In the last couple years my 2000 VW Passat has a burning smell like a fire in the engine after driving a bit (I've noticed this particularly when the heater is on), has hesitated and jumped when I've tried to shift gears and accelerate, and a while ago the "check engine" light was going on when this hesitation occurred; although this light hasn't come on in the same situation lately, and the hesitation itself doesn't seem to be occurring as much as before. At any rate, I still get the burning smell and recently read that there is an investigation on this very make and model by NHTSA for said problems. My mechanic has been saying all along there is no problem, but perhaps he doesn't know of this investigation. What should I do?

- Reseda, CA, USA

2000 VW Passat 1.8T engine failure due to sludge build up.

- White Plains, NY, USA

I am the owner of a 2000 VW Passat with the 1.8 liter turbo engine. This engine is known to have serious sludging issues. This was unknown to me. Two months ago my oil pressure indicator lit up. I could not find any oil pressure issues so I took the car to the dealership 45 miles away. They "inspected" the car and informed me the engine was sludged up. Apparently VW has a warranty regarding this issue but only if you can produce every receipt of every oil change the vehicle has ever had from the day it was purchased from VW. Problem: I am the second owner. I can not produce receipts from the previous owner. To compound the problem I purchase my oil and filters by the case to last me several years. I do not have those receipts of those purchases anymore. I changed the oil according VW specifications located in the manual. To make matters worse VW decided to change the owners manual to state that synthetic oil must be used instead of regular motor oil, but did not inform me of this. VW will/has contacted me as the new owner of the car regarding recalls but would not inform me of this very important maintenance change that could destroy my engine. Now VW wants to charge me over $4,000 to put a new "oil sludging kit" on my car to compensate for a known defect simply because I can not produce records to show that I changed the oil every three months and that I used synthetic oils instead of regular oil as the owner manual states.

- Great Mills, MD, USA

2000 Passat -oil pressure light and a big stop light came on with no prior warnings or anything wrong. Immediately turned off. Waited about 1 hour then drove 1 mile home. Next day had it towed to dealership for diagnosis. Was told by VW mechanic he was not supposed to tell me but my engine was blown due to oil sludge in the engine which was a "known problem" with this year. Wanted $9500 to replace engine (only 52K miles) I still owed $7500 on the car. Replaced engine at another garage for $5400 then had to replace turbo for $2000. Oil is now leaking and they do not know what the problem is. Called VW. They said they would be glad to pay for a replacement engine if I could produce every oil change receipt. The garage where I got my oil changed only keeps records in the computer for 6 months then they are put in boxes in storage. VW basically said "too bad". I have had 2 jettas and now this Passat. I will not buy another VW product. I had no problems with the jettas. If they have "known problems" why are they not recalls? VW could not answer this question.

- Boca Raton, FL, USA

The contact owns a 2000 Volkswagen Passat. While driving 5 mph, the vehicle began to shake and the front end made a clicking noise. The contact then noticed a burning rubber smell and noticed smoke coming from the front passenger side. A police report was filed. The vehicle caught fire under the hood and has not been diagnosed by the dealer. The failure mileage was 90,000. Updated 05/28/08

- Philadelphia, PA, USA

Contact owns a 2000 Volkswagen Passat. It was repaired on two occasions. The check engine light was always on, and when she accelerated the vehicle made an unusual noise. The mechanic stated that the failure was the air pump and fuse. The contact was concerned of the risk involved since the failure mileage was 51,971 miles. The current mileage was 75200.

- Powder Spring , GA, USA

Turbo started sucking up oil, eventually leading to engine failure.

- Liverpool, NY, USA

Owner parked the vehicle at a doctor's office. Shortly after he went into the doctor's office, the vehicle caught fire. Fire burned throughout engine compartment and passenger compartment and caused severe scorching to the front of the floor pan. Exhaust heat shield melted.

- Seekonk, MA, USA

2000 Passat oil sludge build up caused engine to fail. While driving the oil indicator light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a service dealer who explained that the oil pressure was low, but close to manufacturers specifications. The oil pump, pvc system, and turbo tubes were replaced. Less than three months later the consume started hearing a rumbling noise which seemed to be coming from the engine. The vehicle was taken back to the service dealer where id was determined that he noise was probably rod knock and the remedy was to replaced the engine. The consumer feels that VW should be responsibly fro replacing the engine because they were aware that the oil filter was too small.

