2008 Volkswagen Passat Volkswagen Passat 2008

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2008 Volkswagen Passat repairs by problem area

Engine (44%)

Transmission and Drivetrain (7%)

Brakes and Traction Control (6%)

Suspension and Steering (8%)

Electrical and Air Conditioning (26%)

Paint, Rust, Leaks, Rattles, and Trim (5%)

Other (5%)

Chart based on 376 repairs.
See TSBs and recalls for the 2008 Volkswagen Passat.

2008 Volkswagen Passat repair cost distribution

$2500+ (1%)

$1000 - $2499 (9%)

$500 - $999 (17%)

$100 - $499 (29%)

< $100 (44%)

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

Chart based on 252 repair trips. The repair cost chart excludes repairs made under warranty, do-it-yourself repairs, and repair trips that include maintenance.

2008 Volkswagen Passat

Engine not specified

Volkswagen Passat in Romania
Aug 2008 - Mar 2010
Dec 2008

12400 mi
Dynaudio amplifier broken. 
Volkswagen Passat in Missouri, United States
Apr 2016 - May 2016
May 2016

103000 mi

US $103
Diagnose engine misfiring. Requires intake valve cleaning. Also CV Boot torn and vacuum pump needs replaced. 

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2008 Volkswagen Passat 4dr Wagon

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

Volkswagen Passat in Maryland, United States
Feb 2013 - Apr 2014
Mar 2013

50000 mi

US $190
Intake manifold flaps 
Jul 2013

55800 mi

US $50
Fuel pump, in tank, failure 
Volkswagen Passat in California, United States
Nov 2008 - Aug 2014
Nov 2010

26300 mi
Intake flap malfunction. window stuck open, replaced motor electronic parking brake would not engage replace mechanical brake. 
Sep 2012

40000 mi

US $800
Window regulator replaced, parking brake button replaced and trunk motor diagnosed. 
Volkswagen Passat in Minnesota, United States
Sep 2008 - Jun 2014
Jan 2009

3000 mi
Ordered sensor that controls flapper valve. Replaced sensor that controls "flapper" valve. Required removal of intake manifold to replace. 
Feb 2009

3000 mi
Noise from steering when cold out until car warms up. Steering gear replaced. Required partial removal of front sub-frame, so front and rear axles were realigned. 
Jun 2011

29000 mi
Parking brake fault. Brake would only release after several attempts. Dealer cleared fault and reset logic. Parking brake fault. Bad parking brake module diagnosed. New module ordered. 
Volkswagen Passat in Colorado, United States
May 2010 - Jun 2011
May 2011

37700 mi
Memory system for drivers seat would sporadically drive seat. Couldn't set the memory. 
Volkswagen Passat in Oregon, United States
May 2014 - Jul 2019
Sep 2014

68000 mi
Intake manifold carbon build-up. Hampered throttle valve movement. Replaced under an unpublished courtesy warranty by VW. 
Dec 2014

69000 mi

US $875
Water pump leaking due to cracks in the pump body. Complete unit (including thermostat, temp sensor)was replaced. 
Jun 2015

72000 mi

US $470
Oil pan drain hole was stripped. Not sure who did this, but ended up replacing the oil pan as a result. Dealer said there was no way to re-thread or use a larger drain plug. 
Dec 2015

78000 mi

US $140
Air pressure light was on, but tires were full. Engine light came on shortly afterwards and that was caused by carbon buildup on direct injection ports. Both lights reset and we were given VW branded intake cleaner to apply to next 3 tanks . 
Feb 2016

78000 mi

US $425
Engine light, along w/ EPC light, came on. Engine running rough. Needed new coil pack, so replaced all four along w/ plugs. 
Dec 2016

85000 mi

US $1500
PCV unit became clogged and we experienced high volume shrieking noise from under the hood. Initial thought was that a pulley bearing was going out. This caused the rear main seal to go bad. Also replaced. 
Feb 2017

89000 mi
Alternator went bad (due to an oil spill at a quick oil change shop). Serpentine belt was soaked, as well, so it was also replaced. 
Volkswagen Passat in Georgia, United States
Sep 2008 - Dec 2015
Jul 2009

8000 mi
Shimmy at any speed, vibration in the car. 
Jun 2010

16000 mi
Blower fan and unit went bad, no cooling anymore and no high speed for fan Front Passenger Wheel bearing needed to be replaced 
Jan 2012

20000 mi
Had misfire on a few cylinders. Swapped a couple of spark plugs. 
Jul 2013

52000 mi

US $531
Cold start issues. Engine sludge cleanup 
Aug 2013

52800 mi

US $532
Cleaned the manifold - 531$ after 20% rebate. Didn't fix the problem. Replaced the coils - Didn't fix the problem. Replaced the injectors - Fixed the problem. VW extended warranty to 120,000 miles on the injectors and manifold. 
May 2014

61100 mi

US $700
Fuel pump defective, caused car to stop at highway speed or idling 
Volkswagen Passat in California, United States
Aug 2008 - Dec 2019
Feb 2011

16700 mi
Parking brake (actuated by electronic dash button, not a direct mechanical linkage) would not reliably disengage [or engage] leaving us concerned about using it for fear of getting stranded. Dash button replaced by dealer under warrantee. 
Jun 2011

20000 mi
AC fan stopped working at any speed other than Max, and would no longer blow cold. Dealer replaced parts under warranty.  Tire pressure warning light came on and stayed on during road trip. I manually checked tire pressure and they seemed fine (32-34 PSI at all corners). Dealer said they refilled all tires to 35 PSI and warning went away. Coin tray rattles on rough roads. Dealer claims they could not reproduce after removing my coins from it. I continue to hear rattles.  
Nov 2011

22000 mi
Engine started making loud high pitched constant shriek/whistle. Didn't vary with engine or vehicle speed but only appears after driving for more than 5 minutes. Diagnosed as turbo vacuum pressure issue. Part replaced under warrantee. 
Jul 2017

