2001 Volkswagen Passat GLX 4Motion review from North America
"A disappointing 1st Volkswagen"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
I replaced the driver's side headlamp (3) times in 40,000 miles.
All of the dash lights went out. When I brought it in for service, the technician said they came back on when he removed the dimmer switch. He said any further investigation of the problem would be expensive and recommended I just leave it. The lights went out again a couple of days later. They've been out for the better part of a year.
The driver's door doesn't lock with the remote. I made the dealer aware of the problem at a routine service visit while the car was still under warranty. They said they would have to order parts and it would require a return visit. At my next visit (after the warranty had expired) the had no record of it and refused to fix it under warranty.
The rear cigarette lighter won't stay in.
The heater fan makes a loud squealing noise.
General comments?
The car rides well and has plenty of acceleration with the V6 and 4Motion.
If it weren't for the problems above and the unsatisfactory service from the dealer, I'd love the car.
Recommended reviews
  | 2001 - Passat GLX V6 4-Motion Wagon 2.8 Great car, other than faulty sensor problems |
| Fantastic, comfortable and yet reliable |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | No |
| First year of ownership | 2001 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2004 |
| Engine and transmission | V6 Automatic |
| Performance marks | 8/10 |
| Reliability marks | 6/10 |
| Comfort marks | 8/10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 3/10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 5/10 |
| Distance when acquired | 26 miles |
| Most recent distance | 42000 miles |
| Previous car | Toyota T18 |
| Date of Entry | 25th January, 2004 |