2012-2022 Volkswagen Passat Problems and Issues Explained: The Cost to Fix and Repair

[@JMCIII1957]

My 2013 Passat S has finally begun to require repairs. But it’s got 183,000 miles on it. On the whole it’s been a solid car.

[@jeffhebert8963]

I just bought a 2016 Passat. Picked it up in NC and drove it to NY. It’s a pleasure to drive and we love it so far.

[@dariusbrown8644]

How many miles were on when you bought it? & How is it now 10 months later?

[@jeffhebert8963]

@@dariusbrown8644 It had about 78k. It still runs great, but the heat/ac mixer malfunctions. It’s not a hard problem to fix but I can’t figure out how to get the glove box out so I can get to the dang valve. The first repair I’ll have to take it to the shop for.

[@PIQTION]

@@jeffhebert8963 google replacing cabin air filter

[@danielveliciu3445]

I have the exact same car with 154k miles, and the only issue I've had is that front-end suspension crunch noise in freezing temperatures.. Never had a mechanical issue always changed the engine oil at 5k and transmission oil every 45k..

[@davidjac36]

My 2014 Passat has been surprisingly reliable. The engine is a gem. Just recently, it has developed a mild coolant leak, but I think it's due for a water pump. It has needed zero unexpected repairs to date, only wear and tear items. 158,000 miles, and it's still on the original battery. It also gets between 36-42mpg hwy, with a range between 630 and 750 miles. Being a manual transmission helps. Unfortunately it's no longer available in the Passat or the jetta except in the GLI.

[@Stevehab2]

Have a 2016 SE. Bought 3 years old, 27k. Wheel sensor went out. Starting spitting oil out the tailpipe - replaced pcv - has a diaphragm that can leak - recommend replace every 30k - OEM only! Minor pulsating under braking sometimes. Some wind noise, will need to check what you said. Radio - will check out what you said. Started getting crunchy sounds from suspension. Not bad for about 78k now.

[@briang70]

I just bought a 2017 Passat SE w/Tech and 99K miles. The only issue I noticed right away was the wind noise at the A pillar on the driver's side. Thanks for the info!

[@buddybrewington23]

I have a 2014 Volkswagen Passat Wolfsburg edition and I'm having some issues with a rough start misfire in in Pittston 2 and 4 but when I cut it off and let it sit for 5 seconds and re-crank it it goes away I'm starting to think it may be my EGR Val

[@Murdered0ut150]

I traded my 16’ Passat in with 228,000 and not ONE issue at all. Best car I’ve ever owned hands down. Bought another but 2021 this time

[@dazeclick712]

Good morning my Passat turbo engine is giving me problem and I was told it weak and I am told to convert to non turbo engine will this work, because I want to use it for taxi business.

[@giovannimauro5797]

I also have the exact same car except 2017, 95K miles now, the only problem I had was the start button that was sticking and giving trouble, sometimes, starting the car, no other issue, I really like my Passat.

[@vlatkomafija]

i have such sound over bumps on my golf mk7 coming from front sway bar bushing. i just sprayed them with a good quality silicone spray. its been silence for over 6 months now!

[@steamerxxx]

MK6 GTI here, eventually you'll be better off replacing the sway bar links shock mounts (might as well do shocks at the same time). I've had my front end completely disassembled multiple times and just replace things as i put it back together. next time you replace rotors get the bigger ones. you don't have to change calipers.

[@rolandocurro9]

Vlatko • I think it might be the bushings connecting the steering knuckles. Also check all the other connecting bushings in the steering section and the sway bar. Check all of the bushings underneath.

[@TheLeathemm]

For a 5 year old car that’s pretty good. Bushes in colder climates wear out faster due to rubber losing its elasticity.

[@TheJuggernoob1]

Do these issues apply to Jettas too?

[@rolandocurro9]

How about problems having to do with the rear driver stop light / indicador light not working when you step on the brake. And not flashing when you turn the indicador lever to the left position. What can be the cause for this light assembly not working ?. Btw the bulbs áre not burn. It only happens on the rear driver's side.

