Engine
1.8L 4-cyl
How to read this file. Complaint records are unverified owner submissions to the federal safety agency. Counts are raw, not adjusted for sales volume or vehicle age. Recall campaigns apply to the model; only a VIN check shows whether this car is affected or repaired. Parts shown are named by an editorial note or listed as a search directory; none is a diagnosis. Full methodology.
Fault profile
Complaint-component records on this vehicle, grouped by family. A complaint naming two systems counts once in each.
Complaints are owner-reported and not verified by the agency.
When it fails
The timing of this vehicle's reported failures, from the complaint file itself. A cluster tells you what to expect and when; it is shaped by reporting behavior as well as by the vehicle.
Vehicle age when the failure occurred
Years between the model year and the owner's reported failure date. Based on 614 of 664 complaints with a usable failure date.
Odometer when the failure occurred
Owner-reported mileage at failure, in 20,000-mile bands. Based on 385 of 664 complaints reporting a plausible odometer (500 to 500,000 miles; unverified).
Known issues
The component families with the most complaint records against this vehicle. Counts, crash and fire figures belong to the whole family, not to any single named issue. Parts listed are related system parts, not a diagnosis.
Brakes
248 complaint records4 fire reports4 crash reports
"WATER ACCUMULATED IN THE BRAKE POWER BOOSTER. THE CONSUMER REMOVED ABOUT 5 CUPS OF WATER. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED. *NLM..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse brakes parts in the directory →
Suspension
140 complaint records1 crash report
"1 - NORMAL USE - ONLY 55,000 MILES 2 - FAILURE OF LOWER CONTROL ARMS - MUST REPLACE 3 - REQUIRED TO REPLACE AT COST OF $400.00..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse suspension parts in the directory →
Engine & cooling
92 complaint records3 fire reports
"CONSUMER STATES WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE AT ANY SPEED THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WOULD COME ON THEN ENGINE WOULD FAIL. DEALER NOTIFIED. TS..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse engine & cooling parts in the directory →
Federal defect investigations
Formal investigations opened by the federal safety agency into this vehicle. An investigation is the step between a complaint pattern and a recall; not every one results in one.
| Investigation | Status | Component | Subject |
|---|---|---|---|
| EA07014 opened Sep 2007 | closed Jul 2008 | Engine And Engine Cooling | PASSENGER ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES - led to recall 08V156000 THE MANUFACTURER NOTIFIED NHTSA ON 04-APR-08 THAT A SAFETY RECALL ACTION WOULD BE INITIATED TO REMEDY THE ISSUE.IN JUNE 2008, THE MANUFACTURER ISSUED A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN (CODE 26E5/R5) REGARDING THE SPECIFIC PROCEDURES TO BE EMPLOYED IN THIS... |
| DP05003 opened Aug 2005 | closed Dec 2005 | Steering | ALLEGED PREMATURE TIE ROD FAILURE ON AUGUST 2, 2005, ODI RECEIVED A PETITION SUBMITTED BY MS. MIRIAM SCHNEIDER OF OLNEY, MD, REQUESTING AN INVESTIGATION OF ALLEGEDLY DEFECTIVE TIE RODS IN CERTAIN MODEL YEAR (MY) 1999 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT VEHICLES NOT INCLUDED IN TWO PREVIOUS SAFETY RECALL... |
| EA04017 opened Jun 2004 | closed Feb 2005 | Fuel System, Gasoline | STUCK-OPEN THROTTLE - led to recall 04V495000 VWOA HAS RECALLED APPROXIMATELY 28,300 MY 1998-99 A6 VEHICLES IN COLD WEATHER STATES THAT EXPERIENCED THE HIGHEST RATE OF THROTTLE ICING INCIDENTS IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES (04V-495).THE FAILURE RATE IN THE A4 AND PASSAT VEHICLES IS MUCH LOWER THAN IN THE... |