51000 mi
I have a motorized rear hatch on my wagon which is able to automatically raise and lower the hatch. One of the mounting bolts that holds the hatch to the motorized hinge/actuator had over the years worked itself loose and as a result of it's mounting being upside down, gravity eventually pulled it down low enough to the point where the motorized actuator snapped the head off the bolt. This left the screw part stuck in the mounting hinge in a terribly inaccessible location. To repair it requires the removal of the entire hatch, which itself actually requires the interior trim to be removed. The dealership estimated this to be an $1100 repair. That cost is simply not worth it to me, so I no longer use the mechanical hatch and operate it by hand. 
Aug 2017

51000 mi

US $900
Car was hard starting and giving CEL for several months. It occasionally would refuse to start, or would start but stay suck in limp mode. My ODB reader was giving me general cooling system codes without any specific detail. This was somewhat intermittent, and I didn't seem to have trouble getting to normal operating temperature, nor was I seeing overheating. There were no signs leaking coolant. So after researching this online, I was able to determine this was either a bad engine coolant temperature (ECT) sensor issue, or a thermostat issue. Based on forum advice, I ordered and DIY replaced the ECT sensor which wasn't too difficult and the part was only ~$30. However, it didn't resolve the problem. Realizing I'd have the replace the thermostat, which is a much bigger repair than I have patience to do myself, I took it to the dealer to have it replaced. Post-repair, the car starts and runs perfectly again. 
Mar 2018

55000 mi
Driver side power door latch mechanism is intermittently failing to unlock the door. As a result, I cannot use my remote key to unlock and enter the vehicle. Instead, I have to use the backup key and physically insert it into the door to unlock the car. Every time I do this, I also trip the alarm (which is activated when I lock the car using the remote) which is annoying. I've decided to live with this, as the dealer estimate is $300 for parts and $350 for labor. Fixing myself will certainly take a full day and comes with some risk as the entire door trim assembly has to be removed, as well as the power window. 
May 2018

55000 mi

US $580
Car would hard start and fail to rev beyond 3000rpm. Power was way down from normal levels below 3000 rpm. Code was for high pressure fuel problem but it wasn't clear from symptoms whether the problem was the high pressure pump starving for fuel because low pressure pump was failing. I replaced the low pressure fuel control module and the issue resolved temporarily. High pressure fuel pump failure codes were throwing again, engine would not rev past 3000rpm, and power was way down below that rpm. All this just a few days after replacing the low pressure fuel module and normal vehicle operation. Returned to dealer and had high pressure fuel pump replaced. Issues fully resolved and stayed fixed. 
Volkswagen Passat in Connecticut, United States
Oct 2012 - Feb 2017
Feb 2015

60000 mi

US $510
Starter motor gave up, needed replacement 
Nov 2015

70000 mi

US $280
replaced left side inner cv boot 
Feb 2017

85000 mi
During maintenance I was told that there is dry-rot in the ???. That is what causes the clonking noise when I drove over potholes. 
Volkswagen Passat in Texas, United States
Jan 2008 - Mar 2010
Mar 2008

1800 mi
Negative battery cable was improperly tightened during pre-delivery inspection. Negative cable kept coming loose and disabling the entire car. Software reflash. Computer picked up undervoltage code from engine knock sensor...could have been due to brief electrical disconnections. Loose negative battery cable from factory...recall campaign to reflash computer software with latest updates from VW. 
Jul 2009

28000 mi
Dealer replaced defective PCV valve, which had a cracked diaphragm; creating a "screech" or high pitched whistle while engine was running. 
Volkswagen Passat in Illinois, United States
Sep 2010 - Jan 2014
Dec 2013

81000 mi
Rear crankshaft seal replaced. 
Volkswagen Passat in Florida, United States
Oct 2011 - May 2015
Jul 2013

53000 mi
Battery was replaced due to age. 
Dec 2014

80000 mi

US $700
Vacuum pump for braking system failed and was leaking engine oil. 
Volkswagen Passat in Texas, United States
Jan 2012 - Aug 2015
Oct 2012

74200 mi

US $1500
Intake manifold racked Replaced sunroof switch 
Jan 2014

82500 mi

US $580
Coolant loss due to cracked inlet housing. Had to replace inlet housing. Cost listed also includes an oil change. 
May 2014

95000 mi

US $1200
Power hatch no longer opens. Leak at the windshield washer pump. 
Jun 2014

97000 mi
Power hatch not closing when car sat in the sun for a few hours. 
Aug 2014

98000 mi
Engine has a slight misfire. 
Nov 2014

105000 mi

US $900
Rear main seal leaking; had to be replaced. 
Mar 2015

107000 mi

US $800
Random misfire reported. Changed plugs, removed carbon buildup. 
Jun 2015

108000 mi

US $700
Lack of power and random misfire; took apart and cleaned carbon buildup. 
Jul 2015

110000 mi

US $900
Fuel pump housing cracked causing strong fuel smell in car. Fuel intake valve stuck on wide open flooding one cylinder. 
Aug 2015

110000 mi
Front axles needed replaced. Front-end started to feel noticeably loose. 
Volkswagen Passat in Florida, United States
Sep 2010 - Feb 2019
May 2010

28480 mi
Replaced fuel pressure sensor (warranty). 
Jan 2012

46334 mi
Replaced breather valve (warranty) Replaced right front wheel bearing (warranty) 
Mar 2013

58000 mi

US $540
Check engine light came on, however car drove fine. Dealership found that the engine thermostat had to be replaced. 
Mar 2014

70000 mi

US $250
Coolant container was cracked. It was not leaking, but decided to replace. 
Oct 2015

85300 mi

US $1289
Engine chirp when cold; fixed by replacing timing belt, water pump, rollers, tensioner (kit).  Also replaced brake booster vacuum line. Replaced dipstick. 
Feb 2016

89300 mi

US $500
Outer cv boots torn. 
Sep 2016

97000 mi

US $300
Headliner coming undone. 
Dec 2016

99000 mi

US $1369
Coolant system contaminated with oil. Replaced oil cooler, cooler tank, flushed coolant system. 
Sep 2017

106000 mi

US $700
Oil leak from oil pan. Replace oil pan. 
Volkswagen Passat in Texas, United States
Mar 2012 - Jul 2017
Jan 2013

