Volkswagen Passat Volkswagen Passat

We are 103,000+ car owners sharing real-world car information.

Join Us

Volkswagen Passat repairs by problem area

Engine (43%)

Transmission and Drivetrain (9%)

Brakes and Traction Control (5%)

Suspension and Steering (9%)

Electrical and Air Conditioning (21%)

Paint, Rust, Leaks, Rattles, and Trim (6%)

Other (6%)

Select a problem area

Show all problems

Need advice about a specific Volkswagen Passat problem?

Chart based on 4188 repairs.
See TSBs and recalls for the Volkswagen Passat.

Volkswagen Passat body repair cost distribution

$2500+ (1%)

$1000 - $2499 (2%)

$500 - $999 (4%)

$100 - $499 (16%)

< $100 (78%)

Worried about potential repair costs? An extended warranty can provide peace of mind.

Chart based on 169 repair trips. The repair cost chart excludes repairs made under warranty, do-it-yourself repairs, and repair trips that include maintenance.

2018 Volkswagen Passat 4dr Sedan

280-horsepower 3.6L V6 6-speed automated manual FWD

19000 mi Rear bumper cover had broken clips requiring replacement under warranty. 

Return to top

2017 Volkswagen Passat 4dr Sedan

turbocharged 170hp 1.8L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD

10000 mi Wind noise driver door 

Return to top

2016 Volkswagen Passat 4dr Sedan

turbocharged 170hp 1.8L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD

25000 mi Passenger side door seal was replaced 

Return to top

2015 Volkswagen Passat 4dr Sedan

turbocharged 170hp 1.8L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD

29000 mi The car has exhibited a rattle in the trunk area ever since I inspected the tool kit, which is poorly anchored to the chassis of the car. It turns out that the real problem is/was a rattling plastic baffle/plate below the trunk. A "fix" with foam tape didn't work. Will have to return for a full part replacement. In addition the interior rear view mirror vibrates on rough road surfaces. Stuff like this shouldn't happen at all, and it is a waste of time having items like these properly taken care of. 
For the groaning window, they replaced 2 window seals. But the problem still exists after taking it back from the 2nd dealership. 

Return to top

2015 Volkswagen Passat 4dr Sedan

turbocharged 150hp 2.0L I4 Diesel 6-speed manual FWD

19840 mi Broken cup holder clip 
41540 mi Start button peeling. 
49600 mi Speaker cover rattles. The dealer could not identify the source and it persists.  

Return to top

2014 Volkswagen Passat 4dr Sedan

turbocharged 170hp 1.8L I4 5-speed manual FWD

68000 mi

US $50
Collision damage from dear 

Return to top

2014 Volkswagen Passat 4dr Sedan

turbocharged 140hp 2.0L I4 Diesel 6-speed automated manual FWD

1700 mi Driver door interior handle was not fitting properly, dealer replaced part and reinstalled door handle 
33900 mi Driver's seat had crack in leather, seat cover replaced. Finish on button for Start was flaking off, it was replaced. 
30300 mi Trim piece on dash had to be replaced. 

Return to top

2013 Volkswagen Passat

Engine not specified

2000 mi rattles in doors and dash 

Return to top

2013 Volkswagen Passat 4dr Sedan

turbocharged 140hp 2.0L I4 Diesel 6-speed manual FWD

Inner trunk trim was loose at delivery, dealer ordered new part but it is not yet available. 
21700 mi Drivers side Seat pan developed crack in v-tex. VWoA denied claim. Currently in dispute. 
32000 mi Reattach rear spoiler 
36000 mi Door rattle and wind noise with driver door 

Return to top

2013 Volkswagen Passat 4dr Sedan

turbocharged 140hp 2.0L I4 Diesel 6-speed automated manual FWD

2960 mi Sunroof hard to open, stop in the middle and makeing dragging/clicking noise. Cause: sunshade guide was jammed. Fixed in dealership for no cost by warranty. 
6000 mi Gap between headlight and quarter panel on driver side to big. Wheel well liner installed wrong, tucked inside quarter panel lip instead over it and screwed in 
15000 mi

