“"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. *tr”
Owner complaint, filed Jan 2, 2011 at 118,200 miles
“Tl-the contact owns a 2001 volkswagen passat glx. While driving approximately 40 MPH the vehicle engine light came on. The contact stated he drove the vehicle to his destination. The vehicle was taken to a local repair shop and he was told the catalytic converter needed replacing. The failure was constant since july 1, 2008. The vehicle has not been repaired.”
Owner complaint, filed Jun 24, 2010 at 51,000 miles
Complaints and recalls over time
By year of filing
All complaintsAbout the engineRecall (red: the engine)NHTSA investigation opened
Complaints about the 2001 Passat peaked in 2003, with 60 filed that year. Owners had filed 83 complaints about the engine before the first recall that covers it, 14E007000 in March 2014; 2 more have come in since. In 2026 owners filed 1 so far.
Defect. The Gates Corporation (Gates) is recalling certain aftermarket Tru-Flow Water Pumps, part number TFW 41127, sold at certain NAPA Auto Parts and/or installed by automotive service technicians after November 1, 2013 (and manufactured August 2013 through October 2013) that have a black-colored pulley/sprocket or do not have 'US9377' stamped on the water pump housing. These service replacement parts were sold for use in model year 1999-2005 Audi A4, 2000-2006 Audi TT, 1998-2005 Volkswagen Beetle, 1999-2006 Golf, 1999-2008 and 2011-2013 Volkswagen Jetta, and 2000-2005 Volkswagen Passat. In the affected water pumps, the pulley or sprocket that turns the timing belt may develop microfractures causing the timing belt to fail.
Risk. A failure of the timing belt may cause the engine to shut down, potentially increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
Remedy. Gates will notify owners, and dealers will replace the water pump, free of charge. The recall began during May 2014. Owners may contact The Gates Corporation at 1-303-744-1911.
Filed Apr 7, 2008412,000 vehiclesVolkswagen of America, Inc
Defect. VOLKSWAGEN IS RECALLING 412,000 MY 1999-2005 PASSAT (5TH GENERATION) VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS AND PRODUCED AFTER JUNE 14, 1999. THESE VEHICLES MAY HAVE AN UNDERBODY HEAT SHIELD THAT CAN BECOME DAMAGED. IN ADDITION, AFFECTED VEHICLES WITH AUTOMATIC OR MANUAL TRANSMISSIONS MAY HAVE A FUEL LINE (1.8T ENGINES ONLY) OR FUEL TANK VENTILATION VALVE (4MOTION/ALL WHEEL DRIVE ONLY) THAT CAN LEAK DUE TO FRACTURE.
Risk. A HEAT SHIELD THAT MAY CONTACT THE EXHAUST SYSTEM CAN RESULT IN A VEHICLE FIRE. IN ADDITION, A FUEL LEAK FROM A FUEL LINE OR FUEL TANK VENTILATION VALVE, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, CAN LEAD TO A VEHICLE FIRE.
Remedy. DEALERS WILL INSTALL ADDITIONAL UNDERBODY HEAT SHIELDS ON VEHICLES WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS TO COVER THE POSSIBLY DAMAGED AREAS AND FLASH ALL 1.8T ENGINES WITH A PRECAUTIONARY SOFTWARE UPDATE. DEALERS WILL ALSO INSPECT AND ADJUST THE FUEL LINE ROUTING ON 1.8T VEHICLES AND THE FUEL TANK VENTILATION VALVE ON 4MOTION/ALL WHEEL DRIVE VEHICLES, AND REPLACE COMPONENTS IF NECESSARY FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 13, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VOLKSWAGEN AT 1-800-822-8987.
Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Tank Assembly › Filler Pipe and Cap02V026000
Filed Jan 25, 2002487,284 vehiclesVolkswagen of America,inc
Defect. ON SOME PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE FUEL TANK FILLER NECK CAN SUFFER ABRASION DAMAGE IF THE REAR TIRE GOES FLAT AND THE VEHICLE IS DRIVEN UNTIL THE TIRE DISINTEGRATES.
Risk. FUEL LEAKAGE CAN OCCUR INCREASING THE RISK OF A FIRE.
Remedy. DEALERS WILL FIT PASSAT VEHICLES WITH A NEW WHEEL HOUSE LINER THAT WILL BETTER PROTECT THE CAR'S FILLER NECK. JETTA VEHICLES WILL BE FITTED WITH A DIFFERENT METAL SHIELD DESIGNED TO ENHANCE ABRASION PROTECTION IN THE EVENT OF TIRE DISINTEGRATION. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JUNE 13, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT VOLKSWAGEN AT 1-800-822-8987.
Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Tank Assembly01V157000
Filed May 3, 200170,000 vehiclesVolkswagen of America,inc
Defect. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. SULFUR IN FUEL INTERACTS WITH CERTAIN ADDITIVES FOUND IN WIDELY AVAILABLE GASOLINE CAUSING SULFUR TO BECOME DEPOSITED ON THE CONTACT POINTS OF THREE FUEL SENDING UNITS MOUNTED INSIDE THE FUEL TANK. THIS COULD CAUSE THE FUEL GAUGE TO READ FULL WHILE THE FUEL TANK MAY NOT IN FACT BE FULL OR COULD BE EMPTY.
Risk. RUNNING OUT OF FUEL WITHOUT WARNING WHILE THE FUEL GAUGE INDICATES THAT THERE IS SUFFICIENT FUEL IN THE TANK LEAD TO SAFETY PROBLEMS.
Remedy. DEALERS WILL REMOVE THE EXISTING FUEL LEVEL SENDING UNITS AND REPLACE THEM WITH FUEL LEVEL SENDING UNITS USING A NEW ALLOY COMPOSED OF GOLD, SILVER, AND A SMALL AMOUNT OF NICKEL, WHICH WILL NOT CHEMICALLY REACT WITH SULFUR. VW/AUDI WILL ALSO CALL BACK VEHICLES THAT WERE REPAIRED UNDER A PREVIOUS RECALL LAST JUNE IN ORDER TO INSTALL THE UPDATED FUEL SENDING UNITS NHTSA 00V137/AUDI LB). OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MAY 1, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT AUDI AT 1-866-892-2834.
All 4 campaigns on file, newest first.
NHTSA investigations
Office of Defects Investigation
Before a recall there is often an investigation: NHTSA opens one when complaints or manufacturer data point to a safety defect. 7 name the 2001 Passat.
Opened Jan 26, 2011Closed Feb 17, 2012electrical system
In July 2010, the Agency opened PE10-027 to investigate allegations of coil on plug (COP) ignition coil fires in MY2002-2003 VW Passat vehicles.The investigation was upgraded in January 2011 to include all MY2001-2007 4-cylinder VW Passat, gasoline, turbo-charged vehicles.Based on the analysis of VW's response, and including ODI's consumer complaints, ODI has since identified 135 unique engine fire reports attributable to the COP coils.After further review of the details as contained in each report, ODI determined that 43 of the 135 fire reports were actual fire/flame incidents, 83 fire …
FUEL TANK LEAKPreliminary evaluation PE08008Closed
Opened Jan 31, 2008Closed May 30, 2008Led to recall 08V156000fuel system
Volkswagen (vw) is recalling certain vw passat 4motion and audi a6 quattro and allroad quattro all-wheel drive passenger cars.vw vehicles subject to recall were manufactured from november 22, 2000 through may 31, 2005 and audi vehicles subject to recall were manufactured from june 2, 2001 to june 1, 2005.the NHTSA recall number for the vw vehicles is 08v-156 (vw also is correcting defects related to heat shield and fuel line hazards for these vehicles and for 1999-2000 passats in this recall action.)the NHTSA recall number for the audi vehicles is 08v-157.since 2006, odi has received 17 …
Opened Sep 28, 2007Closed Jul 7, 2008Led to recall 08V156000electrical system
The manufacturer notified NHTSA on 04-apr-08 that a safety recall action would be initiated to remedy the issue.in june 2008, the manufacturer issued a technical service bulletin (code 26e5/r5) regarding the specific procedures to be employed in this campaign.vehicle owner notification letters were sent beginning approximately june 13, 2008.the campaign was assigned NHTSA no. 08v-156.this recall affects all my 1999-2005, 5th generation gasoline-powered passat sedans and station wagons.approximately 412,000 vehicles are affected.corrective action will consist of installing additional exhaust …
Opened May 10, 2007Closed Sep 28, 2007electrical system
Many of the fire reports allege that the vehicle fire was attributed to ignition coil failure.vw provided additional data regarding its analysis of vehicle fires and a detailed description of the three different engines and ignition systems for the subject vehicles.odifinds the need to further investigate this issue.to facilitate acquisition and analysis of additional information, this investigationhas been upgraded to an engineering analysis (ea07-014).