| EA03020 opened Oct 2003 | closed Apr 2004 | Air Bags | PASSENGER AIR BAG LID FAILURE THIS INVESTIGATION INVOLVES THE VOLKSWAGEN (VW) PASSENGER SUPPLEMENTAL INFLATABLE RESTRAINT (PSIR) LID UTILIZED IN MY 1998-2002 VW PASSAT.THE PSIR LID MAY DETACH FROM THE INSTRUMENT PANEL DURING AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT.THE OFFICE OF DEFECTS INVESTIGATION (ODI) OF... |
| PE03021 opened May 2003 | closed Oct 2003 | Air Bags | PASSENGER SIR DOOR MOUNTING STUD FAILURE ODI OPENED A PRELIMINARY EVALUATION (PE03-021) BASED ON TWO REPORTS OF FAILED BOLT STUDS THAT ATTACH THE PASSENGER SUPPLEMENTAL INFLATABLE RESTRAINT (PSIR) DOOR COVER TO THE INSTRUMENT PANEL (IP) ON THE VOLKSWAGEN (VW) PASSAT (MODEL YEARS 2000, 2002).VW HAS... |
Show 3 more closed investigations
| Investigation | Status | Component | Subject |
|---|---|---|---|
| EA00028 opened Dec 2000 | closed Jan 2002 | Vehicle Speed Control | FUEL TANK PUNCTURE - led to recall 02V026000 |
| PE00033 opened Aug 2000 | closed Dec 2000 | Vehicle Speed Control | FUEL TANK PUNCTURE THE OFFICE OF DEFECTS INVESTIGATION OPENED THIS INVESTIGATION ON AUGUST 10, 2000 BASED ON 9 REPORTS REGARDING PUNCTURED FUEL TANKS INVOLVING THE JETTA, PASSAT, AND CABRIO MODELS.THE REPORTS INDICATE ADDITIONAL REPORTS IN ITS RESPONSE TO THE PRELIMINARY... |
| RQ99008 opened Jun 1999 | closed Nov 2000 | Service Brakes, Hydraulic | POWER BRAKE BOOSTER VACUUM BY-PASS - led to recall 99V131001 There is no summary currently available |
Recall campaigns
Safety-recall remedies are normally provided at no charge. Under US federal law the mandatory free remedy applies when the vehicle was no more than 15 years old at the time the defect was determined; manufacturers often cover older vehicles voluntarily. Canadian rules differ. Confirm eligibility with the manufacturer using the VIN. Each campaign number links to the federal record.
| Campaign | Component | Summary | Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 08V156000 | Fuel System, Gasoline | VOLKSWAGEN IS RECALLING 412,000 MY 1999-2005 PASSAT (5TH GENERATION) VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS AND PRODUCED AFTER JUNE 14, 1999. | Normally free |
| 02V026000 | Fuel System, Gasoline | ON SOME PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE FUEL TANK FILLER NECK CAN SUFFER ABRASION DAMAGE IF THE REAR TIRE GOES FLAT AND THE VEHICLE IS DRIVEN UNTIL THE TIRE DISINTEGRATES. | Normally free |
| 00V414000 | Steering | VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE TIE RODS OF THE STEERING ASSEMBLY ARE PROTECTED ON EACH SIDE BY A SEAL TO PREVENT MOISTURE AND DUST PARTICLES FROM ENTERING THE SWIVEL BEARING MECHANISM. | Normally free |
| 99V248000 | Steering | VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE TIE RODS OF THE STEERING ASSEMBLY ARE PROTECTED ON EACH SIDE BY A SEAL TO PREVENT MOISTURE AND DUST PARTICLES FROM ENTERING THE SWIVEL BEARING MECHANISM. | Normally free |
| 99V131001 | Service Brakes, Hydraulic | VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS. A CONTROL VALVE IN THE VACUUM HOSE CONNECTING THE BRAKE BOOSTER TO THE INTAKE MANIFOLD MAY NOT OPEN OR CLOSE FULLY AT TEMPERATURES BELOW -4... | Normally free |
Transport Canada recalls
Recalls issued under Canadian law for this model year, from Transport Canada's Vehicle Recalls Database. Matched by model name, so a Canadian-market variant may appear here that was sold under another name in the US. Units are Canadian vehicles affected.