US $20
Front license plate bracket loose 
1000 mi The driver's side pillar trim was coming loose, leaving an end frayed about and inch long and 5mm deep. 
11000 mi Rear deck squeak. Not fixed. Dash rattle. Not fixed 
2000 mi Squeaking noise eminating from somewhere in the interior 
2200 mi Isolated the source of the squeak myself. A retaining screw for the subwoofer mounted under the parcel shelf in the trunk was loose. Unfortunately the screw wouldn't stay tight and would require regular attention. Never returned to the dealer. 
7000 mi Ultimately the various squeaks and rattles in this car contributed to my decision to sell it. Please note that the car was otherwise reliable and nothing broke or fell off during our ownership. 
21000 mi drivers door trim out of position causing wind noise. Also did 20K mile service: Oil change, fill Adblue and other normal service items. All ok. 
3000 mi Sunroof squeals when opening. 
30000 mi Squeal when opening sunroof. Fixed it with lubrication. 
3800 mi Stains in the roof liner around the sunroof. Dealer cleaned out the drain tubes on both sides and problem was cured. 
1240 mi

C $90
Left rear door squeaked when very cold 
7798 mi Replaced driver's side light assembly. It melted when the DRL shattered. 

Return to top

2013 Volkswagen Passat 4dr Sedan

170-horsepower 2.5L I5 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD

31500 mi Rear view mirror broke and was replaced under warranty. 
30000 mi Passenger side speaker grill in dash would vibrate, driver door panel near armrest would rattle. Took to dealer they fixed those, ordered part for another rattle, bringing back to address other issues will report back on those when fixed. 
5800 mi Rattles galore! Both B pillars rattle, occasional rattle in both dash speakers. Attempted self fix and have given up. Turned up the stereo instead. Passenger side seat squeak. Dealer replaced fore/aft assembly. 
38000 mi Rattles never fixed 
47300 mi Passenger side headlight was allowing condensation to enter the inside of the headlight. The dealership replaced the headlight under warranty. 
15500 mi Rattle in the trunk hatch. Repaired trunk latch mechanism. 

Return to top

2012 Volkswagen Passat 4dr Sedan

turbocharged 140hp 2.0L I4 Diesel 6-speed automated manual FWD

10000 mi Corrected the infamous rear deck rattle, and a cracking, creaking sound coming from the front dash. The dash cracking/creaking has returned since repair. 
19840 mi Trunk lid making clunking sound when closed. Some part was loose and they fixed it 
3000 mi The cosmetic trim that covered the sunroof track was cracked. Dealer replaced part. 
20000 mi Trim around radio was creaking. 
21000 mi Steering wheel airbag was rattling and cover was warping. Airbag replaced. 
5000 mi Repair ding in hood. Dashboard rattle, front passenger door rattle, driver's area rattle. All resolved in a single trip to dealer. Wonderful service. 
13000 mi

US $10
The sub-woofer enclosure squeaked and rattled due to connection bolts loosening. Added rubber washers and lock-tite to bolts. 
22000 mi The headliner was coming loose above the drivers. New headliner was installed. 
35600 mi Rattle in passenger door. They replaced the speaker in passenger door. Fixed the rattle for a while, but it has recently returned. 
30000 mi Squeeky seat, bolts replaced still happening 
12700 mi Console side trim came loose. 
1000 mi Wind noise front passenger door. Rubber seal on passenger door realigned. Solved noise problem. 
32000 mi Dash top had voids in foam under cover. These areas became obvious when heat swelled vinyl covering creating bubbles on dash top. 
10000 mi Headliner pulling away at door 
89000 mi

US $249
Replace driver's side visor containing garage door controller. Garage door switch cover had broken off during use 
11000 mi sunroof trim, and both front door exterior molding (all replaced). 

Return to top

2012 Volkswagen Passat 4dr Sedan

280-horsepower 3.6L V6 6-speed automated manual FWD

4000 mi

US $15
The headliner on the A pillar was unraveling. Paint on the drivers side rear fender was chipping. After evaluation, it was not due to rock chip or environmental factors. 
18000 mi Headliner began to unravel at the A pillar again. Plastic trim on B pillar loose. They replaced the headliner and trim pieces under warranty 
20900 mi Rear decklid and subwoofer were rattling and creaking incessantly. A new deck lid was installed along with the appropriated fasteners. 
19500 mi Driver seat squeak 
2500 mi Sunroof would open but not close. 