ENGINE STALLINGDefect petition DP05004Closed
Opened Aug 11, 2005Closed Dec 8, 2005electrical system
By letter received on june 24, 2005, mr. Ronald m. Strickland of raleigh, nc, submitted a petition requesting that the agency investigate the performance of the ignition coil plugs on model year (my) 2000-2003 volkswagen jetta, golf and passat sedans.the petitioner alleges that he had experienced multiple stalling events as a result of one or more ignition coil plugs malfunctioning on his 2002 vw jetta sedan.as a result of the engine stalling, the petitioner experienced a loss of power steering and increased braking efforts when he pulled the vehicle over to the side of the road to control …
PASSENGER AIR BAG LID FAILUREEngineering analysis EA03020Closed
Opened Oct 7, 2003Closed Apr 23, 2004airbags
This investigation involves the volkswagen (vw) passenger supplemental inflatable restraint (psir) lid utilized in my 1998-2002 vw passat.the psir lid may detach from the instrument panel during air bag deployment.the office of defects investigation (odi) of the national highway traffic safety administration (NHTSA) opened the preliminary evaluation on may 23, 2003 to determine whether alleged psir lid detachment presents an unreasonable safety risk to passengers in the vehicle.odi?s investigation reveals that detachment of the psir lid during air bag deployment may occur for two reasons: 1) …
PASSENGER SIR DOOR MOUNTING STUD FAILUREPreliminary evaluation PE03021Closed
Opened May 23, 2003Closed Oct 7, 2003airbags
Odi opened a preliminary evaluation (pe03-021) based on two reports of failed bolt studs that attach the passenger supplemental inflatable restraint (psir) door cover to the instrument panel (ip) on the volkswagen (vw) passat (model years 2000, 2002).vw has indicated to odi that it has no additional reports.vw implemented a process change on march 1, 2002.this process change consisted of changing the bolt application that fastens the psir door to the ip from a weld on application to a press on application.vw also changed the material of the bolt.vw stated that the changes were made to ease …
Technical service bulletins
207 on file
Repair instructions the manufacturer sent its dealers for the 2001 Passat. Not recalls: the fix is usually free only while the car is under warranty.
equipment 62engine 37electrical system 33body and frame 15visibility 13headlights 9fuel system 8brakes 8
0421Warranty extensionAug 4, 2004engine
OIL SLUDGE - WARRANTY EXTENSION FOR 1998-2004 MODEL YEAR VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT WITH 1.8L TURBO ENGINE US AND CANADIAN DEALERS. SERVICE CIRCULAR. *TT
0421Warranty extensionAug 1, 2004engine
WARRANTY EXTENSION COVERING CERTAIN OIL SLUDGE RELATED REPAIRS. *TT
Showing the newest 6 of 37 bulletins about the engine, and any warranty extensions or service campaigns.
What owners reported
Newest filings
Service Brakes
Filed Jun 18, 2026NY
My fuses keep blowing, this is leading to replacing the Brake switch which I believe was recalled. If it was replaced,it's not working.
Air Bags
Filed Jun 25, 2021MN
The driver's side airbag of my 2001 VW Passat spontaneously deployed while I drove on Hwy 494 in Woodbury MN. Sometime within 24 hours before the airbag deployed, the airbag fault light turned on in the car's dashboard display. Within 15 minutes before the incident, the car's automatic locking locks unlocked twice while I was driving the car. After the second time, I tried to lock the car doors by pressing the lock button on the driver's door console but the doors would not locked. At that time I noticed that the two interior lights in the back seat area were turned on. All the doors of the car were properly shut. When the airbags deployed I was driving on the smooth 1 year old concrete section of Hwy 494. I did not hit anything on the highway. After the deployment, I parked on the shoulder, shut off the engine and opened the passenger door to air out the car. After about 5 minutes, I got back in the car and drove home. The automatic locks worked again. The interior lights automatically turned off. The drive home was uneventful.
Engine
Filed Jan 22, 202125 milesPA
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.
Service Brakes
Filed Aug 15, 2018125,000 milesCA
ABS LIGHT ON AND BREAK LIGHT FLASHING
Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Dec 12, 2017WA
STARTED SMELLING GAS AND MILEAGE STARTED DROPPI G BAD AROUND THE END OF NOVEMBER. WE SEE THAT THERE HAS BEEN RECALLS ON THE GAS TANK AND FUEL LINES FOR 01 VOLKSWAGEN PASSATS BUT UNFORTUNATELY NOT FOR THIS VIN # WHICH HAPPENS TO BE MY SONS CAR. NOW ITS AT THE SHOP BECAUSE ITS GAS MILEAGE WENT WAY DOWN AND AND SMELLS LIKE GAS AND HE WAS TOLD THAT HE WAS DRIVING A BOMB BASICALLY. IT COULD BE AROUND $1000 TO FIX IT. NONE OF US HAVE THAT KIND OF $ AND HES STILL HAS $800 LEFT OWEING ON IT. HELP
Engine
Filed Nov 15, 2017160,000 milesUT
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.
Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Aug 1, 2017240,000 milesCA
MY 2001 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT HAS HAD AN R5 RECALL FOR FUEL LINES, FUEL TANK, AND A HEAT SHIELD. THE HARD (LOW PRESSURE FUEL RETURN?) LINE, THE MIDDLE ONE OF THE MOUNTING BRACKET ATOP THE FIREWALL, HAS FAILED CATASTROPHICALLY. IT NOW SPRAYS GASOLINE DIRECTLY DOWN ONTO THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER HEAT SHIELD. THIS IS THE SAME FAILURE IN THE SAME EXACT POINT THAT MANY OTHER OWNERS HAVE HAD. THIS PART IS DANGEROUS AND COULD HAVE KILLED ME AND DESTROYED MY CAR. VOLKSWAGEN REFUSED TO FIX IT. I'VE BEEN IN CONTACT WITH VW CUSTOMER CARE AND MY LOCAL DEALER, BOTH TOLD ME THAT ONCE THE RECALL IS CLOSED ON MY VEHICLE THAT THERE IS NOTHING THEY'LL DO. THEY WANTED ME TO TOW MY CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP AND PAY $135 FOR A DIAGNOSTIC UNTIL I SHOWED THEM A VIDEO OF THE FUEL LINE UNDER PRESSURE SPRAYING EVERYWHERE.
Air Bags
Filed Feb 20, 2017CA
MY CAR IS A 2001 MODEL, AND I'D LIKE TO KNOW IF IT HAS TAKATA AIRBAGS IN IT, EVEN IF IT ISN'T COVERED BY THE RECALL. DEALER DOESN'T KNOW IF THE AIRBAGS ARE TAKATA OR NOT. CAN YOU GIVE ME THIS INFORMATION?? I HOPE SO, OTHERWISE I DON'T KNOW HOW TO FIND OUT. THANKS [XXX] *DL INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).*JB
Service Brakes
Filed Sep 22, 2016172,000 milesOH
ABS CONTROL MODULE FAULT
Power Train
Filed May 19, 2016132,273 milesMO
AS MY SON GOT ON THE HIGHWAY THE TRANSMISSION FELT LIKE IT WAS SLIPPING AND JERKING TO THEN CATCH BACK UP TO THE ORIGINAL SPEED I WAS GOING. WHEN HE PUT HIS FOOT ON THE GAS PEDAL THE CAR WOULD STRUGGLE TO GO, 5 SECONDS LATER IT WOULD GET UP TO SPEED BUT THEN SLOW BACK DOWN. AT A STOPLIGHT THE CAR WOULD SHAKE ROUGHLY AND IDLE REALLY HIGH, THEN HE SAW THE FRONT OF THE HOOD START TO SMOKE AND I REALIZED THERE WAS A PROBLEM.
Structure › Body
Filed Nov 24, 201590,000 milesAK
VWOFA HAVE NOT TAKEN STEPS NECESSARY TO FACILITATE THIS FIRE HAZARD RECALL!