| Recall | System | Units (CA) | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2008119 2008-04-09 | Fuel System | 21,359 | On certain Passat and Passat Four Motion vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission, an underbody heat shield may become damaged. If this occurs, the heat shield may contact the exhaust system, which can result in a vehicle fire. |
| 2002103 2001-03-03 | Steering | 3,868 | On certain vehicles the tie rods of the steering assembly may be inadequately sealed to prevent moisture and dust particles from entering the swivel bearing mechanism. |
| 1999195 1999-10-29 | Steering | 4,900 | On certain vehicles, the steering assembly tie rod seals do not seal properly. If moisture and/or dust particles enter the swivel bearing mechanism, the swivel bearing may wear over time to a point where the steering begins to feel "loose"... |
| 1999095 1999-05-19 | Brakes | 9,000 | On certain vehicles, a control valve in the vacuum hose connecting the brake booster to the intake manifold may not open or close fully at temperatures below -4 degrees F. |
Service bulletins and warranty extensions
Manufacturer communications to dealers on file with the federal agency: repair instructions, service campaigns, and warranty extensions. A warranty extension means the manufacturer may pay for a repair the recall table does not cover.
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| V171901201285565 Aug 2023 | Engine And Engine Cooling | Update to Volkswagen engine oil standards | |
| V171901201285562 May 2023 | Engine And Engine Cooling | Volkswagen Engine oil quality standards, update to attachments. | |
| V171901201285560 Apr 2023 | Engine And Engine Cooling | Engine oil quality standards, update to attachments. | |
| V941901201152119 Dec 2022 | Equipment | Update model year applicability to include 2023. | |
| V271901201189422 Dec 2022 | Electrical System | Battery testing and charging using special tools VAS6161 & GRX3000VAS Charger. Updated to include additional model year applicability. |
Show 55 more bulletins
| Bulletin | Type | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| V871806201994714 May 2020 | Equipment | Tool number added to table. Removal of Behr Flush Kit. VAS 6337/1A | |
| V941901201152115 Apr 2020 | Equipment | Updated to include additional models and model year applicability. | |
| SM 33-2019 Mar 2019 | Equipment | The part number listed in the document is to be returned if it meets the criteria provided. | |
| TT 91 19 01 Mar 2019 | Equipment | Alternative method for radio code retrieval. | |
| V171901-2012855 Mar 2019 | Engine | Engine Oils Which Meet Volkswagen Oil Quality Standards | |
| V271901-2011894 Feb 2019 | Electrical System | Battery Testing and Charging instruction. Updated to include model year 2019 applicability. | |
| V941901-2011521 Feb 2019 | Exterior Lighting | Condensation and or water droplets visible on inside of exterior light lenses. TB updated to include model year 2019 applicability. | |
| TT 10 12 01 Sep 2018 | Engine | Engine replacement tip | |
| TT001703 Nov 2017 | Electrical System | Tip for Scan tool concerns that may occur duing a test plan | |
| TT 961011 Sep 2017 | Equipment | Update to model year applicability. | |
| TT 271002 Sep 2017 | Equipment | Updated to include model year 2014 thru 2018 applicability. | |
| TT 200901 Aug 2017 | Equipment | Update to existing tip for fuel quality checking. | |
| V171701 2012855 Jul 2017 | Engine And Engine Cooling | 17 17 01 July 5, 2017 2012855 Supersedes Technical Bulletin 17-16-02 (V171602) dated April 29, 2016 due to updated oil standards lists to current specifications. Engine Oils Which Meet Volkswagen Oil Quality Standards | |
| SM 44-2017 EN Jun 2017 | Equipment | This special notice is to inform dealers to return all part numbers listed in the document and order the superseded part numbers going forward. | |
| VHW-17-11 Jun 2017 | Equipment | VAS 6154 Replacement Part Setup Guide | |
