My car just stopped. There could have been an accident had I not gotten off the road in time. I was on route 68, a 4 line highway. Come to find out the timing chain and timing tensioner broke, which the manufacture knew would happen because all the repair books say to have it changed at about 65,000 to 75,000 miles. Nobody told me that. If my children would have been in the car at the time needless to say if my wife would have been driving instead of me what could have happened. It is costing me over $2,300 to have it fixed. Needless to say had I been warned I would have had it replaced.

- Greensboro, PA, USA

Continuing oil pressure problems on the 2001 VW Passat. Widespread problem that is reported on the internet. Causes premature engine failure due to premature burning of oil. In my case, VW is not taking responsibility for this defect.

- Atlanta, GA, USA

Consumer stated the vehicle failed to start on 2 occasions and the dealer could not find the source of the problem.

- Queensbury, NY, USA

I purchased a 2001 VW Passat on August 19, 2001 from trans ocean motor in pasadena, ca. In the 8 weeks I have owned the car it has been returned to the dealer 4 times for the same problem. The last time it had to be towed because it just stopped in the middle of the street. The car lost power and then the engine died. When I restarted the car, the epc light turned on and then the malfunction light or in other words the check engine light turned on. The previous incident which was 1 wk prior to this one, I was on the freeway and the RPM went erractic. Even though I was stepping all the way down on the gas pedal, the car had lost power and would not drive more than 50 miles/hr. The dealer aware about my safety concerns have tried fixing the problem several times however, the problem has been getting worse. I am really concerned about my safety. The car is not reliable at all and my greatest fear is that if this car keeps giving me engine problems, one day I'm going to find my self involved in a terrible accident that could have been preventalble. If needed, further detailed nformation regarding service reports can be provided. - ca.

- Monterey Park, CA, USA

I purchased a 2001 VW Passat on August 21,2001 from patrick motors in auburn, mass. In the 5 weeks I have owed the car it has had been returned to the dealership 4 times ( 2 X towed) for the same related problem. Malfunction light has gone on each of those times. Car has driven in low gear and there is a problem with hesitation of the vehicle when you press on the gas. The transmission control module has been replaced as well as frayed wires repaired that came from the manufacturer. The car has be undriveable per the dealership during these times. I have safety concerns with the type of commute I do every day to work. I drive 50 mins one way down rt 2, 495 and rt 3. I have been in the position of concern if my car will make it home, to work, will I cause an accident with the cars continued problem with the hesitation when stepping on the gas. To me this has created a safety issue. Further info can be provided with more detailed information as well as copies of service repair order. Thank you.

- Leominster, MA, USA

Engine check light intermittently came on. Vehicle would sometimes just stop. On October 18, 2000 while traveling at 65mph on freeway vehicle just stopped. Consumer almost got hit 3 times trying to get the vehicle off road. Vehicle has been taken to dealer 8 tmes. They have tried many things to rectify problem. Consumer has contacted arbitration for assistance. Once consumer had contacted them they tried unplugging computer and chips to see why light comes on. Volkswagen finally said to replace computer.

- Oakland, CA, USA