Power Train
Filed May 18, 2015160,000 milesMD
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT UNKNOWN SPEEDS, THE TRANSMISSION WOULD SLIP AND THEN THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE ENGINE CONTINUED TO RUN, BUT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT MOVE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER AND IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE TEETH ON THE GEARS OF THE TRANSMISSION HAD FRACTURED AND THE ENTIRE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 160,000. UPDATED 8/19/15*CN THE CONSUMER STATED THERE WAS A RECALL FOR THE SAME MAKE, MODEL, AND YEAR BUT, THE CONSUMER'S VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. UPDATED 9/30/2015*JS
Electrical System1 injured
Filed Nov 17, 2014180,220 milesSD
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). *TR
Electrical System
Filed Jul 17, 2014104,435 milesVA
I WAS DRIVING ON I-95 AT APPROX. 78 MPH WHEN THE CAR SUDDENLY SAYS STOP! BRAKE FAILURE! SEE VOLKSWAGEN SERVICE. IN MY RESEARCH ON THE ISSUE, I'VE FOUND THIS HAPPENS ON ALMOST ALL 1998-2001 VW PASSATS AND AUDI A-4S. THIS NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED. *TR
EngineFire
Filed Feb 19, 2014101,000 milesOH
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. *TR
Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Jan 21, 2014175,000 milesIL
I NOTICE THAT FUEL IS LEAKING FROM MY VW PASSAT 2001'S FUEL TANK. I FILL OUT THIS COMPLAINT IN ORDER TO SEEK A HELP FROM AUTHORITIES ON THESE MATTERS AND ALSO KNOWING IF MY ISSUES CAN BE HANDLED BY VOLKSWAGEN AMERICA. *TR
Service Brakes
Filed Oct 18, 2013152,000 milesTX
ABS MODULE IS OUT, CAN'T GET EMISSIONS PASSED UNLESS I PAY OVER 600 DOLLARS. ALSO I DON'T HAVE ABS, CAN'T SEE IF MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT MEANS ANYTHING BECAUSE I'M TOLD IT ALL GETS RE ROUTED THOROUGH THE ABS MODULE AND CAN'T GET PAST THAT PROBLEM. *TR
Power Train
Filed Jun 30, 201380,000 milesNY
2001 VW PASSAT STICKING GAS PEDAL COMMENTS: THIS HAS HAPPENED TO ME RECENTLY 2 TIMES....GAS PEDAL STUCK TO FLOOR, REDLINE, ALMOST CRASHED. RESEARCHING I FOUND IT TO BE A COMMON PROBLEM. VW SHOULD BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE... THIS IS A DANGEROUS SITUATION! SHOULD I STOP DRIVING IT??? MORE ACCOUNTS AT: HTTP://WWW.PASSATWORLD.COM/FORUMS/42-VOLKSWAGEN-PASSAT-B5-DISCUSSION/236513-ANYONE-ELSE'S-GAS-PEDAL-GET-STUCK.HTML. *TR
Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed May 19, 2013176,000 milesCA
2001 PASSAT 1.8T MANUAL TRANSMISSION DEVELOPED FUEL LEAK ON THE FIREWALL ATTACHMENT AREA, ON THE MIDDLE LINE DIRECTLY OVER CATALYTIC CONVERTER; CAR COMPARTMENT SMELLED HEAVILY OF GASOLINE. STOPPING CAR AND INSPECTING THE FUEL LINE SHOWED THE CRACK. THIS IS A VERY SERIOUS ISSUE AND WAS VERY LUCKY IN THIS CASE NOT TO HAVE CAR ON FIRE. PLEASE INVESTIGATE THIS AS THERE SEEMS TO BE RELATED RECALLS FROM VW ON THIS ISSUE. I'M SCARED TO HAVE KIDS ON BOARD THE PASSAT. *TR
Structure › BodyCrash
Filed Apr 25, 2013134,400 milesCA
I WAS STOPPED AT A STOP LIGHT THAT WAS OUT OF ORDER. THE DRIVER OF THE SUV IN FRONT OF ME TOOK HER FOOT OFF THE BRAKE AND I ASSUMED SHE WAS GOING TO SUBSEQUENTLY DEPRESS THE ACCELERATOR, SO I INSTINCTIVELY PUT MY FOOT ON THE ACCELERATOR TO EASE FORWARD. UNFORTUNATELY, I MISCALCULATED AS THE DRIVER IN FRONT OF ME DID NOT MOVE FORWARD. AS A RESULT OF MY ACTIONS, I REAR-ENDED THE DRIVER IN FRONT OF ME. I WAS GOING BETWEEN 5-10 MPH. MY CAR SUSTAINED ABOUT 90% OF THE DAMAGE. MY COMPLAINT IS REGARDING THE DEPLOYMENT OR LACK THEREOF OF THE AIRBAGS. THEY NEVER DEPLOYED. MAYBE I WAS WRONG TO ASSUME THAT THEY WOULD DEPLOY ON SUCH A LOW SPEED. PLEASE ADVISE AS THE IMPACT FROM THE ACCIDENT WAS RATHER STRONG. *TR
Service Brakes
Filed Mar 24, 2013TX
SENDING THIS E-MAIL TO COMPLAIN ABOUT THE ABS MODULE ON MY 2001 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT THEY ARE NO REASON WHY IT SHOULD BE OUT , I BELIEVE ITS A DEFECTIVE PART, SHOULD LAST LONGER OTHER PEOPLE I TALK WITH SAY THEY HAVE BEEN THRU THE SAME PROBLEM. I BELIEVE VOLKSWAGEN NEED TO HAVE A RECALL ON THIS ABS MODULE. *TR
Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Feb 27, 2013155,000 milesWA
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. *TR
EngineFire
Filed Nov 17, 20121,570,000 milesIL
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. *TR
Service Brakes
Filed Aug 14, 2012126,000 milesMD
ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM (ABS) MODULE FAILURE WHICH CAUSES PERMANENT LOSS OF ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM. *TR
Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Jun 29, 201278,370 milesIL
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE FUEL GAUGE INDICATED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD MORE FUEL THAN WHAT WAS ACTUALLY IN THE TANK. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A REPAIR SHOP WHERE THE MECHANIC FOUND THE FAILURE IN THE FUEL TANK LEVEL SENDING UNITS. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 01V157000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE: STORAGE: TANK ASSEMBLY) BUT WAS ADVISED BY THE MANUFACTURER THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 78,370.
