Check a VIN

2000 Volkswagen Passat fuel system problems

46 complaints (9% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 62,000.

owner complaints
46
of this car's complaints
9%
typical mileage
62,000
crashes
0
recalls
3

Which part fails

  • Storage: fuel gauge system
    8
  • Storage: tank assembly
    7
  • Fuel injection system: injectors
    3
  • Delivery: hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
    2
  • Storage: tank assembly: filler pipe and cap
    1
  • Fuel injection system
    1
  • Delivery: fuel pump
    1
  • Delivery
    1

At what mileage

Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.

0k-25k
25k-50k
50k-75k
75k-100k
100k-125k
125k-150k
150k-175k
175k-200k
200k+

Volkswagen Passat fuel system problems in other years

1990199520002005201020152022

Specific symptoms reported on the 2000 Volkswagen Passat fuel system

Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.

Fuel gauge 14Fuel leak 14Fuel pump 5Fuel smell 5

Related recalls

Fuel system, gasoline: deliveryReported April 7, 2008 · 412,000 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
Remedy
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 number 08V156000 · Recall details

Fuel system, gasoline: storage: tank assembly: filler pipe and capReported January 25, 2002 · 487,284 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
Remedy
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 number 02V026000 · Recall details

Fuel system, gasoline: storage: tank assemblyReported May 3, 2001 · 70,000 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.
Remedy
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 the federal safety agency 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.

Recall number 01V157000 · Recall details

What 2000 Volkswagen Passat owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Dec 21, 2020 · Fuel system · 45,000 miles · NJ

Tl* the contact owns a 2000 volkswagen passat. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle after being parked overnight, he noticed a fuel odor. The contact stated that the fuel tank was half empty after being refilled. The contact took the vehicle to a certified mechanic and was informed that the seam in the fuel tank was fractured which caused the fuel leak. The fuel tank was replaced. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 45,000.

Filed Jul 10, 2019 · Engine, Fuel system · CA · fire

Tl* the contact owns a 2000 volkswagen passat. While driving approximately 20 MPH, smoke billowed from under the hood of the vehicle. The contact was able to safely leave the roadway, the hood was raised and flames appeared in the engine compartment. The fire department arrived and extinguished the fire. A fire report was filed. The vehicle was not towed and remained at the scene. There were no injuries. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. An unknown dealer was notified of the fire. The vehicle was included in the federal safety agency campaign number: 08v156000 (fuel system, gasoline). The manufacturer was not contacted. The insurance company was not made aware of the fire. The contact was unsure if the vehicle was destroyed. The failure mileage was unavailable.

Filed Jan 6, 2017 · Fuel system · 10 miles · CA

While driving on the highway, we started smelling gasoline in the cabin. We pulled over and checked under the hood. A fuel line attached to the firewall had a leak directly above the exhaust system, and was spraying gasoline everywhere in the engine bay, including the catalytic converter and exhaust system. We were informed by tow truck driver that we were incredibly lucky no fire got started in the engine bay while we were driving down the highway.

Filed Aug 19, 2016 · Fuel system · 49,000 miles · AZ

Tl* the contact owns a 2000 volkswagen passat. The contact smelled fuel inside and outside the vehicle. While inspecting the vehicle, the contact discovered fuel leaking under the rear passenger side of the vehicle. The cause of the failure was not diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was repaired per the federal safety agency campaign number: 08v156000 (fuel system), but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The VIN was not available. The failure mileage was 49,000. Updated 11/01/16

Filed Sep 21, 2015 · Fuel system · 149,000 miles · MO

Tl* the contact owns a 2000 volkswagen passat. The contact stated that the transmission was fractured and there was fuel leaking. The contact stated that the vehicle was not included in the federal safety agency campaign number: 08v156000 (fuel system, gasoline:delivery). The approximate failure mileage was 149,000.

