2002 Volkswagen Passat GLX from North America - Comments

Recall at 20,000 to install protective shield in right rear wheelhousing.

Front headlight went out at 17,000 miles.

Stop Engine light went on at 16,000.

Breaks went out at 11,000 miles

(they didn't fix it correctly the first time, so I had to bring it in again.

I am very disappointed with the quality of the VW Passat. For a brand new car it sure has a lot of problems. The reason why I decided to purchase a Passat was because I could not afford a BMW. Now I realize that the time I have taken off of work to bring my VW in for repairs would have paid for the BMW.

Other than that I do like my Passat. It's a nice ride with some good pick-up.

I am not sure if I like the 'steptronic' since I have to look at my dashboard to see what gear I'm in.

2001.5 GLX Sedan Tiptronic (Front Wheel Drive)

Nice car to drive distances. Seat heaters and other winter friendly accoutrements very convenient for a 1500 mile weekly mountain driver. Traction control and overall handling performance impressive in foul wintry weather. Sound system is exceptional and interior refinement is hard to equal in any other make at the $30K price level. Maintenance costs have been too high and reliability has been poor.

1. New rear brake pads at 25K miles

2. Center Console replaced once and repaired on two occasions, have decided to live with

3. Developed coolant leak around 52K numerous visits to shop resulted in no solution.

4. Developed oil leak around 70K

- first visit resulted in new manifold seals

- began leaking again almost immediately and received new manifold seals again

- began leaking again and had (7) engine codes when returned to the shop (It took several visits to get a code from the engine, the MIL would come on intermittently) This time the Oil pump was replaced and the right side valves were replaced. While technician had front bumper off he discovered the coolant leak in the coolant sensor port at the bottom hose location on the radiator. This annoyed me because I had suggested to two different service departments that they should look in exactly that location on at least three separate and documented occasions.

- Had car back for two days and timing belt seized at 75 miles an hour causing catostrophic engine failure

- New engine installed at 103,000 miles, all parts and labor covered by Volkswagen. They honored their warranty (100K Powertrain) in my case and I still love driving this car. There is no excuse for the reliability problems and VW needs to examine their corporate culture and quality control. I will buy their products again and will continue to drive this car that I love. If you are not patient and are unwilling to underwrite unusually high maintenance costs both in time and expense, buy another brand. If you are as passionate about this brand as I am please comment in a positive tone to VW headquarters with regard to the apparent lack of training in North American technicians and the obvious lack of effective corporate communications and mechanical problem identification and resolution. I for one refuse to drive a Toyota for numerous reasons, but I cannot deny their outstanding quality control, world class procurement and customer service and overall superiority as a brand with regard to finished goods adherance to the end users expectations.

My 2002 passat was checked to make sure the brakes are okay by an independent car repairman. He said my brakes are fine. My brake light alarm goes off constantly. I know the brakes are fine. Yesterday I traveled 43 miles and the brake alarm went off over 30 times telling me to see my dealer etc. I am so disgusted as are the people that ride with me. I know a trip to my local VW dealer will just mean big money. Any comments about this.