Faults:

Engine Sludge (covered by warranty) at 48,000 Miles.

Mass Airflow Sensor at 66,000 Miles.

Interior light of heating/cooling system failed at 52,000 miles.

Headlights, complete failure of low beams electrical system both sides, at 100,000 miles.

Front Ashtray/cigarette lighter (non smoker) broke at 70,000 miles.

General Comments:

The car has had a few major issues, the most annoying and expensive being the headlight issue.

I love the car, as it's easy to drive, very comfortable on long trips, and generally easy to maintain.

It's had service issues, but I can't complain, as I drive it a lot and it's endured many different climates, from Las Vegas Desert to Sierra Nevada snowstorm, to big city stop and go, to East Coast oceanfront living. It's performed well in all those.

Unfortunately, my biggest complaint is with Volkswagen Service. They are the most unhelpful group of people I have ever met. As for the engine sludge, why not just admit you've made a mistake and fix it for life? How hard is that?

Faults:

Replaced rear brakes at 25,000 miles.

Replaced coolant temperature sensor.

Missing instrument lights never installed at the factory.

Gear shift knob cracked.

CD cassette will not change CD's.

Dealer could not program a new key, attempted to charge 8 hours of training time while figuring out how do it.

Cabin smells of burning oil at stop lights, cannot find a leak.

Repeat check engine light, dealer does not know what the code means, Says" Leave it and we will look at it" at time and material charges.

General Comments:

Smooth on the interstate.

Better than rated gas mileage, +30mpg.

Sluggish and heavy in town.

Good handling and ride.

Faults:

The Passat brake system is a fortune to maintain. With "precision" rotors at $110 US each and labor over $90 per hour a two wheel brake job is well over $500. You have no alternative part choices, only VW and they really bend you over for everything.

I tried to have a local mechanic replace the alternator and he couldn't --the front bumper needs to come off--ABSURD! You must go to a dealer and pay about $500 US for the parts, plus they ALWAYS find something else wrong, so the repair bill was incredible.

The radio is great however it went out at about 20,000 and the dealer replaced on warranty.

Light bulbs are difficult to replace.

The in-cabin air filter is about $50 US to replace--that is criminal for paper and cardboard--what a scam.

I am selling the Passat and going elsewhere. The Germans have no hybrid technology and build cars that are impossible to service locally or yourself. It is a dealer gold mine.

General Comments:

The V6 Passat runs well and has excellent acceleration. The fuel mileage has never been as good as advertised.