[@njroyalty]

2012 Passat S here, No engine light, but gotten 4 codes when I took it to AAP. tryna find someone to help me install 2/4 minor parts. Now hear rattling when starting up. Im in FL & it gets kinda cold at night. One code was a 'small' evap leak (was told around thermo housing).. I have to get that still. & then stalling.. (knock sensor).. other 2 codes were map sensor & misfire (ig coil 1) which i have. These issues are small, its just a matter of getting help. Im in a bind rn & cant afford a shop. 😩 Mechanic that has helped me is busy so its just a wait game. I pray these issues not being fixed are the cause of rattling. cause I really cant even afford the issues I already have.

[@Burninhellscrootoob]

Ive a 2010, no real issues because i do my own maintenance, regularly. 162k miles. Only complaints are tire noise and the usual electric trunk issues, it does seem to use up a lot of front headlight bulbs and an occasional rash of false sensor warnings on the dash info screen. The subframe bolts tend to make noise , but its 14 years old with 162 k , reliable and comfy with 33mpg.... really can't ask for more, im sure a domestic would be dead by now

[@bsrcat1]

I bought a 13 tdi. Biggest wtf i had was the turbo seal went and shot oil threw the intake. This was bcz the oil pump was inadequate. So turbo, oil pump and catalytic converter with a 5k bill all was good until "the fix". What VW did was raise the egts to reduce emissions. Well the dpf goes through additional regens and has a internal coolant heat exchanger, the EGR also has coolant running through it, both of these get hella hot, not only hotter than what they were designed for but hot enough to crystallize the coolant. This in turn will clog your heater core, transmission, oil filter/cooler housing and radiator. So my next things to go where my heater core to start with. Then coolant started coming out of my oil cooler. I replaced both of them along with my along with the thermostat and replace the water pump a year and a half before that along with my timing belt. I flushed the system, then off of the EGR I routed that to a coolant filter (for a diesel truck) then back to the heater core. Hopefully this will alleviate the issues associated with "the fix".

[@Flexrolon]

Hi great video, Im looking forward to get a 2021 Passat would you recomend it, Thanks

[@jonesbunny]

Nope

[@LookUpTheKalergiPlanWhitePeeps]

Getting ready to buy a 2020 SEL with 14k miles that is certified. It has the 2.0T in it though instead of this 1.8T. Watched lots of reviews on how "bland" these "experts" think it is and that's exactly what I want. If I wanted to drive a Nike swoosh I'd buy a K5. I currently own the B5.5 2004 Passat 1.8T 4 motion 5 speed manual with only 115k miles on it and love my car. Just need something more economical and want an automatic. I don't really need the all wheel drive and only used it once to play in the snow.

[@Turner177]

Got a 04 b5.5 4motion automatic 227k. Coolant flange just burst. Wanna get a 15 passat 2.5 now i think idk.

[@qm9634]

Does anyones have problem with epc light on and now it’s not accelerating more than 5 miles ??? 😢

[@Bully357]

It’s Either throttle body or Pcv Valve I’m Having same problem those what the codes came out to be

[@allroadsawesome]

Mine is having problems with the front drivers side brakes rattling

[@Dc5Knightv2]

Use brake lube on caliper to pad contact points and on piston to pad contact that will mitigate noise as the grease will absorb impact

[@allroadsawesome]

@@Dc5Knightv2 the dealership forgot to put the brake pad clips in. Fixed now

[@callumm9049]

I have a 2014 Passat, don’t get me wrong I love driving the car it’s so smooth. But I should have keep my 20 year old golf

[@arndtvollmann]

2012 Passat, 265,000 klms . issues 1x lhs inner cv joint Positive crank case valve Burnt out fuel pump module. Engine Temp sensor Wheel speed sensors Lower control arm bushes ( rear) Dome Strut bearings All in all not too bad 😂

[@hemanthchowdary1598]

We can buy a 2012 Passat with 103k miles for 5500 , is a good deal

[@CocoChanelle-1]

The sensors are a pain in the xxx.

[@lukedoe8635]

I got a 2020 Passat rline I love my baby 49k miles

[@joemielcarek589]

Well luckily these things rarely fall apart before 250,000 miles as long as you keep up proper maintenance, of course. So in a way this somewhat common claim is a bit misleading.

