2000 Volkswagen Passat brakes problems

Filed May 18, 2014 · Brakes, Electrical · 130,000 miles · FL

I have had my 2000 vw passat since 2006 and have had only regular wear and tear unitl about 3 weeks ago. I was driving on 95 in fort lauderdale, fl moving at about 65-70 MPH when the engine shut off, power steering was gone and pushing brakes took all I had to try and safely steer and come to a complete stop crossing over 5 lanes of traffic to the break-down lane. Once I was completely stopped I was able to turn the key to the off position and restart the vehicle. Aside from the engine, steering and brakes all other functions were or at least seemed to still be working (ie: dash lights, radio, windows) the vehicle did this 4 more times while I attempted to drive to the nearest exit and call for assistance. I tested all the fuses and they all were in working order and the next set of symptoms occurred a week later. I was trying to unlock the car with the remote and there was not connection being made between the key and the car, I manually unlocked the doors and put the key in the ignition. The engine didnt start or even attempt to turn over. All dash lights were on as well as the radio, however, I had lost the power windows, locks, trunk, gas lid and all interior light functions. I currently have the vehicle being looked at and hope to give an update when I find out the issue. Updated 12/1/2014

Filed Dec 30, 2013 · Brakes, Electrical · 190,000 miles · MI

My 2000 vw passat gls wagon began exhibiting a flashing/beeping red brake light accompanied by a solid yellow ABS and traction control light to indicate a failure in the ABS system. Also at this time the information hud has "stop, brake fault, service manual" flashing. Upon further research with other owners of this vehicle, it has come to my attention that this failure is fairly common on 1998-2001 passats, but no action has ever been taken by the manufacturer. I intend to have the ABS module rebuilt and do the removal and installation work myself; the result should be around $220 out of pocket. However, many people who have sought dealership service work for this same problem have spent well in excess of $1,000. Given the apparent failure rate of this module and the fact that it is a core safety feature of the car, it is my opinion that it should be considered for recall (including compensation for those who have already made the repair). Thank you.

Filed Jun 14, 2013 · Brakes · 122,000 miles · OH

Intermittent warning lights appear:ABS,brake,stop,brake fault on dash warning area. Stopped at local repair center,could not duplicate problem on road test.unable to diagnose problem with ABS control module.,must be done only at vw dealership. Drove without warning coming on but happened 3 or so hours later. Have seen numerous complaints regarding this problem..the federal safety agency id number 10016037 service bulletin noted a warranty repair process for anti-lock brake system(ABS) control module for this year of my passat and many other years before and after as well as other vw models. Volkswagen said my VIN # was not among the repair campaigns.is this a concern especially for your ABS control that all vehicles be checked and repaired as a safety issue?

Filed Jun 12, 2012 · Brakes · 125,526 miles · CA

Abs module failed. Lights on dashboard flashing.

Filed Sep 11, 2011 · Brakes · 85,751 miles · VA

Abs brake pump bosch 5.3 volkswagen part 8e0 614 111 ah began leaking and caused brake pressure failure in both circuits causing pedal to go to the floor. This was not the common failure of the ABS control module electronics which merely causes a failure in anti-lock behavior. This is a total failure of the hydraulic system to all four wheels.

Filed May 16, 2011 · Brakes · 96,500 miles · IL

Abs/asr/brake warning lights flashing and beeping. Message center says stop, brake fault. After having brakes replaced, I was told that the ABS control unit is defective meaning that I have no ABS function.

Filed Dec 8, 2010 · Acceleration, Brakes · 140,000 miles · TX

While stopped at a red light, the engine accelerated by itself (computer failure?). My husband, who was driving, had to use both feet, pressing down as hard as he could, to stop the car. Fortunately, no one was in front of us and we were far enough back that we did not accelerate into the intersection. The engine sound returned to normal after 15-30 seconds and we drove it home without further incident but we have stopped driving the car for safety reasons. In addition, the ABS computer module has also failed, though we have not had any incidents related to that failure as the brakes are otherwise fine.

Filed Jul 22, 2010 · Brakes · AZ

My 2000 vw passat v6 ABS brake module has failed and I get the stop/ABS lights flashing on my dashboard intermittently, along with warning beeps. This makes the car unsafe to drive and costs $1000+ to fix. Vw needs to recall these models immediately.

Filed Apr 14, 2010 · Brakes · 94,000 miles · CO

My 2000 vw passat 4 motion has 9k miles. Just recently the ABS brakes lights came on and the car puts on the brakes by itself. You are driving 65 MPH and the car slams on the brakes. Feels like you have hit a big hole in the road, but only with the front wheels. Very scary.

Filed Mar 19, 2010 · Brakes · 148,000 miles · MN

I have been having dashboard warning lights coming on and off for the ABS braking system. When the lights are on the ABS system does not work.