Faults:

Leak around water pump at 90k miles. Replaced by mechanic.

Ignition Module failed at 100k miles. Replaced by mechanic.

Trim along left rear window came loose. Reattached myself.

Plastic shield underneath the engine came loose at the front and self destructed. Has not been replaced, car does not seem to need it and oil changes are now much easier.

The engine operates well, but needs oil added between changes, about 1 quart/2000 miles.

Trunk light is intermittent.

General Comments:

The Passat GLS has been much better then I expected. I had some misgivings purchasing the it, having had a bad experience with a used BMW and had since been driving a super-reliable Honda Civic. But the Passat is made out of well engineered components and has been nearly fault free. After 9 years, all of the interior lights and switches work like new. It still drives very well. The paint and trim looks new and there is no rust anywhere. The interior upholstery and carpeting are surviving, but looking tired. The AC and heater work better than my friends cars. It has been a reliable car that is still safe, smooth, quiet, easy to park, fun to drive, and gets me >29 MPG.

Faults:

It is working, but it will not go over 20 miles /hr. I tried to check the transmission fluid, but I cannot find it will someone please tell me where it is.

Faults:

I bought a pre-owned 99 Passat. 100 miles after the warranty expired, I had to make a $4,000 repair. The dealer turned their head with indifference, I called the corporate office and they said there was nothing I could do. I made the repair, now a year later the transmission is gone and their asking for $2200 to make the repair. I still owe $2,600 on the car and it's been for sale for 2 months and nobody will touch it!

DON'T BUY VW!!! It's been a nightmare!!!

General Comments:

VW's are HORRIBLE! DON'T DO IT!

Faults:

Service Schedule: The car needed the costly 124K service (incl. replace timing belt) - it didn't have it completed when I bought it - maybe that's why it was approx $2K less than typical - make sure you check the service sked before you buy - know what your future costs will be. Now it doesn't need anything (hopefully) but oil changes for the next 100K.

General Comments:

Tiptronic shift is a great option - very responsive.

Great urban vehicle - narrow and tight turning.

Plenty of room, and esp. in the back - Jetta was too small.

Passat was made in Germany - not Mexico like the Jetta.

All windows up or down with driver key lock - smart!

Insurance break due to industry recognized anti-theft.

Faults:

58000 miles front-end clunking?

60000 miles replaced wore out tie-rod ends.

64000 miles timing belt broke damaging the cylinder head and other related parts! $4k!

68000 miles auto trans problems. The gear indicator turned black and wouldn't go into reverse. Dealer replaced sensor.

70000 miles alarm remote quit! replaced $130!

72000 miles engine coolant leak. Replaced several hoses before actual leak was detected. Plastic hose bib on the back of the cylinder head!

76000 miles turn signal lamp fell off and ran over it!

78000 miles oil leaks - replaced plastic vacuum tube thingy.

80000 miles ABS sensor quit.

83000 miles drivers door lock quit! Works with key only.

85000 miles driver rear door lock quit - won't respond to key, remote, or switch. Can pull/push it though - nice option!

88000 miles Tip-Tronic shifter shifting quit. Standard gear selector still works - for now!

90000 miles oil dipstick tube broke off when pulling out the dip-stick.

100k miles entire from end is making noises.

110k miles replacing brakes for the first time.

General Comments:

I've had several major and minor issues with my '99 passat 1.8t wagon. I love the car, but it has been very problematic.

Today it has several outstanding issues. Thankfully I am very handy and can perform most work myself - staying away from the dealer.

The radio buttons stick. There are several dash lights out. Alarm remote quit again. Drivers door lock still only works with the key. The rear passenger door lock mysteriously started working again? The entire front suspension is clunking and making noises. The rear cup holders are broke. Both rear door mouldings have come loose and broke partially off when the kids opened their doors! The rear drivers side seat latch broke off and I can no longer lower that seat.

I really like the car and the fact that it is paid for. I want to keep it and just ordered on-line over $1000 in parts to replace all the front end suspension parts. New brakes rotors, shocks, springs etc. I hope this will buy me another 50k miles until I can afford to buy a new car.

My only concern now is that recently the car started shifting a little erratically/ loosely from 2nd to 3rd???