14th Jan 2009, 15:19

My Passat is rubbish. In the last 12 months it's had new water pump, exhaust, new cat, service and the engine management light still won't go off. I'm driving around now with one arm and one leg because that's what it's cost me.

19th Oct 2009, 15:27

I've owned a few VWs in the past and I bought a Passat a few weeks ago. I know I made a mistake when after 100 miles in her I noticed the ECU warning light came on. Found out to be a faulty MAF sensor (common fault), fixed that, next thing, failed its MOT with rotten brake lines (poor quality steel), electric window on drivers side failed (another common fault). Then the dreaded feeling of damp on the floor indicated a leaking matrix had to be fettled next (guess what? ANOTHER common fault). I've been told that the suspension bushes will be next, as they are another common fault!!! In my experience, ALL German products are commonly faulted and vastly overrated!!

4th Feb 2010, 13:43

So true. Sold VW and Audi from 1998 to 2008 and nearly all of them are rubbish. Our service department couldn't cope with the volume of warranty claims. Passats were the worst but the whole range was fairly woeful. Everything from mechanical to electrical faults. Superficially nice cars built from rubbish. Avoid anything after 1996.

28th Jul 2010, 11:34

I have a 1999 VW Passat TDI and it runs like a dream. Fantastic real hard working car.

Eddy.

23rd Oct 2010, 10:04

I own a 2005 Passat diesel, and have had huge problems with it!! Replaced broken turbo boot, new oil cooler, several CV joints, MAF sensor, and my emissions light still remains on!!! Unreal piece of garbage.

26th Sep 2011, 14:17

These engines are pooch; drive it like a monk and you will squeeze 60 mpg out of each gallon, those filthy sooty pistons hammering and bullying a thermal efficiency of 40% from the diesel that is squeezed in the engine. The turbo helps bully even more from the engine; hear each intake of fuel air mix scream and explode with a bang at tick over, and enjoy the fuel economy. This car can do London to Scotland and back on a tank at 70mph. I hit a tree at 35mph in mine, and walked away with no damage to my body.