2002 Volkswagen Passat review from North America

Within 1 month, the emergency brake button got stuck in the emergency brake. I was able to pry it out, and immediately drove it to the dealer where they replaced it.

Also early on, the rear trunk lock broke.

Also early on, I noticed a helicopter-like vibration when the sunroof, but no windows are open.

Also early on, I noticed a soap smell inside the car when using the wiper spray.

Five months later, both headlights blew out simultaneously when I turned them on.

Two months later, a slow leak flattened the left rear tire. I noticed that the four tires were Generals, but the spare was a Michelin -- the dealer says they should all be the same...

One month later, the first coil went. The engine light came on, and it needed to be towed to dealer.

One month later, the second coil went; another tow. Not enough parts for them to replace all the remaining coils.

One month later, the third coil went. I threatened them, they replaced the remaining two at once. But they had to keep the car for two weeks, and gave me a cheap subcompact car in the interim.

They said I should be happy that the rear windows haven't fallen into the door frames, because that happens on some models.

Two months later, another slow leak developed in a different tire.

Then it was great for four or five months.

Last week one of the bulbs in the right headlight went out.

Today I picked up the car, after the headlight replacement and an oil change, and on the way home the engine light came on again. I returned to the dealer. The catalytic converter has gone bad.

Very fun to drive -- great pickup, fast.

Reasonably comfortable and quiet.

Horrible nightmarish never-ending maintenance problems.