2001 Volkswagen Passat
WVWZZZ3BZ1P104601
Vehicle history report for the 2001 Volkswagen Passat (VIN WVWZZZ3BZ1P104601). Beige, sedan, gasoline / lpg. Registered in Chernivtsi. 4 NHTSA recall campaigns for this model year. Unlock full title, salvage, lien & accident history.
Full vehicle history report
What a full report checks for VIN WVWZZZ3BZ1P104601
A full report searches national title databases (NMVTIS) and licensed history providers for this VIN and shows whatever records are on file — not every vehicle has every record type. The decode, safety recalls and owner complaints above are always free.
History reports cover US-titled vehicles only. This car is registered in Ukraine, so title, salvage and odometer records from the US national title database (NMVTIS) don't apply to it. The registration record, specifications and recall data on this page are free.
At a glance
Vehicle identity & specifications
🧾 Window sticker / build sheet → All 2001 Volkswagen Passat data →
What's a 2001 Volkswagen Passat worth?
What comparable 2001 Volkswagen Passat vehicles are listed for — a quick gut-check before you negotiate.
Is the seller's price fair? Get this exact VIN's current market value — retail, trade-in & loan value — in the full report.
See this car's exact value →MPG & running costs
U.S. EPA fuel-economy estimates for the 2001 Volkswagen Passat.
Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov. The EPA lists 4 versions of this model year; combined is shown as a range and the other figures are averages. Actual mileage varies with trim and driving conditions.
Crash-test safety ratings
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2001 Volkswagen Passat.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program, tested as the 2001 Volkswagen Passat 4-DR. w/SAB. Ratings can differ by body style and drivetrain.
Estimated 5-year cost to own
A rough guide to what running a 2001 Volkswagen Passat costs over five years and 75,000 miles.
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.
Dimensions & weight
Manufacturer-reported figures for the 2001 Volkswagen Passat — ranges cover the 10 body / drivetrain versions on record. Source: Transport Canada vehicle specifications via NHTSA.
Investigations & service bulletins
NHTSA defect investigations 7
Engine Compartment Fire Closed
In July 2010, the Agency opened PE10-027 to investigate allegations of coil on plug (COP) ignition coil fires in MY2002-2003 VW Passat vehicles. The investigation was upgraded in January 2011 to include all MY2001-2007 4-cylinder VW Passat, gasoline, turbo-charged vehicles. Based on the analysis of VW's response, and including ODI's consumer complaints, ODI has since identified 135 unique engine fire reports attribut…
NHTSA #EA11002 · Electrical System, Engine And Engine Cooling · opened Jan 2011 · closed Feb 2012FUEL TANK LEAK Closed
VOLKSWAGEN (VW) IS RECALLING CERTAIN VW PASSAT 4MOTION AND AUDI A6 QUATTRO AND ALLROAD QUATTRO ALL-WHEEL DRIVE PASSENGER CARS. VW VEHICLES SUBJECT TO RECALL WERE MANUFACTURED FROM NOVEMBER 22, 2000 THROUGH MAY 31, 2005 AND AUDI VEHICLES SUBJECT TO RECALL WERE MANUFACTURED FROM JUNE 2, 2001 TO JUNE 1, 2005. THE NHTSA RECALL NUMBER FOR THE VW VEHICLES IS 08V-156 (VW ALSO IS CORRECTING DEFECTS RELATED TO HEAT SHIELD AND…
NHTSA #PE08008 · Fuel System, Gasoline, Fuel System, Other · opened Jan 2008 · closed May 2008PASSENGER ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES Closed
THE MANUFACTURER NOTIFIED NHTSA ON 04-APR-08 THAT A SAFETY RECALL ACTION WOULD BE INITIATED TO REMEDY THE ISSUE. IN JUNE 2008, THE MANUFACTURER ISSUED A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN (CODE 26E5/R5) REGARDING THE SPECIFIC PROCEDURES TO BE EMPLOYED IN THIS CAMPAIGN. VEHICLE OWNER NOTIFICATION LETTERS WERE SENT BEGINNING APPROXIMATELY JUNE 13, 2008. THE CAMPAIGN WAS ASSIGNED NHTSA NO. 08V-156. THIS RECALL AFFECTS ALL MY 19…
