2000 Volkswagen Passat Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 19about this part
- Share
- 4%of 507 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 49,500miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 19 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2000 Volkswagen Passat, 4% of the 507 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 49,500 miles.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“My clutch failed at only 21,000 miles. I have never heard of a clutch failing in a vw that early. Vw did cover parts, but I was required to pay $600.00 in labor.”
NHTSA complaint #10046952, filed 2003-11, 20,899 miles“1. My 2000 vw Passat 1.8t automatic reached 130k miles. 2. There is a failure in whatever component stabilizes the steering wheel at idle when the car is in drive or reverse. The problem does not in occur when at idle in neutral. The exact symptoms of the problem are a very strong vibration that can be felt through the steering wheel and the entire cabin. The only fix has been to put the car in neutral when at the stop sign/light. 3. …”
NHTSA complaint #10258773, filed 2009-02, 130,000 miles“The problem is intermittent, having occurred approximately fifteen to twenty times during the past year. It can be best described as a sudden lurching, which has occurred while stopped, while at freeway speeds (60-70 MPH), and at speeds between these two extremes. While stopped, it is as if the transmission engages, and the vehicle lurches forward; extra brake pressure must be applied during these occurrences, which last less than a second or two, but which occur without warning. …”
NHTSA complaint #10162988, filed 2006-07, 88,718 miles“While driving between 5 to 10 MPH and with out any warning the driver and passenger cv-joint broke. As a result the front suspension fell off. Manufacturer stated so what there is no big deal. Dealer replaced both cv-joint.”
NHTSA complaint #10048456, filed 2003-11, 25,000 miles“9/2003: headlights aimed incorrectly; road wasn't illuminated. Within 2 wks, 1 of the bulbs burned out. Within a week of the 1st, the 2nd bulb burned out. Cost to have headlights repositioned & bulbs replaced: $267. 9/2003: rear tail light out. Cost to have bulb replaced by mechanic: $32.50. 11/2003: both rear windows off track. Cost to tear doors apart & fix: $159.75. 12/2003: electrical problems with front power windows. Never know if window will go up or down. 2004: had car in for (at least) 3 different dashboard warning codes. …”
NHTSA complaint #10159883, filed 2006-06, 50,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10242996Dec 8, 2014VW Elsa Newsletter
- 10238600Jul 4, 2014Incorrect torque converter or flywheel/flexplate installation can result in transmission damage. When installing an engine, flywheel or transmission, please follow the…
- 10120207Jul 4, 2014Tech Tips (Torque Converter/Flywheel/Flexplate installation): Incorrect torque converter or flywheel/flexplate installation can result in transmission damage. When installing an…
- 10240605Oct 15, 2013P0102, P1128, P1296 - WA front oxygen sensor faults
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 2 | 15% |
| 2019 | 2 | 17% |
| 2018 | 3 | 7% |
| 2017 | 5 | 5% |
| 2016 | 5 | 5% |
| 2015 | 12 | 5% |
| 2014 | 37 | 6% |
| 2013 | 33 | 4% |
| 2012 | 15 | 3% |
| 2011 | 1 | 6% |
| 2010 | 34 | 21% |
| 2009 | 10 | 7% |
| 2008 | 12 | 7% |
| 2007 | 13 | 5% |
| 2006 | 47 | 8% |
| 2005 | 13 | 9% |
| 2004 | 38 | 14% |
| 2003 | 35 | 6% |
| 2002 | 25 | 4% |
| 2001 | 34 | 8% |
| 2000 | 19 | 4% |
| 1999 | 29 | 4% |
| 1998 | 16 | 5% |
| 1996 | 2 | 5% |
| 1995 | 10 | 11% |
| 1994 | 4 | 16% |
| 1993 | 4 | 6% |
| 1992 | 7 | 18% |
| 1991 | 2 | 8% |
| 1990 | 8 | 24% |
Other parts of the 2000 Volkswagen Passat
207 complaintsEngine cooling
94 complaintsFuel system
46 complaintsElectrical system
43 complaintsSuspension
36 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
26 complaintsSteering
25 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 31, 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