| 1-2017 Update Feb 2017 | Equipment | This communication is to update our ProFi dealers of the current status of the latest inbound and outbound ProFi requests. | |
| V691601 2010479 Oct 2016 | Equipment | Update model year applicability to include 2017. | |
| V871622 2019947 Oct 2016 | Equipment | Update to model year applicability. | |
| TT 97-12-02 Sep 2016 | Equipment | Data Link connector pin assignment chart that is applicable to all models. Update model year applicability. | |
| TT001601 Sep 2016 | Structure | Contacting the parts helpline | |
| V551613_2039446 Jul 2016 | Structure | TO UPDATE MODEL TABLE TO CLARIFY JETTA WAGON APPLICABILITY TO TB CONTENT. | |
| V551608-2038999 Jun 2016 | Equipment | To update claim process statement. | |
| V551612-2039446 Jun 2016 | Structure | Corrosion may be found on the folded edge of the hood. Supersedes TB V551603 | |
| V531602-2040536 Jun 2016 | Equipment | To update claim processing statement. | |
| V551603 2039446 Feb 2016 | Equipment Adaptive/Mobility | Document discusses Corrosion that may be found on the folded edge of the hood. The corrosion may be found on this edge anywhere around the hood. It discusses how to service it, and document that service. | |
| TB551603 Feb 2016 | Vehicle Speed Control | Corrosion on hood edge. | |
| V531601 2040536 Feb 2016 | Structure | The document refers to Corrosion being found where the rear bumper cover meets the quarter panel. It discusses how it can happen, and where to find warranty coverage to service the parts | |
| TB531601 Feb 2016 | Structure | Rear quarter panel corrosion. | |
| Airbag Jan 2016 | Air Bags | Airbag Issues. | |
| V921502 2026253 Jul 2015 | Visibility | Technical Bulletin (Windshield Wipers Streak or Smear): Windshield or rear window is streaked, has a snakeskin appearance, or the surface feels rough. | |
| V871506 2019947 Jul 2015 | Engine And Engine Cooling | Technical Bulletin (Air Conditioning, Cleaning of the Refrigerant Circuit (U.S.Only)): In cases where an air conditioning system component (such as a compressor or other system component) has failed and debris from the compressor or component is circulated throughout the... | |
| Elsa 6-29-15 Jun 2015 | Equipment | This document contains the VW Elsa Newsletter that contains a general overview of wiring diagrams updates, technical bulletins, pending service solutions, tech tips, campaigns, updates, and suggestions. | |
| Elsa 6-22-15 Jun 2015 | Equipment | This document contains the VW Elsa Newsletter that contains a general overview of wiring diagrams updates, ElsaPro infomedia icons grayed out, workshop equipment tool storage application, technical bulletins, pending service solutions, tech tips, campaigns, updates, and... | |
| TT 64-14-02 May 2015 | Visibility | Tech Tips (Heated Rear Window, One or More Lines Inoperative): To detect which line(s) is inoperative, utilize a volt meter to check for 0 V, which will be present after the open in the grid line. | |
| V641502 2039887 Apr 2015 | Visibility | Technical Bulletin (Rear Door Glass Inoperative): The rear glass cannot be opened / closed, the rear glass may slide down into the door, or the rear glass motor operates but the glass does not move. This document contains the fault codes, and procedure to service these issues | |
| V941501 2011521 Mar 2015 | Equipment | Technical Bulletin: Condensation and or water droplets becomming visible on inside of exterior light lenses issue is discussed in this document | |
| V641501 2039887 Mar 2015 | Structure | Technical Bulletin (Rear Door Glass Inoperative issue diagnosis): The rear glass cannot be opened / closed, the rear glass may slide down into the door, or the rear glass motor operates but the glass does not move | |
| V271501 2011894 Feb 2015 | Electrical System | Technical Bulletin: Battery, Testing and Charging Using Midtronics VAS6161, MCR340V, InCharge 940, or GRX3000VAS Charger | |
| On-car Analysis Feb 2015 | Equipment | On-car analysis list of Customer Complaints: Mil?on with fault code P046C, untouched vehicles | |
| On-car Analysis Jan 2015 | Equipment | On-car analysis list of Customer Complaint: Mil?on with fault code P046C, untouched vehicles | |
