2.2

hardly worth mentioning
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
71,644 miles

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problem #2

Aug 032009

Passat

  • 53,287 miles
I would like to report the failure of the automatic dimming rear view mirror on my 2001 VW Passat. It is a donnelly mirror, part 3bo857511E (also has the number 4231909 on it). The electromagnetic fluid suddenly created a bubble and leaked when I had it replaced. I have since learned that these mirrors were used in a wide variety of cars and have routinely failed and may contain Mercury and other very toxic substances. This presents a definitive safety hazard as one does not expect their rear view mirror to fail, absent being struck and broken, and to possibly leak toxic particles/fluid into the car or the air of the car. Also, one can't safely drive without the mirror and they often cost hundreds of dollars to replace (mine was $227.30) and must be replaced immediately if the health hazards are to be minimized.

- Washington, DC, USA

problem #1

Jan 012007

Passat

  • 90,000 miles
I am the original owner of a 2001 Volkswagen new Passat. The headlight lenses that came with the car have clouded so much that the headlights barely illuminate the road. This is a dangerous situation and they need to be replaced. I have spoken with other Passat owners from the similar years and they have experienced the same issue. I believe VW should be forced to issue a recall on the headlight lenses, and offer to replace them for free. Who knows how many accidents have occurred because the owners of these vehicles are not seeing the road well at night. The date below reflects when I first noticed the clouding in the lenses.

- Flemington, NJ, USA