| 1 | 0 | 3 | 4 | 3 | 4 |
2002 Volkswagen Passat repairs by problem area
Engine (44%)
Transmission and Drivetrain (13%)
Brakes and Traction Control (6%)
Suspension and Steering (6%)
Electrical and Air Conditioning (18%)
Paint, Rust, Leaks, Rattles, and Trim (4%)
Other (9%)
Chart based on 481 repairs.
2002 Volkswagen Passat engine repair cost distribution
$2500+ (3%)
$1000 - $2499 (14%)
$500 - $999 (16%)
$100 - $499 (38%)
< $100 (30%)
Chart based on 138 repair trips. The repair cost chart excludes repairs made under warranty, do-it-yourself repairs, and repair trips that include maintenance.
2002 Volkswagen Passat
Engine not specified
| 136000 mi US $1800 |
Thought it was the muffler but the catalytic converter on the passenger side of car was making loud sounds and check engine light was on. Car was beginning to make loud sounds. |
| 178000 mi | Ignition coil failed |
2002 Volkswagen Passat 4dr Wagon
turbocharged 170hp 1.8L I4 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD
| 25000 mi | Dealer replaced all 4 Coil packs after car started running on two cylinders. |
| 152000 mi US $250 |
Car had hard starting problems and stalling problems. Was diagnosed as a bad crank position sensor. Replacement fixed symptoms. |
| 155000 mi US $109 |
Check engine light came on, indicating a lean condition. Mass Air Flow sensor was checked using VAGCOM and found to be reporting less air-flow than normal. Sensor replaced. |
| 158000 mi US $250 |
Oil press light came on. Crankcase empty and coolant tank full of oil. Faulty oil cooler. Replaced oil cooler & hoses, coolant tank, thermostat, coolant temp sens. Flushed cooling sys & heater core 4 times with shout. Refill/Drain 2x w/g12. |
| 161000 mi | Oil pressure light came on. Pulled over and had car towed to shop. Oil pressure tested fine, faulty oil pressure switch diagnosed. Switch replaced, car drives fine and light has not come back on. Oil press light came back on. Happened to be near dealer when valves started rattling, took car to service dept and was told it needed a new engine, 5k-7k. Conferred with my mechanic who said it could just be a head, at a cost of 4k. Traded |
| 81000 mi US $400 |
Front engine mounts replaced |
| 60300 mi US $500 |
Leaking seals |
| 92300 mi | Plastic part (VW calls "funnel") that oil dipstick goes into, deteriorated, replacement part was $15.95, parts person said it was common for these to fall apart after 8-9 years. Kind of a part that used to be made of metal. Grrrrrr! |
2002 Volkswagen Passat 4dr Wagon
turbocharged 170hp 1.8L I4 5-speed manual FWD
| 129000 mi US $1000 |
Heater core failed |
| 120485 mi US $144 |
coolant leak fixed. bad o ring MIL on vacuum leak found and fixed. |
| US $500 | New fuel pump. |
| 167000 mi US $1650 |
Heater core failed. It was changed 3 years ago and the VW dealer said the repair shop used substandard parts and caused an early failure. |
| 73000 mi US $60 |
Had an engine light. Replaced oxygen sensor. |
| 93000 mi US $825 |
Coolant System malfunction code (P1296), replaced thermostat and Coolant Temp Sensor as part of scheduled timing belt replacement (including water pump and accessory belts). CEL cleared and has not returned. Oxygen sensor code (P0133). Ordered new upstream oxygen sensor and will replace myself. |
| 94000 mi US $90 |
Replaced upstream oxygen sensor, cleared code, has not returned. |
| 115000 mi US $160 |
Cracked exhaust flex pipe. Repaired at independent exhaust shop. |
2002 Volkswagen Passat 4dr Wagon
270-horsepower 4.0L W8 5-speed shiftable automatic AWD
| 77000 mi US $125 |
Check engine light diagnosed as lean fuel in left intake bank. Fuel filter and sensor replaced. Problem solved. |
| 83000 mi US $950 |
Ignition coils (there are 8 in the W8) started intermitent failing. All 8 were replaced. |
| 88000 mi US $1200 |