Return to top

2012 Volkswagen Passat 4dr Sedan

170-horsepower 2.5L I5 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD

7220 mi One of the bolts to secure the sub-woofer was missing. so it makes noise when the car went through a bump. VW stated it is not covered by warranty, but the dealer waived the $65 repairing fee for me. 
59000 mi The side panel came loose 
9500 mi Replace headliner. Edge of headliner fabric was exposed at top of driver's side door. Rubber gasket could not be adjusted to conceal exposed edge. Dealer damaged 3 headliners trying to replace. Finally removed windshield to get it in. Squeaking and rattling from Fender stereo subwoofer housing. Dealer added padding and tightened bolts. 
20000 mi Homelink buttons fell off the drivers sun visor. Dealer ordered and replaced the sun visor. 
27000 mi Driver door freezes near, at, or below freezing temperatures. Driver door again began to freeze shut near, at , or below freezing temperatures. 
7500 mi Ordered parts for rear view mirror trim and drivers visor home link panel. Lots of rattling from the mirror trim. Home link panel broken. Ordered parts for rear view mirror trim and drivers visor home link panel. Lots of rattling from the mirror trim. Home link panel broken. 
32000 mi Wind noise in front & back passenger side windows. They adjusted windows. All is quiet. 
14000 mi Headliner had separated/ripped on driver's door. Complete replacement was authorized by VW. Work took 2+ days. Equivalent loaner car provided. 

Return to top

2012 Volkswagen Passat 4dr Sedan

170-horsepower 2.5L I5 5-speed manual FWD

10000 mi Rattle in/by headliner. 
707 mi Front passenger ceiling handle has to be replaced as it came out.  Still awaiting molding replacement on driver side rear door. paint chip from delivery. roof painted but still not correct. Will be going back in January bought with paint chip on roof. Will have to go back again as it still isn't "correct." 
6000 mi Broken fuse box cover. Also the small plastic wind deflectors at the front of both front wheelwells have broken and been pushed back into the tires, so they also create noise on turns! 
10800 mi Both front inner wheelwell liners (plastic) have cracked. Dealer needs to consult w/VW for advice! 

Return to top

2010 Volkswagen Passat 4dr Wagon

turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4 6-speed manual FWD

132680 mi

C $1900
Left passenger side door skin, right rear quarter panel (both under warranty), and rear hatch skin (not under warranty) replaced and painted. 
149667 mi Hood and both front quarter panels replaced, all under warranty. 

Return to top

2010 Volkswagen Passat 4dr Wagon

turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4 6-speed automated manual FWD

14000 mi Rattle in the dash; dealer said it's a common issue and fixed at no cost. Fix was adding foam tape somewhere in the dash and required removing the whole dash, according to them. 
17700 mi Upper console sunglasses holder broke, replaced under warranty during 2yr/20k service 
83000 mi

US $208
VW Headlight Assembly Right (Passat) - Valeo 3C0941006AE  

Return to top

2010 Volkswagen Passat 4dr Sedan

turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4 6-speed automated manual FWD

71920 mi front fenders replaced and trunk handle area repaired under VW 12-year rust perforation warranty. unfortunately, similar rust on the rear fender did not qualify for warranty repair (VW's decision is 'final') so I shall try to keep it in check with Krown oil-based rustproofing 
22000 mi Steering wheel leather cracking. New steering wheel ordered. Steering wheel replaced. 
25000 mi Moisture collect behind driver side fog light lens. Replacement fog light ordered. Ordered fog light received and replaced. 
62700 mi

US $60
Headlight switch cracked. 