67700 mi
Car was running too cool, so replaced thermostat. 
May 2016

78800 mi

US $1400
Oil leaks from 3 different locations 
Jun 2016

80000 mi

US $1200
AC compressor died 
Mar 2017

88000 mi

US $692
Replaced brake booster vacuum line: $278 Replaced turbo recirculation valve: $415 
May 2017

90000 mi

US $175
Gummed up radiator. Unsure of cause. Shop said to come back for a couple radiator flushes to get it clean but judging from how the "new" fluid looks in there after 200 miles, they have a long way to go. I believe there is something else to it, like an oil cooler leak, but they haven't found one yet. 
Jun 2017

93000 mi

US $100
Coolant flush; dirty after the last flush 1 month ago. Think they got it all? 
Volkswagen Passat in Minnesota, United States
Aug 2014 - Aug 2018
Jan 2015

97800 mi

US $4800
Valve body bad and replaced, transmission rebuild kit needed. 
Mar 2017

108000 mi

US $100
Replaced all ignition coils and spark plugs due to misfire under load. 
Dec 2017

108000 mi

US $400
CV joint causing vibration and shaking. 
Aug 2018

113000 mi

US $250
Replaced sway bar end links. They were making noises. 
Volkswagen Passat in California, United States
Nov 2009 - Nov 2016
Aug 2015

57900 mi
Bad intake manifold. Fixed under warranty. 
Sep 2016

60000 mi

US $999
Rear main seal leak 
Volkswagen Passat in Michigan, United States
Aug 2017 - Mar 2018
Dec 2017

103500 mi

US $70
check engine light on- no problems found 
Volkswagen Passat in New Jersey, United States
Aug 2016 - Sep 2016
Sep 2016

148000 mi

US $300
Lost power to 1 of the cylinders and was told it needed to come apart and be sent to a machine shop. Total cost estimate would have been $2000-$2500 so I opted to sell the car 
Volkswagen Passat in Ontario, Canada
Dec 2007 - Dec 2011
Apr 2008

9300 mi
O2 Sensor. 
Jan 2009

21080 mi
Fuel pressure sensor. 
Jun 2009

29760 mi
Faulty Gas Cap 
Dec 2009

40300 mi
Knock Sensor 
Feb 2010

43500 mi
faulty door latch 
Oct 2010

62560 mi

C $100
Sway bar link 
Jul 2011

75200 mi

C $800
Timing Belt - 120,000km - Tensioner was seizing.  
Volkswagen Passat in Texas, United States
Jan 2008 - Mar 2012
Jun 2010

33000 mi
The car lost power and the MIL came on and made a high pitched noise while coasting. The exhaust bypass valve was broke and was replaced by the dealer. It seems to be a common issue, they knew exactly what it was when I showed up. 
Volkswagen Passat in California, United States
May 2017 - Jul 2017
Jul 2017

79361 mi

US $425
Front left boot had a rip, was replaced. 
Volkswagen Passat in Virginia, United States
Jun 2016 - Jun 2016
Jun 2016

US $1500
leaking oil and coolant - replaced water pump gasket Timing chain assembly guide broke 
Volkswagen Passat in California, United States
May 2008 - Jun 2022
Aug 2010

31200 mi
Check engine light on. Engine surging. 
Sep 2011

48000 mi
one of the two electrical cooling fans had stopped working Drivers side sunvisor replaced 
Jun 2012

61000 mi

US $150
Left rear outer tail light melted inside and fell apart. Had to replace entire outer tail light assembly 
Dec 2013

75000 mi

US $150
Trans body valve replaced under warranty Battery replaced by dealer after checking charging system. Pep boys would not warranty the battery I bought from them. What pep boys does is charge the bad battery for a hour then tell you the battery is good. 
Jun 2014

80000 mi

US $100
Replaced cam follower for the fuel pump 
Dec 2015

100000 mi

US $150
Coil packs were replaced due to missfire 
Apr 2016

105700 mi

US $650
Low pressure fuel pump flange cracked. Strong fuel odor outside car when tank was over 3/4 full. Low pressure fuel pump was replaced. This is the fuel pump that is in the gas tank. 
Sep 2016

112000 mi

US $300
thermostat replace due to being stuck open and check engine light on. Also temp sensor replaced. 
Sep 2017

125000 mi

US $175
New battery 
Jan 2018

128300 mi

US $80
Right outside mirror glass fell off. Replaced with new glass Fuel pump cam follower replaced. 
Jul 2018

138000 mi

US $80
P0299 code. Replaced the Diverter valve 
May 2021

168000 mi

US $600
Replaced drive axel 
Jul 2021

163000 mi

US $60
Leaking plastic coolant tube 
Oct 2021

170000 mi

US $350
Right axle replaced 
Jan 2022

173000 mi

US $60
Parking sensor replaced Washer pump leaking. Washer pump replaced. 
Apr 2022

175000 mi

US $70
Plugs and coilpacks replaced 
Volkswagen Passat in Colorado, United States
Jun 2015 - Dec 2015
Dec 2015

110000 mi

US $250
replace engine coolant temp sensor and thermostat 
Volkswagen Passat in Alberta, Canada
Apr 2018 - Jul 2018
Jun 2018

96100 mi

C $65
Worn diverter valve 
Volkswagen Passat in South Carolina, United States
Apr 2016 - Apr 2017
Nov 2016

148000 mi

US $100
Oil Leak 

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2008 Volkswagen Passat 4dr Wagon

turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4 6-speed manual FWD

Volkswagen Passat in Vermont, United States
Jun 2017 - May 2019
Dec 2017

252000 mi

US $600
Electronic parking brake malfunction. Wouldn't release parking brake. Replaced switch and passenger rear parking brake motor. 
Volkswagen Passat in California, United States
Apr 2008 - Jan 2012
Mar 2008

150 mi
Rear window shade hook fell out. 
Feb 2009

12000 mi
Took in car for electrical problem, but it couldn't be replicated. 
Volkswagen Passat in Pennsylvania, United States
Sep 2013 - Jul 2017
Dec 2013

