Minor squeal from steering wheel, especially when turning it to the right. Dealer unable to fix.
Minor brake squeal.
"Check Engine" light came on at 5000 miles. Dealer reset it, came back on the same day. Dealer eventually replaced most of the ignition system, including the computer (under warranty) and the car has been trouble-free ever since.
The Passat is a well-engineered premium family car: reliable, comfortable, fast and fun to drive. The trunk is surprisingly large (much larger than you'd think from the outside).
If I were to do it over again I'd choose the manual transmission -- the TipTronic is a nuisance, not worth the price premium.
The squeeling only comes from the steering wheel when it's hot, this also happens in my mums Golf.
I bought my 1999 Passat wagon (5-speed manual trans) in 2001 with 16k miles on it. It now has 35k. It has always made a squeaking/grating noise when in reverse - in particular when turning the wheel while in reverse (parallel parking). Very loud and annoying - dealer cannot fix it. Don't know if its the brakes or transmission. Anyone else experience this problem? Besides this, it's a great zippy car, especially for a wagon. And the 5-speed rocks.
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