Return to top

2009 Volkswagen Passat 4dr Wagon

turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD

34300 mi Stuck sunglasses case. New case ordered. 
55980 mi

C $130
RF xenon headlight unit has water droplets on inside of lamp unit. Dealer said out of warranty since 4000 km over, even though obviously an old problem. Suggested a hair dryer. 
41000 mi

US $100
switch for moon roof activation failed. 
45300 mi A musty smell in cabin. Clogged drains soaked carpets. Required replacement of all carpets, headliner and seat underlayments 
27000 mi

US $27
Increasingly loud wind noise on driver side above 45mph. Dealer adjusted driver side door, reducing the problem significantly. 
20000 mi sunroof crooked 
28000 mi Sunroof off kilter. 
45000 mi

US $50
Water leaking into trunk. Dealer replaced trunk seal. 

Return to top

2009 Volkswagen Passat 4dr Sedan

turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD

28000 mi

US $50
Driverside door seal was never glued and seal was loose. 
10000 mi Lumbar adjustment knob in passenger seat did not work. New part was ordered and will be installed when it arrives. 
12000 mi New lumbar knob installed. 
200 mi Replaced headlights - excess condensation in both headlights 
107700 mi

¤10
The inside roof and doors textile material fell down and the inside foamy material deteriorated and kept falling down. Probably from the heat in my country. 
2000 mi Passenger door gasket was cut 

Return to top

2008 Volkswagen Passat 4dr Wagon

turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD

20000 mi Coin tray rattles on rough roads. Dealer claims they could not reproduce after removing my coins from it. I continue to hear rattles.  
97000 mi

US $300
Headliner coming undone. 
74200 mi

US $1500
Replaced sunroof switch 
48000 mi Drivers side sunvisor replaced 

Return to top

2008 Volkswagen Passat 4dr Wagon

turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4 6-speed manual FWD

150 mi Rear window shade hook fell out. 

Return to top

2008 Volkswagen Passat 4dr Wagon

280-horsepower 3.6L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic AWD

85000 mi

US $15
Right rear sunroof drain became clogged, causing water in passenger footwells. Removed interior parts to dry out wet areas, removed rear fender liners to expose rear sunroof drain exits, cleared obstructions, reassembled. 

Return to top

2008 Volkswagen Passat 4dr Sedan

turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD

1000 mi Repair Rattling Sunroof 
43300 mi sunroof would go up/down while driving. after excorcisim failed. dealer installed new switch under warrenty 
236000 mi Rust perforation on doors around trim and quarter panel 
7000 mi Missing sun shade clip for rear passenger window 
2000 mi wood dash trim cracked/ replaced. Rear sunshade clip cracked/replaced. 
620 mi Wind noise from driver's window seal above 70 km/h. New seal ordered. 
1240 mi New seal installed. 
33480 mi Paint peeling off front curbside fender. At sheetmetal bend near tire. Fender repainted. 
88080 mi paint peeling off on main exterior panels with surface corrosion. rear lh fender replaced, cost to repair higher than replacement 

Return to top

2008 Volkswagen Passat 4dr Sedan

280-horsepower 3.6L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic AWD

17200 mi Rear window sunshade broke. Clip in right side guide rail broke when owner operating sunshade. May have been caused by owner error. Dealer repaired when car brought in for routine 15,000 mile maintenance. No charge for repair. Done under warranty. 
39000 mi Mechanic damaged hood of car while replacing headlight. Tried to repair hood twice. Both times the repair was unacceptable. Finally replaced hood. Although dealer gave me a loaner, total time was 5 weeks, and four trips to the service dept. 
21000 mi Rear window shade bracket replaced, 

Return to top

2007 Volkswagen Passat 4dr Wagon

turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD

36000 mi The Rear Lift Gate has been malfunctioning for the last week or so. It goes up mostly OK but it doesn’t close like normal…it sometimes stops ~1/2 way down. Pressing the close button again doesn’t help much either. Email 010508: fixed by cleaning seal Cleaned liftgate seal. 
4340 mi rattles in dash, B pillar and trunk 
19840 mi Anchor for partition of trunk broken from previous repair for rattle. 
22320 mi Another broken anchor of rear partition between cabin and trunk. 
32860 mi

$15
The anchor for partition between cabin and trunk fell off (it is a wagon) 
78120 mi

$250
The cupholder at the console was replaced 
5500 mi Severe rattling dash and clicking sound from body - faulty body welds, never repaired 
60000 mi

