1998 Volkswagen Passat review from UK and Ireland

The engine automatically speeds up when driving. This occurred due to a faulty water temperature sensor on the engine. There are two water temperature sensors on the engine, one for the dashboard and one for the engine control system. The dashboard display is held at 90C unless it goes above 130!! This is not a one off.

Automatic door lock problems with car alarms. Electric door locks let water in and cause all types of problems.

Faulty brake lights due to high impedance electric connections at the junction boxes.

Petrol tank display was faulty. Readings were all over the place.

Handbrake failed totally. Was totally replaced as it cannot be repaired.

Suspension has got very noisy in last year.

Governance of the engine went fault with regard to idle speeds. Engine cutout when the electrical load was switched on e.g. rear window heater!

Water leak in front of the car into the floor area.

Boot lock was faulty.

Very comfortable car, however the quality in production has taken a bad turn in this model. 1999, 2000 and 2001 years are not much of a improvement as the faults above have not been removed as the years have gone on on.

This is especially so for the door and boot locks, which there is no excuse for!!