Power steering rack replaced under warranty because of "software issues".
Clutch judder started at 45000 miles. Told I need a new "dual mass flywheel", but the dealer will not pay for this under warranty. Currently arguing the toss over this.
Intermittent problems opening boot. Once locked my laptop in the boot and it refused to open!
Wet front carpets due to an amazing design which routes condensation from the air conditioning back into the car!!!
Wiper motor replaced under warranty.
Dead battery 3 times due to radio switching itself on! Evidently needs a CD left in the player or else it will switch the radio on even if you're not in the car!!!
Electronic handbrake fails to engage regularly. replaced twice. Dealer advises me that I must park in gear to ensure the car is safe! On the other hand, sometimes the electronic brake fails to come off when I'm pulling away - which can be very embarrassing.
Fuel lift pump failed - replaced under warranty after being brought home on the back of an AA truck.
Cruise control replaced twice under warranty.
More problems with central locking - occasionally refuses to open drivers door if it has been raining heavily.
Squeaks from under dash.
Some interior trim came loose.
Lacquer flaking off alloy wheels (another argument with dealer).
Oh, I hate this car.
If everything in life were as reliable as this Volkswagen we'd all be walking.
Has been in and out of dealers on innumerable occasions in the past 2 years.
I have no confidence in arriving at my destination in this car - and if I do arrive then I'm not sure of being able to get my gear out of the boot!
Dealer gives me a 1.2 litre Polo courtesy car if I am LUCKY! Breakdowns mean that have to a hire one, which usually means 4 hours wait.
Dealer often takes 3 goes to fix anything.
VW UK are pathetic and refuse to have anything to do with the car "the contract is between you and the dealer" blah blah blah.
Never again will I buy a VW.
If you would like the Passat bar the faults, next time buy a Skoda-has the same engine/clutch etc if you choose a 140 TDI but at least the dealers will look after you properly. See Auto Express Driver Power where Skoda beats VW, Audi etc hands down.
Personally, I rate reliability over everything else:- if the car does not WORK, it does not matter how stylish, comfortable etc it is!! VW are slated on this site time and time again-how telling. Electronics, coil, water leaks and dual-mass flywheels are mentioned frequently and I have been amazed to see so many new VWs on hard shoulders when I travel, especially MkV Golfs.
Interestingly, Daihatsu won "most reliable brand" this year. Again. They are not fast, stylish or clever cars but they do work... whatever the weather!! Also see the Kia Cee'd/Hyundai I30 press reports. I'm not suggesting they would suit your needs after a Passat, but after an experience like this you may prioritise differently on your next purchase as a car that just works if fairly important.
Get rid-sell it to someone you don't like...!!
I have to agree. I've had an 06 model of the Passat for about 6 weeks. It is the worst car that I've ever owned.
The easily stalled engine combined the silly electronic key has left me stranded in the middle of busy roads when pulling out of junctions more times in the last 6 weeks than in my entire 20 year driving career. I've seen buses, 35 ton trucks and more coming at my middle. The apparent safety features have in my view succeeded in making the car more dangerous.
The drive is hard and uncompromising. Surprising because the car cannot be described as sporty. It is entirely unmemorable to drive.
The electronic parking brake has left me stranded on hills at traffic light junctions, unable to release manually with a fundamental design flaw in trying to start any other way.
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