2002 Volkswagen Passat GLX review from North America

CV joint failed at 40.000 miles.

Second CV joint failed at 51,000 miles.

Coolant leak from a coolant connection at the back of the motor at 70,000 miles.

Secondary air pump line failed at 65,000 miles causing the check engine light to come on.

A/C failed because of a bad realy at 71,000 miles.

A/C failed again at 88,000 miles.

Engine is overheating at 88,000 miles.

Rubberized interior trim pieces began peeling at 25,000 miles.

Things just fall off for example: 1. Rear door trim came lose so that when the door was opened it scraped/scratched the front door and the trim piece had to be replaced.

2. the trim piece surrounding the Home link controls on the visor fell off because the clips that hold it on had broken off even though I never touch it and rarely use the visor. Cost to repair is over $500 because you cannot buy the part and must replace the entire visor. (I glued it back)

3. decorative interior trim around the back door came unglued and was hanging loose.

Engine mounts struts have failed. Identified at 70,000 miles.

The car drives and handles great. However, I would NEVER own another Volkswagen. This is the second one I have owned and the second time I have dealt with the terrible reliability. the first car was a new Beetle and had so many problems in the first thirty thousand miles the I was going to use the lemon law to make the company buy it back. Instead we worked out a deal where they took it on trade and gave me an additional credit toward another car. I bought the Passat hoping it would prove to be more reliable. It has not and, in fact, has been the most unreliable car I have ever owned or have ever heard of.