car for 2L hours, replaced coolant and drove to mechanic, who replaced thermostat, water pump & timing belt. Cost: $725. 2/2006: Brakes are spongy and provide no resistance until nearing the floor. Mechanic says rotors and brake pads are fine. 6/2006: Transmission gets stuck in 1st gear. Must stop the car, turn it off and then restart. This is an electrical problem and is governed by the computer. Cost to fix: Unknown. 6/2006: Front window now off track. Have not yet fixed it.

- Bountiful, UT, USA

Brake warning light and "stop" message displayed intermittently.

- Torrance, CA, USA