Smell of oil burning on engine block revealed a leaking valve cover gasket. Both sides were replaced as precautionary. |
| 95000 mi US $1000 |
Upon brisk acceleration, felt like a gear or axle tooth had chipped or broken. Examination determined 3 of 4 motor mounts were worn with one actually broken causing engine to move - a LOT. |
| 103000 mi US $165 |
Noticed an odor of hot oil burning after engine was turned off. Shop determined valve cover gasket was leaking. Decision made to replace both valve cover gaskets. |
| 106000 mi US $354 |
Started hearing exhaust getting louder. inspection revealed rusting at end of muffler such that could not be repaired. Decided to replace both rear mufflers with a more tuned system. |
2002 Volkswagen Passat 4dr Wagon
190-horsepower 2.8L V6 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD
| 106640 mi C $800 |
Loud rumbling noises coming from undercarriage. Exhaust sleeves were loose and worn. Replaced both (twin exhaust) at cost of $120 Very slow oil leak into spark plug wells - worn valve gasket. Has been an issue for the past 18 months. Decided to replace it now for approx. $500. |
| 115320 mi C $100 |
MAF sensor dead. New part ($232) |
| 122840 mi C $200 |
Dead cylinder cleared. |
| 168000 mi US $5 |
Recurring coolant leak from cabin heater core ( a known problem with this make/model) due to the plastic construction of the inlet/outlet tubes to the heater core. Since the plastic tubes are aged and brittle, a replacement will be needed. I simply bypassed the heater core with an elbow coupling to the engine coolant hoses to stop the leakage. Will repair at a more convenient time. |
| 168760 mi US $7 |
Leaking coolant on driver's side of engine, found leak from broken seam in the coolant reservoir; replaced with a used part (total time <15 mins. |
| 154000 mi | Catalytic converter was failing and needed replacement at last DX. Car somehow passed smog. |
| 122469 mi US $821 |
Water pump broken, replaced by shop. Timing belt replaced at same time- preventive measure. |
| 133000 mi US $200 |
Exhaust making loud noise; "check engine light" on. Right front flex pipe was replaced. |
2002 Volkswagen Passat 4dr Wagon
190-horsepower 2.8L V6 5-speed shiftable automatic AWD
| 101000 mi US $215 |
Replaced leaking motor mounts |
| 80000 mi US $310 |
The rubber sleeve on an intake (injection?) had torn, car ran very rough, caused the Engine Light to come on, and stay on. Dealer replaced the part. Car runs fine again. |
| 115300 mi US $50 |
|
| 134000 mi US $1200 |
A coolant leak through the thermostat housing. Besides, the rubber material in a pulley went bad. It stick out of the pulley and worn out the pulley housing, which is unusual. Much of the repair cost was on the pulley and its housing. |
| 134000 mi US $200 |
One oxygen sensor was replaced. |
| 107000 mi US $90 |
Replace both cam plugs at rear of engine. |
| 115000 mi US $75 |
surge tank for radiator cracked-fluid loss tripped COOLANT flash warning. |
| 72000 mi US $60 |
All warning lights came on simultaneously. STOP ENGINE/low oil pressure. Stopped engine/retarted/ Loud clunk/then all lights reappeared/tach fluctuation/drove to shop.Reset all mods per computer analysis/Car runs poorly with airbag default light on |
| 93000 mi US $600 |
The Passat went in for service to have one oxygen sensor replaced and it also needed the temp sensor for the computer replaced in order to clear the check engine light. |
| 106000 mi | Consuming oil and needed timing belt replacement. |
| 89000 mi US $800 |
The car was in for a recall notice and also was smelling like burning oil. Was discovered that valve cover gasket is in need of replacement....seems very expensive. $1200 unless my extended warranty still applies... Update: warranty partially covered. |