- Rochester Hills, MI, USA

While driving my 2000 Passat, the stop engine light came on to notify me that there was a problem with oil pressure. There was nothing prior to this warning that would have lead me to believe that there was a problem. No odd noises in the car and it was driving fine. I took the car to the dealer and was informed that the engine was totaled and it needed to be replaced at a cost of $7,000. I did find out that in August of 2004, VW of America issues a service notice to all the service departments that due to a malfunctioning fuel pump, oil sludge may build up in the engine, ultimately leading to engine failure. This was not sent to any of the vehicle owners. In the notice, vwoa said that they would extend the warranty of the car and replace the motor, only if there was proof that the oil was changed every 5000 miles. Because I have gaps in my oil changes with the dealer, they will not honor this extended warranty and are trying to charge me for the new motor. I've had the care in a number of times between August of 2004 and February 19, 2006 when the light came on and was never notified that there may be a problem. I asked the service manager at the dealer why I wasn't notified of this issue and he said that vwoa issues a number of service memos and was he to tell all of the customers everytime one was issued. Had I been notified that this might be the end result of the oil pump not being replaced in 2004, I wouldn't be in my current situation. I have read a number of web posts with people that have had similar problems with their local dealers and vwoa.

- Delmar, NY, USA

Oil sludge build up in engine. 2000 Volkswagen Passat 1.8 turbo 4 cylinder 49000.

- Ypsilanti, MI, USA

Purchased a used car from dan perkins Chevrolet, in milford, ct on March, 18, 2004.I was advised by the salesman, john almeida, that the car came in as a trade from a girl who bought cars from him all the time at dan perkins. Upon further investigation I found the car was purchased brand new from a couple in Massachusetts and that dan perkins purchased it at an auction. When I picked the car up and drove it home the engine light was on/the lighter did not work/the tires were bald, and the 6 disc cd changer was not in the car. When I contacted the salesperson, john almeida, and the used car manager, they stated they fixed everything, but that they were not responsible for the cd changer, I wrote a letter to dan perkins himself, and he gave me a new one because it was advertised with the cd changer. When my oil light came on I brought it to curran Volkswagen in stratford, ct. They advised me to get a copy of my contract from dan perkins and any other paperwork from dan perkins. I contacted the salesman, john almeida and his manager told me that there was no way I was getting a copy of anything. They do not keep copies of contracts from their customers. He also yelled in the background that curran VW was trying to pass the buck and that I was out of luck!!!the car is now sitting in my driveway with no engine!I am making car payments on a car that does not work, on a car that I have had less than 2 years!I contacted curran VW because VW extended the warranty for the engine to 8 years, I only found this out because I did my own research online. VW of America denied my claim because one of my mechanics, who does not have a computer, handwrote receipts for the oil changes.curran Volkswagen gave me an estimate of $12,074.60. The kelly blue book value is $8,000!!!!!VW of America advises their consumers to have oil changed every 5,000 miles or every 6 months. I had mine changed every 3,000 miles.dan perkins showed me no vehicle history reports.

- Seymour, CT, USA

Alexandria VW damaged my engine and refuses to take responsibility for proving a replacement engine. Also, VW of America won't replace a defected engine.

