2002 Volkswagen Passat 1.8T review from North America

Before I even drove my Passat out of the dealership's parking lot, I discovered that the stereo was broken. After two months, and five trips to the dealership I was given a new stereo. However, the stereo was not installed correctly and the rear speakers did not work properly. This problem was only fixed, when at 17,500 miles the stereo stopped working again and a new system was installed.

On purchasing the car it also became apparent that there was a problem with the ventilation system. Even though the air that comes out of the vents is much hotter than that of any other Passat I have been in, the dealer stated that he could not find a problem.

The moon roof does not always close. Because it does close some of the time, we have been unable to get the dealer to repair the problem, because when we have brought the car in it has worked.

The indicator lights stopped working at about 15,000 miles.

The headlights stopped working at 12,000 miles.

The engine ignition failure light periodically goes on and off. If it is not "on" when we bring the car to the dealership, then the dealer will not look at the car, so we have not found the cause of this problem, and Volkswagen will not look at the problem.

The car will not turn over without turning the key twice. Volkswagen has stated that it does not consider this to be a problem.

Worst of all is Volkswagen of America. The customer service representatives are rude and unhelpful. I have repeatedly asked that someone look the car over to find the source of the electrical problems, they refuse.

Apparently Volkswagen does not consider it to be a problem that an owner has to bring a car in almost monthly to deal with service issues.

Although I like the Passat, somehow I have ended up with a lemon, but because something different seems to break every month or so, the car is not protected under the lemon law. Before the warranty expires I will sell this car, and will never by a Volkswagen again.