2000 Volkswagen Passat: hesitation when accelerating

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 Jan 31, 2011 · Engine · 100,000 miles · CA

In the last couple years my 2000 vw passat has a burning smell like a fire in the engine after driving a bit (I've noticed this particularly when the heater is on), has hesitated and jumped when I've tried to shift gears and accelerate, and a while ago the "check engine" light was going on when this hesitation occurred; although this light hasn't come on in the same situation lately, and the hesitation itself doesn't seem to be occurring as much as before. At any rate, I still get the burning smell and recently read that there is an investigation on this very make and model by the federal safety agency for said problems. My mechanic has been saying all along there is no problem, but perhaps he doesn't know of this investigation. What should I do?

Filed Jun 11, 2007 · Electrical · 80,000 miles · NY · fire

Tl*the contact owns a 2000 volkswagen passat. While driving 60 MPH the vehicle hesitated and there was a loss of power. He noticed smoke coming from the hood. Approximately five minutes later he noticed fire in the engine compartment. The dealer has not been inspected the vehicle to determine the cause of the fire. There is a defect investigation open for the ignition switch (the federal safety agency action # pe07024). The fire destroyed the vehicle. There is a police report available. The failure and current mileages were 80,000.

Filed Jun 10, 2004 · Acceleration, Engine · 72,500 miles · SC

Engine speed pulsates at idle when automatic transmission is in gear and brakes applied. No failure or warning lights displayed. To prevent surging of car while stopped, transmission must be put in neutral. Also hesitates significantly during some accelerations from stop due to condition, and idles rough when cold. Same fault last year in jan. 2003, resolution through replacement of coolant sensor and throttle body.

Filed Jun 10, 2004 · Acceleration · 72,500 miles · SC

Idle pulsates heavily at stops when in gear. Idle is rough when car is cold. Car hesitates heavily sometimes while accelerating from a stop. No fault codes displayed. Have replaced combination valve due to fault code stored in ecu, valve showed heavy buildup of carbon. Have replaced secondary air pump due to water buildup in pump. Problem occurred 1 year ago, was resolved by replacement of throttle body and coolant temp sensor at cost of $600. Problem now back.

Filed Jun 5, 2003 · Transmission · MN

The vehicle hesitated and jerked when it reached the speed of 40 MPH.

Filed Oct 26, 2002 · Engine · GA

I bought my 2000 volkswagen passat from georgia auto square in athens, ga. It was brand new with no miles. I have had all service requirements & recommendations done at this dealer. My car hesitates & loses power when trying to pass other cars on two lane roads, accelerating onto the expressway or accelerating while on the expressway. I have taken my car to the dealer one hour away six to seven times over a year (not including the times it was in for routine maintenance). They have kept my car over 50 days trying to find the problem, which they claim, is a wet air filter. They told once that they had to remove the snow guard, which worked with other cars experiencing this problem (obviously I am not the only one). This seems bizarre since it doesn't appear to be weather related. How does water get into an air filter (if that in fact is the problem) and why after all this time haven't they been able remedy it? I have had numerous close calls involving my family & other drivers unfortunate enough to be near me during these power failures. Being in several life threatening situations after being assured that my car was fixed, their service manager apologized for "my inconvenience". Three weeks ago while driving to a funeral, my car stalled while merging at I-985 & I-85. After suddenly losing power & terrifying me and the driver behind me, who saw that I experiencing trouble, the car finally started jerking, let out a billow of smoke & finally (and thankfully) caught & drove on. I have been forced to drive a nissan with 240,000 miles on it while I pay for a volkswagen with a little over 40,000 miles, which once again sits at the dealer's. This time he has had it for over a week (test driving, yet again) the car I am paying for. He has admitted previous times experiencing the exact problems I reported while driving the vehicle. Yet, the dealer and the volkswagen rep continue to exercise reckless disregard for my life, my family's lives, and others on the road. Dt