[@brianarcher9666]

Got a 2014 Passat the window will not work , won’t roll up or down.

[@jayeddleston9486]

Got 16 Passat with 126k burns oil on # 2 and 4 cylinder.

[@larryvice5835]

Got a 2017 SEL no problems such as you had with 50k miles.

[@masterfleeunbleached]

All minor issues not too bad

[@65strad]

I've had 7 VW's, Rabbits, Jetta's, a 2011 GTI w/DSG trans and my current 2014 Passat SE w/roof 1.8 EA888 with tiptronic. Currently, 147,413 miles. All bought new. Also Toyota Celica, Ford Explorer, Ford Windstar. Had the headlight recall, clockspring recall. Other than regular maintenance, I replaced the drivers power window switch panel for $26.00 Zero squeaks or rattles. Not the most exciting car, but by far, the most reliable best car I've owned. Sorry that you've had some nagging no cost warranty repairs. Mine was bought new, so previous owner upkeep, or lack of wasn't an issue. Great car, unfortunately, every now and then someone else has a bad experience. Did I say the best car I've owned? Sometimes used is a fabulous value, sometimes not. How much out of pocket have you spent for repairs? My rear brakes replaced at 110,000 miles.

[@3rdstone311]

2016 VW Passat, worst new car I've ever purchased, dealership is a rip off!!! Beware!!!

[@bojanmilicevic6619]

Beware of what?😂😂

[@bh2155]

VW have a problem with consistenr reliabilty. Some people are lucky some are not. I have a VW 2012 with the 2.o TSI turbo which is terrible. If i would have brought a later model 2016 on it probably would be mote reliable. I think a fair assessment of VW is that if you buy one of any year you are taking a risk especially if you keep it after the warranty expires. If i were you i would get rid of this car 2k in repairs in a car with less than 50k miles is a lot of money regardless if it was covered under warranty

[@rolandocurro9]

Vlatko • Also pour some Marvel Mistery oil on top of the struts. Where the bearing is located with the nut holding the strut comes thru on top of the engine. I had just a little rattly noise myself. I poured some oil on top of the strut thru those vent holes on top on the driver's front side. And it went away. Take it easy taking the turns on your VW. Use ( smooth turns ). If am not mistaken. VW is using electric motors for power steering now. You might have an electric motor driven power steering. I drive a 2017 VW Passat S. It has that system.

[@jaydenslaunwhite2925]

Should have kept the tl

[@wave1916]

is it legal to crash a car off a bridge

[@motorbandit7]

Only if you are in it,when it goes off!

[@1vw4me]

I've got this exact model, color, etc except it's a 2017. Got it brand new. My 3rd VW/Audi, and the worst. This is because this is only VW/Audi product I've bought that wasn't made in Germany! These are made in Chattanoga by a bunch of hillbillies that don't know what QC is! At 35,000 miles, it start shooting oil at the head. New engine. Thank god it was still under warranty for another 1000 miles, or I'd have been fugged! Mexico (where engine is assembly) had striped out an engine stud. This was March 2020, so because of COVID, they couldn't get an engine for 9 months! The dealer gave me a new one for that time frame. I got new engine, and bitched so hard to VW America that they extended my warranty to 110,000 miles! I also have a back window problem which they are going to fix. Other than that, no real problems. Fit and finish SUCKS ASS compared to any German VW or Audi. Creaks, rattles, trim loose, etc. They've also engineered these so that a normal person has to have 4 different tools to do a simple oil change. 32mm socket, T25, T45, Torx, etc. For an oil change! I've got it, but this is ridiculous. My next vehicle after this POS hits 110,000 miles is going to be a "Made in Japan" Mazda or Lexus. I'm DONE with VW!

[@65strad]

My 2014 Passat SE with 169, 323 miles. Still ZERO SQUEAKS or rattles. Built in Chattanooga, most reliable car I've owned including my 2011 Base GTI with DSG that was built in Germany. Just sayin

[@jrking178]

Never another VW for me , have hadit.

[@bravelittletoaster3439]

Pretty sure I bought your car. 😊