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 145 of 148 complaints with a usable failure date.
Odometer when the failure occurred
Owner-reported mileage at failure, in 20,000-mile bands. Based on 123 of 148 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.
Engine & cooling
63 complaint records1 fire report1 crash report
"2005 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT DEVELOPED PROBLEMS WITH STALLING.*MR THE CONSUMER WAS TOLD BY THE DEALER, THE ENGINE WAS DAMAGED...."- 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 →
Fuel system
19 complaint records2 fire reports
"THAT THE CONNECTION AT THE FUEL TANK IS DAMAGED CAUSES THE FUEL LEAK. THIS IS RELATED TO THE OLD RECALL: NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER :08V156000 *TR..."- 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 fuel system parts in the directory →
Seats
13 complaint records6 fire reports
"SMALL HOLE HAS BURNED INTO THE DRIVERS SIDE SEAT WHEN HEATED SEATS ACTIVATED. WHEN THE SEAT IS ACTIVATED, IT BURNS THROUGH TO MY SKIN, MAKING HEAT FEATURE NOT USABLE. *TR..."- 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 seats 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| EA11002 opened Jan 2011 | closed Feb 2012 | Engine And Engine Cooling | Engine Compartment Fire In July 2010, the Agency opened PE10-027 to investigate allegations of coil on plug (COP) ignition coil fires in MY2002-2003 VW Passat vehicles.The investigation was upgraded in January 2011 to include all MY2001-2007 4-cylinder VW Passat, gasoline,... |
| PE08008 opened Jan 2008 | closed May 2008 | Fuel System, Other | FUEL TANK LEAK - led to recall 08V157000 VOLKSWAGEN (VW) IS RECALLING CERTAIN VW PASSAT 4MOTION AND AUDI A6 QUATTRO AND ALLROAD QUATTRO ALL-WHEEL DRIVE PASSENGER CARS.VW VEHICLES SUBJECT TO RECALL WERE MANUFACTURED FROM NOVEMBER 22, 2000 THROUGH MAY 31, 2005 AND AUDI VEHICLES SUBJECT TO RECALL WERE... |
| 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... |
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 |
| 07V063000 | Exterior Lighting | ON CERTAIN PASSENGER, WAGON, AND CONVERTIBLE VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH OR WITHOUT CRUISE CONTROL, A BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH MAY MALFUNCTION IF IT WAS INSTALLED INCORRECTLY. | Normally free |
| 04V586000 | Fuel System, Diesel | ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE HIGH PRESSURE DIESEL PUMPS WERE PRODUCED WITH AN IMPROPER FASTENER, WHICH COULD ALLOW DIESEL FUEL TO ESCAPE FROM THE PUMP. | 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. |
| 2006122 2006-05-24 | Lights And Instruments | 244,526 | On certain Golf, GTI, Jetta, Jetta wagon, New Beetle, New Beetle convertible, Passat and Passat wagon, the brake lamp switch may malfunction. |
| 2004435 2004-12-13 | Fuel System | 8,072 | On certain vehicle equipped with TDI-PD (Pumpe-Düse) engines, the high-pressure diesel pumps were produced with improper fasteners. |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| A002155201173212 Dec 2021 | Electrical System | This bulletin contains general instructions for software updates. | |
| V5515032021354_7 Jan 2021 | Equipment | Body surfaces (engine compartment and underside of hood) are not directly visible (exposed) therefore do not match exterior paint finish. | |
| V271901201189416 Jan 2021 | Equipment | Battery testing. Updated to include additional model and model year applicability. | |
| SM C-2020 Dec 2020 | Equipment | This special notice is to inform dealers to return the part numbers listed (State of California only). | |
| V171806201781314 Nov 2020 | Engine And Engine Cooling | Oil consumption test updated to include additional models and model year applicability. | |
| TT 00 16 02-4 Oct 2020 | Engine | Mandatory fastener. | |
| TT 45 09 05-6 Sep 2020 | Service Brakes | Antilock brake function test direction. | |
| TT 45 09 05 Sep 2020 | Service Brakes | Antilock brake function test direction. | |
| VW Part Labels Aug 2020 | Equipment | Recall Reminder Part Labels | |
| TT 13 20 01 Aug 2020 | Engine And Engine Cooling | Oil pressure priming after engine replacement or internal repair. | |
| TT 45 09 05ss2 Jul 2020 | Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | Electronic Stabilization Program (ESP) function test may not end on its own causing DTC. | |
| V871806201994715 Jun 2020 | Equipment | Metadata update (add MY 2014 Eos (missing). | |
| V0018052010380_8 Jun 2020 | Equipment Adaptive/Mobility | Update to include 2020-2021 model and model year applicability. | |
| 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. | |
