HID headlights failed the day we took delivery and required 2 weeks to repair. At 15000 miles the original engine failed due to a sheared bolt in the oil pump. It took the dealer 2 weeks to replace that engine, and the factory replacement engine failed on startup with the same problem. After another 2 weeks the dealer told us that the second replacement engine (third overall) failed on startup with the same problem. A week later they called to say that the car was repaired. We took delivery and the serpentine belt fell off after 10 miles.
After they fixed that we have driven it about 600 miles with no failures, but are afraid to drive far from home for fear it will leave us stranded.
A lovely car with great interior room and lots of luxury touches. The 3.6L engine has superb power and the all-wheel drive is great on wet and snowy roads. When it runs we love it, but we are afraid of driving it far now for fear of breakdowns.
Overall, a great car let down by horrible reliability and poor dealer service - the car was out of service for 7 weeks in the first 6 months of ownership!
"but we are afraid of driving it far now for fear of breakdowns."
- I am very surprised to read that, because I had always thought that the Passat is a great car.
These people were cursed with a lousy dealer who evidently had no business replacing the multiple engines as they were obviously doing something wrong to have three engines fail.
Expensive and unreliable is an understatement. For the past three months, my 2006 Passat Value Edition with approximately 10500 miles has been a nightmare of epic proportions. The vehicle was purchased in April 2006 and ran well for the first few thousand miles, but since the beginning of 2007 (again, remember that the mileage is very low and this owner drives with care because I considered this vehicle an enormous investment), the trips to the dealership have been so numerous that I've joked with them that I should simply bring a toothbrush, bedding, clothes and move in.
The problem I'm encountering now is a parking brake fault combined with the ABS warning system light that after reading several other web sites seems to be a consistent problem with the Passats. After two "switches" were replaced to no avail, an ABS module was replaced and the multiple steps to flush the brake system has still not corrected the problem. The technician at the dealership in NC where I do my business has multiple years of experience working on VWs and not only do I have faith that he is doing all he can, I feel for him. Good mechanic, good dealership, BAD product. The car has been in their possession for several days now and there is no telling when I'll get it back and if I do, will it be safe to drive?? Not taking that chance. Hiring a NC Lemon Law attorney and I want every penny I've invested in this vehicle returned so I can move on and purchase something reasonably more reliable.
I can only second the original opinion. Mine has been recalled once and two major parts needed replacing while under warranty (dreading the time when it expires) : Wheel bearing and fuel pump. This latter seems to be a regular problem, over 600 of the UK fleet are waiting for replacement parts. Mine has been in the garage for over a month, and won't get done for at least an estimated two more months. The dealer/importer did not offer a replacement car while it is out of action, and their "customer service" did not answer my letter.
Great Car!! I would never spew those words when speaking of our 2006 Passat. From a failed starting system, to computer problems, POOOORRRRRRR INTERIOR MATERIALS, to a recent trip where the vehicle had to be towed because the catalytic converter blew out. UNBELIEVABLE! I do think VW has produced some great cars, but this car is no star. This car is a LEMON!
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