77000 mi

US $400
check engine light, Thermostat replaced 
Dec 2014

90000 mi

US $120
3 of 4 fan speeds stopped working. Blew a capacitor. Second time it has happened 
Feb 2016

104000 mi

US $50
CEL came on. Rough idle. Took to mechanic, scanned car, cleared codes. Couldnt find anything wrong/duplicate. 
Oct 2016

115000 mi

US $250
Check engine light and rough idle. Mechanic replaced sensor 
Feb 2017

121000 mi

US $15
Lost 3 of 4 fan speeds. Replaced capacitor. Third time in 3 years replacing same capacitor 
May 2017

122000 mi

US $1200
Electronic parking brake motor died and seized on rear brake. Also ripped up brakes and rotors. All needed to be replaced 
Volkswagen Passat in Massachusetts, United States
Apr 2015 - Apr 2018
Jul 2015

111000 mi

US $1800
Replaced clutch and throwout bearing. Clutch engaging late, bearing noisy. Water pump, Thermostat and belt replaced because water pump was leaking. 
Jun 2016

120000 mi

US $300
Parking brake motor stripped drive gear. Needed to replace entire pass. side caliper. 
Dec 2016

132000 mi

US $200
driver's door latch not functioning properly, would sieze in the open/unlock position preventing door from latching closed. Dealer replaced latch mechanism, was not the problem. Drivers door latch not functioning properly siezed in open/unlock position preventing door from closing. Dealer replaced driver's door handle at their expense due to previously replacing incorrect part. The parking brake motor drive gear was stripped. Replaced caliper and motor under warranty. 
Aug 2017

144000 mi

US $100
Replace PCV valve 
Mar 2018

154000 mi
airbag light was tripped during DIY work, needed dealership to reset light Door handle stopped working. needed to replace lock and latch assembly, support frame 
Apr 2018

155000 mi
airbag in driver's steering wheel replaced, part of Takata airbag recall 
Volkswagen Passat in Quebec, Canada
Mar 2008 - Apr 2010
Jan 2009

8060 mi
Fan resistors burned, only worked at 4(full power). 

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2008 Volkswagen Passat 4dr Wagon

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

Volkswagen Passat in Sweden
May 2011 - Aug 2011
Jun 2011

4960 mi

$500
Clutch stopped working while driving. Some hydraulic part failed. 

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2008 Volkswagen Passat 4dr Wagon

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

Volkswagen Passat in Missouri, United States
Nov 2013 - Nov 2015
Jul 2014

72800 mi

US $300
Low pressure sensor replaced 
Volkswagen Passat in Colorado, United States
Oct 2012 - Jul 2022
Jan 2014

73300 mi

US $350
Low-tone horn stopped working. Replaced with aftermarket unit. Failed after about a month. Serpetine Belt Tensioner Pulley seized up, causing the belt to fall off. Car had to be towed home. Parts purchased at local VW dealer, service performed by owner. 
Jun 2014

77000 mi

US $20
Replace low-tone horn. 
Aug 2014

78000 mi

US $70
Metal plate holding rear view mirror in place was installed improperly during the previous owner's replacement of the windshield. Double-stick tape was used instead of approved adhesive, and the tape failed. 
Jun 2015

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. Pin holding rear passenger window to regulator fell out. Replaced with DIY bolt-and-bushing solution. 
Sep 2015

86000 mi

US $350
Replaced both radiator cooling fans. Replaced low pressure fuel sensor. 
Sep 2017

97000 mi

US $40
Replace Front Stabilizer Bar End Links 
Jul 2021

119000 mi

US $500
Replace front control arm bushings. 
Mar 2022

123000 mi

US $975
Replace front sway bar bushings and end links. 
May 2022

124000 mi

US $130
Replace low-pressure fuel sensor. 
Volkswagen Passat in New Jersey, United States
Oct 2011 - Jun 2018
Apr 2012

17500 mi
Airbag light on dash came on, checked by dealer and found sensor on front bumper failed, ordered replacement and replaced it on a separate trip to dealer the next week. 
Jan 2013

18300 mi
Had problem with radio losing its memory and ipod connector not working; radio and accessory plug were both replaced under extended VW warrantee. 
Sep 2014

73000 mi

US $100
CEL was on and had dealer pull the code, after some diagnostics they determined that the EGR valve needed replacement. Total cost would have been $275, but was covered under extended warantee so only cost me $100 out of pocket. 
Apr 2015

85500 mi

US $100
Final check of car before 85K warrantee expired. Found leaking radiator.  Also found 2 engine oil leaks that required gasket replacement. 
Jul 2016

105300 mi

US $200
Drip around oil drain plug, perhaps it was overtightend on last service visit? 
Nov 2017

120300 mi
idler wheel, accessory drive belt, tensioner 
Mar 2018

125000 mi

US $175
HID Headlight bulb replacement, completely went out 
Volkswagen Passat in California, United States
Jan 2011 - Oct 2012
Feb 2011

18000 mi
Valve motor replaced 
Mar 2011

19000 mi
CD changer broke CD changer replaced 
Volkswagen Passat in Texas, United States
Oct 2008 - Apr 2013
Mar 2012

39000 mi
Oil leak on top portion of engine. 3 gaskets replaced under powertrain warranty. 
Volkswagen Passat in New Jersey, United States
Mar 2009 - Mar 2018
Jul 2010

19000 mi
Faulty airbag sensor 
Jun 2011

31000 mi
Airbag sensor light fault 
Jul 2011

32000 mi
Steering column TSB 

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2008 Volkswagen Passat 4dr Sedan

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

Volkswagen Passat in Minnesota, United States
Feb 2014 - Sep 2015
Mar 2014

84000 mi

US $1739
Failed crankcase breather caused rear main oil seal to leak 
Volkswagen Passat in Arizona, United States
Aug 2008 - May 2017
Feb 2015

35300 mi

US $400
new, heavier shocks installed, due to bad local road conditions in desert areas 
Volkswagen Passat in Georgia, United States
Aug 2014 - Jul 2018
May 2016

92700 mi

US $365
Fuel sending unit failed and wouldn't deliver fuel to the engine. 
Apr 2017