US $100
Replaced melted taillight. LED taillight literally melted in place. Dealer had never seen this particular problem before. I replaced myself. 
14213 mi Return for roof rack repair. Correction: Left rear trim end replaced. Low tone horn faulty. Correction: Replace CPU Flash "OY" applicable but not received at dealer yet. Correction: Return at later date for flash "OY" 
23440 mi Passenger sunvisor light not working. Correction: Order new sunvisor Harsh 1-2 shift and 5-4 shift in transmission Correction: Transmission flash #253038 completed 
24134 mi Return for sunvisor replacement. Correction: Sunvisor replaced. Check harsh 1-2 shift. Correction: Reset transmission into basic setting 
24947 mi Water leak front passenger floor (frozen puddle discovered in car after 1 week vacation). Correction: Replace door seal Sunroof buzzing - sunshade appears out of alignment. Correction: Refit right side sunshade clip. 
34252 mi Headline loose front left side - Replaced headliner. Lock plate installed for groaning tailgate. Harsh 1-2 shift continues - no solution. 
128000 mi

US $15
Rust on left front wheel well. 
27600 mi power sunroof doesn't open close properly 
39000 mi Also rattled like an old Ford Pinto. 

Return to top

2007 Volkswagen Passat 4dr Wagon

turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4 6-speed manual FWD

511 mi

US $900
replace driver and passenger front wheel hub 

Return to top

2007 Volkswagen Passat 4dr Wagon

280-horsepower 3.6L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD

20000 mi Plastic cover beneath engine loose because dealer failed to tighten screws that secure it. Second dealer replaced and tightened screws, original dealer paid for the work. 
79000 mi Panel over the driver's side wheel rusted. 

Return to top

2007 Volkswagen Passat 4dr Wagon

280-horsepower 3.6L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic AWD

36000 mi

US $5
Rear seat overhead interior light cluster continually falling out of ceiling. Fixed in home garage by owner with glue the first time. Several months later the light fell out again and some epoxy was used by owner. Successful repair at this point.  
35000 mi Fixed rattle, it was a warped diffuser on top of the dashboard, causing both seats and entire dashboard to be removed. Took three weeks. 
123000 mi

US $300
Water Intrusion. Passenger side plenum drain area in engine bay became clogged with debris. Result is that water collects in blower motor and creates a sloshing sound. Diagnosis and fix required partially dismantling the dash. 
126000 mi Paint on the left front wheel arch bubbled above the left front wheel. Replaced left front fender under corrosion warranty. 

Return to top

2007 Volkswagen Passat 4dr Sedan

turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD

15000 mi Front panel rattle, never fixed. 
49000 mi New sensor installed. Also regular maintenance. ATF changed. 
71300 mi software update on the radio and replaced sunroof switch. 
69000 mi The carpet tore and would be expensive to replace. 
85000 mi Plastic piece that covers the seat track kept coming off, exposed the edge of the carpet which then ripped when I got in and out. Plastic on the other side also came off, carpet would have ripped if used much. Never fixed as could only replace, expensive. 
2000 mi Trunk was badly misaligned with body of car and required hinges to be unscrewed and aligned. Squeak from passenger side of dashboard, can be quieted by pressing on dash. Dealership lubed glovebox hinges, which did not fix the problem. 
3000 mi Squeak from passenger side of dashboard, can be quieted by pressing on dash. Dealer attempted to repair with foam tape, but the squeak has now moved to the adjacent trim panel around radio. Problem has been changed but not fixed. 
49000 mi Front left turn signal housing tab broke, and housing fell out of place. 
10000 mi

US $120
Fixed dash rattle. 
65000 mi door molding(bottom) came loose 

Return to top

2007 Volkswagen Passat 4dr Sedan

turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4 6-speed manual FWD

1000 mi rattles in the dash 
3000 mi rattling dash fixed 
rattles 
rattles 
rattles 

Return to top

2007 Volkswagen Passat 4-door

turbocharged 4-cylinder manual 2WD

10540 mi Extreme rattles in driver side b-pillar 
18600 mi This problem was resolved 

