Lost both front main bearings at 55K.
At 70K the right front bearing shows excessive wear and needs replacment.
Since new the car has always run hot, i.e. two people, small load, California mountains, ext. temp 100F, (with the A/C off) 220F, (with the A/C on 235F). Thus, almost overheating. The vehicle was never able to produce cool air, or keep the external ambient temperature flow into the cabin.
Headlight's performance is circa 1930. Dim and unsafe.
All the above are described "as within performance guidelines" by VW.
Front handles have loose pins, unable to open the door from the outside (both, or all?).
Power window collapses at 40K, requires a regulator change.
V6 has a 4 cylinder performance.
Speedometer ceases to work at 50K.
Gunk constantly crawls out of the body making it almost impossible to keep the car clean.
Plastic interior parts break and fail.
It is understanble to experience mechanical problems, however VW has no service presence within the USA. VW of North America relies for technical issues on mechanics within its dealer network. Many of them do not speak English.
VW corporate customer service comprises of admitedly non-technical telemarketer type young girls, who are specially trained to say "no" and produce further revenue by directing you back to the very service you experienced a problem with. Thus, not just a lack of assistance, but further increase of your dissatisfaction by having to use AGAIN the problem service facility.
Terror-like haggling methods used by VW USA in case of your further persistance. VW of North America shows no interest in assisting customers, is oblivious to addressing safety issues and has up front people who are detrimental to an image and future marketplace of any product.
In contrast, via long time experience, BMW are a dream, especially in customer/technical and other assistance. My practical advice is, avoid VW products, if you have one, sell it to prevent post warranty assistance. Always advise the State and Federal Governments of problems.
I agree fully that the VW service network is a nightmare. I have used all 3 service stations in my immediate area (NYC). 2 of them I would NEVER think of venturing into again. Specifically, they are so backed up with their workload that it takes over a month to get a service appointment. And thereafter they keep your car for an indefinite period of time, until they see fit to start the work.
The A/C on my 95 Passat GLX literally blew up, and it was 2 full weeks before my vehicle was returned to me. In addition none of the service shops were happy to deal with my extended warranty.
I like the car. It's spacious, powerful, and equipped with grippy tires. However, I would not purchase another VW product due to the utter disrespect with which they treat their customers.
PS. The air conditioner wasn't fixed properly and is now at a private mechanic receiving repairs.
1995 Passat GLX VR6, purchased December 1994. First put in circulation 07 Dec 1994. Presently 127,500 miles.
Past problems, all costly: Brake pads purchased in Europe, as the US supplied ones did not stop the car; RR window motor; ignition module; sun roof motor; front anti roll bar ran off the support, four way flasher replaced; ignition lock and electrical switch replaced; and more.
Present problem: hesitation when cold and sometimes when warm; erratic idle; loss of power and surge between 1300 and 1500 rpm, and 2500 and 3000 rpm. Dealer wanted to replace (among others) the mass flow meter at a cost of $450 plus labour. Volkswagen of America desingenuous remedy: go to another dealer!...
Sure remedy to go to a Toyota or Honda dealer, but not to a VW dealer that could not fix it in the first place.
Anybody that can tell me how to fix this please do.
e-mail pedrotavar@aol.com
Dealer "mechanics" must be told what to do.
Sorry you guys have had such bad luck. I would suggest finding a good VW mechanic that does not work at a dealership. Parts can be obtained at a huge discount through on line wholesalers. My car has been expensive at times to fix, but what a blast to drive.
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