NHTSA #EA07014 · Electrical System, Engine And Engine Cooling · opened Sep 2007 · closed Jul 2008PASSENGER/ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES Closed
MANY OF THE FIRE REPORTS ALLEGE THAT THE VEHICLE FIRE WAS ATTRIBUTED TO IGNITION COIL FAILURE. VW PROVIDED ADDITIONAL DATA REGARDING ITS ANALYSIS OF VEHICLE FIRES AND A DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE THREE DIFFERENT ENGINES AND IGNITION SYSTEMS FOR THE SUBJECT VEHICLES. ODI FINDS THE NEED TO FURTHER INVESTIGATE THIS ISSUE. TO FACILITATE ACQUISITION AND ANALYSIS OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, THIS INVESTIGATION HAS BEEN UPGR…
NHTSA #PE07024 · Electrical System · opened May 2007 · closed Sep 2007ENGINE STALLING Closed
BY LETTER RECEIVED ON JUNE 24, 2005, MR. RONALD M. STRICKLAND OF RALEIGH, NC, SUBMITTED A PETITION REQUESTING THAT THE AGENCY INVESTIGATE THE PERFORMANCE OF THE IGNITION COIL PLUGS ON MODEL YEAR (MY) 2000-2003 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA, GOLF AND PASSAT SEDANS. THE PETITIONER ALLEGES THAT HE HAD EXPERIENCED MULTIPLE STALLING EVENTS AS A RESULT OF ONE OR MORE IGNITION COIL PLUGS MALFUNCTIONING ON HIS 2002 VW JETTA SEDAN. AS A R…
NHTSA #DP05004 · Electrical System · opened Aug 2005 · closed Dec 2005PASSENGER AIR BAG LID FAILURE Closed
THIS INVESTIGATION INVOLVES THE VOLKSWAGEN (VW) PASSENGER SUPPLEMENTAL INFLATABLE RESTRAINT (PSIR) LID UTILIZED IN MY 1998-2002 VW PASSAT. THE PSIR LID MAY DETACH FROM THE INSTRUMENT PANEL DURING AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT. THE OFFICE OF DEFECTS INVESTIGATION (ODI) OF THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION (NHTSA) OPENED THE PRELIMINARY EVALUATION ON MAY 23, 2003 TO DETERMINE WHETHER ALLEGED PSIR LID DETACHMENT P…
NHTSA #EA03020 · Air Bags · opened Oct 2003 · closed Apr 2004PASSENGER SIR DOOR MOUNTING STUD FAILURE Closed
ODI OPENED A PRELIMINARY EVALUATION (PE03-021) BASED ON TWO REPORTS OF FAILED BOLT STUDS THAT ATTACH THE PASSENGER SUPPLEMENTAL INFLATABLE RESTRAINT (PSIR) DOOR COVER TO THE INSTRUMENT PANEL (IP) ON THE VOLKSWAGEN (VW) PASSAT (MODEL YEARS 2000, 2002). VW HAS INDICATED TO ODI THAT IT HAS NO ADDITIONAL REPORTS. VW IMPLEMENTED A PROCESS CHANGE ON MARCH 1, 2002. THIS PROCESS CHANGE CONSISTED OF CHANGING THE BOLT APPLICAT…
NHTSA #PE03021 · Air Bags · opened May 2003 · closed Oct 2003An investigation means NHTSA is examining a possible defect — it is not a recall, and many close without one.
Manufacturer service bulletins 226
Technical notes the manufacturer sent to dealers about known issues and fixes. Useful to mention to a mechanic — they are not recalls and repairs may not be free. Showing the 10 most recent of 226.
Update to Volkswagen engine oil standards
Bulletin V171901201285565 · Engine And Engine Cooling · Aug 2023Volkswagen Engine oil quality standards, update to attachments.
Bulletin V171901201285562 · Engine And Engine Cooling · May 2023Engine oil quality standards, update to attachments.
Bulletin V171901201285560 · Engine And Engine Cooling · Apr 2023Update model year applicability to include 2023.
Bulletin V941901201152119 · Equipment · Dec 2022Battery testing and charging using special tools VAS6161 & GRX3000VAS Charger. Updated to include additional model year applicability.
Bulletin V271901201189422 · Electrical System · Dec 2022Tool number added to table. Removal of Behr Flush Kit. VAS 6337/1A
Bulletin V871806201994714 · Equipment · May 2020Updated to include additional models and model year applicability.
Bulletin V941901201152115 · Equipment · Apr 2020Original version accidently archived 8/9/19. Recreate exact content in new format and republish, as warranty policy still relevant to applicable later model years.
