2001 Volkswagen Passat engine problems
Owners reported engine problems in 91 complaints for the 2001 Volkswagen Passat, 16% of the complaints on file. It is the most reported problem area for this model year.
At a glance
- Complaints
- 91 16% of this year's complaints
- Typical mileage
- 62,000 miles 65 complaints with mileage
- Crashes and fires
- 0 and 6
- Injuries and deaths
- 1 and 0
Source: NHTSA owner complaints
When engine problems show up
View the numbers
| Mileage | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 0k to 20k miles | 8 |
| 20k to 40k miles | 7 |
| 40k to 60k miles | 15 |
| 60k to 80k miles | 16 |
| 80k to 100k miles | 6 |
| 100k to 120k miles | 6 |
| 120k to 140k miles | 1 |
| 140k to 160k miles | 3 |
| 160k to 180k miles | 2 |
| 180k to 200k miles | 1 |
| 200k+ miles | 0 |
What the data shows
Of the 65 engine complaints that report mileage, the median is about 62,000 miles, and 46% were reported before 60,000 miles.
These complaints mention 6 fires, 1 injury.
What owners wrote
Vehicle died while driving on 45 MPH road. Starter and engine turn, but would not run. Advised dealer that this happened 1 year ago and engine fuse and horn fuse had to be replaced. No codes were in the computer. Dealer replaced fuse s232 and car started. During road test, car died again. Fuse s232 blew again and dealer found ECM and harness melted and was smoking. Dealer replaced ECM, harness and fuse and car ran. When customer received the car, the cruise control and dash lights were inoperative.
Having an oil sludge problem with a 2001 1/2 model year VW passat with a 1.8t engine. Recently had a low oil pressure warning light come on, requiring the vehicle to be towed to a local VW dealership. Dealership diagnosed as an oil pump problem, most likely caused by an oil sludge problem. If it is caused by oil sludge, then engine damage is likely to be found as it seems to be a common problem based on web forum postings by other passat owners who have experienced the same problem.
Other problems reported for the 2001 Volkswagen Passat
- Electrical system 83 complaints
- Brakes 69 complaints
- Fuel system 46 complaints
- Lighting 39 complaints
- Suspension 32 complaints
- Wipers, windshield & visibility 32 complaints
- Air bags 26 complaints
- Body & structure 25 complaints