2007 Volkswagen Passat TDI review from UK and Ireland

EGR valve failed, causing a loss of power and black smoke on acceleration. Dealer claimed it was due to "poor quality diesel fuel." I told that to the Shell station that I normally fill the car at. They weren't happy.

Central locking gremlins - sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't, but it always works when the dealer looks at it.

Electronic parking brake sometimes (often) fails to release properly when accelerating from rest.

Dealer replaced the parking brake switch after it disengaged the brake on several occasions when parked. Luckily, the car was also parked in gear.

Various rattles from under dash. Every time the dealer touches it they install another rattle.

CD player packed in and was replaced under warranty - adding another rattle.

Reflections from dash make driving in sun unpleasant - why put reflective chrome inside the car?

Generally comfortable car, which is let down by poor build quality and even worse dealers.

Even worse, the electronic parking brake is LETHAL. On several occasions it has released on its own when the car is parked with the engine off.

Not only that, but using the brake as an emergency brake results in two long skid marks from the rear wheels. This is not a safe emergency brake as the brake pressure can't be regulated. This feature should be removed immediately and replaced by a proper mechanical handbrake. Needless complication that doesn't work properly.

You can't rely on it to release when starting from rest, which causes the engine to hiccup and makes starting from rest jerky and unpleasant. Can't imagine that this is doing the transmission any good.

My wife now refuses to drive the car because of the electronic brake issue, making what should be a good car useless.