Bulletin V551611_2038993 · Structure, Visibility · Aug 2019Update vehicle metadata.
Bulletin V871812-2005566 · Equipment Adaptive/mobility, Equipment · Jun 2019The part number listed in the document is to be returned if it meets the criteria provided.
Bulletin SM 33-2019 · Equipment · Mar 2019Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, listed for the PASSAT. Model-year data, not specific to one car.
Canadian recalls 1
Transport Canada recall campaigns for the 2001 Volkswagen Passat. Relevant if the car was first sold in, or imported from, Canada.
Fuel System
On certain Passat and Passat Four Motion vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission, an underbody heat shield may become damaged. If this occurs, the heat shield may contact the exhaust system, which can result in a vehicle fire. In addition, the affected vehicles may have a fuel line (1.8T engine only) or fuel tank ventilation valve (4motion / all-wheel drive vehicles on…
Transport Canada #2008119 · Apr 2008Source: Transport Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Recalls Database.
About the Volkswagen Passat
The Volkswagen Passat is a nameplate of large family cars (D-segment) manufactured and marketed by the German automobile manufacturer Volkswagen since 1973 and also marketed variously as the Dasher, Santana, Quantum, Magotan, Corsar and Carat — in saloon, estate, and hatchback body styles. With sales of 34 million units worldwide, the Passat is the fourth best-selling automobile of all time.
From Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Describes the model line in general, not this model year specifically.
Safety recall campaigns 4
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
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 w…
Remedy: 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.
NHTSA Campaign #14E007000 · 07/03/2014FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY
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) THA…
Remedy: 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 VENTILATI
NHTSA Campaign #08V156000 · manufacturer #26E5/R5 · 07/04/2008FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:FILLER PIPE AND CAP
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.
Remedy: 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 WHO TA
NHTSA Campaign #02V026000 · manufacturer #WK · 25/01/2002FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY
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.
Remedy: 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 REC
NHTSA Campaign #01V157000 · 03/05/2001Note: recall data comes from the U.S. NHTSA and covers the US-market version of this model. A car registered in Ukraine may have different campaigns — check with the manufacturer's local importer.
These are NHTSA recall campaigns for this model year, last checked 7 Oct 2026. They don't show whether this particular car has had the repair done — check this VIN on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer. Recall repairs are free.
We'll email you the moment a new safety recall is issued — no spam, unsubscribe any time.
Common problems & what to inspect
Based on all 447 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2001 Volkswagen Passat, here are the most-reported problem areas — and what to check before you buy.
💥 16 involved a crash 🔥 15 involved a fire 🚑 15 reported injuries
🔍 Check coolant level and color, look for leaks, and confirm the engine reaches normal temperature without overheating.
🔍 Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
🔍 Brakes should feel firm and quiet — no grinding, pulsing or pulling. Check for an ABS light and uneven pad/rotor wear.
🔍 Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.
🔍 Sniff for fuel odor, check for leaks, hard starts or stalling, and confirm the fuel gauge reads correctly.
🔍 Drive through every gear: watch for slipping, hard or delayed shifts, and shudder. Check for transmission/driveline leaks and noises.
Pre-purchase checklist
- Match the VIN on the dash, door jamb and title — they must be identical.
- Cold-start the engine; listen for knocks and check for blue or white exhaust smoke.
- Test-drive through all gears at low and highway speed — no slipping, shudder or pulling.
- Confirm every warning light clears at startup (none should stay on).
- Check fluids — oil, coolant, transmission — for level, color and leaks.
- Look underneath for rust, fresh undercoating or signs of collision repair.
- Always get an independent pre-purchase inspection from a trusted mechanic.
Owner complaints 447
Complaints filed with NHTSA by owners of the 2001 Volkswagen Passat.
SERVICE BRAKES
My fuses keep blowing, this is leading to replacing the Brake switch which I believe was recalled. If it was replaced,it's not working.