| 91000 mi US $700 |
Engine reseal which I felt could have been done back when gasket was replaced so they gave me a discount from 1200 to 700 dollars. I paid the whole 700 because my extended warranty is expired. |
| 96900 mi US $1000 |
cooling system |
| 100000 mi US $300 |
Engine light was coming on and it ended up being a thermostat/some kind of sensor...it was replaced. |
| 61000 mi US $621 |
replaced both motor mounts |
2002 Volkswagen Passat 4dr Wagon
190-horsepower 2.8L V6 5-speed manual FWD
| 70000 mi US $900 |
waterpump |
| 122500 mi US $600 |
exhaust system flex couplings required replacement |
2002 Volkswagen Passat 4dr Sedan
turbocharged 170hp 1.8L I4 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD
| 9088 mi | Replace Ignition Coils (4) |
| 67010 mi US $95 |
Replace vacuum hose from combi valve to intake. Replace vacuum hose from fuel pressure regulator to intake manifold. Replace ignition coil cylinder 1. |
| 86578 mi US $3212 |
Emission control CPU, new timing belt, new water pump |
| 223000 mi US $100 |
Cooling system reservoir |
| 213000 mi US $200 |
replaced bad coil |
| 90000 mi US $1800 |
Replaced timing belt, fluids, water pump, tensioner, etc |
| 80000 mi | Replaced all four coil packs under recall program. |
| 98000 mi US $100 |
Coolant expansion tanked cracked and leaked coolant. |
| 57478 mi C $165 |
Check engine light flashing and car vibrating badly - diagnostic turned up faulty ignition coil (#1) - replaced |
| 62546 mi C $424 |
Replaced coolant temp. sensor (due to check engine light); replaced secondary air hose (leaked) |
| 79756 mi C $414 |
EPC light and MIL on, vehicle stopped and wouldn't restart (in left turn lane on busy road!) Engine speed sensor out of spec and replaced. Haven't had same problem again (as of Jan 2011) |
| 90978 mi C $1063 |
Coolant warning light had come on. Shop performed diagnostics and discovered leak at cylinder head and cracked coolant bottle. Gave estimate for repair. Cooling hose flange and seals replaced, expansion tank replaced Coolant warning light had come on. Shop performed diagnostics and discovered leak at cylinder head and cracked coolant bottle. Gave estimate for repair. Cooling hose flange and seals replaced, expansion tank replaced. |
| 136400 mi | Coolant leak diagnostic - coolant flange special order; reg inspection turned up valve cover gasket and timing adjuster gaskets leaking oil - parts special order Installed SOP Coolant flange on rear of cylinder head. Topped Coolant. Re-checked for leaks. Road tested - ok Replaced leaking valve cover and cam adjuster gaskets |
| 136400 mi C $262 |
There's a minor leak somewhere in the exhaust system (can smell it but did not bother to investigate yet). |
| 82000 mi US $300 |
Leaky coolant flange replaced (299.85+tax) |
| 93700 mi | Right engine mount leaking fluid. Decided to postpone repair. |
| 95000 mi | Fluid leak. Diagnosed as coolant leak from coolant flange o-ring. Fixed under warranty, as coolant flange had been replaced 15 months earlier. Little to no heat in cabin. Heater core clogged. Heater core filled with caustic solution then flushed. |
| 103000 mi US $130 |
Coolant leak. Diagnosed as problem with coolant tank and/or cap. Coolant tank and cap replaced. |
| 104000 mi | Coolant leak continuing. Replaced o-ring on temperature sensor. |
| 105000 mi | Continued coolant leak after 2 unsuccessful repair attempts. Replaced o-ring at coolant flange pipe. |
| 118000 mi | Rear cylinder head coolant flange replaced Camshaft chain tensioner gasket set replaced. Exhaust downpipe, gasket, and clamp replaced due to a leak. Right and left motor mounts replaced (broken and leaking hydraulic fluid) Serpentine belts replaced (badly cracked) No heat. Shop flushed the heater core. |
