2001 Volkswagen Passat engine problems

Filed Jan 22, 2021 · Engine, Fuel system · 25 miles · PA

Took car to vw dealer to have timing belt replaced and was notified that there were several open recalls and they offered to take care of them free of charge. However, they were unable to perform recall #08v156. Manufacturer #26e5. They installed the heat shield but could not perform software upgrade. I never received any recall notices in the mail. Now vw wants to buy the car back because they can't fix it. It's a 2001 vw passat with 25k miles in showroom shape. Was never driven in snow and garaged it's entire life. They offered me $1500 out of which I owe $1300 for the timing belt. They said it may need a ecu but they are no longer available from vw but refuse to install a used one. The car has been at the vw dealer since 12/28/2020. I was under the impression that recalls never expire.

Filed Nov 15, 2017 · Engine · 160,000 miles · UT

Faulty cam chain tensioner failed and caused severe engine damage to valves, pistons, camshaft, cam timing chain. I was stationary waiting at a red light when I heard a sudden loud grinding noise from inside the engine compartment, the engine began to shake and sputter. The car lost most of its power and I was barely able to make it through the intersection when the light turned green. Upon inspection it was clear to see that the cam chain tensioner had self destructed and caused the engine to fail.

Filed Nov 17, 2014 · Airbags, Electrical · 180,220 miles · SD · 1 injury

So I got rear ended at the other party's fault at high speed while I was at a stop sign and they neglected to stop pushing me into an intersection full of traffic...no airbags deployed..and since my heater doesn't work but passenger seat heat burned my 12 year old daughters butt...anyone help? I just want heat for my babies..below zero here :( thank you!! [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).

Filed Feb 19, 2014 · Engine · 101,000 miles · OH · fire

I was driving and I pulled into my parking lot and my engine caught on fire. I put it out with snow thank god or it would have been a lot worse. I always have coolant and oil and I checked it a lot cause of the freezing weather we have had recently had -30 for quite awhile. I called vw customer care and they were very worried about my safety at 1st then they had a product something guy call me after see the picture I sent them. I understand they have people always looking for a quick escape goat but this was a fire it could have been so much worse if there was not snow near by. I want my car fixed but I am more worried about the next person this could happen too. I should tell you after ask him if he just wanted to find the reason behind it he said no. Personally a car fire is not a normal thing.

Filed Feb 27, 2013 · Engine · 155,000 miles · WA

My car has been leaking coolant. I took it to a shop and was informed that the heater core was bad. I have had to replace the inside computer already and probably all the carpet since the water has been leaking into the car. I suffer from asthma and can no longer drive this car since it smells like coolant/mold and not to mention water leaking on my foot as I drive (very unsafe since the pedal gets slippery.) I have read online on many sites that there was a recall regarding this matter and the owners were never notified. I need this fixed before something bad happens; either I get into an accident or I end up in the hospital. Thank you very much for getting back to me and getting this matter fixed promptly.

Filed Nov 17, 2012 · Engine · IL · fire

Car had been sitting all day drove it once caught fire around 4am in the morning car total alot burn bad in the front. I had notice that some features were not working but I did not attribute it to a electrical problem according to the fire dept who came to put the blaze out.

Filed Jan 20, 2012 · Engine · 127,980 miles · FL · fire

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 volkswagen passat. The contact stated that the vehicle was leaking coolant, causing smoke to be released. The dealer diagnosed that antifreeze leaked onto the electrical wires. The dealer denied any assistance with repairs to the vehicle. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but denied any assistance with repairs. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 127,980 and the current mileage was 128,000.

Filed Dec 20, 2011 · Engine · 70,000 miles · MO · fire

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 volkswagen passat. The contact stated that the vehicle was sitting at a traffic stop when he noticed smoke and fire coming from under the hood of the vehicle. The fire department was called to extinguish the fire. A police and fire report was filed and available. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and the current mileage was 70,000. The VIN was unavailable.

Filed Jan 2, 2011 · Engine · 118,200 miles · PA

"oil pressure. Stop engine" light came on. After several miles driving and lot of noise from back off the engine. Need new oil pump passable rebuilt engine. It is sitting parked in my driveway.

Filed Dec 28, 2010 · Electrical, Engine · 165,000 miles · TN

Class action law suit settled with vw for oil sludge. This makes no sense by the time the settlement was reached my 2001 vw passat, 1.8 turbo was not covered. 7 or 8 weeks ago I took my vehicle into the vw dealer (halmark vw of madison) they told me I had a sludge problem and did not even mention that it was a known problem or that the law suit was underway- very sneaky. They told me to replace my engine or to change the oil every 1000 miles for awhile. My ABS and computer module failed at the same time with no one taking responsibility for it. Now I have the problem but have no way to get it resolved.