Service Brakes
Filed Jun 25, 2012130,000 milesPA
ANTI-LOCK BRAKE CONTROL MODULE FAILED CAUSING "STOP", AND OTHER LIGHTS TO COME ON AND STAY ON. *TR
Engine and Engine CoolingFire
Filed Jan 20, 2012127,980 milesFL
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.
Steering
Filed Dec 21, 2011153,340 milesNY
THE PASSAT HAS BEEN A WELL MAINTAINED FAMILY WAGON. THE CAR HAS ALWAYS BEEN GARAGED AND HAS MOSTLY EASY HIGHWAY MILES. MY WIFE WAS DRIVING WITH MY DAUGHTER ON A RAINY EVENING. AFTER MAKING A RIGHT HAND TURN, THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD NOT TURN BACK TO THE LEFT PAST CENTERED. SHE STOPPED THE DISABLED CAR ON THE RIGHT SHOULDER AND CALLED ME AND THE TOW TRUCK. WHEN I ARRIVED I CONFIRMED HER ANALYSIS. THE TOW DRIVER HAD NEVER SEEN ANYTHING LIKE IT. THE VW DEALER CALLED THE NEXT DAY AND INDICATED THAT THE STEERING RACK HAD FAILED. THEY ALSO REPLACED UPPER ARMS AND THE RIGHT AXLE. I SPENT $1950 FOR THE REPAIR AND ANOTHER $200 FOR THE RACK, IF NEEDED FOR ANALYSIS BY NHTSA OR OTHERS. IF THIS FAILURE HAD HAPPENED AT A DIFFERENT PLACE OR AT HIGHER SPEED IT COULD HAVE RESULTED IN A CATASTROPHE. *TR
Engine and Engine CoolingFire
Filed Dec 20, 201170,000 milesMO
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.
Exterior Lighting
Filed Dec 16, 2011120,000 milesFL
SAME TURN SIGNAL ISSUE AS 04V584000 RECALL - TURN SIGNALS AND HAZARDS WORKED PERIODICALLY. NOW THEY HAVE STOPPED WORKING ALL TOGETHER.. NHTSA RECALL 04V584000 FOR OTHER VW MODELS OF THIS YEAR, BUT NOT PASSAT. IS COMMON FOR THIS YEAR OF VW PASSAT ALSO PER MY INTERNET RESEARCH. VW PASSAT NEEDS TO BE ADDED TO THIS RECALL. *TR
Electrical System
Filed Jun 27, 2011FL
THE FIRST THINGS THAT IS HAPPEN IS THAT MY DIGITAL INSTRUMENT PANEL BLINK IN AND OUT AND THE SECOND IS THAT WATER BE RUNNING IN THE CAR COMPARTMENT ON THE PASSENGER SIDE. *TR
Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery
Filed May 17, 2011198,000 milesCO
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH, HE WOULD SMELL A STRONG ODOR OF GASOLINE. HE THEN INSPECTED THE ENGINE AND WAS UNABLE TO LOCATE A FUEL LEAK. HE LATER DISCOVERED A TRAIL OF GASOLINE LEAKING FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INSPECTED BY A DEALER NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND THEY ADVISED HIM THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS ON HIS VEHICLE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 198,000. UPDATED 07/21/11 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED THE FRACTURE OCCURRED WITHOUT EXTERNAL STRESS OF ANY KIND. IT DEVELOPED WITHOUT WARNING AND GIVEN THE POSITION WITHIN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT, IT COULD HAVE EASILY RESULTED IN A FIRE. THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED HIS VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. UPDATED 02/03/12
Electrical System
Filed May 17, 2011157,000 milesAR
2001 PASSAT GLX MY ABS LIGHT/BRAKE LIGHT/ASL LIGHT FLASH ON MY DASH PANEL RANDOMLY DURING THE DAY WHICH POINTS TO ANOTHER FAILED ABS MODULE. I GET THE THREE BEEPS THAT ACCOMPANY THE FLASHING LIGHTS. THIS HAPPENS ABOUT 10 TIMES A DAY OR MORE. I CAN FEEL A KICK FROM MY BRAKE PEDAL WHEN THIS HAPPENS DURING BRAKING. *TR
Service Brakes, Air
Filed Apr 21, 2011MA
ABS LIGHT AND BRAKE LIGHT FLASHING DEALER SAYS IT IS AN ABS CONTROL MODULE A 650 PART DOLLAR ENDING IN A 1000 DOLLAR ALL TOGETHER REPAIR CAR HAS 108,000. *TR
Exterior Lighting
Filed Apr 3, 2011155,000 milesOR
WIRING AND CONNECTORS FOR BOTH HEADLIGHTS HAVE MELTED UNDER NORMAL USAGE. *TR