Return to top

2007 Volkswagen Passat 4-door

turbocharged 4-cylinder automatic 2WD

6000 mi rattles in b pillar and dash 
9000 mi Squeeks and rattles that local VW dealer claims they could not reproduce. Will report them again next time it goes in. 
9000 mi

US $150
Misc Squeeks and rattles. Dealership keeps telling me they can't duplicate. This time they found one and fixed. Although car still squeeks and rattles all of the time. Chipping occuring all around front of car. Body shops identified as paint didn't adhere to primer properly. Dealership will not warranty vehicle and VW rep tells me it is not covered but they will repaint hood only out of gratitude for my purchase of 4 

Return to top

2006 Volkswagen Passat 4dr Sedan

turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD

26000 mi Door lock and unlock stickers were peeling. 
26000 mi Soot buildup on rear bumper above exhaust had stained paint to the point I could not get it off. The dealer's paint shop had a solvent which removed the stain. 
20000 mi Cosmetic damage to radio and other interior button caused by heat damage. Covered by warranty. 
30000 mi Driver's vanity mirror cracked. Rattle underneath car when going over bumps. 
35000 mi

US $65
Fog light grill was loose. 
42000 mi

US $600
radio surface damaged/peeling, replaced under warranty 
19000 mi A rear window trim piece had a small crack. Dealer offered to replace. The first piece ordered had a defect so a second part was ordered. This is the only defect the car has had since new. 
37000 mi Paint bubbling on radio and door lock buttons. Buttons were replaced with new design. 
42000 mi Instrument cluster has a loose spot that rattles occasionally. 
10000 mi Replaced peeling buttons on automatic windows 
70500 mi

US $390
Sunroof randomly opens and closes. Intermittent. 
114060 mi

C $349
Fought with VW for 2 yrs over flaking paint. Even changed dealers. Finally, after threats of court action they painted the complete car except hood and rear bumper, which cost us 349.00. See the Lemon Aid Guide for info on consumer rights. 

Return to top

2006 Volkswagen Passat 4dr Sedan

280-horsepower 3.6L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD

50000 mi Repair of trim pieces. 

Return to top

2006 Volkswagen Passat 4dr Sedan

280-horsepower 3.6L V6 6-speed shiftable automatic AWD

44700 mi Suspension was creaky at under 60degrees, new strut mount plates installed, better but still not 100 percent, however, don't plan on doing anything further to it regarding this issue. 

Return to top

2005 Volkswagen Passat 4dr Wagon

turbocharged 170hp 1.8L I4 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD

39000 mi Rattle in dash 

Return to top

2005 Volkswagen Passat 4dr Wagon

turbocharged 134hp 2.0L I4 Diesel 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD

61380 mi

C $450
Independent shop performed Water Ingress preventative TSB. 
212660 mi

C $50
Repaired and painted front bottom fender rust and door trim rust. 
199100 mi Rust front fenders, quarter side panels and trunk. VW will cover only fenders and one quarter panel 

Return to top

2005 Volkswagen Passat 4dr Wagon

190-horsepower 2.8L V6 5-speed shiftable automatic AWD

23000 mi Roof trim would not stay in place, dlr replaced trim pcs, OK for now. This is the second time these were replaced, first was upon vehicle delivery. 

Return to top

2005 Volkswagen Passat 4dr Sedan

turbocharged 134hp 2.0L I4 Diesel 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD

142600 mi Replaced rusting front fenders and trunk lid, repaired rusting left rear quarter panel. 
152920 mi Rust perforation on passenger door within warranty period (12 years). The body shop manager evaluated it and sent in a claim to VW, we are still awaiting VW's verdict. 
157580 mi Rust perforation on two front doors. Doors replaced and repainted under VW corrosion warranty. 
171740 mi Multiple areas of rust perforation: rear doors, rear quarter panels, trunk lid. Took to dealer mandated bodyshop for evaluation under the VW corrosion perforation warranty. Note: should be an option "estimate only" in what done dropdown. 
171840 mi

C $40
Rust repairs, partially under VW 12-year corrosion warranty. 
88000 mi Rust on front quarter panel when sold. 