| 108500 mi | Engine oil pressure light; shop proposed engine flush as part of diagnosis. Separately, identified PCV valve broken and oil leak. |
| 121000 mi | Problems reported earlier still present when sold. |
| 226000 mi US $770 |
Replaced turbo. |
| 240000 mi US $75 |
Replaced engine speed sensor. |
| 86000 mi US $105 |
Replaced all braided cloth vaccuum lines and Evap System purge valve due to VAG codes:16795 - Secondary Air Injection System: Incorrect Flow Detected 16840 - EVAP System: Very Small Leak Detected P0456 - 002 - Lower Limit Exceeded - Intermittent |
| 98000 mi US $365 |
Flexible exhaust pipe broke, between cat and mufflers, causing extremely loud exhaust. Independent mechanic replaced pipe. |
| 114000 mi US $3500 |
Engine seized due to low oil pressure as a result of sludge build-up. Complete engine replacement was necessary. Replaced with a used engine. |
| 129700 mi US $30 |
Engine trouble code P0171. Parts store guy recommended injector clean. While researching possible causes on web, found several had refer suction hose failure. Inspected mine, bad. Got new hose, cleared code. No repeat. |
| 133000 mi | Evaporative emission trouble. Can drive with lowered mpg but CEL being on I can't tell when another issue arises. |
| 116000 mi US $615 |
New timing belt and new water pump at the same time. Total cost for these items was $447. |
| 123000 mi US $332 |
O2 sensor was malfunctioning. Replacement sensor ordered, installed and warning light went out and has stayed out. |
| 162000 mi | Oil pressure light on I-5, could not get to a garage or have anybody test the oil pressure before engine quit. Approx $7,500 to fix. Lack of oil pressure caused by sludge that had clogged the oil path. Sold car for $500. |
| 76000 mi US $849 |
Vacuum lines replaced. |
| 75000 mi US $105 |
The side motor mounts had failed and released the dampening fluid. Both side mounts were replaced. |
| 83300 mi US $42 |
Oil was leaking from the passenger side of the engine in both the front and rear corners. Valve cover gasket was replaced. |
| 125000 mi US $250 |
Valve cover gasket was leaking and needed to be replaced. Replaced VC gasket and adjuster gasket |
| 43000 mi US $100 |
Hose was replaced to get rid of check engine light and to pass smog test. |
| 53000 mi US $75 |
Torn vacuum hose replaced. |
| 69440 mi C $6000 |
The warning lights came on, I called the dealer they told me, that it was a sensor, to drive it anyway. Drove another 100 kms, more warning lights, called dealer - same. Car stopped engine gone, dealer said never said that, bill $6000. HATE< HATE THEM |
2002 Volkswagen Passat 4dr Sedan
turbocharged 170hp 1.8L I4 5-speed manual FWD
| 83080 mi C $600 |
Oil was leaking in several places---cracked gasket. |
| 150000 mi US $175 |
CEL-replace vacuum hose |
| 164000 mi US $188 |
Reset readiness monitor/run drive |
| 167000 mi US $242 |
Evap system leak-replace evap purge valve |
| 170000 mi US $488 |
Replace flex pipe/exhaust |
| 174000 mi US $320 |
Replace thermostat |
| 186000 mi US $100 |
Cel, p0441 code. Replaced gas cap. |
| 157000 mi | Radiator was leaking. Replaced all the hoses. |
| 168000 mi US $280 |
Serpentine Belt needed to be replaced. |
| 182000 mi US $35 |
removed oil pan and installed new oil pickup tube. Engine was making extremely loud noises. changed oil to Mobil 1 (0w40). runs perfect now. |
| 69500 mi US $1197 |
Replace N-80 valve. Replaced engine temperature sensor. Check engine lamp - Replaced evap canister and N-80 valve, performed throttle body service, induction service, replaced engine coolant temp sensor, set readiness codes. |
| 104160 mi C $230 |
Belt Tensioner |
| 64000 mi US $500 |
thermostat. Also changed many maintenance items associated with timing belt change. |
| 72300 mi US $1000 |
replaced secondary air intake system including pump, valve, hoses |
