Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (fuel pump, injectors, fuel tank, hybrid and EV propulsion).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2001 Volkswagen Jetta owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Tl* the contact owns a 2001 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated that there was a strong abnormal odor of fuel coming from the rear interior seat area. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was awaiting diagnostic testing. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 130,000.
I own a 2001 vw Jetta tdi (diesel). I took my car to the west broad Volkswagen, richmond, va on 10/22/04, concerning the fact that my car would not start and that it felt like the car was not receiving any fuel. Additionally, the car is steadily loosing its ability to accelerate into traffic. Not only was I charged $69.95 for a diagnostic, but I was then told the intake was full of carbon and that it would cost $978.00 to fix the problem! Additionally, the car died during the summer months as I was trying to get on to the highway. As the steering wheel became stiff, I veered off of the road to keep from being killed! When I tried to restart the car, it felt like the car wasn't getting fuel. I was towed to the nearest dealership, browns Volkswagen, midlothian va. They kept my car for 2 days, told me it was fixed and when I got there the car still would not start. …
I own a 2001 vw Jetta with the 1.9l tdi diesel engine. This vehicle is maintained by my local vw dealership. During cold weather conditions below 30 degrees f my vehicle would stop running stranding me at night in locations with little road traffic or cell phone service. This occurred approximately 6 times requiring the vehicle to be towed to a dealership. Each time that the vehicle was thawed in their shop and was diagnosed with "improperly treated diesel fuel". I meticulously put in the recommended amount of vw anti-gel additive to all tank fulls of fuel. I also consistently purchase my diesel fuel from the same high volume supplier who has numerous fleet accounts. I had begun to triple dose the diesel fuel additive in attempts to avoid this situation. …
Loss of power in Jetta with tdi engine. I experienced serious loss of power in my 2001 vw Jetta tdi .. The loss was very sudden and resulted made it unsafe to get on the highway. I did some research and found numerous news group postings about failing maf sensors on both the gas and diesil engines. I verified this by disconnecting the maf and driving the car. There was an immediate increase in power. I then had the dealer check it out when I had the timing belt replaced. At first the tech thought it was because the intake manifold was clogging up. He cleaned it, but the power loss was still present. He then determined the maf is the problem. I purchased a new maf for $250 and that resolved the problem. However, this part can cost up to $400 from the dealer. The dealer claims the k&n air filter I had installed caused the unit to fail. However, k&n says it is due to a poor maf design. …
Last week on 6-20-03 I pulled out onto state road 2 in valparaiso and my 2001 Volkswagen Jetta tdi would not accelerate. I had my 6-year-old son in the car and had to pull over to the shoulder of the road to avoid being hit. The car is undriveable. A mechanic has diagnosed the problem as a faulty turbo diesel system. This system was installed new in the 2001 Jetta and had previously never been installed in any other Volkswagen. My mechanic indicates the new system is faulty and as a result, fuel is not burned cleanly. The entire engine, intake manifold, and valves are clogged with carbon. I have been told I need a new engine. My mechanic has diagnosed the same problem in other 2001 jettas and states that the problem seems to him to be universal in this year and model. This car is only two years old and I owe $15,000 on it. It only has 47,000 miles on it. …
The check engine light came on and every time you fill the gas tank up all the way, fuel spills all over the place. The engine light was diagnosed at the mechanic who stated the leak detection pump needed to be replaced. I contacted the vehicle dealer to obtain the pump in early August 2009. They did not have one in stock so I placed an order for one. The dealer said they put a rush order on it; however, it is now December 2009, the part remains on backorder according to the dealer and I am unable to resolve the pump failure. We are still unable to fill the fuel tank with gasoline pouring out all over the ground.
The fuel injection system on my Jetta tdi went bad. The car had 35,000 miles on it which was 5,000 past warrenty. Volkswagen agreed to pay part of the repair, but the cost to me was still over $600.00. The glow plugs and harness to the glow plugs have also been replaced after warrenty. I have never had so many expensive repairs on a "new" car before. Now the brake switch needs replaced because the brake lights would not come on. Replacement switch has part no. Vwn 1j0945511d.
Smell of gasoline inside vehicle for 2-3 days. Noticed gas mileage was extremely bad - had traveled 100 miles and used 1/2 tank of gas. Took vehicle in to dealer for diagnostic. Dealer stated fuel line was completely corroded, fuel pump to sending unit - gas leaked into car's trunk & rear seat carpets. Dealer replaced fuel pump, filter and cleaned carpet - total charge of just over $1300. Requested old parts but dealer claimed they were thrown away.
2001 vw Jetta. Engine tune up (replaced spark plugs, specifically) at 77K; engine light goes off and is identified as maf sensor. Warranty extended through dealer to 70K. The car does not have optimum fuel efficiency without properly functioning sensor. Sensor was cleaned at independent mechanic, worked for 4 days, light went off again. This part needs to be recalled rather than just have an extended warranty!! It's expensive!
I drove through little stagnant water about 6 to 8 inches on perimeter rd. West. After driving through the water, the car began running and idling roughly. The car eventually stalled on perimeter rd. West, immediately south of the blue plains tunnel site. A passing driver honked and yelled to get out of the car because it was on fire. We witnessed flames coming from the underside of the vehicle.
Fuel System complaints in other Jetta years
Frequently asked questions
How common are fuel system problems on the 2001 Volkswagen Jetta?
NHTSA has 28 complaints about the fuel & propulsion system of the 2001 Volkswagen Jetta, 4% of the model year's 668 complaints. The component named most often is storage › tank assembly (3 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2001 Volkswagen Jetta fuel system problems?
No. NHTSA lists no fuel & propulsion system recall for the 2001 Volkswagen Jetta, though it has 6 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2001 Volkswagen Jetta fuel system problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 54,000 miles, and 13% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 1 fire and 0 injuries to fuel & propulsion system problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.