Model year guide

2001 Volkswagen Passat

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2001 Volkswagen Passat is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 72 on record.

2001 Volkswagen Passat at a glance

Safety recalls4
Owner complaints446
Combined21 mpg
Typical price$1,443

Free: specs, open recalls for that exact car, build sheet and fair price.

2001 Volkswagen Passat recalls 4

Engine And Engine Cooling:engine NHTSA Campaign #14E007000 · 07/03/2014

The Gates Corporation (Gates) is recalling certain aftermarket Tru-Flow Water Pumps, part number TFW 41127, sold at certain NAPA Auto Parts and/or installed by automotive service technicians after November 1, 2013 (and manufactured August 2013 through October 2013) that have a black-colored pulley/sprocket or do not have 'US9377' stamped on the water pump housing. These service replacement parts were sold for use i…

Fix: Gates will notify owners, and dealers will replace the water pump, free of charge. The recall began during May 2014. Owners may contact The Gates Corporation at 1-303-744-1911.

Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery NHTSA Campaign #08V156000 · 07/04/2008

VOLKSWAGEN IS RECALLING 412,000 MY 1999-2005 PASSAT (5TH GENERATION) VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS AND PRODUCED AFTER JUNE 14, 1999. THESE VEHICLES MAY HAVE AN UNDERBODY HEAT SHIELD THAT CAN BECOME DAMAGED. IN ADDITION, AFFECTED VEHICLES WITH AUTOMATIC OR MANUAL TRANSMISSIONS MAY HAVE A FUEL LINE (1.8T ENGINES ONLY) OR FUEL TANK VENTILATION VALVE (4MOTION/ALL WHEEL DRIVE ONLY) THAT CAN LEAK DUE TO…

Fix: DEALERS WILL INSTALL ADDITIONAL UNDERBODY HEAT SHIELDS ON VEHICLES WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS TO COVER THE POSSIBLY DAMAGED AREAS AND FLASH ALL 1.8T ENGINES WITH A PRECAUTIONARY SOFTWARE UPDATE. DEALERS WILL ALSO INSPECT AND ADJUST THE FUEL LINE ROUTING ON 1.8T VEHICLES AND THE FUEL TANK VENTILAT…

Fuel System, Gasoline:storage:tank Assembly NHTSA Campaign #01V157000 · 03/05/2001

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. SULFUR IN FUEL INTERACTS WITH CERTAIN ADDITIVES FOUND IN WIDELY AVAILABLE GASOLINE CAUSING SULFUR TO BECOME DEPOSITED ON THE CONTACT POINTS OF THREE FUEL SENDING UNITS MOUNTED INSIDE THE FUEL TANK. THIS COULD CAUSE THE FUEL GAUGE TO READ FULL WHILE THE FUEL TANK MAY NOT IN FACT BE FULL OR COULD BE EMPTY.

Fix: DEALERS WILL REMOVE THE EXISTING FUEL LEVEL SENDING UNITS AND REPLACE THEM WITH FUEL LEVEL SENDING UNITS USING A NEW ALLOY COMPOSED OF GOLD, SILVER, AND A SMALL AMOUNT OF NICKEL, WHICH WILL NOT CHEMICALLY REACT WITH SULFUR. VW/AUDI WILL ALSO CALL BACK VEHICLES THAT WERE REPAIRED UNDER A PREVIOUS …

Fuel System, Gasoline:storage:tank Assembly:filler Pipe And Cap NHTSA Campaign #02V026000 · 25/01/2002

ON SOME PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE FUEL TANK FILLER NECK CAN SUFFER ABRASION DAMAGE IF THE REAR TIRE GOES FLAT AND THE VEHICLE IS DRIVEN UNTIL THE TIRE DISINTEGRATES.

Fix: DEALERS WILL FIT PASSAT VEHICLES WITH A NEW WHEEL HOUSE LINER THAT WILL BETTER PROTECT THE CAR'S FILLER NECK. JETTA VEHICLES WILL BE FITTED WITH A DIFFERENT METAL SHIELD DESIGNED TO ENHANCE ABRASION PROTECTION IN THE EVENT OF TIRE DISINTEGRATION. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JUNE 13, 2003. OWNERS W…

Source: U.S. NHTSA. A recall applies to a model year, but only a VIN check shows whether a specific car has had the repair done.

2001 Volkswagen Passat common problems

The most-reported problem areas from 446 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Engine
Listen for knocks or ticking, check for leaks and blue/white exhaust smoke, and make sure it doesn't overheat. No check-engine light should be on.
Fuel/propulsion System
Check for fuel or battery warnings, hard starts and stalling. On a hybrid/EV, confirm charging and range behave normally.
Air Bags
Confirm the airbag light turns on then off at startup — if it stays lit there's a fault (costly, and a safety risk). Check for signs of prior deployment.
Service Brakes
Brakes should feel firm and quiet — no grinding, pulsing or pulling. Check for an ABS light and uneven pad/rotor wear.
Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
Power Train
Drive through every gear: watch for slipping, hard or delayed shifts, and shudder. Check for transmission/driveline leaks and noises.

2001 Volkswagen Passat MPG & running costs

Combined21 mpg
City18 mpg
Highway27 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$3,625

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov, averaged across trims.

What's a 2001 Volkswagen Passat worth?

Low
$625
Typical price
$1,443
High
$2,500

From 65 comparable 2001 Volkswagen Passat listings.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 2001 Volkswagen Passat costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$18,125
Fuel only$18,125
Per mile$0.24

How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. There aren't enough comparable listings to estimate depreciation for this model, so it is left out. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.

2001 Volkswagen Passat trims & engines on record

Trims
GLS 1.8T · GLX V6 · GLX V6 4Motion · GLS V6 · New Passat
Engines
2.8L 6-cyl 190 hp · 1.8L 4-cyl 170 hp · 1.8L 4-cyl 150 hp

2001 Volkswagen Passat vehicles on record

Other Volkswagen Passat model years

2001 Volkswagen Passat — frequently asked questions

Does the 2001 Volkswagen Passat have any safety recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 safety recalls for the 2001 Volkswagen Passat. Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.

What are the most common problems with the 2001 Volkswagen Passat?

Based on 446 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are engine, fuel/propulsion system, air bags.

What gas mileage does the 2001 Volkswagen Passat get?

The U.S. EPA rates the 2001 Volkswagen Passat at about 21 mpg combined (18 city / 27 highway).

How much is a 2001 Volkswagen Passat worth?

Comparable 2001 Volkswagen Passat listings run roughly $625–$2,500, typically around $1,443 (from 65 vehicles).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.