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.
I did own a 2002 Passat, and I did have issues with the passenger headlight assembly melting, thus burning out the bulb. I also had a problem with the engine coils.
However, the lack of urgency and dedication with their service department, and customer service caused me to sell the car, and I will not purchase a VW again.
I have experienced these same issues with my former---thank God---02 Passat 1.8T. Had five headlights, new headlight assembly, two stereos, two fuel gauges, four new rotars and pads... all in 38,000 miles. Finally just got rid of this POS for an 04 Acura TL. Will never buy a VW again or recommend them to anyone---except people I don't like.
Customer service is deplorable from VW Corporate to the dealer. Actual quote from the dealer, "I don't make the cars, I just sell them."
I too have fallen victim the the 2002 VW Passat problems. I bought the car with 34,000 miles and have replaced the headlights 3 times. I've also had problems after hard rains. The first time after the hard rain, I started my car and it felt like it was going to die. It would shake severely and the engine failure light would blink off and on. After I got the car going, it would drive fine. A few days later (after it dried out) the car would drive fine and the failure light would go off. Well, a few months later it happened again after the hard rain, so I drove it to a mechanic who said I had engine coil problems (500 dollar repair). 4 weeks later, the car messes up again and I take it back in who said it was the cam sensor and another engine coil (different mechanic, 450 repair). Yesterday we got a heavy down pour and you guessed it, started my car and once again it's driving like crap. I'm about to trade this thing in and forever turn my back on VW.
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