I've done some searching and haven't found exactly what I need so I'm posting.
I have a 2001 Passat Station Wagon with the V6 engine.
In Aug '09, the Timing Belt, Idler and Water Pump were replaced under a warranty issue; the mileage was 56K.
My current mileage is 96K, so the belt has 40K on it and 10 years.
I was always under the impression that the belt is good for 100K without any age consideration - but, recently, I read a blurb that said the belt (and associated) should be replaced after 10Y.
I searched my owners stuff and could not find any reference to an age factor for either the timing belt or water pump.
So, I'm posting here to get educated opinions as to whether or not I should replace those vital components. I don't want to spend the large funds to do it if I don't need to - on the other hand, if it's time, it's time and not doing it and it failed, it would be much more catastrophic.
All your thoughts, please.
And thanks for your time.

 

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I can't tell you much unless I know the engine code.

Please tell us your car spec in your signature

 

I updated my signature with what I think you want - let me know if I missed it.

 

142KW LEV 5G

That isn't the engine code.

There are loads 142Kw engines.

Manufacturer: VW, Date(s) Used: 03/2004-07/2004, Model: Passat, Engine Code: ATQ, 142Kw, 193PS, 2.8 Ltr, 6 Cyls, Remarks: North American Region (NAR): V6 30v
Manufacturer: VW, Date(s) Used: 09/1999-08/2000, Model: Passat/Variant/4Motion, Engine Code: AQD, 142Kw, 193PS, 2.8 Ltr, 6 Cyls, Remarks: V6 30v
Manufacturer: VW, Date(s) Used: 01/1999-08/2000, Model: Passat/4Motion/Syncro/Variant, Engine Code: APR, 142Kw, 193PS, 2.8 Ltr, 6 Cyls, Remarks: V6 30v
Manufacturer: VW, Date(s) Used: 05/2002-05/2005, Model: Passat/Variant/4Motion, Engine Code: AMX, 142Kw, 193PS, 2.8 Ltr, 6 Cyls, Remarks: V6 30v
Manufacturer: VW, Date(s) Used: 06/1997-12/1998, Model: Passat Syncro, Engine Code: ALG, 142Kw, 193PS, 2.8 Ltr, 6 Cyls, Remarks: V6 30v
Manufacturer: VW, Date(s) Used: 10/1994-12/1995, Model: Passat Syncro, Engine Code: AHA, 142Kw, 193PS, 2.8 Ltr, 6 Cyls, Remarks: V6 30v
Manufacturer: VW, Date(s) Used: 06/1997-12/1998, Model: Passat/Variant/4Motion, Engine Code: ACK, 142Kw, 193PS, 2.8 Ltr, 6 Cyls, Remarks: V6 30v

 

Well, I noticed a couple of interesting things:
1) All of the listings you made had all the years - except mine - 2001
2) All of the engine codes began with the letter - 'A' - down in my card is the letters 'ATQ' - is that what you want?
3) All of the engines are V6's with 30 valves
4) All of the engines are identical (listing wise) - 142Kw, 193PS, 2.8 Ltr, 6 Cyls,
With all the above, it would seem somewhat logical (even though my year is not in your list), that they would all incorporate the same timing belt (?)
But, notwithstanding all that, the more relevant question (that I posted) is "Should I replace this timing belt with 10 years and 40K miles on it?"
And, it goes back to the basic (Title) question - is any timing belt 10 years old suspect?
As I originally said, I don't mind spending the money (much) if it is warranted, but not if it isn't.

Are you sure you're not just having me on?

 

Manufacturer: VW, Date(s) Used: 10/2000-05/2005, Model: Passat, Engine Code: ATQ, 142Kw, 193PS, 2.8 Ltr, 6 Cyls, Remarks: Mexico ("MEX"): V6 30v
Manufacturer: VW, Date(s) Used: 03/2004-07/2004, Model: Passat, Engine Code: ATQ, 142Kw, 193PS, 2.8 Ltr, 6 Cyls, Remarks: North American Region (NAR): V6 30v
Manufacturer: VW, Date(s) Used: 05/2002-05/2005, Model: Passat/Variant/4Motion, Engine Code: ATQ, 142Kw, 193PS, 2.8 Ltr, 6 Cyls, Remarks: V6 30v

Now you can update your signature.

 

You know what? With all this horsing around and NEVER answering my question (a really, really simple one, asking for an opinion),
I'm DONE.

 

I had a look in ElsaWin yesterday, it appears the Passat 2.8 has a timing belt which is unusual for a V6.

Manufacturer: VW, Date(s) Used: 05/1997-09/1999, Model: Passat/Variant/4Motion, Engine Code: AGE, 132Kw, 180PS, 2.8 Ltr, 6 Cyls, Remarks: Timing belt V6 Bosch Motronic M3.8.2
Manufacturer: VW, Date(s) Used: 06/1997-12/1998, Model: Passat/Variant/4Motion, Engine Code: ACK, 142Kw, 193PS, 2.8 Ltr, 6 Cyls, Remarks: Timing belt V6 30v Bosch Motronic M3.8.2
Manufacturer: VW, Date(s) Used: 01/1999-08/2000, Model: Passat/4Motion/Syncro/Variant, Engine Code: APR, 142Kw, 193PS, 2.8 Ltr, 6 Cyls, Remarks: Timing belt V6 30v Bosch Motronic ME 7.1
Manufacturer: VW, Date(s) Used: 09/1999-08/2000, Model: Passat/Variant/4Motion, Engine Code: AQD, 142Kw, 193PS, 2.8 Ltr, 6 Cyls, Remarks: Timing belt V6 30v Bosch Motronic ME 7.1

It doesn't show any timing belt change interval.

AD shows for AGE MY -1999 annual mileage less or more than 10,000 miles every 120,000 km or 48 months for timing belt and tensioner MY 2000 is the same

You still haven't added your car spec to you signature!!!!