2000 Volkswagen Passat Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 94about this part
- Share
- 19%of 507 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 60,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 94 complaints about the engine cooling of the 2000 Volkswagen Passat, 19% of the 507 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 60,000 miles. 11 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“While stopped at a red light, the engine accelerated by itself (computer failure?). My husband, who was driving, had to use both feet, pressing down as hard as he could, to stop the car. Fortunately, no one was in front of us and we were far enough back that we did not accelerate into the intersection. The engine sound returned to normal after 15-30 seconds and we drove it home without further incident but we have stopped driving the car for safety reasons. …”
NHTSA complaint #10370158, filed 2010-12, 140,000 miles“Check engine light has been on since purchasing of car ~ electra auto sales was aware of this and noted this was their records they would be responsible. They have been given me the run around because of the faulty engine system. My daughter and I were subjected to almost being killed on the highway because of the car stalling and rough idliing ~ paul vargas owner of electra auto sales has not returned any called back . Ak”
NHTSA complaint #10190269, filed 2007-05, 78,000 miles“When I brought my 2000 vw Passat (55k miles) to dealer for service, they said that the cooling system has sludge. The radiator, heater core needed to be replaced and need to have coolant flush for 2 times. The total is $2600!!! The service advisor said the only cause would be wrong type of coolant, but I have not done service other than the vw dealer. So, I suspect that that is defect in the cooling system of the 2000 Passat.”
NHTSA complaint #10143402, filed 2005-11, 55,459 miles“Bought a vw Passat used from private dealer~I owned the car for exactly 1 year, turbo failed ~ check engine light has been on since owning vehicle. Car has been diagnosed with oil sludge issues from previous owners. Just paid for turbo and two oil lines to be replaced. Vw of america stated they would take responsibility ~ never heard from them, I keep calling ~ check engine light has been on since day one ~ no one wants to help me on this quest to seek action. …”
NHTSA complaint #10204206, filed 2007-09, 78 miles“2000 Passat auto transmission began to catch on fire near engine and where exhaust meet. My son and a friend both 20yrs old were driving late at night when this occurred. I thank god it did not end tragically.”
NHTSA complaint #10231920, filed 2008-06, 104,413 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10241177Aug 21, 2023Update to Volkswagen engine oil standards
- 10237427May 30, 2023Volkswagen Engine oil quality standards, update to attachments.
- 10235138Apr 24, 2023Engine oil quality standards, update to attachments.
- 10158514Feb 27, 2019Gasoline Engine Misfire Diagnosis document
- 10133344Jul 5, 201717 17 01 July 5, 2017 2012855 Supersedes Technical Bulletin 17-16-02 (V171602) dated April 29, 2016 due to updated oil standards lists to current specifications. Engine Oils…
- 10236436Feb 5, 2016Gasoline quality.
- 10123015Jul 7, 2015Technical Bulletin (Air Conditioning, Cleaning of the Refrigerant Circuit (U.S.Only)): In cases where an air conditioning system component (such as a compressor or other system…
- 10123013Jul 7, 2015Technical Bulletin (HVAC, Unpleasant Odor): Unpleasant odor is coming from Heating and Ventilation system. Odor mainly occurs after vehicle has been sitting (unused) at least 5…
- 10242997Dec 15, 2014VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10242996Dec 8, 2014VW Elsa Newsletter
Engine cooling: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 1 | 6% |
| 2020 | 1 | 6% |
| 2016 | 2 | 2% |
| 2015 | 2 | 1% |
| 2014 | 4 | 1% |
| 2013 | 5 | 1% |
| 2012 | 4 | 1% |
| 2009 | 4 | 3% |
| 2008 | 9 | 5% |
| 2007 | 32 | 12% |
| 2006 | 66 | 11% |
| 2005 | 50 | 34% |
| 2004 | 59 | 21% |
| 2003 | 131 | 21% |
| 2002 | 135 | 21% |
| 2001 | 92 | 21% |
| 2000 | 94 | 19% |
| 1999 | 86 | 13% |
| 1998 | 39 | 12% |
| 1997 | 7 | 19% |
| 1996 | 5 | 13% |
| 1995 | 19 | 20% |
| 1994 | 9 | 36% |
| 1993 | 18 | 26% |
| 1992 | 17 | 44% |
| 1991 | 6 | 25% |
| 1990 | 12 | 35% |
Other parts of the 2000 Volkswagen Passat
207 complaintsFuel system
46 complaintsElectrical system
43 complaintsSuspension
36 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
26 complaintsSteering
25 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
19 complaintsAir bags
17 complaintsVehicle speed control
15 complaintsOther or unknown
12 complaintsExterior lighting
11 complaintsBody and structure
10 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2000 Volkswagen Passat
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology