2001 Volkswagen Passat GLS review from North America
"A good car with poor service support"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Engine Sludge (covered by warranty) at 48,000 Miles.
Mass Airflow Sensor at 66,000 Miles.
Interior light of heating/cooling system failed at 52,000 miles.
Headlights, complete failure of low beams electrical system both sides, at 100,000 miles.
Front Ashtray/cigarette lighter (non smoker) broke at 70,000 miles.
General comments?
The car has had a few major issues, the most annoying and expensive being the headlight issue.
I love the car, as it's easy to drive, very comfortable on long trips, and generally easy to maintain.
It's had service issues, but I can't complain, as I drive it a lot and it's endured many different climates, from Las Vegas Desert to Sierra Nevada snowstorm, to big city stop and go, to East Coast oceanfront living. It's performed well in all those.
Unfortunately, my biggest complaint is with Volkswagen Service. They are the most unhelpful group of people I have ever met. As for the engine sludge, why not just admit you've made a mistake and fix it for life? How hard is that?
Recommended Reviews:
  | 2001 - Passat GLX V6 4-Motion Wagon 2.8 Great car, other than faulty sensor problems |
| Fantastic, comfortable and yet reliable |
All 2001 Volkswagen Passat reviews
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| Model Year | 2002 |
| First year of ownership | 2002 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2008 |
| Engine and transmission | 1.8T Don't Know |
| Performance marks | 9/10 |
| Reliability marks | 7/10 |
| Comfort marks | 8/10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 3/10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 7/10 |
| Distance when acquired | 12000 miles |
| Most recent distance | 116000 miles |
| Previous car | Dodge Neon |
| Date of Entry | 7th April, 2008 |