ABS alarm goes on with increasing frequency. Says that there is a brake fault. Brakes are apparently fine, but the problem is with the anti-lock braking system (ABS) electronic control unit. When this alarm is on, the ABS may not be working. Many people report the same problem in VW's and Audi's.

- Berkeley, CA, USA

ABS module on my 2001 VW Passat failed. This was a $1000 repair and after reading hundreds of threads about other Passat ABS modules failing, something should be done about this and VW should recall this part and give people their money back who have already paid for the repair!

- Lafayette, CA, USA

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.

- Clayton, NC, USA

My 2001 Passat is having brake problems. The ABS and brake light blink and there are 3 beeps. The screen on the dash says brake failure and service manual. Now right now if something where to happen to my actual brakes I would not know and I believe that could be serious. I have read many sites and have found that this is a problem that a lot of people who are experiencing. Also, I have been experiencing stalling problems due to the ABS module. VW has said that it will cost around $1500. I personally don't have $1500 to just go out and spend nor do I feel like I need to due to the research I have done on this problem. Here is a forum website that I have found a lot of my information from www.passatworld.com/forums/showthread.php?T=127734. Also, you can check around that website and find more.

- Madison, AL, USA

- the contact took the 2001 Volkswagen Passat to a dealer, and they stated that the vehicle was unsafe to drive. All 8 tie rods and the one link arm were showing excessive wear. The dealer and the manufacturer stated that the vehicle was out of warranty so the repair would be at contacts expense. The current and failure mileage were both 79200. The right outer cv boot was torn and the left outer tie rod end was worn. The ABS control module was replaced. Updated 03/30/07.

- San Francisco, CA, USA

2001 VW Passat, 1.8L 4 cylinder. At 89,000 miles on my odometer, I am now receiving a stop, brake fault, see service manual warning, with the ABS warning light also. In reviewing the VW owners forums and other information online, it seems this is a likely failure of the ABS control module -- which is said to cost $1,500 for the part alone. This is said to be a fairly common issue....

- Apex, NC, USA

The ABS module has failed in my 2001 Passat, which only has 79000 miles on it... they are charging almost $1000 to get this fixed, if this is a safety issue, the part should be recalled and covered by Volkswagen... I have read a lot of consumer complaints regarding this part and the need to replace it prematurely.

- Campbell, CA, USA

My ABS and brake lights started blinking while I was driving on the freeway and I got a "stop", "brake failure", "service manual" signs with several beeps. I had to stop over the shoulder, took it to a dealer and it was detected that it was a ABS computer module malfunction (not really an ABS mechanical issue). The dealer said there was no recall. I called VW America and they said there was no known recalls. The dealer quoted $700 for this part. There are so many people who have experienced this problem and I'm surprised that VW has not responded so far. The effects of this are that the main computer module would eventually become defective and strange signs/warnings/beeps would come over the dashboard. VW Passat glx V6, 2001. (its only 5 yrs old and 60K miles). Please do something about this. It happens intermittently (once per driving session) we would not know when there is a real ABS problem which could cause catastrophic incidents (per service manual).

- San Jose, CA, USA

ABS module failed causing the ABS braking to stop functioning. Because the module would only work intermittently it was hard to determine whether or not the ABS module was working so extreme caution had to be taken with braking. ABS module was removed by myself and sent to a refurbisher to be repaired and then reinstalled.

- Iowa City, IA, USA

My VW Passat gls 2001's ABS/asr light keeps on at all times now. Went to the technician to put a repair kit since the ABS control module was not communicating with the main computer. On trying 3-4 different kits, taking to the dealerships, the error code showed sensor failure but all the sensors worked fine, electrical were without any opens or shorts. The ABS control module fails to communicate. I am to know that this is a very common problem with VW/Audi especially the Bosch modules. It is a safety issue since ABS doesn't work on this expensive vehicle.

- Mason, OH, USA

At approx. 70,000 miles my 2001 VW Passat 4 cyl automatic has an ABS failure. I purchased the vehicle certified used in 2002 from a VW dealer and have had it regularly serviced. Other VW owners that I know have had similar complaints. In act it is apparently well known in the automotive industry that VW`ABS units are sub-standard and prone to defectiveness. When I returned to my local VW dealer, I was told that the unit cost $1300. The person at the dealership also made a comment the reflected on the sub-standard quality of Passat ABS modules. I have seen internet postings detailing the numerous failures of VW Passat ABS units.

- Hayward, CA, USA

At approx. 74,300 mi. Our 2001 VW Passat gls V6 automatic had an ABS failure. We purchased the vehicle new from a VW dealer in 2001 and have it serviced by VW dealers. Other VW owners I have spoken to (some while in the service area of the dealership!) have also had ABS failure. The ABS unit is back-ordered and wait listed because so many have failed and been requested. I am on my 4th week of waiting for the part, after having to pay for it in full up front. This is a very expensive part: Rebuild kit is $650 while the unit itself is approx. $1,100. I believe this part suffer chronic failure among VW's and Audi's. I also believe the ignition coils should be recalled as mine are failing and so many others are failing.

- Oakdale, CA, USA