| V171901201285530 Apr 2020 | Engine And Engine Cooling | Update to Volkswagen engine oil specification attachments. | |
| Dealercomm200310 Mar 2020 | Equipment | Volkswagen After Sales Weekly Communication - March 10, 2020 | |
| V171901_2012855 Feb 2020 | Engine And Engine Cooling | Update to Volkswagen engine oil specification attachments. | |
| V171901201285528 Jan 2020 | Engine And Engine Cooling | Update to Volkswagen engine oil specification attachments. | |
| V1917012022548_8 Jan 2020 | Equipment | Update to Volkswagen Identifying and mixing of coolant. Introducing new coolant type. | |
| V1917012022548_7 Jan 2020 | Equipment | Update to Volkswagen Identifying and mixing of coolant. Introducing new coolant type. | |
| V011812_2014603 Dec 2019 | Equipment | Update model applicability to MY 2020. | |
| V171901_2012855 Nov 2019 | Engine And Engine Cooling | Update to Volkswagen engine oil standards. | |
| V871806_2019947 Nov 2019 | Equipment | Include new special tool adapter and 2018 model year Jetta only | |
| V871811_2043893 Nov 2019 | Equipment | Update to mode; and model year applicability. | |
| V171901_2012855 Oct 2019 | Engine | Update to Volkswagen engine oil standards. | |
| SM 80-2019 Oct 2019 | Unknown Or Other | Parts are currently blocked from sale at this time. | |
| V171901_2012855 Sep 2019 | Engine | Update to Volkswagen engine oil standards. | |
| V001901_2040590 Sep 2019 | Equipment | Include additional photo's of water ingress. Also includes 2018-2020 Tiguan LWB | |
| TT 001202 Aug 2019 | Equipment | TT 001202........Also includes 2005 Jetta wagon and 2018-2020 Tiguan LWB | |
| QRUG08212019 Aug 2019 | Equipment | Quick Reference Update Guide. | |
| V171901_2012855 Aug 2019 | Engine | Update to Volkswagen engine oil standards. Also includes 2004 and 2005 Jetta Wagon and 2018-2020 Tiguan LWB | |
| 30DayInvCklst Aug 2019 | Equipment | REMOVED all 12 hour wait period before starting references. ADDED EFB to "Select correct battery type" in bottom box. Also Jetta Wagon 2005 and 2018-2020 Tiguan LWB. | |
| V011812_2014603 Jul 2019 | Electrical System | Update vehicle metadata to include pull ahead models. Also includes R32 2002-2007 and 2002-2006 Jetta Wagon. | |
| V171901_2012855 Jul 2019 | Engine | Engine oil quality standards. Also includes all models for 1997-2003. Also Rabbit from 2006-2009. | |
| 171901_2012855 Jun 2019 | Equipment | Remote Key Battery Replacement | |
| V871812-2005566 Jun 2019 | Equipment | Update vehicle metadata. | |
| DCcampreminder May 2019 | Equipment | Campaign Reminder Communication. Also includes: 1998-2004 Beetle, 2003-2004 Beetle Convertible, 2019 Beetle Convertible, 1994-2004 Eurovan, 1994-2004 Golf, 1994-2004 Jetta, 2001-2004 Jetta Wagon, 2018-2019 Tiguan LWB, 1994-2004 Passat, 1994-2004 Passat Wagon, 2004 Phaeton,... | |
| Adhesive Circ Apr 2019 | Equipment | Adhesive circular. Note: also includes 2004 Golf, Jetta, Passat, Touareg, GTI, | |
| 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 | |
| Gasoline Engine Feb 2019 | Engine And Engine Cooling | Gasoline Engine Misfire Diagnosis document | |
| 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. | |
| V871812-2005566 Nov 2018 | Equipment | Update vehicle metadata. | |
| TT 10 12 01 Sep 2018 | Engine | Engine replacement tip | |
| TT 57 10 11 Sep 2018 | Electrical System | Comfort/BCM Replacement direction, updated to include additional model year applicability. | |
| V871809-2005566 Aug 2018 | Equipment | To include an additional model year applicability. | |
| V011812-2014603 Aug 2018 | Electrical System | Update content and include additional models and model year applicability. | |
| A971861 2013504- Jun 2018 | Electrical System | This information bulletin contains instructions for checking the pins/terminals for contacts and nano contacts. | |
| 561065760A Dec 2017 | Electrical System | Installation of original remote start feature accessory | |
| 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. |
Showing 60 of 237 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.
- 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.
- Smell for fuel and watch the first restart when hot.Hard starting when warm, hesitation under load, or any fuel odor near the tank or engine bay match this vehicle's fuel-system cluster. Check the recall table for fuel pump campaigns.
- Run every power seat adjustment and check the seat frame.Motors that stall and seats that rock on their tracks are this vehicle's seat complaints.
- Run the VIN against open recalls before you negotiate.This vehicle has 3 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 →