Traction Control System
Filed Mar 17, 2011160,000 milesTN
MY ABS FAILURE LIGHT AND BRAKE LIGHT CONTINUE TO FLASH AND ALARM ON MY 2001 VW PASSAT. I UNDERSTAND BAS FAILURE IS COMMON ON THE CAR. *TR
Electrical System
Filed Feb 17, 2011NC
HEADLAMP WIRING HARNESS MELTS. *TR
Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Feb 3, 2011137,000 milesWI
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION THAT HER VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 08V156000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY) AND THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR REPAIRS. THE DEALER INSPECTED AND ADJUSTED THE FUEL LINE ROUTING AS WELL AS THE FUEL TANK VENTILATION VALVE BUT DID NOT REPLACE ANY COMPONENTS. AFTER REPAIRS, THE VEHICLE BEGAN SPRAYING FUEL ONTO THE ENGINE AND WAS CAUSING OVERPOWERING GASOLINE FUMES TO EMIT THROUGH THE DEFOGGER SYSTEM. THE DEALER WAS CONTACTED WHO INFORMED HER THAT THEY MADE REPAIRS TO THE VEHICLE UNDER THE RECALL AND THEY ONLY HAD TO INSPECT THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED THAT ANY FURTHER REPAIRS WOULD BE AT HER EXPENSE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED WHO CONFIRMED THAT THE DEALER REPAIRED THE EXACT COMPONENTS LISTED UNDER RECALL AND NOTHING MORE. THEY OFFERED NO FURTHER OTHER ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 137,000.
Unknown or Other
Filed Jan 14, 201112,700 milesMA
I OWN A 2001 VW PASSAT 1.8 AND I JUST GOT SOME INFO ON OIL SLUDGE I BEEN HAVING THAT PROBLEM A LONG TIME AND DEALER ALWAYS SAID IT WAS THE OIL PUMP OR SOME THING ELSE MY FATHER HAS THE SAME PROBLEM WITH HIS PASSAT FIRST THE LIGHT COMES ON AND THEN THE ENGINE STARTS TO MAKE NOISE WE ALWAYS CHANGE THE OIL WITH THE RECOMMENDED OIL AND STILL THE PROBLEM IN ORDER TO USE THE CAR AFTER THE LIGHT COMES ON YOU HAVE TO PARK THE CAR AND FIND ANOTHER WAY TO MOVE AROUND AND TRY A COUPLE OF HOURS LATER TO SEE IF THE NOISE AND THE LIGHT IS GONE MY CAR I PAID 7900 9 MONTHS AGO AND IT HAS 138000 AND ITS NOT FAR FOR VW SAY YOUR NOT COVERED I COME FROM A VW FAMILY MY MOM HAS A 06 JETTA MY DAD A 99 PASSAT MY BROTHER HAS A 03 GOLF MY SISTER HAS A 07 GOLF AND JUST TO ALLOW TO JUST SAY SORRY CANT HELP YOU KNOWING THAT THEIR ARE CARS WITH MORE MILES THAN 120 OUT THEIR AND EVEN THY HAVE RECORDS OF US HAVING SERVICE HOUR CAR WITH THEM IT IS NOT WRITE. *TR
Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Jan 2, 2011118,200 milesPA
"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. *TR
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Filed Jan 2, 2011118,200 milesPA
ABS LIGHT CAME ON. *TR
Electrical System
Filed Dec 28, 2010165,000 milesTN
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. *TR
Suspension › Rear
Filed Dec 27, 2010120,000 milesAL
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
Electrical System
Filed Dec 20, 2010160,000 milesVA
IGNITION COIL FAILURE AFTER 13 MONTHS AFTER VW REPLACED ALL 4 COILS UNDER PRIOR RECALL. *TR
Exterior Lighting
Filed Sep 13, 2010100,000 milesVA
THE INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR OF THE LENSES OF BOTH HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLIES OF MY 2001 VW PASSAT STATION WAGON HAVE BECOME VERY CLOUDED. THE RESULT IS THAT THE BRIGHTNESS OF THE HEADLIGHT IS GREATLY DIMINISHED LEADING TO UNSAFE DRIVING CONDITIONS AT NIGHT. I HAVE CLEANED AND POLISHED THE EXTERIOR OF THE LENSES AND THAT HELPED SOMEWHAT BUT CANNOT DO ANYTHING ABOUT THE INTERIOR. THE ONLY SOLUTION IS TO REPLACE THE WHOLE HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY. IT HAS GOTTEN PROGRESSIVELY WORSE OVER THE LAST 18 MONTHS. *TR