Return to top

2004.5 Volkswagen Passat 4dr Wagon

turbocharged 170hp 1.8L I4 5-speed manual AWD

38941 mi Warranty pollen filter / sunroof service 
53000 mi

US $60
Very minor water intrusion at rear liftgate seal resulted in jam of release mechanism, malfunction of license plate light. Replaced release mechanism and light. 
66000 mi

US $25
Recurrence of a minor wagon problem: a roof trim strip slowly detaches, will fall off if not repaired. Factory manual recommends 3M windshield sealant to reattach. Now looks OK (very slightly crinkled), holding well one month after. 
69000 mi Initial shop diagnosis of water leak incorrect (thought it was partly blocked sunroof drains), but a reasonable mistake on their part. When leak continued, I replaced seal material surrounding pollen filter myself, which solved problem. When leak continued, I replaced seal material surrounding pollen filter myself, which solved problem. 
71000 mi

US $30
New leakage despite previous service: all FOUR door panel seals were degraded (common in 1998-2005 Passats). Instead of $800 to replace panels, I removed, cleaned and resealed them with silicone caulk. Problem now finally solved. 

Return to top

2004.5 Volkswagen Passat 4dr Sedan

turbocharged 170hp 1.8L I4 5-speed manual AWD

1550 mi Trim moldings all replaced under warranty do to chrome turning a milky opague color. 

Return to top

2004 Volkswagen Passat 4dr Sedan

turbocharged 170hp 1.8L I4 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD

32000 mi Drivers-side seatbelt re-tract replaced. 
49500 mi Ash tray damper replaced. 
73000 mi

US $100
Some kind of plate was loose under the car which caused a rattle. 
66000 mi

US $140
The gasket around the base of the antenna had cracked and fallen off. 
89000 mi

US $273
90K mile service. Also had them check a creaking drivers door and other sounds the car is making. They lubed the door and recommended rear brake pad replacement and timing belt replacement. 
67800 mi Engine skid plate fell off. Dealer service dept. had not secured it properly after oil change. All fasteners were missing. Dealership finally agreed to replace skid plate. However they did not detect the two worn front axles! 
73000 mi

US $298
Interior vinyl panels on front doors came loose and had to be reglued 

Return to top

2004 Volkswagen Passat 4dr Sedan

turbocharged 134hp 2.0L I4 Diesel 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD

163700 mi

US $500
Front air dam continues to separate from car by interference with parking lot curbs. 

Return to top

2003 Volkswagen Passat 4dr Wagon

turbocharged 170hp 1.8L I4 5-speed manual FWD

33500 mi No repairs, rr door trim replaced on warranty at month no.2 

Return to top

2003 Volkswagen Passat 4dr Wagon

190-horsepower 2.8L V6 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD

168000 mi

US $650
A short developed by the sunroof and caused all electricals on the dashboard and AC to stop. 

Return to top

2003 Volkswagen Passat 4dr Sedan

turbocharged 170hp 1.8L I4 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD

84000 mi

US $4500
Interior of car flooded during heavy rains. Per VW due to pollen in sunroof drains-water backs up and floods rear seat carpet. Computers under front seats destroyed. All carpets and electronics replaced via insurance claim. 

Return to top

2003 Volkswagen Passat 4dr Sedan

turbocharged 170hp 1.8L I4 5-speed manual FWD

72000 mi

US $225
Water coming in through drivers door seals. 

Return to top

2003 Volkswagen Passat 4dr Sedan

190-horsepower 2.8L V6 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD

93000 mi

US $185
Clip holding rear window broke 

Return to top

2002.5 Volkswagen Passat 4dr Sedan

turbocharged 170hp 1.8L I4 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD

62620 mi

$30
Right rear passenger internal grab handle broke, door had to closed from outside. 

Return to top

2002 Volkswagen Passat 4dr Wagon

190-horsepower 2.8L V6 5-speed shiftable automatic AWD

106000 mi Wiring, electrical components, and brake booster damaged when drain for battery well got plugged up, caused flooding of engine compartment. 