| 75500 mi US $1000 |
Cam Tensioner was replaced. |
| 75000 mi US $1000 |
replaced catalytic converter. probably caused by mechanic who overfilled oil. |
| 95000 mi US $10 |
Coolant temperature sensor went out, replaced in about an hour with new sensor, O-ring. Total cost $10, total PITA to get to and replace though |
| 100000 mi US $100 |
Coolant temp. sensor broke loose from it's housing. |
| 109000 mi | Frayed and broken vacuum line, replaced stock fabric wrapped rubber with silicon |
| 115000 mi US $120 |
All four coil packs failed. I upgraded to "bolt down" style packs as opposed to the stock "push down style." |
| 143500 mi US $400 |
Timing belt tensioner broke causing the timing belt to lose teeth. Motor was almost destroyed. Motor was compression tested, timing belt, water pump and timing belt tensioner replaced. |
| 130700 mi US $555 |
rust made hole in exhaust system |
| 135200 mi US $30 |
replaced coil pack |
| 112200 mi US $400 |
Oil leak; gasket replaced |
| 62000 mi US $200 |
Vacuum leak |
| 67000 mi US $170 |
Flex pipe exhaust leak |
| 85000 mi US $100 |
Cel came on - code indicated o2 sensor or hoses - hose was replaced |
2002 Volkswagen Passat 4dr Sedan
190-horsepower 2.8L V6 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD
| 170000 mi US $518 |
Both valve covers leaking oil. The left leaked severely. The right valve had chain tensioner leaking, did not replace to avoid paying $600 more. Coolant temperature switch and seal was replaced to stop coolant leak. Temp sensor replaced. |
| 67668 mi US $1350 |
all oil leaked out of engine during extreme cold. after 45 min of driving, stop error came on and there was zero oil in engine and it was all over the front of it. It was negative 20 degrees in chicago. Camshaft seal, valvecover gasket, oil line, and pump |
| 59000 mi | Hole in exhaust near the front. |
2002 Volkswagen Passat 4dr Sedan
190-horsepower 2.8L V6 5-speed shiftable automatic AWD
| 71000 mi US $175 |
Corroded exhaust flex pipe. Rebuilt transmission went back into limp mode. Transmission is okay. Unclear whether the problem is the electronic TCM or the connections to it: the TCM checked out okay, the connections were already repaired and checked twice. |
| 76200 mi US $1500 |
Engine mounts failing. Valve cover gasket leaking oil onto exhaust manifold. Cracked coolant bottle. Will need to be replaced once it is leaking. |
| 93000 mi US $1700 |
Intermittent engine temp. Bad sensor, thermostat, leaking water pump. |
| 101000 mi | Cracked fuel tank, on top. Quoted $4,000, traded car. |
| 137000 mi US $2560 |
Car engine light came on at 136500 miles. Car then began shuddering and losing the ability to climb inclines. Mechanic replaced spark plugs and coilpacks to make it driveable. Next job will be cat convertors for $2100. |
| 138000 mi | Needed new catalytic converters when traded. |
| 88000 mi US $120 |
Engine Speed Sender (Sporadic), Removed and replaced. |
| 96000 mi US $2220 |
and tranny and motor mounts. |
| 110000 mi US $65 |
Leaking heater hose. R&R. |
| 107000 mi US $400 |
Valve cover leaked, ignition cables damaged, 2 plugs cracked, all replaced and engine tune up peformed. Running great now. |
| 115000 mi US $600 |
Radiator replaced due to slow leak. |
| 127000 mi | cat codes |
2002 Volkswagen Passat 4-door
turbocharged 4-cylinder automatic 2WD
| 101000 mi US $388 |
replaced valve cover gasket as the engine had an oil leak |
| 107000 mi US $720 |
oil leak, replaced several gaskets |
| 108000 mi US $350 |
persistent oil leak on engine |
2002 Volkswagen Passat 4-door
6-cylinder automatic 2WD
| 82000 mi US $650 |
Timing belt, water pump and related components. This was not an "emergency repair". It was a planned maintenance since I keep cars for a long time. |
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