2001 Volkswagen Passat Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 73about this part
- Share
- 17%of 430 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 39,500miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 73 complaints about the electrical system of the 2001 Volkswagen Passat, 17% of the 430 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 39,500 miles. 7 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“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.”
NHTSA complaint #10401354, filed 2011-05, 157,000 miles“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“I bought the car from a dealer and know from carfax report the car was recently off lease. I put 15 miles on it and internally inside the dash black smoke radiated from the vents and sparks fell under the car. Within seconds flames shot out from under the dash. The fire company arrived in less than 5 minutes but by then the car was an inferno.”
NHTSA complaint #10065724, filed 2004-04, 87,000 miles“The ABS light comes on, but the car is not doing anything different, I also get the epo light on, took it to vw service ctr they said it will cost $1500 + 2.5 hrs labor. I called up Volkswagen of america customer service they said they cannot help, even though 1000s of other volkswagens have the same problem.”
NHTSA complaint #10111947, filed 2005-02, 45,500 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10228178Dec 6, 2022Battery testing and charging using special tools VAS6161 & GRX3000VAS Charger. Updated to include additional model year applicability.
- 10159014Mar 22, 2019Alternative method for radio code retrieval.
- 10158529Feb 19, 2019Battery Testing and Charging instruction. Updated to include model year 2019 applicability.
- 10144652Jun 6, 2018This information bulletin contains instructions for checking the pins/terminals for contacts and nano contacts.
- 10221934Dec 18, 2017Installation of original remote start feature accessory
- 10133469Nov 10, 2017Tip for Scan tool concerns that may occur duing a test plan
- 10157832Sep 19, 2017Update to model year applicability.
- 10157828Sep 14, 2017Updated to include model year 2014 thru 2018 applicability.
- 10130748Mar 13, 2017Quick Reference of vehicle concerns. Includes a list of Software versions and the technical bulletin numbers that referred to the concerns Updated
- 10128084May 20, 2016Quick Reference Update Guide of the vehicles expected upgraded software level. The latest corresponding technical bulletins that address the issues, and concerns that have been…
Electrical system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 3 | 23% |
| 2021 | 3 | 17% |
| 2020 | 3 | 17% |
| 2019 | 4 | 33% |
| 2018 | 10 | 22% |
| 2017 | 18 | 16% |
| 2016 | 22 | 21% |
| 2015 | 48 | 20% |
| 2014 | 74 | 12% |
| 2013 | 93 | 12% |
| 2012 | 95 | 20% |
| 2011 | 4 | 25% |
| 2010 | 21 | 13% |
| 2009 | 18 | 12% |
| 2008 | 21 | 13% |
| 2007 | 34 | 13% |
| 2006 | 79 | 14% |
| 2005 | 9 | 6% |
| 2004 | 23 | 8% |
| 2003 | 90 | 14% |
| 2002 | 220 | 35% |
| 2001 | 73 | 17% |
| 2000 | 43 | 8% |
| 1999 | 58 | 9% |
| 1998 | 28 | 8% |
| 1997 | 13 | 35% |
| 1996 | 14 | 35% |
| 1995 | 15 | 16% |
| 1994 | 5 | 20% |
| 1993 | 14 | 21% |
| 1992 | 3 | 8% |
| 1991 | 2 | 8% |
| 1990 | 2 | 6% |
Other parts of the 2001 Volkswagen Passat
92 complaintsBrakes
63 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 29, 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