| Edition117 Dec 2014 | Equipment | VW Elsa Newsletter | |
| TB551410 Dec 2014 | Structure | Corrosion where handle contacts rear lid (Figure 1). | |
| 2038999 Dec 2014 | Structure | SUMMARY TO BE PROVIDED ON A FUTURE DATE. | |
| UpdateB Dec 2014 | Communication | Quick Reference Update Guide | |
| Edition115 Dec 2014 | Power Train | VW Elsa Newsletter | |
| 271402 Dec 2014 | Equipment | Battery, Testing and Charging Using Midtronics VAS6161, MCR340V, InCharge 940, or GRX3000 Charger | |
| On-Car Analysis Nov 2014 | Equipment | On-car analysis list of Customer Complaints: Mil?on with fault code P046C, untouched vehicles | |
| Analysis9 Nov 2014 | Equipment | Please contact VW Helpline before attempting repair | |
| Analysis8 Nov 2014 | Equipment | Please contact VW Helpline before attempting repair | |
| V871409 2019947 Sep 2014 | Equipment | Technical Bulletin (Air Conditioning, Cleaning of the Refrigerant Circuit): In cases where an air conditioning system component (such as a compressor or other system component) has failed and debris from the compressor or component is circulated throughout the refrigerant... | |
| 871409 Sep 2014 | Visibility | Air Conditioning, Cleaning of the Refrigerant Circuit (U.S.Only) | |
| TT230628 Sep 2014 | Service Brakes | For long crank/ difficulty starting with the engine hot: Before replacing any components for this complaint, drain the fuel from the vehicle and replace with known good diesel fuel from a reputable source. If the complaint still exists, check fuel pressure and injector timing. | |
| V171404 2012855 Sep 2014 | Engine | Technical Bulletin (Engine Oils Which Meet Volkswagen Oil Quality Standard): This document informs of a sample list of products generally available in the North American market that meet the Volkswagen Oil Quality Standard | |
| TB171404 Sep 2014 | Engine | Engine Oils Which Meet Volkswagen Oil Quality Standard VW 502 00/505 00/505 01 and VW 504 00/507 00 | |
| 561 065 760 A as Aug 2014 | Electrical System | Assembly Instructions: Installation of original remote start feature accessory, Volkswagen Passat. |
Showing 60 of 113 distinct bulletins on file for this vehicle.
Before you buy this vehicle
A test-drive checklist generated from this vehicle's own complaint and recall record.
- Brake hard once from speed on an empty road.A pull to one side, a pulsing pedal, a pedal that sinks at a stop, or an ABS light that stays lit are the brake complaints on this vehicle presenting themselves.
- Find the roughest road nearby.Clunks over bumps, a droning hum that changes when the car leans, or a corner that sits low are this vehicle's suspension complaints. Wheel bearings and control arm bushings lead the parts list.
- Cold-start it yourself and listen for the first thirty seconds.Knocking, ticking that fades as it warms, or blue or white smoke on startup are the sounds of this vehicle's engine cluster. Check the oil level and the coolant color, and ask whether the engine or its head gaskets have ever been out.
- Run the VIN against open recalls before you negotiate.This vehicle has 5 recall campaigns on file. An open recall needs VIN-specific confirmation. Many are quick, no-charge fixes and worth negotiating over; an unresolved do-not-drive advisory, or a remedy the manufacturer has not yet made available, should stop the purchase until it is resolved.
- Ask for the service history in writing, then read it against this page.The complaint families above are where owners of this vehicle report trouble. Repairs in exactly those systems are evidence the car had the problem; no such repairs could mean it never developed it, or that it was never fixed. The test-drive items above are how you tell those apart.
Parts search directory
The generic parts list for this vehicle has its own page: a search launcher for every system, filtered by fuel type and era but not by engine, trim, or brake type. It is not a diagnosis and not a fitment guarantee.
Open the parts directory for this Volkswagen Passat →