103000 mi

US $3500
Slack in timing chain caused major damage to interior of engine. A condition that others have experienced and VW is being sued over in multiple states 
Volkswagen Passat in Maryland, United States
Feb 2014 - Mar 2015
Mar 2015

92000 mi

US $7200
Timing chain tensioner broke and destroyed engine 
Volkswagen Passat in New York, United States
Jun 2008 - Nov 2012
Aug 2008

2000 mi
wood dash trim cracked/ replaced. Rear sunshade clip cracked/replaced. 
Jul 2011

28500 mi
cdc hardware error, radio replaced 
Apr 2012

37000 mi
turbo solenoid 
Volkswagen Passat in Pennsylvania, United States
Dec 2013 - Feb 2014
Feb 2014

103000 mi

US $805
High pressure fuel pump destroys cam follower, which wears down intake camshaft. About $2000. New hpfp, cam follower, and intake camshaft to repair it. 
Volkswagen Passat in Alabama, United States
Jul 2013 - Jul 2015
Dec 2013

149000 mi

US $1150
Both water pumps - main and auxiliary - were leaking. Both pumps replaced. The fasteners for both water pumps had been over-torqued during a previous repair and caused both pump housings to crack. Also replaced an oil seal 
Jul 2014

152200 mi

US $900
Engine was leaking coolant from freeze plugs between engine and transmission. Transmission had to be pulled to repair coolant leaks. 
Volkswagen Passat in Illinois, United States
Dec 2008 - Aug 2016
Apr 2008

1000 mi
Repair Rattling Sunroof 
Jun 2011

28000 mi
900 miles from home, car died, would not restart. Towed to local VW dealer. Told problem was loose engine mounts. Caused by failure to properly tighten mounts during recall replacement of steering rack at selling dealer. Repaired / Warranty Drove 900 miles, after repair of loose engine. No apparent problem. Next day, engine over heating 6 miles from home/City traffic. Drove to dealer for repair. Cooling fans not working. Told problem related to loose engine. Repaired/Warranty 
May 2012

39700 mi
12 Volt DC Power Outlets / Lighter Sockets In Passenger Compartment(Front & Rear) Failed. 
Dec 2012

48000 mi
Noticed headlight not aiming properly. Housing for driver side headlight broken. Replaced under extended warranty. 
Volkswagen Passat in Ohio, United States
Jan 2013 - Feb 2013
Feb 2013

90000 mi
PCV Valve recall 
Volkswagen Passat in Texas, United States
Feb 2013 - Apr 2017
Oct 2014

62200 mi

US $400
Intake code po2015 
Volkswagen Passat in Colorado, United States
May 2008 - Mar 2015
Mar 2010

20000 mi
Electric motor on drivers seat failed. Could no longer adjust. Fuel pressure sensor defective, reading low. 
Nov 2011

36000 mi
Blown gasket on crank-case sensor. 
Jun 2012

41000 mi

US $320
Frayed wires under seat setting off airbag light. 
Aug 2014

72000 mi

US $800
Steering column lock fault. Replaced lock assembly. 
Volkswagen Passat in Minnesota, United States
Aug 2008 - Sep 2012
Oct 2008

7000 mi
Missing sun shade clip for rear passenger window 
Aug 2010

43000 mi
Driver Headlight not properly aligned 
Sep 2010

45000 mi
Breather Valve faulty. 
Nov 2010

50500 mi
Low Tone Horn Replaced 
Oct 2011

65300 mi

US $50
Horn not sounding properly. 
Jan 2012

72000 mi

US $400
PCV Valve Replaced 
Jun 2012

82000 mi
Parking brake not engaging properly after rear brake replacement. 
Volkswagen Passat in New South Wales, Australia
Aug 2008 - Mar 2011
Sep 2008

9920 mi
Jerky on moving off. Surging at low speeds. They acknowledge, but don't know how to fix. 
Mar 2011

41540 mi
Injector failure. Car stopped. Had to be towed. Workshop said injector design fault. All injectors replaced. 
Volkswagen Passat in Texas, United States
Oct 2007 - Dec 2010
Mar 2009

20000 mi
Was hearing a loud high pitch sound from engine compartment. Dealer determined that some pressure regulator had been broken and was losing vacuum pressure which was causing high pitch whistle. 
Jan 2010

35000 mi
Check engine light showed up and result was a low-pressure fuel sensor had gone bad. 
Volkswagen Passat in Florida, United States
Feb 2008 - Apr 2011
Sep 2009

15000 mi
Ignition coil, they replaced coil pack on cyclinder 2.  
Dec 2010

24000 mi
Car would only start after two tries dealer could not reproduce it or imo did not even look. Still car starts funny or almost does not catch when turning over for the 1st crank.  Suspension rattles, clicks but nothing found. 
Jan 2011

23600 mi
I have a few issues like over the speed bumps or a dip the front right side makes a noise that seems like the suspension is loose, the car would take more then one try to start, rattles all over the palce. So of course in VW fashion nothing 
Apr 2011

25000 mi
The transmission shudders in the morning when backing out garage. Shop said if they fix it and I complain VW will not pay, dealer has too. Thank goodness I leased it, turned it in april 10th and will never buy again. VW did not care. 
Volkswagen Passat in Massachusetts, United States
Jun 2016 - Jan 2022
Nov 2017

170000 mi

US $500
Had to replace the oil filter housing. it was leaking something terrible 
Volkswagen Passat in Quebec, Canada
Aug 2007 - Oct 2017
Sep 2007

620 mi
Wind noise from driver's window seal above 70 km/h. New seal ordered. 
Oct 2007

1240 mi
New seal installed. 
Dec 2007

3100 mi
Air bag telltale ON. Parts ordered for repair. 
Jan 2008

3596 mi
Airbag module replaced. Issue closed. 
Feb 2010

29760 mi
Defroster blower noisy at lowest speed 
Jun 2010

33480 mi
Paint peeling off front curbside fender. At sheetmetal bend near tire. Fender repainted. 
Jan 2014

74400 mi

C $800
muffler and tail pipe replacement 
Sep 2014

81220 mi
intake manifold cleaned from carbon deposit sensor and thermostat replaced (cooling system) 
Aug 2015

