2001 Volkswagen Passat Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 34about this part
- Share
- 8%of 430 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 36,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 34 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2001 Volkswagen Passat, 8% of the 430 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 36,000 miles.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“As my son got on the highway the transmission felt like it was slipping and jerking to then catch back up to the original speed I was going. When he put his foot on the gas pedal the car would struggle to go, 5 seconds later it would get up to speed but then slow back down. At a stoplight the car would shake roughly and idle really high, then he saw the front of the hood start to smoke and I realized there was a problem.”
NHTSA complaint #10865850, filed 2016-05, 132,273 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“This issue caused my car to misfire so bad I was unable to get my car to accelerate and nearly caused an accident. This issue could leave many stranded and has already caused major problems for hundreds of owners. **dimsii ivoq entry posted after 12/12/02 cut over to artemis**770852”
NHTSA complaint #10006825, filed 2003-01, 26,000 miles“Dec 12th 2008 the interior of my passt was flooded with water, vw service removed 10 + gallons of water which entered from air plenum /pollen filter hosing(cabin area). Service informed me of the p9 recall for the passats manufactured nov '00 to dec '05. But, vw of america will not help me they said my VIN # is not in the recall. The computers are on the floor of car. Air bag is in default damage from electrical damage from water damage.. My trans mod is wrecked from the water damage, just the part alone will cost $1,300. I have lost work and can not drive. …”
NHTSA complaint #10252063, filed 2008-12, 64,445 miles“I have vw Passat, 2001. It has around 30 000 miles on it. The clutch has gone down on this car and it needs to be replaced. Parts and labor for this repair are more than $2200. This car has electrical problems also. The warranty is gone after 24000k or 2 years. I have extended warranty on this car, but they don't cover anything from the long list of repair. I called to vw customer care and ask to reimburse me for clutch repair, since it must be after 10 years/100 000 miles power train warranty. They refused to participate. …”
NHTSA complaint #10003183, filed 2003-01, 30,000 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 2001 Volkswagen Passat
92 complaintsElectrical system
73 complaintsBrakes
63 complaintsFuel system
44 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