17th Jan 2007, 19:45

I bought a VW Passat 2000 1.6 turbo with 70K miles. When I drove the car, the check emissions light came on. I took to couple of workshops and they changed the oxygen sensors and charged me $500. But the problem re-appeared. I too the car to a very reputed VW dealer and after spending $1200 on the car, the problem was fixed. They have to replace the mass air flow meter and remove the carbon deposits. I thought the car is fine. I did my 80K service recently. The dealer replaced all the internal belts because the belts were making noise when the car is started. $1500 spent. Again, I thought the car is good now. Guess what, when I take my leg off the accelerator and when the engine is idle or when I brake, there is huge idling noise from the engine. It keeps increasing. Do post if you know a solution. The car is good, but every now and then... you have to spend thousands of dollars.

13th Feb 2007, 10:08

Re: Water in 2000 & 2001 Passat passenger cabin. Please have your mechanic inspect the pollen filter (and/or housing) for leaks/clogs. I have a 2000.5 VW Passat GLX (V6) 4Motion. Despite numerous trips to the dealer, water continued to collect on the floor of the back seat--passenger side--until the pollen filter was determined to be the culprit.

16th Feb 2007, 09:24

I have a 2000 Passat v6 with "Emissions Workshop" lights on and off. New O2 sensors from dealer and VW qualified mechanics. Still those #@$%^& lights come on/off. I give up. Learn to live with it. Engine runs like there's trash in fuel line, but idles fine. I guess I could try the mass air handler, but right now its in the shop for a new clutch ($1,100) I can't tell if that's too high, but it sounds like a rip off. The clutch kit can be purchased online for under $300 - So that leaves $800 for labor?? Any comments?

PS Your headlights are ON when the engine is on so its not unusual to have them needing to be replaced occassionally.

17th Mar 2007, 16:07

Just bought a 2000 V6 30v with 110000 miles (miles wasn't an issue on previous Vdubs). All the symptoms, I have them; hard starting, flex joints noise, check engine, ABS light on and off. My mechanic can't find the problem.

Computer says map 1 sensor???

I found a place to rebuild the ABS module for 200 plus shipping, that I can change myself. MODULEMASTER.com. Do a search.

Only 1 month in, and VERY disappointed. Had a Jetta, a GTI, and a Rabbit; no unexplained problems.

What happened to VW? They are crap.

Realistically I expected to spend $750 to $1500. I think I am screwed.

Is there a COMPLAINT MOVEMENT going on, because problems is all I see on the Internet?

Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.

7th Apr 2007, 11:57

"EMISSIONS WORKSHOP": There is a computer upgrade recall for Passats (1998-2001 I believe) for this issue. If your vehicle has 80K or less mileage you don't have to pay for the upgrade. Otherwise, it's $150. When you do the upgrade, they will tell you that you might "blow the computer chip" during the process which would result in $1000 more work that you would be responsible for. However, if the upgrade works, it will clear the issue to determine if your catalytic converters are okay or not and will help clear up your other dashboard issues. If they persist, you may need your module changed...cost...1000. Good luck!

1st Jun 2007, 08:36

I'm so disappointed with my 2000 Passat V6 wagon. This is the fifth vw that my husband and I have owned, and the only one to give us any problems--and they've been substantial.

We bought this car less than a year ago and have spent more than $2000 in repairs on things ranging from cracked boots and joints (a standard repair after 100k miles, but phenomenally expensive) to having to replace the entire steering column because steering oil had filled the boots on either side of the column. The tech at the dealership told me that it's been a fairly common problem--that the seals were faulty and fine after being replaced. If this is a known vw problem, why isn't this a recall? So they can get you into the dealership to spend yet another $1000! boo.

My first vw was an '85 jetta. her name was tank and I loved her... i had her from 150k-190k and only ever had to replace a $10 belt and the tires. one repair on my husbands '90 jetta with 210k miles that we had for several years. love our super reliable '98 gti, the '97 jetta was fine and easy to maintain. whereas this 2000 passat is a piece of garbage and just a giant money sucker. I had thought it was my dream car and it's been hugely disappointing. junk, junk, junk.

As much as I've loved them, I think that I'm done with vw. makes me want to cry... and SCREAM.

JUNK--shame on you vw.

1st Jun 2007, 16:29

Surely if only one of five VW's you have owned are bad, why quit the whole brand? Some people are just stupid in their logic. Whats saying you are going to get a good example of whatever you get next? At least you will enjoy driving your VW!

12th Jun 2007, 22:43

I sort of messed up on my explaining the probs with my 2000 Passat, here is how it went;

1. Timing belt, water pump and back brakes = $2100

2. Less than a week after that, check engine light emissions workshop. Oxygen sensors = $1000

3. Less than a week later, check engine light emissions workshop, fuel heat sensor and ONE bad plug wire = $900

4. Less than a week later, check engine light emissions workshop, this time I ditched the dealer and took it to a local mechanic. All plug wires bad, all plugs bad, coil bad. He DID show me the BAD parts, black gunky plugs etc. = $1000.

After the second time to the dealer, I noticed that the stereo only worked after 8am, perfectly I might add. About a week later the stereo only worked after 10am and now it works on & off after noon. I really want to try the #42 fuse thing, but I can't find the fuse box.

4th Sep 2007, 12:10

I have had similar problem of the seals for the boot for the drivetrain. I sent a letter to VW complaining about this issue and they said that there was no recall notice so it would not be covered. Actually, the boot for my 2000 Passat cracked at around 70k and then around 90k. I find this very disturbing to know that it is NOT a defective part problem. Also, I have had to replace the water pump twice in the lifetime of the car: once at 60k and second time at 80k. Fortunately, I bought the car with the original factory warranty of 100k powertrain coverage or else the cost would have been $1500 to replace the water pump. As to one of the previous comments regarding a thumping noise when coming to a stop, I had that experience in my old Ford Windstar and it was due to the engine mounts wearing out. I don't know if it is the same problem for the VW, but I suspect it to be similar.

Now at about 99k I need to replace the clutch.