88080 mi
paint peeling off on main exterior panels with surface corrosion. rear lh fender replaced, cost to repair higher than replacement 
Sep 2015

89280 mi

C $1050
Replaced left hand universal joint Replace both front suspension strut assemblies 
Apr 2016

96100 mi

C $900
head to tail exhaust replacement 
May 2016

96720 mi

C $100
Defroster blower fan replaced, noisy at low speed Fresh air flapper actuator replaced; noticed with loud grinding noise coming from behind glovebox 
Sep 2016

99200 mi

C $25
recirculating fuel vapor valve replaced ignition coils (4) replaced, engine misfire noise sometime occurs when accelerating. Rosstech scan returns #1 cylinder misfire. 
May 2017

105400 mi

C $600
Transmission oil cooler & hoses replaced 
Sep 2017

110360 mi

C $175
suspension link bars replaced, front and rear (curbside) Suspension link replaced front street side 
Volkswagen Passat in Pennsylvania, United States
Jan 2008 - Dec 2015
Apr 2008

2000 mi
Bad airbag sensor. 
Feb 2010

25000 mi
creaky control arm bushings 
Mar 2011

37000 mi
front park assist sensor replaced 
Mar 2012

48000 mi
replace creaking lower control arm bushings. 
Sep 2015

95000 mi

US $1390
A hole rusted the an exhaust sleeve connecting two pipes. sleeve replaced notice oil drips on driveway. 2 days before service schedule transmission started to slip. trans cooler lines leaking, a hole is on of them. replace both lines 
Volkswagen Passat in Colorado, United States
Mar 2008 - Mar 2012
Dec 2008

4000 mi
Air Bag sensor defective. 
Mar 2012

30000 mi
Dead cell in battery replaced bushings 
Volkswagen Passat in Connecticut, United States
- May 2008
May 2008

5000 mi

US $300
oil change, tire needed replacing as the dealer stated, claimed there was a bubble, of course not under warranty, bad start 
Volkswagen Passat in Ohio, United States
May 2016 - Jun 2022
Jul 2016

229500 mi

US $40
Brake caliper serviced 
Aug 2016

236000 mi
Rust perforation on doors around trim and quarter panel 
Volkswagen Passat in South Carolina, United States
Apr 2008 - Jun 2011
Nov 2010

48000 mi
Ignition switch required steering column repair 
Volkswagen Passat in Ontario, Canada
May 2008 - Mar 2012
Mar 2009

19840 mi

C $120
Air bag fail sensor - passenger air bag sensor malfunctioned; replaced under warranty. 
Sep 2011

66340 mi

C $355
Check engine light on. Not sure if it is being caused by evap purge valve. Car has not been driven much since summer. 
Volkswagen Passat in Texas, United States
Mar 2008 - Aug 2014
Sep 2010

55000 mi

US $1500
Total steering wheel, airbag and left front electrical failure 
Nov 2010

66000 mi

US $600
Hesitation. Found to be high pres fuel pump mechanical interface. Cam shaft has to be replaced. Replaced interface only, cam shaft repair is $1500 job, and timing belt replacement is soon. Do together. 
Dec 2012

87000 mi

US $100
Rear rim on drivers side has spontaneously deformed. No accident or damage to rim of any kind. Problem progressed quickly over less than one month, tire would no longer hold air. Aftermarket rim purchased 
Aug 2014

101000 mi
Intermittent check engine light under full acceleration 
Volkswagen Passat in Delaware, United States
- Nov 2009
Nov 2009

29000 mi
Third time had to take car in to re-place the gas cap. Check engine light comes on with the fuel cap indicator as well. Check engine light came once again after only one day after being fix 
Volkswagen Passat in Massachusetts, United States
Jun 2012 - Aug 2015
Aug 2012

83700 mi
TSB for pcv system, dealer replaced the entire crankcase ventilation system including the turbo pressure release 
May 2013

102100 mi

US $240
Drivers side inner axle boot was torn and leaking grease. Dealer pulled axle, replaced boot and installed axle 
Dec 2013

116000 mi

US $200
The ignition coil on cylinder 2 went bad so I replaced all 4 coils and 4 plugs. The plugs were due to be replaced in 5k miles anyway. Could have repaired the car for $35 but did all the coils just in case. 
May 2014

123600 mi

US $400
Thermostat and sensor replaced 
Dec 2014

134000 mi

US $260
Replaced left side inner cv boot. 
Jun 2015

140000 mi

US $150
Replaced pcv valve and purge valve 
Aug 2015

140000 mi

US $250
Turbo Failed and destroyed intercooler and Catalytic convertor 
Volkswagen Passat in New Mexico, United States
Jan 2009 - Mar 2023
Apr 2012

17200 mi
Fuel system 
Jul 2021

66000 mi

US $350
replaced thermostat 
Feb 2022

62000 mi

US $1000
engine smog valve 
Volkswagen Passat in New Jersey, United States
May 2009 - Jan 2011
Mar 2010

25000 mi
Broken lumbar support front passenger seat. Part ordered. Part installed. 
Volkswagen Passat in Iowa, United States
Mar 2011 - Jun 2015
May 2012

40000 mi
replaced leaking valve cover gasket 
Apr 2013

53000 mi
Knocking in front end going over bumps and turning. Parts replaced were: Steering rack Drivers side ball joint Drivers side sway bar link 
Volkswagen Passat in Texas, United States
Feb 2009 - Oct 2011
Mar 2009

3000 mi
Smell of manure coming from vents when AC was activated. 
Apr 2009

5000 mi
Car smelled badly when AC used. Problem was worsened by intense smell from carpet shampoo on previous visit for the same problem. 
May 2009

5000 mi
Reoccurring bad smell coming from vents when using AC. 
Jun 2009

5000 mi
AC stopped working. They said it was a simple fix. The day I got the car back, the AC failed again. Second time for A/C they kept it for about a week. It has been fine since then. 
Mar 2010

12000 mi
AC air smells like manure when first engaged. Car would sporadically not start. Steering column and EMC replaced. 
Jul 2011