Visibility › Defroster/Defogger/Hvac System
Filed Aug 27, 201070,000 milesVA
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. *TR
Steering › Rack and Pinion
Filed Jul 29, 2010109,000 milesNC
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.
Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Emission Control › Catalytic Convertor
Filed Jun 24, 201051,000 milesCA
TL-THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT GLX. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH THE VEHICLE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. THE CONTACT STATED HE DROVE THE VEHICLE TO HIS DESTINATION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL REPAIR SHOP AND HE WAS TOLD THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER NEEDED REPLACING. THE FAILURE WAS CONSTANT SINCE JULY 1, 2008. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 51,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 62,000. VWB
Service Brakes, Electric
Filed Jun 17, 2010130,000 milesCO
AFTER 130000 MILES, 2001 VW PASSAT ABS/BRAKE LIGHT LIGHTS UP AT RANDOM AND BEEPS 3 TIMES WHILE DRIVING, NO BREAK DEPRESSION NECESSARY FOR THIS LIGHT TO GO OFF. MECHANIC DIAGNOSES AS ABS CONTROL MODULE MALFUNCTION. THIS OCCURS MULTIPLE TIMES DURING OPERATION. PART TO COST $635.00 AND LABOR AND REPROGRAM OF NEW PART TOTALING $900.00. DIAGNOSIS OF THE ISSUE 100.00. ALL TOGETHER, $1000.00. PART HAS NOT YET BEEN REPLACED. *TR
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine
Filed Mar 23, 201062,000 milesWA
VW ENGINE OIL SLUDGE PROBLEM.
Complaints 1-50 of 430, newest first, reproduced as filed.
Going by the federal record, it is one of the Passat years to avoid: owners filed 430 complaints, 2.6 times as many as a typical Passat year. The most common complaint is about the engine (20%).
What is the most common problem with the 2001 Volkswagen Passat?
The engine: 85 of the 430 complaints (20%) are about it. Owners most often say it sets off warning lights on the dash (33%), turns on the check engine light (22%) and burns oil or loses oil pressure (22%). The typical report comes at 63,870 miles.
How many recalls does the 2001 Volkswagen Passat have?
4 safety recalls on file with NHTSA, the most recent filed Mar 7, 2014. The largest, 02V026000, covered 487,284 vehicles. Recall repairs are free at a dealer; whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.
At what mileage do 2001 Volkswagen Passat problems start?
Half of the complaints that record an odometer reading came in before 60,000 miles. For the engine the midpoint is 63,870 miles.
Has NHTSA investigated the 2001 Volkswagen Passat?
Yes, 7 times. The latest, EA11002 ("Engine Compartment Fire"), was opened Jan 26, 2011 and closed Feb 17, 2012.
Are there service bulletins for the 2001 Volkswagen Passat?
The manufacturer filed 207 technical service bulletins and other notices for it with NHTSA, most of them about the engine (37), the electrical system (33) and the body and frame (15). They include a warranty extension, 0421, filed Aug 4, 2004. A bulletin is a repair instruction to dealers, not a recall: the fix is usually free only under warranty.
Reading this record
Complaint volume is well above typical for a single model year.
Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.
Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.
Most recent recall on file: Mar 7, 2014. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.