NHTSA ODI #11745122AIR BAGS
The driver's side airbag of my 2001 VW Passat spontaneously deployed while I drove on Hwy 494 in Woodbury MN. Sometime within 24 hours before the airbag deployed, the airbag fault light turned on in the car's dashboard display. Within 15 minutes before the incident, the car's automatic locking locks unlocked twice while I was driving the car. After the se…
NHTSA ODI #11422304ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
TOOK CAR TO VW DEALER TO HAVE TIMING BELT REPLACED AND WAS NOTIFIED THAT THERE WERE SEVERAL OPEN RECALLS AND THEY OFFERED TO TAKE CARE OF THEM FREE OF CHARGE. HOWEVER, THEY WERE UNABLE TO PERFORM RECALL #08V156. MANUFACTURER #26E5. THEY INSTALLED THE HEAT SHIELD BUT COULD NOT PERFORM SOFTWARE UPGRADE. I NEVER RECEIVED ANY RECALL NOTICES IN THE MAIL. NOW VW W…
NHTSA ODI #11389398VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SERVICE BRAKES
ABS LIGHT ON AND BREAK LIGHT FLASHING
NHTSA ODI #11120015FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
STARTED SMELLING GAS AND MILEAGE STARTED DROPPI G BAD AROUND THE END OF NOVEMBER. WE SEE THAT THERE HAS BEEN RECALLS ON THE GAS TANK AND FUEL LINES FOR 01 VOLKSWAGEN PASSATS BUT UNFORTUNATELY NOT FOR THIS VIN # WHICH HAPPENS TO BE MY SONS CAR. NOW ITS AT THE SHOP BECAUSE ITS GAS MILEAGE WENT WAY DOWN AND AND SMELLS LIKE GAS AND HE WAS TOLD THAT HE WAS DRIVIN…
NHTSA ODI #11054149ENGINE
FAULTY CAM CHAIN TENSIONER FAILED AND CAUSED SEVERE ENGINE DAMAGE TO VALVES, PISTONS, CAMSHAFT, CAM TIMING CHAIN. I WAS STATIONARY WAITING AT A RED LIGHT WHEN I HEARD A SUDDEN LOUD GRINDING NOISE FROM INSIDE THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT, THE ENGINE BEGAN TO SHAKE AND SPUTTER. THE CAR LOST MOST OF ITS POWER AND I WAS BARELY ABLE TO MAKE IT THROUGH THE INTERSECTI…
NHTSA ODI #11046400FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
MY 2001 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT HAS HAD AN R5 RECALL FOR FUEL LINES, FUEL TANK, AND A HEAT SHIELD. THE HARD (LOW PRESSURE FUEL RETURN?) LINE, THE MIDDLE ONE OF THE MOUNTING BRACKET ATOP THE FIREWALL, HAS FAILED CATASTROPHICALLY. IT NOW SPRAYS GASOLINE DIRECTLY DOWN ONTO THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER HEAT SHIELD. THIS IS THE SAME FAILURE IN THE SAME EXACT POINT THAT MANY…
NHTSA ODI #11012185AIR BAGS
MY CAR IS A 2001 MODEL, AND I'D LIKE TO KNOW IF IT HAS TAKATA AIRBAGS IN IT, EVEN IF IT ISN'T COVERED BY THE RECALL. DEALER DOESN'T KNOW IF THE AIRBAGS ARE TAKATA OR NOT. CAN YOU GIVE ME THIS INFORMATION?? I HOPE SO, OTHERWISE I DON'T KNOW HOW TO FIND OUT. THANKS [XXX] *DL INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 55…
NHTSA ODI #10955699+ 439 more complaints on record.
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Frequently asked questions
Can I find out who owns this vehicle from the VIN?
No — and no legitimate service can. Linking a VIN or plate to a named owner is restricted by the U.S. Driver's Privacy Protection Act, the EU GDPR and equivalent laws. CarLogs shows the vehicle only — specs, recalls, problems and value — never the person.
Are there safety recalls on the 2001 Volkswagen Passat?
NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns for the 2001 Volkswagen Passat model year. That covers the model year, not this individual car: to see whether a specific vehicle still needs a recall repair, check its VIN on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer. Recall repairs are free.
What is a fair price for a 2001 Volkswagen Passat?
Comparable 2001 Volkswagen Passat listings run roughly $625–$2,500, typically around $1,443 (from 65 comparable vehicles). The full report shows this exact VIN's valuation.
What is the 2001 Volkswagen Passat safety rating?
NHTSA gives the 2001 Volkswagen Passat crash-test ratings of frontal 5★ (out of 5; this model year pre-dates NHTSA's overall score).
What fuel economy does the 2001 Volkswagen Passat get?
The 2001 Volkswagen Passat has U.S. EPA estimates of 19–23 mpg combined, depending on engine and trim (4 versions).
Recall data checked 7 Oct 2026 · Sources: NHTSA (recalls & complaints), U.S. EPA (fuel economy), NHTSA vPIC (specifications). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.