2000 Volkswagen Passat: won't start

Filed Jun 10, 2015 · Body, Electrical · 138,179 miles · VA

My husband pickup would not start, so I lift my hood of my passat to give him a jump and the whole section all the way across that holds the battery have at least 6 inches of water just standing in there. We have had some down pours of rain,but rain water should never be standing on the inside of my hood. This could have potentially killed me if I never had to lift my hood and try to drive this with water standing around all of my electrical wires and battery. I have taken two pictures for visibility, but I do not know how I am going to get that water out without electrocuting myself. Somebody please help me.

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 Feb 28, 2014 · Airbags, Electrical · 137,700 miles · WA · crash · 2 injuries

A rainy night, 10:30 pm., on the freeway returning home from a symphony concert, the engine simply quit. I, husband/driver, tried three time to restart it before yelling to my wife to turn on emergency flashers which she did. As we slowed, I remember seeing all icons on dash blinking. Both of us were knocked unconscious and do not remember being hit by the car behind. Air bags did not deploy. Injuries sustained: a contusion and minor whiplash by husband; fractured c-7 and t-1 vertebrates and concussion by my wife. She has been in a neck-to-waist brace from nov. 10, 2013 until present. We always maintained our passat scrupulously according to vw standards at their service centers by their trained mechanics. One month earlier we had brought the car in to be checked because sometimes it would not start after driving it someplace. Twice had to wait for aaa towing. Aaa able to start it right up as though nothing was wrong. Vw ran "fault codes" but found no problem.we bought a new battery at vw's suggestion. Something went horribly wrong with our car inspite of our responsible maintenance. We were extremely lucky not to be killed. We wish to know if there are other cases like ours. At the very least, we want others to know about this possible danger. I will appreciate your acknowledgment of this report.

Filed Nov 27, 2011 · Electrical, Fuel system · AL · fire

The car was parked. I attempted to start the engine, but it did not turn over. I tried a second time and noticed white smoke coming from under the engine hood. By the time I went inside to call for road service and returned to the parking lot, there were flames shooting from under the hood. The car was destroyed.

Filed Jan 14, 2008 · Electrical, Fuel system · 113 miles · IL

Events leading to failure. First the fuel tank door switch became inoperable forcing me to remove the opening mechanism which allowed me to open it manually. Two days later the alarm began to sound on it's own, and did so for at least 8 hours or more. By the end of the night the car would not turn over and all the functions in the drivers side door as well as the alarm, ceased to operate apart from the locks. I had to remove the drivers side seat and carpet to access the convenience control module and subsequent wiring, while underneath the carpet I tried to suction up as much moisture as I could off the bottom of the floor and out of the padding. As of know I am quoted to purchase a new convenience control module to correct the situation.

Filed Mar 28, 2003 · Electrical · 42,000 miles · NJ

Intermittently car will not start. Usually I can maneuver the automatic shifter from the park position down through the gears, (neutral, drive, etc...) then back to the park position & then the car will start. Vw dealer is unable to isolate the problem but offered to replace a part for a fee of $400.00 because the vehicle is now out of warranty.

Filed Jan 22, 2002 · Engine · NY

Car wouldn't start, towed to dealer, was told it was a carbon buildup on the valves. Solution oil change, tune up, change thermostat, fuel cleaner. Cost $946 not covered under waranty.

Filed May 15, 2000 · Electrical · CA

Intermittently vehicle will not start up. Dealer has repaired and replaced various parts, and the problem still exists.

Filed Apr 14, 2000 · Engine · NY

Car wouldn't start. When brought to the dealership, we were told that there was a design defect in the v6 model passat engines. They are not properly burning any of the u>s> available gasolines, which is causing a carbon build-up on the valves. This will be an ongoing problem with the vehicle. Their solution is to adjust the engine so it burns hotter and this might allieviate the problem. They are also supplying dealers with a machine to clean the carbon off the valves, but these machines are not available at this time.