2001 Volkswagen Passat Brakes Problems
- Complaints
- 63about this part
- Share
- 15%of 430 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 79,200miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 63 complaints about the brakes of the 2001 Volkswagen Passat, 15% of the 430 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 79,200 miles.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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.”
NHTSA complaint #10611366, filed 2014-07, 104,435 miles“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.”
NHTSA complaint #10548346, filed 2013-10, 152,000 miles“The ABS module has failed in my 2001 Passat, which only has 79000 miles on it... They are charging almost $1000 to get this fixed, if this is a safety issue, the part should be recalled and covered by Volkswagen... I have read a lot of consumer complaints regarding this part and the need to replace it prematurely.”
NHTSA complaint #10170016, filed 2006-10, 79,592 miles“2001 vw Passat, 1.8l 4 cylinder. At 89,000 miles on my odometer, I am now receiving a stop, brake fault, see service manual warning, with the ABS warning light also. In reviewing the vw owners forums and other information online, it seems this is a likely failure of the ABS control module -- which is said to cost $1,500 for the part alone. This is said to be a fairly common issue....”
NHTSA complaint #10175719, filed 2006-12, 88,600 miles“Abs and brake lights came on at no warning and unexpected. Each time ignition turned on it beeps 3 times and the ABS and brake light remain on. This should not be failing this bad. I just got the car for less than 10 months with 106,000 miles on it and I am the 2nd owner.”
NHTSA complaint #10244071, filed 2008-09, 106,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10238963Nov 7, 2014Fault code 02543 000 ?Brake Vacuum Sensor no Display? may be encountered in the ABS module. This may be caused by the hydraulic brake boost function (HBV) in adaptation value 61…
- 10238568Sep 12, 2014For long crank/ difficulty starting with the engine hot: Before replacing any components for this complaint, drain the fuel from the vehicle and replace with known good diesel…
- 10238566Jun 18, 2013If mechanical damage is found to the turbocharger (e.g. damaged compression wheel, loose or broken shaft), it is not enough to just replace the turbocharger.
- 10238620Dec 16, 2012To code a Bosch 5.3 ABS control module, use Vehicle Self-diagnosis to enter the correct coding value from the tables below. Note that the first table is only applicable to 2.8L…
- 10157760Nov 16, 2012Tech Tips (Bosch 5.3 ABS Control Module ? ABS Coding Tables): This document informs To code a Bosch 5.3 ABS control module, use Vehicle Self-diagnosis to enter the correct coding…
- 10156161Nov 16, 2012Tech Tips (Bosch 5.3 ABS Control Module ? ABS Coding Tables): This document informs To code a Bosch 5.3 ABS control module, use Vehicle Self-diagnosis to enter the correct coding…
- 10070773Nov 16, 2012Summary to be provided on a future date.
- 10051242Nov 16, 2012Volkswagen: update to information. Providing correct coding values for abs control modules on certain vehicles without can-bus. Models 1998-2002 passat.
- 10237700Jul 23, 2010For concerns of no or intermittent A/C operation where pressure diagnosis does not lead to a cause, be sure to check the N25 A/C clutch coil. The fan control module may send a…
- 10025923Jun 1, 2008Volkswagen: 2001-2005 models: service air plenum area to improve drainage and install improved pollen filter seal. Water could leak into the passenger compartment. 2002 models…
Brakes: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 3 | 23% |
| 2021 | 5 | 25% |
| 2020 | 2 | 11% |
| 2019 | 3 | 25% |
| 2018 | 13 | 28% |
| 2017 | 17 | 15% |
| 2016 | 17 | 16% |
| 2015 | 28 | 12% |
| 2014 | 8 | 1% |
| 2013 | 8 | 1% |
| 2012 | 12 | 2% |
| 2010 | 5 | 3% |
| 2009 | 4 | 3% |
| 2008 | 6 | 4% |
| 2007 | 16 | 6% |
| 2006 | 49 | 9% |
| 2005 | 5 | 3% |
| 2004 | 15 | 5% |
| 2003 | 42 | 7% |
| 2002 | 72 | 11% |
| 2001 | 63 | 15% |
| 2000 | 207 | 41% |
| 1999 | 233 | 35% |
| 1998 | 90 | 27% |
| 1996 | 1 | 3% |
| 1995 | 14 | 15% |
| 1994 | 4 | 16% |
| 1993 | 7 | 10% |
| 1992 | 3 | 8% |
| 1991 | 3 | 13% |
| 1990 | 3 | 9% |
Other parts of the 2001 Volkswagen Passat
92 complaintsElectrical system
73 complaintsFuel system
44 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
34 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
31 complaintsExterior lighting
30 complaintsAir bags
26 complaintsSuspension
25 complaintsBody and structure
23 complaintsVehicle speed control
19 complaintsSteering
13 complaintsOther or unknown
9 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2001 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