2001 Volkswagen Passat engine and engine cooling problems
92 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the engine and engine cooling on the 2001 Volkswagen Passat — 21% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“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…”
filed Feb 27, 2013
“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…”
filed Jan 20, 2012
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Related service bulletins
Update to Volkswagen engine oil standards
V171901201285565 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Aug 21, 2023Volkswagen Engine oil quality standards, update to attachments.
V171901201285562 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued May 30, 2023Engine oil quality standards, update to attachments.
V171901201285560 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Apr 24, 2023
Engine and Engine Cooling problems in other Passat years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 Passat | 2 | 2% |
| 2015 Passat | 2 | 1% |
| 2014 Passat | 4 | 1% |
| 2013 Passat | 5 | 1% |
| 2012 Passat | 4 | 1% |
| 2009 Passat | 4 | 3% |
| 2008 Passat | 9 | 5% |
| 2007 Passat | 32 | 12% |
| 2006 Passat | 66 | 11% |
| 2005 Passat | 50 | 34% |
| 2004 Passat | 59 | 21% |
| 2003 Passat | 131 | 21% |
Other reported problem areas on the 2001 Volkswagen Passat
Counts are unique NHTSA complaints naming this component group. Complaints are unverified owner reports; mileage is computed only from complaints that included a usable odometer reading.