29000 mi
Rear sunshade was broken and they ordered a replacement. They forgot to order some additional parts so I am taking it in again this weekend. 
Sep 2011

30000 mi
Engine light came on. Problem was diagnosed as a faulty valve. It was replaced. 
Volkswagen Passat in New York, United States
Sep 2011 - May 2013
May 2013

42000 mi
oil drain plug/lower pan, common problem with 2.0T engine, not covered by warrantee. cost est $200/300. traded instead of fixing because got a good deal on a CC. 
Volkswagen Passat in New York, United States
Jul 2011 - Aug 2015
Aug 2012

43300 mi
sunroof would go up/down while driving. after excorcisim failed. dealer installed new switch under warrenty 
Aug 2013

47300 mi

US $225
car in foor rear brakes. found electonic parking brake would not release shop replaced rotor electric parking brake release motor. Now problem has returned. Will take to dealer. 
Sep 2014

49000 mi
replaced car battery 
May 2015

50000 mi
electronic parking brake not releasing was told repair would cost $300/1000 and $130. diagnostic fee. Not using parking brake. 
Jul 2015

50000 mi

US $50
parking brake still not right after replacing switch.Traded car in for a new vw 2015 passat S 
Volkswagen Passat in Georgia, United States
Feb 2011 - Sep 2011
Sep 2011

37000 mi

US $65
banging noise in suspension - dealership stated bolts had come loose. sound remained. car sold. 
Volkswagen Passat in Florida, United States
Jan 2011 - Jun 2013
Mar 2011

57000 mi

US $100
PCV Valve issue causing a vacuum leak. Reinstalled after applying Silicone but started again after 100 miles. Needs that part and possibly other parts 
Apr 2011

57700 mi

US $300
Same problem as before, PCV valve causing a vacuum leak. 
Volkswagen Passat in Indiana, United States
Mar 2010 - Jun 2022
Nov 2011

35000 mi

US $140
replace battery 
Oct 2013

54300 mi

US $233
MIL came on, thermostat found to be bad also changed temperature sensor right front control arm bushing was found to be bad mechanic found turbo bypass valve to be leaking oil 
Apr 2014

58500 mi

US $800
brake boost had vacuum leak transmission pan gasket leak roller on timing belt squeaked, roller changed on warranty, owner had timing belt & water pump changed 
Feb 2015

67400 mi

US $600
transmission case had a leak had to replace entire transmission changed struts 
Apr 2017

89000 mi

US $460
REPLACED LEFT FRONT INNER CV BOOT AND DID ALIGNMENT 
Volkswagen Passat in Brunei Darussalam
Apr 2010 - Jun 2011
Dec 2010

32240 mi

$300
Engine overheating, showing symptom of radiator fan running overun for more than 5 minute everytime after engine switch off, temperature rising more than 100 degree C, when running above 120KMH. 
Volkswagen Passat in Florida, United States
Jun 2010 - Aug 2013
Aug 2010

43000 mi
Replaced inoperative satellite radio module under warrenty. 
Oct 2010

43000 mi
"Small Evaporator leak".  
Dec 2012

72000 mi

US $200
lowbeam headlight had to be replaced no heat at front dash outlets 
Aug 2013

81000 mi
no heat at front dash outlets, never fixed 
Volkswagen Passat in Michigan, United States
Nov 2009 - Oct 2012
Dec 2009

35000 mi
Required new Sirius radio module 
Apr 2011

52000 mi

US $310
Engline light code showing system too lean. Proper amount of gasoline not flowing into system due to faulty sensor. Repaired successfully. 
Volkswagen Passat in Texas, United States
Mar 2013 - Mar 2014
Mar 2014

115000 mi
we have had several problems with the fuel injectors and ignition coils. On several occasions had to have the water pump replaced. We ended up taking the car in for about 6 times to get water pump replaced. 
Volkswagen Passat in Alabama, United States
Jul 2011 - Jan 2015
Sep 2011

45000 mi
A/C compressor failed. Replaced under warranty.  
Aug 2012

60300 mi
Fuel pump control module failure. Replaced under Certified warranty. 
Jun 2013

75000 mi

US $300
Cracked intake manifold. 
Volkswagen Passat in Virginia, United States
Feb 2009 - Dec 2015
Jan 2011

10000 mi
Horn was not working. It had to be replaced. 
Oct 2015

40300 mi

US $750
Spark igniter failed. Needed to replace all igniters and plugs. 
Dec 2015

42000 mi

US $250
Steering column lock needed to be replaced Turbo diverter valve seal was leaking 
Volkswagen Passat in Indiana, United States
Feb 2012 - Feb 2013
Dec 2012

53000 mi
Behavior: Intermittent CELs, especially when driven hard Issue: HPFP Cam Follower damage resulting in camshaft wear Dealer replaced intake camshaft and cam follower. Also repaired cylinder head. Replaced the Premium 7 radio head unit. 
Volkswagen Passat in Arizona, United States
Nov 2011 - Dec 2011
Dec 2011

39000 mi
Ignition coil blew. 
Volkswagen Passat in Ontario, Canada
Jan 2012 - Mar 2016
Jun 2014

62000 mi

C $200
Damaged rear wheel bearing, both sides. Repack CV joint, front left 
Feb 2016

83360 mi

C $500
Left CV joint replaced. 
Volkswagen Passat in New Jersey, United States
May 2009 - Feb 2015
Apr 2009

10100 mi
CD changer failed, replaced under warranty Sunglasses holder failed, replaced under warranty 
Dec 2009

23000 mi
The valve body for the automatic transmission was replaced. Also the transmission control unit was flashed with new software. 
Apr 2011

44000 mi
The bearing that operates that steering rack had an unusual amount of play/was loose, causing damage on both sides. Dealer replaced entire steering rack under warranty.  
Jan 2012

67800 mi
The front suspension bushings had worn prematurely, causing a loud squeaking noise on bumps. The problem is common for this generation Passat. Replaced free of change under CPO extended warranty 
Dec 2012

81000 mi

US $1800
-Intake valve carbon cleaning 
Volkswagen Passat in Connecticut, United States
Oct 2011 - Feb 2017
Dec 2011

36000 mi
Radio display information suddenly disappeared; sound was still present, but could not see which station or satellite channel was selected. Dealer replaced radio under warranty 
Jul 2013

54500 mi
low tone on horn not working, dealer replaced under extended warranty; no charge 
Apr 2015

79000 mi

US $330
faulty breather valve 
Oct 2016

98300 mi

US $701
intended to have timing belt replaced, learned that car has timing chain, so replacement not needed. however, needed timing chain cover gasket and exterior belts, plus battery. 
Feb 2017

100000 mi

US $750
check engine light showed; problem: oil leaking into ignition coils; replaced coils and spark plugs and valve cover gasket. 

