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SuspensionPart report

2001 Volkswagen Passat Suspension Problems

Complaints
25about this part
Share
6%of 430 total for the year
Median mileage
52,510miles
Trend
StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.

NHTSA recorded 25 complaints about the suspension of the 2001 Volkswagen Passat, 6% of the 430 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 52,510 miles.

Example complaints

Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.

“Car was making noise at slow speed and would shake at faster speeds. I was told I needed 2 tie rods which were replaced. The problem continued and I was then told it was the control arms and I needed all 4 replaced. My car is not even 4 years old and has only 45,000. I understand from other sites that this is a problem on vw's and audi's.”

NHTSA complaint #10130813, filed 2005-08, 45,663 miles

“Despite light use of the vehicle, both the upper and lower control arms on our 2001 vw Passat wagon have failed and required replacement. Although the company recognized a defect with the lower control arms and replaced them at its expense, we were charged $600 by the dealer to replace the upper control arms -- even though the vehicle had fewer than 25,000 miles at the time.”

NHTSA complaint #10104212, filed 2004-12, 25,000 miles

“I own 2001 vw Passat with 43200 miles. This past year I noticed failures of outer cv joint boot both sides and rubber dust boots on all ball joints which causes a dirt and water to destroy ball joints. I changed outer cv join boot both sides and one upper control arm ball joint and others will fail soon.”

NHTSA complaint #10138154, filed 2005-09, 40,000 miles

“Upper control arms on both sides are worn out. Tie rods are worn out on both sides. Catalytic converters needed replaced. I paid for the tie rods, warranty covered converters, and I have not had the upper control arms replaced. Oil leaks on engine. Interior lights do not activate when drivers door is opened.”

NHTSA complaint #10058454, filed 2004-02, 59,100 miles

“Upper control arm on both sides worn out. I noticed this when I started to hear squeaking sounds when I would make tight turns from left to right and vice versa. Had to have them both replaced.”

NHTSA complaint #10068025, filed 2004-04, 49,000 miles

Suspension: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
201824%
201733%
201611%
2015167%
201461%
2013132%
201210%
201116%
201021%
200943%
200721%
200681%
200511%
200421%
2003102%
2002163%
2001256%
2000367%
199911818%
19989027%
199555%
199414%
199311%
199225%
199026%

Other parts of the 2001 Volkswagen Passat

Engine cooling
92 complaints
Electrical system
73 complaints
Brakes
63 complaints
Fuel system
44 complaints
Transmission and drivetrain
34 complaints
Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
31 complaints
Exterior lighting
30 complaints
Air bags
26 complaints
Body and structure
23 complaints
Vehicle speed control
19 complaints
Steering
13 complaints
Other 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