Filed Jul 1, 2015 · Electrical, Engine · FL

In approximately july of 2014 my volkswagen passat started experiencing on and off again problems with the engine firing. I had recently retired and was not driving the car daily, and so I was unable to associate the problem with any recent driving event. However, one morning when the hesitation was very pronounced I popped the hood to have a look. Water was standing almost level with the top of the battery in the area housing that part. I used my indoor/outdoor vacuum to pump out as much water as possible. When I thought the area was thoroughly dried out I took the car to my local volkswagen certified mechanic for further investigation. He didn't take long to determine that drainage holes on both sides under the hood were clogged. He was able to unclog the hole on the passenger side immediately, but the hole on the driver side is located beneath parts that have to be moved for access. I recalled numerous times over the years when I was certain I was hearing the sound of water sloshing around under the hood. I had asked on more than one occasion at time of service for the sound to be investigated further. I was always told the same thing: there was nothing to explain the sound I was hearing. I now believe this has been a recurring problem over the years I've owned the car, and might have impacted more than just the battery at any time. I thought there should be more than one report of this problem on file.

Filed May 12, 2015 · Fuel system · 132,000 miles · GA

I kept noticing a smell of gasoline. One morning when I backed up and looked forward there was a puddle. I got out, bent down and smelled it. It was gas. I backed up a little more and there was another small puddle. It also was gas. When I first saw the puddles of gas I called volkswagen and was told there was no recall for this and that any recall that was on my vehicle has been complete (nothing to do with the fuel leak). Just this past week (5/2/15) I noticed the same smell. This time I could actually see the fuel leaking from the back passenger side and I filmed it on my cell.

Filed Sep 5, 2014 · Fuel system · 114,248 miles · NH

As with similar reports the car was driven then sat for 24hrs, when it was started again a strong gas smell was noticed and a puddle of gas was found under the passenger rear panel. Immediately took to repair station where they could not find a leak. They filled the tank with gas and left it to sit overnight and under pressure. No leak. 3 weeks have passed with typical driving, not excessive use and no leaks until today september 5th 2014. Started the car up and backed up to find a gas puddle again.

Filed Jul 29, 2014 · Fuel system · 134,000 miles · NY

Tl* the contact owns a 2000 volkswagen passat. The contact stated that when the vehicle was started, there was a fuel odor coming from the hood of the vehicle. The contact lifted the hood and noticed that fuel was leaking from the fuel pipe. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was not diagnosed. The VIN was unavailable. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 134,000.

Filed Jun 4, 2012 · Fuel system · 70,000 miles · CA

When I do not use the car after a few days, and then start it, fuel leaks from the rear passenger side of the car. It seems to drip quite a bit at first and comes from the front somewhere. Driving along the first mile you can see the drip continues on the ground. The leak stops and as long as I use the car daily, no leak reappears. When I took it to the dealer a few years ago, they couldn't find the problem because it stopped leaking. I should have left it there a few days I guess. I still have the problem and only after a few days of sitting.

Questions about the 2000 Volkswagen Passat fuel system

Does the 2000 Volkswagen Passat have fuel system problems?

Owners have filed 46 complaints about the fuel system of the 2000 Volkswagen Passat, 9% of all its complaints.

At what mileage do 2000 Volkswagen Passat fuel system problems start?

The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 62,000 miles.

Was there a recall on the 2000 Volkswagen Passat fuel system?

Yes, 3 recalls: 08V156000, 02V026000, 01V157000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.

What year does the Volkswagen Passat have the most fuel system problems?

The Volkswagen Passat model years with the most fuel system complaints are 2003 (169 complaints), 2013 (88 complaints) and 2002 (73 complaints).

Other 2000 Volkswagen Passat problems

Brakes 207Engine 101Electrical 43Suspension 36Visibility 26Steering 25Transmission 19Airbags 17Acceleration 15Lights 11Body 10Tires 8Seat belts 6Driver assistance 4Seats 3Locks 1

VIN decoder

See the problems and recalls for an exact car

Buying a used 2000 Volkswagen Passat?

Check the exact car before you pay: accidents, salvage or flood titles, odometer readings and previous owners.

Check its history