- Ft. Washington, MD, USA

At 58,000 miles my oil pressure light came on and the stop demand light came on. I contacted the dealer and the service man indicated to me that the 2000 Passats' where having problems with the oil pumps. He further explained to me that what was happening was that the pumps that were manufractured were not built strong enough to up hold certain sythetic oils. He further stated that when the oil gets to hot the oil cyrstalizes and then turnss to sludge. Given that information I then proceeded to get my car serviced. However upon the date of service ( even knowing the problem) my car was diagnosed at a cost to me for $75. At the time of service I learned that the pump was only covered under the warrenty if I could produce 5 years of oil slips. I have several concerns regarding this matter. The first, the owners mannual does not indicate that the pumps are sensative to certain types of oils (synthetic). Secondly, the mannual does not state that the warrenty repairs will only be coverded if all receipts for services performed on the vehicle are provided. Thridly, it is clear in my mind that if a manufracturer places a default or defective oil pump in a car that it should be a recall" I have read in the most recent comsumer report magazine and it seems to be a reoccuring problem with VW Passats. Fourthly, when contacting volkeswagon directly I spoke to customer "care" the attidude was appauling. The response I received was "oh well" " that is our policy" did not get that reception when buying the car! I bought my Passat July 13, 2000 and by July 13, 2005 I have a serious engine problem. Finally, the dealer stated that the cost to me would start anywere at 1,000. Can anyone tell me why this is my problem" I am a therapist and I come across many paths in my travel. My paths include physiatrist, teachers, doctors, clients etc I will be sure to share with them my dissatification with volkeswagon. This should be a recall issue. Thank you

- East Freetown, MA, USA

Engine speed pulsates at idle when automatic transmission is in gear and brakes applied. No failure or warning lights displayed. To prevent surging of car while stopped, transmission must be put in neutral. Also hesitates significantly during some accelerations from stop due to condition, and idles rough when cold. Same fault last year in Jan. 2003, resolution through replacement of coolant sensor and throttle body.

- Anderson, SC, USA

4th winter in a row since purchasing vehicle it has experienced a problem starting. Each year the "diagnosis" has been somewhat different...but mainly a "problem with carbonization buildup". 4 times in 4 years, resulting in new plugs, oil change, this year a new battery, "decarbonization procedure"....hundreds and hundreds of dollars. Have used only the finest fuel (VW claimed this was the root problem, poor quality fuel) since the first incident in 2000. Problem persists.

- Carpentersville, IL, USA

My husband and I purchased a 2000 Passat with 927 miles on the odometer on July 21, 2000 (ancira, san antonio, tx). Three visits to the dealer three for a fluid leak (3/29/01, 2/13/02, 1/17/03). Each time, we were told that nothing was wrong. Four months ago- "emission control, " "check engine" light came on. Also the following quit working: Power mirrors, the travel computer, temperature sensor was erratic, fuel door quit and the fuel mileage gauge malfunctioned. Most recently, the car started running rough and a clear, viscous fluid appeared on my garage floor. The car has 25,000 miles. We change the oil regularly. It had a 15,000-mile check-up. We took the car to a reputable mechanic (mander automotive in helotes, Texas). The owner of mander (bob mander) was very concerned that this car had so many electrical and computer problems. Ancira informed (mander) that the car's warranty had expired by 900 miles (24,990) that visit (11/6/03). Computer scan and analysis showed several codes related to misfires and running lean. Also: Transaxle seal leak and battery failed the load test-would not hold acharge. Mander fixed: Seal leak, replaced the battery, changed the oil, replaced the actuator (fuel door), repaired vacuum leaks, reset the T.E.H. computer and corrected the faulty wiring to the mirrors. We spent $649. 24 hours later-"check engine" light re-appeared. The car began to vibrate hard. We took the car back to Mr. Mander (11/14/03). He found a defective oxygen sensor and problem with the coolant sensor- both replaced. That time we spent $358. My husband and I have an established relationship with mander automotive and trust their work and analysis. The "check engine" light and "emissions control" light is back on. The car is running hard, again. I have contacted VW (reference #30522917) and my husband was advised to take the car to a different dealer here in san antonio (rod East).

- San Antonio, TX, USA

When the vehicle stopped at a stop sign or a traffic light, it stalled. The problem was diagnosed as a secondary air injector valve. The vehicle experienced a rough idle. The valve was replaced, but the vehicle still idled rough. The check engine light was intermittent prior to repair.

- Durham, NC, USA

The malfunction indicator light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer on 5/24/2003, and the temperature sensor was replaced. Six days later light the illuminated again. The Volkswagen headquarters did pay for the hose when the malfunction indicator light illuminated at approx. 24,000 miles.

- Marion, MA, USA

The vehicle started to make a noise, and then stalled.

- Andover, MD, USA