2001 Volkswagen Passat visibility problems

Filed Aug 27, 2010 · Visibility · 70,000 miles · VA

01 vw passat heater core. It doesn't put out enough heat to clear the windshield from fogging up or defrosting it either. This is an on going problem in the colder months. It's very difficult to see where I'm driving at times. There has been occasion where I've driven off the edge of the road because I could not see clearly. I had the heater core cleaned thoroughly and back flushed. Still the problem persists.

Filed Oct 4, 2009 · Visibility · RI

Vw passat windshield shatters for no apparent reason. This seems to be a trend that I discovered while talking with other vw owners and searching the web....this has happened to people while driving. Time bomb waiting to happen and money out of peoples pockets!!

Filed Aug 4, 2009 · Visibility · 53,287 miles · DC

I would like to report the failure of the automatic dimming rear view mirror on my 2001 vw passat. It is a donnelly mirror, part 3bo857511e (also has the number 4231909 on it). The electromagnetic fluid suddenly created a bubble and leaked when I had it replaced. I have since learned that these mirrors were used in a wide variety of cars and have routinely failed and may contain mercury and other very toxic substances. This presents a definitive safety hazard as one does not expect their rear view mirror to fail, absent being struck and broken, and to possibly leak toxic particles/fluid into the car or the air of the car. Also, one can't safely drive without the mirror and they often cost hundreds of dollars to replace (mine was $227.30) and must be replaced immediately if the health hazards are to be minimized.

Filed Feb 22, 2009 · Lights, Visibility · 90,000 miles · NJ

I am the original owner of a 2001 volkswagen new passat. The headlight lenses that came with the car have clouded so much that the headlights barely illuminate the road. This is a dangerous situation and they need to be replaced. I have spoken with other passat owners from the similar years and they have experienced the same issue. I believe vw should be forced to issue a recall on the headlight lenses, and offer to replace them for free. Who knows how many accidents have occurred because the owners of these vehicles are not seeing the road well at night. The date below reflects when I first noticed the clouding in the lenses.

Filed Dec 9, 2007 · Visibility · 130,000 miles · UT · crash

Heater core failed. I have always had the car serviced regular according to manufacturer specs. The cost is $1000.00 to replace the part. It failed on a very cold night traveling through a winter storm. Try driving a car in the middle of no where with no heat to defrost the windows. Wrecked due to the inability to see.

Filed Sep 28, 2007 · Visibility · 124,000 miles · NC · 1 injury

Tl*the contact owns a 2001 volkswagen passat. While driving less than 2 MPH, scalding hot radiator fluid suddenly spewed from the vents and onto the contact's feet. She is pregnant and stated that she had not been to a doctor to check if the radiator fumes harmed the unborn child. The instrument panel completely failed as well. The dealer stated that the heater core failed. No repairs were made. The VIN and powertrain were unknown. The current and failure mileages were 124,000.

Filed Jul 24, 2007 · Visibility · 82,000 miles · MD

Heater core failed, causing sudden and substantial loss of visibility in rush hour traffic. Interiors of all windows were severely fogged with coolant mist. I was forced to make an emergency stop to avoid an accident. Aware that vw has frequently replaced this known deficient component out of warranty, I contacted vw of america three times. I was consistently told that I would receive no help. Cost of heater core replacement at dealership was $1600.

Filed Oct 2, 2006 · Body, Visibility · 68,698 miles · VA

Interior left front floor of car flooded with water after very heavy rain. There was an inch of standing water sitting on the vehicle's carpet. This is the 2nd incident in 5 weeks. After a similar heavy rainfall in august the interior left front and rear floor was flooded. Standing water was in the front and rear of the car. After doing research on-line this appears to be a problem with the sun roof drains.

Filed Nov 9, 2005 · Visibility · 18,050 miles · NY

2001 volkswagen passat was parked, locked and sealed for period of one week. During this period, heavy rains fell and interior of car was flooded. Vehicle was taken to dealership for diagnosis and repairs on 10/21. Vehicle was diagnosed with defective sunroof frame as source of leak causing damage to "transmission computer and airbag module." manufacturer and dealership do not want to assume any responsibility for defect and I am concerned that they are avoiding and or concealing information about more than just monetary damages and vehicle's defect. Of particular concern is airbag module damage and any other components of this system that could be damaged or defective also. Please advise.

Filed Oct 25, 2005 · Engine, Visibility · 99,387 miles · WA

Dt: the contact states that the vehicle is a 2001.5 volkswagen passat. There is a problem with the windows fogging. This occurs when the temperature is around 50 degrees or less. The fog will appear on the window after the vehicle is started. Sometimes the fog will appear after the contact was driving. It will occur wither or not the heater or fan turned on. The problem seems to be less severe once the vehicle was heated . The only way the fog will go away is if the air conditioner is turned on high. She has already taken it to the dealership twice, each time they did a pressure check to the heater core , but no repairs were made. She is taking it back again to the dealer. There was a previous problem with the radiator leaking. The radiator was replaced on october 4, 2005. The fog problem appears to have gotten worse since the radiator was replaced.