2001 Volkswagen Passat recalls and problems
The 2001 Volkswagen Passat has 3 safety recalls and 430 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Volkswagen dealer.
Recalls may cover only some 2001 Volkswagen Passat vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.
2001 Volkswagen Passat recalls
Recall 08V-156: Fuel System, Gasoline
Problem: Volkswagen is recalling 412,000 my 1999-2005 passat (5th generation) vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions and produced after june 14, 1999. These vehicles may have an underbody heat shield that can become damaged. In addition, affected vehicles with automatic or manual transmissions may have a fuel line (1.8t engines only) or fuel tank ventilation valve (4motion/all wheel drive only) that can leak due to fracture.
Risk: A heat shield that may contact the exhaust system can result in a vehicle fire. In addition, a fuel leak from a fuel line or fuel tank ventilation valve, in the presence of an ignition source, can lead to a vehicle fire.
Fix: Dealers will install additional underbody heat shields on vehicles with automatic transmissions to cover the possibly damaged areas and flash all 1.8t engines with a precautionary software update. Dealers will also inspect and adjust the fuel line routing on 1.8t vehicles and the fuel tank ventilation valve on 4motion/all wheel drive vehicles, and replace components if necessary free of charge. The recall began on june 13, 2008. Owners may contact volkswagen at 1-800-822-8987.
Recall 02V-026: Fuel System, Gasoline
Problem: On some passenger vehicles, the fuel tank filler neck can suffer abrasion damage if the rear tire goes flat and the vehicle is driven until the tire disintegrates.
Risk: Fuel leakage can occur increasing the risk of a fire.
Fix: Dealers will fit passat vehicles with a new wheel house liner that will better protect the car's filler neck. Jetta vehicles will be fitted with a different metal shield designed to enhance abrasion protection in the event of tire disintegration. Owner notification began june 13, 2003. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact volkswagen at 1-800-822-8987.
Recall 01V-157: Fuel System, Gasoline
Problem: Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. Sulfur in fuel interacts with certain additives found in widely available gasoline causing sulfur to become deposited on the contact points of three fuel sending units mounted inside the fuel tank. This could cause the fuel gauge to read full while the fuel tank may not in fact be full or could be empty.
Risk: Running out of fuel without warning while the fuel gauge indicates that there is sufficient fuel in the tank lead to safety problems.
Fix: Dealers will remove the existing fuel level sending units and replace them with fuel level sending units using a new alloy composed of gold, silver, and a small amount of nickel, which will not chemically react with sulfur. Vw/audi will also call back vehicles that were repaired under a previous recall last june in order to install the updated fuel sending units NHTSA 00v137/audi lb). Owner notification began may 1, 2001. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact audi at 1-866-892-2834.
2001 Volkswagen Passat problems reported by owners
| Problem area | Reports | |
|---|---|---|
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 95 | |
| Electrical System | 83 | |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 54 | |
| Exterior Lighting | 37 | |
| Power Train | 34 | |
| Visibility | 32 | |
| Suspension | 32 | |
| Fuel System, Gasoline | 29 | |
| Air Bags | 26 | |
| Structure | 25 | |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 19 | |
| Steering | 13 |
Most reported parts
- Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine — 32
- Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 20
- Electrical System › Ignition — 20
- Exterior Lighting › Headlights — 13
- Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip › Control Unit/Module — 12
- Suspension › Front › Control Arm › Upper Arm — 10
- Visibility › Windshield — 9
- Air Bags › Frontal — 8
Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 60,000 miles (median of owner reports).
Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.
Recent 2001 Volkswagen Passat complaints
Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.
Other Volkswagen Passat years
Frequently asked questions
Does the 2001 Volkswagen Passat have any recalls?
Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2001 Volkswagen Passat: 08V-156 (fuel system, gasoline), 02V-026 (fuel system, gasoline), 01V-157 (fuel system, gasoline). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What is the most common problem with the 2001 Volkswagen Passat?
Owners report engine and engine cooling problems most often (95 reports), followed by electrical system (83). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 60,000 miles.
Are Volkswagen recall repairs free?
Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Volkswagen dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.