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2008 Volkswagen Passat 4dr Sedan

turbocharged 200hp 2.0L I4 6-speed manual FWD

Volkswagen Passat in Illinois, United States
Sep 2008 - Mar 2010
Oct 2008

3000 mi
TSB for shifting front subframe, fix applied and alignment done. 
Sep 2009

23000 mi
Trunk latch chrome cracked and replaced under warranty. 
Volkswagen Passat in Alabama, United States
Apr 2017 - Jul 2018
May 2018

74000 mi

US $1200
Muffler  and PCV valve 

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2008 Volkswagen Passat 4dr Sedan

turbocharged 160hp 1.8L I4 6-speed automated manual FWD

Volkswagen Passat in Singapore
Jun 2010 - Mar 2014
Oct 2010

27900 mi
Discovered wear and tear of front suspension link arms during 45,000km scheduled servicing. Part replaced under warranty. 
Dec 2011

45260 mi

$270
Fuel pump control module was faulty. Part No 1K0 906 093F. 
Jan 2012

47120 mi

$100
Exhaust downpipe header joint cracked and required welding. 
May 2013

63860 mi

$700
1. Changed rocker arms and hydraulic lifters as they were loose and giving out knocking sounds. 2. Leaking vacuum valve gasket. Rear fuel pump and relay module faulty. 
Jan 2014

66820 mi

$600
Alternator was faulty 
Mar 2014

68200 mi

$700
Water pump and coolant pipes were leaking. 

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2008 Volkswagen Passat 4dr Sedan

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

Volkswagen Passat in Great Britain
Jan 2012 - Dec 2016
Feb 2012

51800 mi
replace fuel injectors 
Jan 2016

£32
Split turbo hose 
Feb 2016

84000 mi

£70
Snapped front suspension spring 
Aug 2016

93000 mi
Snapped front spring Spring came loose, reinstalled 
Volkswagen Passat in Ireland
Dec 2009 - Jun 2011
Aug 2010

32860 mi
Coming/leaving home lights not functioning.Problem didn't show on first scan.Showed up on second scan 1 week later.Problem fixed 5 days later as part had to be ordered.Courtesy car not offered. Problem discovered, part ordered. Convenience module replaced. 

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2008 Volkswagen Passat 4dr Sedan

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

Volkswagen Passat in Alabama, United States
Jul 2010 - Nov 2011
Nov 2010

34300 mi
Button sticking on stock radio. Replaced radio under warrenty. 
Sep 2011

43000 mi
Car was missing. Ended up being a bad ground to the fuel pressure regulator. Repaired, and no problem since. 
Oct 2011

43000 mi
Radio quit working. 
Nov 2011

43000 mi
Radio not working. 
Volkswagen Passat in Tennessee, United States
Jan 2009 - Dec 2016
Mar 2016

70000 mi

US $450
front headlight failed, replaced. 
Volkswagen Passat in Georgia, United States
Jun 2009 - Jun 2016
Jul 2009

5000 mi

US $80
Battery cable had to be replaced 

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2008 Volkswagen Passat 4dr Sedan

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

Volkswagen Passat in New Mexico, United States
Aug 2008 - Feb 2011
Aug 2008

5000 mi
steering wheel clockspring 
Oct 2008

5000 mi
Steering clockspring replaced. 
Apr 2009

10000 mi
iPOD adapter in glove box stopped working iPOD adapter harness in glove box replaced 
Jan 2010

17000 mi
Driver side passenger power window stopped working. 
Mar 2010

19000 mi
Driver side rear window motor replaced 
Volkswagen Passat in Illinois, United States
Dec 2009 - Jul 2017
Feb 2010

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. 
Nov 2012

32100 mi
Broken Window Switch, Right (Passenger) Rear. Replaced under warranty during normal maintenance. 
Oct 2013

38000 mi
Repaired rear window sun shade 
Dec 2013

39000 mi
Xenon HID headlight burned out. Service dept said bumper needed to be removed to replace and would take 4 hours and cost $400. While replacing the bulb, mechanic damaged the hood of the car. Tried to repair hood twice. Finally replaced hood. 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. 
Mar 2016

70000 mi

US $330
Replaced Low Side Fuel Sensor Replaced Head Gasket Replaced Exhaust System Hanger 
Jun 2017

90000 mi
Intermittent "Seat Belt" Warning Light and Chimes. Technician could not find cause of problem. Shop did did not repair the problem. Problem not resolved. Will require another trip to the repair shop. 
Volkswagen Passat in Illinois, United States
Apr 2009 - Jun 2015
Dec 2009

14000 mi
Low side horn was not working. 
Jul 2010

21000 mi
Rear window shade bracket replaced, 
Jun 2012

48000 mi
Replaced speed sensor. 
Nov 2012

54000 mi

US $550
High pressure fuel pump on engine not working. 
May 2013

60400 mi

US $45
Replaced electric parking brake switch.. 

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2008 Volkswagen Passat 4-door

4-cylinder automatic 2WD

Volkswagen Passat in Libya
Mar 2011 - Mar 2012
Apr 2011

34800 mi
fan change because of blade breakage and ventilator control switch makes strange noise engine runs uneven and rev meter goes up and down in even rythem, excessive burn of fuel horn not working 

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See TrueDelta's information for all Volkswagen models.

2008 Volkswagen Passat Repair Histories

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 2008 Volkswagen Passat problems occur, check out our car reliability stats.