Return to top

2002 Volkswagen Passat 4dr Sedan

turbocharged 170hp 1.8L I4 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD

85000 mi Water entering front passenger side. Repaired problem myself by pulling down headliner and noticing that sunroof drain tube had become disconnected. Reconnected drain tube and replaced headliner. 
82000 mi

US $120
Replaced headlights due to severe clouding of plastic lenses 

Return to top

2002 Volkswagen Passat 4dr Sedan

turbocharged 170hp 1.8L I4 5-speed manual FWD

98000 mi

US $600
Trunk Hinge required replacement 
119040 mi

C $800
Water leak. Drivers seatbelt was damp after car being outside in rain. Leak in sunroof drains. 
27704 mi Replaced broken glove box lid and light - warranty 

Return to top

2002 Volkswagen Passat 4dr Sedan

190-horsepower 2.8L V6 5-speed shiftable automatic AWD

71000 mi

US $175
Rainwater leak, unsuccessfully addressed by recall, soaked transmission control module. Rainwater still leaking into car. Replaced windshield cowl. 
76200 mi

US $1500
Broken light in passenger sun visor. Needs to be replaced to fix. 

Return to top

2001.5 Volkswagen Passat 4dr Wagon

turbocharged 170hp 1.8L I4 5-speed manual FWD

80000 mi

US $170
Water leaking into interior from sunroof plumbing. Likely caused by poor work done during a trip to the body shop several years ago. At least that's what the VW dealer is saying. 
81000 mi Floor was getting very wet at rear, passenger side footwell. Took three trips to VW dealer to get this fixed. Turns out it was a leak around the pollen filter located on the firewall. They charged $170 first trip, but nothing additional. 

Return to top

2001.5 Volkswagen Passat 4dr Sedan

190-horsepower 2.8L V6 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD

96000 mi Sun-roof drain lines clogged and causing minor leak - flushed out and working properly after repair 
1991 mi Check high-pitched sputtering noise when revving up. No fault found. 
5202 mi Weird sputtering noise ... still present, went again to check it out. No fault found. 
5836 mi Driver seat knocks when braking. Removed, lubricated, reinstalled. Repeated my sputtering noise concerns - no fault found. 
8713 mi Replaced seat and backrest frame. That solved the problem. 
9006 mi Sputtering still bothered me... and still no fault found. 

Return to top

2001 Volkswagen Passat 4dr Wagon

turbocharged 150hp 1.8L I4 5-speed manual FWD

109000 mi

US $100
replaced clouded front headlights with new units 

Return to top

2001 Volkswagen Passat 4dr Wagon

190-horsepower 2.8L V6 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD

100000 mi drains connected to moonroof plugged, leaking into vehicle when it rains 

Return to top

2000 Volkswagen Passat 4dr Wagon

turbocharged 150hp 1.8L I4 5-speed manual FWD

119700 mi

£83
Near-side headlamp unit replaced. Lens was becoming clouded due to plastic lens degradation after 13 years. 
125300 mi

£144
Undertray vibrating badly, sounded like a wheel bearing had gone 
134100 mi

£250
Three outer window seals (window-door aperture seals where the window slides down into the door). These were rusted - bubbled up with rust and the driver's door seal in particular was bad/leaking. Both a water sealing and a cosmetic issue. 

Return to top

2000 Volkswagen Passat 4dr Wagon

190-horsepower 2.8L V6 5-speed manual FWD

155620 mi

C $3000
had to replace all 4 catalytic converters and entire exhaust assembly 

Return to top

2000 Volkswagen Passat 4dr Sedan

190-horsepower 2.8L V6 5-speed manual FWD

70000 mi

US $200
Sunroof and cowl drains plugged. Again. 

Return to top

1999 Volkswagen Passat 4-door

6-cylinder manual 2WD

126000 mi The latch to the glove box broke about two years ago, and I never repaired it. 

Return to top

See TrueDelta's information for all Sedans and Wagons.
See TrueDelta's information for all Volkswagen models.

Volkswagen Passat Body Problems

See our lemon odds and nada odds page to see vehicles with no repairs or vehicles with more than three repairs. To see how frequently Volkswagen Passat problems occur, check out our car reliability stats.