10.0
really awful- Crashes / Fires:
- 0 / 1
- Injuries / Deaths:
- 0 / 0
- Average Mileage:
- 54,662 miles
About These NHTSA Complaints:
The NHTSA is the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints can be spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem. See the Back button — blue bar at the very top of the page — to explore more.
I have had my 2001 VW Passat for 7 years now and have had it in the shop multiple issues including warped rotors (front and back), cracked chasse, electrical issues and various other problems. Before having this car, I had a Toyota for 8 years and in the 8 years I had the Toyota, I only had it in the shop for routine maintenance. This car is disappointing and everyone I talk to who has a similar model/year says the same thing. I think the 2001 VW Passat is a lemon.
- Westminster, CO, USA
The contact owns a 2001 Volkswagen Passat. The contact stated that the on-board diagnostic indicated that the catalytic converter needed to be replaced. The dealer and manufacturer refused to replace the unit. The dealer stated that there were no recalls available. The VIN, engine size, and dealer information were unknown. The failure and current mileages were 75,000.
- Harrisburg, PA, USA
The check engine light came on with a message display of "emissions workshop!" around 73K mi. The car dealer I bought it from thought it might be the O2 sensors, but it turned out not be to. I took it to the local VW dealer and they told me that it was a "recall/service bulletin" problem of some sort so they reset my onboard computer. The check engine light came on again with the same message shortly there after. I took it in to the VW dealer again and they replaced both of my catalytic converters (which were covered by the VW emissions warranty). This seemed to have resolved the problem. (the problem occurred the same day I purchased the vehicle so it would be a good assumption that this problem had occurred before I attained the vehicle).
- Arcata, CA, USA
Shielding on exhaust system separated and made contact with manifold, causing a fire.
- Mohnton, PA, USA
Upper control arms on both sides are worn out. Tie rods are worn out on both sides. Catalytic converters needed replaced. I paid for the tie rods, warranty covered converters, and I have not had the upper control arms replaced. Oil leaks on engine. Interior lights do not activate when drivers door is opened.
- Olmsted Township, OH, USA
- Los Angeles, CA, USA