2001 Volkswagen Passat: ball joint or control arm failure

Filed Dec 27, 2010 · Suspension · 120,000 miles · AL

Tl*the contact owns a 2001 volkswagen passat. While driving approximately 70 MPH, the contact heard a creaking noise coming from the suspension. The contact stated the rear suspension control arms were wearing out prematurely. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer for diagnosis. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000. Updated 02/11/11 *bf updated 05/02/11

Filed Jul 29, 2010 · Steering · 109,000 miles · NC

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 volkswagen passat. The contact was driving at a relatively low speed when the steering wheel locked without warning. The vehicle was taken to a local repair facility for diagnostic testing. The contact was advised by the mechanic that the rack and pinion was defective. The contact stated the tie rods were previously replaced due to loose steering. The manufacturer advised they would assist with ten percent of the total cost of repairs. The vehicle was repaired by the dealer. The failure mileage was 109,000 and the current mileage was 113,747.

Filed Mar 13, 2009 · Electrical, Suspension · 35,000 miles · NC

Front ball joint failure at approx. 35,000 miles. Then a lower control arm failure at 95,000 miles. Old control arm is available.

Filed Jul 26, 2008 · Engine, Suspension · 77,105 miles · NY

I have a '01 vw passat. I had to go to the vw dealer today since I was hearing a pinging noise when I drive. They checked and advised that the lower control arm and tie ends would need to be replaced since they were worn out. The car has 77k miles and on researching have found that other vw passat owners from the same time frame are having the same issue. It has been attributed to design flaws. I am worried that this is going to deteriorate and lead to an accident. Additionally they identified a valve cover camshaft seal leakage. This is another issue that has been identified by other owners.

Filed Apr 7, 2008 · Suspension · WA

Failure of multiple front control arms in 2001 vw passat. Was given quote of nearly $2100 to repair control arms. Was told this is a "wide spread" problem with vw passats and nothing has been recalled as of yet.

Filed Nov 25, 2007 · Suspension · 62,500 miles · MD

All 4 upper control arms failed at 62,500 miles. Oem control arms are unfit for purpose as designed and should be recalled by vwoa.

Filed Nov 19, 2007 · Steering · WI

I and thousands of other vw passat owners wish for vw of north america to issue a recall on the tie rods, control arms, ball joints, etc. (the whole front suspension of passats) due to the obvious failure of these systems. I personally know of a mechanic in stoughton, wi who has replaced this system on 3 passats this month alone and my car is next. We're talking to the tune of $1800.00-$2000.00 for parts alone. This is very expensive and one is completely handcuffed because one's car is not safe to drive if this issue is neglected. Further, when one contacts a local vw dealership (zimbrick vw of madison, wi) and inquires about this kit to rebuild the front end, the parts manager admits that they keep many of these kits in stock because they are very aware of this issue. So, why is vw of north american ignoring the obvious? Could it be that they would be out a handsome amount of money? Better to let the consumer take the brunt of this issue and hope it eventually goes away? Please help!!!

Filed Mar 26, 2007 · Steering, Suspension · 53,000 miles · PA

Took car for state inspection. Mechanic found both left an right upper ball joints and both tie rods defective at 53,000 miles.

Filed Mar 24, 2007 · Engine, Steering · 100,000 miles · NJ

Engine sludge in engine leading to failure of the oil pump and the turbo. In addition, also had to have the front control arms ,and tie-rods replaced , and even now there were still problems with the front suspension. I have researched and found these were similar problems with many passat owners. I still recall the major issue / recall over the ignition coil failures and how vw of america denied there ever was a problem. The entire car should be declared a lemon !!!! The oil pump failure leading to failures of the turbo, and seizure of the engine should be proof enough that this car has too many major problems and should be recalled .

Filed Mar 8, 2007 · Brakes, Steering · 79,200 miles · CA

Tl*- the contact took the 2001 volkswagen passat to a dealer, and they stated that the vehicle was unsafe to drive. All 8 tie rods and the one link arm were showing excessive wear. The dealer and the manufacturer stated that the vehicle was out of warranty so the repair would be at contacts expense. The current and failure mileage were both 79200.*ak the right outer cv boot was torn and the left outer tie rod end was worn. The ABS control module was replaced. Updated 03/30/07.

Filed Sep 29, 2005 · Steering, Suspension · 40,000 miles · CT

I own 2001 vw passat with 43200 miles. This past year I noticed failures of outer cv joint boot both sides and rubber dust boots on all ball joints which causes a dirt and water to destroy ball joints. I changed outer cv join boot both sides and one upper control arm ball joint and others will fail soon.

Filed Sep 16, 2005 · Steering, Suspension · CO

Dt: on august 25 onwer was upset because he had to replace tie rods, and had the vehicle aligned. He said the tie rods had to be replaced becuase they were frozen. The repair shop replaced the tie rods.*ak